Oasis of Eden by Genella deGrey Page A

have a lover’s tiff with that pretty young thing?” Ageit tilted his head and chuckled.
    Elydian sighed. “Something like that.”
    “Of course you can stay. Consider my humble tent yours.”
    Elydian nodded and reclined onto the red cushion he and Jade had occupied earlier.
    “So.” Elydian knew by the tone of Ageit’s voice that he was trying to lighten the mood. “Have you chosen our representative for the games?”
    “I have. I will be announcing it tomorrow night.”
    “I know how you love to wait until the very last minute, but come now. Give me a tiny hint.”
    His friend’s attempt wasn’t helping. “Ageit, you know as well as I that if I tell you, everyone in camp will have heard by the time I officially make the announcement.”
    “I had to try, you know.” Ageit gave Elydian a guilty grin. He turned and disappeared into the next room.
    Elydian scraped his hands down his face. “Jade, my Zah-ninah” he murmured, the pain for both himself and for her ground in his throat like gravel beneath a boulder.
    * * * *
    Elydian had hardly slept that day. The combination of the heat of Ageit’s tent and his concern about Jade kept his body and mind in constant occupation. The sun had finally set and the entire camp had gathered once again, this time to hear their Omari’s choice of representatives for the Omari-Nah Champion Competition. As an unmarried Omari, he must choose from among the women of his camp to compete in the games. It was an honor to be chosen, but there was danger as well. Many had been maimed or even killed, so fierce were the competitors and their desire to win.
    He watched as Jade made her way to Me-Ma and sat beside her, only nodding her greeting. Elydian’s chest constricted. Her eyes were swollen a bit, likely from crying, but she held her head high. As if Me-Ma could sense something was amiss, she put her arm around Jade’s shoulders. Me-Ma was invaluable to him.
    He stood and cleared his throat. “As is our tradition, it is my honor to reveal the name of this year’s competitor for the Omari-Nah Champion Competition.”
    A stir of excitement pulsed through the crowd, and he continued. “Tar-Quinia, will you please step forward.”
    “Just a moment, if you please.” A voice shouted from the very back of the gathering.
    Faster than a blink of an eye, Jade watched Eli’s face grow dark. She could have sworn a scowl marred his chiseled features before his countenance returned to a pleasant look. Straitening, Jade followed his gaze to the crowd. Lothar-Canute strode toward Eli, a smug look on his face.
    All of Omari Amun went silent.
    “I bring you greetings from Anuk-dye, my Omari.” He bowed to Eli.
    Eli nodded. “Thank you, Lothar. How was your journey?”
    Jade couldn’t wait to hear what the self-important man, who normally didn’t venture further than the edge of camp, had to say.
    Lothar took a deep breath through his nose before he spoke. “Tedious.” Then he grinned. “But I’ve come bearing a great surprise for you.”
    “Indeed? Again, I thank you.” Jade could hear the skepticism in Eli’s voice.
    The creep glanced about as if to make sure he had then entire camp’s attention, and then puffed out his chest. “I have arranged a journey to Anuk-dye for you to attend the Omari-nah Champion Competition. I have even included in the gift our camp’s Omari-nah’s contestant fee into the games.” He glanced over his shoulder at Jade. “I’m certain our newest member of Omari Amun, the beautiful Jade, would be most honored to compete.”
    Jade’s stomach clenched. She’d never been very good at athletics.
    Eli tried to interrupt. “Lothar—”
    Lothar held up his hand, effectively silencing Eli. “Since she was such a late entrant, and because I, her sponsor, am affiliated with the judges, she’ll be able to choose the competition in which she will participate before they set the permanent slates.”
    Jade heard Eli’s sharp intake of breath and knew