Page 83 of The Warrior's Oath
Korvin sat up a bit taller, an amused gleam in his eye. “Actually, if you would be so kind. Please relay a message to the magistrate.”
“The magistrate? You’re pulling my leg.Youknow the magistrate?”
“That I do. Tell her Korvin of the Bohdzee returns. And he comes with survivors.”
CHAPTERTHIRTY-TWO
“You certainly know how to make an entrance, my friend,” Halvax said as he took in the throngs of Molok residents lining the causeway, eager to catch a glimpse of the Bohdzee Guard whom their magistrate had befriended. When word spread that a second of his ilk was now joining him, the crowd’s numbers inflated even more.
“Wait until we are properly greeted,” Korvin replied with a knowing wink. “You will not have eaten so well in years, I would wager.”
“A challenge I accept willingly,” his friend said with a laugh, reveling in the moment. Normally, they worked in relative secret, and the vast majority of their exploits would never see the light of day. But this? This was something they had jokingly dreamed of but never really thought would happen.
They were being greeted as heroes, and it felt amazing. Rescuing Raxxian captives from those horrid creatures while also fighting off the Dohrags, with whom there was always conflict and certainly no love lost, gave them immediate clout in Molok. With a lengthy history of skirmishes with the Dohrags, that enemy was never far from the citizens’ minds.
The Dohrags had eventually been beaten back to their own territory over the course of several violent years and were no longer raiding the fringe neighborhoods of Molok. But even so, they were an ever-present threat outside the city limits. As a result, anyone who put them in their place was sure to be something of a celebrity.
Celebrities, plural, in this case, as the two Nimenni drew the admiring gaze of men and women alike as their trader friend flew them to their meeting with the magistrate.
A full entourage was awaiting them, not only the magistrate’s personal guard but also a sizable portion of the councilmembers and ruling elite. It was quite the reception to say the least.
The trader’s conveyance came to a stop and lowered to a hover just above the ground. “You weren’t kidding,” the captain said. “You have friends in high places.”
Korvin shook his hand as the others disembarked. “And you will be well compensated for your assistance. I will see to it.” He then scrambled down to join the others, walking hand-in-hand with his mate to greet the waiting magistrate.
“So many survivors! This is fantastic, Korvin. Quite the coup, really,” the magistrate said, looking over the newcomers.
Her gaze lingered a long moment on Halvax, her expression cool yet interested as she sized up the Nimenni newcomer. He was as one would have expected of his ilk. Strong, chiseled, and with an air of absolute confidence.
He also felt a little flush of excitement. This powerful woman’s interest seemed to be more than mere idle curiosity. At least, he was pretty sure, and in these matters his gut instinct was correct more often than not.
Korvin clocked the interaction without a change of expression, but he felt the slight squeeze from Nyota’s hand telling him she saw it as well. There was only one thing to do.
“Magistrate, allow me to introduce my dear friend and comrade of many years, Halvax.”
“Magistrate,” Halvax said, bowing his head respectfully.
The magistrate reached out, her slender fingers grazing his face and lifting his chin up. “Please, stand easy. Another Bohdzee Guard? We are most fortunate to have you with us,” she said, extending her hand.
He took it in his much larger one, the heat of his kind running hot today, warming her flesh delightfully. A little twinkle seemed to shine in her eyes, and she held his grip a bit longer than normal.
Halvax felt a strange twinge in his gut, an unfamiliar knot forming in his stomach as his heartbeat quickened a little. From the pulse visible on her neck, the magistrate’s had increased as well. She squeezed his hand once then let go, her fingers gently trailing off of his, a slight blush coloring her cheeks.
She seamlessly transitioned to greeting the other survivors with all the grace and warmth one would expect of someone of her position, but Halvax caught the little glance she cast back his way. He looked at his friend, the traces of a restrained grin clear on Korvin’s lips. He had seen as well, and clearly had the same impression.
Halvax, for the first time in longer than he could imagine, allowed the possibility of “what if” to enter his mind. It was not something he ever really considered. But perhaps, just this once, life could take an interesting turn.
The magistrate made her way down the line, spending a moment with each and every one of the survivors, graciously welcoming them to her city. She then stepped back and spoke to the group as a whole.
“You have all endured much since your arrival to our world, and I am sorry for the adversity you faced. But here in Molok you are safe. Esteemed guests of our fine city. Now, I am sure you are exhausted from your journey and hungry as well. Please, follow Torpa. You will be examined by our medical team then shown to your private chambers and provided clean attire. When you have bathed and feel ready, you will be shown to the dining hall where a welcoming feast has been prepared.”
“Did you say feast?” Halvax asked.
“I did.”
“How delightful. And, might you be joining us?”
The magistrate blushed again. “I will.”
