Page 32 of The King of Koraha
“What instructions did Najib give you?”
“To guide you wherever you wish to go at whatever time.” She bowed. “I’m at your disposal.”
“Does that include the King’s castle?” Rendor asked.
“Yes. I’ve spent the last five circuits working as the King’s page.”
“Page?” Shyla asked.
Some of the puff in Hakana’s chest deflated. “I run his errands, fetch stuff, find people, and report on what’s goin’ on in Qulsary.”
“I thought the Monks of Quirin spied on Qulsary.”
“They concern themselves with the politicals and wealthies, while I’m more inclined to mix with the regulars. You know what I mean?”
In other words, she listened to the gossip. “Do you talk to the vagrants?” she asked.
“Nah. They don’t trust nobody. And the few that are left are hard to find. Captain Kilab’s been hunting them for circuits.”
Rendor stiffened. “What happens when he catches them?”
“They’ve three choices.” Hakana held up three fingers. “Become a guard. Become a deacon. Or leave the city.”
“How can they leave without any coins?” Shyla asked.
“They’re given enough for a one-way trip.” Hakana shrugged. “The Water Princess expects everyone livin’ in Qulsary to do their share of the work.”
It was a reasonable expectation as long as the princess provided water and safety for her citizens.
“What other skills do you have?” Rendor asked Hakana.
“I know this city like no other. Ma says I was born explorin’ and that’s why the King hired me.”
She wondered if, like Mojag, she unconsciously wielded magic. Except Mojag could travel without anyone seeing him. While she could dig deeper into Hakana’s memories, she resisted. Instead, she’d watch her for any signs she tapped into magic.
“All right,” Rendor said. “Report back here at angle twenty.”
“Yes, sir!” Hakana dashed out of their rooms as if relieved to no longer be under their scrutiny.
Rendor stared after her. “The girl probably has orders to report everything we do to Najib.”
Shyla moved closer to him. “I hope noteverything.” She hooked her arms around his neck.
He automatically pulled her against him. “A locked door won’t keep her out.”
“No. But you scared her. She won’t surprise us again.”
“Good.” Then he peered at Shyla. “I never scared you, did I? Not even when we first met.”
“Oh no, I was properly terrified.”
“But you held your own, standing up to me. I was impressed.”
“And now that you know it was all an act?”
“Even more so.”
Hakana arrived promptly at angle twenty. She tapped on the door and waited for Rendor to open it.
