War of Praisers

Chapter 10:

It had been almost a week and now I find myself standing with my hands folded behind my back in Lord Oskanas office. He had been on the phone for the past hour and looked less than pleased and I almost dared to ask him if anything where the matter. I didn't. It wasn't my right to do so and if he wanted advice he would ask me. But that wasn't what I am here for, giving advice wasn't what I meant to do, yes it was one thing you could use me for but mostly it was my combat skills what made me valuable. After he hangs up, he paces back and forth in front of his desk. I remain standing in my position next to the double doors, far enough that I wouldn't get hit if they were opened.

His pacing didn't seem to lessen as time continued. I so desperately wanted to speak but that wasn't how I was trained.

It was the Lord though who broke the silence.

"There is a gathering on this evening in The Head Lands and I am obligated to attend and would like you to attend it along side me."

If this was what he seemed to be worrying about then I believed he might have been overreacting or there was something more to it.

"Of course" The usual flat tone in my voice made him glace at me from the corner of his eye. Again I spotted something in his expression which I couldn't identify, but it was directed at me once again.

"You do know you may sit." He indicates to the plush leather couches at the corner of his study. He had indeed offered for me to have a seat many times before. I refused every time, figuring it would be improper to accept his offer of comfort. I must be alert and ready at all times.

"Yes Lord Oskana, thank you, but I must decline."

He sighs deeply and walks back behind his desk and sits back into his dark leathered chair.

"If I may ask, is it the gathering which is bothering you?" I step forward towards his table.

He looks up at me and he smiles slightly.

"No, Jade. It isn't the gathering."

I nod to show my understanding but I really I don't and I won't pry.

"If this is a fancy gathering then why are you requesting that I go with you?"

"Why not?"

"I am trained for combat and for your safety. I am not cut out for the wealthy living. I, and I mean, we are here for combat."

Lord Oskana looks at me sadly before he replies.

"Gatherings aren't the safest of all places. Conversations are held, yes but there is always a chance of an assassin hidden among the crowd." Lord Oskana stand from his chair as he continues.

"We live in a dangerous time Jade."

"That is why we were created." After a pause I realize a fault in his reason for me to come.

"Aren't there Automations at the gathering for your protection?"

"I don't trust those Robots." He says with a sneer.

"Why not?" I furrow my brow slightly.

"For many reasons. For one the Lord of the Red lands, Jonathan Kane, made them."

"Is there a problem with this Lord Kane?"

"He isn't the most trustworthy man you will ever meet, but I believe one of the reasons for that is that his father was a traitor to the Clear Court, that is how he took over his fathers position in the court. He is the rightful heir."