The Portal

V 5.2 The Taú

"Dear Mr. Yezekael,

Thank you for reporting on the matter involving Miss Afia and Miss Ainsley. I believe that the consequences of this disagreement could have been more serious. I spoke personally with the ambassador of the Afia Clan. Considering that there was no greater damage to the integrity of Miss Ainsley, and considering the danger of the upcoming war, we agree that the best alternative is to keep Miss Afia in Shailaja.

Kral Ür points out that the Afia are important allies of the Rariff and that it would not be fair to leave their heiress helpless or unprotected. It is necessary to keep her safe as to all the other members of the future of our nobility. I ask that we not value this quarrel between girls.

May the gods guide you,

Aldéric Bailey"

Enzo Yezekael read the letter without much surprise. Faced with the events, the normal procedure would have been to expel Miss Afia of Shailaja, returning her to her family. They could, with future negotiations, accept her again in another year, when she would be more mature.

However, Yezekael knew that Adaeze was an important heiress among the clans and could not expel her without the endorsement of Ür's advisers. Also, this was the year of the Ceremony and, being expelled, Miss Afia would lose the chance to receive proposals. Enzo was not oblivious to the rumors that she intended to become the next Krali Rariff.

To be honest with himself, Yezekael didn't want to kick her out. He knew of the dangers surrounding Shailaja and would not like to expose any of his pupils to them. He considered Adaeze an inconsequential young woman. However, her behavior could have killed Véronique's daughter. He had little understanding of female relations but believed that Adaeze acted out of envy and jealousy. Yezekael sighed. He wanted Noa to marry, but he could be sure it wouldn't be with this girl. He knew how much the Rariff heir was fond of Daria. Adaeze's attitude would only repel him.

It's a shame the young lady turned out so despicable. Despite Bailey's request to treat the case as a silly fight between girls, Enzo would have a conversation with Adaeze about the incident. He couldn't get it out of his mind that it was an assassination attempt and that if she was able to put another young woman's life at risk, she could try something else as dangerous as this.

***

- My Kral - called Éric Bailey, stopping outside Ür Rariff's office.

- Come on in.

- I bring news of the South.

Éric waited another sign from the Kral while Ür kept quiet. The Kral was sitting behind a large dark mahogany table. His tall, strong body wore a dark blue, almost black uniform. His gray hair was cut close to his head, and he sported a gray beard. With energy, Ür stood up and walked to a long table, where several maps were displayed.

- Go ahead.

- My Kral, I have received reports from Hiwot. We are not under attack, but I feel it is my duty to warn about the presence of mercenaries in the region.

- Why do you say that?

- Our men reported thefts on peasant property, and cases of rape and death of young girls on the area. Some girls are missing.

- Is there any indication that it could be the doing of taú soldiers?

- Yes, sir. The body of one of the missing girls was found a week ago. That's when our commander on the scene wrote this report. Would the Kral allow me to read a passage?

- Go on.

- My Kral, the report contains the following information: "The body of a 15-year-old peasant girl was found this afternoon. She was naked and tied to the roots of a tree in a thicket. We noticed evidence of sadistic sexual intercourse; the girl was tortured. The most troubling is the mark of the Shadow Moon on her back".