Neversfall - Ed Gentry [13]
"They say that they were slaves, put to work as manual laborers. They say the formians had some sort of control over them," Jhoqo said quietly. "Hence, the blindfolds and gags. No telling what kind of magic they used to manage it."
Taennen nodded, the itching of the invasions into his own mind coming back to him. "I'd sooner die than be a slave to those things," he spat.
Jhoqo stopped and turned Taennen to face him. "It's not that easy, boy. If they're telling the truth, they had no choice."
Taennen nodded, remembering his own experience on the battlefield but not wishing to share it with his commander. A Maquar should not be so weak. But he had a duty to report all he knew. He took a deep breath. "Sir?"
"Son?"
"Sir, during the battle… that large formian… it did something. Or it tried to anyway."
Jhoqo stepped in close to Taennen. "Go on."
"I could feel it trying to convince me to help it, but it wasn't speaking. In my mind, it just all seemed like such a good idea for a moment. It made sense to work with them instead of fighting them," Taennen said. "But I fought it off, sir. I shoved it out of my mind. I wouldn't have followed them."
Jhoqo nodded and stepped away, watching Taennen closely. Jhoqo had been the one consistent, solid influence in his life since Taennen had left his old life, and his father, behind. To see that immovable force waver with an uncertain look made Taennen shiver. Did the man think less of him? What could he do to ensure Jhoqo's continued trust?
"Sir, I thought you should know so we could be watchful," Taennen said.
Jhoqo nodded and said, "Well, let's hope that the bindings we have on them make it impossible for them to try that again. I wouldn't mention your experience to anyone else."
Taennen said nothing but wanted to know more about the formians. It had all seemed so sensible and logical, if even for those few moments.
"I've not told the others about the domination plans of the formians yet. Only you, Loraica, and I know," Jhoqo said.
"And the Durpari commander, sir?"
"I'm just not sure yet. For now, we keep it between us."
Taennen nodded but said nothing.
"You take issue with that, son?"
"No, sir," Taennen said.
Jhoqo sighed."I know they are our partners in this. Partners are well and good when there is danger to be faced and blood to be spilled, but I will not compromise the safety of Estagund until I know more about these Durpari mercenaries."
"Yes, sir," Taennen said, lifting his gaze again. Jhoqo was right, of course. The Durpari had acquitted themselves well in the fight but they were an unknown element. They had no code or rules. They were not like the Maquar.
"Very good," Jhoqo said.
"What do we do next, sir? What of Neversfall?"
Jhoqo was looking to the ground but raised his eyes to meet Taennen's. "What if it was these beasts that took it?"
Taennen nodded. "We should be on our way, sir."
"Before we go," Jhoqo said, turning a soft eye to Taennen, "I need you to tell me what happened out there."
"Sir?" Taennen said.
"Son, you lost nearly a quarter of your men in that fight. Those are not acceptable losses and you know it."
"What?" Taennen's legs went out from under him, and he fell to the ground. He watched in silence as the dust settled back around and on him, covering his shins in a light powder. Jhoqo offered his arm to help Taennen stand.
"Who?" Taennen asked.
"The terir has the list for you," Jhoqo said. "I asked her not to inform you before we had a chance to speak."
Taennen accepted the man's assistance and paid no mind to the dizziness as he stood. His eyes scanned the camp, looking for those he had led into the battle. The fight played out in his mind. He watched the deaths of the first two soldiers. Every commander had lost men under him-nothing could be done for that. But what if his idea of taking captives had cost his fellows their lives? He thought of the low strike the first woman had used. A few inches higher and the goblin