Page 95 of The Eyes of Tamburah
Jayden straightened and met Shyla’s gaze. “It’s obvious. He wants The Eyes for himself. If he told Shyla that he couldn’t protect her, she might have remained in the monastery long enough for him to steal them from her.”
She kept her expression neutral. They didn’t need to know how tempted she’d been to go with him. Stupid Sun-idiot.
“That makes sense,” Gurice agreed. “Everyone wants The Eyes.” She eyed Shyla. “Except you.”
“I want them.”
“Yeah, but to exchange them for your friend.”
Shyla had enough of this conversation. “Are my acolytes safe?”
“Yes, we found them and exchanged clothes. Our people will take care of them until they are recovered enough to return to the monastery,” Ximen said.
“That was super fast. How’d you catch up?” Shyla asked him.
“Jayden knows a short cut. In fact, he knows this city better than anyone. And your attempt to will them to sleep slowed them down.” He cocked his head. “It shouldn’t have been possible, considering you had no training.”
She clenched her hands, digging her nails into her palms. “I learned quite a bit from those twelve sun jumps you had me chained up.”
“I bet that was hard to admit,” Bazia said.
“You’ve no idea.”
Bazia laughed. “Oh yes I do. They testeveryonewith magic that way.”
Nice to know the woman could actually be civil. A bit of Shyla’s energy returned. “Do you know how to get down to the Water Prince’s level?” she asked Jayden.
“Yes.”
She looked at the Arch Deacons sprawled on the ground. At least the Invisible Sword would also protect her—probably better than the acolytes because of the whole chanting thing. “How long will they be out?”
“Long enough,” Jayden said. “Come on.”
They followed him through abandoned tunnels, down a few unstable ladders, and twisted around a couple corkscrew ramps. According to Jayden, cutting through a number of populated areas was unavoidable. But their fierce gazes kept the curiosity to a minimum.
Unfortunately, their little parade attracted a few guards. Shyla glanced over her shoulder. They followed along at a discreet distance, as if afraid to engage them. Perhaps they had set up an ambush and were waiting for Shyla to reach it. Each time she checked, they seemed to grow in numbers the deeper Shyla’s group descended.
“Don’t worry,” Jayden said after she glanced back for the fifth time. “We’re about to lose them. Be ready to run on my mark.”
He turned left at the next intersection, then made a sharp right. “Go!”
They raced along the tunnel. At first, she matched their pace, but her exertions caught up to her and she slowed.
Ximen grabbed her elbow, tugging her along. “Just a little bit more.”
Jayden made a quick series of turns, zigzagging through abandoned and empty tunnels for what seemed like forever. Then he skidded to a stop over a metal grate. “Help me.”
Ximen dropped her arm. He, Jayden, and Gurice stuck their fingers through the holes and heaved. The metal groaned and creaked and finally popped free with a loud squeal. Expecting the noise to bring attackers, Shyla tensed. They moved the grate far enough away to allow them to fit through.
Jayden remained crouched next to it as Bazia dropped down feet first, then Gurice.
“You’re next,” Jayden said to her.
When Shyla reached it, she hesitated. Cold moist air blew from below, ruffling her hair. “Air shaft?”
“Air conduit. Big difference,” Jayden explained. “No need for a net.” He winked.
“Not funny.” She copied the women, turning so her hips leaned on the edge as she dangling her legs. Then she lowered herself to the ground. It wasn’t as deep as she expected. In fact, she had to hunch over to keep from banging her head on the ceiling.
