Free Rebellion by Sabine Priestley Page B

to find Leon Jara and a shorter dark-haired man she recognized as Chancellor Mortog—de facto ruler of Mitah. He wore an ornate ceremonial robe with a heavy gold collar. He addressed Rucon, who stood to her left next to Mara.
    Laric walked up behind his father and nodded to Ria, who decided to take the initiative. “Rucon, this is Leon Jara and his son, Laric. The Jaras were kind enough to host us when we came here to shop.” The men shook hands, then Jara introduced everyone to the chancellor.
    Ria took an instant dislike to the chancellor and was pretty sure she wasn’t alone. He came across as one of those people who believed himself superior to everyone else.
    “Jara tells me you moved your entire clan to Earth,” Mortog said.
    “Correct.” Rucon crossed his arms and offered nothing further.
    “That was a bold move. I’ve heard some other rumors as well. I haven’t been able to verify them as yet, but I have been able to determine that the Portal Masters are behaving oddly. That makes me think the rumors must be true. Do you really have your own Portal Masters?”
    Rucon held his stance. “I believe the Masters are men, not property.”
    Mortog frowned. “Of course. I didn’t mean to insinuate—”
    “As to the status of any Portal Masters,” Rucon interrupted, “you’d have to ask them yourself.”
    Mortog’s eyes squinted a fraction. “If there is anything I can do to make your stay here more…pleasant, be sure to let someone in my office know.”
    “I think we have everything sufficiently in order.” Mara stepped closer and took Rucon’s arm. “Come dear, dance with your wife.”
    The tension dissipated as Rucon and Mara drifted off.
    Chancellor Mortog turned and left without a word, followed by Jara.
    Laric glanced over his shoulder and shook his head. “Well, that was fun.”
    “The chancellor doesn’t strike me as one to go out of his way for visitors,” Ria said.
    “He’s not.” Laric pulled at his chin. “He’s certainly interested in those Portal Masters.”
    Ria shrugged. Rucon had hoped to keep the knowledge quiet but there was nothing to be done. “Care to show us around?”
    “Sure.” Laric held out his arm for Ria. “But first you have to meet my two half-siblings. They’ve been dying to meet off-worlders.”
    “Sounds good. How old are they again?”
    “Joon and Leeda are ten. They’re brats, but I’m rather fond of them.”
    “Lead the way then. Love your suit by the way.”
    Laric’s suit shone with silver Mitah silk and had dark blue pinstripes that enhanced the perfect fit of the cut. Jara’s table was only a few yards away from Darl’s. The chancellor and Jara weren’t in sight so they said their greetings to Nini and the twins. A boy and girl, they were beyond cute in little Swali costumes.
    “You’re the Earmot Protector, aren’t you?” little Joon said. He was clearly the more outspoken of the two as Leeda seemed to have a deep fascination with the hem of her dress.
    Ria smiled at the kids. “It’s Earth, and yes, I am.”
    Joon used his foot and pushed a chair back. “Sit down, please. Laric said you’d tell me all about portals.”
    “And starships,” Leeda added, not looking up.
    Joon tilted his head sideways and rolled his eyes. “And starships. But portals first.”
    Leeda crossed her arms and pouted, but stayed silent.
    Ria took the proffered chair. “Well, I don’t have too much time but I can give you the short version of portal theory if you’d like.”
    “Yes please.” Both children leaned closer, and Leeda looked up and smiled.
    “Aside from the magic that Portal Masters use, which even I don’t know about, there are limits which have to be obeyed. Other than that, it’s pretty simple.”
    “What limits?” Joon asked.
    “Well, you can only traverse a gateway four times in an hour with a maximum of about eight-hundred pounds each trip.”
    “If it’s only eight-hundred pounds, how do you move starships?” Leeda was