A Spark Against the Shadows (Book Two) Fully Released

Chapter VIII - Pick your Battles

Tara and Kota watched as Echo poured two cups of tea before placing the kettle back down. "Kota, you and your companions have brought a problem down on my city," explained Echo as he handed Tara the drink before glancing back at Kota. "Based on what I have heard from my sources, everywhere you go ends up seeing trouble."

"As much as I would love to dispute that. I cannot."

Kota stared into his dark blue eyes as he shifted his attention to Tara as she added a small sugar cube to the tea before stirring it with a silver spoon. He could not take his eyes from her until he felt his hand tighten under the wrappings. "This time, I assume you are talking about Akar and his men?"

Echo nodded as he shifted around and moved behind his wooden desk while Tara sat down in the chair next to Kota, crossing her legs. She fixed the fabric of her green dress over her knees before taking a sip of her tea and smiled at Kota. He returned the smile before turning to Echo and leaned forward. "Akar has been a thorn in Lucinda's side ever since I met her in that chapel before I was captured by a mysterious woman," said Kota keeping his eyes on Tara rather than Echo before he added, "If I did not need him that day then we would not be in this mess. He was the easiest way to get into the Castle of Baris on the night of my sister's birthday."

"Akar is a poison and I wish the King took care of him when he had the chance, but with him dead," Echo stated before taking a pause as he mentioned the King before Kota looked up to meet his gaze. "My condolences, by the way. He was a fair and kind leader."

Kota nodded in appreciation at the comment as he glanced at Tara, sitting patiently while drinking her tea. He watched her green eyes, seeing her focus on a stack of books before refocusing on Echo. He looked down at the books in front of him before continuing, "Akar is making a play for a new territory. My territory. I run this city and he is getting in the way by causing problems with the citizens of this city."

"Is this not a merchant city with people from other lands? I was not aware it had a strict code of conduct as a city governed by a Kingdom."

Echo moved his head and stared at Kota, thinking of his comment. "These people are free to do what they want within reason. Without me, the young would go hungry and the old would die of disease."

"I am sorry, but I am not here to talk about the politics of running a city. Rose sent us here to get help in stopping this upcoming war. All the lives of Damira and Mara hang in the balance," said Kota as he leaned forward, placing his elbows on his knees while staring into Echo's eyes.

Echo leaned back in his chair as he looked up at the ceiling of the room. Kota watched as he placed his arms behind his head before lifting his head high enough to see his guests. "Tara? Is the Prince here always this blunt?"

"He is sometimes, yes; but I find it to be an admirable quality," said Tara as she looked over to Echo while taking a sip before turning her head to smile at Kota. "He has not lied to me since the day I meet him, and he has a point. This war will spread."

Kota was ready to stand to his feet as Tara adjusted her hand, keeping it flat as Echo gave a small laugh before leaning forward, placing his elbows on the desk. "Rose was quite the interesting individual. With only one arm, she subdued two of my men when we first met," explained Echo as he stood before turning around, grabbing a book from the bookshelf. "That is the friend I was talking about and she had a lot to say about you."

"If she told you everything about me, then you know I am pursuing a very dangerous woman. She has damaged the livelihood of Damira and aims to eradicate it with this war with the King of Mara," said Kota, keeping his attention on Echo as he flipped through the pages of his book.