Mattox breathed a big sigh of relief. “Exactly. That’s exactly what I’m talking about.”
8
Introductions
Mattox stood to the side as his parents strode to the front of the dining hall and stopped to face the crowd of attendees. As he’d expected, the battle lords with their seconds, and the representatives from the Mutah compounds sat on opposite sides of the room. These conferences always started out that way, with a clear division. But by the end of the week, the we/them attitudes would become less noticeable as both factions came to accept each other.
Crossing his arms over his chest, he made no attempt to hide the smile on his face. To others, it would look like a typical friendly gesture. But for him, it was his reaction to the apparent stuffiness and self-importance being displayed by the Normals. Unlike himself, his parents, and his siblings, who wore a simple tunic and pants like they did every day, these battle lords came in full battle regalia, armor and all. It was funny as hell to see. It wouldn’t take them long before they shed the heavy metal and leather overlays. He glanced up at the sky.Especially in this heat.
“Welcome to this conference. My name is Yulen D’Jacques. I’m the Battle Lord of Alta Novis. This is my wife, Atty D’Jacques, the Battle Lady. We’re glad you could make it. Before we go any further, let me introduce you to the rest of my family.”
Mattox walked forward to stand beside his father. The crowd’s reaction was as he’d expected. All except for the woman sitting at the last table in the front row, directly across from his family’s table.
He locked eyes with hers, but she didn’t flinch. In fact, she appeared to be amused. He caught her checking out the others’ expressions of fear, loathing, and curiosity.Of course I no longer frighten you,he mentally chastised her.You’ve already gotten a good look.
She returned her attention to him, locking onto his face. The smile she wore remained there, yet he got the impression this one was meant for him exclusively. A chuckle rumbled in his chest. If he didn’t know any better, he’d swear she found their reactions just as entertaining as he did.
Mistelle was introduced next, followed by Lucien. Both of them went to stand on the other side of Atty. Other than himself, neither of his siblings showed any outward sign of their Mutah heritage. Not unless Misty removed her boots. If anyone cared to look at her footwear, they’d notice they looked nothing like ordinary boots. That was because Misty’s feet resembled hooves. As long as she kept her boots on, no one was the wiser.
And as for Luc…
He cast a side eye at his little brother. Luc had no visible mark proving he was half Mutah. None at all. His differences were internal, but other Mutah instantly realized it whenever they encountered him.
“The purpose of this conference is two-fold. First and foremost is for all Normal battle lords to realize the importance of establishing a good working relationship with all Mutah. That relationship can reap great rewards for both communities in terms of friendships and prosperity.” Yulen pointed behind them. “In our marketplace, you’ll discover both Normal and Mutah businesses. The products they have for sale are of the highest quality, and I will place them up against your finest bakers, leathersmiths, swordsmiths, tailors, and craftsmen.”
“That’s all fine and good, D’Jacques,” a battle lord Mattox didn’t recognize or know by name spoke up. “But I didn’t come all this way to buy their shit. I want to know how we can avoid having them attack our compounds. How can we defeat them if they do? What kind of weapons do they use?”
Mattox gritted his teeth. At the same time, he was aware of his parents keeping a tight rein on their own emotions. This kind of response was nothing new. He was glad the subject came up this quickly.
“Mutah don’t initiate attacks on compounds,” Atty responded in a tight voice. “Bloods do. Mutah are no more Blood than Normals are Mutah.”
“I said you were brought here for two reasons. The second one is to shed light on a lot of misconceptions we Normals have had about Mutah for generations, and to correct those lies and half-truths.” Yulen addressed the man who’d spoken out. “Identify yourself and where you’re from.”
“I’m—”
“Stand up,” Atty ordered sharply.
A man with a long red hair and a beard that brushed across his pecs got to his feet. “Name’s Fishbeck, Battle Lord of Coen.”
“Welcome,” Yulen said again, but there was no warmth in his voice. “It took me years to discover that Bloods are not Mutah. They’re rabid, and more akin to ferrets and bears in appearance, but don’t make the mistake that they’re without intelligence. Some of them are very cunning. Those are the ones who gather up the others to become their disciples, and carry out their bloodthirsty missions.” He stopped, raising a hand. “I’m getting ahead of myself. Before I get into today’s topics, I’d like every battle lord to stand and introduce themselves, and tell us where they’re from. If any of you are unaware of the location of that compound, feel free to speak up and ask.” Pointing in Fishbeck’s direction, he suggested, “Since we began with you, we’ll continue up and down the rows.”
Mattox felt his attention lagging. A check of his siblings also proved they were equally uninterested in what was to follow. Already, Misty was leaving via the side kitchen door, with Luc right behind her.
He glanced at his mother, who sensed he was watching her, and cast him a side eye. He and the others weren’t required to stay. Besides, Mattox knew every lecture for every day of the conference by heart. His parents would let him know if his presence would be required for something upcoming. In the meantime, he was expected to step into the battle lord’s boots and assume command of the compound while his parents were hosting.
A movement caught his attention. Intrigued, he watched as the Edge woman followed the wall to the front double doors and let herself out. Apparently, she had no interest in the forthcoming lectures. Was she returning to her campsite, or would she hit the markets and shops first?
His curiosity won out. Stepping back, he quietly exited the main hall and waited outside to see which way she’d go. From where he stood, he would be able to see if she headed for the main gates, which meant she was going back to her encampment. But if she planned to visit the square, she’d have to pass right by him.
She came around the corner of the building and was nearly even with him when she realized someone was nearby. Shuffling back a few feet, she reached for her weapon until she recognized him.
“You gave me a start!”
“Then obviously your mind was a million miles away, instead of paying attention to what you were doing,” he chastised her, unapologetic.
“My state of mind had nothing to do with it,” she retorted. “You were lying in wait.”
“You are traversing in unknown territory,” Mattox calmly continued. “Even if you perceive it as being friendly, you should never let your guard down. There could be something dangerous lingering around the next corner.”
