For a moment, I thought I would lift the lid and discover it empty, and that my motherhadfound the relic.
But inside, staring up at me, was Queen Azari’s crown, woven in gold like a fine net, and hanging from the end was a golden tikka.
There were no jewels—there didn’t need to be, it was so beautiful, simply wrought from Tashuna gold.
Beside it lay a small golden dagger, the size of my palm.
I picked up the dagger, examining it, looking for any inscription or clue as to what it was.
Finally, I slid it in the hidden lining of the pocket in my skirt, figuring I would examine it later.
Then I returned my attention to the crown.
I had finally found it—the relic that would help me destroy the wall and return the magic to the human world.
Now I just had to get back there.
Part 3
The Mountain
Chapter 38
They come at night,
They cross the water,
You shall not stop them,
They want your daughter.
—Songs of Astola,collected and compiled by Mahira Nazir
Yaseema
Kiyan carried us down from the mountain with all the energy he could muster. Which wasn’t much, considering that his body was currently purging itself of poison. If anything he looked worse than he had in the vault.
He lowered us to the ground softly, our feet pressing into the damp ground. It was now dark, but the moon provided enough light to see we were alone.
“Didn’t you order the guards to wait here?”
“Yes,” Kiyan said as he drew his sword, unsteady on his feet. His sword flagged in his hand.
“Do you want me to hold it?”
He looked at me askance. “Do you know how to wield a sword?”
“No.”
“Then no, I don’t want you toholdit.”
“I could probably do more damage than you right now,” I said, as he wavered on his feet. “You look like a strong wind would blow you over.”
“I’ll be all right in a minute,” he said, the sheen on his forehead betraying that statement. “My body will purge it soon.”
“Don’t be an idiot.” I moved to his side, propping up some of his weight as I swung an arm around his waist.
There wasn’t a fire or the chatter of soldiers. There was just silence and darkness. Until a rustle of leaves and footsteps sounded from somewhere in the forest. It grew louder, closer, the boots of dozens of soldiers.
