Page 84 of Dark Shaman: The Lost Treasure
"Yes, of course," he said. "Lady Tamira knows I have traveled extensively, so she sometimes asks about places I've been, markets I've visited, and foods I've tried. We don't talk about world politics or international trade because neither of us knows much about these subjects, and besides, those matters are irrelevant to our situation."
"Your situation?" Navuh's eyebrow arched. "You consider yourself part of the harem now?"
Dangerous ground. "I apologize, my lord. I meant only that I understand my place here, and the ladies understand theirs. We exist in the world you have created for us. The outside does not exist in here. It's a distant memory, nothing more."
"Well said." But Navuh's tone suggested he wasn't convinced. "Tell me, shaman—have you had any visions lately? Surely, proximity to my treasures has sharpened your sight."
And there it was. The real reason for this summons. Not Tamira, not their conversations, but Navuh's endless hunger for foreknowledge of threats.
"I must touch you to see, my lord," Eluheed said.
"You have touched them. Did you see anything?"
Eluheed swallowed. "I've only touched Lady Tamira, and she does not know about any plots against you, my lord."
That was true, and Navuh seemed to read the truth in his eyes.
"Let's do this." He extended his hand with the air of someone making a great sacrifice.
As Eluheed took the offered hand between both of his, the lord's fingers were long and cool, and his grip was firm despite how elegant his hand seemed. His hands belonged on a pianist, not a butcher, but then Navuh didn't do the butchering himself. He sent his minions to do his dirty work.
When the vision arrived, it was more violent than usual. Perhaps it was Navuh's agitation, or perhaps the universe had something urgent to communicate. Either way, Eluheed found himself drowning in images of blood and betrayal.
A figure in shadows, the face obscured. The glint of a blade. Poison in a cup. Explosives planted with careful precision. And through it all, a sense of proximity—this wasn't some distant threat, but someone close who was constantly plotting his ruler's demise.
But who? The vision swirled, showing him snippets without context. Someone with access to Navuh. Someone who smiled politely while planning murder.
It wasn't the son from previous visions. This was different, closer, and more dangerous because it came from within Navuh's inner circle. It must be someone who had been away and had recently returned because Eluheed hadn't felt him before.
Releasing Navuh's hand, Eluheed tried to process what he'd seen and how much of it he was going to reveal. If someone managed to kill Navuh, chaos would ensue, and the ladies would be in danger. They were safe as long as Navuh ruled this island with an iron fist.
"What?" Navuh demanded. "What did you see?"
"Danger," Eluheed said, letting his voice shake slightly. "Someone is plotting your death, and he's very close to you. He doesn't have any specific plan, so I don't think it's imminent, but you shouldn't trust any of your generals or advisors."
"Are you sure it's a he and not a she?"
Eluheed frowned. "Do you suspect the ladies? I think that after five thousand years, you should have realized that they pose no threat to you."
Navuh let out a breath. "I suspect everyone, including you, shaman. That's why I'm still here and still holding power." He leaned back in his throne chair. "Who is it then? Can you give me more concrete specifics?"
"I'm sorry, but the vision is clouded," Eluheed said, which was true enough. "I saw a charming smile, but that was allthe universe was willing to show me. That and the traitorous thoughts behind that smile. It's someone with access to you. Someone in your inner circle. Someone whose betrayal would actually have a chance of succeeding because you don't suspect him. I mean, beyond the blanket suspicion of everyone."
Navuh rose to his feet and started pacing, his agitation now focused on this new threat. "My commanders? My sons?"
"I don't know. It could have even been a servant," Eluheed said. "A valet, a food server, anyone who knows your routines. Ensure that your food is tested before consuming it. Don't even trust bottled water. I think it is safest for you to take all of your meals in the harem because it's more tightly controlled, and no one can smuggle any poisons there."
It suddenly occurred to him that all those expired medications in the clinic could be used as poison, but they were probably not strong enough to kill an immortal. Eluheed quickly banished the thought from his mind, even though he was effectively shielding from Navuh's mental intrusion.
He could see Navuh's mind working, cataloging everyone who fit that description. The lord's paranoia, always simmering beneath the surface, was now at full boil. Eluheed had planted the seeds of suspicion, which meant increased scrutiny for everyone in Navuh's orbit.
The warlord returned to his chair, his expression thoughtful now rather than agitated. "You've given me much to consider, shaman. And I'm surprised that you are so concerned about my well-being."
There was no point in sugarcoating his motives. "I'm just looking out for my own interests, my lord. You are the protector ofthe harem. Your replacement might decide to just get rid of everyone in here, including me and the ladies."
"Well reasoned and well said, Shaman." Navuh rewarded him with a rare, genuine smile. "You are a smart man, and you understand that Lady Tamira is not yours. She is mine. They all are, and I protect what's mine. You are permitted to enjoy her because it pleases her and serves my purposes."
"Of course, my lord. I'm at your service."
