Chapter 3
Bazraki had been dead for months. Yet at times, Tobin still felt the weight of his father's disapproving stare. He wondered what his father would say to the changes he had made to the Blue Island Clan.
No doubt he would criticize all of them. He was good at that, unless it meant evaluating his own actions. Otherwise, he would not have surrounded himself with so many incompetent people.
Tobin acknowledged each of his advisors entering the war room. Not one of the men had been part of his father's inner circle. Some suggested that his cleansing of Bazraki's advisors would result in them using their influence to cause discord among the populace to undermine Tobin's authority. Only one man had tried to test the mettle of the new Blue Island Clan ruler.
No one dared since.
Tobin created his council to include people who truly made the city work. He replaced those out of touch with the actual running of Junaoq with representatives from the various guilds. Tobin intended to complete the vision his father began and knew he needed the right people in place to help him accomplish those goals.
Walor and Ufer, his commanders, also joined the meetings.
"Everyone is here, Warleader."
Tobin nodded at Ufer. He would not stand for anyone referring to him by some ridiculous title like "El Olam" as his father had.
He gestured to the man on his far left, a blacksmith by trade. "Anun, you begin. But let's keep the updates brief. We need not rehash the details again."
Anun nodded and quickly gave Tobin a summary of his progress, noting any obstacles still to overcome. Each person after him did the same over the course of the next hour. Tobin listened intently until Odala slipped into the room and flashed a smile. He held back a grin as he watched her gracefully take a seat in the back of the room. Their relationship had blossomed, and the weight of being warleader became unnoticeable with her near him.
Ufer shook his head disapprovingly.
He glanced one last time at Odala before giving the person speaking his undivided attention.
The last of his advisors, a shipwright was speaking. ". . . we'll be testing the last of the vessels this week. And not a moment too soon. The bay is beyond crowded and we've raised the ire of the fisherman."
"We'll be out of their way soon enough," said Tobin. "Keep up the good work. That will be all." He gestured toward the door.
Each advisor offered a quick bow and filed out.
Walor stepped away from the wall as the door shut. "What do you mean by being out of their way soon enough?"
Tobin quickly glanced toward Odala and then faced Walor. Nachun had asked Tobin to wait for him to return from his expedition to Quarnoq before proceeding with the year's campaign. However, Tobin had reservations about waiting. Odala helped convince Tobin that starting without Nachun would not be a betrayal of their friendship since his focus would not be on the Red Mountain Clan. "We aren't waiting for Nachun. The longer we wait, the more advantageous it is for the Green Forest Clan."
Sorry, Nachun, but you told me to trust my instincts. If all goes well, you can return to my victory in time to exact your revenge on Charu.
"Good," said Ufer.
Walor began cracking his knuckles. "I agree. Even if he finds Quarnoq and comes back with the weapons he believes are there, I'd rather not rely on him. To me, his trip is another example of him thinking of himself first."
