The Book of Ominiue: Starborn by D.M. Barnham Read Free Book Online Page A

offered a chair to Shayne but he rejected it; preferring to stand when in the presences of others; a Starborn habit perhaps. It was dark inside, an attempt to keep the little home cool, the only light came from the open door behind them and a small window that had light coloured cloth draped over it. Shayne saw a large dog-like creature lying in a darkened corner, half concealed by a cavity in the wall. All that he could make out of it was the faintest hint of a shaggy coat and its eyes reflecting yellow eyeshine as it turned its large head to look up at him. It never moved from its shadowy bed but its gaze remained fixed upon him.
    ‘We would like you to know that we will remain here for the night, to give you and Madan’rah’s party a rest.’ They waited for Shayne to reply, but he maintained his usual silence when understanding something and not given a direct question in return. Pan’arden waited politely before continuing. ‘I am afraid that we only have Fa’Orian breed horses present in this village, and that they are not very well suited to Ta’Orian’s, even if your companions are taller than the Ta’Orian’s of our world.’
    ‘If they are rideable then we will manage.’
    ‘They are rideable, you will easily maintain a horse’s walking pace upon them, but they are far from comfortable and we will be riding faster than that. We will exchange before we reach Kérith-Árim,’
    Shayne instantly picked up on the statement. ‘Is not Taríth our destination?’ His eyes narrowed and though his question was spoken softly a dark malice befell him. Both Pan’arden and Kíe shifted awkwardly.
    ‘I am sorry to say, no. The Journeyman and Madan’rah told me of your purpose. To obtain what you want, you need the permission from the UeVarda at the capital, Karmoníth.’
    ‘I do not understand. Are we not in Bohaníde?’
    ‘That we are, but these matters concern not only Bohaníde, but all of Dífrun. For that you must seek an audience with the UeVarda, the ruler of Kérith-Árim.’
    ‘The ruler of Kérith-Árim is the high Varda and any concern that may affect other nations must be brought to him. He is the one that you must seek,’ Kíe explained.
    ‘Also,’ added Madan’rah, ‘you have settled in Wayel-Éaa, it is forbidden to enter the forest. Only the Afradian may go beyond the borders.’ Shayne had overheard the Bohaníde warriors talk about this much while they were escorting them to their nation; he knew it posed a problem that must be addressed and would likely incur re-settlement. This scenario was accounted for when they first learnt of the importance of the region.
    ‘Madan’rah is right,’ replied Pan’arden, her brow creased in thought. ‘It is the law of the Markeeian and must be obeyed. You will have to resettle. Only the UeVarda has the authority to allow that, from there you can bargain with the lords of the nations you wish to deal with.’
    ‘But we require resources and materials, which the forest has in abundance. It is the one spot which holds all that we need,’ Shayne coldly reasoned.
    ‘You will have to find it somewhere else,’ Pan’arden firmly said.
    ‘Surely it can be found elsewhere?’ Kíe inquired.
    ‘It can,’ Shayne admitted, ‘but nowhere else are all the materials found in the same location, or in required quantities. If this is your final judgement then we might require more than one space of land, to fulfil our needs.’
    ‘That is a situation that you must first discuss with the UeVarda. Only he can answer your questions. First you must go through him to obtain permission. This is the law and must always be adhered to.’
    ‘I understand.’
    ‘Good,’ replied Pan’arden smiling. She then called for a subordinate to organise the food.
    Shayne walked out of the building leaving the lionmen to discuss the adventure without him. He did not like listening to people repeat themselves, so he made his way to the town centre. The village was not a