Nordain’s gray eyes crackled with fury. His voice was controlled. “How old are you, Thealos?”
“You know very well how old I am. That’s what this is all about, isn’t it?”
“This isn’t a debate. I expect you to answer the questions I pose you. Obedience is the First Order, not a Rule of Forbiddance. Now, do I ask too much to have you give me your age?”
“Tomorrow, I earn the age of seven Silvan years.” Oh, the debate was only beginning!
“And what do Shae youths do at such a distinguished age?” Nordain prodded. “What is the tradition of our people?”
“We are told by the Council Elders that we must tithe one Silvan year to the service of the gods. To whichever god we choose.”
Nordain took a sip from the wine chalice. He rubbed the lip of the cup with his thumb as he contemplated. “That is correct. And after that you have your entire life to waste or flitter away as you choose, Thealos. You know we live much longer than our human neighbors in Dos-Aralon. And if you so desire, you could waste thirty of their lifetimes pursuing your own selfish ends.” Each word stung as he spoke. “Can you please explain to me why you cannot fulfill such a token responsibility then? To give back one-seventh of what you’ve already been given, not to mention the dozens more you have ahead of you. I tell you, young man, that if you despise our ways this much, that you cannot bring yourself to make even a paltry offering…you do not deserve to associate with those who have and those who do.” The gray eyes flashed menacingly. “Please, do share with us what gives a lad of your limited age and experience the wisdom to know what it best for you, when hundreds, even thousands of your forebears have done what is expected with willing and grateful hearts.” He shrugged with the incomprehensibility of it. “Do you feel the length of service is too long? One Silvan year. That is all, and then you have your entire life to yourself. Or are you afraid you may learn something? That you might learn to forget your own selfishness and be of service or betterment to the Shae? Is that what you fear, Thealos?”
“May I answer yet?” Thealos asked, wrestling with his anger.
“Yes, you may. I expect to hear an answer from you. I want to know what gives you the right to abandon our traditions.”
Thealos swallowed. “Council Elder, my deepest fear is that our traditions are destroying us as a people. In Vannier’s name, let me finish!” he said when he saw Nordain open his mouth. “For once, listen to me. Truly listen. Our people once controlled this valley. But we have given it over to Dos-Aralon. They have taken it away from us, piece by piece. We may control the trade along the Trident River. We may barter with the humans and reap their riches. But there will come a time when they will cross the river. We must start preparing for it, Elder. My calling is to go among them, to understand their ways, to try and teach them ours like was done when the Shae first came to this world. I love our people.” He felt tears start to choke him and quickly cleared his throat to stifle them. “More than you will ever know. I love my family and I know my choice is hurting them deeply. But I’m convinced of this, Elder Nordain. If we do not take sides this time, the Shae will lose to whoever wins. Dos-Aralon used to be our ally. Now we only sell them weapons and food. But the Bandit Rebellion is getting stronger. It’s worn on long enough – and you can’t deny that it’s affected us. It’s barely safe to trade in Sol any more. This is our chance to change what will become of our people in the future! And I tell you, Elder Nordain, that I am also convinced the reckoning will happen before one Silvan year is through. I’m hearing talk of war in the Shoreland by summer. We cannot stand by while it happens without us – again.”
Nordain smoldered. Thealos saw it in his eyes that he didn’t believe him. Nordain set the goblet down and folded his arms imperiously. “Are you privy to the secret council of King Silverborne? Do you discuss war tactics with the Legion Army commanders? If it is war you crave so much, choose Keasorn as your calling and join the Shae army. We know what’s going on in the valley better than you think. If we got involved in every little…”