Altered Destiny by Shawna Thomas Page A

began. We will now strive to write a new chapter for our people. A chapter in which, once again, we will prosper in the land of our forbearers. Indeed, as many of you remember, the land was ours since Svi, glory be to the sun god, put his mark upon his people, long before the humans ventured north. Land that we earned again as we fought for the human kings. The years of trial are over.”
    The murmurs grew louder.
    “Your children will once again grow strong and thrive, and we will push these humans south from whence they came.”
    Keldar smiled as the murmurs turned to cheers. Whence. He’d borrowed the term from one of his father’s speeches but had to admit, it had a nice ring. He nodded and stepped down off the dais to receive the salutations and honor that were now his due.
    His warriors stood around the room, their gazes dulled by the long ceremony. Keldar narrowed his eyes. They weren’t ready for a full offensive, but his men grew restless. Crowd control at a peaceful gathering did nothing to hone skill. He’d give them something to do, a taste of glory—an appetizer before a feast.
    Against the wall, near the entrance, he again caught sight of Noe. Did she wonder why he’d summoned her? She’d been so proud when their fathers announced her engagement to Jaden, tossing her hair and smiling at everyone but refusing even to meet his gaze.
    I will claim everything that is now rightfully mine. His father hadn’t officially declared Jaden dead, but it was of little consequence with Jaden gone.
    Keldar caught Noe’s eye. Her cool, green gaze settled on him for a moment then found something more interesting across the room. Still proud. He smiled. That would only make taming her more fun.
     
    A cold, damp wind whipped Selia’s hair free from its braid and into her eyes. Cursing under her breath, she tucked the stray locks behind her ears. She pulled on Jemima’s lead rope and the horse quickened her speed for a few steps before settling back into the sedate pace she favored. Summer was late in coming this year and though flowers littered the forest floor, they did so under an oppressive grey sky.
    She had put off the trip into town as long as she could. Martha had complained too often that she was out of flour and low on salt. Sugar was a thing of the past, and Selia had run out of excuses for not fetching more supplies. In a fortnight, her life had changed almost beyond recognition.
    Only a little longer. He’ll be gone and then things will go back to normal . A part of her had to admit she enjoyed speaking with the Svistra. He always had an interesting observation about the world around him or pointed out a detail she’d overlooked in one of her books. He made her think about things she’d never before considered. The Svistra intrigued her, like no one else she’d ever met.
    The coin bag lay heavy over her ribs. Oren had offered to go into town and although she knew he loved both the walk and the general store, he let his mind wander and took twice as long as Selia to make the trip. Besides, she’d be home pacing and worried until he returned. Leaving the tavern untended was out of the question, especially with the Svistra, with Jaden, in the barn. He’d been asleep when she pulled a reluctant Jemima from her stall but then the sun still hadn’t risen from its place in the east. She’d left half a loaf of bread and a little porridge in the nearby hay but hadn’t woken him. If she knew Oren, and she did, he’d be out to visit his friend at the earliest opportunity. His friend.
    “Svistra are dangerous.”
    “But not Jaden. He’s my friend.”
    Oh, damn you, Oren . She hated complications, and a Svistra with a soul was a huge one. It had been much easier to think of him as a wounded animal, a dangerous wounded animal. She had to admit he’d done nothing to warrant her suspicion except being who he was. And could he help that?
    “No more than the bobcat.” Her voice sounded loud on the lonely road.