A flare of
unaccustomed fury seared Rivek’s chest, surprising him. A sense of
protectiveness rose within him. It was a good thing he was no fighter. The urge
to—to—to do something was strong.
Rivek wasn’t sure what, since he abhorred violence. Yet he had the most
unpriestly impulse to make Lanjur regret his oblique warning.
Instead, he steadied
himself and responded mildly. “I should hope Ospar would be content wherever
life takes him.”
“He will be, as long
as you do your part. If not—well, he got lucky during the Eruz affair. It would
be a shame for his luck to run out. His Nobek’s too. So what do you say,
Master? For the benefit of us all, especially your friends?”
There it was. Not a
threat against him, but against Ospar and Jol. An overt attempt at intimidation
to get Rivek to turn on the two men who at times meant more than his
long-sought enlightenment. A statement that his refusal to act against their
interests could result in their deaths.
Despite seldom-felt wrath
firing his temper, Rivek kept his tone quiet. “For the benefit of all, you say?
Oh, most certainly, I am for that.” He couldn’t stop himself from narrowing his
eyes at Lanjur. Let him receive a warning in kind. “As to your offer—I think
you’d best begin to consider your post-public servant life. With Ospar rising
in the polls as he is, you’ll be in the private sector soon.” Rivek rose to his
feet.
Lanjur’s face
reddened. One Nobek took a step forward, his gaze deadly. Lanjur lifted a hand,
and the glowering brute stepped back again.
They have this terrorizing act down to an art. Rivek had believed
for a split second that the Nobek could indeed live with the dishonor of
striking a priest.
He’d had all he
could stomach of the coercion and bullying. He bowed, pretending to be as
unflappable as possible. “Thank you for a most illuminating conversation. And
good luck to you in your fairly-fought election, Councilman.”
Releasing November 17, 2017
So excited for this one!
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