AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“They were just here,” I say. “They will not return before me.”
“You… you’re sure?”
No. I cannot predict the movements of the Maulavi anymore than I could have guessed that Janara is still alive. Today has been one surprise after another.
None of which I can or will say to her. Not now. She is already scared, I will not add to her fear. I hold down the growl that tries to slip out and nod but realize she cannot see that.
“As sure as I can be,” I say. “The most important thing is to get that out of here. They are already suspicious. It must be gone before they decide to do a search.”
She nods slowly, then she looks up. As she does she squares her shoulders and there is a look of pure determination on her face.
“Right,” she says. She blinks several times and clears her throat. “And I should not go with you since I’m under arrest.”
“Technically you are under protection,” I say.
She arches an eyebrow. “My point stands.”
“So it does,” I agree, seeing the futility in arguing semantics with her.
We stare at each other and I know on my side I do not want to go. Sitting here with her eyes on me there is a warmth, not of my skin, but of my heart. A fire that she creates with her gaze. I wish I could stay and bask in it forever, but duty pulls me away.
I stand but hesitate. Leaving her, now, is harder than I expected. She looks up, meeting my eyes and nods. Her lips twitch as she forces a smile onto her face.
“Go,” she says. “I’ll be fine.”
I purse my lips and nod then walk to the door.
“There is food,” I say, gesturing at the kitchen. “And drink.”
“I know,” she says. “Go. But… Bhoja?”
“Yes?” I ask, feeling as if I’m hanging on to every word she speaks.
“Hurry. Please.”
“I will,” I say. I open the door step out then poke my head back in. “Lock the door.”
She nods. The door shuts and the click of it echoes in my head. I stand and listen as she turns the lock, the tumblers clicking into place. It is no protection against anyone determined to enter, which they will be if they come for us, but it is all the peace of mind either of us can buy right now.
I have a tentative plan to acquire a cart. A different one than I was trying before, hopefully this time it will work. I merge into the hustle of the streets but as I leave the house two others step into the flow as well.
The back of my neck itches. I am certain they are following me but to what end? I weave my way through the crowd until I reach the Fallen Beetle. I dart into the saravam, walking to an empty table that is closer to the back wall. I quickly take a seat and watch the door. Before the waitress can come I see one of them walk in. He looks around, suspiciously, then he sees me and does his best to act like he’s not looking for me but it’s too late.
He frowns, grunts, then leaves. He will tell his friend who will go to the rear entrance in order to make sure I don’t slip away. I order a drink from the waitress and wait. I’m stalling, buying time though I’m not sure why. Partly it’s spite. Let them grow bored with their assignment. That can only work in my favor.
I sip my drink in silence, watching the other patrons. No one else seems to be paying any particular attention to me, but even that is suspicious. I had become so numb to living that I was blind to the pervasive air of paranoia that lies over our city. This is life under the Shaman’s rule. Neighbor turning on neighbor. Friends on friends. Trust is a thing that is no longer freely given.
How far we have come in such a short time. When was the last time I saw the Queen? She used to always be there, in front of her people, inspiring hope. If there was but one word to describe her it would be caring.
We had taken losses. So many in our war with the lizards. Driven back and back. Losing one city then another to their relentless onslaughts. Their constant encroachment into what was once our territory. But she never wavered. Never let us stop believing that Tajss herself would provide in this world. Not giving up and trying to rush the coming of the next.
As I ruminate on the downfall of my people I firm up my plan. Deception will be necessary to get a cart to my home without too many questions but there is an obvious reason for it. A delivery.
I smile as I lay down an iron and leave my table. I am not far from the market and now that I have a more fully formed plan it’s time to put it into action.
29
BHOJA
