As if
his clanmate had read his mind, Clajak spoke up. “My father, do you know
anything about that High Commander? The one named Bevau?”
Yuder
regarded his son with an emotionless gaze. Seeing the Nobek emperor like that
gave Egilka more pause than when Yuder got mad and yelled. Something of a
hothead, it was never a surprise to see the man explode, particularly in the
Royal Council chamber during a debate. However, everyone knew it was when Yuder
was quiet and seemingly detached that he was his most dangerous. He was easily
the most daunting of the Imperial Clan, a trained killer who did not suffer
fools or their nonsense. His tongue was as sharp as his blade. To be rebuked by
Yuder was to have bits of one’s soul sliced off.
Clajak
knew that better than anyone. The temperamental son often didn’t see eye to eye
with his equally volatile father. It didn’t keep the prince from respecting and
idolizing Yuder, however.
After
giving Clajak that dispassionate look that gave no hint of his feelings, the
corner of Yuder’s mouth twitched. “My son, why am I not surprised you would
find one like him interesting?”
The
turn of phrase caught Egilka’s attention. He inquired, “One like him?”
One
steel-colored brow lifted at him. “Surely you noticed, Egilka. Bevau is a dual
breed. He’s classified Nobek, but he’s also half Imdiko.”
So that
was the elusive quality Egilka hadn’t been able to name. Dual breeds were not
often diagnosed when a male child was categorized, but they were almost always
either Dramok-Imdiko or Dramok-Nobek. The nurturing Imdiko nature was seen as
opposed to the warrior Nobek mentality.
Egilka
marveled, “That’s quite the rarity.”
“Yes,
it is.” Yuder considered for a moment before saying in a musing tone, “Most of
my kind would see such a person as a joke to our breed – and an unfunny one at
that. I’m sure more than one in a fit of rage has tried to kill Bevau for
daring to be named one of us. However, Urb is impressed with him. He says Bevau
uses his quieter instincts to his advantage. He does not act hastily, working
to come to peaceful solutions before crippling or maiming his foes. He has
earned his rank as a high commander many times over.”
Clajak
was as thoughtful as his sire. “I’m surprised he wasn’t classified an Imdiko,
as there are so many fewer than Nobeks.”
“Nobek
Bevau has a capacity for violence that offsets the nurturer aspect when he’s
angry.” Rueful appreciation tinged Yuder’s voice.
Egilka
pointed out, “He tossed those recruits around quite handily.”
“Yes,
he did. That tendency to lightheartedness while he was doing it is not a Nobek
trait however.” The emperor shook his head, as if put off by such a display.
“It’s no wonder he’s not clanned, even with his rank and outstanding history of
service.”
Clajak
asked, “What about his parent clan? He had plenty to say about his fierce
mother.”
“Urb
says they are at the forefront of conservation of our planet’s natural resources.
Bevau’s mother heads the lobby for that and is a vocal proponent of taking care
of Kalquor’s environment. The high commander wasn’t kidding when he threatened
his soldiers with her. She’s taken a swing or two at opponents when she’s felt
insulted.”
“Feisty
Matara,” Egilka said with admiration.
“Urb
says rumor has it she put the lawyer for a logging interest in the hospital
once.” Yuder chuckled at the thought, his lean face delighted to talk of such
clashes. He added, “Bevau’s Nobek father is a head officer with this
continent’s Wildlife and Natural Resource Protection Enforcement. They are a
highly-ranked family.”
Egilka
glanced at Clajak. His Dramok had gone quiet. That meant he was thinking, which
usually led to trouble of some sort. Clajak did appear to be deep in thought, a
half-smile playing on his lips. Yes, the prince was plotting. Egilka knew that
look all too well.
In most
cases, the expression on his clanmate’s face would have elicited a groan from
the Imdiko. However he thought that this time Clajak was likely planning on how
he could get his hands and other body parts on Bevau. Instead of a groan,
Egilka was forced to smother a grin. He was not averse to finding out what a
dual breed was like in the sack.
Which
way would Nobek Bevau turn when aroused? Forceful? Caring? Maybe a little of
both? The potential someone like the high commander presented was too enticing
to not be considered.
Releasing September 2015
