When Riva’s eyes opened she was sure she was in Heaven... or Hell. Whatever. Everything was blindingly white. She blinked several times trying to see and eventually gave up.
“Riva?”
She knew that voice. It was... oh, what was his name?
“Riva? Can you hear me?”
Raj.
“Raj?” She croaked. Her throat felt as dry as the desert itself.
A deep breath of relief escaped him. “You made me worried there. Here.” Water was put to her lips and she swallowed hungrily. “Riva, the King’s been waiting for you.”
She forced her eyelids open a crack and sighed. “Help me up, Raj.” He put a hand under her back and grasped her hand, easing her up slowly. Riva groaned loudly in protest, aching all over.
“You sound like an old lady.” Raj commented dryly.
Riva raised an eyebrow at him. “Are you saying something about my age?” She teased. Raj grinned, appreciating her humor and helped her to her feet. Taking a deep breath, Riva steeled herself for the walk to the King’s tent.
As they walked, taking one painful step at a time, Riva noticed people stopping and staring. “What are they doing?” Riva asked quietly, eyeing the gazers.
“They are honoring the new Shaman.”
Riva started to laugh weakly and had to stop walking.
“What’s so funny?” Raj asked truly confused.
“There are so many problems with this. I don’t even know where to start.” Riva told him, not even trying to explain.
The King stood when she entered. They stared at each other for a moment and then he bowed. Raj beside her gasped and hurried to kneel.
Riva rolled her eyes. “Get up. We don’t have time for this.”
King Racham straightened. “Of course, I’m sorry.”
“There are some things I’d like to say to you. I think it would be easier if you were seated.” Riva told him.
He complied, hesitantly, watching her. “Would you like a seat?” He asked suddenly aware that he hadn’t offered.
Riva imagined sitting down and then trying to get back up and simply said, “I think I’ll stay standing.” When silence had fallen she continued, “You have to be the worst King I have ever seen. And it’s not because you don’t know how, I know you are intelligent. I’ve seen flashes of it, but you choose to ignore it and play the fool. Now is not the time! Be a King! Rule your people, find out what they need, gain their trust and loyalty. You were placed on the throne for a reason Racham, you know how to rule. It’s time to show your people.”
She sighed, lecturing wasn’t going to get her anywhere. “You two,” she pointed at the two guards that were constantly at Racham’s side. They jerked to attention. “You are to keep this man alive and hold off any attack on his life. Keep him in line and make him act like a King. You were being paid by Imad, am I right?”
The flat-nosed guard nodded sullenly.
“Now you answer to me and no one else. I need you to be this man’s protector.”
“We won’t be able to do anything if they Tribal Heads decide to attack.” The other guard muttered.
Riva sighed. “I know. Do what you can, just stall them until Racham is back in control. Use my name if you have to, tell them I’ll come and wreck vengeance on then all. Raj?”
“Yes, Riva?”
She smiled at his voice, so pleasing to the ear. “I need you to be Racham’s eyes and ears. Listen at tents find out who is loyal and who is not. Find out the needs of the slaves and get them on your side.”
Raj looked confused. “Why would the King care about slaves?”
“Because the slaves make up half -if not more- of the camp. If the King has them on his side he will be well protected. Raj, you are to speak your mind to him. Tell him what you feel and think, he will treasure your insights. You, too.” She told the guards. After they had nodded she glared at Racham. “These three are your only friends, treat them as such.”
“What about you?” Raj asked.
“I was originally just passing through the desert, Raj. I never planned on staying. I must go to Sealidan. I won’t be able to see all of this through. I’m leaving it in your hands.”
Flat-nose perked up. “Imad was working with Sealidan, I heard him speaking with a messenger.”
“Where is this messenger?”
“Gone. Left weeks ago.” Flat-nose told her shaking his head.
Riva held in an exasperated sigh. “Raj could you saddle Ettore and get some things together for my trip? I’m leaving tonight.”
“Riva! You’re not strong enough.” He protested.
“I have to go, Raj!” Riva shouted. “I have to.”
Understanding dawned on Raj’s smooth features. “Glen.” He said simply.
Riva swallowed feeling a gaping hold in her chest at the sound of his name. “Yes, Glen. How did you...?”
“You spoke of him, when you were resting.”
“Resting?”
Flat-nose piped in. “I knew what poison Imad favored and Raj had the antidote. He saved your life.”
Riva sighed, a headache was coming on. “I’m going to sleep.” Riva told the room in general. “Raj, would you wake me when the sun sets?”
He bobbed his head.
She smiled again touched by his openness and willingness to do whatever she asked. “Thank you.” She murmured privately, touching his arm. “For everything.”
*****
As she mounted Ettore, Raj held the rein. “Riva?”
“Yes, Raj?”
“What does it mean? The words you taught me?”
She grinned repeating the meaning of: “You will do as I say or I will bring down such wrath unlike the very gods have seen.”
His eyes widened. “I was saying that? Why would you have me say that?” He asked incredulously.
“It was something my father once said and you were so good at it.” She teased him eyes glinting mischeviously.
“What kind of man was your father to have said something so... so...” He shrugged his shoulders at a loss for words.
Riva looked out into the desert, not wanting to meet Raj’s eye. “He was a king.” She said softly and without looking back Riva kneed Ettore into a trot.
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