The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Four: In the Beginning

by Melissa Collins

  Not wanting to endure the spectacle any longer she waved her hand in a dismissive gesture, hoping no one sensed her unease. “Please, return to your seats. We have much to discuss and limited time in which to do so.”

  A soft murmur could be heard throughout the group, their words inaudible to Kaori’s ears as she lowered herself into a large high-backed chair positioned at the head of the long table, granting a perfect view of everyone present for the meeting. She was immediately aware of the number of faces which were unfamiliar to her. Some Namiren, others Vor’shai. Her mind had been so distracted since her arrival to Namorea that she hadn’t considered just how many of her people had accompanied Therek to escape Carpaen.

  Ramis was seated to Kaori’s right, another tall, muscular man of Namiren descent positioned to his other side. There was something about the strange newcomer that told Kaori he was of great importance among his people. The perfectly polished golden buttons along his doublet were meticulously cared for, lining the front of his chest in two rows, puffed outward in a show of confidence as Ramis returned to his feet to direct Kaori’s attention to where the man was seated. “Your Majesty, may I present to you Ghal Ugaro, Captain of the Namiren army. He will be aiding in our battle strategies, if you will allow his counsel. Your language is difficult for him, however, if you speak slowly, he will understand much.”

  “It is a pleasure to meet you, Captain,” Kaori replied, careful to use the proper title in reference to the man. She wasn’t sure what the protocol was among the Namiren, but she felt it more respectful to recognize his station rather than assume it acceptable to call him by his family name. “Your counsel is of course appreciated. Once we arrive on Carpaen soil, we will need all the help we can get to guarantee our men and women are capable of fighting with equal skill to that of the Imperial Army.”

  “With my help…” he started to reply, his tongue pressed firmly against the roof of his mouth in thoughtful contemplation of the language before completing his statement, “your people will become... soldiers.”

  She couldn’t help but smile to hear him speak. So few people on this island were able to communicate with the Vor’shai. It was always a pleasure to discover another who was capable of conversing without need of a translator. “I assume you have met Therek Losuva. He has been appointed as General and charged with assisting in the training of our people as well. The two of you will work closely, I believe.”

  Her eyes trailed over to where Therek was seated, aware of the calm he exhibited in hearing the title bestowed upon him. His return was so unexpected, she hadn’t been given a chance to speak with him about anything which transpired during his absence. With his guidance she may not have experienced the hesitation she felt now in providing details to the assembly. These people wanted her to make decisions regarding a war yet she considered herself the worst tactician in their midst. But she’d lost her opportunity to acquire Therek’s wisdom. All she could do now was fake it and hope everyone believed the false confidence she displayed.

  “I know Losuva. Strong fighter. A good choice, Your Majesty.” Curious, Ghal let his eyes sweep the table. He looked interested in something. Searching for a specific person, though whom, Kaori couldn’t be sure. “Does… the General have a man to… assist in his role? A single man… leading an entire army… is unthinkable.”

  The slow speed with which Ghal spoke made it easier for Kaori to think of a response before his question was fully stated. It was a blessing in disguise. A quick answer made her appear more prepared than she felt, ready to turn the conversation over to Therek and detract attention from herself. “Such positions have been left up to the General to choose. I trust his judgment to pick men worthy of rank.”

  Therek’s brow rose at her words, seeming amused though she couldn’t understand why. There was nothing comical about what she said. In her mind it made perfect sense to leave the decision up to him.

  “I was unaware that I would be tasked with this, Your Majesty,” he stated calmly, the brief expression of surprise disappearing from his angular features almost as quickly as it appeared.

  “We did not have a chance to discuss several things which would have been best covered before this meeting. Unfortunately, that cannot be changed and we will have to work out the details once we are adjourned.” There was a double meaning to her words. Therek was a smart enough man to pick up on her intentions, though she doubted he would indicate whether the message was understood. If he caught her hidden meaning, he would seek her out after the meeting was finished. Until then, she knew he would stick to the issue at hand. It was what he always did.

  “If the decision of structure is in fact left in my hands, then I must appoint Liurn Torust to act as my captain and closest counsellor. His skill with a bow may be lacking, but he can wield a sword better than any man I know who is not a member of the Emperor’s military.”

  Kaori’s chin lifted in disbelief at the name Therek presented. Liurn? After what he witnessed upon his arrival to Namorea, how could he possibly want to work so close with a man who tried to take advantage of the woman he claimed to care about? It was like a cruel joke. Had the roles been reversed between the two men, Liurn would have ordered Therek banished before granting him any form of trusted rank. “This is your honest decision, General? Liurn Torust as your acting captain?”

  “The one and only,” he nodded with absolute certainty. “What say you, Torust? Will you be my right-hand man?”

  All eyes turned to where Liurn sat in silence, watching Therek as if expecting him to say or do something which would indicate the decision to be in jest. Kaori couldn’t blame him. For all Liurn’s talk and accusations that Therek was trying to take advantage of her, it didn’t make sense for Therek to bestow such an honor upon him. Especially not after returning to find Kaori in his arms. “Me?” he asked, hesitant at first before straightening his posture to address Therek with more authority. Kaori could tell he was trying to read Therek’s expression, not wanting to look a fool in front of these people if he fell for whatever game Therek played. To his astonishment, as well as Kaori’s, Therek nodded his head in confirmation of Liurn’s question, reaffirming his decision.

  “As I said, you are skilled with a sword. I have seen you fight enough to know that you will do well in the position.”

  “I… am honored. Thank you – General.”

  The two men stared at one another, neither saying a word for several long moments, as if speaking with nothing more than their eyes. An unspoken challenge. It was more noticeable in the way Liurn let his gaze harden somewhat while Therek’s eyes remained steady, no hint of animosity within their depths the way Kaori sensed in Liurn. Her heart raced in fear that Liurn might say or do something inappropriate the way he always did. His jealousy was out of control when it came to Therek and the idea of taking commands from him as a superior officer no doubt added to his discontent to have discovered Therek to still be alive.

  To her relief the silence was broken by Ramis’s level tone, bringing the focus away from Liurn and back to where Kaori sat in wait for the worst. “It makes sense for the most prominent officers within your military to be Vor’shai, however, I must advise that it would increase morale to those who have come to your aid if some of the commanding officers hail from varying racial backgrounds. Show some diversity. Spread authority throughout the Esai and Ven’shal who risk their lives for your cause. And though you may detest the thought, there are a few humans who deserve recognition for their willingness to support you when they could easily hide behind Sulel’s army.”

  “I have considered this as well,” Therek agreed, his expression unusually solemn as he turned his gaze on Kaori. “As the Queen stated before, there are several matters which will need to be discussed in more depth once we have adjourned. Possible candidates for additional leadership roles outside our own people will have to be worked out with more careful thought.”

  She couldn’t bear to see him look so austere. There was something hidd
en in the depths of his eyes which ripped at Kaori’s core, making it difficult to focus on the conversation taking place around her. The men were still talking. Suggestions of who would be fitting for the positions which were being created. It was odd, in a way. Was this how the first militaries on Myatheira came to exist? A group of men and women seated around a table determining who would assume authority over whom. Everyone seemed remarkably calm. Power was being handed out and yet the faces of those around her remained perfectly composed. Somber. There was no joy in the thought of what they planned to do. It was something that had to be done. Celebration of their newfound rank could happen after the war.

  Therek was talking. Kaori’s eyes watched his lips moving, desperately trying to understand what he was saying but the words wouldn’t reach her ears. She was too distracted. Haunted by the look on Therek’s face when she first saw him standing in the doorway with Ramis and Pehrona. A combination of emotions she couldn’t fully comprehend. Surprise was among them. His recovery had been quick, however. He didn’t allow much time to decipher what was going through his mind in that exact moment before returning to the stoic expression which now seemed molded onto his features. His gaze shifted to her on occasion, meeting her eyes with a slight, almost imperceptible nod of acknowledgement each time, the sound of his voice never faltering. Effortlessly concealing whatever thoughts were in his head. But what was he saying? Something about soldiers. Fighting. Strategy. All the things she should be hearing but was too wrapped up in her own thoughts to wrap her mind around.

  “…that way we take them from multiple directions and make the best use of our numbers.”

  Numbers? Shaking her head Kaori tried to clear the fog which had settled over her senses. He spoke as if they had a significant army. Enough for more than one unit which could be arranged to utilize multiple angles of attack. Could it be true? Had his mission to Carpaen really been that successful?

  “We must be wary of the time it will take to make such a plan work,” Ramis chimed in, met with a flurry of nods and murmurs of agreement from the others at the table. “An army cannot be trained in a day. The Imperial soldiers will hear whispers of our intentions before we have a chance to put our plan into action. Especially if we all arrive on the Carpaen shore together. Several ships docking in the harbors are sure to catch the attention of someone.”

  For the first time since arriving at the meeting Kaori noticed a faint smile twitch at the corner of Therek’s mouth to hear Ramis’s concerns. “That is why we will not arrive at the same time,” he stated matter-of-factly. “I can take some men with me and tie off in Gavir. A few weeks later, Captain Ugaro can lead another group to the docks further south, in Tiav or Ranoch. The Queen can follow last, accompanied by the remaining Namiren troops. By then, we will have had time to teach our people to fight. They will not be experts in battle, but it is the most we can hope for.”

  Liurn’s brow rose, eyeing Therek curiously. “We need more than a few weeks to teach these people to use a sword. That is hardly enough time to provide even the most basic lessons.”

  “Extensive training is not something of which we have the luxury to offer.” It was an argument though Therek’s tone remained even, unfazed by Liurn’s questions, despite the condescension Kaori heard buried in the challenge. “If we space our arrival to Carpaen, we may be able to stretch beyond a month. I cannot believe we would make it more than two without being discovered.”

  “Why not bring them here? We could provide a safer training atmosphere if the Imperial Army is nowhere around.”

  “You suggest we bring thousands of our men and women across the Nahpoa? We do not have the vessels to accomplish such a feat and the time it would take to do so would leave Carpaen unsupervised for too long. Our resources are limited, Captain, as well as our time. Keep that in mind.”

  “Two months is not enough –”

  “It is all we have. Our people must dedicate their days and nights to learn how to defend themselves or they will die. You might be surprised how strong a person can become when their life and their loved ones are threatened.”

  Liurn shook his head, frustrated by his inability to change Therek’s mind. “I think you put too much faith in survival instincts.”

  “Our Queen is a perfect example,” Therek said simply, rising to his feet to gesture toward where Kaori sat staring at him in awe. He had such a powerful presence. She found it difficult to believe that anyone would argue when he spoke with such confidence and authority. “She possessed no formal training yet she picked up a weapon to fight when Sulel threatened her family. A few lessons were all she needed to improve her skill enough to be sitting here alive today. If you cannot put more faith in the strength of our people and their desire for freedom, then maybe I was wrong in my decision to name you Captain.”

  Fists clenched, Liurn struggled to maintain his composure. Kaori could see the strain visible in every line of his face, biting his tongue. “Kaori… Our Queen, is a special case,” he stumbled over the title, glancing toward Kaori with an apologetic nod before his eyes returned to glare irritably at Therek. “Do you mean to tell me that you expect our women and children to pick up a sword and learn to use it with enough skill to defeat a trained army? I think the salt water is affecting your senses.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous,” Therek’s somber demeanor was broken by an uncharacteristic laugh, short and quiet, but unmistakable. “Only those with an affinity for combat will enter battle. Not everyone can fight this war. We need some to act as physicians. Field medics. Those who cannot wield a sword will be put to use in other ways. It was my intent to submit Lady Pehrona’s name for consideration as head of triage. While Captain Ugaro and I teach our soldiers how to fight, she can teach the others how to save lives. We have the benefit of our internal energy which, if taught correctly, can heal wounds which would otherwise kill the humans.”

  Excited by the thought, Kaori leaned forward, eyes darting between Therek and Pehrona, curious by what was being presented. He wanted to teach their people how to utilize the energy? It was unheard of. For centuries their people had neglected the magic, content to live their lives without knowledge of its use beyond simple tricks for the sake of co-existing with the humans. Even trained Vor’shai physicians avoided the methods which required it. “I must say, I agree with General Losuva in regards to triage,” she chimed in, her voice drawing the attention of everyone in the room. The eyes upon her were overwhelming at first, watching and waiting to hear what she had to say. She wasn’t used to people looking at her in such a way. In many ways she wasn’t convinced she would ever be comfortable with it.

  Therek’s hardened expression softened somewhat to hear Kaori speak, pausing for a moment, his eyes lingering on her, thoughtful, almost wistful in their gentle glow, a hint of his previous sadness once again noticeable. “Are there any objections to Lady Pehrona Tiasi being promoted to rank of commander as head of the medical unit?”

  Pehrona was the only one whose hand lifted, her face panic-stricken to see the nods of approval from around the table. “We should really discuss this more before we make any decisions,” she swallowed hard, turning a pleading gaze to Kaori. “My knowledge of medicine is limited. I cannot guarantee I could train an entire unit when I am still learning myself.”

  “We are all still learning, Pehrona,” Kaori replied calmly. She wasn’t going to let her friend back out. Not now. They were all going to have to do some things they weren’t entirely comfortable with. It was a fact she had long since come to realize. Pehrona was lucky she was only being named commander over a unit rather than Queen over an entire race. “I have hope that we will discover other trained physicians amongst our followers when we return to Carpaen. They can assist you, even teach you if necessary, but you have a natural talent with manipulation of the energy and a respectable reputation. People will trust you as a leader.”

  “I am not sure…”

  “I am,” Kaori nodded defiantly. She hated to force her
friend into something she clearly didn’t want, but Pehrona was the best choice she could think of. Therek was right. There was no better person for the job. And as Queen, she had the authority to make it happen. “Lady Tiasi will be commander of the medical unit. For now, we will leave any remaining positions vacant until we have had a chance to observe our men and women in training. Our time is limited with them, but it will be enough to determine those who possess the leadership qualities we are looking for.”

  Out of the corner of her eye Kaori saw Liurn’s mouth open. Shooting him a look of disapproval she watched his lips slowly come together again, the words he intended to speak never forming on his tongue. She wasn’t going to tolerate his insolence. Therek had been generous and forgiving by offering him the title of Captain. His behavior of late was far from acceptable for a man of any military rank. But she trusted Therek. If he believed Liurn capable of the responsibilities then she had to believe in him as well.

  “What about after the war?”

  Kaori’s head turned to face where the question had come, her eyes settling on a young Vor’shai male seated at the other end of the table. He looked genuinely curious despite the tone of his voice which made him sound discontent, the steadiness of his stare faltering, unable to bring himself to look Kaori in the eye. Was he afraid of her? Intimidated, perhaps. He acted as if she truly was Queen from birth, awed to be in her presence. I definitely will never get used to this… “What do you mean?”