Two Masters (epic progression fantasy)

Chapter 30: High Judgment

As they entered the capital of Solinia, Omrai spared a final glance at the fields of grain, ceratops tilling the earth or pulling harvesters. Each field was separated by a thirty-foot tall wall, topped with spikes. They were good for dissuading not only carnivores, but invaders too.

The central road leading to the gate was the only easy way into the city, and as wide as it was, any attacking force would still be funneled. He'd broken sieges here before. One by Sendeval, and one by Koyeji.

The gates themselves were at least forty feet tall, allowing all but the tallest brachios easy entrance. And once inside, Omrai looked at the stegos which walked along several layered platforms on either side of the gate, their massive chains slowly pulling the gates open.

"Greetings High General Omrai Speartip Abaddon!"

Omrai restrained a groan and breathed out his nose in frustration.

Jamiel, Yishai's personal messenger, rode a silk-adorned gallimai and wore a regal uniform, not a crease in sight. His lips bore the constant half-smile of someone who considered themselves important, eyes glinting with pride.

"High Judge Yishai Abaddon commands you and your companions to dine with him," Jamiel said ceremoniously. "He has been expecting you."

Omrai sighed. "Tell him we're on our way. We need to change first."

"He indicated that for no reason should you delay." Jamiel said, chin upraised.

Omrai could see right through the act. Jamiel was nervous.

"Fine," Omrai snapped, "We're coming."

Jamiel jumped, nodded, and rode off.

Omrai rubbed his forehead. He turned to Revin, and his eyes widened. "You don't know the rules of Ateyan dining."

Revin cocked his head, "Well, you eat food , right?"

"Tradition is very important to my brother. Therefore, you've got to learn the proper protocol. I will go over the rules on the way."

"Don't worry," Shifra said, riding her gallimai next to Omrai's, "There are only a hundred."

Omrai ignored her. He looked at Kaiato. "I don't know about you."

"I know your traditions," Kaiato said.

Omrai frowned. "Yishai won't appreciate a Koyejian at his dinner table." He sighed. "But we have no time."

"I can eat with the soldiers," Kaiato said.

Omrai shook his head. "You're still a Koyejian. I don't want to find your corpse in an alley."

Kaiato frowned. "So, what do you want to do?"

Omrai let out a sigh. "I need to deal with High Judge Yishai as soon as possible, and I don't have time to protect you. You will come to the dinner, and you will not speak."

Kaiato nodded with a deep bow of his head. "Yes, sir."

Revin listened as Omrai spouted a long list of rules to follow and topics to avoid. Revin grew distracted with the crowds and beggars, but Omrai forcefully called his attention back.

The rules told where to place certain silverware, in what order to eat what, and that he was to wait until Shifra, Omrai, and Yishai had begun eating. At the end of the dinner, he was to stand up with Omrai, bow, and say "Like a feast for a crushjaw." Apparently, that was the common name for the tyrannos.

The topics he was to avoid were religion, Narazoth, Jebuthar, Revin's home island, politics, the war, the pronunciation of Shevidaro, Revin's father, Ismander, the metal monsters, and his abilities as a beastspeaker. Revin furrowed his brow. Did Omrai not want him to speak at all?