Soldiers of Legend by Stephen L. Nowland

Author:Stephen L. Nowland [Nowland, Stephen L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Fantasy
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Watching Sayana and Kerik talk together over food was an awkward experience for everyone, filled with awkward pauses and subdued conversation. The freshly roasted venison that had been provided became something of a distraction to the two Akorans, who toyed with the food in an attempt to give them time to think of things to say.

Despite having lived only a few days journey from Akora for most of his life, Aiden knew little about their daily practices and rituals. Of course, having lost a good portion of his childhood memories, it was entirely possible he once knew of such things, but the experiences had been discarded when Salinder saved his life. He sometimes wondered what had been put in its place.

Even as they sat on the comfortable cushions enjoying their food, Criosa continued to press Morik for aid. The chief, clearly unused to speaking with a woman of equal authority, was choosing his words carefully. Despite this, the chief of the Akora was adamant about his position — they could not help others before sorting out their internal issues. Robert, who had returned in time for the meal, wasn’t concerned.

“From what I could see,” he said quietly, “Morik couldn’t send more than a few dozen men to help us anyway. In spite of appearances, most of their warriors are further south. This camp is primarily comprised of women and older men. But he’s right — those to the south must have a world of respect for the chief, because I don’t see what else is stopping them from rolling right over this quaint little picnic.”

“He certainly seems quite worldly,” Nellise added in little more than a whisper. “Judging by what he and the princess are speaking of, I must assume he’s done some travelling in his youth.”

“You sound surprised,” Robert remarked dryly. “Akora is close to many places that store knowledge, such as Culloch in the east, or Trinity on the other side of the mountains. Actually, what I find surprising is that more of these people don’t take advantage of this. It’s almost as though they revel in ignorance.”

“There is still a great deal of this culture that offends me,” Nellise retorted. “Their treatment of women is little short of institutionalised slavery.”

“I never said they were perfect,” Robert suggested as he sank his teeth into the last slice of meat. “They’re much like any other, in that they have their good and bad people. Morik’s one of the good ones, and I’d wager that most of the people in this camp are like him.”

“That reminds me, there’s something I’d like to go and investigate,” Aiden remarked. “It seems the talks will be continuing for a while, so I doubt I’ll be missed.”

“What are you going to look at?” Pacian whispered.

“The cave,” Aiden replied. “My memory of our last visit here is a little blurry and I want to take a closer look at the walls. I think they might be the same kind as the hole I fell into years ago.

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