“Too bad, my little psycho. End of discussion.”
“Now I know he’s a person of interest if you’re whipping out my cute nickname to distract me. Who is he?”
Our gazes stay locked in a battle of wills that grows tenser by the second. She’s refusing to give in and I damn sure won’t be backing down without an answer.
“Has he threatened you or treated you poorly?”
I win the stare off as she turns to Kyzen.
“No, it’s nothing like that. I would’ve kicked his ass had that been the case.”
“Okay then. If he isn’t a threat, then we’ll talk about it later. End of discussion, Riven.”
End of discussion, my ass.
I’m gonna hop on Verlet’s back and we’re gonna stomp that big, beautiful, blond fucker to a pulp.
A loud, single clap rings out around us and everyone, including the ten Meadow Hands standing here looking lost, turns toward the noise.
The High Chancellor slowly makes his way out of the Meadorium, dressed to excellence in his fancy robes, with his head held high. You’d think this is a second Veiling or some shit with the way he’s grandly making his entrance.
The Lead Meadow Hand follows behind him, staring at those right below him on the totem pole with pride.
They’re making this a much bigger deal than it is.
“Gods of the meadows, you have been selected by your Lead as the strongest amongst your Designation and roles. As you may have noticed, ten of you and ten Veilatara have been brought forth for judgment. Why, was not explained to you. I will grant you that explanation now.”
His eyes whip right to Thayla’s loud sigh, then to my laugh. I wiggle my fingers at him.
I bet it’s taking a fuck ton of strength to stop his nose from twitching.
“I was contacted by the Beginning Gods, who have an important quest they need completed. They themselves chose the Valtrue behind you to embark on this journey. A team is required to ensure the Beginning Gods’ request is met and one role that needs to be filled is the Escort who will accompany and take care of the two Veilatara that will also be going. To be selected for this will be the utmost honor and your role in ensuring the success of the Beginning Gods’ will, will be remembered.”
All heads turn toward us. Some eyes fall to Yemi then Havar. They’re smart enough to already see the truth. Some, on the other hand, straighten themselves out like we may consider them.
“Your Lead Meadow Hand will introduce and explain your domain, power level currently released, strengths, and weaknesses.”
Thayla cuts her eyes to Kyzen. “This is ridiculous.”
“Yeah, I know. It’ll be over soon.”
“Meadow Hands, line up,” the Lead Meadow Hand orders.
They all do so without any comment, and I can’t help but wish this were over now. This charade isn’t going to change our minds.
What it is going to do is put poor Hay-Hay in a negative spotlight.
Favoritism is a thing to be bragged about amongst gods. So weird, I know, but in a situation such as this, some will idolize him for being chosen, while those who we didn’t pick will hold ill will toward him from now on.
None of us say anything as the Lead Meadow Hand begins his verbal assessment of the gods before us. We give no indication as to whether we’re interested or not.
I chuckle every now and then to make it seem like I’m listening. I’m sure Amick and probably Lambrit are paying close attention.
“Havar Andino. He has a domain under the God of Creatures and his abilities include intense creature awareness. He rose through the ranks of the Plentifuls and Meadow Hands quickly. Within his second year here, he was made an Escort and has been doing so for the last five years. He doesn’t have all his power, but a couple more Veilings, and I have no doubt the gods will see fit to release the rest. His greatest strength is his ability to adapt not only to creatures but his peers as well. He’s liked by many. His greatest weakness is that he’s not as serious as he should be.”
The small smile that had been on Hay-Hay’s lips slowly fades to a serious scowl. I, for one, am happy he isn’t always serious. We already got an Amick and a Creed. Lambrit’s pretty funny. Rose is quiet, and Yemi is just coming around to teasing.
Thayla, Kyzen, Lambrit, and I can’t let the fun suckers outnumber us on our trip.
