First of Tomes (The Tomes of Kaleria Book 2)

by Honor Raconteur

  Nord hissed in a breath, goatee working into a deep frown. “Where?”

  Mei Li almost said Tanguay without thinking about it before remembering at the last possible second that in ancient times, it was known as Thibault. “Thibault, I think. Near the northern bay.”

  Hawes nodded. “Makes sense, that’s a lot of water to play with. But that means a northeastern trek that will take weeks. What else?”

  “There’s a white bone demoness on the loose,” Kiyo reported flatly. “I received a message about it from my home last week. She’s apparently moving south, searching for a holy man to eat.”

  Seeing Shunlei’s confusion, Mei Li explained, “Bai Gu Jing is its true name, a skeletal monster that believes if it eats the flesh of a holy man, it’ll have immortal life. They’re tricky to catch, as they are very capable shapeshifters. They can look human when they put in the effort, so much so that they can pass a cursory inspection.”

  Hawes looked at her with interest. “You’ve heard of even that? Most people don’t know of them. The creatures originated from the Floating Isles, far north of the main continent. You are very well-informed, Lady Mei.”

  Mei Li gave him a smile. To hear the man she regarded as a hero praise her was…well. That was heady stuff. She tried not to let it actually go to her head. “I was very well taught. But in this, I think we have an advantage. Shunlei should be able to detect the white bone demoness well before we can. Shunlei, you should be able to smell her. She’ll be wearing perfume to disguise it, so a human nose will be fooled, but she’ll smell of the grave and decay. If you detect that scent, covered with perfume, follow it immediately.”

  He nodded instantly. “I’ll do that. And the water deity? Which of these tasks should be our priority?”

  That was an excellent question. Mei Li looked to Hawes for an answer. She didn’t begin to think she was in charge of this group. It would be wise of her to show that from the outset.

  Hawes made a low, guttural sound in the back of his throat as he ruminated on it. “Kiyo, any direction other than south for the white bone demoness? Any hint who she might be chasing?”

  “Only that she’s been sighted in two different temples in Thibault and seems to be heading south.”

  “So, she’s hitting holy places. That’s good to know. And that’s two mentions of Thibault. What do you think of going north to cross the mountains, then heading east toward the sea? We can start with this water deity and then head south. We may or may not cross paths with the white bone demoness that way, but at least we’ll be heading the right direction.”

  It was a sound plan, and Mei Li had no issue with it. She nodded, echoing the manner of everyone else at the table.

  “Then we’ll do that tomorrow. I’ll step out now and inform the Prince we’ve acquired two new people in the party. Hopefully funds and supplies can catch up with us on the road that way.” Hawes heaved himself to his feet and left with an intent air.

  As Hawes left the table, Shunlei noted to Mei Li, “I adore you humans. You’re so quick to action.”

  That remark made absolutely no sense to her whatsoever. “Are dragons different?”

  “Oh yes. We’d still be greeting each other if it were only dragons here. Never mind having a plan of action before dinner even arrived. My people are only quick to move during an emergency.”

  Interesting. That wasn’t the case in modern times. Had dragon society changed to accommodate humans? Mei Li belatedly realized there were many questions she’d failed to ask Future Shunlei.

  Knowing some of the stories, at least, Mei Li thought it prudent to ask, “Do you have anyone you need to alert before we leave this area?”

  “I do, in fact. After dinner, if it’s acceptable, I’ll make a quick trip and be back by morning.” To everyone at the table, he explained, “I found a pair of orphaned eggs three days ago. I’ve negotiated for a broodmother to take them in and raise them. She finally agreed this morning. I was in fact on my way back to fetch the eggs from their hiding place when I stumbled upon all of you.”

  Mei Li’s mouth opened, the offer on the tip of her tongue to go with him to help juggle the eggs, then she thought better of it. She was not in a time where a human could waltz into a broodmother’s nest and be welcome there. In fact, her presence might undo all the negotiations Shunlei had managed. “Should I carry a scenting stick so you can catch up with us on the road? You’ll need to get some sleep tonight.”

  “That’s very kind of you, Lady Mei. If you would. I’m not sure how travel arrangements will work on the road with all of you, actually.” Lips pursed, he frowned sightlessly ahead. “I’ve no experience riding a horse. That is what you will mount, is it not?”

  “It is,” Melchior agreed, also frowning. “We don’t have time to teach you.”

  Likely not. Mei Li felt it prudent to offer, “You can ride with me.”

  “If I’m not an imposition, I’ll do so.”

  Dinner arrived, interrupting them, and they set to eating. Mei Li was dying to ask questions, to really capitalize on the chance to know her heroes better. She’d idolized these people for most of her childhood. She was terribly afraid that if she didn’t keep hold of her tongue, she’d start babbling. Mei Li had time to slowly get to know them better.

  Probably too much time, truth be told.

  Shunlei excused himself after dinner with a promise to catch up with them on the road. Mei Li caught her bag, intending to stand as well and find a shop, perhaps buy something for the road tomorrow.

  “Lady Mei,” Kiyo stated in a demanding fashion. “You said your master taught you magic. Is he a crafter of spells?”

  Right. Apparently with the dragon no longer present, at least one person felt freed enough to demand answers. In this day and age, mages were known to make their own spells rather than rely upon those already designed by predecessors. It wasn’t unusual for spells to vary wildly from person to person depending on their schooling, their nationality, and the whims of their teachers. “He is indeed. He also liked to learn from different histories and records, so my spellwork is a gestalt of different things.”

  Her thin brows creased together. “I see. That would explain it.”

  Melchior stirred, leaning forward on his elbows. “And how do you know the dragon’s language?”

  “It’s called Long-go. When I was shipwrecked, I got stranded in a very remote area up past the Spine Ridge Mountains.” When that got blank looks, she tried the older name for the area. “Barren Mountains.”

  “Oh,” Kiyo said in recognition. Of course she would know it, as her homeland was nearby. “There’s nothing up there.”

  “Well, there is a single fishing village. They took me in but wouldn’t let me leave. I finally stumbled across a dragon living in that area, and he kindly gave me shelter and flew me back to civilization.” All true, if very misleading.

  “So, you learned about dragons from him?”

  “Some. My master taught me some as well.” Mei Li’s tongue was getting quite the workout. “It was my master who told me about Shunlei, in fact. I know it’s a bit hard for you to believe a dragon wants to be humanity’s friend, but he truly is sincere. And he’s steadily making progress. I’ve heard many stories about him.”

  Hawes slapped the table with his hand. “I like his spunk. Any man willing to help in a pinch I consider a friend. If he’s game to tame all of his race, I’ll offer my aid. Better to have the dragons tamed anyway.”

  Right, Hawes was one of Shunlei’s first friends by all accounts, a steadfast supporter of Shunlei’s cause from the very beginning. She’d almost forgotten that in the heat of the moment. “I feel the same way.”

  Being a practical leader, Hawes next asked, “What provisions have you?”

  “Not enough for a long trip,” Mei Li answered readily. She’d managed only a peek inside the bag Future Shunlei had packed for her before engaging the time travel spell, but it was enough to tell her it was only meant to tide her over to th
e nearest town. “I’ve provisions for about two days. Really, if we’re going to be traveling and battling as we go, I don’t have enough ink or paper, either. And does anyone have twine?”

  Nord raised his head and finally contributed to the conversation. “I do. A spool.”

  Kiyo’s eyes were sharp on her, evaluating. “We’ve found it to be useful on several occasions.”

  “Yes, so have I.” Despite Mei Li’s help earlier, it was clear Kiyo didn’t trust her magic just yet. Mei Li would have an uphill battle with her. Which was a shame, as Kiyo was the only other woman in the group, and Mei Li would much rather be friends. “How about I step out, pick up a few things?”

  Melchior stood. “I’ll accompany you. I’m also short on food and water. All of our provisions are low. We’ll need to acquire a horse for you as well.”

  Also a good point. “If you would, sir.”

  Melchior led the way out, his short and stocky frame barely clearing the width of the doorway. He moved like a boulder on legs—powerful, but not entirely agile. He still was somehow walking Mei Li’s legs off, though. She had to stretch to keep up with him.

  The town wasn’t large, barely big enough to be considered a trading hub, and all three main roads connected directly to a major highway. It made things easy when it came to finding a stockyard, as everything was visible from the center of town, where they now stood.

  Mei Li found it interesting to look about. The world was so very different now. Less technology, to start with. She didn’t see the hint of a single waterwheel despite a river being nearby. More magical talismans seemed to be doing the job instead.

  Abe had mentioned to her a few times that magic stunted the growth of technology until the trend switched to Evocation magic. Why bother inventing another way to do it when a magical talisman would do the job? He felt it impacted the world in a negative way. Mei Li, now that she saw the past, understood why. Using magic to solve every little problem did no one any favors.

  Melchior struck out, keeping her on the inside, placing himself as a buffer between her and the road. It was a sweet gesture and warmed her up to the man.

  “You’ll need to be patient with Kiyo,” he said, voice rumbling like gravel rolling downhill. “She likes to think she’s the smartest out of all of us. You showing her up like that will have rubbed her the wrong way.”

  “Oh, is that the problem? I wondered.”

  “It’s good for her. Don’t worry about it, things will work out on their own. They always do.” Melchior shot her a look from the corner of his eye. “Your dragon, now, that might take more getting used to.”

  “I know it’s a bit much to take in all at once,” Mei Li responded, trying to be sympathetic. “I swear on anything you care to name he’s a good man, though. The dragon that rescued me sung his praises.”

  “He’s certainly the most rational dragon I’ve ever seen. I’m inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt just from how he’s reacted today. But Kiyo’s not going to be won over easily. Neither will Nord. Do you think he’ll handle that well?”

  Future Shunlei certainly would. But Younger Shunlei? No idea. “I hope he will.”

  “Hmm.” Melchior abruptly changed subjects. “How good of a rider are you?”

  “I can stay on and get the horse to go in the direction I want.”

  “So, not an expert.”

  Mei Li shrugged. “I’ve spent most of my life studying. When we did travel, it was sporadically. I can ride. I’m just probably not as good at it as you are.”

  “Then let’s try and find you a nice, steady gelding. Something stout enough to carry double.” He shot her another look from under his bushy eyebrows. “If you’re sure on that.”

  “Absolutely sure.” Probably.

  Horvath, especially, was a hunter/gatherer culture with towns built to house its citizens in times of danger and during the cold, brutal winters. They sold many furs and animal hides, but little in the way of finer linens and cottons. Mei Li had precisely one other change of clothes in her bag, and considering how long she’d be on the road, she would need more than that. She shopped as best she could, adding pieces of different garments that could be cobbled together to form another outfit as needed. She also snagged a waterproof cloak, as she had the sneaking suspicion they would be riding through a lot of rain.

  Shopping in ancient times was an educational experience in and of itself. It was one thing to know intellectually that magic, ink, and books had made significant advancements, and quite another to walk up to a bookmaker’s shop and realize he only offered thin wood slates bound together with twine, or vellum to write on. And powdered ink instead of bottled liquid.

  The paper, though. She wasn’t sure what to do with the paper. Even what she had on her was something from modern times. Shunlei likely hadn’t been able to find something made with the old, ancient methods. Mei Li knew how, technically, to make her own. But it would take a good week at the very least. And that was with spells. Surely they sold traditional paper somewhere. Even Horvath, which was the last one to the game, had picked up the process at this point in history.

  The frustration of not immediately finding what she needed fed straight into her frustration over everything else. Mei Li was glad to be here, in many ways, as she could have landed in much worse times in history. But it didn’t alter the fact that this wasn’t where she wanted to be, either. People had been hurt before she’d left. Even though Shunlei had been up and moving, his hands were still recovering from the burns he’d acquired battling Jingfei. She didn’t want to be stuck back here, five thousand years in the past, longer than she had to.

  And yes, that was a totally irrational thought. Future Shunlei had explained that time travel didn’t move at the same chronological speed. Even if she spent years in the past, only hours would move in the future. And yet, the urgency ate at her. To get everything done now and head immediately back. But she couldn’t. And she couldn’t force things to go any faster. It was entirely outside her control.

  “Lady Mei?”

  Jerked back into the present, she turned to the man standing at her side. Melchior watched her with caution, as did the shop keeper. Right. Shopping for paper. She was supposed to be shopping for paper. She looked again at the two tables, with all the wares displayed, and bit back on a frustrated sigh. “I’m afraid this isn’t what I’m looking for, good sir. I need something thin and light-weight.”

  “Oh, like that fancy Laborde paper?” the shop keeper asked, cottoning on.

  That sounded promising. “Yes, that’s probably closer to what I need. Do you have that?”

  “No, but my brother’s a trader. He just came back with Laborde goods last week. Might have some left.” He popped around his table and pointed down the road. “If you go three stores down, that’ll be his.”

  “Thank you,” Mei Li said and gave him a smile of relief. Maybe she didn’t have to make her own paper after all. “May I buy two jars of your ink, that brush there, and do you have an ink stone? Excellent, I’ll take that as well.”

  Melchior paid for it all, the master wrapped it up for her with twine, and she thanked him again before they moved off.

  As they walked, Melchior shot her an odd, questioning look. “You don’t have an ink stone?”

  “I do…but I think it’s cracked. I heard a very suspicious breaking sound when we were fighting Red Lantern earlier. I basically dropped my bag and dove in, after all.”

  “Ah. Is that why you were frowning so intently at the table?”

  Had she been? She probably had, at that. “No, I was envisioning making my own paper. That would take a straight week to manage.”

  “We don’t have that kind of time,” Melchior objected.

  “Believe me, I know. It wasn’t a happy thought. Oh, now, here we go.” Mei Li stopped at the trader’s table, and a smile of relief crossed her face. He had a stack of paper bound with string, three books bound in rough leather, and even liquid ink in various hues. Not
that she needed that. Finding a woman in an apron who seemed to be manning the store, she flagged her down and promptly bought all of the paper. The price made Melchior wince, but he paid out for it.

  Satisfied, she stowed it all in her pack. Her now bulging pack. “Alright, horse and provisions. Do you have enough on you to pay for all of that?”

  Melchior’s smile was a bit strained. “I suggest some strenuous haggling.”

  Right.

  Due to the crowded nature of the inn, Hawes asked Kiyo and Mei Li to share a room, which Mei Li was happy to do. She hoped to get on a more friendly footing with Kiyo, maybe subtly pump the woman and get more information. She really didn’t know much about her except in what remained of the existing records.

  With high hopes, she went into the room, her bag over her shoulder. To the woman at her heels, she asked politely, “Which bed would you—”

  “Window,” Kiyo responded curtly.

  Um. Well, that didn’t sound friendly. Mei Li must have upset her more than Melchior thought. She set her bag down on the other single bed in the room. Taking inventory of the contents in that bag was a high priority for her. She’d known from the size and weight that it couldn’t possibly contain everything she needed, hence her shopping trip with Melchior earlier, but…well, everyone knows what they say about assumptions. Better to get a thorough idea of it for herself.

  And frankly, Mei Li did not trust a man to pack for her. Even if that man was Shunlei.

  Kiyo sat down her bag and then promptly yanked out what looked to be sleepwear. She didn’t, however, remove any of her clothing.

  Mei Li dared to ask another question. “Are you heading for the baths?”

  “Yes.” Without a single glance in her direction, Kiyo left, shutting the door firmly behind her.

  Staring at the door, Mei Li arched an eyebrow at it. “I got the message. Yeesh. Isn’t there some rule that the heroes have to be nice? I guess she isn’t a hero yet, but still….”