Scott Kirkman Books

Kamunteht said, “Little sister. Don’t make the mistake of thinking my patience for disrespect is endless, or you will end up looking for your answers with the kitchen scullery gossips.”
She rolled her eyes and huffed a breath. “Fine. Dear brother, will you please explain the wisdom of this appointment? My feeble girl’s brain cannot comprehend it’s brilliance.”
Kamunteht quirked a half smile and wondered if she was actually more rude then she was trying to be polite.
“Maybe you don’t realize that Sirraa’s guard is more than devastated. They are gone. All killed in that street. Only three remain and those recruits still in training. Captain Shendant felt they were too raw even for routine street duty, which is why they were left behind. None even knows the job properly let alone could lead.”
“What about lieutenant Amunraht? I understood that he survived the attack.”
The prince nodded. “True. And he is indeed capable. But his injuries are grave. One bolt broke his leg and another shattered his collar bone before puncturing a lung. The healers aren’t even sure he will survive. If he does live, his recovery time will be many weeks with no guarantee he will be fully fit for duty.”
Vahratti’s face turned thoughtful. “I didn’t know.” She paused. “But Kamunteht…a pit fighter and a troll? How is this a good idea?”
“This Barquark stepped in and risked his own life and saved Sirraa. He’s already proven he has what a guard needs most: the courage to put himself in harms way to save his charge. Most of the imperial guard haven’t been tested this way, in a real fight. And all this when it wasn’t even his place to do so.”
“He’s a beast. They say he was just reacting instinctively to the battle and the scent of blood.”

Kamunteht shook his head. “Use your head. He ran into a hail of arrows using a table as a shield then stood over Sirraa. These are not the actions of a blood crazed beast.”
How can you be sure that is true? I’ve heard at least half a dozen versions so far.”
“Miss Trindle was there. I trust her account.”
Vahratti gave her brother a knowing look. “She is a level headed girl. But what about father? Surely he won’t tolerate this.”

The prince barked a laugh. “Father loves the idea. He sees Mr. Barquark as some kind of vicious but loyal guard dog who will follow at Sirraa’s heals and rip the head off anybody who comes close.”

Vahratti shook her head slowly. “He should know better.”

“Perhaps he does. The news from the north has him preoccupied.” He paused. “As if he cares. We both know that he’s scarcely spared her two thoughts since she was born.”

Vahratti huffed a short breath and quirked a half smile. “True enough. Mother has been no better.” she paused. “I’d just like to know why.”
“Why what?”
Vahratti rolled her eyes. “Why he intervened. What’s in it for him?”
“Perhaps he simply didn’t want to see an innocent little girl get murdered. ”
Vahratti shook her head. “Only you would think that, my brother. ”
Kamunteht frowned as he studied his sister. Her expression was one of true contempt. His sister had some good qualities, but at her core was ambition, cynicism, and cruelty. He needed to remember this. He tended to see the young girl he had grown up with not the scheming woman she had become, what their parents had created.
He said, “Honestly, I don’t see another realistic motive. I can’t imagine that he anticipated this outcome. And so what if he had? So what if his only motive was to seek the Pharaoh’s favor? He’s succeeded in dramatically improving his lot, and if he is indeed that clever, he knows the best way to maintain his new situation is to keep Sirraa alive.”
“I suppose so.” She paused, a frown darkening her delicate features. “I’m not sure I like that idea.”
“What idea?”
“That he is clever.”
“Why is that?”
“Kamunteht, he’s an enemy slave we’ve allowed inside the household. That idea alone should give us pause. If he is also clever enough to scheme, then he becomes something else I need to worry about and plan for.”
Kamunteht again shook his head. “I’ll let you worry about the schemes, little sister.”
She turned on him sharply. “You better learn to worry about them. You are to be Pharaoh. There’s more to ruling an empire than winning wars and bashing big men with swords.”
Kamunteht held up a hand. This was an old argument, and he had no energy for it today. “I know, Vahratti, I know.” He smiled. “Now, let’s see what the cooks have prepared for lunch. Bashing big men with swords has made me famished.”

End – Barquark: Troll pit fighter – Episode 8

Keep an eye out for the next exciting episode!