The Overlord's Heir by Michelle Howard

caressed the sheathed
dagger at his thigh. “I need no approval from you. I am Overlord.” He said it
in his coldest voice and knew the Councilor took his meaning when the man
stumbled back, widening the distance between them.
    Raiden raised a
placating hand and attempted another smile though the edges trembled. “We all
are here for the same reason. Kaban needs us united. Surely you understand.”
    What Vaan
understood was that these very men allowed a warrior’s lie to stand above all
of Vaan’s honorable actions as a warrior. A mistake which resulted in loss of
life for many faithful warriors and the people of the tribes Thenl slaughtered
to place blame at Vaan’s feet.
    “Let us think
further. You have not long returned and need time to consider.”
    Vaan needed no
time but the pressure from his brother’s fingers on his shoulders had him hold
back his further refusal. “I will agree to take time and think on the matter.
Who has been selected to replace my uncle on the Council?” A decision of that
nature absolutely needed Vaan’s input before moving forward and all of these
men knew this.
    Again Raiden
spoke. “We have not chosen another in respect for the Overlord’s return.”
    Vaan almost rolled
his eyes at the attempt to pacify him. “I am sure the Council has someone in
mind.”
    Sellic sputtered.
“Of course. Do you think it wise for the Council to allow you and your warriors
to run unchecked?”
    It took all of his
will to control the urge to draw his weapon and slice the tongue from Sellic’s
mouth for his loud braying.
    At least, Raiden
had the decency to flush. “You are right in that there is someone we talked of
considering.” He glared at Sellic before continuing. “However we thought it
wise to consider a warrior in the seat as well.”
    Not by a twitch of
muscle did Vaan betray his surprise at this course of action. “You would have a
warrior sit on the Council?” Doubt colored his tone.
    “We would have you sit on the Council, Overlord,” Raiden stressed.
    “Never.” He would
not shame his Galip warrior bloodlines by wearing those red robes as Dakar had
done.
    The other Councilors
glanced nervously at one another, confused at his deliberate refusal. Even if
he did not have Mikayla to consider, Vaan would refuse. He was a warrior first.
Grandson to Fenal Galip and never would he be satisfied unless he could use his
sword in battle. Aside from that, his position as Overlord was to see to the
people of Kaban and the Council’s role was to see to the actions of the
Overlord. Accepting such a position would negate his ability to judge with a
clear head.
    Raiden inclined
his head. “We knew that you would not but the offer was made.”
    “No,” Vaan
repeated for it to be understood by all.
    “Would your Warlords
consider…?”
    “No.” Vaan cut him
off before he could continue. After all they’d been through his Warlords made it
known that they would not leave his side.
    “He is
unreasonable,” Sellic snapped, looking to the others for support.
    Vaan came to his
feet. “I will spend time with my warriors. This is over.” He refused to
continue a pointless conversation.
    Saran stayed at
his side as Vaan stormed from the meeting room, leaving several sets of stunned
eyes behind him.
     
    ***
     
    Raiden glared at
Sellic. “You did not allow me a chance to ease him into considering.”
    Sellic threw his
hands in the air. “Pfft. What does it matter now? He has refused as we knew he
would.”
    Riohan and Mallor
remained silent. Raiden pointed at each in turn. “Neither of you spoke up. The
plan was to offer for Saran to sit on the Council if Vaan refused.”
    Riohan rolled his
brown eyes and Raiden wanted to slap him hard across the face for the
dismissive gesture. “You are the fool, Raiden. You seek to make the Overlord
into a man of wisdom. Ever have the Galip been harsh animals.”
    Raiden hid his
knotted fists in the folds of his robes. “The Galip are wise men. Three