Free Savage Splendor (Savage Lagonda 2) by Constance O'Banyon Page A

boot. "He ain't gonna cause anyone no trouble no more."
    The other man was examining Mara. "Lookie here, Jake, she is passed out cold, but she don't seem to be hurt none."
    "Lucky for her we came along when we did," the man called Jake spoke up. "She sure is a pretty little thing, ain't she?"
    "Damn me, Jake we done went and saved her from the two savages that were fighting over her. We best get her out of here before any more of them red-devils shows up."
     
    Tajarez looked around the anteroom and motioned for the wife of Unat to come forward. "I know you have been told of how bravely your husband died. Nothing we can say can bring him back to you, but I share your grief. I have known him since he and I were young boys, and I shall miss him."
    Unat's widow raised her head proudly and looked her king steadily in the eyes. "I, as his wife, feel pride in the way he died, my king. I know if he could speak to us from beyond the grave he would say to us that he lived the way he died, with honor and bravery."
    "It is so, Balon. I am told that he was buried with gold that the queen gave him," Tajarez told her.
    The woman bowed her head, and when she looked up Tajarez saw tears sparkle in her eyes. "I had not been told that he was buried with the gold, my king, I thank you for the honor."
    "Balon, I know that it was difficult for you to come here today, but, as a friend of your husband's more than as your king, I want you to know you will be provided for. The queen has sent word that there was no fear in Unat's heart when he met his death. As the widow of a brave warrior who found death protecting his queen, you shall receive the death duties, which should keep you and your daughter in comfort for as long as you live."
    Balon dropped to her knees and lowered her head. "It is good, my king. I am honored."
    Tajarez stood up and offered the woman his hand and helped her to her feet. "May the Great Father comfort you in your sorrow, Balon," he said as he led her over to Sasha. "Sasha will find a woman to go with you to your home and see that you have all that you need, Balon."
    Sasha led Balon away and Jeffery moved to Tajarez's side. "My lord, Tajarez, did I hear correctly? Was Unat slain protecting Mara from a rabid wolf?"
    "Yes. It seems he died in her stead."
    "I wish she were safely with David now; anything could happen to her. No matter how good the protection is something can always go wrong."
    Tajarez tried to close his mind. He did not want to hear his own fears spoken aloud by his brother-in-law. When he had been told about Mara's experience with the wolf, he had died a thousand deaths thinking she had almost lost her life.
    "It does no good to speak of this, Jeffery. Is there not something you should be doing now?"
    "You sent for me."
    Tajarez looked beyond Jeffery to the gold sheeting on the wall. His footsteps were soundless, the golden sandals made no noise as he walked across the room. When he reached the stairs that led up to his room he turned back to Jeffery.
    "I did send for you, but I have changed my mind."
    Jeffery watched Tajarez climb the stairs, wondering what he had wanted with him.
    Tajarez walked toward the nursery, glad that his common sense had returned. When he had first heard about the rabid wolf, he was prepared to send out a large party of warriors to guard Mara on her return trip. Seeing Balon, who had just lost her husband, standing so bravely before him made Tajarez feel shame. He, like his father before him, must appear above such weakness. At least outwardly.
    When he reached the second floor where his apartment was located, he opened the door of the nursery and saw Tamera toddling toward him on unsteady legs. She laughed gleefully when she saw her father and held her arms out to him. Tajarez lifted her into his arms and smiled at the kiss she planted on his cheek. "Do you miss your mother, little Tamera?"
    Tamera nodded her head. "Mother," she said in her brand of baby talk.
    Tajarez handed her to