Page 127 of The King of Koraha
“What do you need from me?” the King asked.
“Does anyone else know why you’re here?” Shyla asked.
“No.” He gestured to the guards. “They were with me in my office when Hakana burst in. And we took the quickest route here, which is through an unused section of the castle.”
Good. “We’re going to need access to your Room of Knowledge.” She pointed to the iron doors. The gap below them was now closed. “I have to find a way to counter the pendants. The sooner the better.”
“You can’t access it from here. This is just a fake entrance to trap trespassers.” He gave them a wry smile. “Meet me in my sleeping chamber in twenty angles.”
“Yes, sire.”
“What about…” He pointed to his head.
Shyla considered the best way to erase their memories. “We’ll follow you back to your office and I’ll do it there. Please make sure no one sees you.”
“All right.” He swept his hand out before turning and leading Hakana and the guards away.
Shyla clambered to her feet, thinking the King’s gesture was odd.
“We’re dry,” Rendor said, patting his tunic.
She checked the inside of her dillo leather boots and the bottom of her pants. They were also dry. Wow. The King’s control and speed was impressive. She wondered if he had removed the water from their lungs as well, saving their lives. Rendor had been unresponsive during those final moments.
“Are you all right?” she asked him.
He patted his stomach and grinned. “I swallowed so much water, I probably won’t have to drink for an entire circuit.” Then he sobered. “It was another near miss. I lost consciousness. But it seems the Sun Goddess isn’t ready for us.”
“Clean slate, remember?”
“Yes, for both of us.” He cupped her face and his demeanor turned dead serious. “I want to be with you forever. I want to make it official after all this is over. That is, if you want me in return. Think about it.” Before she could say a word, he grabbed her hand. “We need to catch up.”
Shyla had no need to think about anything; she knew her answer. But Rendor’s insecurity had caused him to doubt his worth despite agreeing to a clean slate. After this was over, they’d have plenty of time to work it out. And if they failed… She shied away from those thoughts. Yet they hovered in the corner of her mind. They warned,there might not be an after, whenever she made the mistake of paying attention to them.
They followed the King to his office and she erased all Hakana’s and the guards’ memories. Then they went to wait for the King in his sleeping chamber. Shyla eyed the lush cushion with longing. It was surrounded by water, but it wasn’t deep on one side. Almost drowning had drained her energy. Or was it calling for help through Hakana? Maybe the effort to alter five people’s memories? Perhaps all three. But the thought of going near water again… She shuddered and Rendor instinctively pulled her close. Leaning on him was much better than a nap.
The King arrived right after his guards called the all-clear because she had used thenot herecommand on them. He closed the doors and gestured in a circle. The water around the cushion drained, revealing the ramp down to his hidden chamber. Shyla and Rendor descended into the large room, which was half sleeping quarter and half living space. When he returned the water to block the entrance, he indicated that Shyla and Rendor should sit down. They sat on a couple cushions facing the King.
“I was going to send Hakana to watch for Xerxes, but Najib will notice and figure out you survived and that I know about the assassination attempt.” The King paced. “I think the best thing to do is assume Xerxes is already here and be on guard.”
“You can confide in the captain of your guards,” Shyla said. “He’s trustworthy and he can prepare his guards for an attack. Well, except for the four who are loyal to Xerxes.”
“We should be able to work around them. They drill often in case of an attack, so it shouldn’t draw too much attention.” The King finally sat down. “Access to my Room of Knowledge is down there.” He pointed to the back corner. “There’s a hidden hallway that leads to it along with a couple sleeping chambers, which you’re welcome to use. In fact, I’d prefer if you remain down here. It’s safer for all of us and I can bring you food.” He paused. “But in order to be granted access to the room, you must swear loyalty to me.”
“You already know we’re loyal,” Shyla said, confused.
“This is different. This is due to the magic protecting the documents. You won’t be able to enter the room without swearing an oath.” His gaze seared into hers. “Only Najib has sworn this oath. If you do this, you will be one of my advisors. I won’t ever force you to work for me, but I could. Do you understand?”
“That the magic would compel me?” Her voice quavered with horror. Not this again.
“Yes. The oath took the place of the pendants.”
“If Najib took the oath, then you might be able to counter Lonato’s commands,” Rendor said.
“Theoretically,” the King agreed. “But I’ve never used it on Najib. However, I will if this situation with Xerxes forces me to.”
Shyla collected her thoughts. “I’m already sworn to the Invisible Sword. Will it even work?”
“Only one way to find out.” The King studied her. “I don’t want to take you away from them. You’re free to do as you please. I hope you and your Invisible Swords will consider working for me when needed, but I would never force you. My word.”
