The Girl Who Wrote on Water by Evelyn Puerto

Author:Evelyn Puerto
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Evelyn Puerto

30

For once, Eliana observed, Shirdona’s face wore a somber expression. Her cousin was nodding in agreement with Adakizh’s vow. The Zhilakhurs and Alaf-Shilams were staring at Adakizh with appraising gazes. Only the Saumarotas wore dubious frowns.

Out of the corner of her eye she glanced first at Corban, then Ormolai. Corban’s fingers tapped his chin in what she recognized as his usual gesture when a student had given a particularly astute answer. Ormolai was harder to read, but judging by his slow nod, he was granting Adakizh a sliver of respect.

She nibbled her lower lip. They weren’t openly rebelling. That was one thing. Some were giving Adakizh tacit approval. We can work with that. She leaned back in her chair, relaxing the muscles of her spine she hadn’t realized she was holding tense.

Adakizh placed his hands on the table, palms down, spreading out his long fingers. “Then let’s get to work. The Zhilakhurs will concentrate on defending the river mouth, and work with the other downriver families to do the same for the rest of the rivers. Tavkatseen Shirdona, Tavkatsi Batraz, you oversee the accounting and distribution of supplies. You other four supervise the foraging and transport of supplies to warehouses.” He stared at Eliana. “I presume you have volunteered your accountants and scribes to assist?”

His arrogant tone took her breath away. “Yes,” she replied. “Keerios Corban will find the proper people. Keerios Theron can help, and General Alecto can inventory our supply of weapons.” She glanced at Ormolai. He needed a task, to make him feel important and keep him busy. “Oh, and my cousin can conduct a census of mages, so we know which magical powers we’ll be able to count on.”

Adakizh flicked his gaze from her to Ormolai. “That’s another good idea. See to it.”

She clenched her jaw. She didn’t like this, not one bit. The sneering and icy condescension, treating her like a vassal servant rather than a ruler in her own right. He knew she wouldn’t protest, not in front of his fractious nobles. Keeping her tone even, she replied. “Very well. Keerios Corban, cousin, I am confident I can trust you with this.”

“I know what needs to be done, Your Wisdom,” Corban said.

She hoped he understood that the Ymittosians needed to be well armed, in case some Nafplians or Chorokhese got any ideas about ridding themselves of her people.

“That will be all,” Adakizh said. “You have work to do.” He pulled a wax tablet toward himself and began writing on it.

A clear dismissal. She gestured with her chin toward the stairs, a silent command to Corban and Ormolai to leave without her. She sat mutely while the Chorokhese followed her advisors to the stairs.

Shirdona was the last to depart. “Oh, my sunshine,” she said, “when you’re ready to plan the royal wedding, come to me. I’ll fill you in on how to conduct one properly.” Her mouth twitched. “And I wouldn’t wait too long. The people need a reason to celebrate to take their minds off this mess you’ve made.

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