Page 15 of The Eyes of Tamburah
“And we’re just saving you time,” Dekel said. “In fact, why are you still in Zirdai? If the Water Prince’s goons catch you, you’re cooked.”
“I don’t have The Eyes. But I still need to talk to Fadey.”
Aphra shrugged. “I’ll show you where he is…for a price.”
Shyla agreed. A prickling feeling flared between her shoulder blades as she followed Aphra from the dining cavern. She resisted the urge to turn around. They navigated through a number of well-traveled tunnels and climbed to level seventeen. When others passed them, Shyla kept her gaze on the ground. Walking with another person helped her remain unremarkable as not many people would want to be seen with a sun-kissed.
“I thought you were smarter than that,” Aphra said when they were alone. “You realize that you just made yourself a target, don’t you?”
“But I told them—”
“No one believed you. You’ve a lot to learn.” A pause. “Gotta respect your daring, though.”
“I really don’t have them. And I’m guessing that you and your friends don’t know where they are either.”
“Like Dekel said, possessing them is suicide.” She slowed. “If you really don’t have them, then why do you want to find them?”
“I’ve been hired to.”
Aphra gave a low whistle. “Banqui must be desperate.”
Shyla’s emotions wavered between insulted that Aphra thought Banqui only hired her when he had no other options, and intrigued that the treasure hunter believed Banqui didn’t have The Eyes. “Why do you think it’s Banqui?”
“Oh no, this information isn’t free.”
Shyla removed two coins from her pants pocket. Zirdai’s currency was a two-centimeter-wide disk made from osmium—a rare bluish-silver metal that wouldn’t melt even if left out during the sun’s apex. The King of Koraha’s visage graced one side and the city’s seal the other. Most people bartered and traded goods and services, but when you didn’t have anything to offer, then osmiums worked fine.
Aphra moved to snatch them, but Shyla closed her fist. “Not so fast. This will pay for more information.”
“Banqui was talking to the black-market dealers. He’s never done that before.” Aphra noticed her expression. “The man’s too honest. Either that or he’s too terrified of the Water Prince. Or…” She drummed her fingers on her thigh. “He’s been bidding his time, collecting items over the sun jumps until he has enough to cover the cost of a trip to Catronia. In fact, the university there will pay large sums for ancient artifacts.”
She doubted Banqui would risk upsetting the Water Prince. But there was that visiting professor. “Is this a rumor?”
Aphra crossed her arms and her jaw tightened. Then she huffed. “No. I’ve sold them a couple of sweets, but keep that to yourself. I don’t want a bunch of hunters horning in on my lucrative market.” She brightened. “I’d be happy to act as middleman if you discover a sweet or two you’d like to sell. Provided you live through the next couple of sun jumps.”
Wonderful. “Thanks for your offer, but I’ve enough trouble right now.”
“I’d say. But if you change your mind, let me know.” She gave Shyla an appraising glance. “Unlike the others, I don’t mind doing business with a sun-kissed.”
Not sure how to reply to that comment—should she thank her?—Shyla remained quiet.
When they reached Fadey’s rooms, she handed Aphra the osees. “Can you try to convince the rest of the hunters that I don’t have The Eyes, but if they have anylegitimateinformation about The Eyes, my client is willing to pay.”
“I’ll try and who knows? Maybe your request for info will help. Good luck.” Aphra waved goodbye.
Shyla set her shoulders and drew in a breath. Then she knocked on the thick colored glass door—a sign of modest wealth despite the level.
One of Fadey’s minions peered at her through a slit. “What do you want?”
Normally, she would have played the game. Instead, she flashed a couple of coins and they gained her an immediate invite inside. Shyla had to admit it was fun spending the Water Prince’s money. Her meager pile of savings wouldn’t have enticed anyone to talk to her. But it was hers and eventually, she’d have enough to leave.
The minion led her to a sitting room while he fetched his boss. Oversized cushions of various colors littered the floor. She settled on a red one. A hand-woven rug with a dune pattern covered most of the stone. Druk lanterns hung from the walls. On a low stone table sat a pitcher of water next to a teapot. And was that—lava stones! A luxury item. Put them together and they generated enough heat to boil water. Shyla suspected this room was Fadey’s showcase—a place to impress visitors. He’d succeeded.
When she’d first arrived in Zirdai, Fadey had sought her out. He’d guessed she’d spent time walking the sands with the monks and might know the location of some hidden temples. She’d helped him find a few sweets, but had insisted that her help would be temporary. He’d scoffed at her desire to be a legitimate researcher, but, in the end, he’d put in a good word for her to Banqui.
After a few angles, Fadey arrived with two of his minions. They circled around to the back of the room, taking up positions on either side of the table. Did Fadey think she’d steal his treasures?
But Fadey spread his arms as wide as his smile, greeting her. “Shyla, this is an unexpected surprise.”
