Page 143 of Crimson Oath
The Hazar at the door announced his presence in the terrin’s tent, and Oleg strode forward with Mika following him and Oksana bringing up the rear.
Radu, Kezia, and Vano sat on low sofas on the far side of the highly decorated tent that had been set up the night before. The center pole of the tent was the size of a large cedar tree and carved with intricate decorations higher than Oleg’s eye.
As he passed it, he noticed the personal crests of Radu’s family, then Kezia’s, then Vano’s. The next terrin would carve their own crest into that pole and add their name to the list of immortals who had watched over the Poshani people.
Radu rose to greet him. “My friend.”
Oleg stopped a few feet away and bowed slightly. “Radu le Basarab, Kezia le Almásy, Vano le Krizenov, you honor me with your invitation to this most sacred event.”
“Welcome, Lord Oleg, and thank you for your attendance,” Vano said. “It has been too long since we have been in our company.”
“Thank you, Vano.” Oleg looked over and winked at Kezia. “I see that you’ve convinced your clever sister to let you live another few years.”
Radu and Kezia both chuckled.
“I try to be gracious,” Kezia said. “Welcome, Lord Oleg.”
Oleg sat down on a low couch across from them, and Mika stepped forward to present the gifts that he’d brought for them.
Bars of gold. Bottles of the finest vodka. Cattle horns to signify the beef they would be gifting to the kamvasa. And, finally, a whole sturgeon that the darigan brought in and laid on a low table in front of Oleg.
He made the first ceremonial cut into the belly of the fish, revealing the shining black roe the darigan would clean and process to produce a rich harvest of salted caviar for the Poshani to enjoy after the Vashana.
“Lord Oleg, you honor us with gifts,” Radu said. “Please know that while you are here, the hospitality of the kamvasa is yours. No blade will touch your neck, no light will touch your skin, and no hunger will be left wanting. Our home is your home; our Hazar and our darigan will protect you with their own lives.”
“Thank you, Radu.” It wasn’t proper to address Poshani terrin with any sort of title as they were considered servants of the clan. “I accept the hospitality of the kamvasa. While I reside with you, my axe belongs to you and I will defend your sovereignty with my blood and fire.”
Formal greetings and oaths taken, most of the darigan retreated, leaving Oleg alone with the three terrin while Mika and Oksana sat at a distance.
“Truly,” Kezia said, “it has been too long since you’ve visited, Oleg.”
“Agreed.” Vano reached for a goblet of blood-wine. “Far too long.”
Oleg smiled. Did Vano know he’d been sneaking in to see Tatyana? He wouldn’t be surprised. No doubt the scheming vampire had tucked that information away for his own use later.
“We’ll finish this drink,” Radu said, “then we should settle that question about the Bucharest property, don’t you think?”
“Agreed.” Oleg was eager to leave the terrin’s tent, but he forced himself to finish his wine.
“Business talk on the eve of the Vashana, brother?” Kezia asked as she lifted a glass to her lips. “You are working hard.”
“I never thought we’d be saying that about you.” Vano laughed, but the humor had an edge.
Radu cut his gaze to the side, but Oleg kepthis eyes firmly on Radu and only smiled. “I’m sure we can settle our discussion quickly. I am looking forward to the ceremony tomorrow night.”
Go on and joke.Oleg’s tone was clear.The adults in the room have important matters to discuss.
“We’re all ready for the Vashana.” Kezia sat back, and her eyes narrowed when she looked at Vano. “It’s been an interesting season. We should catch up later, Oleg.”
“I’ll make sure to reserve the time.”
The four vampires exchanged pleasantries for another hour, sharing blood-wine, previously prepared caviar, and delicate bites of traditional Poshani delicacies as they chatted about the weather, the entertainment and plays the humans had performed, and other light diplomatic talk.
Soon enough, Oleg and Radu were leaving the terrin’s tent and walking into the night, moving from the center of the caravan to Radu’s personal trailer.
Mika handed him the tablet while Radu’s secretary handed him a folder; then Mika, Oksana, and Radu’s people were stationed at a distance while the two friends talked inside.
“It’s a good thing I like you,” Radu said. “And her.”
