Because his father had warned him to stay as far away from Kaydor as possible. It had been his dying appeal. Zoper hadn’t understood why then, nor did he now...but he’d trusted his father.
It was different now. Surely his father wouldn’t still want them to decline Kaydor’s help, if it meant his three children starving and homeless? Perhaps whatever had occurred between the two brothers…perhaps his father had overreacted. Surely it wasn’t so drastic as to necessitate Zoper, Jakkit, and Yaila living in destitution.
He met his uncle’s expectant look. “If you’re sure…then all I can say is thank you.” Yaila and Jakkit came first, and this was what was best for them. Besides, while Kaydor couldn’t be held up as a shining beacon of perfection to humanity, what founding had Zoper’s father really had to not trust him? Zoper knew only a man who loved his family, who believed in justice, who was brilliant as well as a skilled warrior. He had no reason not to trust him.
Kaydor smiled widely. “Of course I’m sure, lad!” He moved back to the bed, sitting beside him. “I’ve wanted you three to live here for years. Your brother and sister can have the best tutors, or, if you think it’s better, they can go to the finest school in the city. You can continue your education too, and you certainly won’t be skipping meals anymore. I’ve never seen you so gaunt, Zoper; I wish you’d come to me earlier.”
“I should have.” He managed a slight smile. “And truly, thank you. Won’t you at least let me keep working, some job, so I can pay off the debt myself? You shouldn’t have to—”
“Oh, enough about the debt! Don’t you think I have a few spare silvers lying about?” Kaydor laughed, only to grow more serious, and place his hand on Zoper’s shoulder again. “But, there is one thing I would ask of you. I want you to begin elite military training.”
He probably didn’t do as good a job of hiding his consternation as he should have. “What?”
“Remember that training you did with your father and I? You were a natural, Zoper! You were born to the blade, trust me. And the best leaders have not only knowledge and experience in politics and laws, but also the battlefield. The best leaders earn the respect of their fellow warriors and citizens long before they take on a role of authority. I want you to have that opportunity. One day, you may even be the captain of the elite military group I’m putting together, the Tarragon.”
“But…” He grimaced. “I don’t think I’m a natural. I enjoyed training with you and Father, but to be in actual combat, I’m not sure—”
“Zoper.” Kaydor’s hand became a little heavier on his shoulder. “I’m asking this because I believe it’s what’s best for you. And, because I need someone I can rely on out there. Won’t you trust me on this?”
Zoper drew in his breath. This man was offering him a castle to live in, stability and education for his siblings, even to pay off his debt. And he certainly knew better than Zoper how to best prepare him for his role as prince. The steady pressure of Kaydor’s fingers around his upper arm made him nod jerkily. “Of course. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have argued.”
“No need to apologize.” The hand released his shoulder, the smile returned. Kaydor got up. “I’m glad you’ll stay, Zoper, I’ve missed you three. Get some sleep. And,” his eyes sparkled merrily, “enjoy your dessert.”
4
Dragon
N akelsie was talking about her?”
Talea rubbed her thumbs against her fingers. “Um, well, no, I think it was Ki who mentioned her name…then, I mean, Nakelsie said they shouldn’t talk about her, and so did Haeric…” She tilted her head sideways slightly, trying to get a glimpse of Yhkon’s expression. Behind him in the saddle, she couldn’t see much. “I was just, well, curious. I thought maybe—”
“Didn’t Nakelsie and Haeric tell you it would be better not to talk about it?” his voice came low, icy.
Her tongue felt clumsy, making her stutter on a reply. “Well, yeah, I just—”
“I don’t want you to bring it up again.”
She flinched. “I’m sorry.” Whispering the apology only made her feel pathetic.
Yhkon stopped Eclipse and dismounted without another word. “Everyone get off and walk, give the celiths a rest.” It was hardly a friendly command. All scattered conversation ceased. Leather creaked as everyone obeyed, but no one spoke until the lead Warden had gotten a ways ahead, leading Eclipse with his shoulders rigid and head down.
Talea hadn’t moved from where she’d landed when someone tapped her softly on the shoulder. “Talea?” It was Ahjul. He and Terindi had stopped beside her. “Are you okay?”
She blinked, turning again to look at Yhkon’s departing back. Grrake had jogged to catch up with him. A brief exchange, in which Yhkon looked like a snarling dog ready to bite. Grrake cringed, as she had, and didn’t try to talk to him again.
“Yeah…” She pursed her lips and nodded. “Yeah.”
“Want to walk with us?” he offered. Terindi didn’t say anything, but her pale eyes were both concerned and welcoming.
Another nod. She fell into step with them, Ahjul leading his celith by the reins. He gradually started talking, not consistently, just enough to distract her. Neither she nor Terindi responded much, but he didn’t seem to mind. Wylan joined them, silently. Hands in pockets with thumbs out, eyes on the ground. His tread hardly made a sound beside her, despite the tall, swishing grass they walked through. Something about his presence was calming. His mute, moody presence. Because why wouldn’t that be calming.
Talea glanced sideways at Terindi. It had been only two days since they’d left Luriville. A band of Elikwai was taking the rest of the Vegns and most of the other San Quawr villagers north, toward Calcaria, while the wards and Wardens traveled west, toward the next unsuspecting teenager with lightning at their fingertips. Rikky, was his name. Yhkon had said it would be easily two weeks before they arrived at his village, possibly more.
Despite having been uprooted from all she’d ever known so recently, and thrust into a group of strangers who already knew each other, to traverse the region collecting more strangers…Terindi seemed to be doing quite well. She remained composed and serene, as seemed to be her constant state. Even though she was reserved, she was also settling nicely into the group. Everyone accepted and liked her. There wasn’t much not to like—she was easy to get along with. And, fortunately, she and Ahjul seemed to get along especially well. Talea could tell he was excited, perhaps a little nervous, and eager to be the girl’s protector, mentor, and friend to the best of his abilities.
In some ways, she was jealous of Terindi.
Yhkon didn’t currently seem eager to be her friend, after all. His goal appeared to be isolation. He was doing quite well at it—nearly twenty yards ahead of the rest of them, yet the anger practically radiated from him even at that distance.
To be fair, it probably hadn’t been a brilliant move on her part to ask about Tessa, when Haeric had made it clear it was a touchy topic. But how were she and Yhkon ever supposed to have an open, trusting relationship, how were they supposed to be Warden and ward…friends…if they couldn’t be honest with each other? If he wouldn’t let her get to know him?