Page 79 of The Study of Fire
“By helping us, you will also help your country,” Valek said.
“We can do it on our own. We don’t need you or Yelena.” Leif turned to her. “You could never have been a true Liaison, little sister. Ever since we’ve been in Ixia, you have revealed your true loyalties.”
“Is that what you believe?” Her voice shook with her outrage.
“Look at the evidence. At the first sign of trouble, you run for Ixia. We could have returned to the Citadel and explained everything to the council.”
With a grief stricken expression, Yelena said, “The council will not believe us. I told you what Irys said.”
“But what if you lied? You know I don’t have the power of mental communication on my own. You don’t trust us, so why should we trust you?”
It was worse than he’d thought. Yelena had not only pushed Moon Man away, but apparently the others as well.
“Believe what you want, then. Valek, can we do without him?” she asked.
“We can.”
The Commander stared at Valek. “Youwilltell me your plans before you disappear again.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good. You’re all dismissed.” The Commander stood.
“What about us?” Leif gestured to Moon Man and Tauno. “Can we return to Sitia?”
“Consider yourselves guests of Ixia until this unfortunate incident is resolved,” Valek said. If they returned to the Citadel, they would be immediately captured and killed. Staying in Ixia would keep them safe.
“What if we no longer wish to be guests?” Moon Man asked.
“Then you will be our first prisoners of war, and your accommodations will not be so luxurious. It’s your choice,” the Commander said before leaving.
Leif glared at Yelena. Valek signaled Ari.
Ari nodded and stood. “We will be happy to escort you to your quarters.”
Valek shifted his weight as Leif glowered at Ari. Moon Man seemed unperturbed, but Tauno’s brow was creased with worry. Eventually, they followed Ari from the war room.
Janco took up the rear guard position. He flashed Yelena a smirk. “Training yard, four o’clock.”
“You need more lessons?” She countered with her own smirk.
“You wish.”
Her smile faded when the door closed. Not sure what to do, Valek remained seated on the far side of the table.
“Is it that bad?” she asked.
“It’s a situation I’ve never encountered before. I’m worried.”
“About Ixia?”
“About you, love.”
“Me?”
“I’ve always been amazed with how you can draw unwanted attention and ire from powerful people. This time, though, you managed to get a whole country upset. If I was the Commander, I would wait out the political strife in Sitia and then offer you to the victors in trade for Ixia being left alone.”
“Good thing you’re not the Commander.”
