“Lord Ridak,” grinned Lord Marak, “I would like to introduce you to Ukaro Zatong, the Head Shaman of the Zatong Tribe. He is someone whom you tried to find many years ago. He is the husband of Glenda. He is my father.”
“Your father?” howled Lord Ridak. “But he is . . . he is an animal.”
“Tsk, tsk,” scolded Lord Marak. “It is not polite to talk ill of your owner that way.”
“My owner?” cried Lord Ridak. “You can not do this. I demand to be taken prisoner, not turned over to these savages.”
“He learns slowly, Father,” smiled Lord Marak. “You will have to be patient with him. When he learns what you have planned for him, he will probably keep you up all night pleading for death. He does babble on so. Please return the horse when you are done with it. That is something I do have a use for.”
* * *
“Thank you, Kasa, for that report,” said Lord Marak. “That pretty much finishes up the loose ends except for our new Situ estates. I have asked each of you Council members for your input on what we should do with our new properties and your suggestions were excellent. I have decided to keep two of the estates in addition to Fardale as Torak Clan estates. The other three will remain as Situ estates to preserve that seat in the Assembly of Lords.”
Lord Marak looked at the sea of bobbing heads around the table of the Meeting Chamber. This session was open to anyone who wished to attend and the room was packed. “Kasa,” Lord Marak continued, “I have read your report on the progress of your assistant, Elsa, and I am pleased with her progress. I am going to appoint her as the Bursar of Lituk Valley. It is high time that more women entered the realm of finance and the two of you will make Khadora sit up and take notice.”
A round of applause thundered through the room and only after it died down did Lord Marak hear the voice calling for his attention. “Lord Marak,” Cortain Rybak called out, “I . . . I would like to know if you are considering any military transfers to Lituk Valley. If it is possible . . . if you could see your way to . . . “
“I suppose you are going to ask if I will allow you to become a Cortain in the Situ Army, Cortain Rybak?” asked Lord Marak. “If that is your question, the answer is no. The Situ Army has enough candidates for the officer positions.”
Cortain Rybak’s eyes lowered and he nodded his understanding. Lord Marak pushed his way through the crowd and put his arm around the ex-spy. “Besides,” Lord Marak smiled, “I have something more important for you. You are to be the new Lord of the Situ Clan. Manage it well, Lord Rybak.”