Page 62 of The Eyes of Tamburah
She told him about the mission for the monks without revealing what she had to fetch or the location of the communes. But she was more than happy to detail the encounter with the deacons. “The chapel’s on level fifty-one. A stocky deacon cut off the prince’s sigil. If you send—”
“We don’t interfere with the deacons, and they don’t bother us,” he said.
That comment stopped her. “Why not?”
“There are just as many deacons as there are guards. They’re equally well armed and trained. Why do you think both the Water Prince and Heliacal Priestess wish to claim The Eyes? They would tip the balance of power.”
She didn’t have the energy to correct him about The Eyes. “They already have so much power.”
“Doesn’t matter. They’re like children, they want what the other one has.”
And all she wanted was to free Banqui and the vagrants. Since she wasn’t getting anywhere with the vagrants—for now—she switched her focus to Banqui. “Did any of the diggers act suspiciously?”
“Oh no. You need to finish answeringmyquestions first. What did you retrieve for the monks?”
“Does it matter? I have it and all I need—”
“You lied to me about where you were going. I’ve been searching for you for four sun jumps. Yes. It matters.”
“Fine.” She dug into her pack and removed the vial.
He peered at it. “What’s inside?”
“The black river.”
“Ah.”
“Ah? That’s all you can say? Your men are torturing people down there!”
“And you’re surprised? Haven’t you heard about the Water Prince’s special rooms?”
“The prince mentioned it, but…”
He waited.
“I thought it was one of those empty threats.” The horrible image of the dead woman hanging upside down flashed. “How can you be a part of that?”
“It’s my job to keep the Water Prince safe.”
“But they’re not a threat. They’re innocent.”
“They’re stealing water and food from law-abiding citizens and living in Zirdai without paying their taxes. Hardly innocent.”
“But hardly a threat to the prince.”
“And you’re an expert now?”
No. She thought of Jayden trying to stab her in the heart. Of Vencel and Adair pushing her off the plank and into the air shaft. What did she know about them? About anyone? Nothing. She shook her head and drained her cup.
Rendor sat next to her. “Why do the monks want a vial of blood?”
“I don’t know. I don’t care. It’ll get me into the Second Room of Knowledge and that’s all that matters.”
“And that’s going to help you find The Eyes?” He sounded doubtful.
She didn’t blame him. At this point, she didn’t know what to think anymore. “I hope so.”
“Because of that symbol? Are you going to tell me about that now?”
