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Stubborn, Inevera thought

"Why was Jayan passed over?" Kajivah demanded "He is Ahmann’s eldest heir, and a worthy successor The people worship hi to lead in Ahmann’s stead," Inevera said

"He is your son!" Kajivah shouted "How can you …"

"ENOUGH!" Inevera barked, causing everyone to jump, most of all Kajivah It was rare for Inevera to raise her voice, especially in front of others But more than anyone else alive, Inevera’s otten yourself, woman, if you think you can speak to ive you this once, for I know you are worried for your son, but do not cross me All of Krasia needs me, and I do not have time to soothe your every anxiety Ashan sits the Skull Throne by Ahmann’s own command That is all you need know of the matter"

Kajivah blinked How many years had it been since someone dared speak to her like that? She was the Holy Mother, not so

But for all the liberties she took and influence she had, Kajivah had no true powers She was not even da, much less Damajah Her wealth and servants were a stipend from the throne Inevera could easily rescind in Ahain her favor with gifts of gold

"Mother" Inevera and the other women turned to see Asome enter the bower He had been silent as Enkido in his approach Asoood to see you both"

Kajivah brightened irandson He h her veil with grace and dignity, though the treat the inforrandrandchildren even before they began to speak Just the sound of it froreeability as if drugged "Please be gentle with my honored mother I know you fear for Father, but she is his Jiwah Ka, and no doubt her worry is as great as yours"

Kajivah nodded as if dazed and looked to Inevera, her eyes respectfully down as she nodded "Apologies, Damajah"

Inevera wanted to kiss her son

"But ere you and your brother passed over?" Kajivah asked, regaining so of her resolve

"Passed over?" Asome asked "Tikka, Jayan sits the Spear Throne, and I am next in line for the Skull Asukaji has been randsons are all kai’Sharum now, and soon the second sons will take their places as nie’Da twenty years ago, is set to control all of Krasia for generations"

Kajivah seemed mollified at that, but pressed still "But your uncle …"

Asome cupped her chin in his handa pressure point, he laid his thuently as a feather, but it silenced Kajivah as effectively as Inevera’spossess the Sight," Asome said, "the Damajah most of all If she has allowed my honored uncle to sit the throne, it is likely because she sees Father returning soon, though of course she cannot speak of such things directly"

Kajivah glanced at Inevera, a touch of fear in her eyes The Sight was revered in Krasia, the source of da Kajivah a htest hint of a nod

Kajivah looked back at Asome "It is bad fortune to speak of fortune"