Page 122 of The King of Koraha
“Ah, yes, she’d be perfect. All right, it sounds like we have a plan,” Najib said. “You’re welcome to use the guest suite. No one should bother you.”
They left Najib’s office and spent the rest of the sun jump ghosting through the castle. Since Shyla had already made eye contact with all the guards, she was able to read them. Starting with all those on duty, Shyla dipped into the guards’ thoughts and emotions. Her fear for the King’s safety eased slightly as the people in this shift proved to be loyal.
“There’s probably four shifts,” Rendor said when they took a break. “Each one would be ninety angles. Any longer and it’s hard to keep focused.”
They managed to check two more shifts and found two spies before they stopped to rest. She wasn’t that tired, but Xerxes could arrive at any time and she’d need all her energy to keep the King safe.
The sleeping cushion in the guest suite was more comfortable than she remembered. She snuggled in close to Rendor and, much to her chagrin, soon fell asleep.
A light tapping on the door woke her. Untangling from the fur, she was halfway to the door with an armed Rendor a step behind when she remembered to use her magic. Najib waited on the other side. His thoughts were chaotic, a sense of urgency thrumming through him. She withdrew her magic and opened the door wide enough for him to slip inside.
“How did your meeting go?” she asked.
Najib scrubbed a hand through his short hair. His wrinkled tunic and the stubble on his cheeks meant he hadn’t slept. “He thinks we’re overreacting. Between his powers and his immunity to magic, he believes he can handle an assassination attempt. But he promised to be extra careful and limit his meetings.”
“And his secret Room of Knowledge?” she asked.
“He’s given you permission to enter.”
Pleased she’d guessed correctly, she grinned. “Now?”
Najib gave her a tired smile. “I need to get the key first. Have you found any more spies?”
“Two, but the good news is they aren’t under Xerxes’ influence.”
“How is that good?”
“It means they can think for themselves and I can affect them with my magic.”
“Ah.” He tugged on his collar. “Have you read everyone?”
“No. I’ve one more shift to do.”
“Come to my office when you’re finished. I should have the key by then.” Najib paused. “Feel free to help yourselves to food and water. The cook is serving gamelu sausages.”
Rendor’s stomach growled loudly.
Najib laughed. “I can just hear the castle gossip now about the mystery of the disappearing sausages.” He left.
They swiped a bunch of sausages and filled their water skins before reading the last shift of guards. Once Shyla was sure she had encountered them all, they headed for Najib’s office.
He appeared gaunt and distracted, his stubble thicker. Clicking his tongue, he wrote the names down—four in total, including Malik. “I guess it could be worse.” Then he straightened and patted his pocket. “I’ve the key. Come on.”
Shyla and Rendor followed him through the castle. To everyone they passed, it seemed as if Najib walked alone. After descending to level thirty-four, Najib grabbed two trol lanterns and handed one to Rendor before leading them down a number of tunnels. Dust swirled in the bright white light—not a well-used passage. The tunnel ended abruptly at the top of a stairway.
Najib gestured to the steps. “The King’s Room of Knowledge is two levels down.” He pulled the key out and handed it to Shyla. “It’s not guarded since only the King and I know the location or that it even exists. But it is locked, just in case someone stumbles upon it.”
“We’ll make sure to lock it when we’re done,” Shyla said.
“I hope you’re successful. Keep me posted.”
“Will do.”
Najib nodded and retreated. Since Rendor held the lantern, he went first. His boots scraped on the gritty steps. The air held the scent of moisture and abandonment. She wondered how often the King visited this room.
Across the landing at the bottom of the stairwell were two oversized iron doors. They resembled the ones to the King’s vault, except there was only one massive lock.
Shyla inserted the key. “I hope it’s not rusted.” Much to her surprise, the key turned with ease. However, instead of a click, a loud metallic twang rang inside the door.
