Desert Siren

Thirteen

Commander Sentel led Samson forward, holding the reins as Tavan wearily climbed onto his back. He unlocked his cuff with the small key after Tavan passed it to him, remaining silent. Handing the cuff and key back, he hoisted Jayza into Tavan's waiting arms, then stepped back, fist on his chest.

"Tell the men that after that garbage is cleaned up and the stone removed, they have the rest of the day free." Tavan jerked his thumb at the dead body still lying in the middle of the square, his voice weary and his shoulders slumping with exhaustion.

"And Rufus's body?" Commander Sentel stepped back, his tone deferential.

"Dump it in the desert, far away from Sim Hanji, and let the carrion eaters feast." Jayza inhaled sharply, shocked at the lack of respect shown. Rufus may have committed a crime, but he had still died with honor and Tavan's disposal of the body was both shocking and appalling. She considered voicing her opinion but quickly quashed the idea. Tavan would neither listen nor be happy that she once again interfered in his business.

"Your gear?" Commander Sentel waited expectantly, his voice even.

"Have one of the Raptors drop it off."

"Consalto, Golden Eagle," the Commander said, giving Samson room to move.

"Consalto, Commander Sentel. And thank you." Tavan clucked his heels, sending Samson trotting down the street. Townspeople scattered at his approach, hiding their faces as he passed. Jayza completely understood their fear. Tavan's face was set in hard lines, and he looked neither left nor right, his body rigid with anger. She remained silent, terrified to open her mouth. When they reached the inn, she meekly slid down, waiting silently as he instructed the stable hand on how to care for his horse. Following him to their room, she stood quietly as he unlocked the tether from their wrists.

"Tavan..."

"Not now, Jayza. I'm not in the mood."

"I was only going to offer to tend to your wounds. And help you bathe if you want." She fought to keep the anger out of her voice, pitching it low and soft. Tavan looked at her in surprise, his hands halfway through undoing his armor.

"Not arguing? Or voicing your disapproval? I'm surprised, little one."

"Your men are your concern. How you discipline them, especially when they fail to obey you, is up to you. Whether I agree with the punishment or not, it is not up to me to tell you how to deal with those under your command. Besides, I can see this gave you no pleasure." Jayza kept her tone neutral. She clasped her hands in front her, remaining very still.

Tavan dropped onto the bed, still gazing at Jayza in surprise. He lifted a leg, tugging on his boot and letting it drop to the floor before starting on the second. "This is unlike you, Jayza. You usually have an opinion about everything. Even things that don't concern you."

Jayza took a minute to get her thoughts in order. She might not be happy about what had happened today, but she knew she had no right to interfere. And while she normally wouldn't hesitate to offer her opinion, this time she knew it wouldn't be accepted and might send him into a rage. He was in enough pain over what he had just done, and she had no wish to hurt him any further. Choosing her words carefully, she stepped to his side and dropped to the floor at his feet.

"I'm a prisoner," she said. "You've granted me a lot of freedom, both in my actions and my words. And for that, I am grateful. But even I'm aware those freedoms have limitations. Your rules are clear, at least from what I can see, and your men are aware of them and aware of what the consequences are for not following them. Rufus chose to not follow, knowing perfectly well he would be punished for it. Had you not followed through, you would appear weak and would lose the respect of your men. I have no right, especially as a prisoner, to tell you how to run your outfit."