Rising slowly, Neph dropped into his chair once more and tossed the rag on the side of the table. He leaned forward on his elbows and let out a long breath as he watched her. It was obvious that there was more to this display than anything he had said, but how much more he had no idea.
“I want to change that, Neph. I don’t want Legacy to grow up in this world. I don’t know anyone who speaks of what a happy life they have lived. Everything is pain and suffering or loss and loneliness. I want Legacy to look back on his life and smile rather than cry,” Jala continued, her eyes moving from her arm to his face. “Vaze is right. I do have so much to talk with you about, but please tell me what you mean about your people. I need to understand where all of the nations stand before I can continue my plans.”
“Isn’t that supposed to be Symphony’s job, Jala? Your focus is supposed to be Merro,” Neph said calmly. He knew all too well what Jala was like when she got obsessed with an idea. “You paved the road, remember? You don’t have to continue down it. You have shown others the direction they need to move.”
“You saw the council last night. They won’t simply walk the path I point in. I will have to goad them the entire way like a herd of pigs,” Jala grumbled. She rubbed her face and waved a hand in irritation. “Symphony is supposed to do it, yes, but that missive that was sent out is proof that she isn’t doing it. Delvay, Glis, and Merro were left off that list. Does she really think if she simply ignores us we will sit peacefully at home and hope she does what is right? Those are three names from our side of the alliance. Without us at the High Lord’s council to vote, our enemies have the majority.”
“Are we even sure our vote will count for anything? Symphony may plan on simply using the High Lords as advisors,” Neph pointed out. “Well then, whichever one she is taking advice from right now needs to be smacked upside the head,” Jala grumbled. “I have three months to get everything straightened out before the first council in Sanctuary. After that I will know how much work I have to do on the rest of the world.
If Symphony impresses me, I will focus on Merro alone. I won’t hold my breath for that, though.”
“I will hope she impresses you, then. Your focus needs to be here, Jala.” Neph sighed but couldn’t help smiling at her. “Bloody Dasharrans. It’s never enough with your kind,” he grumbled as he shook his head at her slowly.
“I don’t know about Dasharrans, but I know it’s not enough for me. Have you gotten any reports from the other nations at all? It’s all so depressing and I’m just not sure where exactly to begin,” she sighed and frowned at him. “You still haven’t told me where you stand with your people. I thought reclaiming Delvay would be our first move, but now I’m not sure,” Jala said with a frown.
“They follow me and acknowledge me as leader. I began the debate with them about coming to Merro and they pissed me off so I stoned them. The people of Delvay are in the bottom of my travel bag at the moment,” Neph explained with a shrug.
“Neph!” Jala gasped her eyes widening. “Neph, you can’t do that!” she added with a bit of alarm. “That is not leadership, Neph. When your people upset you, things must be solved logically. You can’t just say bugger off and put them in a rock until it’s convenient to deal with them.”
“Why? They are out of the way for now and I can focus on what I need to do without their hassle. Besides, I’m Delvay. By our laws, I do exactly what I want because I’m the strongest. I want them all in storage stones and out of my sight for a while,” Neph replied with a smirk.
Jala’s eyes widened again and she shook her head at him. “No, Neph, that’s just bad,” Jala murmured still shaking her head at him with a dumbfounded expression. “You have to let them out now, Neph,” she added firmly.
“Mmm. No,” Neph replied with a smile. “They really, really pissed me off, Jala. Let’s just think of this as time out for the kids and leave it alone for now. What else do you have planned other than reclaiming Delvay? I have to admit my homeland is my highest priority. There are things about Delvay that no one realizes and I have to reclaim it before the Rivasans discover them. It’s possible that there is something you have in mind that is more urgent, though.”
“You are just trying to change the topic,” Jala frowned at him, her expression still filled with disapproval.
“True, but you wanted to tell me about it anyway so I’m not asking for much,” Neph agreed with a shrug. His smile faded as the kitchen door opened. He stared at the girl for a long moment before he recognized her from the camps in Arovan. Her long leather coat was wrapped tightly around her and the heavy hood was pulled up concealing most of her pale face.
Jala smiled and waved for her to enter the kitchen but the girl balked and started to back out of the door. “Zoelyn, it’s OK. This is Neph. He is a very good friend of mine,” Jala said calmly and waved once more for her to enter.
“She knows me, or at least she has seen me before. I believe I was ripping a man’s tongue out before breaking his neck when we met,”
Neph explained with a smirk.
“Well, that explains why she looks ready to bolt,” Jala replied dryly.
“Valor said to tell you that Lord Dark is here with Havoc,” Zoelyn said quickly and Jala lurched from her chair at her words.
“Here? Now?” Jala gasped, her hand flying first to her hair and then to her tunic with a look of panic.
“I wouldn’t forget the flour on your face, either,” Neph added calmly and it was nearly impossible to keep the amusement from his voice.
“Hence, why I say you need servants.”
“Bugger it all,” Jala growled and looked from the oven to Neph then back again before turning to Zoelyn. “Please, Zoey. I know you are unsure of Neph, but please just stay in here a few minutes to get the tarts from the oven. I can’t greet them like this.”