7
(Tharnday)
Zley Falls Pueblo, Kri’enden
Soala was up before the sun, as was expected. She ate quickly while Naama Stenness, her handmaiden, put white and yellow war paint on her. The swirls and dots were meant to mimic the plumage of Zley, the Queen Dabbler, who defended the lake above the Falls. She was fierce and deadly to any who challenged her and was considered the mother of all to this pueblo tribe.
“But she’s still just a dabbler,” Havon had challenged her once.
“Ah, but what dabbler do you know of who wears poisoned spikes on her wings?” Soala had answered.
“That’s just wicked!” the boy had replied.
“Zley, the Queen Dabbler has many secrets,” Soala had said. “And many of those are deadly to those who decide to take advantage of her feigned innocence.”
“You come back safely,” Naama said as she finished. “I would hate to have to find someone else to serve. No one else is as kind as you!”
“I would miss you too!” Soala said, hugging the young woman who had been her constant companion for the past decade.
Soala joined her father along with a dozen painted young warriors who quickly divided between two hoverbils on the flats above the pueblo. Then, they rushed off towards an unknown conflict.
♥
Grand Yeziling, Yezi’im
In Grand Yeziling, the warriors were preparing for their raid.
Vonjy began by putting a black oil from the ground coconut all over his body, making him look even darker than he normally did. Then, he put a woven belt around his waist. Next, was the linen loincloth, dyed black from the same oil. That secured through the belt, he put on the decorative leather war apron over the front. It too was dyed black and had a number of bone buttons affixed to it in intricate patterns.
Vonjy looked in the mirror to ensure his chest was thoroughly black and glossy from the oil. Finally, he affixed his long black traveling cloak around his neck, the fabric draping over his back.
When his brothers and all the warriors were similarly prepared, they hurried to the hoverbils, the sun barely over the horizon, but glistening on the black and oily skin of each warrior.
Vonjy examined their arsenal. Veledas for everyone, a number of shazes for those with enough leya-sensitivity to use one, even some bows with arrows, some which would pierce, others only stun, and others that would blaze like fire if used by the leya-sensitive. They were suitably armed.
He noted they had plenty of water… enough for the whole party for several days, if needed. A few emergency shelter pouches were safely stowed as well. Rations too. Any trip into the desert was potentially life-threatening. Vonjy knew to take it seriously.
“Let’s go!” his father said, joining them. Vonjy got into the hoverbil next to his father. His brothers, Sidjin, Arzewt and Meknes were in the other vehicle. Then, they were off at high speed across the sand as the sun continued to rise.
“Father, why do we still fight over this border?” Vonjy asked awhile later.
“Because it matters to the Zley,” Yth’n replied. “Extra livestock and workers are always useful as well.”
“But if we steal some of theirs – only for them to steal them back and a few besides, it just keeps going like that. Do we ever really gain more than we lose to injuries?” Vonjy asked.
“You will understand one day, my son,” the chief replied.
“I hope so,” Vonjy said. “Because right now, it’s about as clear as that sandstorm to the northwest.”
The chieftain looked quickly, apparently concerned. Then he relaxed again. “That storm will pass by us to the west. It may hit our village later, but our little raiding party will be completely out of reach.”
Vonjy nodded, wishing he felt as confident as his father.
♥
Joton, Kri’enden – A’mara Complex
“When the abári and everyone leave, please come and meet us at the Freebooter,” the message appeared on Gaetan’s PCS link.
Gaetan could not recognize the sending code, so he wondered who had sent the message. Someone who knew about today’s expedition and still knew that he wasn’t going. He hadn’t felt the need to meet with stiff and uncomfortable leaders for some fruitless task like this little border dispute. He hadn’t come all the way to Kri’enden to actually work. He also didn’t want to hang out all day with Tamryn Towanen, as he remembered him being named when he was born. His mother had obviously filled his head with bad words about him. All he had done was kiss the woman over 20 years ago! She had taken it wrong and kicked him out of the Omrill gardens. Zeno had come to her defense and promptly won her over – what, just because he’d turned out to be the perfect midwife?! It made Gaetan’s blood boil, even now.
Gaetan considered whether he needed to move on again.
No, he’d hang out a bit longer, but if the abári began to give him grief about things which were not her business, he would consider going elsewhere again. He did worry a little that Kivana would contact Coomar in Omrill and discover a chapter of Gaetan’s past that he didn’t really want to be known. But thus far, Kivana had shown no worries about him, no intention of doing her homework. She was new in her post though. He was certain that Orun would have checked him out long before now.
But now, he was being summoned to the Freebooter by an unknown colleague. He guessed he would go along and see what they wanted from him.
“I will be there,” he replied. “Who am I meeting?”
There was a silence as he awaited the reply.
“The one you desire,” came the response.
Gaetan instantly thought of Sheena. Yes, he’d desired her since the moment he’d met her. Her ability with the shaze turned him on terribly. He wished his own ability was somewhere close to hers, but he could watch her and dream.
He scolded himself for being so transparent. His ability to squash and hide his feelings and desires had been inexplicably dampened when he was around Sheena. He had been told many times as a chola that his feelings could be turned against him in an instant. But that wasn’t the reason he’d had to leave Omrill.
♥
If you have enjoyed this book, I would be grateful if you could put your thoughts as a review on Goodreads for me.
Other Chapters of this set
Acting the Part - chapter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Building on Promise - Chapter 1
Acting the Part, part 2 - Chapter 10
Spice of Strength - Chapter 1
Acting the Part, part 3 - Chapter 19
Sands of Survival - Chapter 1
Maps and Guides
- continents of Alacantis and Kranisis (five maps)
- continent of Almara (five maps)
- countries of Kri'enden and Yezi'im (four maps plus "other places")
- characters, pronunciation and glossary
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Lori Svensen
author/designer at A'mara Books
photographer/graphic artist for Viking Visual
verified author on Goodreads
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also on: Whaleshares, WeKu
