Page 86 of The Eyes of Tamburah
“All right, I get it. All the more reason for me to leave. So how about that guide?”
“None ofmymonks have that much knowledge of the city.”
She’d curse, but Hanif would scold her out of habit. “I don’t suppose you have a replica of the Water Prince’s sigil?”
“No.”
“And I don’t suppose you’re willing to letyourmonks provide protection so I can reach the Water Prince.”
He cocked his head. “If you want to get to the Water Prince, you just need to wait here. Protocol dictates that he’d send an emissary with that squadron to ask us to hand over the person of interest. Usually he or she is a wanted criminal and we oblige. We can do that with you and they’ll take you to the Water Prince.”
“No. I can’t betakenthere. I must show up on my own.” Or else the prince would never believe that she’d planned to give him The Eyes.
When Hanif’s brow creased, she added, “It’s complicated.” She thought about his comments. “What if the person the prince wants is a sworn monk?”
“We don’t oblige,” he said with steel in his voice.
“And the prince?”
“Has to decide how badly he wants that person.”
“And his response?”
“So far, he’s been smart enough to decide that it’s not worth the trouble.” Hanif unfolded his legs and stood. “I’m sorry Shyla, but I can’t askmymonks to risk themselves guarding you in Zirdai.”
Shyla stared at him. That was the third time he stressed that they werehismonks. Why would— Scorching hells.
CHAPTER
14
“I’m going with you,” Rendor said in that don’t-argue-with-me-you-won’t-win tone.
“No,” Shyla said, for the tenth time. She adjusted the sleeves of her borrowed tunic, and then checked her pack, ensuring it still held the fake Eyes. The container was wrapped in multiple layers of cloth and secured in a safe position.
“I know the guards,” Rendor said. “I know the city. I can get you down there with minimal trouble.”
“No.”
“Why not?” he ground out.
“Because the guards also knowyou.”
“But I’ll be—”
“Recognized right away.” She gestured to him. “Mr. Broad Shoulders and what…about ten centimeters shy of two meters tall? Besides, you’re still recovering.”
“So are you. It’s only been a sun jump since you woke from being shot by an arrow.”
She jabbed a finger at his cane. “You won’t be able to fight.”
He tossed it onto the cushion and moved closer without limping. “I can fight. My sword is in my room.”
Ha! She’d been right. “How well? They have orders tokillyou. Can you defend against more than one guard?”
“It won’t come to that.”
“Are you insane? I’ve guards, bounty hunters, vagrants, and deacons after me. It’ll be a miracle if we don’t have to fight our way down each level.” She swung her sun cloak around her shoulders. The poor thing had been cleaned and repaired again, yet the velbloud fibers remained strong. Its hide had saved her hide many times.
