Page 11 of The King of Koraha
“Even though I’m the reason you needed guards?” Shyla asked.
“This time. Next time, we might encounter sand pirates. Although…” She smirked at Rendor. “I’d love to see the expressions on those cowards’ faces if they have to go up against the captain.”
“It would be my pleasure,” he said, giving her a slight bow. “When are you leaving for Ginda?”
“Not for another ten sun jumps. My crew needs a break. I’ll be in the main bazaar on level twenty-two, selling my wares. It’s in the center of the city. Let me know in eight sun jumps if you’re interested. Otherwise I’ll hire replacements.”
“We will. Thanks,” Shyla said.
“Oh, and make sure you register with the guards before you go into the city.” Lota hooked a thumb at another entrance. “Standard procedure.” Lota returned to supervising the unloading.
“Will ten days of sightseeing be long enough for you?” Rendor asked Shyla.
She looked at him in surprise. “I haven’t thought about anything beyond my meeting with the King.”
“I have, and there’s no reason for us to return to Zirdai right away.”
“Until we run out of osees.”
“Good point. How about we explore the cities of Koraha until we run out of osees.”
He agreed too fast. And he had an I-know-something-you-don’t grin. What was he hiding? “What are you not telling me?”
Rendor opened his pack and let her peek inside. She gasped as gold glinted. No wonder his pack was so heavy.
“How did you get that?” she asked.
“It was a gift from Gurice and Jaft, your seconds-in-command. I believe Gurice’s exact words were, ‘We’re good. Don’t come back until she sees the world.’”
Typical of Gurice. A sudden desire to hug her friend pressed up her throat.
“While I was happy to receive such a generous gift, I must admit that I’m not too thrilled to be carrying around a naked statue of King Tamburah.”
Gurice certainly had a warped sense of humor. “At least there’s extra gold. More osees for us.” Unlike Rendor, Tamburah had overexaggerated the size of his genitalia.
“So I’ll ask again. Is ten sun jumps enough time to spend in Qulsary?”
“No. Not if we want to see all the sights in the city.”
“Then we’ll have to decline Lota’s kind offer.”
And then it hit her. They had the freedom to do whatever they wanted. To go wherever they wanted. No pressure. No people to save. No wrongs to right.
Excitement coursed through her and she hopped into Rendor’s arms and kissed him.
He hefted her with ease. “What was that for?”
“For giving me the world.”
“Oh no, sunbeam. I didn’t give it to you. You earned it. I’m just here to make sure you enjoy it.”
She laughed and kissed him again. He set her down and they headed toward the entrance Lota had pointed out.
“I can ask the guards where to find a room to rent,” Rendor said. “They always know the best places.”
“I hope the King meets with me as quickly as he met the Water Prince.”
Inside the building was a line of people waiting for their turn to register with the guards. At the other end of the line was a long table with three guards sitting behind it. One consulted a scroll and the second wrote on another while the middle guard asked questions.
