Page 138 of Dawn Caravan
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They watchedthe Poshani camp from a distance, surveying a landscape dotted with crystal clear lakes and ponds where water birds roosted in the long grass. The sky overhead was clear, unmarred by a single cloud, and the moon was waxing nearly full. The circle of caravans and trailers was lit by the moonlight and torches. A large bonfire burned in the center, and Ben could smell the lingering scent of meat roasting over a fire.
“The festival will take place here in two nights, when the moon is full.” Tenzin turned to look at him. “By that time, we will have all three goblets in our possession and we’ll be able to expose Vano and his plot against Radu and Kezia.”
Ben still had his doubts about Radu’s sister. “How do we know Kezia doesn’t know about this? She took Vano to Kashgar. She invited you to the caravan.”
“Precisely because of that. They burned my trailer and believe they killed me.” Tenzin nodded toward the camp. “I was Kezia’s invited guest. Her beliefs would never permit it. She had no idea what Vano was planning.”
“Are you sure?”
“Kezia and I both honor the Kali,” she said. “And she knows I am a devotee of the goddess. Trust me on this.”
Ben used the binoculars he’d stolen from the trailer. “Okay, but when we’re done with this, you’re going to explain the Kali thing. I thought you were an atheist.”
“Why would you think that? I have a spiritual system; it’s simply not as easily classifiable as yours.”
“I’m nearly an atheist.”
She laughed. “Beingnearlyan atheist is not a thing. You are a Catholic, like your uncle. Trust me, I recognize the signs.”
“Can we discuss this later?”
“Just to be clear, I do not believe in marriage contracts.”
Ben dropped the binoculars and glared at her. “Did I ask?”
“No, but it seemed relevant to the conversation.”
“It’s not.”
“Okay.” She leaned her chin on her hand. “I’m bored.”
“You’re the one who said we needed to wait for René.”
“I know. Right now Vano thinks I’m dead and you’re gone. It’s a great advantage.” She pouted. “But it’s boring to wait.”
“If we weren’t sitting in the middle of a forest, I’d think of something to amuse you,” he murmured. “But we are and I’m not an exhibitionist. Looks like you’re out of luck.”
Tenzin swung her legs. “Are you going to return to New York?”
“Yes. It’s past time I checked on the loft. God knows what you’ve done to it the past couple of years.”
She didn’t shoot him a quick comeback.
Ben glanced over to see her smiling. “What?”
“Nothing.” She reached for the binoculars. “I want to see.”
He handed them over. “They’re setting up some kind of stage.”
“For the ceremony.”
Ben watched the flickering bonfire in the distance. “Why are they doing it? Radu, Kezia, and Vano aren’t getting older. Why is it time to choose new leadership?”
“I don’t know. It might not be all three of them—that would seem unwise. Maybe there is a timeline they agreed to when they became the terrin. But I believe any vampire choosing a successor will choose from Poshani candidates who present themselves.”
“Only vampires?”
