Fear's Union

Chapter Thirty-Two

—Kantal—

Why was he here? Why was the bastard always here? It really annoyed Kantal. Ever since the death of the late Lord Nadari, it had been imperative that the successor be brought on side. Otherwise, all that gold would have been paid over in vain. He needed every small success he could muster, and hence he was here. But everywhere he turned, the Enabler was already there. Bastard.

"My lord, I am deeply sorry for your loss." That was a hard thing to say. It was the softer side of negotiations that he was bad at. If he didn't like someone, then he didn't like them. It was really that simple. The damn juvenile couldn't even grow a beard yet.

Jinqué glared back, his facial features contorted. It was an admirable retort and a passable impression of maturity, but he was still a pup. This man was like the father, quick to temper, but he was also acidic with it. Bitter. He would be harder to control.

"Meaningless sentiment does us no favours, General."

He shrugged. What else was there to do? As long as the alliance was intact, he couldn't care less about this arrogant sod. The young man looked unimpressed.

The Enabler scoffed from within that damned hood of his. He was being mocked, which was annoying. Above all else, he wanted to belittle the Enabler.

"I agree. Sentiment is valueless, but a powerful alliance is worth more than its weight. I would like to reaffirm the terms of our relationship. Delfinia and Samal are mutually useful friends."

The youngster nodded, which ensured the silence of the Enabler for now. That was mildly satisfying, but not enough. They were ushered to a long table, and it was only then that it struck him. This was the very room in which Jinqué's father had died, and yet the young Governor was acting easy. Perhaps there was more to this whelp after all.

Once settled, he passed an official scroll across the table. It was a legal agreement that copied the sentiment of the one that Delfinia had in place with the father, but it was also embellished somewhat in Delfinia's favour. This pup would never recognise those valuable nuances.

"Will you sign, Governor?"

The Enabler just sat there, poised. The bastard was about to ruin everything! Fortunately, Jinqué was not about to concede the chair. The little lord pushed the scroll back in his direction.

"We shall move onto the details of our working relationship shortly. First, I am eager to look at the gifts that you bestow upon me. General Kantal, if you please?"

The presumptuous little... "Of course, Governor."

He put his hand on the handle of a fine cavalry blade. He'd brought it as an offering. It was a truly excellent piece, from his king's personal collection, and it would win great favour. The Enabler barely reacted, but then the freak rarely did. Actually, did he just smile? He had come to reassert Delfinia's mastery over this island, but there were too many hands in the pie. It was slipping from him.

"General?"

Was he really so arrogant that he would push for the gift to be handed over? It appeared so. His king had left a great task in his modest hands, and it was already slipping away. Negotiations were not his strong point. Damn it! What was there to do but to proceed?

He took a draught of ... Whoa, not wine. Some sort of liquor. His head spun momentarily, and then he laid the weapon heavily on the table. The sound barely registered; a sure sign of fine craftsmanship.

The young Governor's eyes were wide, not leaving the fine piece. He liked the weapon, and that was good. The sword was light as silk, and yet it was also strong as diamond. It had been made by his father. The pup clearly recognised its worth, staring at it, tongue all but lolling. The Enabler had to act fast, and he did.