One More Step

She just munched on her ch.i.p.s not realizing their longing stares. Her stary eyes swept one than other almost beggingly to hear the rest of the story.

Since she came here she couldn't find any interesting books or novels. So hearing this story made her feel like she could listen to ancient storytellers. If these two knew what she is thinking about they would start crying. they are Guards, Protectors even, how can she think of them as simple storytellers.

''I told you about the Kazis family, but before Kazis, there were always some families that had a certain amount of power. My family as well. Before Kazis came we were mostly wild tribes that just protected their own pieces of land. But because the continent is huge we never really fought for resources. My family Caleb was using south of the continent as their territory. For hundreds of years, maybe even thousands. Who knows?'' He sighed when he thought about the past.

''Most of now protectorate families were actually old tribal families. With time living on the continent, we realized that we live longer than those from other sides. Some forces had the same idea so they tried to attack us and take away our land. Unfortunately for them, the Kazis family appeared a long time ago and started uniting everyone with a warning that others might view our land as a free territory. With us united, we realized the difference in inner strength. So we used the ways they taught us and became stronger. But we strength and power came responsibility as well. Greed is the worst thing that is in the human heart. Humans are not hungry when they have something to eat, but still greedy when seeing others eating it. So we made new laws. Everyone is the same. No differences. No multiple marriages as then wives could feel greed, anger and even hate. People should share and not waste. And much more. You will see it in our Big Book of Laws.''

Ao Theo chuckled and poked his arm while staring at him. elder Caleb coughed. ''Of course, we all have greed to try something new. Ugh, Kyra... can I try that?'' He asked politely, pointing at ch.i.p.s as he saw she is not offering.

Kyra started laughing. ''Sorry elder Caleb, I was so much in your story that I forgot my manners. Please try, I hope you will like it.''

She actually planned to share the ch.i.p.s but was so curious about the story that she completely missed to do that. So now she put the ch.i.p.s in three bowls and they started munching while she curiously stared at them.

But what she could see made her seriously laugh in delight. Potato ch.i.p.s, full success. Of course.

While they were munching wordlessly she pushed slowly the rest of ch.i.p.s towards them and smiled as they glared at each other while staring at her bowl. Indeed greed is a strange thing. But most humans know how to control greed in certain ways.

Same with these two people. With warning gazes, they swept their hands and pushed the bowl in front of her with their inner power. It seems they didn't act the way to be greedy for her share than in fear that the other one would take it away.

She calmly picked up the ch.i.p.s and joined in munching.

After a little while, Ao Theo started talking. ''Out Theo family lived for a long time in the northeast corner of the continent. Like I told you before the families started mixing with other families and soon new stronger children started coming out with every generation. My mother was just firstborn from outside to have given a child that had even higher powers. But since then many families started mixing their blood with other countries. Even our King. He can command us all, but on end, even he fears the Protector of Eluron. King's family is born with high inner power, and it is inheritable. they have always many children as they have strong blood. But strangely only them. No other family has such strong blood.''

Kyra nodded. ''Maybe in past Kazis family help them enrich their blood so they could have strong blood or they just have it and others do not as to have a natural balance between all of you. Just in case any of you would get an idea to attack him and become new King.''

Ao Theo nodded. ''There is that probability. But to tell you the truth. I would prefer to be a protector than King. It's less bothersome. Protectors have only one duty, protect but King is a horrible job. Nope, I do not think that it would be possible that any of our tribe members get such a strange idea.''

Kyra thought about it for a while and then shook her head. ''You are wrong.''

Both of them were stunned by her words. Elder Caleb came closer and stared at her. ''You seem to know something?''

She just rolled her eyes. ''Isn't it obvious. Kazis gave Kings family stronger blood so heir blood would prevail no matter what and how many women are brought to Palace, but do you know how many powers would like to have their own blood win and change the country's laws in their favor. What if future King is weakling that loves and trusts only the mother's family and ancestors. What if such a person chose to give the power to the king of her ancestor's country. Things like that still did happen, but can you be 100% sure that there are no secret agents and betrayals already in the country and in the palace itself?''

Ao Theo gasped. ''From one side we have more strong children but for another side we let the other countries view us as slaughtering lambs?''

Kyra just shrugged. ''Something similar. Think about it. The young prince will come here, take a wife from this country and make it straight away connected to our continent. Then the King can make few demands here and there, but it could sum up with time. If the blood of Eluron Kings is weak and their hearts waver, what will happen to our country. It will become someone else, under their laws and culture. Could our people live calmly under such strong influence without going to war with each other? We would turn beautiful country into something that can't threaten them ever again. The way I see us is "don't touch us we won't touch you", or am I wrong?"

The two men actually were surprised about the basic essence of their laws. But her insight into political structures made them think. Elder Caleb was thinking about telling her more about her future but realized that such things have time to be talked about.

Strong blood must prevail ...