Chapter 55: Actions

Chapter 55: Actions

The tent-flap to my room opened, and I looked up from my water to see Leroy, the King of the Rens, standing there. He looked different from the last time Id seen him. His hair was unkempt, his attire had shifted from grandiose to practical, he was sporting a few fresh scars, and he now wore a large sword at his waist and a shotgun on his back. Much like the Khan, he wore an ursan fur cape, as well as a few other pieces of clothing made from their hide. I detected the faint traces of Atlans scent on him, mingled with his own.

I considered reaching for my weapons, but Leroys were still in their holster and sheath, and his expression was mild, if cold. I kept my weapons where they were and crossed my arms. Keeping my freeze ability ready, just in case. I nodded at him. Leroy.

He nodded back to me. Donovan.

Guess I shouldnt be surprised to see you here.

A mocking smile spread across his face. No. You shouldnt be.

There something I can do for you?

Not really. I just felt I needed to see you.

Not something many people would choose willingly.

You shared bread and salt in my home once. Then you betrayed that hospitality.

I nodded, recognizing the concept from the books Id read. I did. Dont really have any excuse for it.

Id like to thank you for it.

That surprised me. Why? I asked.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

It taught me a valuable lesson.

Whats that?

Survival of myself and my people is more important than pride.

I nodded. Thinking back to all Id had to do to survive. Pride had never been a factor for me. Wasnt ever given the option to have any. I could see how losing it might hurt someone who considered themselves a king though. Youre welcome I guess.

He shook his head. I dont like you, but I dont hate you either. I understand why you acted as you did. The wastes are a more complicated place than I knew. He took a breath. That being said, my people may not be so understanding. With that, he gave a small tilt of his head in my direction and walked away.

I felt a smirk tug at one corner of my mouth. He may not be a king anymore, but he still definitely had a flair for the dramatic. The sword he had was also one that I felt most people couldnt lift one handed, but he carried it at his waist with no dip in posture. He was strong. The information Id gotten out of the bunker indicated all of the Rens were. I wondered if the Horde had realized their value yet.

With Leroy gone, I started taking an inventory of my ammo and food, then began running through some maintenance and cleaning my guns. I was well equipped. Id gained more from taking out the slavers and their contacts than Id used to kill them. Id also netted another completed investigation and a fair amount of PP from combat, not to mention a handful of skill levels. My gains had been steady, which was good. It was nice that the improvements continued even when I was performing actions less dangerous than storming a heavily guarded facility, or investigating a murder.

I paused, surprised. You know?

Yes. I have many who operate with my authority aside from you. Including dozens in STAR.

Did you know that Leah is one of them?

He nodded. I had my suspicions. I was simply waiting for you to confirm them yourself, so I could know what you were and werent willing to share. He removed the rag from his hand, revealing that hed concealed a sawed-off shotgun beneath it, which he then holstered at his waist. I imagine theres more?

They offered Potts Field a deal. Theyre left alone, and in return, they help them to search certain deadzones and provide information. They also asked that I continued to work with them as I had been.

Was this offer accepted?

I nodded.

The Khan brought a hand up to his beard. It is not unlike the deal I myself offered your undertakers, and you. He looked me over. You thought I would think of this as a betrayal?

I nodded. I figured it was a possibility.

Then why have you told me?

I dont trust the Remnants. They lied and manipulated me, but I also didnt want to make a choice on behalf of all other deadmen. I figured giving you this information would give us a possible ally if things didnt work out.

And if they do, and these Remnants sweep across my territory and conquer it?

I stayed silent.

The Khan smirked. These agreements, and deals, and intimations are interesting, but meaningless. The Khan moved back to the parts table and started assembling. These Remnants, and your people in Potts, and STAR all have the same weakness. They see words as the same as actions. The remnants have taken no actions against me yet, Potts has only ever acted honorably in our dealings, and youve done more for me in my territory than even some of my greatest warriors. This talk of who may do what, and whats agreed to is meaningless until someone actually does something. I bear you and Potts and even the Remnants no ill will until action is taken. STAR is another story, but even that may change. I thank you for your warning, and your honesty.

I nodded.

You are starting to feel what I first felt when I began my khanate I think.

Whats that?

The weight of power. Youre not dragged down by it too much now, but I believe you will be. You hesitate to make decisions for your people without their say, but eventually, you may come to find that your will and theirs is the same. The Khan finished what he was assembling and looked at it thoughtfully. You may go. Nothing has changed in your status within the Khanate.

I turned, and walked out of the tent.