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Chapter 57
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The Book of Mara Chapter 58
I watched from the window as a battalion of Tohr's soldiers stood proudly on outside the gates. Golden warriors waiting for their leaders, they all sat on top of their horses standing patiently. A man at the front held an enormous black horse by the reins who like to stomp the ground impatiently. Or rather, what they cultivated into a horse. It was this weird dog/bear/ horse creature they called thershons. He seemed to wish to get going and was irritated that this man was holding him back. I smiled slightly, thinking to myself, yes that was definitely Tohr's thershons. Just as strong, powerful, and impatient as the man himself.The animal stomped its foot dangerously close to the man's foot. Then the animal whinnied and shook its head almost as if it were laughing at its handler who was cussing at the thershons.I couldn't help but laugh as well. Yes, Tohr's thershons was just like him through and through."His name is K'shons," Tohr commented as he stepped up to the window beside me.
The Book of Mara Chapter 59
I bit my lip before I said something mushy and embarrassing. However, I could tell by the look on Tohr's face that he understood the emotions that were swirling around in me."I feel the same, my little fyre," he stated, his eyes soft as he gazed into my face, almost like he wanted to memorize every inch of it.His affection reached out and surrounded me. I drew strength from it and allowed him to let me go. I hadn't realized I had been holding him so tightly until I had to remove my arms to let him go.I knew the Blue Draygons, and the Golden ones were on the border of war, and the knowledge that he was going to meet with his rival made me nervous.Or made him nervous…He was nervous, I realized, to meet with this king and was nervous to leave me. He was still feeling extremely worried about this "spy" that Erik was insisting was around. I could tell he was hiding their latest conversation about it from me, but whatever happened during it had exponentially tripled the anxiety he felt.
The Book of Mara Chapter 60
"Since men are dominant, they inherit property and businesses, not women. After the great war, it was quickly realized that there was a problem housing the widows or other women who did not and may never have a mate. So, this offered the women a chance. If they are unable to live at home any longer or no longer have one, they simply offer their skills to a warrior. This way, they would have a safe place to live until they find their mates," Erik explained."And if a woman does not wish to be under a warrior's control?" I asked for my own peace of mind."They are allowed to say no and even encouraged to if this doesn't make them happy. It's all about… well, consent, honestly. The women consent to allow the men this control. If they do not consent, then it doesn't happen. Or at least, it's not supposed to. However, as you can see… it also breeds a lot of abuse if we're not vigil."I nodded thoughtfully as I watched Tohr's group disappear into the woods and out of sight. My heart squeezed
The Book of Mara Chapter 61
"One such time was after a rather large skirmish between us and the Sororian Draygons. Tohr had gone with us and ended up severely injured while trying to save one of the smaller dragons from this particularly ruthless Draygon.""Why did Tohr go with you?" I asked curiously. "I can't imagine the King joining in on any battle.""Tohr's father once told him: 'Never send your subjects into a battle you are not willing to fight alongside them. It was his way of saying, don't sacrifice your men needlessly or die with them," Erik explained.It was exceptionally good advice, I agreed. Morbid, but good advice."Anyway, Tohr took a claw to his stomach. That's one of the softest parts of a Draygon, and it injured him severely. He was in a massive amount of pain and losing blood quickly."My whole body tightened in anxiety, and I felt sick to my stomach. Erik reached across the table and touched my forearm, trying to comfort me when he noticed how pale I had turned. I so desperately wished that T
The Book of Mara Chapter 62
"Nothing," he admitted with a smirk. "It just so happened that Treddian was getting back from his flyover and saw me falling. He almost overextended his wing joints to catch me. But he did and damn near literally bit Haris' head off afterward."I was absolutely horrified and appalled at those men, yet ever so grateful to Treddian for what he had done. It also explained why Erik trusted him so much, I realized."Good, god," I breathed out.Erik nodded. "Well to be, honest, there are tales of Draygons that have changed when they are under an extreme amount of stress," he pointed out."That's still completely stupid and reckless!" I shouted.Erik shrugged and waved it off. "It was long ago. I am, however, happy to see how well your lessons and the spell are working."I knew he was changing the subject, and I allowed it because I didn't want to ruin our dinner."Apparently, I have this odd ability to absorb information and, when I'm relaxed of course, I can call it up in a flash," I explai
The Book of Mara Chapter 63
"You are nothing, but a weak pile of flesh compared to the Draygonians. You are unworthy of the throne, and you do not belong here. I will not abide by your rulings no matter what, and I certainly will not be forced to accept the guards' sluts in my kitchen cooking my King's food."Synne gasped in shock. I looked over at her to see the shame in her face, and the indignant anger I felt for myself paled in comparison to my fury on hers and the other women's behalf. Without thought, my hand raised and came down across Alodia's face, the slap ringing through the silent room.I couldn't tell who in the room was more startled by what I had done. Me or anyone of the others. Alodia's golden-green complexion flamed pinkish until my handprint was melted into the fury of her scales."You… bitch!" Alodia screamed.She didn't actually say bitch. The word she used basically translated into "dirty, stupid, ugly, useless daughter of a pig-like creature". So, bitch was close enough of a translation in
The Book of Mara Chapter 64
"You are weak," she snarled as she straightened to leave. "Your blood mixing with any of our own, especially our king, will weaken us until we are nothing more than sniveling cowards like you."Erik and Synne stepped forward at the same time, but I stopped them both."Go, before I take your next words to mean that you wish to leave permanently," I told her once more.She hissed, then turned and stormed out, finally leaving us. I watched her go feeling an odd mix of satisfaction at having won the battle. However, I was absolutely certain that I had yet to win the war.For Erik and Synne's sake, I turned and plastered a smile on my face."Seriously, what is it with all this weird wordless hissing?" I asked with a forced chuckle."Its… umm… well… I think the only translation I could think of was 'I will fight you again'," Synne explained.I winced, thinking of how screwed I would be if I met that woman one on one."It was like, 'I'm not done with you yet'," Erik corrected."Oh, 'cause tha
The Book of Mara Chapter 65
Synne said nothing and looked away as if she, herself, was guilty. Putting my hand on her arm, I tried to comfort her hoping that she would open up to me."I am not accusing you, sweetie," I said softly. "I honestly want to help.""We are charged with the wellbeing of the warriors. We cook and clean and at times warm their beds," she insisted defensively."Why are they unable to care for such things themselves?" I asked Erik in English."This is a hard gender divide. I have a feeling it is passed down through the family lines. Mothers teach their daughters to cook and care for the family. Fathers teach their boys to fight and…" his voice trailed off as he looked at Synne, leaving no doubt his unspoken words."So basically, to change this, I'll have to fight generations of tradition," I stated in frustration.Erik nodded gravely as I growled under my breath."Did I say something wrong?" Synne asked anxiously."No!" I immediately denied it. "I'm just upset that this has come about. I can
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