Rout of the Dem-Shyr (The Ascendant Series) Read Online Free

ambassadors.
    “It’s nice to see you again, Telad,” she began, nodding at the slender male dressed in his usual white robes and dark eyeshades. Turning to his female counterpart, who looked eerily similar to him outside of her longer light blonde hair, she added, “Ravina.”
    “Thank you, Ma’jah Kyr,” Telad said in a voice that sounded like a human adolescent’s. “We appreciate you taking the time to hold this audience with us before we return to V’laria.”
    “Of course.”
    Another awkward silence fell. Kyr looked to her parents, but the Guardians just stared back at her without speaking. Her mother’s wintry blue eyes contained a mix of calculation and amusement. Her father’s tawny gaze, on the other hand, looked blank. Did he not have any idea why they were there either?
    They’re here to discuss the trade agreement , Ty sent her.
    “I understand that you wish to discuss the trade agreement that exists between our planets,” Kyr said.
    Shaya stiffened. Kyr sent Ty a silent thank you, knowing he had risked a scan of the thoughts in the room to help her. She decided that if that was how they had to get through this, she would draw on her own abilities, too.
    “Yes, Ma’jah,” Telad confirmed. “We value our relationship with Alametria. With you returning, we just want to confirm that our trade agreement will remain as it stands.”
    This, at least, Kyr understood. She had overheard the Guardians reviewing previous trade agreement negotiations before she left for her off-planet lessons. She knew that the V’larians relied heavily on Alametria’s stores of Alametrian Elixir, a special rejuvenating serum created from tajeria. Tajeria was a rare mineral and powerful energy source found only on Alametria, making it the planet’s primary trade resource. Mining of tajeria had ceased several generations ago due to the extremely hazardous nature of excavating it. For that reason, the existing Elixir was considered a precious and much sought-after commodity. The V’larians used it largely for health benefits to help offset the damaging nature of their planet’s volatile atmosphere and air quality. In exchange for the Elixir, V’laria provided Alametria with a large variety of goods, including fresh food items not available on Alametria and an assortment of valuable gems and materials used to make fine clothing.
    “We haven’t had a chance to discuss this topic with Ma’jah Kyr, Ambassadors,” Shaya said, her voice cool and judicious. “As you know, she has been busy adjusting to her return home and her recent Ascension.”
    “Yes,” Ravina said. Her face was turned in Kyr’s direction, but Kyr couldn’t see her eyes through her dark eyeshades. Still, the ambassador’s disapproval was apparent. “We are well aware. I suppose we had hoped that between the various celebrations you have held in Ma’jah’s honor that she might actually begin assuming her role and responsibilities.”
    Kyr perceived the bitterness radiating from both Telad and Ravina. Shaya was provoking the response with her tone and aloof demeanor. Although she knew better than to tap into the minds of the V’larian ambassadors because they were so sensitive to thought intrusion, Kyr was tempted to do so. This seemed to be a serious topic for them, and they clearly didn’t think she was giving it any time or consideration…which was true, since she hadn’t been told about any of this before now.
    Shaya’s chin lifted in response Ravina’s comments. “These things take time, Ambassador. If Ma’jah Kyr is going to make sound decisions about important subjects such our trade agreement, she must consider every element involved.”
    Kyr’s brow furrowed. Ravina and Telad shared a look, making Kyr suspect they were exchanging thoughts. Things weren’t going well, and she couldn’t help but think that this was exactly what Shaya wanted. But why?
    Deciding to risk the repercussions, Kyr closed her eyes briefly and drew on