Page 17 of Tiger's Trek
Veru’s brow knit together, the only indication that he’d surprised her. “Thank you, I think.”
“You’re welcome. Now, the first thing you’ll need to know is that this ‘land,’ as it were, is a dreamworld. It has been fashioned by your White Shaman as a test. This is standard for your, er, tigers, from my understanding. If all goes according to plan, you will pass your tests, acquire your various gifts, and learn what you need to know to help you in your life’s purpose along the journey.”
“I see.” Her mind reeled with questions. How she wished Zakhar was with them. At least he would have paper and ink so she could write down everything. “Before you continue,” she said, “don’t you think it might be best to wake Danik? This does pertain to him too, I’m assuming.”
“Oh yes, it does, of course. But if you’d prefer to let him sleep, I don’t mind visiting with you alone for a bit. Whatever you’d like me to repeat for him, I can. In his current state, he’s unlikely to remember all the details, but it doesn’t hurt, in any case. Is there anything pressing you’d like to know about before he wakes? Something you’d prefer to keep between the two of us, perhaps?”
“That’s an interesting question, considering you’re a perfect stranger to me.”
“You’re absolutely correct. It is rather forward. Maybe you’d be more comfortable if you knew me better first. I’m an open book about most things. Ask me whatever you like.”
“Very well. Are you a shaman?”
“No. In my past, I was a military adviser. I trained the princes of my country in battle strategy and different forms of combat. Then I became something of a businessman.”
Veru frowned. “You went from combat to a tradesman?”
Kadam smiled. “It does seem like something of a step down, to your way of thinking, doesn’t it? But isn’t that what emperors and kings do? It’s all a game of chess, or you would better know it as a game of bezique. They just barter in politics, laws, armies, and borders rather than goods. When you think about it, there isn’t much difference between two warlords moving soldiers on a battlefield, two kings moving armies across a city-state, or two merchants moving cargo ships filled with cloth, tea, or fish.
“All those scenarios are simply games of wit. Sometimes, yes, it’s about strength and power.”
“But more often the outcome depends on who is the cleverest rather than on the hand you’re dealt,” Veru finished.
Kadam laughed. “Precisely.”
“And did you train your princes in strength, stealth, or smarts?”
He smiled. “Yes.”
“So, did your young tiger princes on this other world successfully accomplish these tests as well?”
The man blinked. “Now, I never said?—”
“You didn’t have to. I may be young, but I’ve traveled much of the empire, and my parents have taught me to observe people and question them well. I’ve never seen the type of fabric you’re wearing or heard your accent before.”
“Perhaps, but that doesn’t mean?—”
Veru held up a hand. “There is also much to be learned in what a man doesn’t say. When I ask certain questions, and you hesitate or choose your answers carefully, it tells me you are hiding information. Then I sort out the information you do tell me from the missing pieces and put together the puzzle. You don’t belong here, do you, Anik Kadam?”
Veru was proud of herself for watching and choosing her words so carefully. She’d always been outspoken. Too much so, according to her mother. Perhaps being a tiger and not having a voice had been good for her. It had given the tsarevna the opportunity to observe rather than blurt out her first impression. She’d also learned the benefit of a second pair of eyes. There was great value in working with a partner, even if there was the occasional disagreement.
The man paused and sipped his tea, but his eyes were twinkling.
“It’s all right if you don’t want to tell me, you know. I don’t need you to confirm it. You answered the way I would have.”
He lowered his cup and smiled. “You are quite bright, my dear. What a leader you’ll be.”
The light in Veru’s eyes dimmed at that comment, and she looked away. “I’m not meant to be the next tsarina. It needs to be Stacia.”
The man cocked his head. “Why do you believe that?”
“No one will listen to me or take me seriously. They just want to marry me off and flounce me around in big dresses.” Veru looked down, picking at the fabric of her skirt. “Much like this one,” she said with a grimace. “All they want is a pretty doll to auction off to the most advantageous suitor. That’s not who I want to be.”
“And why do you think all they will see is your outward appearance?”
“It’s all most people see.”
“Maybe. But character runs deep. You can show them more.”
