Storms (Sharani Series Book 2) Read Online Free Page A

politics.

    A few hours later, Gavin sat with his back straight, expression calm and confident, though his stomach threatened to empty itself. The various representatives of the seven clans, plus Khari representing both the Roterralar and the mystics, filed into the room, taking seats around the massive wooden table.
    Cobb cleared his throat and suggested he take his seat. Gavin reluctantly complied, taking a seat at the head of the table opposite the door.
    As always, Gavin took time to study the massive wooden table for a moment. That much wood hadn’t been seen in one place in living memory. The Oasis had trees and wood, but the table did not have the same color or grain as the Oasis trees. The table was a dark, deep brown that shone as if with oil or polish, though Cobb had assured him that it hadn’t seen cloth or oil in years. It was a natural luster. Cobb cleared his throat again and Gavin looked up, pushing aside his contemplations of the table. He doubted anyone would have noticed his momentary distraction. Years performing as a storyteller had schooled his expressions for the most part, and given him an ability to feign one emotion, or interest, while actually feeling or thinking something else entirely. At least, that’s what the training had been meant to do. Gavin didn’t always succeed at it.
    “So,” Evrouin said, “what pointless debate are we going to have today?”
    Gavin frowned at the man.
    Evrouin was the Warlord of the Heltorin clan, one of the two that had fully supported Kaiden in his attempted coup, even going so far as to feign their own demise. Gavin had convinced the other clan leaders to pardon both the Heltorin and their allies the Londik but sometimes, like each time Evrouin countered his every suggestion, he questioned that decision.
    “We have several items to discuss, Evrouin,” Gavin replied. “Please refrain from commentary until we’ve discussed the agenda or it is your turn to speak. The other leaders agreed to have you here despite your history. Don’t make them regret that decision.”
    Evrouin snorted, but retained his silence. Gavin nodded for Cobb to start the meeting.
    “There has been a lot of talk about allowing the clans to return home,” Cobb said. “Gavin would like to address his response to all of you at once, so there are no more questions when this is through.” Cobb glanced sharply toward Evrouin.
    “Really?” Alia said from Gavin’s right. Gavin still found it odd that the Sidena, of all the clans, would be the ones to embrace the changes the most readily. A female clan leader? Then again, they’d been hit the hardest by what had happened.
    Alia continued, “Why would anyone want to leave? We’ve got enough water and food for all of us and the accommodations are more than adequate.”
    Ejjoran was the first to reply. “Of course you’d like the way things are. You Sidena have always liked living off what others have gathered for you. How about you go back with the other women and tend the children?”
    “You’re one to talk,” Alia said with a snort.
    The following responses were drowned out in a chorus of shouts and arguments, springing up like a sailfin pack through the sand.
    “Enough!” Gavin said, using his stage voice to cut through the din. “Until we know for certain the genesauri are truly gone, we can’t risk sending any of the clans back to their warrens. Since the Oasis is lost to us now, this is the only place we can assure some measure of safety.”
    The various clan leaders glowered at one another, barely hearing Gavin’s response. Across from him, Khari met his eye. She’d assured him the genesauri were gone. Though he had no way of knowing whether or not she spoke the truth, he believed her. But that wouldn’t stop him from using it as a reason to keep the clans together. It was only in unity they would survive. Kaiden’s words echoed in his mind.
    “What about food?” Khari said into the silence that followed.