Women of Power

by C. R. Daems

  "No! The Royal Scepter is only to choose kings." Hi'Samula clutched the Scepter to his chest like someone wanted to take it from him. I ignored him.

  "The Royal Scepter chooses the best person in the group being tested. Therefore, it could be used to determine a baron to be the duke of a particular province." It seemed obvious to me from the previous testing—it had chosen a warrior from the Sands. Negozi didn't respond. He looked at Tebos and Sandar instead and waved qi'Senka over.

  "Duke Tebos, I wish you to break your contract with qi'Nisha, and Duke Sandar to break your contract with qi'Senka. Qi'Senka is an excellent Qi'advisor and would be suitable for either of you but possibly better with Duke Tebos. Qi'Nisha is unsuitable for either of you. You expect loyalty from her, and when you don't get it, you blame her. She will never be loyal—to you or me." He smiled at me.

  Tebos and Sandar stood with their mouths open in shock or just not knowing how to respond, but I could see it in their eyes they understood.

  "The next few years will be trying times, and the king will need a Qi'advisor, like qi'Nisha, who is loyal to no one. I will contract her services."

  "What about the Witch Ayria?" Sandar asked. "Won't she compete with her for your favor?"

  "No. The Witch Ayria is a lifelong friend and loyal to me. She would die for me. Qi'Nisha is an advisor and will neither be loyal nor die for me. Ayria and qi'Nisha are like Qi'sisters. And unless I'm wrong, the Qi do not compete." He looked toward Ayria, who nodded agreement. "Duke Sandar, I would suggest you stop at the Qi'temple with qi'Nisha after a duke for Castor is decided and select a Qi'advisor more suitable to you. I doubt they will produce another like qi'Nisha for many generations. Qi'Nisha, unless you object, I would like you to arrange a contract with me."

  * * *

  As Bolaha and Shani prepared to leave, Tebos, Sandar, qi'Senka, Ayria, and I met for what might be the last time for many cycles of the moon.

  "Negozi is a very shrewd man. I always wondered why I got so mad at you when time and time again you helped me see the right solution and even saved my life. Because you were contracted to me, I expected you to be loyal. He not only understands you won't but wants you because of it," Sandar said. "Although I was not always fair with you, I will always be grateful for your service." He fell silent.

  Tebos chuckled. "Qi'Senka and I have decided to initiate a contract. I've found her an excellent Qi'advisor during her time with me. And she will be very helpful in Inwood, since she was the king's Qi'advisor for many years."

  "I'm looking forward to it. I loved Hala. Being the king's Qi'advisor was interesting, but I don't think I would be a good advisor for King Negozi."

  Ayria laughed. "Negozi is a very difficult man to advise. That is why qi'Nisha is right for him. She doesn't care. I look forward to walking the…Path with my Qi'sister."

  I agreed. Being Qi'advisor to someone like Negozi would be interesting, especially during the chaotic times to follow. The fighting would be over within a week, but the transition would take many years, since not everyone would be happy about the tribes in Rhybac and a warrior chief as king.

  I would be walking the Path in interesting times.

  Thank you

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  Books by C . R. Daems & J. R. Tomlin

  Talonnovels.com

  HISTORICAL FICTION

  The Stewart Chronicles

  — A King Ensnared (Book I)

  — A King Uncaged (Book II)

  The Black Douglas Series:

  — Kingdom's Cost (Book I)

  — Countenance of War (Book II)

  — Not for Glory (Book III)

  Freedom's Sword

  SCIENCE FICTION

  The Riss Series:

  — The Riss Gamble (Book I)

  — The Riss Proposal (Book II)

  — The Riss Survival (Book III)

  — The Riss Accession (Book IV)

  — The Riss Challenge (Book V)

  The Black Guard

  FANTASY EPIC

  The Shadow Series:

  — The Shadow Ryana (Book I)

  — The Shadow Gypsy (Book II)

  Women of Power

  Talon of the Unnamed Goddess

  Scales of Justice

  Blood Duty

  URBAN FANTASY

  The Kazak Series:

  — The Kazak Guardians: Lynn's Rules (Book I)

  — The Kazak Guardians: The Unthinkable (Book II)

  The Laughing Hounds

  The Seer Renee