(A side story related to Vita's Vengeance)
First, Terson had never meant to be part of Jarak's High Command. The turnover rate at that exalted position was rather high, and the Verdi Elite who made it that far rarely retired. Jarak's temper had grown short the last few years as people who dared to stand up to his decision to take over all the worlds in the Aquila Fringe.
Second, there was Idela, of course. Jarak's homicidal daughter had too much freedom to pursue her own interests, and those were often bloody and dangerous for any Elite who served anywhere near her. Jarak kept her somewhat close and a bit in hand, but Terson had seen the look of despair in her guard's face, and he didn't envy Avrial that place beside Idela and Jarak.
Third, Terson did not like Jade. The world was nothing but dust and heat, and even a nice collection of Jadian jewels did little to improve the long days here.
The sullen locals were starting to work themselves into riots -- and that helped no one. If they'd just calm, Jarak would move off to some other trouble spot. He always had to be in charge of anywhere that glory might be won. In fact, the rest of his Generals, including Terson, had to work hard not to do too well.
Stupid way to fight a war.
Stupid war.
Terson swallowed back that thought and all the others before it, forcing his face to calm again. Jarak would expect a report about how the King and Crown Prince had managed to kill themselves. He had to put the best face on it that he could -- and with that in mind, he straightened his shoulders and went to another High Command Meeting from hell.
And left the room not too much later with the feeling that he -- and probably the rest of the High Command -- would not survive their stint on Jade. Commern had bought them a little more time, but that meant they now owed Jarak's favorite for keeping them alive a bit longer. Terson didn't trust Commern, of course. Even Jarak wasn't fool enough to trust him -- but if anyone could come up with an answer to their current problems, it would be Commern.
Not an answer Terson would like, except that it would save his life.
Did they have a chance to get Jade in order in the next few days? Terson stopped at the end of the hall and stared out where he could see the low lying city stretched out below. He could see just the hint of a sandstorm in the distance and hoped it did not head into this area again.
"You don't seem happy, Terson," Idela said from behind him.
Damn. Terson had to keep from frowning or glaring at her. He did not want to be on her list of enemies, though probably anything he did wouldn't help.
"Idela," he said as he turned and gave a little bow of his head to the princess. People were starting to say Emperor when they spoke of Jarak, too. How could they have come to this? They were Verdi Elite!
"You don't look happy," she accused.
And what in this mess could possibly instill happiness -- but no, he kept that thought to himself as well.
"I fear we are in for another damn sandstorm," he said with a wave at the window. Avrial shifted slightly at that movement, always ready for trouble -- though Terson couldn't guess what kept him loyal. "This is a miserable excuse for a world. I don't know why those fools are fighting so hard out there. Why are we wasting good Verdi blood --"
But he stopped there. Letting his emotions run wild now would not help him.
"Ah, but there are the jewels," Idela said with a lift of her hand. A fortune in Jadian jewels sparkled as she moved her fingers.
Oh yes, of course, the jewels were essential to Idela. Human lives were not. Power and prestige -- that was all that mattered to Idela. Pretty things on her fingers.
Terson worried that she could read too much in his face. Damn this woman who was more of an enemy to the Verdi than the Jadians down on the streets. And damn him for bowing to her and playing this game. He thought he could beat Avrial to the draw and kill them both. He still wouldn't survive, of course, but --
No.
"Don't you like the jewels, Terson?" she said with a little tilt of her head and the touch of a smile that hinted at nothing good for him.
"I am a soldier, Idela. I am a Verdi Elite," he said and stood straighter for those words. They still meant something, at least to him. "The jewels are fine, but I have other interests."
She stared a moment longer as though trying to find some hook she could use against him. She no doubt knew he had some jewels -- they all did in the High Command. Many were gifts from Jarak himself. Some of the others had rings made. He did not.
"Well," she said and finding nothing more to say, turned and headed away.
In that half moment, when Adela looked elsewhere, Avrial bowed his head and dared a salute, which Terson had noted he did not give to anyone else but Jarak.
Then he spun and went after his ward.
Leaving Terson standing there, confused now rather than angry. He felt as though he had just been given a gift with that salute.
What would he do with the touch of dignity that settled in his heart? Nurture it. Wait it out. The IWC was sending people to look over the situation. Terson could wait to see what came of that visit.
He might find a way to redeem his soul, along with his dignity.
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