Page 15 of The King of Koraha
Careful to keep her expression neutral despite her growing alarm, Shyla wondered what else the King knew about her. Her father was the leader of the Parzival monks and reported to the King, but Shyla thought he’d send information about the city and not about his personal life.
“I guess that’s still not a question, is it?” the King asked. “The question I really want an answer to is this: How did you do it? How did you get the people of Zirdai to set aside their biases and help you?”
Good thing Najib returned with tea. He set out cups with a teapot, and handed the King a scroll that was sealed with wax. “Bilal sent that from Zirdai.” Najib glanced at Shyla. “His report about the rebellion.”
Bilal must be the King’s emissary, who hadn’t asked Shyla a single question, choosing instead to talk to everyone else. She wished she could read his report.
“Wonderful,” the King said, setting it down on the floor. “I’ll read it later.”
Najib poured three cups of tea and settled into a nearby cushion.
The King sipped his. “Ah, I can’t get enough of this new blend. Try it, Shyla.”
It tasted of cinnamon and vanilla. “It’s very good.”
“Now, answer my questions and tell us about your adventures.” The King waved a hand.
Shyla had expected to give the King a report and for him to compare her account with the one Bilal sent. She was also curious about the King as well. “Can I ask some of my own, sire?”
“Of course. It would only be fair.” He leaned forward like a small child waiting for a story before going to sleep. “Go on.”
Shyla explained how she was drawn into the hunt for the legendary Eyes of Tamburah, was recruited by the Invisible Sword, and defeated the prince and priestess.
“Such heroics!” the King exclaimed after she finished. “I’ve heard of this Invisible Sword before. One of the perks of being the king-in-training. I learned about the assassination of the despot. Back when the kings ruled from Zirdai. Can you imagine, Najib? Living in Zirdai?”
“I would not like the sand, sire. I hear it gets everywhere.”
“Does it, Shyla?”
This entire encounter with the King was surreal. One moment he radiated power and the next resembled a curious boy. “Yes, but only throughout the top ten levels or so due to the wind and from people’s boots.”
“Ah, interesting. And now before you pester me with questions, I’ve one more. Why didn’t you mention you woke the power of The Eyes? And please don’t waste my time by denying it.”
Shyla’s throat went dry despite the sweet-tasting tea. The temptation to read the King’s soul pumped in her heart. Instead, she decided to be honest. “Not many people know about the magic wielders, so I thought you wouldn’t believe me.” She hesitated. “I was also worried that you’d want to use me.”
“But you saw me use magic to command the water.”
“Some people don’t know they’re using magic. You could have thought it was a gift from the Sun Goddess because you’re the King.”
“It is a gift. However, you’re right about one thing. I do want to use you.”
While Shyla grappled with this revelation, the King refilled their mugs. “All right. Ask your questions.”
“Use me how?”
“Ask your others first. Then you’ll have a better sense of who I am and that’ll help you decide.”
Decide? That meant she might have a choice. This conversation was so strange. “If you knew about The Eyes of Tamburah and knew where they were and what they could do, why didn’t you wake the power?”
“The Kings of Koraha decided long ago that would be too much power for a king to have. We already command the very water. Besides, no one wants to turn into a megalomaniac despot.” He held his hand out in a placating gesture. “Not to imply that will happen to you.”
“But what if it does happen to me? Can you stop me?”
“Wow, she went straight for the jugular, Najib. What do you think of that?”
“I believe it’s a legitimate question, sire.”
He huffed. “You would.” The King met her gaze. “Try to read me.” When Shyla hesitated, he said, “Go on. Try.”
