Neversfall - Ed Gentry [64]
A snarl overtook Jhoqo's face as he said, "I am your urir. You will show me and those I deem worthy more respect than that."
"Are we done, sir? Am I dismissed, sir?" Taennen felt like a child again, frustrated by his father's answer of "because I said so."
Jhoqo took a step back, letting out a deep breath. He turned soft eyes to Taennen and said, "Son, I need your help on this. I know my command may not make sense, but we must have unity with these new men if any of us hope to survive. You see that, don't you?"
"You've known your men for years and these Chonda-thans for moments, sir."
Jhoqo nodded and said, "I know, but I see no other way to do this. We need to trust these men, and they need to trust us."
Taennen's stance relaxed as he said, "Yes, sir. Am I dismissed?"
"No," Jhoqo said. "We are sending out another patrol expedition."
"Sir?" Taennen said. He could not hide his surprise. "Is that wise?"
"You heard me, Durir."
Arguing would get him nowhere, Taennen knew. Instead, he did the only thing that might help the situation. "Let me lead it, sir."
Jhoqo cocked an eyebrow before shaking his head. "I don't think so, son."
"Let me prove myself, sir. I know I've been out of order, and I want to fix that," he said. If Jhoqo insisted on sending out more men, then Taennen would make sure they all came back alive. Jhoqo got his scouting mission, Taennen a sense of control returned to him. Everyone would win.
Jhoqo stared at him for a long while. His face softened, and his voice was low. "You may join the expedition, but you will not lead it."
"Who will, sir?"
"Bascou," Jhoqo said.
"Is the Chondathan to outrank me in operations here at Neversfall?" Taennen asked.
"You are my durir, Taennen. You know that," Jhoqo responded. "But Bascou leads this patrol. We need to establish him and his men among our ranks. I see no better way right now."
"Yes, sir. I will serve him as best I can."
Jhoqo's lips curled into a small smile. "I know you will, son. I have no doubt."
"When does the patrol leave, sir?"
"Next bell," Jhoqo said, a softer gaze locked on Taennen.
"I'll do a quick check of things around here, sir, and then I'll convene with the Chondathan. Will he be picking the patrol members?"
Jhoqo thought for a moment. "Why don't you select four Durpari and four Maquar for him? You know the personnel better."
"Yes, sir," Taennen said.
Jhoqo placed his hands on Taennen's shoulders. "You make me heartbright, son."
"Thank you, sir," Taennen said. Jhoqo's eyes did not hold pride. They looked sad. Jhoqo returned Taennen's salute and moved toward his quarters.
Taennen needed to speak to Adeenya. She would be continuing her surveillance of the prisoners. He was more certain than ever that her plan should be carried out. Even if fruitless, her plan was trying to accomplish something important. What was Jhoqo's plan doing? Taennen didn't know. He hoped his commander did.
Chapter Twelve
Several moments after Jhoqo had stopped speaking, the crowd dissolved like sugar in water, but Adeenya stood rooted to her spot, the whispered conversations of the passing Maquar sizzling in her ears. At first, she thought they were about her, suspicion about her role in Loraica's death, but she soon realized that was not the case. The stunned faces around her, the angry tones and white knuckles-even if they believed she had betrayed them, her traitorousness would not garner such rage. Only treachery by a trusted friend could bring about these wild looks and fevered whispers. The Maquar felt daggers at their backs, and Jhoqo was the wielder of the blades.
The Maquar commander had pulled Taennen aside for a few moments and, once the younger man had left, Jhoqo crossed to the leader of the new arrivals, the man named Bascou. The two men spoke into one another's ears. Bascou nodded, his eyes on the ground