Page 39 of The Warrior's Oath
“Yes, I feel like a new woman,” Nyota added, shaking the woman’s hand.
The magistrate held her grip a moment longer, turning it over, exposing the new markings on her wrist and forearm.
The magistrate smiled wide. “The Skrizzit did a remarkable job. I must see that they are properly commended for their efforts.”
“It did come out pretty good,” Nyota agreed.
“Pretty good? For an unfamiliar race, the application of the pigments was expertly done.”
“About that,” Korvin interrupted. “You provided us with a most generous gift. The Admani pigment is really too much.”
“Nonsense. Only the best for a Bohdzee Guard. And your woman deserves no less.”
“She is not my woman.”
“Oh, you are already mated?”
“No. My Infala remains unbonded. But one in my line of work, well, you understand.”
The magistrate nodded solemnly. “And we appreciate your sacrifice. But a life alone is no life at all.”
“I am not alone. My general, my colleagues—”
“Are not the same. But who am I to lecture one who has experienced as much as you have? I know as a man who has seen so much death that you appreciate life more than most.”
Korvin’s jaw flexed slightly. “Perhaps so,” he said with a slight nod.
A team of serving staff swarmed the table, a delightful assortment of food, both savory and sweet, piled high.
“Sit, eat,” their host urged. “We have much to discuss.”
Nyota was silent for some time while Korvin and the magistrate spoke. She might have had one or two things to add to the conversation, but she was too busy sampling the amazing spread in front of them. And the others seemed to be doing just fine without her.
“You do not have to head out so soon,” the magistrate protested when Korvin expressed his intentions. “Rest, heal, enjoy our city. You are most welcome in Molok for as long as you wish to remain.”
“I thank you for your hospitality, Magistrate, but my general is still out there somewhere, and I would do all I can to find him sooner than later.”
“I understand your sense of urgency. But you have had a difficult run of luck thus far, and sometimes a pause can ultimately move you forward faster than if you hurried ahead. I think I can assist your search while you fully restore your energy. We are cautious not to enter certain areas—we cannot afford to go starting a conflict with the more hostile factions on this world—but if you allow me just a few days, I will send our scouting craft in all directions to compile as much data on likely crash sites as possible.”
Korvin hesitated, something Nyota had not seen him do before. His drive was clear. Find his general and friend. But this offer? While it would require a day or two of down time, during which he would undoubtedly be all but climbing the walls, eager to continue his search, if the magistrate’s team could accurately map out other crash sites, it would dramatically speed the actual search and recovery process.
Of course, there were planetary politics to consider, and the magistrate would have to act tactfully in that respect, but even if he was to continue on foot, at least he would be able to save many days of searching thanks to such a map.
“I appreciate your generous offer,” he finally said. “And I accept with gratitude.”
“Wonderful,” she replied, nodding to an aide standing quietly nearby. “The process will commence at once.”
The aide hurried away to carry out the command. It seemed his response had been expected, though she had at least waited for him to verbalize it before setting her plan in motion.
“I will use the down time to gather supplies I will require. With your permission, I would acquire weapons as well.”
The magistrate nodded her approval. “Of course. Normally, most weapons are well regulated among our residents. But for you an exception can be made.”
“It is greatly appreciated.”
“Think nothing of it,” she replied, turning her gaze to the quiet woman seated at the table just as she took a large bite from her plate. “And your friend? Healing well, I take it?”
Ugh! Right when I stuff my face!Nyota thought, amused at the idea that the magistrate would have made a fantastic waitress with her choice of timing.
