The Overlord's Heir by Michelle Howard Page B

with the neighboring country Desani, and
how it affected Kaban during his absence.
    Saran shook his
head, his dark hair flowing over his shoulders. “Twice in weeks but we’ve
defeated the soldiers he sends in his stead.”
    “My Warlords and I
offer our assistance.” Vaan looked forward for the opportunity to battle. Outside
of practice, his sword arm had become idle in the last few months.
    “I welcome the
offer, brother. As to the other matter we have yet to discuss, I accept. I will
lead Kaban by your command so that you may stay with this Raasa who has claimed
your heart.”
    Saran’s broad grin
teased and Vaan returned the smile with one of his own. To his men, “Armor up,
A kala fir Galip randala.”
    “All Fear a Galip
Warrior,” his men repeated.
    “Wait,” Sellic
protested, glancing at the other Councilors for support. “This proves why you
must return. The Desani King has lost his mind since the death of his Queen.”
    Anger surged forth
and Vaan slowly pulled his knife from his thigh sheath to finger the blade with
his thumb. Sellic’s eyes were drawn to the action and widened.
    Vaan spoke slowly
so the fool would understand. “The Queen’s death rests on the head of you and
your brethren.” For in truth, Tarik had had no qualm against Kaban. He was the
first ruler to speak with a calm head and seek peace. Together, he and Vaan
sought to end years of battle. Now all had been lost through betrayal.
    Sellic sputtered. “We
can not be held for the actions of Thenl and Dakar.”
    “My uncle Dakar
was a Council member. None stood in his way when he sought to destroy the
treaty with Desani.”
    Sellic had no
response and even Raiden maintained his silence. With blood pumping, Vaan left
with his brother and Warlords. He needed to defend Kaban and it did not involve
frivolous arguments with the Council.

Chapter 7
     
    Mounted warriors
lined the inner courtyard of Vaan’s home. The show of strength in numbers
warmed Vaan’s heart. He turned to Saran who leaped onto the saddled hapfe being
held for him. A broad grin stretched Vaan’s lips. “We will fight together,
brother, yes?”
    Saran chuckled. “Ever
have I wanted to watch the Overlord in battle. I am told it is a sight in truth
to witness.”
    Vaan’s mouth
twitched. The last time his brother saw Vaan in battle he had been in the grips
of the battle rage named for their grandfather Fenal and the odds of winning
were against him. “It is good you jest or I would be in need of teaching you
the proper awe a Warlord should have for his Overlord.”
    They shared
another moment of laughter which filled the air. Though prepared to meet the
enemy, the other warriors in the courtyard grinned to see such powerful men and
brothers able to revel in their pride and love for one another.
    Hapani was led out
by the stable master. The feisty animal tossed its long neck, causing the thick,
black mane to flow over its brown body as it pranced on strong hind legs. Her
short forearms waved in the air, the low grunts a sign of her pleasure at
seeing Vaan. Sliding his feet into the boot hooks, he swung his legs over her
back and reached for the leads. She settled immediately with another grunt.
    “Brother, we ride
on your command,” Vaan said.
    Saran’s brow hiked
in surprise but he quickly masked his expression when he raised his fist in the
air. “Warriors, today is a good day. Kaban’s Overlord returns.”
    Shouts and cheers
emerged. Vaan ignored the adulation. He fought for Kaban because he believed in
the people. Believed in a time when peace could be attained.
    “We ride!” Saran’s
shout invigorated the men.
    Thunderous hooves pounded
as the large contingent took off with Vaan and Saran in the lead. They met the
Desani not far from the land of Vaan’s home. They were in Kaban territory, an
act of war without the Overlord’s permission.
    At least twenty soldiers
sat on hapfe that tossed their long necks and pranced on hind legs built for
speed. Each