Page 14 of Empowered

After several minutes of intense climbing, finally where no other visitors were near us, Salena spoke. “Once we make it inside of the building, you can leave through the back exit. There’ll be a steep hill that you’ll need to get down.”

“No stairs?” I was out of breath from trying to keep up with her pace.

“No. It’s just a dirt hill with trees. You’ll have to climb down. There are a lot of trees, so they should block you from anyone who might be looking.”

“Where do I go from there?” We had discussed the plan already, but now I felt completely unprepared, like I was already forgetting the rest of it.

Thankfully, Salena was patient with me. She had everything riding on the success of our plan too. “Once you get to the road, you’ll need to make a left and follow along as it winds until you reach Mount Road. Mongoose Inc. should be on that road. If I remember correctly, it’s across the street from a sweet shop with a tent, if it’s still in business.”

I nodded, trying to memorize everything she had just said. “Got it.”

We made it in record time to the entrance of the temple. A large bell hovered over the entryway. Salena removed her shoes and rang the bell, then pressed her palms together in prayer.

I looked at her expectantly for further instruction.

“Leave now,” she whispered. “If you come inside, you’ll have to leave your shoes behind. Follow the wall of the temple and go down the hill.”

I nodded and turned to leave the entrance.

“Good luck,” she whispered.

“I’ll see you soon. I promise.”

“I know,” she replied walking deeper into the temple and eventually out of my line of sight.

I walked quickly along the outer perimeter of the temple like she had instructed. Luckily, there weren’t many visitors along my way. Most seemed like tourists who were just as unfamiliar with the place as I was, so they didn’t pay any attention to me. Thankfully, no one looked at me suspiciously for wearing an Islamicburkahin a Hindu temple.

The temple covered so much land and had even more land around it. If I hadn’t been using it as an escape portal, I would have actually thought this place was serene and loved to explore it some more.

I finally reached the far end of the temple. Looking down the hill in front me, I felt my stomach twist in knots. I was so high up that I felt like I was on a playground swing, swinging too high for comfort.

Instead of looking down all that way below me, I stared at my feet and started moving. If I just focused on my steps, I could do this.

The terrain was so uneven, and I kept tripping on rocks. Salena was right, there were a lot of trees and brush to hide me from view, but I had to pay attention to where I was going before I ran into branches.

I could see the road in the distance packed with rickshaws and cars and even pedestrians walking on the side. I decided to turn left through the brush instead of going all the way down to the road; I would be in plain sight if I didn’t stay under the cover of the trees. I followed along, running even as branches caught on my robes. I didn’t know how long I would have to keep going before I saw the sign for Mount Road, and it was difficult to see because theburkahkept slipping over my eyes. I had to keep readjusting it just to see properly.

The road suddenly split into two. I couldn’t see any signs either.Shit.Salena hadn’t mentioned that the road would fork, so I didn’t know which route to take. If I went right, I’d probably end up deep in a thicket of forest. The leftward path was more exposed and seemed to be busier. However, the probability of it leading to a city was higher.

I decided on left.

The road was so bursting with vehicles that I could weave through the stand-still traffic. I slowed my pace so as not to stand out. The smog from the cars was unbearable and suffocating, causing me to gasp for air.

I walked for what felt like a mile in the chaotic street. It was bustling with life, vastly different from the dungeon back at Tarun’s palace. Women were dressed in colorful fabrics and talking loudly and even laughing. Men operated various food stands and tried selling their treats to anyone who walked nearby. The air smelled like cloves, cinnamon, and fried dough.

My stomach growled at the assault of scents on my nose. After eating porridge for so long, I was starving. My primal instinct kicked in and I followed my nose, letting the aromas lead me. I had no money and didn’t even speak the language, so I wasn’t able to eat anything, but my stomach wouldn’t let me stray from finding food. I was like a rodent prowling for crumbs.

I came to a stop in front of a small modest, storefront. In the window, there was a case of various snacks. I had no idea what anything was, but I was sure the heavenly smell was coming from this location. I eyed something that looked like a mini funnel cake with syrup or honey slathered all over it. The warm orange color of the coils made my mouth water in excitement. I was so hungry, but I couldn’t do anything about it. Tears threatened to fall from my eyes as I turned away from the store front.

My impending emotional breakdown was interrupted by the noisy flapping of fabric overhead. I looked up to find that one end of the tent above me was ripped and slapping against the metal post that held it up.

A tent.I was at a sweet shop with a tent. Was this the same one Salena had been talking about? My mind was racing. I searched the opposite side of the street.Mongoose Inc.Staring at me was a hand-painted sign in front of a rundown building. The walls were gray with soot and dirt. I made it!

Forgetting my stomach, I crossed the road. I stared up at the sign in disbelief. I looked around to see if I could see anyone surveilling the building. I didn’t know many of Shyam’s men, but I was hoping to spot someone I might recognize. I didn’t see anyone around.

Turning to the building again, I noticed a camera located at the top corner of the entrance to the building. I had no doubt it belonged to Tarun and his camp was watching me at this very moment.

I moved quickly, before I wouldn’t have this chance again. I tore theburkahoff my head to expose my face and turned away from the building. My red hair, freckled face, and green eyes were on full display to any of Shyam’s men who might have been hiding out and capturing photos of trespassers. I stood still for a full thirty seconds to ensure at least one good photo was taken and would strike a hit on the software.

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