While everyone’s attention was on the mayor and her council, the magistrate grabbed a knife and rushed toward Dahral’s back. Ten arrows hit him before he’d taken six steps. The mayor and council stood shocked still. Dahral looked around, then focused on Lady Renalla.
“Your little power games are over. My report of this incident will include a message to Uncle Severan suggesting that you be replaced.”
“Uncle Severan!?”
Dahral smiled evilly. “Lord Severan Zel’Fordan married my Aunt Jerrisa. Dad’s little sister. You remember her, don’t you? She certainly remembers you. And not fondly.”
Lady Renalla was shaking her head as if to deny Dahral’s assertion, but soon turned and fled. No one followed her.
Dahral looked at the rest of the councilors and said, “Have your people clean up this mess.” Then he turned and walked away, through his men, who turned and formed ranks behind him.
At their camp, he was puzzled to see his horse and Kenelan’s as well. Soldiers pointed toward the mess tent and he found Amarissan sitting quietly, being kept company by the young cook. She looked up when he entered, and quickly stood.
“Lord Lieutenant--” she began, but Dahral shook his head.
“You needn’t be formal here. You told my men what happened, didn’t you?”
Amarissan nodded. “I had to. The magistrate--”
“He’s dead,” Dahral interrupted. “You have nothing to fear from him anymore.”
“Dead? But the mayor--”
“I doubt you’ll hear anything from her again either.” Amarissan looked bewildered, so he explained who owned Milton.
“How can this be? My husband’s family was so powerful.”
“Who is left?” Dahral asked.
“The Zel’Keravis family was just the boys and their wives. Lissandis and Marindan didn’t have things much easier than I did. Except for--” She brought her hand up and touched her scar. She whispered, “They told me that their husbands beat them.”
“Not anymore,” Dahral murmured. “You know, I don’t think I heard your family name until now.”
She looked at her lap and whispered, “It is no longer mine. After my brother killed my husband, the magistrate stripped me of the family name. I was nameless until my uncle returned Zel’Devran to me. The magistrate couldn’t stop that.” She was silent for a moment, then asked, “Why did you come to my house today?”
“Kenelan wanted to return the empty jars to save you having to buy more.”
“The boy? The other officer?” she asked. “Why did he care?”
Dahral was silent for a moment, then said, “Kenelan Randahl Derval Zel’Corval was a spoiled boy from a powerful family who never saw anyone like you. Someone helpless. He wanted to help you.” He smiled and shook his head. “Ken was outraged over what had been done to you. And I think he was a bit infatuated with you as well.”
Amarissan sobbed once, then shook her head. “Not like I am. Not with this.” She touched her scar again.
“Yes, with that. I don’t know what he saw, but that scar didn’t repel him.” He looked up and saw Sergeant Fel’Caras and waved him over. “The sergeant will see you safely home, and retrieve Ken’s body.” She didn’t look up as the sergeant escorted her out of the tent.
* * *
Dahral looked at Kalin and shook his head. “I sent a note to Uncle Severan about the whole mess. I already got a reply. Renalla has been replaced by my cousin Dahrvan. Her council has been dismissed with a suggestion that they get off Zel’Fordan’s lands.”
“What about Amarissan?” Kalin asked, looking closely at his friend.
Dahral had a self-satisfied grin on his face as he explained. “She has moved in with her sisters-in-law. Uncle Severan can’t give her the Zel’Keravis name, but, since her owns everything, he gave the women the estate so no relatives of the men can kick them out.”
The force returned to Fort Zel’Hardan after the first snow. They were late returning. Then it was back to the normal endless loop of training.
Spring arrived, and with it new recruits. Kalin and Dahral watched them arrive. Major Zel’Carvan did as well. “It’s a shame to lose you, Dahral.”
Dahral blushed and ducked his head as he mumbled, “Just going across the fort, Sir.”
The major chuckled. “Yes, and it’ll do the 16th Cavalry good to have you with them.”
Kalin nodded. “Better hurry, Dahral. They just took the puppies in to meet the general.” Dahral hurried his steps across the fort so he would be with the newly-promoted Major Zel’Ival when their fresh young lieutenant arrived.
“Here we are,” the major murmured as a young man strode across the fort, leading his horse.
The young lieutenant snapped to attention and said, “Sirs, Chartan Zel’Bestan, Lieutenant, reporting as ordered, Sirs!”
Author’s Note
I have received comments from my beta-readers about the religious parts of this story. The Coravian Conflict was written back in 2007, before the current unpleasantness reached this stage. Please rest assured that I did not intend to bring our modern-day problems into the world of Dracana.
Loren Kevin Jones
The Coravian Conflict (Stavin DragonBlessed Book 5) Page 35
