Lizard War 02 The Helverti Invasion by John Dalmas

Author:John Dalmas [Dalmas, John]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, General, Action & Adventure, Space Opera, Science Fiction
ISBN: 9780743471695
Google: L-SaaKXu4_UC
Amazon: B00APA1B4O
Publisher: Baen Books
Published: 2003-10-27T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 26

Gavan Feeny Debriefed

"Thank you, Jamie," Frazier said, and sent his page back to the orderly room. Then he turned to the visitor the boy had brought, a man dressed in Higuchian travel habit. "Master Freddy," Frazier said, "I am Captain Keith Frazier." He motioned to a chair, and both men sat. "Thank you for sending word of your arrival. I trust you slept well after your long day in the saddle."

Freddy did not correct him. "I slept quite well, thank you captain. Your page said you had someone you wanted me to meet."

"I do: a young man from the Dkota, Gavan Feeny. He was born in the duchy, on a farm west of here in Killibegs, in the barony of Tasnad. He was stolen by Dkota raiders at age eleven; he'd made a good impression on the raid leader by trying to protect his mother." Frazier grimaced. "She in turn was killed trying to protect him. One might wish our king had been there to witness it.

"From that point Gavan was brought up Dkota, and with kind treatment and youthful resiliency, became Dkota himself in every way—except for his early memories. So at age fifteen—with his foster father's approval, I should add—he came back to see if his younger sister had survived. Then, preferring hunting to farming, he returned to Many Geese.

"Yesterday he returned to us again, with very troubling news. And since you've come as Master Luis's deputy, you need to hear what the boy has told us."

"You have my attention."

"The kernel of his message is that the Dkota and Ulster have formed an alliance with two buffalo tribes from farther west—from what Gavan calls 'the red grass country.' Allied warriors from those tribes had begun arriving at Many Geese—and that was four days ago—to take part in an invasion of Sota. And I do not say 'invasion' carelessly; Mazeppa's stated purpose, Gavan says, is to drive us 'dirt-eaters' out of our country. One might be excused for wondering if we can withstand such an attack, weakened as we are by a molli king who doesn't believe in self-defense."

"Indeed."

Freddy's one-word reply reminded Frazier. "But of course it's Gavan you want to hear." He stepped to the door. "Jamie, tell Gavan I'd like to see him, please." He turned back to Freddy. "During Gavan's earlier return we talked at length, and he told me much about the Dkota: among other things, that they consider it rude to order or interrupt. As a people, it seems they are generous, not demanding."

"Thank you, captain. I'll keep that in mind."

A minute later the page was back at the door, followed by a tall, strong, sun-darkened youth. Freddy had been expecting someone smaller, more vulnerable seeming. He got to his feet, and Frazier introduced them. Gavan met Freddy's extended hand, his own hand firm but mild, not squeezing.

Briefly Frazier took charge, not launching into what was wanted or needed, simply telling the youth that Freddy was from Ilanoy, far to the south. That

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