Game of the Neví: Rise of the Neví, #4

By Lori Svensen

Between the new casino and their homeless shelter, the Neví seem to have their bases covered in Kri'enden. With Laisen Toban avoiding Jessten Sipper, and Jessten planning to leave Joton, the abári has little choice but to take drastic steps. Will her plan work to make Laisen wake up and admit his feelings?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Viking Ventures
• Release date: Dec 8, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393928638

Lori Svensen

Student-of-the-world, jill-of-many-trades; mother and dreamer ready to share dreams with the reader.  Lori has never been able to follow everyone else, nor always follow directions or social expectations. Hence, her writing also tends to cross genres to create her own unique blend. A'mara Books are stories about personal relationships with strong flavors of fantasy, sci-fi, action and adventure, all wrapped into one plus a sense of social and moral responsibility that tends to be lost in today's world. 

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Pronunciation Guide – People

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Groups

A’mara  - (uh-MAR-uh) - leya-talented people

Balan - (BAY-lan) - rebellious leya-talented

Neví - (neh-VEE) - organized gang

Uugli - (OO-glee) - dissolved organized gang

Yerdua - (yer-DOO-uh) -  evil/chaotic leya-talented

Yezidai - (yeh-zee-DAY) - tribe of the Yezi

Zley - (zlay) - canyon tribe of Kri’enden

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A’mara & Allies in Kri’enden (Joton)

Ash Joson - student

Blaise Tomson - Ada’s neighbor

Daim Fenley - student

Jessten Sipper

Kivana N’jia - (n’JEE-uh) - chola to Rami 

Laisen Toban -  (LAY-sen) 

Oberti Perton

Ra’kate Yibo - stella

Rami Rhiodi * - (RAH-mee) - abári

Se-orna Jotoln  - (sey-OR-nuh) 

Sheena N’handu -  (nuh-HAN-doo)

Tom Tomson - Ada’s neighbor

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Balan, Neví, Uugli & Assoc.

Curator - head of all

Ada Raiden - Egan’s vessel

Ash’el Krijo - Joton Neví Housing

Cerástes Trodon - (sair-ASS-stees) - World #2, Towani #1

Dani Romling - housing resident

Egan Woardly - (EE-gan) - Balan member

Elið Seyri - (EE-lith SAY-ree) - World #4, Towani #2

Gen Krijo - Ash’el’s wife

Joneel Mern - Neví recruit

Kailey Mern - Joneel’s wife

Marline Seiber - Egan’s lover

Ninn Scalaar - Neví recruit

Païsan Elind - (PY-sahn) - Terrenden #5, X’lea #1

Rika Kalengar - Neví recruit

Sheena N’handu - (nuh-HAN-doo) 

Tasp Yaiver - (YAY-ver) - Towani #3

Tullana Maison - Neví recruit

Uana Sistru - (oo-ANN-uh) - Terrenden #7, Irola #1

Xanthine Dásav - (zahn-THEEN) - World #3, Kri’enden #1

Yidal Sipper  - (YIH-dall) - founding Neví

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Joton Shaze Academy

Frey Rovlin - shaze fighter

Mathis Woodbury - Head Instructor

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Zley Tribe (Zley Falls)

Andac Zley * - (ANN-dack ZLAY) - Chieftain

Ka’lai - (Kal-LIE) - Zley stella

Qinta - (KEEN-tah) - stella apprentice

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Mentions (absent or deceased)

Belmara Wolfkin – (bell-MAR-uh) - X’lea

Echis Bothrop - (eh-kis)  - Towani #2

Ja’tel Krijo - (juh-TEL KREE-joe) - brother to Ash’el

Kybur - Qinta’s lover

Luoley Viper - Terrenden #8, Irola #2

The Calendar

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Terrenden operates on a 9-day week.

The days are named after gods except Terraday which represents the world or the void in popular mythology.

Muranaday (mur-AHN-uh)

Majanday (MA-JAHN)

Rinday (RIHN)

Terraday – midweek break – holy day for Faldur sects.

Fenjaday (FEN-ya)

Tharnday

Wirnday

Silnaday (SILL-nuh) – weekend – holy day for Silatians.

Vasanaday (vuh-SAHN-uh) – weekend – holy day for followers of Vasana and other Faldur.

The month is roughly 45 days always ending with the double full moon and beginning with a festival. Terrenden has 8 months in a year as follows:

Solstice

Brezanari

Kalinari

Equinox

Komanari

Lashanari

Solstice

Casminari

Tulinari

Equinox

Sebenari

Avrinari

Solstice / Year End

♥

Note: glossary and image credits at the end.

♥

1

(Rinday, Kalinari -just before Quinya

830 Terrenden Common Era)

Joton, Kri’enden – Freebooter Apartments

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Xanthine Dásav excused herself from the training meeting, her unborn baby weighing heavily on her bladder. She waddled uncomfortably into the hall and hurried to the women’s restroom.

On her way back out, she paused a moment to gaze out the window towards the river, busy with waterfowl. Whomever had designed this building could have housed twice as many people if they’d forgone the view in favor of another row of apartments, but the ambiance provided by the large windows and outside patio added a sense of community that Xanthine planned to take full advantage of when the building work was completed. Their residents would become very active members in the casino project whether they understood it or not.

She was about to go back into the meeting when her PCS link buzzed.

Kri’enden #1, she answered the familiar, but scrambled code.

How is your project coming along? the Curator asked.

The first set of apartments are ready for residents. We are awaiting the kitchen installation in order to bring ourselves to working order.

Sounds good. And the casino itself?

We’re still working with officials on that. There has been some opposition to the Freebooter plans. That’s why we got the apartments done first – we want the people to see it as an extension of the Joton Neví Housing Project itself. Then, I think the citizens will see the wisdom in our project and the A’mara will look silly again.

Even though they have been providing labor for your organization? the Curator asked.

We have already taken over many of the positions they were occupying. I think the only ones left are the staff who handle domestic abuse victims as they arrive, Xanthine replied.

I think you need to see about replacing those as well. Women who have been through hell are often very malleable. They have trouble trusting, but could be very willing to trust someone who cares for them – something we are quite good at. They often come with children too – next decade’s recruits. We have to play this game for the long-term results if we are to out-maneuver the A’mara.

Xanthine nodded her understanding.

I will see to that personally, she promised. Then she changed the subject. I hear that our ship was destroyed.

Two A’mara set off the booby-traps. Fortunately, there was nothing left for them to find after #10 and her associates cleaned it up.

Are the two A’mara people to worry about? Xanthine asked.

Unsure. I will be keeping a close eye on this Marosio Muran and Lucao Linden, that’s for sure! the Curator replied.

I will remember those names too, in case they ever turn up in Joton.

Lucao was there last summer, you might know. He was involved in stealing your hostage from you.

Xanthine winced. I will remember him if he ever returns. The girl still trains with the A’mara.

Unsurprising. It is a shame that Sipper didn’t manage to keep control of that situation. Of course, he’s now one of our pawns.

Xanthine smirked, knowing a little of how Uana had tricked Sipper into a merger-by-child. At least she had wanted to bond with Païsan. The fact he got himself thrown in prison was on him.

She noticed a man come out of the zip-lift. I have company, Xanthine said, disconnecting.

I am one of the recruits, the man said.

Then, you’d better go inside for the training session, she encouraged, indicating the door.

The man obeyed and she followed him, hearing Tasp Yaiver’s voice from the podium. So, the Joton Neví Housing Project is conducted with the assistance of the government of Kri’enden who enlisted the help of the A’mara in administrating and protecting the Project, he was explaining to a classroom full of around thirty recruits. This building is separate. We were going to have this one demolished to make way for the Freebooter Casino, but we realized that we could save a lot of money by renovating it and housing our employees on site. It allows our workers to have no travel time or expense. It also gives us the ability to house more of the disadvantaged of Kri’enden and give them employment at the same time. It really is a win-win for the City of Joton. This is how we got permission to renovate this building – and how we have gained permission for our casino!

Murmurs of approval went around the room. Xanthine nodded her head in pleasant surprise as she gratefully sat down next to the podium.

The man who came in with her spoke up. What if we can offer the Neví more talents than simply building and community administration? the man asked.

Your name? Xanthine asked.

Joneel Mern.

What kind of talents are you talking about?

I’ll show you after if you need a demonstration, Joneel replied.

Tasp nodded. Of course, members of our organization are automatically housed if we have enough space – which we do right now. It reduces your overall pay, of course, but we can care for our employees much more efficiently as a group than everyone separately. In general, it will cost you much less to stay with us than you could even hope to achieve away from here.

Xanthine looked around the room as the discussion continued. There were a few who looked leya-sensitive enough. She looked through a box and pulled out some paper cards. Some of them would invite them to their morning training sessions. The others would just be invited to their pawn meetings – she handed those cards to Egan Woardly.

Xanthine and Egan will be handing around some cards to everyone. They will give you your next instruction for being a part of our organization, Tasp explained. The cards are unique, the instructions only for you.

The cards were passed around, Xanthine giving cards to the dozen with strong leya potential. These ones were given a task plus the instruction to return the following morning for training. These were also given a sample booster to try. She noted that Joneel took his before he even left the room.

The sole female recruit had been reserved for last, Xanthine noted with amusement. Knowing that Egan’s partner had been out of town again to visit cousins in the Canyon, it was only natural that he was looking for someone to warm his bed tonight. Egan nodded his farewell as he escorted the woman out of the room. Xanthine shook her head and grinned at Tasp.

No sign of Sheena? Tasp asked.

None. She plays a dangerous game that one. She pretends to be A’mara just as much as she pretends to be one of us.

Tasp nodded. It would be good to get another opinion of her loyalty.

I will question her when she returns.

♥♥♥

2

(Rinday, cont.)

Joton, Kri’enden – Joton Neví Housing Project

.

The new development stood tall and proud in Kri’enden tribal colors. Mammoth, by Joton standards, it comprised two full blocks in the Shadow District and stood half a dozen stories high, not including the basement levels and the parks on top.

The ground level was beginning to fill with shops and businesses and lower levels housed storage units, exercise rooms and even a huge public swimming pool which would remain free for residents. Even the top level, reserved for entertainment and penthouse suites was beginning to fill with wealthy businessmen and gamblers alike.

It was, indeed, a full community in one building, Jessten Sipper mused as she picked up another application form and skimmed down the flyppaper. At least everything was filled out on this form.

I just wish this project was funded by someone other than my father’s group, Jessten said. I feel weird helping out when he basically disowned me last summer! She didn’t add the fact that her father now had a mistress or something and was expecting another child.

I’m sorry, Se-orna Jotoln replied, giving her a sympathetic smile. "I do have to be glad that someone has stepped forward to transform the Shadow District into something useful."

I agree. I just wish I didn’t have conflicting feelings about it – like there’s something sinister behind it.

We don’t have a lot of choice. There is a need that no one was filling, your father may have been a lousy father, but maybe he’s a good humanitarian, Se-orna surmised.

I hope so, Jessten said, honestly. She used an electronic stamp to approve the application in front of her and put it in the interview pile. Do you think Rami is going to assign me a maqla?

Normally, maqla/cholas are worked out by mutual agreement, Se-orna said.

You could be my maqla, Jessten suggested.

I’m still a bit young, honestly. They prefer us to be 25 or 26 before we are permitted – unless the situation is exceptional. You’re just starting, so Rami might not have you become a chola for a bit longer, so maybe I will – in a couple of years.

I feel so impatient! It wasn’t my fault that I turned 16 before I could even start!

I know, Jessten. Perhaps this is precisely why she has delayed – to teach you some patience.

Jessten grumped and returned to looking at applications. She hated that her father had chosen to withhold their leya-sensitivity from her. He had hidden the reddish sheen in her hair with shampoo dye. It hadn’t been until she’d come to Joton for school that she discovered the truth. That school place had remained unfilled as she joined the ranks of the A’mara in one of the planet’s strongest Complexes.

She read another application. Single mother, fleeing domestic violence – it seemed like at least half of the applications were from women like that. To be fair, there were a number of men in that situation too, but she really felt for the single parents, whose opportunities were limited by the needs of young children.

I sure hope I never have to go through all that, she said to Se-orna.

Agreed. It would be better to find the right guy first, get married, have kids, all that... in the security of a loving relationship.

Do you think it’s possible, Se-orna? To find someone you will always love, who will always love you in return?

I like to think so. I mean, sure, there will be days you get mad at each other. My mother told me once that her extreme love for my father also meant that sometimes she was extremely angry with him – precisely because she loved him so much and knew he could be better. It sounds weird, maybe, but it worked for them.

Not weird, just extremely romantic! Jessten replied dreamily. Unbidden, the image of Laisen Toban filled her mind with hurt. She closed the image away again – hopefully before her friend could notice.

I’m surprised you don’t have half the Complex trying to date you, Se-orna said, apparently missing the thoughts, to Jessten’s relief.

Oh? Jessten laughed.

Is there really no one here you fancy? Se-orna asked.

Jessten shrugged, keeping her feelings to herself. Not sure. I guess I’ll know him when I see him. What about you?

Laisen walked through the office at that moment, his forest green Towani cloak billowing behind him. A moment later, he disappeared into the interview room and a tall dark-skinned man came out, apparently done with his shift. His tribal cloak drifted more lazily behind him, the yellows a stark contrast to the oranges and siennas that dominated Kri’enden tribal cloaks.

Is he new? I don’t think I’ve seen him before, Jessten asked.

Apparently. I haven’t met him either. It’s strange, I thought I knew all of my A’mara kinsmen in Yezí’im.

Jessten’s mind went disobediently back to the man who had gone into the interview room.

"That Laisen is rather fine, isn’t he?" Se-orna said.

Jessten felt a knife in her heart. He’s still good looking, she said aloud, trying not to give anything away.

Se-orna’s countenance softened, but Jessten didn’t look at her. I’m sorry, Jessten. I’d forgotten that you’d been watching him back at Vestharya. Has he really not talked to you?

I guess he’s too busy, Jessten said quietly.

In her mind, Jessten could hear Laisen’s voice. I’m a full 10 years older than you, he had warned. You should meet some of the A’mara guys that are closer to your age before you decide to go for someone like me. She sighed. She hadn’t seen much of him for quite awhile now. He seemed to be avoiding her.

In the months since she’d arrived in Joton, she’d met all the local A’mara guys – all the ones her age. None of them excited her – except Laisen. She loved everything about that man. But he was right, the 10-year gap was a huge one. Why, when he was her age, he was halfway through his chola training and she was barely learning how to read! She sighed again.

Maybe we should go over to the Shaze Academy later, Se-orna said. There are plenty of guys there – and not so many girls. In Joton, there are many men who can handle a shaze who don’t belong to our Complex. Prove to them that you can fight as well as a guy.

Jessten brightened a little. It was a good idea and she did enjoy shazeplay.

I’ll take you over when we’re done here. That should cheer you up!

Jessten smiled, she would try again to do what Laisen had suggested – to meet the local guys closer to her age...

♥♥♥

3

(Rinday, cont.)

Kri’enden – Joton Shaze Academy

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Jessten Sipper had seen the building before, of course. It was prominently opposite the arena and the brand new casino that was nearing completion. Joton Shaze Academy was an older three-story building, built of varying colors of bricks, arranged into elegant tribal patterns that some called gaudy due to their brightness. It was impossible to be in Joton for more than a few days without knowing about this building.

Accompanied by Se-orna Jotoln, she stopped outside, admiring the design.

Once you get to learn the patterns, you’ll know which tribes were involved in the design. This one is from my tribe, the Yeziling. Some consider us part of the Kri’enden, some don’t. It’s best to not get too wrapped up in it, Se-orna explained. Just be aware that some people are hostile if you get them mixed up!

I'll try to remember, Jessten promised. She admired the building further. Large building, she commented. Office space upstairs?

Some, but a lot of it is lodging. Sometimes visiting instructors or students will live in the upper stories. A single instructor might prefer to live here anyway, taking the modest rent out of his salary, Se-orna explained before they went inside.

Jessten felt like a new student in an elite school.

Se-orna. It’s nice to see you back. You’ve brought a friend? the secretary asked. Go on in, you’re just in time for the tournament!

See? Se-orna said.

Jessten nodded, but was uncomfortable, feeling singled out as every head in the room turned their direction – and almost every head was male. In the Complex, there would be women as well as all were expected to be proficient in shaze and martial arts.

The sparring room had seating on all sides, even a balcony crowded with non-competitors. Back to the floor, she noticed a group of teenagers and young adults and an instructor, who wore an outfit similar to what Jessten was used to in the Complex, but without a cloak. His skin was fair, like Laisen’s. She banished the blush that momentarily threatened her cheeks at the thought of him.

What’s this? the instructor asked when he saw them. The scintillating Se-orna has brought a fascinating friend to take on our lovely lads?

Jessten felt herself go into a blush, but stopped it. She could feel Se-orna fighting it too.

We’re bored, Se-orna said. Jessten was hoping to find some new shazes to fight.

Jessten nodded.

How good are you? the instructor asked.

Jessten shrugged.

I guess you’ll just have to find out, Se-orna teased.

Pad up! the instructor told the two young women. You’re in luck. We were just about to start our weekly tournament.

Jessten and Se-orna hurried over to the locker where they were given the sparring pads. Then, they were each handed a training shaze.

We have shazes already, Jessten said.

We all use the same weapons here, the instructor insisted. Keeps things fair. Put your shazes next to me, I’ll look after them.

Jessten and Se-orna took their belts off and set them together near where the instructor sat.

You first, Irolean, the instructor called. He called a teen boy to fight against her.

Jessten drew from what had been taught her over the past few months. She met the boy’s strike with a parry, but quickly turned the tables on him to go on the offensive. She used the leya to push and pull as she went, until the boy was knocked into the foam pit. She grinned.

Your name, Irolean? the instructor asked, with a smile.

Jessten Sipper, she replied.

I’m Mathis Woodbury, he informed.

Se-orna’s battle went similarly. Well done, Se-orna. I’m glad you’ve been keeping it up, the instructor complimented.

Jessten wondered if the instructor had deliberately chosen weak opponents for their first rounds. She wasn’t sure whether to be grateful or not.

There were other first round clashes which were closer in level, though even Jessten could see that the opponents were making many mistakes.

Everyone who won that round is through to the second round, Mathis said, moving them to another part of the room. The guys sitting here already had byes on the first round, so they’re nice and fresh. You are not.

Se-orna went second, against a young man who had won his first round match. Se-orna fought well, but eventually fell into the foam pit.

Careful, he was really good! she said to Jessten as she sat down. You’ll get him next round if you get through this one.

Jessten nodded, then got ready for her fight.

The older teen had the advantage of height and speed. But Jessten knew that she could be more agile and had a lower center of gravity. She worked hard, striking where he was weak. He parried every blow for awhile, and then went on the offensive. Jessten fought back very well until she could finally risk a swipe of the leya under him and he fell. Jessten felt like cheering.

You’re not done yet, Jessten, the instructor reminded her. Take a few minutes to rest.

Jessten’s next opponent was the one who had defeated Se-orna. He was much stronger and faster than she was. She made the mistake of making a faulty first move, and soon found herself in the pit.

Good show for your first time, Jessten. I think we can turn you into a decent shaze fighter yet, Mathis said. Come back tomorrow.

Tomorrow is Terraday, Jessten said.

We train every day. You come whenever you like, but if you want to win the tournament, you need to come back tomorrow.

Jessten nodded before joining Se-orna. They returned the training shazes and padding. Then, after strapping on their own shazes they turned to leave.

Hey! the guy who defeated her approached and introduced himself. I’m Frey Rovlin. Can I buy you dinner?

Okay, Jessten agreed. Se-orna gave her a thumbs up