by Alicia Fabel
“Perhaps I will see if he can take you to the cultural hall tomorrow,” Kuwari said.
“Tomorrow is my last day here, and I still don’t have any control over my kargadan.”
“You will get the hang of it. If you need to stay an extra day or two, so be it.”
“Yeah, except every day I’m here, it gets more and more likely that Kale will figure it out.”
Kuwari licked his lips. “We could keep the Guardian at bay if we need to. There are ways.”
“As nice as that sounds, I think it’s best to get me home before he turns into a raging pumpkin. I appreciate it though.”
“You are welcome in my home any time, Vera,” he said. “Whatever happens, know that I will take you on as my true apprentice if you so choose.”
“You’re very kind.” Vera smiled sweetly. “Such a kind, sweet kargadan man. Now, how exactly do I release my inner kargadan so I can be half as amazing as you?”
“First, you learn to clear your mind,” Kuwari answered with humor in his voice.
Vera fell back on the cushions with a groan.
He chuckled. “Master your mind, and it will be simple.”
“Simple, he says,” mocked Vera.
There was a sharp knock at the door.
“Oh, did I mention that we have company for dinner tonight?” Kuwari asked.
“No,” Vera said blandly. “It must have slipped your mind.”
“Must have,” Kuwari said cheerfully. “Your scarf is falling off.”
Vera adjusted the material. She was getting used to the weight and pull of the fabric, but she still couldn’t wait to be free from it. Prince Ashur stepped inside. A few steps behind him was the sneaky lady of the hour. Guess that explains why she and Boy-toy were moving so fast that they didn’t notice anyone else there. Miss Player had to get home for her next date. Nisaba met her gaze, shifting her weight uncomfortably from side to side. Look at her squirm. Vera gave her a conspiratorial grin and put a finger over her lips. She wouldn’t say a word. Nisaba blushed, some of the tension melting from her face.
“Ishtar sent some pistachio bread.” Ashur handed over a cloth-wrapped loaf. “To thank you and Apprentice Vera for helping my bride this week.”
Vera was sure the woman had intended that treat for Kuwari alone. She was also thoroughly convinced that she had little to do with Nisaba’s mental well-being. The one responsible for that had a green six-pack for days.
“Vera, would you serve our guests a drink?” asked Kuwari.
Second verse, same as the first. Kuwari winked at her when she took the tray from his hands. She glared back. It only made the man’s eyes sparkle more.
After they’d eaten, the men moved to the cushions, where they slouched back, letting their stomachs stretch. Vera and Nisaba scrubbed the dishes.
“You cook as well as the best female in the village, Kuwari,” complimented the prince. “You’ll have to teach Nisaba a few things. She’s not nearly so deft with her seasoning.”
Beside her, Nisaba’s nostrils flared. When she noticed Vera watching, she made a motion that must be a universal sign for wanker. Vera bit her top lip to hold back a laugh. Nisaba threw a hand over her mouth and gave Vera a look that said, “Get control of yourself.” Contrary to Nisaba’s intent, it did not help. Giggles multiplied in Vera’s lungs.
The prince clicked his tongue. “Such silly girls.”
That killed the laughter.
When the guys resumed talking, Vera whispered, “Do you love him?”
Nisaba gave only the barest nod, obviously understanding who Vera meant.
“But you’ll give that up to mate him?” Vera jerked her head toward the prince.
“Yes, to save my people, I will give up my heart.”
Vera’s eyes pricked. She’d given up her heart to save herself. These women gave up theirs to save their people. “I was so wrong about the women in your village. You might be the strongest women I’ve ever met. I’m not sure I could do it.”
“You could. You are one of the most fearless women I have met.”
“Not true.”
“No one else would speak so boldly to my mother. You defend a person not because of what they are but because of who they are.”
“I’ve been judgy too,” Vera pointed out.
“Then you’ve looked past your way of seeing the world and saw it from a different perspective. That takes strength.”
“I’m glad I met you,” Vera said. “I will miss you.”
Nisaba looked at her sharply. “Miss me?”
“When I go home,” Vera said. “You cannot tell anyone, but I was never really Kuwari’s apprentice. I’m just an oddity for him to study for a few days while I’m here. When I’m gone, he’s going to say I didn’t work out and that he sent me home.”
“When?”
“Only one more day. Hopefully, Kuwari already has everything he needs to make a difference for your people.”
“Kuwari is studying you, and you were only meant to harness your kargadan while you were here,” Nisaba said, putting it all together.
“Yes.”
“Nisaba?” called the prince. “Have you managed to clean anything, or are you too busy chatting?”
Nisaba sealed her lips and wiped the last plate, before turning to face her soon-to-be mate. He beckoned with one finger for her to join him. Head bowed, she curled her legs beneath her and sat near his knee.
“My apprentice knows how to play shagai if Nisaba would like to play,” Kuwari offered.
“Nisaba does not play games,” Ashur answered for her. “But I would challenge you to a match.”
Kuwari threw Vera an apologetic glance, but Vera didn’t care. She could barely keep up with all the rules when her brain wasn’t mush. As it was now, she’d be hopeless.
“I must use the restroom,” announced Nisaba.
“Do you know where it is?” asked Kuwari.
Nisaba nodded and threw Vera an odd look before hurrying down the hall. Vera hoped she wasn’t getting sick again.
“Vera, would you refill Prince Ashur’s drink, please?”
Vera rose to do as requested. For the first time, she understood what could bring a person to spit in someone’s food or drink. She wouldn’t do it, but boy, it was tempting.
12
That crazy woman is coming, warned Ferrox, just as Kale sensed Marianna cross into the boundary lands.
Kale lifted his head off the table. He waited for Vera to follow, but she didn’t. Probably for the best the girl had stayed in Summartir. He shoved himself to his feet and went to the door.
“Marianna,” he greeted.
“You look like shit,” she said.
“And you look lovely as usual,” Kale bit out.
Marianna pursed her lips. “Careful, boy.”
“Has Vera burned down your house yet?”
“How would she do that? Has she developed fire-giant powers?”
“No. Other than her temper, she’s generally fireless. I was more worried about how she’s been faring in your kitchen with your wood-burning stove.”
“I would never let her near my stove.” Marianna moved into Kale’s living room and made herself comfortable on a sofa. “That is, if she ever decided to visit. I came to see if I could persuade her to keep me company for a few days. I figured she’d be tired of you by now.”
“What do you mean? Isn’t she at your house?”
Marianna narrowed her eyes. “No.”
“Addamas brought her to you almost three days ago.”
“He most certainly did not.”
Kale ran a hand through his hair and jumped up to pace the room. Why did I remove that tracker from her hair? Oh, that’s right, because she flipped out and threatened to never speak to me again when she found out about the last one. Then smashed a rock into my knee during our sparring session, so I knew she was serious. Blast.
“Do not tell me you have lost the girl.” Marianna’s presence filled the room. “Shouldn’t you b
e running off to find her?”
“I have no idea where to look,” he snapped. “You’re sure she’s not in Summartir?”
“You think she’s camped out in my home and I didn’t notice?” Marianna asked dangerously. “Where’s the satyr enjoying his week of debauchery? Perhaps Vera joined him?”
“Florida has a lot of beaches. I would never find them with all those people around.” Kale slammed a hand against the nearest wall and then stilled. “Mimi can track him, though. And after she shreds him to ribbons, I’m going to remove his head.”
Kale stormed out of the cabin and summoned the gate to Heliopolis as he charged across the meadow.
Vera stepped into her room and closed the door behind her. Daylight was fading as she pulled the folded paper from her pocket. Nisaba had pressed it into her hand as they’d said goodbye. The urgency that had flashed in her eyes made Vera’s chest tighten. Whatever was on that note, she knew to keep it to herself. The paper crackled as she unfolded it—so stinking loud. Shh. Vera listened for Kuwari before flipping it over to read.
Vera, please forgive us. We have betrayed you. Addamas never left Nibiru. I believe he is still alive since Kuwari could never kill his son. Kuwari plans to keep you here as well. Be on your guard. I hope you can one day forgive our desperate people.
Nisaba must have written it when she was supposed to be using the bathroom. It was the only time she could have, right after Vera had told her that she was going home soon. Vera’s brain ran over the previous two days as though she was seeing it all for the first time. Kuwari setting her up with Hutran, telling her that she could become his apprentice for real if she wanted. How he avoided teaching her to call on her kargadan. Letting her know she could stay as long as it took. Always telling her that she could stay. He was a liar, but he’d never lied. Did he know about her truth-telling or was it a coincidence? If it was a coincidence, it was an unbelievable one.
“Would you like a drink before bed?” Kuwari asked through the door.
Vera released a slow breath and forced her lips into a wobbly smile that crinkled the corners of her eyes before answering the door. “No thanks. I had so much at dinner, I’ll be up all night peeing,” she said. “I’m exhausted though, so I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Bright and early so you can meditate.”
“Ugh,” Vera rolled her eyes but kept her smile. “Whatever you say, sensei. Night.” Vera gently pressed the door closed and flipped him off from the other side of the door. Two-faced son of a snake. If Kale couldn’t keep her contained, that pathetic excuse of a man had no hope.
Vera lay on her bed, biding her time until well after dark. While she waited, she found the cubby that contained her kargadan. The note wasn’t all Nisaba had given her. While she’d passed the folded paper into Vera’s hand, she’d tipped her head forward. For just a moment, their foreheads had touched. The door separating Vera from her kargadan had disappeared, and it had stayed gone. Through the gaping doorway, Vera studied the dancing magic, like silvery dust devils. No meditating necessary. No chanting or levitating either, apparently. Just a quick touch and Vera’s magic was free. She could have been back home three days ago.
The kargadan magic was skitterish, darting away if she moved too quickly. She sat for ten minutes before it approached her. A timid pup, smelling her out. Finally, she’d managed to sprout her horn. Gathering the magic into an illuminating disk, like Kuwari’s flashlight, was fairly simple. Honing it into a sharp point was not so easy. Maybe someday, she’d learn glamour and the rest. For now, she was satisfied that if someone came after her, she could strobe the crap out of them and possibly gore them while they were discombobulated. Not the worst weapon to have in her arsenal. When she got home, she’d keep working on it until the kargadan overtook her siphon for good.
Vera slipped out of bed when she was sure Kuwari was asleep. Just in case he came out to investigate the sounds of her moving around, she detoured into the bathroom first. That way if he woke, he’d think she was in there and not investigate further. She pulled the chain to turn on the light and then left, closing the door to the empty room. Then she crept down the hall to pilfer his knives.
On the way back to her room, Vera used the bathroom for what it was intended. She really had drank a gallon of eitr. She’d considered stealing a bottle to take with her but knew it was a ridiculous idea. The cupboard could probably conjure her some anyway. She changed quickly into her Earth clothes, leaving the scarf on. As pissed as she was, she couldn’t risk her hair to go firetastic and giving her away. That is, if Kale was right about intense emotions being a trigger. Sand and pebbles ground beneath her tennis shoes as she lowered herself out the window. She made sure the coast was clear before hustling through the dark, lit only by the crescent moon above.
She took one of the back streets. It was a longer route to the town center this way, but less chance of running into a late-night wanderer. Bugs buzzed around her. She swatted a couple of mosquitos. Like at home, they came out at night to hunt blood. The cool of night compared to the day was astonishing. She was glad for the jeans and hoodie she’d been wearing for the South Dakota winter back home. Addamas better be in good enough shape to path us out of here. Vera didn’t think they could make it to the world-gate without getting caught. If the kargadan didn’t catch them, the scorpions would probably kill them, based on what she’d learned about them.
Mimi sat on her throne, in the now-empty throne room. She’d ordered everyone out as soon as Kale had said Vera was missing. Although sat was being a bit generous. She looked like she was propped up more than anything else.
“Addamas helped orchestrate this?” she asked.
“He came and told me that Vera had decided to visit the weaver for a few days and offered to take her there himself. Marianna got a note declining her offer of a visit, saying Vera needed to spend the time in the meadow learning to control her kargadan magic.”
“I’m going to dismember him.”
“You look like you’re going to fall over,” Kale said.
“I’m fine. I just caught something.”
“And you’re still holding court?”
“Don’t start. My brothers have already put me through duat about it. I’m fine.”
“Really?” he said doubtfully.
“Really,” retorted the frustrated queen, her glare daring him to contradict her.
“Deception marks have been winding up your arms since I showed up.”
Mimi winced and somehow wilted even further. “When I fell ill, Vera’s eyes flashed. They turned into morph eyes.”
“You think she…” Kale looked around cautiously, not daring to say the word siphon.
“Honestly, I’m not sure. I didn’t feel anything, and she was just as surprised as me, like she had no idea anything was happening either. I blacked out, and conclusions were made.”
“How did Addamas handle it?”
“As you would imagine.” She rolled her eyes.
“And Vera was probably just as bad,” Kale guessed.
“Like she’d just learned she was chaos incarnate.”
“I’m surprised Addamas hasn’t come back to check on you at least,” Kale said.
“Me too.”
Kale’s hands flexed at his sides. “You’re sure he’s alive?”
Mimi tipped her head back to rest against her throne. Her eyes slid closed as if she were preparing to take a nap in the middle of their conversation. After a few minutes, Kale stepped forward so he could catch her if she slid off. He was careful not to touch her, though, as she filtered through the millions of magical threads crisscrossing the world. Threads that circled them like invisible cocoons and cobwebs. They existed in every corner of the world but one—Earth. Mimi was sensitive enough to feel them surrounding her, tugging at her. Suffocating her. Worse as she waded through them, looking for a trail to Addamas.
Her eyes flew open. She breathed rapidly, likely trying to keep the claustrophobia at bay. “
He’s alive.”
“Where?”
“There’s kargadan magic wrapped around him. Lots of it.”
“I’m going to murder him.”
“Not until after I do.”
“I’ll drop him off for you later.” He considered Mimi’s slouched position.
“I’m fine,” she growled. “I did catch something before all this happened.”
“Well, rest up. You’ll have a satyr to knock some sense into once I get back.” Kale was already walking through the empty throne room, on his way to Nibiru.
“It will take you a day to get to him from the Nibiru world-gate,” said one of Mimi’s brothers. Both men stepped out from the shadows of the tapestries. They never left Mimi’s side when she was in Heliopolis, not even when she ordered everyone away. Kale couldn’t blame them. Heliopolis was a dangerous place for a morph queen.
“He’s right. Obnoxious, but right.” Mimi didn’t even look surprised that they were there.
“Then I’ll just have to take along a dragon,” Kale replied.
Vera found the hut with no windows. It was a rather impressive feat since she hadn’t been paying a lot of attention to where everything was—she hadn’t planned to be there long enough to care. The creepy kargadan from the other day leaned against the outside wall, snoring. Maybe Lady Luck is finally smiling on me. It’s about time. Obviously that guy was a guard. He was the only kargadan male who supposedly spent his days lounging in the shade while the rest worked their tails off trying to keep the dying village going. And a house with no windows? Vera wasn’t buying it. Everyone likes a little sunlight. She slipped through the doorway and inched forward through the darkness until she ran into a set of bars face first. For freak’s sake, oww.
“Go away Birtum. Isn’t it time for your mother to wipe your ass and tuck you into bed?”
“Addamas?” Vera squinted to make out the satyr. She hadn’t figured out how to switch on her kargadan super-night-vision yet.
“Vera? What are you doing here? If they catch you—“
“They’ll lock me away and never let me leave? Pretty sure that’s already their plan.”