Page 124 of The King of Koraha
“Pick anyone, we’re running out of time.” Fear tightened Rendor’s voice, making it sharp.
“Sorry.” She sought familiar bumps in the castle. Only those she’d made eye contact with would be receptive to her instructions. This effort went beyond using commands. She’d never tried it before, but with the cold water filling her boots there was no room for doubts.
Wielding her magic, she touched many occupants of the castle. She found the King just by sensing his guards. She was about to pick one of his loyal guards when she caught a familiar bump nearby. Hakana!
The King’s page would be perfect. She dipped into her thoughts. Hakana was already on her way to deliver a message to the King.
Drawing on the power of The Eyes, she reached out to the young woman.
Emergency!
Shyla and Rendor about to drown.
Kingmustsave them.
Room of Knowledge booby trap.
Hurry. Hurry. Hurry. Hurry!
Hakana paused outside the King’s office in confusion, questioning these strange thoughts. Had she overheard a guard? Had Najib sent her to fetch the King?
Shyla increased her magic.
Emergency!
Shyla and Rendor about to drown.
Kingmustsave them.
Room of Knowledge booby trap.
Hurry. Hurry. Hurry. Hurry!
She kept repeating her distress call until Hakana burst into the King’s office and rushed over to his desk. She reached for the King’s hand and as soon as the girl touched his skin, Shyla’s connection to Hakana was severed. Their lives now depended on the King agreeing to follow his page. She didn’t like those odds.
Chills raced over her skin as the icy water soaked into her pants. Rendor pulled her up beside him, tucking her close and enveloping her with his warmth. They sat on the highest step they could without banging their heads. There was a meter of air space left. Her lungs strained, trying to suck in as much air as possible. Maybe she could…store it inside her? She suddenly wished she had four air bladders like the velblouds. At least when she was dying on the surface, she knew what to expect. This was an entirely new way to die.
“Did it work?” Rendor asked.
“The message has been delivered.”
“Is the King coming?”
“I hope so.” She explained about Hakana.
As the water climbed up her lower torso, she remembered why she’d let her friend Banqui do all the digging and exploring in the ancient ruins. Why she’d let him trigger the booby traps. It was much safer to read maps and research locations. Although she doubted Banqui had ever sprung a trap like this one. She prayed she’d get a chance to tell him all about it. In fact, she had lots of things to say to her friends and family.
Shivers set in when the water lapped at her ribs. Rendor set the trol lantern on the very top step before moving her to his lap so more of her body was out of the water. A temporary reprieve. The level kept rising. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him long and hard.
“We’re getting out of here,” he said, pressing her to his chest.
She couldn’t agree. Couldn’t lie to him. Not with the water up to her armpits.
“There’s nothing to forgive,” he said, breaking the silence. “There never was. You did what you had to do, what you were forced to do. I don’t blame you for my capture. You need to stop blaming yourself.”
“Xerxes is to blame,” she said.
“Yes, exactly.”
