"You could say that." Kira shook her head. "There are those who've convinced me to come here despite my instincts."
Makon dipped his head. "Then they have Roake's undying gratitude. While you may not know us or have any reason to trust us, we hope you will find kindred spirits among our people."
Kira tilted her head. "We'll see."
She knew they wanted more, but that was all she could promise. Her soul had been scarred, and her path set long before they found her. She honestly couldn't see that changing now.
The marshal straightened, wisdom in his gaze. "Then we will strive to prove ourselves." Makon spread his hands. "The Overlord has authorized me to offer you a choice. As a daughter of our House, your entry is yours by birthright. You may join us, and we will welcome you with open arms. You'll be treated with every honor we can bestow and have the best care as you heal."
Kira's eyes narrowed. It sounded too good to be true. "What's the catch?"
Makon hid his smile, approval in his eyes. "You will be considered a daughter of our House. That status comes with certain responsibilities. Leaving would be difficult if you so choose in the future. By accepting your role as a daughter of Roake, you submit yourself to our will. We will determine the course of your training and decide when—or if—you're ever ready for the warrior’s path."
In other words, her future would lie in their hands. They could delay her advancement by years, if not decades.
"And the other?" she asked.
He nodded toward the stairs. "The same test; the same rules apply. All rights as a daughter of our House will be negated. Any position you gain will be through your own merit."
Kira considered. "And the healing I was promised?"
"Still yours, regardless of which path you choose."
At least that was something.
It seemed to Kira that theadva kawas the fastest way to independence. To get there, however, it had become clear she’d need the support of a House. From Joule’s actions in seeking Graydon as a sponsor, she was getting the sense that she couldn’t show up on trial day and hope to participate.
The Tuann placed a lot of stock on a person’s allegiances and House. If she wanted her shot at theadva ka, first she needed to win Roake’s confidence. That meant putting herself into the running for theuhva na.
Admittedly, it was a long circuitous path to her end goal. Much simpler to steal a ship and escape.
Kira had given up on short-term solutions for long-term problems. If she was going to coexist with the Tuann—and it was becoming increasingly obvious that was her only option—she needed to meet them on their level.
Even if she wasn’t ready. Even if she’d rather spend her time healing rather than preparing for an unknown trial.
She’d manage. Somehow.
Maybe if she'd grown up among them, trusted them, then she could have taken option one. But she hadn't, and trust was something she'd never been good at.
There were too many ways a caveat like that could be used against her. In the way their society worked, she’d be powerless.
Something she'd sworn never to be again.
Makon hesitated. “It is my understanding your illness has weakened you. There is no shame in taking the time you need to heal. Some might even consider it the wiser course.” He bowed and stepped back. “I will leave you to consider.”
Mighty kind of him.
Kira studied the stairs. It was a long way up. Reaching the top wouldn't be as easy as it seemed.
The Tuann respected strength. It was evident in everything they did and the way their society was structured. Being able to defend yourself and others carried certain responsibilities, but it also meant it was more difficult to silence your voice.
The warrior’s path he spoke of was her only option. When she finally left, her future dealings with the Tuann would come from a place of strength and independence. No one would question her abilities because she’d beaten them on their own playing field.
Graydon studied the stairs as his head tilted. "If you choose not to join the initiates, it’ll be my pleasure to carry you up the cliff."
A challenge sparked in his expression. It was enough to startle a laugh out of Kira. It also knocked her out of her contemplation.
"Thanks, but I prefer walking."
