Crucible of Fate

the gardens. It brought to mind a quad at a college. When hands were lifted and people waved, I waved back.
    “Stop making a spectacle of yourself.” Kabore was irritated. He gestured for me to come away from the open area where everyone could see me and instead into a large alcove.
    “You look good,” I said before I glanced around at all of them—Ebere, Jamal, Taj, and Rahim.
    “You do too,” Mikhail chimed in as he joined us.
    “Where’s Samani?”
    “She’s enrolling in school. She’s taking online courses to finish her master’s.”
    “That’s a nice compromise.”
    “She came up with it after I broke down and gave her the truth.”
    “And what’s that?”
    “That I really do want to marry her and have kids.”
    “Was she happy?”
    “Yes,” he said irritably. “Why, I have no idea.”
    It was endearing, his blindness to his many gifts. “Did Logan perform the handfasting?”
    “Yes, he did.” Mikhail was startled. “How did you know?”
    “Makes sense. You would have wanted Jin and Crane to witness it. Did Yuri stand up as your second?”
    “He did.”
    “And were there many people who congratulated you?”
    “Yes.” He sounded bewildered.
    But I understood. People in the tribe respected Samani Baro. She was known to be smart and honorable, and now Mikhail was her mate. It was a good move for the sylvan to take such a good mate, and marrying into the tribe would also serve him well.
    “Good.” I patted his shoulder before my eyes were back on Kabore. “Logan said he talked to you.”
    “He did, yes.”
    “I’m glad.”
    “As I predicted,” he said, leaning close to me, whispering, “Mr. Morris and Mr. Yadin of the Iusaaset will be here next week.” He eased back, no longer speaking under his breath. “I let them know that you were well enough to meet with them.”
    “I’m excited to meet them.”
    “As, I was informed, are they.”
    I gazed into his dark-brown eyes. “I’m sorry that I left the execution of Hakkan Tarek to you.”
    “No.” He shook his head. “That was maat .”
    “Yes,” I agreed and reached out for Ebere’s hand. “Tell me where you’re all going; you seem ready to go somewhere.”
    “I’m on my way to Ipis.” Ebere reported, squeezing my hand. “The phocal of the Shu and I are traveling there to check on the two djehus.”
    “Excellent,” I said, reaching out for Rahim, who moved closer so my hand could close over his shoulder. “And are you enjoying being phocal?”
    “I suspect I am as you are, my lord—finding my way.”
    “I’m so glad you’re okay.”
    “I feel the same about you, my lord.”
    I gave him a pat, leaned in and kissed Ebere’s cheek, and then wished them both a safe journey. Once they were out of earshot, I rounded on Taj and Jamal.
    “What about the yareah and her daughter?”
    “They were relocated here to Sobek, my lord. Masika is being tested and will then be enrolled in school. Alana Tarek was the one who begged to be moved. She wants her daughter to have every opportunity. She is entirely focused on giving her the best life.”
    “Good.”
    “I am on my way back to Satis,” Jamal related. “There is a lot to be supervised there.”
    “And how many Shu do you have there with you?”
    He said that he had twenty-five men with him, and that things were going well. Shahid Alon had returned from delivering Elham El Masry and Rahab Bahur to Mongolia, and when he got back, his mate and twin girls were there waiting for him.
    “Twins?” I clarified with Jamal.
    “Yes.”
    “Huh. Okay, and how’s Shahid doing?”
    “From what Rahim tells me, he’s doing well. Your phocal is even thinking of making Shahid his second, which I think is a good choice. Shahid always was level-headed, and it would be hard for Rahim not to consider him for the position. I mean, really, along with his even temperament, there’s no panther alive faster except for Jin Church.”
    “I think Shahid’s to be trusted,” I said, yawning.
    “We are all in agreement,” Jamal assured me.
    “You are just newly risen,” Kabore said softly. “Hopefully Taj and Mikhail and I might share a meal with you and your sekhem this evening, if you are able.”
    “I’d like that,” I said before I focused my attention on Mikhail. “Bring Samani, okay?”
    “I will. Thank you, Domin.”
    I had no idea why he was thanking me for something that was a given.
    “It just means a great deal that you would accept her.”
    “Of