Page 152 of Dawn Caravan
Ben bent and whispered in Tenzin’s ear. She perked up immediately and walked to the edge of the stage and lifted both her hands. The crowd fell quiet.
“Poshaniya,” Tenzin shouted. “You are kind and hospitable. You honor your guests and your history, and I would travel with you for a century if I could. But I am not suited for the honor of serving on the terrin.”
Murmurs of dissatisfaction spread like a gathering wave.
“But thereisamong the kamvasa guests a woman of honor and cunning, a vampire who respects your traditions and has learned your language and your history.” Tenzin turned toward the guests’ platform. “Tatyana Vorona.”
Tatyana stared at Tenzin with an expression Ben couldn’t classify. Her blue eyes were wide but not shocked. She looked at Kezia and Radu, then at the crowd of Poshani gathered around the stage. Then she looked at Oleg and raised a single eyebrow.
No one spoke when Tatyana rose to her feet. She stepped delicately down the stairs, helped by four of the Hazar. She walked through the crowd and stopped to let a woman Ben recognized as one of the camp cooks place a flower crown on her head. They exchanged a few words before Tatyana mounted the stage.
She didn’t look or speak to either Radu or Kezia but turned to the crowd and addressed the Poshani in their own language.
Ben leaned down. “Do you have any idea what she’s saying?”
“Not really.”
“Judging from her tone, I’m going to say she’s willing but wants their approval.”
“She’s smart,” Tenzin said. “She won’t take her power for granted.”
“That’s what I was thinking.” Ben watched Oleg, a vampire known as much for his power and fiery temper as for his cunning and determination. “I think Oleg is in love with her.”
“Do you think so?”
Ben looked at the man watching Tatyana. “Yep. Pretty sure. He probably wouldn’t admit it though.”
“Well, that’s an interesting twist.” Tenzin looked at Oleg. “I don’t see it.”
“Maybe I’m wrong.” He wasn’t wrong.
He turned and saw Radu sidling up to them.
“Did you plan all this, Vecchio?”
“No,” Ben murmured. “But when your brother left us behind and tried to kill Tenzin, we had to improvise.”
“She’s going to accept,” Radu said. “It will be the first time in history that a terrin who is not Poshani holds one of the goblets.”
A roar came from the crowd, and the Poshani started chanting Tatyana’s name.
Ben slapped Radu’s shoulder. “I think they’re okay with it.”
Flowers were thrown toward the stage, and Tenzin walked forward.
“Tatyana.” Tenzin held out the ruby goblet. “I believe this is yours.”
Tatyana looked at Radu and Kezia. Then at Ben. “This was you.”
“Sometimes the wrong things happen to good people,” Ben said. “And sometimes the right things happen to the right people.”
Tatyana looked at Kezia and Radu. “I will never take this responsibility for granted. I will always look out for the most vulnerable.”
Kezia looked at her brother and then back to Tatyana. “Then sister, take your goblet.”
Tatyana took the ruby goblet from Tenzin’s hand and lifted it to the cheers of the Poshani. She turned to Ben. “I won’t forget this.”
Ben and Tenzin stepped to the back of the stage as Kezia and Radu walked to either side of their new sister in the terrin. The Hazar surrounded them as the crowd cheered and music began to play.
