Page 8 of Lhora
“We’ve asked that same question,” the Sarpi admitted. “We’ve been unable to reach the Parel of Barentov and the Ven of Ser Grift via our communications grid. We debated whether to send a ship out, but the Tra’Mell have defeated our resources to where we need to keep every ship close to home.” The man eyed Kai. “Perhaps you can send out a ship to check.”
“I could,” the Esstika told him. “But right now we need to remain focused on the Tra’Mell being right at our doors. Not on whether or not our sister planets have suffered at their hands. Once we defeat the enemy and drive them from our world, then we can investigate and offer aid if need be.”
This time Lhora pressed her lips together to keep from smiling. Again, the Sarpi tried to get her mother to slip up and admit they didn’t have a spare ship to send. Or to give any indication that their numbers had been depleted.
Her eyes landed on the Sarpi’s son once more, and this time he was grinning from ear to ear, as if he’d discovered something. Or stumbled upon a secret. Cocking her head to the side, she stared him down until he eventually dropped his gaze to his plate.
This silent little war amused her. Hopefully they’d be able to compete again before the Coltrosstians left for their side of the world.
Adjusting her stance, she resumed her watch as the visitors dug into their meal.
5
Approached
Her belly full, Lhora gave her father a kiss on the cheek and left the kitchen. It was good to know that the vibes she’d been getting from the Coltrosstians were identical to the ones he’d received. They both agreed the Sarpi and his men were up to something. They just couldn’t figure out what. Not until the right question was asked, and the men were forced to outright lie.
“I get the feeling they’re taking extra care to watch what they say, now that they know there’s a torgart in their midst,” she’d laughed.
Fallmin chuckled. “They can watch their tongues all they want. Their feelings will give them away as surely as what they say…or don’t say. Pass me the jeerfla. Either it’s especially delicious tonight, or I’m especially hungry.” Taking the bowl, he peered at her. “Speaking of their feelings, yours were on display to me. You do know that, don’t you?”
“Yes, and I know what you’re going to say. You noticed I’m interested in the Sarpi’s son.” She winked at him. “But not in the way you believe.”
Fallmin raised a hand. “I never said you were. Are you going to approach him indirectly while he’s here?”
“I hadn’t considered it. I do admit I’d like to converse with him when his father’s not around. Or any of their men.”
“If you do, you’ll have to be careful what you say.”
She grinned at him. “I know you feel you have to remind me. I assure you I’m prepared for that…if that moment comes. Speaking of watching tongues, I’m very proud of the way Mother warded off their pathetic attempts to find out about our fleet.”
The commander snorted. “I will pass your praise on to her. She’ll be very glad to know how quickly you’re learning.”
Lhora stopped in the hallway and leaned against the wall. One day her mother would hand the red robes of the Esstika to her, the way her grandmother had given them to Kai, and her great-grandmother before her. Sometimes the robes were given upon the death of the Esstika. Sometimes they were given when the current ruler became too ill to serve. Age-wise, Kai Vul Est Niram was considered to be young. She still had many decades wherein she could serve before handing their half of the planet over to Lhora. Personally, Lhora admitted to herself that she would be content to remain one of the guards and never assume the robes. But she knew she’d inevitably have to don them. Just not now. Later. Years and years later, she hoped.
Reaching a window, she gazed out into the clear night sky and the two nearly full moons floating above the horizon. Twin moons following almost parallel paths around their world. Geet led her younger sister Vit by a good hour, as if showing her the way to go.
The breeze was negligible. The temperature was slightly on the cool side. Lhora breathed in the fresh air and discovered she wasn’t the least bit sleepy. “It’ll do me good to stretch my legs. Walk off some of this meal before I call it a night.” It sounded like sage advice, and she nodded to herself.
She passed a couple of guards on her way to the side door that opened into a small garden. That private area was visible from their bedrooms, but not from the main gate or entrance. The men acknowledged her before she slipped outside.
The moons were not yet visible from here as the rock wall blocked them from view. She loved being able to sit and watch them ascend a second time. Opening the metal gate, she took the path around the far side of the manse to where it intersected with the rear entrance.
“Good eve,” the guard standing duty greeted her. He didn’t refer to her by her proper name or title, and wouldn’t as long as the Coltrosstians were present. They fiercely guarded keeping the identity of their next Esstika secret in case there was any planned attempt on her life.
“Good eve. How are things faring?”
“Quiet, thankfully.”
She flashed him a smile. “I won’t be long. I just need to walk off some of my late meal before I retire.”
“Enjoy your walk. The sky is clear, and the moons are beautiful tonight.”
“That they are.”
She continued down the path and toward the open courtyard. From here, the two pinkish orbs appeared brighter and bigger in the heavens. Their combined light was enough to where none of the sconces had been lit, and none would be until they vanished below the horizon.
Along the far end was a semi-circle of stone benches. Going over to them, she sat on the nearest one to watch the moons rise.
