Page 31 of The Warrior's Oath
“My general was leading a small group on a mission when we were cut off from our main forces.”
“Dohrags?”
“No. Raxxians.”
The woman paled a bit at the word, a look of disgust clear on her face. “Foul creatures, the Raxxians.”
“On this we agree.”
“But they are not foolish enough to attack any settlements here. Yes, we have seen them pass through on occasion, but they leave us well enough alone.”
“We were being held on their ship when it fell under attack.”
“A Raxxian warship was attacked in our system?”
“No. It was not a warship but a transport vessel for livestock.”
The magistrate nodded her understanding. “And Raxxian transports are designed to save as much cargo as possible in such an event. So, you and your friend here were dropped down on our world in one of those segments, yes? And in such an instance the Raxxians would undoubtedly brave our airspace to retrieve what they see as theirs.”
“You know Raxxian capabilities well,” Korvin said with an appreciative grin.
“In my position, one must be well informed.”
“Indeed.”
Nyota watched the exchange with great interest. This woman ran the whole city, yet she was almost deferential to Korvin. A powerful woman dealing with a powerful man. The dynamic was almost electric, and a little twinge of jealousy flared in her gut.
As if she could hear her thoughts, the magistrate turned her attention to the human, fixing her dazzling eyes on her with a curious stare.
“And you?” she asked. “I have never seen one such as you.”
“I am Nyota, Magistrate. I’m not from around here.”
“A refugee from Raxxian bondage under the protection of a Bohdzee Guard is always welcome in my city,” she replied, extending her hand.
Nyota grasped it, noting the woman lacked the intense heat that radiated from Korvin’s kind.
The magistrate studied her hand as she lightly held it. “Your kind has beautiful skin.”
“Thank you.”
In a flash her grip firmed and she turned Nyota’s hand palm up, pulling in a way that slid her sleeve up, exposing her bare wrist.
“But where are your runes?” the magistrate asked, a curious look in her eye.
Korvin’s body tensed ever so slightly but he did not move. “She was taken from a world outside of the Dotharian Conglomerate. She is unfamiliar with Dotharian law.”
The magistrate calmly studied the human, assessing her with a steady gaze. “But the law is the law,” she finally said, releasing Nyota’s hand and turning her attention back to Korvin.
His eyes locked with hers, sensing curiosity but no threat.
“I agree. The law is the law,” he replied. “And with your blessing, now that we are free of our captors and in a civilized setting, I would seek to provide her with her first set of runes. And as Raxxian bondage left lasting damage to a few of mine, I would also seek to have mine repaired.” He pulled out his money pouch. “I have ample currency if you can just direct me to the nearest Skrizzit.”
The magistrate laughed, light and cheery without a hint of threat. “Oh, nonsense. I would not hear of it. The Nimenni have long been our allies. And a member of the Bohdzee no less? Put away your coin. I shall send our finest Skrizzit to your quarters to service you both. After you have dined, of course. I am sure you are famished after your ordeal.”
Korvin bowed low, Nyota following suit.
“That we are, Magistrate,” he replied. “And we thank you for your hospitality.”
