Page 12 of The King of Koraha
Shyla and Rendor discussed the different sights they would visit while they waited. Finally it was their turn.
“Names,” the guard asked in a bored tone.
“Shyla and Rendor,” she said.
The other guard’s stylus scratched over the scroll.
“Where are you coming from?”
“Zirdai.”
The guard reading the scroll glanced up. “Shyla Sun-Kissed of Zirdai?”
“Uh, yes.”
He jumped to his feet. “The King wishes to see you immediately. Follow me.”
“Now?” Her heart skipped a beat. She ran a hand through the short strands of her dusty hair. “I need to get cleaned up and dressed.” Although how did one dress for an audience with the King? Perhaps she should have thought of this sooner.
“Yes, now.”
She and Rendor exchanged a glance.
“Better to get it over with so we can enjoy the city,” he said.
It wasn’t like she had a choice. They followed him through the surface buildings until they reached a structure made completely of stained glass instead of a mix of glass and stone. No doubt this was the grand entrance to the King’s inverted castle. Panels of intricate mosaics decorated the glass. The sliding doors had been pushed open, seeming to invite visitors. Inside, a thick rug covered the floor, and a squad of well-armed guards stood between them and what appeared to be an access way that was well lit with expensive trol lanterns.
“This is Shyla Sun-Kissed,” the guard said to a man who looked like an advisor. He wore expensive silk clothing and clutched a tablet to his chest. His dark brown hair was clipped close to his head.
The advisor glanced at Rendor. “And who is this?”
“My companion,” Shyla said.
“He can wait here. Only you have been given permission to enter.”
“No,” Rendor said.
“It wasn’t a request.”
“I’ll be fine,” Shyla said when Rendor stiffened. She didn’t want him to cause trouble.
The advisor nodded. “Come with me.”
She squeezed Rendor’s arm. “I’ll see you later.”
“You certainly will,” he said.
Remembering his comment about rescuing her, she smiled. Then she turned her attention to the advisor, debating if she should read him just enough to get a sense of his emotions. But she decided not to. The man might be like Yates, the ex-captain who somehow felt her magic.
The guards parted to let them pass. As they entered the tunnel, Shyla wondered how deep the King lived. She knew his castle was completely sealed off from the rest of Qulsary for his safety. Plus he had no need to access Qulsary since it was ruled by a Water Princess.
As the highest authority in Koraha, he must live deep underground. He’d have to be deeper than any other prince or princess. Would he have a lift like the one in Zirdai to travel multiple levels without having to climb? Or would she have to descend to the very core of Koraha to reach him? She doubted he’d bethatdeep. Too bad, because it would be rather fascinating and appropriate for the King to live in the very heart of their world.
The tunnel sloped down for about six or seven levels and then abruptly opened into a grand cavern. Water fountains splashed merrily in the corners. But there was a sense of something missing. The space appeared to be primed for a display of opulence, yet it was almost bare. There were marks on the walls where tile mosaics must have hung. Rectangles of dirt outlined the floor, indicating a number of missing rugs. And partly hidden in the shadows were a number of armed guards.
Far more guards than the room warranted.
The advisor stopped in the middle of the room and gestured to the guards. “Seize her.”
