Page 123 of Crimson Oath
Of course he was.
“Yes, that makes much more sense.”
Which made three thieves in the kamvasa by Oleg’s count.
Oleg sighed. “What are you there to steal, Tenzin?”
The first thing that jumped into Oleg’s mind were the dishana, the greatest treasures of the Poshani people.
Carved from three massive jewels by an ancient king, the dishana were symbols of the terrin’s power, and there was a mystical element to them as well. She who held the dishana held the power of the clan.
And since the Vashana Zata was happening this year, Radu, Kezia, and Vano would all have their goblets with them for the ceremony.
“Why would I steal anything?” Tenzin’s eyes went wide. “You’re so suspicious.”
“Of you? Always.”
She floated into the air. “They are expecting me, so I should go. Should I tell them you are watching?”
“Not necessary.”
“And what will you give me to keep your secrets?”
He took a deep breath and pursed his lips. “A favor of my own choosing. At least a year from now.”
She smiled, baring her fangs. “You amuse me, so I agree. I’ll keep your secrets for now.”
“Enjoy your night, Khazar.”
Without another word, the lethal wind vampire disappeared into the night, and Oleg watched the black spot in the sky where she had been.
Three goblets, three thieves.
When a terrin resigned, their goblet would pass from the old to the new. But if one or even all those goblets was stolen, the ancient tradition would be broken.
This was the wrongness that Tatyana had sensed.
If the dishana were taken, the Poshani were ripe for a takeover.
Chapter 28
Tatyana
When Tatyana woke that night, her trailer was parked in an entirely new location.
She opened the door and saw a field of poppies that sloped down a gentle hill where the tall grass had been trimmed by workers holding curved sickles.
The darigan were building a bonfire in the center of a field as humans set up blankets and seats in a meadow where a gentle stream trickled through.
“Tatyana!”
She turned to see Radu walking toward her.
“Radu.” The jovial head of the kamvasa had continued to impress her with his thoughtfulness and humor. “It’s good to see you.”
He stopped in front of her trailer and put his fists on his hips. “How are you tonight?”
“I’m well. Another beautiful landscape that looks like it came out of a picture book.”
