It frustrated him.
When Khalzin had requested an early meeting at their usual gym, he had been happy to accept the invitation.
“Engaging early,” Stron said.
Khalzin nodded. “Wanted to get ahead of others.” His stance was off, and he looked like he was simply following the flow if only to get through the warming up workout. Something was going on with his friend, and he didn’t like that.
“Shall we?” Stron asked.
Khalzin bowed, and Stron returned the gesture. Stron raised his weapon.
He launched at him, but Khalzin hesitated. “You are distracted today,” Stron said as he started in again.
“I have a lot on my mind,” Khalzin replied as he blocked two shots.
“Go see someone. Get frustrations out.” Stron’s weapon hooked on Khalzin's. They were locked up for a moment before the twang of metal echoed in the practice room as they pulled apart.
More Kantenans preparing for their daily workouts were filling in.
Stron preferred the room when it was empty.
More room to throw Khalzin around.
“You are not one to speak,” Khalzin said. “Did you or did you not have to--” He swung hard, pushing back against Stron. “--face a tribunal last month?”
The tribunal should not have happened. He did not break any laws. Made some questionable decisions in the name of the Ruler of the Green, his father, but he didn’t break any rules.
Still, the Coalition decided he needed a reprimand.
“That wasn't my fault. You know that.” He turned sideways and got control of Khalzin, ready to send him to the floor.
“It was never his fault,” another voice from across the room added, making Stron freeze.
Khalzin took advantage and countered, sending him backward a few steps. Stron spun his ju-nak, his fingers finding their position in the heirloom weapon that had been crafted many generations before him.
“You do know what you speak,” Stron said, glaring at Dhomhes. “My tribunal was not my fault.”
Dhomhes came closer, the smile on his face and wicked glint in his eyes reminded Stron just how many informants that Dhomhes had. His family was not the highest esteemed in Kantenan, but they always seemed to know everything that was happening both on and off world.
“If it wasn't then why were you at a tribunal at all?”
“Do you have to be such a snake,” Khalzin asked.
“He's always a snake,” Fiviel said as he stepped next to Dhomhes. “Makes him the most dangerous male in this room.”
Stron barked in laughter. Dhomhes like to think he was dangerous, but really, Stron could take him. And they both knew it.
“You don't think I'm dangerous?” Dhomhes asked, stepping closer to Stron. “You might be surprised what I'm able to accomplish.”
Stron spun, his ju-nak brought around to Dhomhes. “Shall we go a bit and find out?” Throwing Dhomhes around on the mat would be very satisfying.
Dhomhes put his hand up. “Fighting you doesn't interest me. You're obviously full of your own strength with the weapon of your family. Am I armed?”
Stron sighed. Of course, he resisted.
Khalzin gestured to Dhomhes. “Behind your back.”
“You seem to know me well.” Dhomhes yanked out knives, his ancestral family weapon. He was good with them, better than when he used a ju-nak.
