Life Teaches Us And I Am A Willing Student

Demenik placed his tribute on the table.

Lord Caladan's eyes flicked toward the small stack of coins. He shook his head. "I am beginning to think that accepting your tribute is not worth my while."

Demenik bowed his head and said nothing.

"Weeks have passed since the Keeper died. I expected retribution by now."

He looked up. The lord was looking at him expectantly. "Do you want me to respond to that?"

Caladan chuckled and waved his hand toward the stack of tribute coins on the table. "In a few short months, you have gone from obscurity to offering two"—he leaned forward and squinted—"or is it three silver, as tribute each week."

"It is three."

Caladan laughed. "You guessed at the Keeper's plan the same as I did, quicker than me. Your mind is sharp, boy. I would be a fool not to use an asset when it enters my hall each week."

Demenik remained silent.

"Speak, lion. Tell me what you think is happening with the Keepers and why they do not attack as we predicted."

"They do not attack quickly because they are fat with power, my lord. They have been at the top of the food chain so long that they've forgotten how they ascended to it in the first place."

Caladan poured wine into an extra goblet and placed it on the table. He motioned for Demenik to sit and drink, which the boy did. Caladan sat down at the table across from him and nodded before taking a drink himself. "Did I not say this boy is sharp, Lissandra?"

A voice spoke from the darkness behind the throne. "You did, my lord."

Demenik turned and his eyes widened. A beautiful woman materialized from the shadows. The darkness seemed to pull and swirl like velvet fog around the edges of her black robes and bare feet. Her hair was deep black and long, enveloping her face like the night itself. Her eyes were large and almond-shaped, crystal blue and bright.

Demenik couldn't help but stare at her. If I live a thousand years, I will never see a woman more beautiful.

She walked gracefully toward the table, her movements those of a courtesan dancer performing for an emperor. She sat beside Lord Caladan and placed one hand on his head, stroking it like one would a pet dog. Caladan did not appear upset by the attention. He seemed to savour it.

"You are right, Demenik." Her voice had a musical quality to it. "We are certain that the Keepers will blame an alley lord for the murder. Yet they act like a dog who continually chases cats and then, when they finally catch one, are uncertain what to do with it."

"I agree." Demenik said. "My guess is that there are different leaders within the Council of Law who wish to place the blame on different lords. It will take time for them to fight and decide who is ultimately the person to take the fall."

Caladan nodded. "I think you are likely right."

"I asked this before," Demenik asked, "but are you certain that you aren't one of the cats being considered?"

Lissandra laughed and reached out to touch Demenik's arm.

Her laughter is as beautiful as her body. His arm tingled where her bright red polished nails trailed.

"This one is delicious, Caladan. You must have him here more often when I visit."

"He is too busy carving out a portion of the world for himself to spend time with you, Lissandra."

She grabbed Caladan by the back of the head and pulled him close enough to kiss him on the cheek. "Like you when you were an ambitious young fighter in the Pits?"

"Perhaps." Caladan's face conveyed amusement as he looked at Demenik. "Let the boy do his thing. There will be plenty of time to spend with him should he survive the next few years and trials."

She nuzzled her head into Caladan's neck, apparently satisfied with his answer.

"To answer your question, Demenik," he said, "I am not one of those cats. I have worked very hard to gain enough attention without garnering so much as to be dangerous to the Council of Law." His eyes moved to the tribute pile. "You would do well to learn the same lesson."

Demenik smiled and tipped his head. "Life teaches us, Lord, and I am a willing student."

Both Lissandra and Caladan's heads snapped up in unison to look at him. "Where did you hear that phrase?" her voice no longer sounded friendly.

"Nowhere specific, but the thought has occurred to me from time to time."

"Don't lie to me about this." Caladan's tone was harsh.

"I'm not."

Despite being confused by their reaction to the phrase, Demenik met the other man's gaze confidently until Caladan nodded and his smile returned.

"My only involvement," Caladan assured the young man, "will be to move in and gain control of whatever territory is destroyed. This has been promised."

Lissandra nodded.

"Then it appears we are all safe," Demenik said.

"One must be cautious of appearances, Demenik." Lissandra smiled. "Remember this warning as well."

Caladan picked up the tribute coins and handed them to Lissandra. "On your next visit, bring your captains."

"Lord?"

"Mouse, Stick, and Oak. Bring them."

Demenik bowed. "As you command."