Page 84 of Dark Shaman: Eternal Hope
"They took the opportunity to explore deep in the gardens." The prepared lie flowed smoothly from Tamira's mouth. "Elias is searching for some rare medicinal plant that he's convinced must grow on this island. Tony went with him to help, and probably to escape the crowd."
Beulah frowned. "They should have waited for more pleasant weather to go exploring. They'll exhaust themselves in this heat."
"You know how Elias gets about his plants," Tamira said with what she hoped was an affectionate eye roll.
Two guards emerged from the pavilion, and Tamira's heart stuttered before she realized they weren't looking for anyone specific. They took positions at either side of the structure, each next to an entrance, their presence a clear message that no one was going back inside until the power was restored.
Having the men stay hidden rather than trying to sneak back in had been the right call.
"The last sweep is complete," one of them said into his communicator. "The building is empty."
Empty except for two men hidden in a closet. Tamira forced herself not to think about the lack of oxygen or let worry show on her face.
"Let's get in the shade," Sarah said, linking her arm through Tamira's. "The heat is already unbearable."
They walked toward the tent, joining the stream of people seeking relief from the sun. The children had already claimed the floor pillows in one corner, where someone had thought to bring board games, cards, and even a few balls for the braver souls willing to play in the heat.
"Tamira dear, where is Elias?" Areana asked as Tamira and Sarah joined her at the ladies' table.
"He and Tony are in the gardens," Tamira said, meeting the goddess's impossibly blue eyes that seemed to see through every pretense. "They are hunting for some exotic plant that Elias swears must be growing wild out there. You know how he gets when he's on a mission."
Areana's expression didn't change, but something flickered in her eyes—suspicion, perhaps, or simple curiosity. "It might take them all morning, and they will miss the picnic."
"That's what I said," Tamira agreed, allowing frustration to color her voice. "But Elias insisted that this was the perfect opportunity because he and Tony couldn't work in the inner courtyard today, and the herb garden didn't need any attention." She leaned closer to Areana and whispered conspiratorially, "I think that he just doesn't like crowds and looks for a good excuse to avoid mingling. He hates that people are still giving him the hero treatment because of what he did during the flooding."
"Hmm." Areana studied her for another moment, then smiled. "Well, I hope they find what they're looking for, and that they don't suffer heat stroke in the process."
She turned to talk with Beulah and Liliat, who were trying to convince her to try one of the board games.
Tamira released a breath.
"That was smooth," Tula murmured, sliding into a chair beside her. "You are scarily good at this, but she still knows something's off."
Tula knew Areana better than any of them, and Tamira had no doubt that she was right. "She always knows. The question is whether she will do anything about it."
"Probably not." Tula rose to her feet. "Let's go to the buffet. The servants won't start eating until we've filled our plates."
They made their way to the food tables, and Tamira was grateful for the excuse to load up plates. Four plates, two for them, and two for their supposedly plant-hunting partners.
"Hungry this morning?" Raviki asked with a raised eyebrow.
"We're taking the food to the gazebo," Tula said. "We are meeting Elias and Tony there when they're done with their treasure hunt."
"Why not have them come here?" Liliat asked.
"You know Elias," Tamira said. "He's not good with crowds. Besides, it's peaceful out there."
"Their loss," Liliat said. "They're missing out on all the fun."
The picnic was taking on a life of its own. Someone had brought out a guitar. One of the servants knew a few songs, and a small group had gathered to listen. In another corner, two kitchen maids were playing a card game with some of the older children.
These were her people. Even the servants felt like extended family.
"Are you okay?" Tula asked as she and Tamira walked away, each balancing two plates.
Tamira realized she'd been standing still, staring at a little girl who was braiding the hair of an even smaller girl. The child's concentration was absolute, her small fingers working with surprising dexterity.
"Yeah. I'm fine," Tamira said. "I'm just going to miss this."
