Page 42 of Own to Obey

“The entire island of Nyek saw her yesterday.”

Sethol shrugged. “They saw a woman. We have no idea if she is an Omega or not.”

Kardos's fists clenched. “Are you saying I'm a liar?” he bellowed.

“I am saying that you did not bring her to your meet with the high chief.” The man almost sneered. “You came to ask for a choosing and you did not even bring proof of what you say you have provided the Southern Lands.”

“I agree,” said the shinno next to him. “We are only six months into the Year of Selection, High Chief. If you are going to cut it short, I would like proof that Kardos has indeed done what he says he has done.”

“Have I ever lied?” Kardos boomed, the anger coursing through his body, rippling out from where he stood. “Have I ever lied about my achievements? When I discovered the extensive use of the izak-rock, was that untrue? When I determined it would be more beneficial to take the most blood-thirsty and criminal of our warriors to a better Land, a Land that they would thrive in, was it not for the best? When I promised to bring enough bondmaids for all your tribes so you can have women suited for bonding and breeding, no one argued or doubted me then! And yet now somehow my word is not good enough.”

“You are taking this too personally, Kardos,” shinno Sethol said, coldly. “This is too important for us to take your word. It doesn't mean that your word is not worthy, it just means that we need to see her and ensure that she is indeed an Omega before we make such a decision about a choosing. It is a reasonable request.”

Kardos drew his sword. “It is not reasonable,” he bit out. “If any of you had your word questioned in this way, it would be cause for a bout. Do not try to tell me that this isn't simply because you do not think I deserve it. Let us battle now and our swords decide whose word is true.”

“Nocannich ottodeserves to be high chief!” Shinno Gergo blurted at him. “We all know it except you.”

“Enough!” the high chief bellowed, rising to his feet. He shot shinno Gergo a furious glare. “I will not have that language in my temple,” he said fiercely. “And since you are clearly prejudiced, and you do not believe that Kardos should be high chief in any instance, your vote will not count toward a choosing.”

Kardos shot a look at his father, shocked that he would make such a decision. Shinno Gergo’s opinion was not unique, most of them thought the same thing, but he was the only one foolish enough to voice it so brazenly.

The rest of the shinnos stilled in shock, but did not remain silent for long.

“I urge you to consider the concerns we have raised, High Chief,” shinno Sethol said. “This Omega will mean a lot for our land. She will disrupt many of the things that have been in place since Omegas were lost to us. We have arranged pairings that will now need reconsideration, she will need to be blessed by Az Eshra, she will need to demonstrate a capability of strong motherhood and understand the needs of our tribeswomen. If you decide to take her yourself, High Chief,” the shinno said, inclining his head, “she would need to be suitable for your bed and to be at your side. There are many expectations placed on her that she probably will not understand, but we need to know that she at least has the capability to do what is expected of an Omega. Any uncertainty, any doubt, any reluctance or refusal on her part will upset the people of the Southern Isles. They have had faith Omegas will return for decades and improve our lives. She could destroy that faith, and that would be detrimental for us, especially while we deal with these conditions every day. It is not unreasonable to ensure that she is what Kardos says she is. All it will take is an examination.”

“What kind of examination?” Kardos asked abruptly. He had to remember that Shaya was blocked. He would need to give Shaya the last dose of Rozalia’s potion if she was to be examined.

“To ensure that she is of good health and an Omega,” Sethol said simply. “A potionist could do it quite easily.”

“My potionist has already examined her,” Kardos said.

“An impartial potionist,” the man said sharply.

Kardos growled. “Once again you question my word,” he said, his voice low. “Once more and I shall formally request a bout, Sethol.”

“Kardos,” interrupted the high chief. “This is a sensitive subject. Some of these concerns are not without merit.”

“I was not aware that I had to bring her just to inform you of my arrival,” he snarled. “This summoning was arranged without my knowledge. It is an insult for my word to be questioned in this way, High Chief.”

“It is a relevant concern that the Omega is suitable for our lands,” the high chief admitted.

“And if she is not, what do you intend to do with her?” Kardos said sharply. “Must she go back?”

At that there was silence.

Kardos let out a rumbled snort. “Exactly. You will not send her away regardless of what kind of Omega she is, because the fact remains, she is an Omega. So I don't see how this is relevant. All this talk is doing,” he continued, turning to the other shinnos, his voice becoming gritty and fierce the longer he spoke, “is revealing how desperately you wish for me not to become high chief. You want to blame other factors and ignore the obvious; I'm simply better and have reached heights higher that you will ever hope to achieve.”

“Kardos,” the high chief said, warningly.

“Even when the Omega is paired, do you think it will be to any of you?” Kardos shot at the other shinnos. “Most of you are not Alpha enough to keep an Omega satisfied. You sneak and slither like snakes, forcing this summoning and sending others to invade my island while I am traveling, instead of competing fairly.”

The faces of each of the shinnos who challenged him contorted as he spoke, and a number of them drew their own weapons.

“You put yourselves and your desires above what is needed for the Southern Isles instead of having the honor to accept and abide the codes that have been established since Az Eshra themselves ruled. Alpha of the Isles do not behave this way, and I question your bloodline in light of it. You are unworthy of any seat, even at the foot of a sled-hound.” He spat on the ground. “You are embarrassments to your tribes. If you were in Tribe Nyek, you would be drowned like thejakhrasthat you are!”

“Kardos!” bellowed the high chief, as a couple of the other shinnos growled out an anger.

Kardos gripped the hilt of his sword, glancing at the shinnos who were clearly ready to attack him, before turning his gaze to his father. It would be better for things to be resolved in this way, but it wouldn’t be ideal. Bouts between shinnos during the Year of Selection was frowned upon, although sometimes they were unavoidable.

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