Page 141 of The Eyes of Tamburah
“And it protects the wearer from all magic, not just The Eyes,” Shyla said. “Guess we’ll just have to get them back.”
Ximen laughed without humor. “A tall order.”
“But not impossible. After all, we have one. I counted seven when we rescued Jayden. How many are there?”
“A dozen, but it might not be accurate. Since the information has been passed down from generation to generation the details tend to not be as precise as something that’s been written on a tablet.”
“You need to teach meeverythingabout the Invisible Sword. We’ve much to do.”
“I’d say.”
Shyla answered a few more questions, then asked them a couple of her own. “How many people did we… lose?”
The good mood vanished.
“Three,” Gurice said. “Two acolytes and one Invisible Sword. Six others were injured, but will be fine.”
“I’m sorry.” Guilt wrapped around her like a velbloud tether squeezed tight. Her plan had worked in the end, but people died—too high a price to pay. She asked for their names and her grief deepened because she didn’t get a chance to know them. And would never be able to thank them for giving their lives for Jayden. “We will create a memorial for them when we have a new headquarters.”
They liked the idea and they discussed what type of memorial they should build.
But Shyla wasn’t done with her questions. “How’s Jayden?” she asked Gurice.
“He’s been tortured, but he’ll recover.”
“Where is Zhek?” Rendor asked Gurice.
“With Jayden.”
“Come on,” Rendor said, tugging Shyla deeper into the monastery.
They found Zhek and Jayden in the same wing as their rooms. Jayden was sleeping—probably due to Zhek’s “medicine.” She spotted an empty tea cup on the table. Zhek sat on the floor next to him. She thought Rendor wanted to learn more about Jayden’s condition, but no, he ratted her out, telling Zhek all about her injuries.
Zhek followed them to her room and ordered Rendor to leave. Served him right. She tried to delay the inevitable by asking after Jayden.
“He’ll be fine, dear child. It’s you I’m concerned about.” He fingered the tender lump on the back of her head. “Head injuries can be serious. Are you dizzy?”
“No.” She endured his questions and his examination. It wasn’t until he’d wrapped her ribs that he was satisfied.
“When will Jayden be awake?” she asked, dressing in a soft pair of sleeping pants and shirt. “I’d like to talk to him.”
“I will summon you when he’s strong enough.” He peered at her. “Are you uncomfortable? Do you want a cup of my tea?”
He actually asked. Progress! “No, thank you.”
Zhek pressed his lips together. They twitched as if he was debating his next move. “All right. You rest. Come get me if you’re in pain.”
“I will.”
Another hesitation, then he left. Shyla relaxed. Big mistake. All her muscles decided to ache at that moment. And the dull throb in her head turned sharp. She wondered if Zhek used healing magic on her that disappeared when he did. Next time Zhek tended her wounds, she would lower her shield and see if he used magic. She laughed at the direction of her thoughts. Notifshe was injured again, but ratherwhen.
She tried to sleep. But despite the bone-deep exhaustion that still clung to her, a restlessness hummed in her blood. The lumps in the cushion pressed on her sore ribs. No matter which way she lay she couldn’t find a comfortable position. And she was cold despite the heavy fur.
Giving up, she sat up and debated. Her stomach was unsettled, perhaps she needed to eat. She didn’t bother putting on her boots over her velbloud socks. In the hallway, the druks had been turned low. Shyla hesitated outside Rendor’s door. He might be hungry, too. Or he might be asleep. He needed to rest as well. They could rest together… She sighed. These feelings swirling inside her were unknown territory. And she doubted she’d find a map to show her the way. Scorching hells, girl, just make up your mind.
She tapped lightly on the glass and waited for a heartbeat. Just as she suspected, he was asleep. Turning—
“Come in.”
