Oathbound: The Emperor's Conscience, Book 2 by Michael Combs

Author:Michael Combs [Combs, Michael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Longship Publishing, LLC
Published: 2021-02-03T22:00:00+00:00

First Date

“Was that necessary?” Shani asked, eying the bag in my hand.

“Yes. The Mata sent a message, and I am obliged. To not respond would be rude, I think.” I called to Willem, who had run ahead, and he trotted back to us.

“Willem,” I said, “come. We are going in here to arrange everything for your new home.”

“Do I have to go?” he asked. “It looks boring in there. Besides, I want to show off my new clothes to my friends.” Willem pointed to a group of ragged kids playing near the fountain in the square.

I took in the bunch. They were dressed in much the same manner Willem had been this morning. I made a mental note to ensure Brother Balinar received enough funds to clothe any child that came to the temple, whether they lived there or not.

“That’s fine, but don’t run off. And stay out of the fountain. When we are finished, we will go eat somewhere nice. I don’t want you dripping water all over the restaurant.” Willem took off in a run toward the group.

“Shall we?” I asked Shani, who was still eying the bag.

“You’re not taking that in there, are you?” she asked.

“I can’t very well leave it on the steps,” I said. “We’ll come back out to find the kids there playing footie with the contents in the middle of the square.”

Shani huffed and stormed toward the bank doors ahead of me.

“Slow down, dear. You shouldn’t be moving so quickly in your condition, love,” I called overloud to her back just inside the doors to the bank. She stomped to a halt and wheeled on me, stunned. She looked quickly around to see who heard my accusation. In short, everyone heard it, and all eyes were on us. She raised her finger and aimed the deadly instrument straight for my face, then took a deep breath, ready to annihilate me, when a voice sounded beside us.

“Are congratulations in order?” an older gentleman said. He was thin and had a wiry, grandfatherly gray look to him. He wore fine clothes that distinguished him as a more senior employee of the bank. He smiled proudly at us both and clapped joyfully. “How wonderful. My own daughters have gifted me with five beautiful grandchildren. I hope the same and more for you two.” He patted us both on the cheeks and beamed. “Now, what can I help you with?”

I smiled at the man and turned to Shani, who was still poised to strike. I placed a hand on her finger and gently pushed it down. “Now, now, love. Best put that away before you hurt someone. It would be a shame for anyone to run into that who didn’t deserve it.”

Shani finally seemed to catch onto my little act and pursed her lips in a scowl.

The gentleman chuckled and clapped me on the shoulder. “Ha. Have to keep them well in hand, don’t you, young man? Well, don’t be too harsh. It seems you have a good one there.

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