Page 49 of The Eyes of Tamburah
“About two sun jumps.”
She bit down a groan.
“Are you ready to get out of here?” he asked.
“Oh yes.”
When Jayden smiled, his features softened. He appeared circuits younger and he was rather good-looking. Too bad, he knew it. Jayden’s grin turned cocky when she continued to study him. As he helped her stand, she wondered how he’d ended up here. Was he born to this life, or had he found himself in dire straits? What about those ribs? And why did she care?
He led her out into the main area. Unlike the other communes, no one stared at her. They bustled about doing…she’d no idea. The few who did make eye contact actually nodded hello to her.
She slowed. Was he leading her into a trap?
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Just give me my pack and the location of the black river. I’ve already wasted too much time.”
He studied her somewhat panicked expression. “All right. This way.”
She didn’t quite relax, but at least there weren’t any air shafts around here. She hoped. That reminded her. “How did you know I was searching for the black river?” When he hesitated, she said, “You promised to tell me.”
“When you were up at Orla’s commune, a runner came down. Orla wants me to help you and she’s one of our elders.” His shoulders tensed.
Something wasn’t quite right. “If Orla wants to help me then why did Vencel and Adair toss me into an air shaft?”
He ducked his head. “It’s the quickest and easiest way to get to my level.” Then he glanced at her. “Some people think it’s fun.”
Fun? Falling twelve stories was not fun. She glared at him. “They could have warned me.”
“Yeah, but they were angry you found their commune so easily.”
Good to know they weren’t trying to kill her. But still… Shyla and Jayden walked in silence. He led her to a room. Gurice was inside along with—
“Mojag!” Shyla said.
The boy jumped up from where he’d been sitting crossed legged on a cushion. He shuffled over to the corner and picked up her pack. Returning, he handed it to her and scurried back a few meters as if worried she’d strike him. He hung his head. “I’m sorry I sold you to the deacons.”
Astounded, she stared at him. “Sorry? You’re sorry?”
“Yes.”
“They were going to kill me!”
“Do you want my knife?” Gurice asked her.
“Gurice,” Jayden warned.
“Why did you do it?” Shyla asked Mojag.
“I was mad. I thought you cheated us. Everyone’s always trying to cheat us.”
“I gave you almost every coin I had.”
“I know.” He looked miserable.
“You looked in my pack.” She’d reached her limit. Not that she had any valuables in there, but it infuriated her that everyone just…tookfrom her. Banqui, the Water Prince, the Heliacal Priestess, and all the people she met while on this crazy hunt for the black water. As if she wasn’t a person, but an object to be used.
Anger fueling her steps, Shyla stalked toward the boy. Mojag braced as if expecting a blow.
