Page 30 of The Warrior's Oath
“Fitting with the nature of this world and setting an example for those living and working here that there is a natural order to things. Working late into the night may be normal for taverns and the like, but she hoped her actions would convince others to imitate her and shorten their days accordingly. And so they did. And in so doing, stronger social bonds would form, better sleep would result, and an overall healthier, happier populace has been the ultimate result.”
Nyota gazed at the staring throngs watching them pass and realized that indeed they seemed at leisure, not work. “Amazing,” she said. “A place where the pursuit of money is not the most important thing on everyone’s mind.”
“Oh, that is still important to most,” the captain said with a chuckle. “But it is balanced with a healthy, sustainable form of living.”
She spun a slow circle as they walked, taking it all in. “I can see. But why a magistrate? Isn’t that a legal position, like a head judge?”
“Do not mind her query. Her translation rune is in need of a touch-up, nothing more,” Korvin interjected. “The word you hear as magistrate is the head of all matters legal, but also those of a civil nature as well.”
“Oh, got it,” she replied, taking his cue, and making sure she was properly covered.
The captain looked at the newcomer with a questioning glance. “Were her runes damaged?”
Korvin flashed his charm once more, this time using his celebrity status to add to his persuasive appeal. “Not damaged, but the pigment the Skrizzit used was somewhat inferior. I intend to remedy that situation straight away.”
“Ah, I see,” the captain replied, satisfied with the answer.
Nyota stepped close to Korvin. “What do you mean, inferior? You said your general was a talented artist,” she quietly hissed.
“And he is. But the Raxxians only provided him with the most basic pigments to work with. Do not fret. We will deal with your shortcoming before we continue our search.”
Nyota wasn’t so sure how she felt about a flawed tattoo that she hadn’t even wanted being called a shortcoming, but she kept silent as they were led toward the entryway. This was clearly not the time or place to get into it with Korvin about manners.
“Captain,” the lead guard at the door said with a little bow of his head. “The magistrate is expecting you. Torpa will escort you.”
A small creature with bright yellow skin, striped with faint green lines in addition to its rune tattoos stepped forward and bowed deeply. “This way, this way!” it said in a high, sing-song voice, then scampered ahead on all fours.
It was no bigger than a mid-sized dog, but it clearly possessed higher thought and was wearing pants, but no shirt. It also shifted from two legs to four with ease, almost as apes did back on Earth. But this was unlike any creature Nyota had ever seen at home.
Torpa hurried along, looking back over its shoulder to make sure they were following, then stopped at a large, ornately framed open doorway. “In here, in here!”
The captain guided them into what looked like a large library or study. The ceiling was high and domed, showing the sky above, which was a neat trick since they were well below the top level of the building. Clearly a projection of some sort, but to Nyota’s eyes it looked as real as if they’d been standing on the roof.
The walls were adorned with marvelous artwork, the designs not hanging but actually built into the walls themselves. Landscapes, still lifes, and abstract designs the likes of which she’d never seen brought warmth and color to the room.
A slender, robed figure rose from a plush chair and walked toward them. The captain and Korvin bowed their heads. Nyota quickly followed suit.
The magistrate was a rather humanoid looking woman, though taller than most and with a few curves under her clothing that belied her alien nature. Her skin was gray speckled with gold, and her hair was a radiant yellow falling below her shoulders.
“It is so good to meet you, Korvin, is it?” she said, stopping before her guests.
“It is, Magistrate,” he said, accepting her outstretched hand in greeting. “And it is my pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
She glanced at the officer. “Thank you, Captain, that will be all.”
“Magistrate,” he replied with a bow then stepped out.
Her attention shifted back to the Nimenni soldier before her. “A Bohdzee Guard in my city. Admittedly, we boast a wide range of races here, and even a Nimenni from time to time, but never one of your status.”
“We are grateful for your hospitality, Magistrate.”
“As am I grateful for your presence. Word of your arrival will undoubtedly calm the rabble for some time. I hear you had a run-in with some of the more unsavory residents of our city.”
“It was not a problem.”
“Not for your like, I’m sure. But tell me, how did you come to find yourself in Molok? You are a long way from home.”
Korvin took a deep breath. Now knowing he was an elite soldier, Nyota realized how painful it must have been for him to be captured. And now he had to put ego aside and admit as much.
