Page 214 of The Mortal Trials

Anansi’s ensemble is the reverse of the one he gave to Koda. His black dashiki’s crimson embroidery is woven over his shoulders and down the center of his chest. In the design, tiny red spiders wait in delicate webs.

The two gods feel so different, yet they complement one another somehow. Ogun is steady and sure like the metal he commands, while Anansi moves surreptitiously. Steadfastness and stealth, the two of them.

Koda bows as deeply as his spine will allow. “My champion.”

Anansi urges him to stand, watching me with keen eyes as he talks to the man whose time-bowed body is fueled by his blood. “I trust that you are nourished and will take the advice of our hosts and find rest in the coming days, Koda.”

“I am, and I certainly will,” Koda vows with a nod.

“Who are your friends?” Anansi questions, his eyes sparkling impishly.

“This is Callalie Ryan and August Aymes.” Koda proudly gestures to each of us in turn.

Ogun’s deep voice joins the conversation. “I know your music well,” he reveals to August. Aymes thanks him for the compliment. Ogun starts questioning him about his songwriting process and listens intently as August graciously answers.

“Ogun may know your friend’s songs, but I know your story,” Anansi slyly tells me, creeping closer.

I can’t help but smile. “Are you upset it’s about to end?” I tease.

He smiles broadly. “I’m curious to see what you do before it does.”

“Only time will tell,” I reply, trying to match his levity.

When we were children – after our mother left – Abuela used to read to us at bedtime. She told us that our lives were like the stories in our favorite book, and that every moment spent and each lesson learned between our beginning and ending was what our souls would take into the hereafter. Only the gods lived forever. Mortals had to make each day count because we had so few.

Anansi nods, crossing his arms. “It certainly will.”

Concern creases Koda’s brow as he reaches out for August’s arm.

Aymes gives it to our friend without hesitation, then asks, “Do you need a seat?”

“I think the time has come for me to return home – if it’s okay with you, Anansi.” Worry mixes with Koda’s apology.

“I’ll go with you,” I volunteer, earning a grateful look from Koda.

“Of course,” Anansi allows. “August, will you stay?”

His question hangs heavy in the air. Anansi has his mortal, but Ogun is interested in Aymes.

I give my ally an encouraging smile. Ogun seems like he’ll be a good champion. He should stay and talk with him.

“I’m actually exhausted, too.” August smiles, carefully bowing out.

“You’ve been through quite the ordeal today,” Ogun agrees, then tells August that he enjoyed speaking with him. “Perhaps we can speak at the next feast.”

“Of course,” August agrees.

Before we say goodbye for the night, Anansi takes Koda by the shoulders. “Be sure to rest, my friend. The second trial will be very challenging.”

“Are you assisting contestants you do not champion?” a deep voice questions from behind me. Ares waits for Anansi’s answer.

“You should think carefully about the rules you’re insinuating I’m violating. I am speaking to my mortal, not to any others,” Anansi replies, his head tilting unnaturally.

“They can hear you,” Ares advises, gesturing to August and me.

Fear strikes my heart for Koda’s safety, as hot and sharp as a lightning bolt. Will he hold such innocuous advice against him?

Anansi didn’t give specific details about the trial. I doubt he knows exactly what it will entail. He wasn’t involved in their planning.