The Elder Blood Chronicles – Book Three(158)

Valor started to move forward to block his way but Neph pulled him back with a sharp shake of his head. “Not now, Val. He is trying to piss us off. The sorry bastard likely needs Nesra powder to get it up at all,” Neph whispered.

“He succeeded in pissing me off,” Ash said quietly and let out a slow breath. “Are you all right, Jala?” he asked as the seamstress moved off to sort through the stacks of cloth that covered most of the table standing by the far wall.

“I’m fine,” Jala replied, her eyes locked on Legacy who was happily playing on a blanket under the window. Her son had managed to capture Marrow’s tail finally and was trying to figure out how to shove it into his waiting mouth before the Bendazzi managed to free himself once more. Marrow squirmed and twisted in mock agitation always managing to keep his tail just out of range.

“I admire your resolve in this.” The soft voice drew Jala’s attention back to the doorway as the Master of Silence stepped into the room. The woman moved with a catlike grace as she crossed the room to stand before her. “Jexon is…” her voice trailed off as she searched for the proper word to use.

“A waste of air?” Neph offered in a helpful tone.

“A craven sack of shit unworthy to clean the mud from Jala’s shoes?” Valor suggested, taking the cue instantly from Neph.

“Please, I’m sure the lady can find her own choice of words here,” Jala said, desperately hoping they were done. She was quite sure both of them were filled with many more phrases that she didn’t want repeated in front of the snitching seamstress.

“No, either of their choices will do. I might have phrased it more eloquently, but theirs will suffice,” the lady said softly with amusement thick in her voice. Turning slowly she regarded the seamstress who was staring with a look of pure shock on her face. “If you repeat any of what was just said, old woman, it will be the last words you ever speak,” she warned. The seamstress paled visibly and nodded quickly, her attention swiftly returning to the cloth she was sorting. “I do not believe we had a chance to be properly introduced. My name is Sirena. My son tells me that you are remarkable in your will and determination.”

“Your son?” Jala asked as she pointed a finger toward Ash who simply nodded with a smile on his face. It was the first time she had seen him smile since they had stepped foot onto the islands.

Sirena nodded, and though the expression on her face was shrouded by the veil, Jala knew she was returning the smile. “He has warned you about Jexon, I assume?” Sirena asked.

“He has, and I understand this will be a difficult arrangement,” Jala replied. Though from what she had seen so far, difficult may not be the proper word to describe it. She had thought she was beyond insults, but Jexon’s every comment was cutting. In just the few times she had spoken with the man she had felt her confidence slipping.

“Well then, allow me to lesson a bit of the pain of it. The Wraiths support you. The isle of Silence has always supported my son and you will have the best that I have to offer from the Circle of Silence,” Sirena said as she turned back toward her son. “As for you, several of your friends asked me to tell you how pleased they are that you have finally returned. They look forward to speaking with you at your first convenience.”

Jala flicked a gaze toward Ash who simply smiled wider. Apparently that was the sign they were waiting for that would indicate their plan was working. “Please, Ash feel free to visit your friends if you like. I doubt I will be going anywhere soon, anyway.”

Ash shook his head with a smile. “It can wait, Lady Jala. I will stay close by until after the feast, in the event that you have any questions about the culture that I can help with,” he said bowing his head to her slightly.

“What questions could there possibly be about this culture. You are raiders that exist off others like parasites and treat your women with less respect than a civilized person shows a dog,” Valor said with a glare in Ash’s direction.

“Well, in their defense, most dogs I have seen follow orders far better than Jala does,” Neph said with a wink toward her.

“I’m more of a cat person, I suppose,” Jala sniffed and shook her head at the three of them.

“Some of us are as you say, Lord Hai’dia, but not all of us. There are some on this island that would welcome change,” Sirena said quietly as she moved toward the door. “I will pass your words along, Ash, and tell your friends to expect you after the feast,” she said as she disappeared once more into the halls of the keep.