Page 54 of Damned and Broken Gods
“The anchors remain here,” Guru Mahir confirms. “Are we clear?”
No one says a word. I look down at Leela to find her with her cheek pressed to Blue’s. He holds her with his tiny paws, his whiskers trembling. Their bond is her anchor, and without Blue, she’ll need me more than ever.
“You.” Umbra points at Vick. “You claimed you have drohi support for this trial, but I would like to hear from the drohi themselves. Name them.”
Vick looks over at Chaya and Mahira. Both gave him a nod. “Chaya and Mahira.”
“And?”
Vick blinks sharply. “What?”
“You will need three to ensure that no bound demigod is left wanting when it comes to drohi assistance.”
Vick looks at Leela, who in turn looks up at me, her eyes pleading. The last thing I want is to be babysitting a demigod that isn’t bound to me, but I did agree to it, for Leela.
I give Vick a nod, and relief breaks out on his face. “Araz,” he says.
Umbra’s lips thin. “No. I’m afraid that is not an option.”
Vick’s face colors in panic. “What?”
“Why not?” Leela demands.
“The royal blood’s drohi cannot be distracted,” Umbra says tightly, then to Vick, “If you do not have a third, then you may not take the trial.”
“I’ll help,” Keyton says, stepping forward. “If you’ll have me.”
Vick’s shoulders slump, and he nods quickly. “Yes. Yes, please.”
Umbra jerks her chin up at Guru Mahir, and he speaks. “You will gather at the gates to Prashikshan at rising sun, where you will be met by the Vayujaari.”
My heart slams into my ribs, pulse breaking into a thunderous gallop. “What are the Vayujaari doing here?”
Guru Mahir looks at me with eyes that give nothing away, but the tick in his jaw speaks volumes. “They will transport the demigods to the coast where your ship awaits to take you to Shantivan.”
“We’re not taking a vortex?” Chaya asks.
“The drohi will travel via thunderbird, as Pavan Savar. It has been decided by the Authority.”
Ice trickles through my veins.
“That’s all,” Umbra says. “Anchors, you will return to the nest tower immediately.”
“Wait a second,” Blue says. “You want ta lock us away fer four weeks?” He hops off Leela’s shoulder and comes to stand, hand on hips, glaring up at Umbra. “No way.”
“He’s right,” Leela says. “You might think of them as constructs, but they’re more than that. They have sentience, and they should have free will.”
Umbra stills for a beat, her gaze flicking to Guru Mahir.
He exhales through his nose. “This is new to us. Anchors are a new concept, and yes, they have developed in ways we did not anticipate.” He looks to Umbra. “I’m sure they can be allowed to roam free during the day as usual, even if their demigods are absent.” The corner of his mouth lifts. “Maybe a small work allocation for those who wish?”
Blue looks around at the other anchors, then lifts his chin. “We accept.”
Umbra’s shoulders drop a little. Why is she so tense?
“Good.” Guru Mahir smiles. “Say goodbye to your demigods and report to the nest tower. Umbra and I will allocate each of you a role here in Prashikshan until your demigods return. You will not be locked away. I give you my word.”
“Yeah…good.” Blue sniffs.
