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Kason disliked the title but had learned over time that to fight it was pointless. “Launch a probe to investigate.”
“Yes, your highness.”
As Aaric sent the request to the necessary staff, the silver-haired form of Ryven Xanna, Kason’s best friend and the head warrior trainer on the ship, walked up to him. “We need to talk.”
Kason nodded. Ryven would only ask to talk if it was important. “I can spare a few minutes. Aaric, you have the command.”
The pair of them entered Kason’s small office off the central command area. The instant the door slid shut, Ryven spoke up again. “Some of the men’s markings are tinged yellow. They’re nervous. No doubt thanks to the rumors of a monster on the planet’s surface.”
“There is no monster. There’s a logical explanation as to why our team of scientists disappeared on Jasvar ten years ago.”
“I agree with you, but logic doesn’t always work with the lower-ranked officers and the common soldiers.”
Kason clasped his hand behind his back. “You wouldn’t ask to talk with me unless you have a solution. Tell me what it is, Ryv.”
“I know it’s not standard protocol for you to lead the first landing party, but if you go, it will instill
courage in the others,” Ryven answered.
Kason raised a dark-blue eyebrow. “Tell me you aren’t among the nervous.”
Ryven shrugged and pointed to one of the markings that peeked above his collar. “The dark blue color tells you all you need to know.”
Dark blue signaled that a Kelderan was at peace and free of negative emotions.
“You are better at controlling your emotions than anyone I have ever met. You could be deathly afraid and would somehow keep your markings dark blue.”
The corner of Ryven’s mouth ticked up. “The trick has worked well for me over the years.”
“We don’t have time for reminiscing, Ryv. You’re one of the few who speaks the truth to me. Don’t change now.”
“Honestly?” Ryven shrugged. “I’m not any more nervous or worried than any other mission. The unknown enemy just means we need to be cautious more than ever.”
“Agreed. I will take the first landing party and leave Thorin in charge. Assemble your best warriors and send me a message when they’re ready. I want to talk with them and instill bravery beforehand.”
In a rare sign of emotion, Ryven gripped Kason’s bicep. “Bravery is all well and fine, but if there is a monster we can’t defeat, promise you’ll pull back. Earning your father’s praise isn’t worth your life.”
“I’m a little insulted at your implication. I wouldn’t be a general in my own right if I lived by foolish displays of machismo.”
Ryven studied him a second before adding, “Just because you’re a general now doesn’t mean you have to talk like one with me.”
Kason remembered their childhood days, before they’d both been put on the path of a warrior. Kason and Ryven had pulled pranks on their siblings and had reveled in coming up with stupid competitions, such as who could reach the top of a rock face first in freezing temperatures or who could capture a poisonous shimmer fly with nothing but their fingers.
But neither of them were boys anymore. Displaying emotion changed the color of the rune-like markings on their bodies, which exposed weakness. Warriors couldn’t afford to show any weakness. It was one of the reasons higher-ranked officers weren’t allowed to take wives, not even if they found one of their potential destined brides; the females would become easy targets.
Not that Kason cared. A wife would do nothing to prove his worth as a soldier to his father, the king. On top of that, being a warrior was all Kason knew. Giving it up would take away his purpose.
Pushing aside thoughts of his father and his future, Kason motioned toward the door. “Go and select the best soldiers to assist with the landing party. I have my own preparations to see to.”
“I’ll go if you promise one thing.”
“What?”
“You allow me to be part of the landing party.”
Kason shook his head. “I can’t. In the event of my death, I need you here.”
“Thorin is your second and will assume command. Give me the honor of protecting you and the others during the mission.”
