Taryn watched Kason’s face and gestures as he gave a booming speech. Whatever he said made the women nod and stand taller. Even at her side, Kalahn stood a little straighter.
With a clap, Kason turned from the crowd and walked up to Taryn. He tugged her to the side and whispered, “I’ll check in later. I’m counting on you to help Jerrick. If anyone can convince a female that she can win against a male, it’s you.”
She smiled. “Watch out, or you might have a mini-army that can take you and your men down.”
“Unless they have poisoned darts, I’m not worried.”
“I might just have a few.”
He nearly smiled. Taryn had a feeling if they had been alone, he would’ve laughed. “We’ll talk later. Good luck, Taryn Demara.”
“Luck? More like ‘I rely on your skill, oh great human.’”
Shaking his head, Kason murmured, “Human females.”
She bit her lip to keep from grinning. She needed to be more distant with Kason in front of the others.
Clearing her throat, she made a fist and thumped her chest, like she’d seen the Kelderans do earlier. “I won’t let you down.”
With a nod, Kason headed to Kalahn. Taking that as her cue, Taryn walked back to Jerrick. They acknowledged each other, and he motioned toward the exit. As Taryn took up the rear, she ran through several training options inside her head. Prepping the women in a few days to full-fighting force was impossible, but even a few well-rehearsed moves could trick the unsuspecting.
No matter, she would succeed. Not just for Jasvar’s future, but for her own, as well. There was no way in hell she would let Kason down.
~~~
Kason stood with Thorin inside the cargo bay command center. They watched from behind a glass wall separating them from five females, who sat in front of individual computer panels. Each one was studying the basics of cargo bay mechanics. While it was impossible to teach them everything, he just needed them to fool the enemy if they boarded the ship.
Thorin changed the position of his arms over his chest. Since they were alone in their section, and the walls and glass were soundproofed, Kason decided he’d put off the conversation with Thorin long enough. “I know you don’t approve. However, I need to know if you will follow my orders. I can’t be second-guessing my second.”
Thorin glanced at him. “I’ve always followed orders.”
“In the beginning, yes. But recently, you’ve been making decisions that you should’ve cleared with me first.”
Looking back to the females on the other side of the glass, Thorin replied, “You are the one who should be careful. I’m close to proving who the human female is to you. Once that happens, I can assume command. Then I’ll call off this ridiculous exercise and implement a winning strategy.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Speak freely.”
Thorin raised his brows. “Are you sure that’s wise?”
“Threats aren’t wise. I’m one of the few who knows the true identity of your father. You were lucky that you inherited your mother’s looks. If our superiors knew you were half-Brevkan, you never would’ve been allowed into the army. You owe my father for your mother’s pardon and the fake birth register.”
“I am Kelderan. I claim no allegiance to the dishonorable animals who raped my mother and left her to die. And let’s not forget it happened while she was trying to save your aunt, I might add.”
“My father has repaid that debt already. So let’s just make sure your allegiance is true for this mission. Do your duty, avoid gossip, and I will find you a position so that you can command your own ship. Try to betray me or usurp my place, and I will ensure you are banished and never employed as a warrior ever again. Understood?”
“As long as you speak the truth once the battle is complete, then I will go against my better judgment and follow your plan.” Thorin met his eyes. “However, the crew has a right to know the human is your bride.”
“If that is true, the people will know. Dealing with the upcoming threat is all that is important.”
“The female has made you soft.”
Kason wanted to punch the bastard for insulting Taryn, but resisted. “Your loyalties?”
“I vow allegiance, your highness.”
Thorin’s words dripped with disdain, but Kason was going to give him a chance. “Good. Then oversee this work while I check on the others.”
Without another word, Kason left the room and exited the cargo bay. Bringing up Thorin’s secret was risky, but his second needed to understand his place. Until Taryn had boarded the ship, Kason had never had reason to question Thorin’s loyalty. He suspected Thorin was acting this way partly due to his own future, or lack of one. While his appearance seemed Kelderan, there were other signs that could reveal his Brevkan father during a sexual claiming.
In other words, Thorin may never find a bride of his own. No Kelderan female would want to be associated with a half-Brevkan male.
Of course, joining the colony might solve that problem. Kason would have to think about it.
As he finally reached the training room, he opened the door and stepped inside. Taryn stood in front of the class and was repeatedly saying, “Volunteer?” in Kelderan.
As no one stepped forward, Kason answered, “I’ll do it.”
Her eyes met his and her lips curled up ever so slightly. Yes, sparring with his human bride would be a good way to forget about Thorin for a little while.
The females cleared a path for him. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed their looks of awe. Kason’s status as a general was well-known, but apart from mandatory celebrations, he tended to stay out of the public’s eye.
Watching a human female try to best him was unthinkable to his people. He hoped none of the Kelderan women would suffer heart attacks.
He reached the front and waited. Taryn finally said, “Computer, interpret into Kelderan until I tell you to cease.”
“Understood.”
Taryn faced Kason. “When facing an opponent who is bigger than you, the key is to focus on their weaknesses.” Once the computer caught up, Taryn continued, “Even the strongest warrior has vulnerable spots. However, your greatest advantage is playing on their arrogance. Most men will see a cowering female and expect her to be an easy target.”
Motioning him to come at her with her hands, she ordered, “Try to tackle me.”
He wasn’t going to pass up the chance. However, Kason approached slowly, and they circled one another. Eventually, Taryn tripped and tumbled to the ground with a smack.
Afraid she had broken a bone, he rushed down to her. As he checked her for injuries, she kneed him in the groin. Pain shot through his body and Kason rolled to the side. Taryn then kicked him in the kidney.
As Kason tried to gather his wits, Taryn said, “Cowering is good, but so is feigning weakness. This may not work on all enemies, but it’s a start and gets you thinking outside the box. Now, work in pairs and think of how to attack a vulnerable part of a male as they try to attack you.”
The computer translated, and Taryn crouched down beside him. While his balls still throbbed, he found his voice and murmured, “Was that necessary? The Brevkan won’t fall for your injured female trick.”
“Maybe not, but it broke the tension. Look at the others.”
Kason managed to roll to his side. The women were busy pointing out places to attack or discussing how to disarm someone in a less than honorable fashion.
Taryn’s voice filled his ears again. “See? Your pain has a purpose.”
He wanted to tell her she had payback coming, but Jerrick came over to him and asked in Kelderan, “Are you all right, your highness?” Jerrick glanced to Taryn and back. “She’s quite the feisty one.”
Kason sat up and answered in the same language. “Believe me, I know.” He slowly stood and forced himself not to cup his genitals. “What do you think of the women? Will they be ready?”
Jerrick looked to the crowd. “I was skep
tical at first as no one would even speak. However, the human seems to understand them better than me.”
“She is clever, but you understand the Brevkan. Make sure to cover their strengths and weaknesses, too.”
“Of course, your highness.”
Both watched as Taryn walked among the women. As Jerrick’s gaze drifted down to Taryn’s rear, it took everything Kason had not to punch the male in the face.
Their mission couldn’t be over soon enough for many reasons.
Kason spoke up. “Then I’ll leave the training in your capable hands. I’ll check back later if I can. Otherwise, you can report everything at the meeting at the end of the day, before evening meditation.”
Jerrick made a fist and pounded his chest as he bowed his head. Kason did the same and exited the training room.
For once, he was glad of Taryn’s language barrier. It gave him less competition.
Chapter Sixteen
Vala Yarlen stood at the perimeter of the main command area and tried her best to blend in with the wall.
From the day her genetic scan had signified her inability to bear children at age six months, she’d spent her life in the comfort of the citadel with the other Barren. There no one treated her differently or tried to hide their pity. She was simply part of the Barren family.
However, last year, she’d petitioned to assist on one of the starships and had been accepted. Since then, her existence had consisted of her blending into the background and only speaking when required. Others in her group dallied with the warriors, but Vala had never worked up the nerve.
Besides, her main assignment had been caring for General Kason tro el Vallen, the younger prince of Keldera. To say he was intimidating was an understatement.
However, after meeting the human female named Taryn, Vala had finally mustered some of her confidence and asked to be assigned to her and the other two females.
She’d never envisioned being treated as an equal of the other women.
Syzel, the warrior instructing them, came over and murmured, “You either need to participate or leave. It’s your choice.”
His words were neutral, which was an improvement over Lt. General Thorin’s disdain earlier.
Taking a deep breath, Vala moved to one of the consoles at the back of the area. After typing in a set of instructions, she brought up the flight simulator. As she controlled the computer, guiding the ship through an asteroid field, the rest of the room faded away. Like most of the Barren, she’d spent a lot of time with simulators since their access to the outside world was restricted. She easily reached the target at the end and smiled.
To her surprise, Syzel’s voice filled her ears again. “You’ve done this before.” She nodded but never met his eye. He ordered, “Bring up level 15.”
She did as he asked and again guided the ship. This time, it was through a debris field that also included five other vessels, one of which fired at her and she had to dodge the blasts. When she reached the end, the male spoke again. “How would you feel assisting the other females?”
Daring a glance, she whispered, “Must I?”
“I can make it an order if need be, but I’m asking you to do it. You’re ready for real-life flight instructions, and I need to get the others up to speed. That way we can try a few short shuttle flights.”
Her lips parted at the thought of flying for real. “We’re going to take a shuttle out?”
“Provided enough of you are ready, yes.” He studied her. “Will you help?”
Syzel didn’t look at her with desire or hatred. All she saw was curiosity.
Even though facing the women wasn’t going to be easy, this might be her only chance to feel and act as a non-Barren female. For years, she’d convinced herself she was content with her life. But the thought of flying a ship and not blending in with the wall sent a little thrill through her body.
It might only be for a day, but she could pretend she was normal.
She bobbed her head. “I’ll try.”
He smiled. “Good. Go to Fia. She needs the most help.”
As Syzel left, Vala met Kalahn’s gaze. The princess tilted her head in question, but Vala gave an imperceptible shake of her head. She could fill the princess in later.
Vala walked over to the female named Fia and forced herself to keep her head high. Even if all of the females hated her or treated her as lesser, Vala would soldier on. This could be the only opportunity in her lifetime to fly a shuttle, and she wasn’t going to pass it up.
Stopping next to Fia, Vala cleared her throat and said, “I’ve been sent to help.”
The female looked up at her and blinked. “But you’re one of the Barren. How do you know how to fly a ship?”
She kept a smile pasted on her face. “I just cleared level 15 of the simulator. Syzel ordered me to help. Will you let me?”
Fia searched her eyes. “What’s your name?”
“Vala.”
“Well, Vala, I can use all of the help I can get. I run a set of shops on Keldera and this is completely different from what I’m used to.”
The woman’s occupation enlightened Vala as to why the female was speaking to her—the Barren purchased many goods and any store owner would want their business.
A small voice inside Vala’s head said maybe it was because the woman was kind, but she pushed it away. After all, Vala had been burned too many times in the past when she’d trusted someone too early.
Bringing up the flight simulator, Vala focused on instructing Fia on how to maneuver the ship. She may not be able to control how her life would play out long-term, but for the foreseeable future, she was determined to fly. Helping Fia was her top priority.
~~~
As the last woman filed out of the training area, Taryn faced Jerrick. She blinked. The warrior was grinning at her.
Before she could ask the computer to interpret, Jerrick did, and the computer said in CEL, “Good job today. But before you leave, let’s have our own sparring session. I want to see how good you are.”
Since she didn’t have a reason to refuse, she nodded. Jerrick made a motion with his hands for her to attack.
They circled one another. Since she knew he wouldn’t fall for any of the tricks she’d taught the women, Taryn kept an eye on his feet. If she wanted any chance at winning, she needed to get him on the ground.
Jerrick rushed at her, but Taryn stepped to the side and whipped around. However, Jerrick was already facing her again. Damn, he was fast. She would have to try something else. If only she had her daggers, she would have a better chance at besting him. Sadly, Kason had forbidden her to bring them to the training class.
They each waited for the other to attack. She feinted left and then dove headfirst between his legs. She managed to punch his testicles as she slid through, but he barely grunted. Before she could get back to her feet, Jerrick pinned her down and flipped her onto her stomach. With who knew how many pounds of muscles on top of her, Taryn knew she was trapped.
She had much to learn about hand-to-hand combat with a fully trained warrior when both her weapons and her element of surprise were gone.
The computer translated Jerrick’s words. “I wish to claim my prize for defeating you. Have dinner with me.”
She muttered, “I’m pinned to the ground, and you want dinner? Such a lady killer.”
Even without her asking, the computer translated and Jerrick chuckled. Again, the computer interpreted, “I have always admired strong women, even if it’s not the norm on my planet. I want to better know the leader of Jasvar. You may just convince me to join the colony.”
“If an agreement can be reached.”
Before the computer could say anything else, Kason’s voice was curt. While he spoke in Kelderan, even Taryn could tell he gave an order. Jerrick slowly stood up and released her.
Once Taryn was upright again, she looked between the two males. While Kason’s gaze was stoic, the tightness of his jaw told her he was barely restraining hims
elf from doing something stupid, such as punching his new trainer.
Taryn walked up to Jerrick and put out a hand. “Thank you for the match, but I must postpone our dinner. There’s much to do, and I couldn’t give you the attention you deserve.”
The corner of Jerrick’s mouth ticked up as the computer finished her words. Then it interpreted his. “I will call upon you at a more convenient time, warrior ruler of Jasvar.”
Jerrick bowed, and Kason touched her shoulder. The prince muttered, “Let’s go.”
With a final wave, Taryn followed Kason out into the hallway. Aware of eyes and ears everywhere, she remained silent until they reached her quarters. Before the door slid shut, Kason darted his eyes toward his room and back. He wanted to talk with her.
Wanting to keep him in suspense, she shrugged and shut the door.
Kalahn’s voice filled the room. “I hope you don’t keep him waiting too long. Otherwise, his temper will be awful.”
Taryn faced Kalahn and noticed Evaine was nowhere to be found. “I’ll talk to him eventually, but he needs to cool down a fraction before I do. Where’s Evaine?”
“She messaged to let me know she’s staying with Enishi for a few more hours. Apparently, she wanted extra sessions.”
She smiled. “Evaine may not let him go until she’s gleaned everything she can from him.” She sat across from Kalahn. “How did yours go?”
“The flight simulations went pretty well, for the most part. I was second in the class. Surprisingly, Vala was first.”
Taryn moved to get a clean dress. “Vala did better than you?”
Kalahn nodded. “Yes. Apparently, she’s been practicing with a flight simulator for years. She even helped one of the other women with her training.”
“Did that go okay?” She asked as she changed clothes. “Considering what I know of the Barren, they usually keep to the shadows.”
The Conquest (Kelderan Runic Warriors Book 1) Page 15