Page 28 of The King of Koraha
“That the King asked us to investigate. To do their job.”
“Does this mean we don’t have to interview them?”
“No. It means I don’t think they’reallinvolved. A few still have to be. It took four of them to open that door.”
And, at eighty-five circuits, the old advisor couldn’t move it by herself. Unless she was really strong for her age. Shyla almost laughed at the image. Except Rendor had returned his attention to the table. She left him alone and tried to decide if there was a reason to worry about their upcoming meeting with the Water Princess.
Captain Kilab banged on their door at exactly angle one-fifty. When she moved to open it, Rendor stopped her. He held up a finger. Only after Kilab knocked a third time did Rendor saunter to it. Men.
Kilab glared but kept his peace. “Come with me.” It almost sounded like an order rather than a request.
Rendor stepped out first. He surveyed the group with the captain. “Ten guards? Are they for our protection or yours?”
“Consider it an honor,” Kilab said tightly. He swept a hand out. “This way.”
Shyla walked between the two men. The silence became a heavy weight, dragging on her. To ease the tension, she asked Kilab, “How long have you been the captain?”
“About four circuits.”
“With a city this size, it must be difficult supervising so many guards.”
“I’ve a number of lieutenants that help me. The city’s been broken into quarters in order to keep everyone organized.”
Shyla continued the small talk as they descended. The citizens took one look at their party and quickly moved out of the way. But they weren’t afraid to show their interest and curiosity. A few even called out hellos to the captain.
The arrangement of the city’s levels appeared to be similar to Zirdai, with the wealthier citizens living deeper. When they passed through a university—one of many reported to be in operation—Shyla craned her neck, taking in its massive size and wishing to linger and explore.
Qulsary had an openness to it. The tunnels were bigger, there were more caverns, and there was plenty of light. The city didn’t press down so hard on her shoulders. Laughter, boisterous voices, and a general hum of contentment rumbled in the air.
She wondered if the configuration made a difference to the overall soul of the city. Zirdai was narrow and deep, while Qulsary was shallow and wide. It was probably the leadership, but it would be interesting to see if Zirdai’s atmosphere changed now that Jayden and Kaveri were in charge.
Soon the number of people thinned and they encountered more and more guards, though not as many as she expected to be protecting the entrance into the Water Princess’s level. Instead of closed doors and a dozen armed guards, the arched entrance was left wide open. And while guards did stand nearby, no one stopped the citizens from going inside.
Captain Kilab nodded to a few of the soldiers. They responded in kind but eyed Shyla and Rendor with interest. Shyla hadn’t thought it was possible but the tension rolling off Rendor increased with each step. Did he think they were going to be arrested? Or was it his own guilt, reminding him of what he’d done when he’d been the captain of the guard? Or perhaps he thought everyone was judging him, believing that he was a traitor?
As they went further into the princess’s level, Shyla noticed the familiar luxuries—the water fountains, trol lanterns, and expensive furniture. But it wasn’t as…dense. Like the city, the princess’s level had an openness to it as well.
Kilab brought them to a comfortable sitting area. Big soft cushions surrounded a low table and rugs lined the floor. A woman who appeared to be a member of the staff—she wore the same plain light blue tunic and dark blue pants like the others Shyla had spotted on their way here—set out a teapot and cups on the table.
The captain dismissed his escorts, although a few of them took up stations out in the corridor.
“Please sit down,” the woman said, gesturing to the cushions. “The Water Princess will be here shortly.”
Shyla sat but Rendor remained on his feet. Kilab stood by the far wall with his arms crossed. While the two men glared at each other from opposite sides of the room, the woman met Shyla’s gaze and mouthedmenwith an exaggerated eye roll. And wow, the lady had a set of beautiful maroon-colored eyes. Shyla hid a smile. She’d been thinking the same thing.
The woman bustled about, arranging the table, then left and returned two angles later with a plate of delicate pastries. First the King’s sausages and now pastries? Shyla was bound to gain back the weight she’d lost existing solely on jerky.
After arranging the plate just so, the woman poured tea into the four cups and stepped back. “There! How’s that look?”
“Delicious,” Shyla said.
“Good, good!” She clapped her hands together as if in delight. “You can sit down now, Captains. This is a safe space.”
“No place is safe,” Kilab said, but his tired tone suggested he said those words so many times he didn’t expect a reaction. However, he took a seat across from Shyla.
Rendor settled next to her. His posture remained stiff, apparently agreeing with Kilab.
And the woman bounced into the last cushion, crossing her legs underneath her. “The Water Princess is here. Welcome, visitors.”
