Page 138 of The Eyes of Tamburah
“Shyla, let me carry you,” Rendor said when she’d tripped over her own feet for the third…fifth time.
“No. You need your hands free. We might be ambushed.”
“I can put you down.”
“No. Not until we’re safe.”
He huffed, but didn’t push the issue. When he finally stopped, she bumped into him. Shyla blinked in the semi-darkness. They stood in an alcove at a dead end.
“Where—”
“We need to wait and let things cool down.” Rendor rubbed his shoulder. “Too many people leaving Zirdai will attract attention. And the guards are on high alert.”
“I wonder why,” she said, giving Rendor a pointed look. “What are you doing here? I thought you agreed with me that you would draw too much attention.”
“I changed my mind. I’ve lived and worked in Zirdai for twenty-eight circuits, I do know how to move through the city unseen.”
She hadn’t thought of that when she had ordered him to remain at the monastery. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“You wouldn’t have believed me.”
Opening her mouth to deny it, she reconsidered. It was still hard to imagine the big man going unseen. “You never planned on staying behind, did you?”
“Nope.” Another smirk then he sobered. “Your plan had a flaw.”
“I’d say.” Her bruised ribs and swollen cheek ached in agreement.
“Not that—no one could have guessed the Heliacal Priestess would be immune to your magic. You forgot to account for the Water Prince. He has a network of informants that keep him updated on what’s going on in Zirdai. The guards showed up soon after Ximen arrived. There was no way the Invisible Sword would have gotten Jayden through them.”
Another good point. “What happened?”
“As soon as Jayden appeared so did I. Surprised to see me, they hesitated. I told them the deacons have The Eyes. They could either go after Jayden or recover The Eyes for the Water Prince. They chose to wait for my signal and go after the prize.”
“Did Jayden escape?”
“Yes.”
Strong relief drained her remaining energy. She sank to the ground and leaned against the wall.
Rendor was immediately beside her. “Are you—”
“Fine.”
“Zhek warned me you would downplay your injuries and that I should ignore you and do a visual exam.” His intense gaze burned.
Two conflicting responses warred in Shyla’s body at the thought of Rendor examining her. One desired to strip off her clothing, while the logical one warned her they were still in danger of being discovered. Stupid logic.
When she could trust her voice, she recited her injuries—head, cheek, shoulder, ribs.
Rendor’s expression darkened. “I should have killed him. Do you need something for the pain? Zhek—”
“Seems to enjoy meddling in my business,” she grumped. “When did you have time to talk to him?”
“While we waited for the exchange.” He sat down next to her.
“How did you find me after I was taken from the chapel?”
“Once I determined I couldn’t reach you without getting you killed, I retreated. That little sand rat Mojag told me about the back tunnel and where it exited. We figured they were headed to level ninety-six and Mojag knew a good place to stage an ambush. He said something about it making it even. Do you know what he was talking about?”
