Between Darkness and Light Read Online Free PDF Page A

place.”
    â€œAre more of us, and every time he fights us in Council, more commit to our view,” she said. “Today important, Annuur will talk of debt we owe Child race, that their trust of us abused by likes of Hkairass.”
    The oval bronze head bobbed in agreement. “I know. Keep fine speech for him in Camarilla Council meeting.”
    Her short ears drooped a little. “I find difficult to deal with Hkairass in Council. He intimidates me,” she admitted.
    â€œDoes it purposely,” Azwokkuss replied, reaching out to push her bowl of delicacies closer. “You young, depends on it. At home, you rule one hundred of your people. Are you not Phratry Leader, equal to him? Let him not do this, then he will stop.”
    Shvosi smiled and took a handful of sliced red peppery vegetables. “Easy to say. Today he wears the reds and yellows of determination, as well as exuding the scents to match.”
    â€œGives too much away. I wear blues and lilacs of tranquillity for me, not to show others. Say to Hkairass you sit on him if upset you,” he advised, nibbling the last of his food.
    She looked at him in shock.
    â€œIt squash him if you sit on him,” he elaborated, mandibles quivering in amusement. “Think it in mind when he at full flow. Flat TeLaxaudin no menace to you.”
    She laughed.
    â€œYou not alone today. I there in Unity with you, also Kuvaa, and Khassiss moves nearer our beliefs every time it comes up. Female TeLaxaudin opinions carry great weight with us as are older, more experienced. Also others of our belief will vote our way.” He picked up his bowl of fruit-flavored water and gently lapped at it.
    â€œI know,” she began as through Unity they all heard the call to gather in the Council chamber.
    Skepp Lord Hkairass has a matter to Speak on that needs urgent discussion before the session involving Phratry Leader Annuur.
    Hurriedly, she snatched the last of her delicacies up and stuffed them into her mouth, chewing furiously.
    â€œYou choke,” he warned. “Got time. No can begin till all there.”
    â€œBeing late won’t help,” she mumbled, swallowing her food down then picking up her own drink and lapping furiously at it.
    â€œHow is . . . ?”
    â€œAnnuur fine,” he said. “Took Tirak to him yesterday.” The mandibles quivered again. “Payment for causing so much trouble to us in Camarilla.”
    She laughed as she shuffled back from the table then dropped down onto her hoof-tipped forelimbs. “Was evil! Explanations would be demanded.”
    â€œYes,” agreed Azwokkuss cheerfully as he got to his feet. “Was point. Tirak will forget when all Children are processed anyway. Annuur will not, maybe teach him circumspection.”
    She was still chuckling at the thought as they made their way into the arboretum that was the Camarilla’s Council chamber.
    When they were all gathered and settled on the various cushions and low seats, Khassiss made her way up the pathway to the Speaker’s dais.
    â€œWe meet to discuss matters pertaining to Annuur’s case before he accounts for himself,” she said. “Hkairass asks to Speak first.” The female TeLaxaudin moved to one side, settling herself down on a low seat to arbitrate in the proceedings.
    Hkairass stalked down the path, draperies moving constantly round him, leaving a not so subtle trail of determination scent behind him. He was making sure the whole Camarilla knew his mind on this matter, even though they were already aware of it through Unity.
    He faced them all, and mandibles clicking, his humming a sharp, almost dissonant sound, began to speak.
    â€œLatest actions of Annuur only highlight . . .” he began
    â€œPhratry Leader Annuur,” interrupted Kuvaa, rising up on her haunches. “Do not disrespect him, Hkairass. He is Leader of one hundred Phratrys, a Camarilla member in the field. ” She