Page 122 of The Eyes of Tamburah
“Are you sure it wasn’t from Zhek’s healing balm?”
“Yes. If it was his goo, thenallmy scars would be gone. Check my back.”
Hanif pulled the collar of her tunic down, exposing her right shoulder blade. “It’s still there.” He traced the scar with a fingertip. “Shyla, do you know what that means?”
“I’ve potential. No guarantees. Plus there’s the danger that I’d abuse the power and turn into a female Tamburah and go on a killing rampage.”
“And you’d…” Hanif still couldn’t say it aloud.
Instead, he gathered her into his lap, cradling her like he’d done when she was a child and been upset. She relished the comfort. Growing up, he’d been extra hard on her, always pushing her to do better, think faster, train harder. So those sweet times had—son of a sand demon!
Hanif was her father.
And that was one revelation too many. Overwhelmed, she couldn’t stop an explosion of giggles.
“Shyla?” His shocked tone only increased her mirth.
Her shoulders shook and she gasped for air, but soon her laughter turned to weeping. Deep, painful soulcrushing sobs. For… For…everything.
Poor Hanif held her tight as the storm inside her raged. All he could do really.
Eventually she exhausted her energy. Her emotions had been wrung dry and in their place…calm.
“You need to eat.” Hanif set her down and retrieved the water, dried nuts, and the slices of gamelu meat that had grown cold.
Leaning against the wall, she ate every bit and downed the water. A portion of her energy returned. Enough to stand.
“What are you going to do?” Hanif asked.
She stared at the marble container. “I’m going to try to wake The Eyes.”
“And if you succeed?”
No need to ask if she failed. Both were well aware of the consequences. “I’ll round up the remaining Invisible Swords.” She studied her father. “And I’m going to need to recruit from your acolytes if we’re going to rescue Jayden.” She waited for him to protest.
Instead, he nodded. “I know a few who would join you. But I suggest you gather your…troops first and allow them to witness your attempt to wake The Eyes.”
“But if I fail…”
“You’ll inspire them.”
Terrify them was more likely, but she considered his recommendation.
“And make sure you take Rendor with you. He’ll never be happy being a monk.”
She didn’t think the man was ever happy, but she’d already planned on asking him.
* * *
“No. Absolutely not. I won’t be a part of it,” Zhek sputtered in anger.
“But you have the skills. I need you, Zhek. I’m begging you,” Shyla said.
“No. No. No.” He stormed from the room.
She rubbed her wrist, thinking. Ximen and the other surviving Invisible Swords had agreed to regroup without hesitation.
Ximen didn’t know if any of the commanders of the organization had survived the attack. “Their identities have always been a closely guarded secret. Only a few of us know their names,” he said. “Since I’ve heard nothing from them, I suspect they’re dead.”
