Page 109 of The King of Koraha
She considered their very meager options. Fighting Xerxes plus his thirteen elite soldiers inside the shelter was not one of them. Plus one of them had to be Rendor, who they couldn’t harm and who would figure that out pretty quick and use it to his advantage. If she hadn’t panicked when she sensed Xerxes, she would have had the presence of mind to ensure Rendor was well. The only positive about this unexpected encounter was the possibility of freeing him.
Shyla wrenched her thoughts back to the immediate future. Her only chance to survive this encounter with Xerxes was to use magic.
“We can put Xerxes’ people to sleep for the duration of the danger zone, but he’s protected from our magic. We’ll still have to deal with him,” Shyla said.
“That’s fine. We can handle one man,” Balin said.
“Normally we can, but this man has a magical pendant that allows him to influence people. He can convince you to turn on us.”
“Can’t you block his power with yours?” Jaft wiped sweat from his forehead.
“No.” The sun’s rays sizzled on her skin. “You’ll have to avoid meeting his gaze. If you do, he’ll enslave you.”
“I love this guy already,” Jaft muttered.
“Also, if his sunfire is out, don’t look at that either. And don’t let him put a blackfire pendant on you.”
“In other words, just stare at his crotch,” Vashi quipped.
“This isn’t a joke,” Shyla said. “This man is dangerous and he threatens not just our lives but everyone living on Koraha.”
“How?” Lamar asked.
“I’ll explain later. Right now, I need you and Rae to help me put Xerxes’ people to sleep.”
The three of them returned to the circular entrance of the shelter. It was a straight shaft down six levels. A metal ladder was the only way to descend. Shyla confirmed that no one stood directly below. Then she reached with her magic, seeking out six minds to send into a deep slumber. Rae would target four and Lamar would take care of the last three.
The boisterous conversation and laughter from the mercs soon died down as they grew tired. One of Shyla’s targets was Vilma and the woman fought the compulsion to sleep. Xerxes’ second-in-command believed being tired was a sign of weakness and she never wanted to appear weak in front of the commander. Shyla increased her command. Eventually Vilma succumbed, but not without draining a good bit of Shyla’s energy. Then Shyla checked the others. Everyone slept except Xerxes.
Before Shyla could signal the others to descend the ladder, boots scraped on stone and Xerxes appeared at the base of the ladder. No surprise he’d figured out what caused all his soldiers to fall asleep.
“Come on down, Little One, before you and your friends are cooked,” he called in a friendly tone. “There’s no need to be afraid. I’ll keep my distance.” He disappeared from view.
Oh, she knew there was every need to be terrified, but there was nothing she could do about it. Balin and Nard went down first and drew their swords as soon as they hit the ground. But after a few tense moments, they signaled the all-clear. Shyla went next and then the others followed.
The cool dimness enveloped her as she descended. It was a relief to be out of the sun’s lethal rays. She joined Balin and Nard. Xerxes sat on a cushion on the far side of the shelter. Scattered around him were the prone forms of his sleeping people. She searched for Rendor, but Xerxes gestured and her attention snapped back to him.
“You didn’t have to incapacitate them, Little One. I only wish to talk to you.” Unarmed, he rested his hands on his knees. His pendant was tucked under his tunic. For now.
“Does that mean our meeting wasn’t an unfortunate coincidence?” she asked.
“Yes. I’ve been waiting for you.”
That was a surprise. “How did you know I was coming?”
“Don’t insult my intelligence,” he said. “This is the quickest route to Qulsary and you’re no doubt racing to warn the King of my nefarious plans. I could have chosen any shelter along the route. But once we settled here, I stationed a man to warn me when you were near. Although I’m impressed you and your Invisible Swords arrived so quickly.”
Rendor must have told him about the Invisible Swords. She scanned the sleeping forms, seeking him.
“Big Brute isn’t here,” Xerxes said. “That’s what I wish to discuss with you. And we’re running out of time. Well…he is.”
The desire to strangle Xerxes rose sudden and hot. She stepped closer with murder on her mind.
Xerxes smiled. “Here’s the deal. I need you to counter the King’s magic. You agree to work with me and Big Brute lives.”
Why did he think— Scorching hells! Shyla had told him that The Eyes, along with her magic, had the ability just to keep Xerxes happy. And the son of a sand demon not only believed her but he remembered.
“Where’s Rendor?” she demanded.
