A Call to Arms: Book One of the Chronicles of Arden by Shiriluna Nott, SaJa H Page B

Both of these older boys seemed not so different from Liro Adelwijn.
    Hasain’s next words startled Gib. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
    Nawaz shook his head and leaned back from the table as if put off from his meal. “That damned draft has gotta go.” He was talking to Hasain but gestured toward Gib and Nage. “Look at them. They’re boys. A farmer and a Nessuno. Chhaya’s bane, it’s not fair.”
    Hasain nodded. “I’ve heard talk of taking two men from each family, not just one.”
    “Horseshit. Arden’s army is well trained and large enough without forcing new recruits. These old laws need to be struck down.”
    “The King has been trying to get the drafting age raised for years, but the country is torn in two about it. The High Council is overrun with fools.” When Tarquin balked at that, Hasain conceded slightly. “Forgive me, Aldino. Not your father so much as—” He gave Kezra a narrow look. “—some others.”
    Kezra folded her arms over her chest and met his gaze without hesitation. “You’re not telling me anything I don’t already know. My father is a fool.”
    Gib was thoroughly confused by all of this, but Diddy showed some mercy. “Could we please talk about something more pleasant? After all, my friends don’t need to burden themselves with all of this.”
    Both of the older boys shifted back to nitpicking Diddy for his troubles. While this may have been irksome for the young prince, it made for lighter conversation, and an entire mark later, they were all still sitting together. Their plates had long been empty and most of the other students had left the dining hall.
    It would soon be time for chores, but Gib didn’t feel like excusing himself. The conversation had remained light since the redirection, but he was itching to ask more about the draft. King Rishi wouldn’t call for two men from each family, would he? If Tayver were drafted as well, who would look after Calisto? Gib’s insides knotted up at the thought, and he stared at the tabletop until he heard his name.
    “That’s right. Gib is Joel’s roommate,” the young prince was saying.
    Gib glanced up to see both of the older boys looking at him. Shifting in his seat, Gib tried to think of something to say. “Dean Marc thought that Joel would be able to help me learn my way around here and all. He’s been a lot of help.” He fished for something more but could think of nothing, especially under their heavy looks.
    “How do the two of you get along?” Hasain asked.
    Gib thought it an odd question. “Well. He’s a good roommate.”
    Nawaz nodded, tapping his fingers on the table. “How’s he doing? With school and friends?”
    Another odd question, and a bit intrusive. Gib felt like he was being interrogated. “Uh, fine I guess? I mean, we’re not really friends. He’s two years older than me, after all. But he doesn’t seem to have a lot of people over.” He thought about it for a minute. “In fact, other than on the first day when Diddy paid him a visit, the only other person I’ve seen Joel speak to was his brother.”
    The older boys shared a dark look. Hasain sighed. “Liro visits him?”
    “Only earlier today. Or at least, that’s the first I’ve seen of him.”
    Nawaz grunted his distaste. “That’s enough.”
    Gib nodded. Without thinking, he offered more than he meant to. “Yeah. I didn’t care much for him.” He winced at his own forwardness and immediately tried to correct himself. “I mean, I’m sorry. I suppose Liro is your cousin as well.”
    Hasain smirked darkly. “No need for apologies. None of us like him.”
    “He’s damned miserable,” Nawaz added.
    A couple of young girls came into the dining hall from the kitchen and began wiping down the tables. Gib sighed, readying himself for the inevitability of his own chores. “Yeah, I would agree with you. It seems odd that two brothers can be so different as Joel and Liro.”
    The girl who had been wiping down the table next to