When the servant girl finally stopped, I pulled my gaze away from the plants, and looked up ahead to the tall, regal figure of the woman whose thick, dark hair fell freely past her shoulders. I could see the silver strands that peeked through in the light of the hot sun. Mahin slowly turned, a serene smile played on her lips.
At that moment, I realized that she was in command of the entire compound. I had a strong gut feeling that mine and Victor’s lives depended on the outcome of this specific moment. The unsettling sensation went through my body like the current of a chilly mountain river.
“I hope you feel more rested. The water that we use to grow our food, to drink, and even to bathe is infused with the powers of our beloved Goddess. It works miracles. Without its powers of giving and retaining life, this commune would never have survived.” Mahin explained.
“Thank you for taking us in.”
“Walk with me, please.” She moved along the green wall, extending her hand and lightly brushing the leaves.
“Did you know that women first introduced farming to this compound? The former priests had their gardens, but they didn’t produce enough to feed everybody. They mostly relied on scavenging the surrounding buildings when we came here. We want only to live, we only want to follow the teachings of our divine mother. And we mean no harm to others. Crawlers on the surface, we know how to handle. We’ve evolved enough to learn how to deal with them. But what we didn’t expect, is that the biggest danger would come from the very ones who were nurtured by this water, fed by these gardens. I don’t know how they managed to survive for so long out there, but I am sure they blame us for their misfortunes.”
“Did you try to negotiate with them?” I asked.
“That’s not something I’m interested in.” She turned her head, giving me a long look.
Was there something I should know? Was she keeping something from me?
“Sure. When do you want me to start looking?”
“Tonight. Every day of abuse is one more day that forces them closer to the edge. The body can heal, but the damage done to a woman's mind can be irrevocable.” She stopped and looked at me, her lips pressed into a thin line.
I nodded. The woman’s energy was almost palpable. And I was suddenly aware that I might not be able to resist her influence.
“I’ll be ready,” I said.
Mahin nodded and proceeded following the path through the vertical gardens.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
TYNAN
The fog was lifting from the fields as the sun slowly appeared on the horizon. Its golden glow pierced through the moist air. Even though I held Alina through the night, I was not at all tired. On the contrary, my body demanded movement, and the exertion of a long flight.
I turned my head, catching Alina’s gaze. She appeared focused, calm. Although I could clearly see the paleness of her cheeks, the way her hand clenched her leather bag told me that she was on high alert.
The clan leaders came over, letting us know that everything was ready for our trip. Kerr, Brodie, and Menzies were voted to take over the clan’s business while we were gone, and I trusted they would do a decent job.
Alina’s maid was also flying with us. She carried a light bag that was crossed over her shoulder. and a short sword on her hip.
Suddenly, a familiar voice broke through my thoughts.
“Mr. Ken . . . Darragh,”
I turned around seeing the familiar curly auburn hair and wide eyes.
“Mayer?”
“Yes . . .Yes, sir . . . milord.”
“How are you here?”
“I volunteered to be a part of the group. I had no idea that you were... here.”
“I see.”
“May I join you, sir?”
I glanced around the field. We had a group of battle ready warriors. All well established in the clan. Against my better judgment, I even allowed Denis to be a part of the group.
