Page 13 of The Eyes of Tamburah
The prince’s physician entered as they finished their meals. He changed the bandage over Shyla’s cut.
“Keep it clean and dry,” he said, handing her a couple extra bandages and some adhesive. “After three sun jumps you can stop covering it. And in another four sun jumps, have a healer remove the stitches. Understand?”
“Yes.”
“Good.”
Soon after he left one of the Water Prince’s guards entered. If his role was to be intimidating and formidable, he aced it by barely fitting through the entrance. The guard wore all black, including his well-stocked weapons belt, scabbard, and the hilt of his short sword—long blades didn’t do well in small spaces. Although she doubted the big brute’s wide shoulders allowed him access to some of those narrow areas. With his dark mahogany skin, Shyla thought he blended in well with the shadows. Perhaps that was why the prince chose him. Shyla suspected the rumors about the Water Prince being smart might just be true.
“Did you bring it?” he asked the guard.
“Yes, sire.” The man pulled a gold metal bracelet from his pocket.
“Shyla, hold out your left arm,” he ordered.
Uneasy, but unable to refuse, she did as instructed. The guard snapped the bracelet around her wrist. The touch of its cold metal sent a shiver up her arm. He fiddled with something and it tightened. Alarmed, she tried to pull away.
“Stop moving or it’ll pinch your skin,” the guard growled with a deep commanding voice.
She stilled. He finished and stepped back. Shyla fingered the band of gold. While tight, it didn’t hurt, but it didn’t budge either. It was about two centimeters wide. A silver crown symbol decorated the top.
“My sigil,” the prince said. “Show that to anyone who refuses to render you aid. It should change his or her mind.”
“And if it doesn’t?” she asked.
His tight smile didn’t reach his emerald-silver eyes. “Show it to my guards and explain the situation. They’ll assist you inextractingthe needed information.”
No doubt by beating the poor fellow. She decided that would be a desperate last measure. Tugging on the band, she asked, “How do I take it off?”
“You don’t.”
Surprised, she met his gaze. “I—”
“This ensures you won’t lose it or lend it or sell it. When you complete your mission, Captain Rendor will be happy to unlock it.”
The words were reasonable, but a threat rumbled through his tone. She rubbed her bare arms, wondering what had happened to her pack and sun cloak. She’d have to hide the sigil. The treasure hunters would be way too interested in it and she didn’t trust them not to cut off her hand to claim it.
The Water Prince strode to the desk and returned with a small pouch that jingled. Handing it to her, he said, “This should be enough to help you with your initial inquires. If you need more, let my guards know. They’ll get a message to me and Rendor will be happy to deliver it to you. In fact, he’ll be checking up on your progress from time to time.”
The big brute bared his teeth in what he probably thought was a smile. It wasn’t. No emotion shone from his almond-shaped eyes. His long black eyelashes curled slightly at the ends, seeming out of place—a softness against the harsh lines of his face. If he wasn’t so dangerous, she’d think he was attractive.
“And when you find The Eyes, get them to my guards right away. They can protect you both,” the prince said.
Not if, but when. Such confidence. “All right.”
“Do you need anything else?”
Her cue to leave. “Where is my sun cloak and pack?” The high levels would be cool this early in the sun’s jump. Plus the cloak would hide the sigil.
“The cloak was stained with blood and ripped. When my people are finished cleaning and repairing it, I will have it delivered to you. One of the guards has your pack.”
She sensed his impatience, but she had to ask, “How do I get back to my room?”
“Rendor will escort you. I’m sure you’re anxious to get started. And Banqui will be quite relieved once you’ve recovered The Eyes.”
Nothing like a reminder of what was at stake. As if she could forget the consequences of failure. But she played nice and followed Rendor.
“Good hunting, Shyla,” the Water Prince called as she left.
