Not of This World (Warriors of Risnar) by Tracy St. John

Author:Tracy St. John [John, Tracy St.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Carina Press
Published: 2018-02-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Later that day, Jeannie and Kren received a visit from Mekay. Kren’s guardian told them, “The Elders Council is on our way to consult with the Assembly. Yees thought it best we present Jeannie’s case directly to our ruling body.”

Jeannie watched for Kren’s reaction to this news, since she didn’t know whether it signified good or bad things headed her way. Unfortunately, Kren didn’t know how to take it either. “Do you think it will help or harm our case?” he asked Mekay.

“I welcome the chance to tell the Assembly in person what I know,” the elder said, his smile attempting to reassure Jeannie. “Try to be patient, though. It might be several days before we receive any answer. In non-emergencies, the Assembly does nothing without lengthy contemplation and debate.”

“My supposed creation by the enemy isn’t deemed a crisis?” Jeannie couldn’t help the note of sarcasm that crept into her voice. “That’s reassuring.”

Mekay patted her shoulder and teased. “Since the preliminary medical results turned up no sign of biological engineering, you’re not even close to being a calamity.” He sobered again. “The majority of the council is convinced you’re not a Monsudan creation, which we will report. Given that, the Assembly will take their time in deliberating the best way to proceed.”

While Jeannie snorted to learn she’d not been catalogued as a disaster waiting to strike, she was relieved that her life was in no immediate danger. She’d begun planning for the contingency of running away and hiding in the woods again if things looked chancy. Kren’s assurances of protection notwithstanding, she had no intention of giving herself up peacefully to execution.

Gurnal had opted to accompany Mekay to the Assembly’s seat of governance since he would be gone for several days. It was his idea for Jeannie to visit their home and make use of their library, stored in the computer system.

“You can work on learning our language. The translator program can also help you become familiar with our literature and the way we think,” he said. “Once a delegation from the Assembly comes to speak to you, you’ll be better acquainted with our culture.”

“What a wonderful idea,” Mekay enthused. He dipped the tips of his pointed ears at Jeannie, which she had figured out was the Risnarish equivalent of a teasing wink. “Now you know why I keep Gurnal around.”

She laughed at his fooling, but she was delighted with the plan as well. “He’s no dummy,” she agreed. “Thank you for the opportunity.”

* * *

Before he left, Mekay took Kren aside. “Zvan, I am sure Jeannie will be quite safe once the Assembly hears all the evidence the council has gathered on her. However—”

Mekay’s voice died. Kren rarely saw his guardian so uncomfortable. “Yes?”

“Between you and I. No one else.”

“Of course.”

Mekay drew a breath. “Ready the warriors you trust the most. Prepare them.”

“For what?” Kren’s eyes narrowed.

“To attack the hive Jeannie came from.”

Kren’s hearts nearly stopped. Attack the hive?

The Risnarish did not engage the Monsuda in large battles, but they trained for it.

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