From the Ashes (The Elder Blood Chronicles, #3)(113)

“Dashara Avanti was one of the first rebels of Sanctuary,” Valor said in a soft voice, his gaze on the carpet. She rose up against her own family. She opposed slavery and tyranny and her family was famous for both. It was said that she was so charismatic that those that followed her would have fallen on their own swords had she asked them to. In the three years of her rebellion she managed to bring the entire land of Avanti to its knees and freed nearly every slave in the country. The stories about her say that had she survived another month her rebellion would have been a complete success and Avanti would be an entirely different country from what it is now.”

“The term Dasharan has been coined for those who seek dramatic change and have the potential to accomplish it, Jala,” Vaze added with a smile. You were never being insulted by the use of the word. Fiona Veirasha was called Dasharan while she lived and you know how well the stories speak of her.”

“And I promise you will not suffer the same fate as Dashara herself, nor will you die young,” Valor said in a louder voice, his words etched with sincerity.

Jala looked between the two of them and then back to Vaze. “How did she die?” she asked softly, not at all sure that she wanted the answer.

“Hemlock,” Vaze replied simply without a hint of emotion to his voice. His dark eyes were watching Valor carefully, his expression neutral. As always, it was impossible for Jala to gauge what he was thinking.

Jala shook her head slowly and looked back to Kithvaryn. “I don’t want change, General. I want survival. Change could come later perhaps, but for now, survival is the only goal. I can protect my own lands, but I cannot protect Goswin. Will you at least consider my offer?”

Kithvaryn studied her thoughtfully and then turned slowly to Valor. “Would you fall on your sword for her boy?” he asked in a mocking tone.

“Without hesitation if she asked it of me,” Valor replied evenly with a tight smile. “If you, however, are suggesting it, you can go straight to hell,” he added in a colder voice.

Kithvaryn snorted in what Jala thought was amusement but she wasn’t sure. Turning his gaze once more, Kithvaryn looked at Sovann and raised an eyebrow. “And you?” he asked his voice still mocking.

“I don’t actually carry a sword. So I suppose I would have to borrow Valor’s for that,” Sovann replied with a slight shrug. The mage’s tone was light and conversational but his expression was dead serious.

“Such blind loyalty confounds me. Do you think she would do the same for either of you?” Kithvaryn asked in a disgusted voice.

“She faced down the entire Justicar order for me without being asked,” Valor answered coldly, his dark blue eyes narrowed in irritation. She has battled a Divine for me, despite my objections. I’ve watched her nearly kill herself to give life back to a nation that she holds no ties to. Yes, I think if it was required she would do so without hesitation. However, it is my sworn duty to keep her safe, so I think asking her to fall on a sword for me would be rather redundant.”

“She is my sister by the marriage she shared with my brother. Beyond that, she is my friend and I trust her,” Sovann said softly, once Valor had fallen silent. I know without a shadow of doubt that Jala would never ask me to harm myself intentionally nor would I ever ask it of her. If you are asking, however, if she would put herself in harm’s way on my behalf, then I would say yes without hesitation. That is simply the sort of person she is. In every action Jala has taken she has considered others first,”

“Now ask the important part, Kith,” Vaze prompted, his gaze on the general once more.

“And that would be?” Kithvaryn asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Would I do such a thing for my niece?” Vaze supplied the words with an almost predatory smile.

Kithvaryn’s eyes widened in shock and he watched the Fionaveir closely as if he expected Vaze to burst into laughter at his own words. “Would you?” The general asked finally after a long silence.

“No chance in hell of it. My swords would already be occupied cutting down any who oppose her. Do you oppose her Kith?” Vaze answered the savage smile still on his handsome face.

“Are you threatening me in my own keep, Vaze?” Kithvaryn demanded, his voice filled with disbelief.

“Of course he isn’t,” Jala cut in once more, her eyes wide as she stared at Vaze. She had no idea what he was doing but it certainly didn’t seem to be helping her cause any.

Vaze sat in utter silence for a long moment, his dark eyes locked on Kithvaryn before he slowly let the smile fade from his lips and relaxed in his chair once more. “Dasharan, Kith. Do not underestimate her and do not underestimate those that will help her. I will support her and I will not allow you to hold her for ransom, I want you to be clear on that. If you oppose her we are enemies and I am a very dangerous enemy. If you mean her no harm and simply wish to refuse her offer for contract we don’t have a problem. I truly think you should consider her offer though.”

“I know very well how dangerous you can be. I assume that is why the Fionaveir sent you this time rather than Solace as they did before. Though I must say, Solace has much better manners during negotiations,” Kithvaryn said stiffly.

“Solace is dead. Had she still been among the living they might have sent her and Hawk to speak with you again, but they both died to the Blights in Glis,” Vaze said with a sigh. “They sent me because they knew I would make it here and make it back. These are dangerous times, Kith, and sometimes you have to make concessions. They sacrificed manners in favor of survival when they chose their envoy. We both know I always survive.”