Page 25 of The King of Koraha
“No. The only time I used the power of The Eyes on you was when you ordered the guards to seize me. Otherwise, I don’t invade others’ privacy unless they give me good reason.”
“Ah, good to know.”
Rendor scowled at Najib. “Why did you order your guards to seize her?”
“A test to see if she’d run away.” His voice squeaked a bit under Rendor’s intense scrutiny.
“You’re lucky there were no injuries.”
“Oh, she wouldn’t have been harmed, Captain. I assure you.”
Rendor grunted. “I was referring to your guards.”
Shyla ducked her chin into her new scarf to hide her grin at Najib’s shock.
The advisor cleared his throat and sipped some tea before he regained his composure. “In order to save myself some extra work, please read my genuine desire to meet all your terms for this investigation,” he said to Shyla. “Do I need to do anything?”
“No. Once I’ve made a connection to a person, it’s easier.” And she didn’t need to make eye contact again. She lowered her shield and found no surprises lurking in his thoughts. They were focused on finding the taxes. “I hope we are successful as well, Najib.”
“Ah, you are a mind reader as well!” He paused and a worried expression creased his face. “Did you learn that I’m afraid of velblouds?”
“No, I didn’t dig that deep.”
“How can you be afraid of them?” Rendor asked. “They’re harmless.”
“They have sharp claws and are very protective of their young, Captain,” he snapped. Then he drew in a breath and released it slowly. “While I gather all the information you requested and find you a guide, would you like to go to your rooms?”
“We’ll stay in Qulsary for now,” Rendor said. “I’ve some business there and it’ll be the best place to pick up any gossip about the theft.”
“No one in Qulsary should be gossiping about it,” Najib said.
“In my experience, something that big doesn’t stay a secret for long.”
“You’re the expert. What would you like to do now?”
“Can you show us the vault?”
“I can.”
Najib stood and escorted them down into the lower levels of the castle. The air grew moist as they descended. It didn’t take long for the rumbling of water to hum in the walls. Eventually they reached a level that was empty of all decoration and furniture.
Trol lanterns blazed and they encountered the first of many sets of guards. They stood like statues, alert and ready. But there was a fog of embarrassment and shame and anger around them. Shyla strengthened her mental shield.
Six guards watched the door to the vault. Made of solid black iron, it seemed to suck all the light and heat from the tunnel. Rendor inspected the surface carefully. He appeared small next to the massive entrance. Najib pulled a necklace from underneath his tunic. On it hung three oversized keys which he used to unlock a series of locks.
“Is there a pattern?” Rendor asked.
“Yes. I have to do it in a certain order or the last one won’t open.”
Once the door was unlocked, four guards lined up along the side and pushed. With their muscles flexing from the strain, they revealed a small opening only one meter wide by two meters tall. A cold dampness blew from inside the vault.
“Smart,” Rendor said, eyeing the entrance. “The size limits how many people can get through.”
Najib took a trol lantern from its hook and entered first. Shyla and Rendor followed, but the guards remained outside.
“Careful,” Najib said.
The bright yellow light reflected off a round pool of water. There was nothing else in the room except a meter-wide walkway that circled the pool.
