Page 15 of Neverwylde 6
“And D’har Kyber won,” Tiger noted.
“He did.”
“It is D’har Plat’s claim that Kyber drew a weapon on him, which violated the rules,” the third Seneecian she’d thought of as Mr. Chocolate brought up.
“It was Plat who took the rifle away from one of our men and pointed it at Kyber because he was being bested. He tried to fire the weapon, but the gun failed, and Kyber was able to divest him of it. Because of Plat’s actions, we were forced to place him in restraints and keep him under constant guard.” There was a whole lot more to the story than she was letting on, but she was given the impression these men liked the answers brief and to the point, without the elaboration.
Mr. Chocolate sat up in his seat and cleared his throat. “We were also informed by D’har Plat that you would lie about the incident.”
“No doubt you were,” Kelen responded with a touch of sarcasm.
“I have a question for the prisoner,” a fifth Seneecian with yellowish fur said. Kelen named him Buttercup. Turning in his chair to face her, he took a few seconds to glare at her. “D’har Duruk informs us that D’har Kyber claims he has taken you as his Confirmed.”
“That is true.”
“You admit that you are D’har Kyber’s Confirmed?”
“Yes.”
This announcement didn’t sit well with any of the Seneecians. In fact, a few looked repulsed by the idea. It was Tiger who asked for clarification.
“Explain to us how D’har Kyber did that.”
She didn’t try to hide her puzzlement. “How he did what? Are you asking for specific details regarding the Commitment, the Cleansing, and the Confirmation?”
Mentioning all three steps of the ceremony seemed to verify their worst fears. Spot almost spluttered.
“Yes,” Tiger answered. “We want the details.”
Squaring her shoulders, Kelen gave them her best stern look. “I’m sorry, sir. I can’t do that. That is personal, between just me and Kyber.”
Their shocked expressions told her all she needed to know. She’d flatly refused an order. She, a lowly skint, a species hardly worth being allowed to live, dared to tell them no.
Kelen knew she’d made a grievous error. She just didn’t know how bad a mistake she’d made.
Not then. Not yet.
