From the Ashes (The Elder Blood Chronicles, #3)(30)
Neph nodded silently and motioned for her to follow as he made his way toward the wagons. Bridgette glanced toward the town before turning to follow Neph with a puzzled look on her face.
“Well, let’s not miss the fun,” Emily said softly to Sovann, and followed along quickly. She studied the knights as she passed, noting the looks of distaste that they gave to Neph as he moved through their ranks. That in itself was a bit confusing to Emily. Usually people had to get to know Neph before they had disgusted expressions on their faces at his approach. Neph was pleasant to look on and was always clean and well dressed, even if he did prefer his dark somber leathers. Most women found him handsome. Until he opened his mouth, of course. Once the first words were out of Neph’s mouth all attraction ended.
Neph stepped up on the closest wagon and moved to the highest point atop several stacked grain bags. With a hand he motioned for the knights to assemble closer. Emily quickly hopped up beside Neph as the knights began to close in and watched anxiously until Sovann secured a place on the wagon’s bench well away from the crushing mass of war horses. Bridgette had regained her own horse and watched silently from the edge of the crowd with the same puzzled expression on her face.
“Pay attention because I will only say this once,” Neph began in a loud voice, causing the area around him to fall silent aside from the shuffling of horses. “High Lady Merrodin and Lord Valor are not currently in Merro. They are on a quest and should return soon. Until that point I am in charge of Merro and therefore in charge of you all. My name is Nephondelvayon. As you all well know the Delvay think that Arovan knights are a bunch of armor clad bitches and Arovan knights typically think that the Delvay are rude *s.”
The crowd of knights shifted again and there was a good deal of disgruntled murmurs from their ranks. “Silence while he is speaking,” Bridgette bellowed, though by her expression Emily guessed she had a few choice words she would like to say to Neph herself.
Nodding slightly in her direction Neph continued in the same loud voice. “Due to that difference in opinion I am going to assign temporary officers to your ranks until Valor returns to sort this shit out himself.” Neph paused and scanned over the crowd and then pointed toward Bridgette. “Bridgette will be the Officer in Charge until Valor decides otherwise. She is the only one of you bastards that is authorized to speak to me unless I initiate the conversation. Is that understood? Just nod. Don’t bother speaking. I don’t have time for it.”
Grudging nods issued through the crowd as Emily dropped down on the bench beside Sovann. “Whose idea was it to put Neph in charge again?” she asked quietly.
“Jail’s, I believe, or Neph’s. One of them anyway,” Sovann replied with a shake of his head. “He certainly has a way with people doesn’t he?”
“If that’s what you want to call it,” Emily replied with a soft chuckle.
“There will be three officers below Bridgette,” Neph continued, once the grumbling had died down again. “Noble, Savy, and Foster. That is your chain of command for now. If you have questions or problems take it to one of your officers. If you have a problem with one of the officers take it to Bridgette. If you have a problem with Bridgette, f*cking wait until Valor gets back. I’m sure he will care, I don’t. Are we clear? Just nod.” Neph paused again his eyes scanning the crowd of knights once more. His gaze lingered for a bit on the two closest to his wagon that Bridgette had pointed out as being dangerous. “That said, let me tell you what will happen if I have a problem with you.” Neph began once more, his gaze still lingering on the two knights who were glaring at him in turn. “If it is a minor problem, I will speak with Bridgette. If it is a major problem, I will bury your ass and point out the gravestone to Valor on his return. In Arovan you answer to a military tribunal; here you answer to me. If I have proof of your guilt, I will not hesitate to act and I may not warn you in advance. The safest course you have is, if you think it is wrong and you may get in trouble for it, don’t f*cking do it.”
“They are praying for Valor’s swift return. You know they are,” Emily whispered in amusement.
“May I ask exactly where Lord Valor is?” One of the knights near the wagon called with anger thick in his voice.
Neph glared down at the man and looked over the crowd once more. Pointing a figure toward the man he cleared his throat. “Here is a perfect example of not listening. I clearly stated that if you have a question take it to one of your officers. I am not one of your officers. If you are speaking to me, chances are you are screwed and I’m about to put you in a hole. Bridgette is appraised as to Valor’s current location. If she feels like telling you all, you will know.” Neph paused and lowered his hand as he shook his head in disgust. Letting out another deep breath he motioned toward the town. “As you can all see we are in a process of building right now. My priority is building shelter for the commons. If you all want a cozy place for your pretty ponies outside of the snow you will be building it yourselves. We have materials available but we do not have the manpower to spare. I know most of you are noble brats and don’t know which way to hold a hammer, but I highly suggest you try to learn. There are no barracks, either, though if you build a stable that may not bother you. From what I hear the knights of Arovan sleep with their horses. Suit yourselves on that matter.” Neph shrugged and dropped down from the grain sacks then paused and looked to Bridgette. “If you would like materials for building you can find me near the center of town. I will see that you get all that you require.”