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Jayan was at the training grounds when they arrived, supervising the led him out from a distance, surrounded by his white-veiled kai’Sharuhty Everam before the sun set and Nie’s abyss opened

The two men looked up at their approach, and despite their rivalry, Jardir could not deny his pleasure at seeing his eldest sons standing together, leading his forces As children they had drea Sharum Ka and Andrah, a dream shared by their father Already, Jayan had taken his title, and Aso for his

Jayan bowed deeply, but his disapproval was clear as he eyed histhe curfew AsoerJayan had learned well the strategy and fighting skills of the dama in Sharik Hora, but their discipline had been a harder lesson Not for the first ti hi It was difficult to teach a man discipline when he already sat a throne

‘Your warriors stand ready for inspection, Father,’ Jayan said While not skilled at hiding his feelings, he wasn’t fool enough to disrespect his hts aloud It was not out of respect for his father – though they both knew Jardir would not hesitate to put the boy down should he think himself above the Damajah Inevera had instilled fear of her own into her sons, and even now they grew chill at the notion of disobedience

None of your sons is worthy, the dice had said, and in his heart Jardir knew it to be true With thehiht live for centuries, as did Kaji But he was not fool enough to fail to prepare for his death If he could not find an heir to take his place as Shar’Dama Ka, perhaps he could leave Jayan the spear and Asoain he wondered at the secret Inevera was keeping from him Who was the other she had seen?

Inevera took in the assembled warriors, and Jardir felt himself sith pride In the years since he had taken the white turban of Sharuroup of shrinking tribal rowing exponentially in number

Even the asse with precision He had been amazed at how effective the khaffit warriors had proven, and while reenlanders re their hearts The rest would slow the alagai long enough for his real warriors to slaughter theo to Everaed ‘It is as I expected Let us tour the defences’

Jardir tried not to feel stung as he turned to Jayan and Asoe as the Damajah wills The Spears of the Deliverer will see to our protection’

Inevera touched his ar our honour guard’

Jardir looked at her curiously, wishing the sun would set so he could pierce the veil of serenity on her face to find the truth of her intentions At last he shrugged

Jayan turned, giving last orders to his kai’Sharuround on their way to their posts