Page 37 of Asmodel

Taking a deep breath, Izzy glanced around the small audience. “Also, as a human, if I’m with you, he’d know you are the good guys and won’t hesitate to let us rescue him. I just know we’ll need his help to stop the Krystalii from coming to kill you.”

Fingers crossed, she hoped she wasn’t stretching the truth. She didn’t know his full capabilities, but if he traveled all this way to rescue her, he had to have some impressive skills.

Praetor Vorlok sat back and laid his paws on his wide chest, his claws retracted. “I see.” He glanced around the room. “I believe she has a valid point.”

“You can’t be serious!” Calin slammed his paw on the table, his extended claws clicking on the hard surface. “Look at her!” He waved in her direction. “We can’t afford to let the zaltrixan capture her, much less let her get in our way.” He leaned forward on his elbows, his whiskers wide as his gold eyes narrowed. “We can’t afford to anger the Federation’s chancellor by allowing her to get hurt or killed.”

“Valid points, young one.” Madam Fexa nodded. “However, as a free citizen of this Federation, this human may choose her own path. I agree, she should go.”

Calin snorted. “If that’s the council’s decision, then we’d better have our best warrior assigned to protect her.” He grumbled, leaning back, his ears flicking back-and-forth to show his displeasure.

“I agree. Thank you for volunteering, Calin.”

Calin frowned at Praetor Vorlok’s derisive smile, but he didn’t argue. Just gave a brief nod.

Izzy’s mouth dried as the tension between her shoulders tightened. Oh dear. What had she’d gotten herself into? No matter. She’d never allow another human to suffer if she could do something about it. Squaring her shoulders, she murmured a quick thank you and sat.

“Now, we need to plan how we’re going to Panterion Prime. Not only to get the human, but to capture that Krystalii. But first—” Praetor Vorlok glanced at Izzy. “—from what Talira has told me, this human has some personal needs to take care of. Is that so?”

Once he brought that to her attention, Izzy’s stomach growled loud enough for everyone to hear. Putting her hand over her stomach, she blushed. With gritty eyes, she nodded. “Yes, but I want to help you plan.”

“We appreciate that, Izzy. But your stomach argues with you,” Talira admonished her. “I’m sorry Zolune didn’t make it back with some food for you. Come with me.” The feline stood and placed a soft paw on Izzy’s shoulder. “And don’t worry, I’ll fill you in on whatever is decided. But for now, we’d better get you something to eat and a place to rest.”

Izzy stood and gazed around the group as they studied her. Some expressions were open, others were blank or filled with mistrust. “Promise you won’t leave without me?” She held her breath.

“Of course not, human female called Izzy.” The praetor gave a regal nod. “I have said we would honor your decision, and I never go back on my word.”

She pressed over her heart with a wide grin. “Oh, thank you. Thank you very much.”

“Come on, Izzy. Your stomach is growling so loud, you’ll scare all the skalderbeast away,” Talira teased.

Now Izzy moved her hand to cover her rumbling stomach. She sighed. “I may not know what a skalderbeast is, but I’m so hungry I could eat one.”

Talira laughed as she put her arm around Izzy’s shoulder and led her out of the meeting room to another part of the cave. “They’re actually pretty tasty. Let’s see if we can get a piece of one for you.”

As Izzy’s tension eased, she gave Talira a small smile and followed her to a communal eating place in another part of the warm, luminescent cave. The food was presented in buffet style, showcasing roasted meats alongside an array of colorful vegetables and fruits. The pardalion took her to one of the large tables where other scikvak ate. Old, young, and the very young came and went. Some lingered after their meals, but most left with happy purrs.

“I’m afraid I have to leave you on your own for a bit,” Talira told her, clasping her paws in front of her and nodding to an elderly female who approached them. “This is Tivessa, the presiding leader of those who prepare food.”

Tivessa, her dark-blue downy fur laced with white, came over to where Izzy sat. She placed a large trencher in front of the hungry woman, laden with succulent meats and a smattering of fruits and vegetables.

“Eat,” Tivessa urged. “You like.” She turned and shuffled away.

Talira laughed, her eyes softening as the elder walked away. “She’s always been a female of brief words.” She turned to Izzy. “But she’s reliable and will make sure you have everything you need. Once you’re done eating, she’ll take you to a comfortable place where you can sleep.” She patted Izzy on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’ll come back in plenty of time before we leave for Panterion Prime in the morning. Then I’ll fill you in on what we’ve planned.” With a last look around the room, Talira left.

Izzy watched her go, but her stomach demanded attention with a loud growl. She studied the food resting on the plate in front of her. The slice of meat still sizzled from the fires, releasing a mouthwatering aroma that made her stomach growl. Next to it was an assortment of root vegetables slathered in a harmony of fresh herbs. A separate small bowl held ripe berries that looked like strawberries but were white with zigzagging black stripes.

Next to the plate was a set of utensils. A long two-tined fork rested beside a blade with a razor thin edge.

With a fortifying breath, Izzy grabbed the fork and knife and sliced the meat. From the first bite, she chewed in ecstasy and set about devouring the meal. Lordy, lordy. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d eaten anything as fine. The meal was a journey through a myriad of flavors, each mouthful a discovery of the scikvak culinary mastery. Succulent roasted meat melted on her tongue, each fruit burst with sweetness, and the vegetables were cooked to a perfect tenderness. The meal settled in her unruly stomach, creating warmth that sent a deep sense of contentment throughout her.

When finished, Izzy patted her full belly. Unbidden, her lips smacked and she gave a soft belch. “Oh, gosh!” She covered her mouth and sat up straight, her back stiffening. If herabuelaheard her being so rude, she’d never live it down.

“See. You like.”

Izzy jerked as the voice of Tivessa spoke behind her. Darn woman was as silent as… well, a cat.

“Come. Leave plate.” She gestured for Izzy to follow her. “Sleep now.”

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