Page 109 of The Eyes of Tamburah
Jayden didn’t deny it.
CHAPTER
17
Son of a sand demon! They manipulated and ruined her life for their own needs. Jayden looked braced for an attack. But Shyla just stood there unable to absorb the magnitude of their planning and deceit. The more she thought about it— Shyla gasped.
“Banqui?”
“Not part of our organization or plans,” Jayden rushed to assure her.
The storm inside her eased slightly. At least their friendship was genuine.
Still. “So that entire time you were helping me find the black river was all an act?”
“No.” He frowned. “I was told to help you. Ibelievedyou might intercede for us with the monks. It was only after they took you for testing that I learned of their plans.”
“Their? Aren’t you a member of the Invisible Sword?”
“I am, but I’m also a leader of my people.”
Huh? “Then who is in charge of the Invisible Sword?”
“I’m not allowed to divulge that information.”
“How convenient.”
Yet.
“I’m a member, too, why can’t you tell me? I swore an oath. Or was that all a ruse as well?” Shyla demanded, her anger flaring again. Jayden stepped back. “No, that was legit. But the commanders feel it’s best for you to go back to the monastery.” When she didn’t respond, he said, “If you’d been more…attuned to the city’s plight, we would have approached you directly to become a true member and help assassinate the prince.”
Attuned. Nice word. They’d assumed they needed to trick her instead of just talking to her. Maybe befriending her. No. Instead they ignored her like everyone else in Zirdai until they needed her. Then they ruined her life. Shyla liked to think she would have agreed to help on her own. However, it was a moot point. One thing she did know, she was done with him and his organization’s manipulations.
“Shyla, are you all—”
She tapped her temple. “Do it now so I can leave.”
“Do what?”
“Erase the Invisible Sword.”
“Not my specialty. Payatt will do that once you’re stronger.”
“Fine.”
She refused to say more. Jayden guided her to their headquarters—a series of small rooms over three levels with larger areas designated as gathering places. Shyla had a room to herself on the bottom level—twenty-four. Following Zhek’s instructions she ate, slept, and rested, preferring to sit in the dark corners during meals. She spotted Ximen a few times in the common area on her level, but not Jayden, Bazia or Payatt. The other Invisible Swords chatted, but the voices bounced off her. She’d turned to stone.
Shyla visited Banqui a couple of times, but Zhek wouldn’t let her stay long. Banqui still had a long way to go until he was fully recovered.
After two…three—she’d lost track—sun jumps, Shyla regained her strength and considered leaving. She lay on the small cushion in her semi-dark room, staring at the ceiling. The Invisible Sword had been ignoring her and, if she figured out how to open the not-door, she had a decent shot at making it to the monastery before they realized she’d left. Not like she had anyone to divulge the information about them to. The monks didn’t care. Hanif would accept that she’d changed her mind about taking the oath.
Then what? Spend all her free time in the Rooms of Knowledge? For what purpose? Or she could finally do what she’d been longing for. Leave Zirdai. She had Rendor’s coins. Enough for the trip, a decent set of rooms, and to purchase plenty of hair dye.
Yet.
The thought no longer held any appeal. It rankled, actually. At least at the monastery she knew people. Perhaps Lian, Elek, Jaft, and Rae would welcome her company. They had protected her without knowing why. Or did they? The Monks of Parzival could have easily been a part of the scheme to assassinate the Water Prince. Hanif had sent her to the black river. Shyla no longer trusted anyone. It’d be best to find a new city and start over.
Decision made, she planned a way to sneak out. Except soon after, shouts and cries of pain interrupted her scheming. She looped the strap of her pack around her neck and raced toward the common area on her level. The press of magic slowed her steps. She countered the unwanted commands, pushing them aside. The harsh clangs of weapons echoed off the walls. Shadows danced in rhythm with the scuff of many boots.
