For a long time, Jaax simply sat at his desk and let his mind run free. Shiroxx would not accept her ejection from the Coalition so easily; she would find a way to fight. In order to ensure she remained out of the way, he would have to promote someone to her position. It wasn’t the grandest of positions but it required a lot of travel and fierce loyalty to the Coalition; it demanded that the holder of such status become a spy. Jaax grinned despite all the troubles that had weighed down his heart of late. He thought he knew of just the dragon for the job.
Neira showed Kehllor to Jaax’s study the moment he arrived. Jahrra was still absent, for it was still early in the day and she would probably go to practice with her friends when they were done with classes. A pang of worry shot through him but he snuffed it out. She would be safe enough with Torrell, Senton and Dathian for now, but he would have to warn her of what had transpired today. He cringed. She wouldn’t like it despite its necessity.
The clearing of a throat drew his attention to the archway leading into the hall. Kehllor stood there, looking far less harried than he had that morning. Jaax had to admire the young dragon, for if nothing else he had a great deal of fortitude. It had taken great strength to come to terms with his guilt and make the right choice about it, only to pull his emotions together and present himself so professionally now. Another good reason why he was an excellent choice.
Jaax cleared his own throat. “Yes, do enter Kehllor.”
The younger dragon obeyed and settled himself into an alert sitting position.
“I visited Shiroxx this morning, as I said I would, and confronted her on her transgressions.” He gave the golden dragon a careful look, then continued, “I also informed her that my many associates in town had told me she employed a spy.”
Kehllor’s nostrils flared but Jaax hurried on, “You were not named. But I did practice my right as the leader of the Coalition and informed Shiroxx that she will no longer be recognized as a member of our organization.”
The golden Tanaan’s entire body flinched that time and his blue eyes widened but before he could say anything, Jaax continued on, “And I would like to appoint you to her old position, if you are willing.”
Now Kehllor gaped. Jaax waited for the shock wave to pass.
“I cannot,” he finally managed.
Jaax nodded.
“You can. From what I gathered from you in the past several hours, and from what I’ve noticed during our Coalition meetings, I believe you are just the dragon we are looking for.”
Jaax held up his forearm to stave Kehllor off from any more interruptions.
“And the fact that Jahrra purposely sought you out to offer her friendship only makes me believe this is the right decision. Her judgment of character is impeccable.”
Jaax gave himself an ironic smile for that statement and by the time he returned his attention to Kehllor, the younger dragon seemed to have finally found his voice.
“I would be honored, of course, but have you even consulted the rest of the Coalition? And do they even know about Shiroxx’s dismissal?”
It was Jaax’s turn to flinch.
“No, but I’m not required to. I know there will be a slight uproar, for Shiroxx has her supporters, but in the end the majority will agree with me.”
He wasn’t looking forward to informing them of his rather hasty actions but he didn’t regret them. Jaax took a deep breath and moved on to the next dilemma.
“Will you be able to return home?” he asked, ready to offer the younger dragon sanctuary.
Kehllor frowned.
“No, but I shall manage until I can find a place of my own.”
Jaax nodded then furrowed his brow in thought.
“If you can wait a week or two, I might be able to help you in that aspect as well.”
Kehllor gave the other dragon a questioning look.
Jaax had just offered this young dragon a great promotion, one he wouldn’t have offered if he thought he was disloyal in any way. Kehllor had proven himself, beyond a doubt, by coming forward about Shiroxx’s deceit, so he knew he could trust him with sensitive information.
Heaving a great sigh, Jaax said, “I have recently received word that the Tyrant’s men have breached Felldreim’s borders and that it is only a matter of time before they make it to Lidien.”
Kehllor blanched but Jaax continued on, “Which means Jahrra and I will have to leave very soon if we are to escape and keep the people of this city from harm.”
Jaax smiled, a hint of sadness in his eyes.
“I will need someone to look after my estate and keep my housemaid, Neira, company. Do you think you could manage that? At least until you are further needed outside of Felldreim?”
Kehllor went numb with shock again. He could not believe his turn of luck in just a few short hours.
He swallowed, finding his mouth had gone dry, and said, “I don’t deserve any of this. I had been willing to spy on Jahrra, had given my loyalty to Shiroxx–”
“But,” Jaax interrupted, “you didn’t follow through with any of it and you came to me and explained yourself honestly. You have shown great potential Kehllor, and I hope you will accept both my offers. I can think of no one more deserving than you.”
Kehllor was immensely humbled by Jaax’s words and as he saw the younger dragon out he said, “If for some reason your accommodations don’t work out, feel free to seek our hospitality. Until then, I will see you at the next Coalition meeting.”
Jaax shivered. “That reminds me. I’m afraid we’ll have to call for one tonight to discuss today’s events.” He looked up at Kehllor with tired eyes. “Would you be so good as to spread the word on your way back into town?”
Kehllor nodded. “I’ll have someone post something in the marquee outside of Emehriel Hall.”
Jaax gave a true smile. “I would appreciate that. Now, I think I’ll take a nap before Jahrra returns from school. I don’t look forward to her reaction, though I’m sure she’ll be pleased to hear of your promotion. Oh, and one more thing,” Jaax grimaced then continued on, “Jahrra doesn’t know about the breach of Felldreim’s borders yet. I would appreciate it if that bit of information wasn’t shared with anyone.”
Kehllor squared his shoulders then gave a small bow. “You have my word.”
He straightened and grinned, bidding Jaax a final farewell before turning down the winding drive.
Jaax sighed heavily, for the first time in weeks allowing the weight of his thoughts and responsibilities show plainly on his face. He had much to consider; the fallout of his handling of Shiroxx, the possible army that was headed their way, the new found trust in the young dragon Kehllor, and lastly, how to break it all to Jahrra.
She would be angry about his decision regarding Shiroxx, he was sure. She would not like it that he had been so harsh, as she would call it. But he feared her reaction to his news regarding Cierryon’s men even more. He didn’t want to tear her away from Lidien so soon, for she was so happy here. Unfortunately, however, it couldn’t be avoided nor ignored.
Jaax turned and disappeared back into the house. He murmured something about being in his study to Neira and to wake him when Jahrra got home from school, then shut the door and returned to his desk. He should get some sleep, for he felt the exhaustion of a sleepless night after so many others weighing him down, but he wanted to go over his papers once again. The papers that detailed what the Tyrant’s men were up to. He made it through two paragraphs before his eyes could stay open no longer.
-Chapter Twenty-
An Act of Defiance
“Jaax.”