Page 107 of Tiger's Destiny
“Don’t you think it’s time to tell me the truth?”
Sighing, I scooped up some soap and washed my neck. “Look, the truth is . . . very complicated.”
“Then tell me what you can. Can you get more food?” she asked.
I nodded.
“Enough to load many pack animals?”
I bit my lip. “Yes. We have an unlimited supply of whatever food you need. But pack animals are not necessary.”
She tilted her head as she considered the information. “And what of clothes and blankets?”
“It is the same.”
“And medicines?”
When I hedged uncomfortably, she pressed, “Most of my men are healed even from the gravest of wounds. You did this.”
After a moment, I nodded again.
She blew out an awestruck breath that drifted away into the air. “Do Dhiren and Kishan also know how to use this power?”
“Yes.”
“Then we will stockpile enough supplies here to last for a week and Dhiren will use this power to help the other armies. When we have provided for their needs, we will ask their leaders to meet with us and we will join together to defeat our enemy.”
After a quiet moment, I whispered, “All right.”
Anamika studied me thoughtfully. “This power must be protected at all costs. We must supply these things secretly. It would be wise to provide the men with a diversion, so they are not aware that the three of you have this power.”
I hesitated and asked, “Would the men believe that a benevolent goddess was watching over them?”
She peered at me and though it was dark, I could still make out the flash of green in her eyes. “A goddess? With the power you wield, yes, they would believe in that.”
“Then perhaps you would be willing to spread this rumor to the other camps when you meet with them?”
She considered for a moment then answered, “Yes. It is a good plan.” She swiped a towel over her shoulders and said uncertainly, “Kelsey, do you care that I take Dhiren from your side? I will leave you with your betrothed, of course.”
My jaw tightened, but I shook my head, indicating that it was okay, though inside my heart wrenched.
“Good. I like Dhiren.” As she spread the wet towel on the rock, she said quietly, “He fills the empty place at my side.”
I found that I suddenly couldn’t swallow, and my eyes felt hot.
Anamika left the spring. Briskly, she dried off and began dressing in the dark. “These new clothes Dhiren made for me are of the softest material. I haven’t worn anything so fine since I left India.”
The empty place. Why do I suddenly feel like my heart has an empty place?
“He made clothes for you too. Here.” She placed them on a rock nearby and crouched down before speaking again. “I have a favor to ask.”
“What is it?” I replied with a solid lump in my throat.
“I want to ask you to take care of my camp until I return in a week’s time. Kishan will help you. I do not find him an easy man like his brother, but you love him so I will tolerate his presence. My men will be instructed to obey your orders.”
I nodded weakly and with a whisper of fabric, Anamika disappeared.
Our secrets were unraveling, spiraling out of control, and I felt them spin in my mind and heart. I rose from the spring, dried, and dressed, then made my way back to the main part of camp.
