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I can’t finish the words. It seems to be gone but I’m so revolted and nervous because I can’t see what made the sound.
“Do not worry,” she says. “It’s only a cuha. Scavengers. Harmless,” she pauses for a long breath then adds, “as long as we are alive.”
“Cheery thought,” I say.
“I am sorry,” she says and the sadness in her voice is not only clear, but almost overwhelming. “I have been here a long time. Please, continue the tale of the brothers. Hearing of them brings joy to my heart.”
Before I can continue there is the scraping of a door opening followed by footsteps. They’re coming closer. A lump is in my throat and my chest feels tingly as fear builds.
This is it. They’re going to torture and kill me now.
25
DILACS
“We don’t know where they took her,” Virodha growls, slamming his hand down on the rough map of the city. The rickety table squeaks and shifts, almost collapsing from the force.
“We don’t know for sure,” Khiara clarifies.
“There is no doubt in my mind,” I counter, leaning over the map. “They will take her here, if they haven’t already.”
I put my finger down on the Kala Tavara.
“Impossible,” Virodha says, sighing heavily. “If that is where she’s at, we have no hope of getting her out.”
Khiara and I look at each other. We cannot, will not, let her stay there. I know what is done in that place. Dark things happen there.
Thinking of her in that place, honestly anywhere but in my arms, fills me with rage. Rage is blinding though, and I cannot afford to give myself over to that. I must think, must figure out a way to save her. Virodha stares at the map and growls shaking his head.
“It’s not impossible,” I say, speaking softly and Khiara nods. My brother is with me, no matter what it takes. “No matter what it takes, we will free her.”
Or die trying.
I leave that thought off. It doesn’t need to be spoken.
“You think it hasn’t been thought of?” Virodha asks. “You think we don’t want to free those trapped in there? We do not have the force necessary. It is an impossible task. You’re marching into the very heart of the Shaman’s power.”
“I don’t care,” I yell, my temper exploding. I’m seething with barely controlled rage. She could be being tortured right this instant while I stand here debating. “I must save her. No matter what it takes.”
“And I didn’t rise up to save you so you can throw it all away!” Virodha yells back.
“What good is the resistance if you don’t resist?” Khiara shouts, adding his voice on my side. “This is the time. The Shaman is weakened, we act now we can end this before it gets worse.”
“We are not ready!” Virodha snaps. “We won this battle and that only because they were not prepared. They did not expect to meet the force I brought. That won’t happen again.”
Khiara and he continue to argue. They raise their voices as they each try to overwhelm the others’ opinions with the volume of their disagreement. One thing is clear, though, it’s getting us nowhere.
Turning the problem over and over all I can see is that he’s not wrong. The Shaman and his Maulavi took over the tower when he solidified his power. It’s always guarded by the most loyal, a mix of Maulavi and guards. I cannot see a way to infiltrate it. The interior is a maze, designed to confuse those trying to escape or break in. No matter how I don’t see an answer.
“Even if I could spare the forces, we cannot storm Kala Tarva. Gada, have you all lost your minds? The Maulavi will be back to quell our rebellion. The clock is already ticking. I’m sorry I cannot save your pet.”
Something snaps in my head. Grabbing the table I throw it aside as I roar, rushing for Virodha. He snarls as I grab him by his shirt and throw him against the wall. One arm cocked back to strike, his eyes narrow, ready for the blow, but Khiara grabs my arm.
“Brother,” he says.
He doesn’t yell. Doesn’t even raise his voice. He doesn’t need to because it is the voice of reason. I growl and let Virodha go, turning my back to him. I stalk my way to the middle of the room, breath coming in rapid gasps as I struggle to contain the rage in my chest and head.
“Never call her a pet,” I say, looking over my shoulder. “She is my dragoste. My everything. One more word like that and you won’t have to worry about what the Shaman will do to you.”
