Page 139 of The Eyes of Tamburah
The little rat, indeed. “Yeah, he owed me one.” And she owed Rendor. “Thank you for rescuing me.”
“Now we’re even,” he said.
She glanced at him in surprise. “Not by my count.”
“You rescued me from an early death—my fate had I continued to work for the Water Prince.”
“That’s a stretch.”
He shrugged. “It’s the truth.”
Too tired to argue, she pulled her knees up and rested her head on them.
“Do you have a sun cloak?” Rendor asked.
“In my pack. Why?”
Instead of answering, he pulled her to her feet. She groaned in protest as he yanked off the deacon robe and removed her pack.
Rummaging inside, he handed her the water skin and a roll of jerky. “Drink. Eat.”
It required more energy than she had, but he would nag her until she did. She gulped the warm liquid. While she chewed the tough meat, Rendor arranged the robe and cloak into a sleeping area. He scowled when he saw the rip in the fabric from the knife.
“No blood,” Shyla said before he insisted on inspecting her torso.
A grunt, then he finished. “Sleep.”
“You do know I’m the one in charge, right?”
This time he pointed. “Sleep. I’ll stand guard.”
He looked as tired as she felt. “No need.” Shyla withdrew the dried gamelu skin and laid it on the tunnel’s floor about three meters away.
“I’d rather not depend on that.”
“Suit yourself.” She stretched out and it was wonderful to be horizontal.
Rendor covered her with an extra flap of the robe. He smoothed her hair and stroked her uninjured cheek. She fell asleep instantly.
* * *
Shyla woke. A solid warmth pressed on her back. Blinking in the dim orange-tinged druk light, she sorted through her memories. The Invisible Sword…Jayden… rescue…Rendor! Where—
His arm was tucked around her waist. His even breathing sounded behind her. They needed to return to the monastery or risk being captured by either the deacons or the guards. Yet she was reluctant to wake him. Lying in his arms, she was safe. An odd sensation, considering the danger. Even stranger, the thought of waking up next to him every sun jump heated her soul.
But that would only happen if they escaped the city. She considered their meager options and it didn’t look good. Getting to the surface would be difficult. Maybe if she had a few osees with her, they could bribe the cleaners, but all she had was her sun cloak and— A plan sparked.
As much as she’d like to remain in his arms, Shyla rolled over to face Rendor. Pain flared in her ribs.
His eyes snapped open and he jerked away. “Sorry.”
“For what?”
Rendor sat up. “For sleeping on duty.”
“You can make it up to me later.” She leered, then laughed at his shocked expression.
“I take it you’re feeling better,” he grumbled.
