Page 63 of The King of Koraha
It was a relief when the metallic scrape and click sounded. Shyla followed Rendor. He pressed into the corner and she stood in front of him as she sought the bumps of the guards’ thoughts.
The four guards checked the suite for intruders. They followed their routine, each one taking a different room and not expecting any surprises. As the guards neared them, Shyla gathered her will. When they poked their heads into the sleeping chamber, she used thenot herecommand.
Not here.
Not here.
They stepped back. “All clear, sire.”
“Thank you,” the King said as he stepped into the room. He wore a long blue dressing gown. Turning to slide the doors closed, he spotted them and froze in shock.
Shyla pressed a finger to her lips. He stared at her a moment, then pulled the doors together. The King mirrored her, pressing his finger to his lips, before he moved his hands out in a circle. The water silently swirled and drained from the pool, revealing a ramp that descended into the darkness. He grabbed the trol lantern from the wall and gestured for Shyla and Rendor to precede him down.
Rendor took point and she followed. A part of her worried the King planned to drown them for their impertinence. The floor of the ramp was slick and cold drops dripped from above. She’d no idea where the rest of the water had gone but now understood why the color was so dark—it hid the ramp.
There was another chamber at the bottom. This one was twice as big as the King’s sleeping quarters above. It too had a huge cushion, but it also had a desk, tables, sitting cushions and other amenities, including another pool. Except this one was off to the side. The King set the trol on the table and swept his hands out. The water in the pool flowed up the ramp like a transparent snake, filling it in until it blocked the passage up to the chamber.
“Effective,” Rendor said.
“Against those who can’t swim,” the King said. “But not many people know that my true quarters are underneath the water. Najib must trust you.” He studied them a moment. “I thought the news about Xerxes was too good to be true. Sit down and tell me what’s really going on.”
They sat around one of the low marble tables. It had a pattern of green and blue veins that wove through a light yellowish-orange stone.
Reluctant to launch right into an explanation, Shyla asked, “Do the guards know about this room?”
“Yes. If they need to wake me because of some emergency and I’m gone, I don’t want them to panic.”
“Then you’re not protected from them,” Rendor stated.
“You’re right. They can swim, but water is an effective weapon, Captain. I’m perfectly safe.” He gave them a tight smile. “The news must be really bad.”
“Unfortunately, it is.” Shyla told the King what happened with the taxes, from the fake coins to Xerxes and Lonato’s plans. “And I doubt you’ll get any tax payments this circuit.”
The King remained quiet for a long time. “Not even fakes?”
“No. It’ll be a waste of time. Xerxes and his mercs know you can’t do anything,” Rendor said.
“I’m not without resources, Captain. In emergencies, I’ve the power to pull the guards from the cities of Koraha to make an army.”
“You’ve the right, but will the cities acknowledge that power? The old king has upset many of them.”
“Besides, they are not skilled enough to counter elite fighters,” Shyla said. “You’d be better off using monks. They’re trained in the Ways of the Yarin.”
“There are not as many monks as you think.” The King held up a hand, stopping her protest. “Many are too old or too young. Some of the monasteries haven’t been getting enough new members over the circuits. And, according to you, I’ve already lost four monasteries’ allegiance.” He slammed his palm on the table. “Seven hells.”
“Some fighters are better than none,” Rendor said.
“I can sell the old king’s mosaics and use the coins to hire soldiers.”
Rendor glanced at Shyla.
The King caught the look. “What’s wrong with that?”
“It’ll take time, and you might not be able to find anyone to hire,” Shyla said.
“Why not?” he demanded.
“Xerxes’ soldiers are loyal, and if he uses his magic on all of them, they’re not going to leave him.”
