The Fire and The Storm - The Nexus of Kellaran #2 novel Chapter 164

Part 24

“We should investigate whether the youths and fools of Serminak are also exploring the new limits of extreme recreation.” Kragorram suggested to Povon. “After this massage, of course, and perhaps after I return the favor. But my thinking is this; while the parents and conservatives of Serminak are unlikely to be offended by any new foolishness among them, the youth and fools there are likely to be even more extreme than those elsewhere, particularly if they start goading and baiting one another about it. I think we should make sure there are no new problems developing. Even with the Healing, there are still the issues of potential property damage, and possibly harmful character development.”

“They don’t have to worry about property damage too much.” Val opined. “My Work spell is like a Healing for inanimate objects. Its Restore and Repair functions can fix almost anything.”

“Good point.” Kragorram admitted as he rolled to the side a bit to give Povon better access. “But there’s still character development to be considered, and of course the possibility of other unexpected problems. With the Sylvan especially, the unexpected is always an issue, and we would be wise to not be complacent.

“We’ve also been delegating and perhaps neglecting some of our duties in Serminak. As Dren said to Mark; first we were in the time-bubble, and since we emerged we’ve been occupied with other matters, mostly military. Life in Serminak has changed more than in any other place since we emerged, due to almost universal compliance with our children’s new training and social systems. I just think we should make sure there aren’t any major and potentially dangerous trends being established among them. Find out what life is like in the streets and homes and barracks and dens of our people.”

“Those are very noble thoughts, my love.” Povon told him with a warm smile as she scratched between his wings. “Of course, that’s why I hired you.”

“I was hired?” he chuckled.

“It was me who asked Mark to make you my second-in-command, remember?” she teased.

“Yes, but hired? I’m getting paid for this?” he teased in return.

She leaned down and murmured in his ear; “Actually no, you’re my slave.”

“Oh I see!” he laughed with a hearty rumble and a big puff of smoky yellow flame from his nostrils.

“You do have the right to draw on the treasury of Serminaki Draconia as you see fit.” she continued in a more normal tone as she resumed his massage. “But you haven’t, and until you do you’re my slave. So we’ll just have to do exactly what you say when we’ve finished this, and investigate the development of the character and culture of Serminak.”

“Of course, that makes perfect sense.” he chuckled.

“Everyone help me cast as much privacy as we can possibly manage.” Fire suddenly ordered. “I have something important to say, and I’m having a hard time with it.”

Without a word, they each cast their strongest psionic shielding around the entire group.

“Thanks.” she thoughtfully nodded. “I hope no one else out there picked up on my thoughts before we did that.