She seemed to lean in a lot further than the actual depth of the cupboard. At one point, her legs were off the floor and her voice grew muffled and echoey, as if she was in a vast cavern.
“Do you need help, Mother Paduri?” called out Kiran in concern.
“No, I have it. It’s right at the back here. Pull me out, someone.”
Dhav pulled her gently out of the closet and put her back on her feet. She was holding a sword, long and slender, with a jewel-encrusted hilt, and a blade that meant business. Light gleamed off the edge.
“Here, take this.” She pushed it into Dhav’s hands. “And here’s the scabbard. It sits across your back, like this, and…”
“Madam, I know how to use a sword,” said Dhav stiffly. “My father ensured I started my training almost as soon as I could walk.”
“Did he? That’s strange. But also a good thing, because you’ll need it.”
“Is it a magic sword?” I asked.
“Good lord, girl, why does a sword need to be magic? Isn’t it dangerous enough? This one’s sharp enough to cut through stone. What do you want it to do, make party animals out of someone’s entrails?”
“I just thought…”
“Sometimes, the best magic is a really good weapon. Now you’d better go.” She showed us to the door. “Sorry about the darkness outside, it’ll get lighter as you head back to town.”
“Yes, why is it night-time here and not anywhere else?” I asked, puzzled, as she ushered us outside. She tutted, as if the answer was obvious.
“Because I’m trying to grow moonflowers, of course, and they only bloom at night. Bye now. Thanks for dropping by.”
The door slammed in our faces.
Chapter Twenty Two
Dhav fitted the scabbard so that the sheath lay over his back, and slid the sword into it. The jewelled hilt rose over his left shoulder, easy for him to grasp.
We walked back towards the village, following the path through the forest. At a certain point, the night shadow suddenly gave way to normal daylight. The air felt strange and cool on the back of my neck.
I kept tugging at the frayed ends, praying it didn’t look awful. My hair had been my crowning glory for years. I felt wrong without it.
Dhav glanced at me.
“It looks fine, Samira. Stop pulling at it.”
“It feels weird. Be honest. Do I look like a boy?”
His lips twitched.
“No, you most assuredly do not look like a boy.”
“I bet it’s super ugly. She didn’t even cut it straight.”
“I’m sure Maeva or Deelan can sort it out.”
“That whole things was a bust. We didn’t even get a map. At least you got a cool sword.”
“But we also got information. Didn’t you want to find out more about your family history? Well, now you know. You really are descended from a genie.”
“I guess. It’s good to know the whole story. Anyway, you’re forgetting the most important thing.”
“What?
“The cat.”
He threw back his head and laughed. It was the first time I’d really heard him do that. The sound was rich and mellow and uncomplicated. It was like basking in honey. I let it wash over me, and suddenly I was laughing too.
“That bloody soup!” I gasped.
“The chicken bones!”
“That closet!”
We were so convulsed, it took a second to notice our path was blocked.
“Hello again, Mr Dhav. And Samira. I don’t like your hair, I think I preferred it yesterday.”
The rock troll was leaning his hulking mass against a tree, which was buckling slightly under the weight. Next to him, squatting down so his bony knees were around his ears, was the single-eyed Duwa.
Dhav looked at them both narrowly.
“What are you two doing here?”
“Confirming our suspicions. I told you, Gol. These two were working together last night.”
“Only because you were cheating!” I said hotly. Ignius glanced quickly at the Duwa.
“I told you they would say that, didn’t I?”
“But you were cheating. You had two jokers in your pocket.” Dhav’s voice was calm, but he was holding his hands loosely by his side.
“No, it was you that had cards in your pocket. Funny how you managed to have the only hand that would beat mine.”
“That’s a lie. You were going to cheat all of us. Including you, Gol.” I appealed to the Duwa, who so far hadn’t said a word. “You know him. Do you trust him?”
“Enough!” The rock troll pushed himself upright. The tree rebounded with a creak. “I want my diamonds back. If you don’t give them to me, I’ll take them.”
Dhav drew his sword. It came out of the scabbard with a slick swishing noise, and the light glinted off the blade.
“Try it.”
Ignius laughed.
“Swords don’t bother me, son. I’m made of stone.” He smashed a fist into his chest. It made a sound like two slabs of granite being slammed together. “Impermeable.”
I put my hands behind my back and called up my power. Maybe I couldn’t damage him, but I could knock him on his butt and maybe smack him unconscious.
The Duwa spoke for the first time, his nasal tone disapproving.
“I tend to agree with them, Ignius. I’ve suspected you may have cheated in the past. I’ve no interest in joining you for robbery and murder if it is not justified.”
The troll looked at him, astonished.
“Since when did you care about justification?”
“It is not my fight.”
“What if I give you half the diamonds?”
The Duwa shrugged.
“That’s different.”
Without warning, he scuttled towards me, his skinny arms and legs making him look like a giant insect as he covered the distance alarmingly fast. His jaundiced eye was fixed on me, and I stumbled backwards in a panic.
Ignius grabbed the tree he’d been leaning on and pulled it from the ground in one smooth yank. It splintered as it was torn from its roots, and then the troll flung it like a javelin at Dhav.
I saw him start to dodge, and then the Duwa was on me. His hot breath was in my face and his clammy hands were at my neck. For someone who had no interest in murder, he was doing a pretty good job.
I put my hand on his chest and shoved him with my air. He flew backwards down the path, tumbling head over heels until he came to a sprawling stop.
He wheezed, trying to catch his breath.
“How did you do that?” he asked.
“Like this.”
I waved my hand and sent him crashing into a tree, then picked him up and flung him high into the air. I held him there for a second, then simply withdrew my power. He dropped like a stone. There was a sickening crunch as he hit the ground, then he was still.
I bit my lip. Shit. I’d only meant to knock him out, but judging by the way his neck was bent, I’d done more than that.
I looked for Dhav. He was further down the path, the troll roaring in fury and swinging blows at him. It should have been a one-sided fight, but I saw to my amazement that Dhav was holding his own. More than holding his own. He was actually good.
He moved like a dancer, light and agile, never staying in one place and never where Ignius was aiming his fists.
The troll was bigger and stronger than Dhav, but Dhav was faster. And he handled the sword as expertly as the swashbuckling heroes I’d loved in those old Hollywood movies. He was graceful and precise. A buccaneer, an outlaw, a Musketeer rolled into one.
I watched for a second, wondering how I could help. Dhav was fighting defensively because he couldn’t inflict damage on Ignius, but he wouldn’t be able to keep out of his reach forever.
The troll clumsily made a grab for him and Dhav vaulted to one side, bringing his blade round as he did so. It caught the troll on one rocky arm. I expected it to skitter off, or at the very least cause sparks, but it d
id neither.
It cut him.
The troll roared in disbelief, and my jaw dropped open. The sword had pierced his impermeable hide.
Dhav’s eyes widened as he realised what this meant. In an instant he went from defensive to offensive. The blade flashed again and again, slicing and stabbing wherever there was an opportunity.
And unbelievably, cuts were opening up on the rock-like body.
Ignius bellowed in pain and anger.
“This is impossible! What kind of sword is that?”
Dhav fell back, panting, his eyes glittering, a single lock of hair falling onto his forehead.
“The troll killing kind.”
He lunged forward and thrust the blade into the troll’s chest. Ignius groaned in agony, falling to his knees. He tried to speak, but thick black blood was gushing from his wound. Dhav put one foot on the troll’s shoulder and yanked his sword out.
Ignius fell face forward and lay still.
Without saying a word, Dhav wiped the sword clean on the grass before stowing it back in its sheath.
“That wasn’t bad,” I said, trying and failing to sound nonchalant. “You certainly know how to use a sword.”
“I should have paid more attention at the cottage. The witch told me it cut through stone, I just wasn’t listening.” He nodded at the downed Duwa. “I see you handled yourself well too.”
My face fell.
I knelt down and felt for a pulse, just in case. There wasn’t one. I swallowed, feeling nauseous.
“I didn’t mean to kill him.”
“Samira, you were acting in self-defence.”
“I know. But I should have been more careful.”
“He brought it on himself.”
I got up with a heavy heart.
“So what next?”
“Next, we use some of these diamonds and buy supplies. The mountain pass will be cold. We’ll need clothing and food. More weapons, although I suppose your hands are your weapons.”
Deadly weapons, apparently. I’d only ever used my power to steal. But in the space of a few days I’d killed two creatures. Not very nice creatures, but still.
“What about you?” I asked.
“I’ll take the sword. And maybe some throwing knives.”
“What are you expecting up there?”
“I like to be prepared. Deelan said there are wolves in the mountains.”
I stopped, eyes wide.
“Are you serious? Wolves? Forget knives. We need guns, rifles, anything that goes ‘bang’ very loudly.”
He shook his head.
“That will only give Al Uddin time to prepare. I want to approach as quietly as possible, take him by surprise.”
“Don’t forget he’s an earth mage,” I reminded him. “He’s powerful. Maybe more powerful than me. He captured my gran, remember, and she controlled fire.”
Dhav turned to me, his eyes dark.
“Don’t you know anything, Samira? Earth extinguishes fire. But air shapes it. Wind can alter entire continents. You are more powerful than him, little thief.”
“You seem very confident.”
He shrugged.
“I have to be. We’re betting both our lives on it.”
“But what about what the witch said?” He didn’t answer, and I prompted him. “She said she saw you die. Doesn’t that scare you?”
His jaw worked for a second.
“She was trying to be dramatic. There was nothing in that crystal ball. I saw no evidence of any real magic, did you?”
“But what if she’s…”
His voice was suddenly harsh.
“My fate is not hers to decide. It is mine. And I choose to save my brother.”
He walked on, and after a moment, I followed. But I couldn’t stop the doubt gnawing at my stomach.
He had faith in me. But I wasn’t sure I had faith in myself.
The witch had looked into her crystal ball and seen his death. Would it be because of me? Would I screw up, and fail him somehow?
Maybe Dhav was right, maybe the witch had just been making it up. But the thought of him dying was like an icy hand clutching my heart.
Chapter Twenty Three
We stopped off at the merchandise store in the village. It was run by Cobb, one of the card players from last night, and he was more than happy to take a diamond or two in exchange for supplies.
“You planning an expedition?” he asked, surveying our equipment. In addition to warm clothing and thick-soled boots, we’d bought a tent, sleeping bags, a stove, and a couple of rucksacks to stow them in.
“Something like that,” said Dhav. He was balancing a couple of light throwing knives on his index finger.
“Silver blades,” said Cobb approvingly. “Lightweight and precise. You any good with them?”
Dhav turned and threw first one, then the other into a dart board hanging on the other side of the room. They thudded into the bullseye.
“I’ll take them,” he said mildly. “You have a harness?”
“You want one that goes over your forearm? If you flick your wrist, the knife slides straight into your hand.”
“Sounds good. Can you have this all delivered to the inn?”
“Sure.” Cobb looked at us thoughtfully. “You’re not going into the mountains, are you? People who go up there never come back.”
“Says who?” I asked.
Cobb shrugged.
“Probably just old wives tales. But they say there’s rabid wolves up there. Do you want to take a gun?”
I opened my mouth to say ‘yes’, but Dhav forestalled me.
“We won’t need one,” he said firmly. “Come, Samira.”
“Nice to see you again, young lady,” said Cobb, giving a little bow in my direction. “I like the haircut. Very modern.”
I scowled at him as we left. Back at the inn, I raced upstairs to take a look in the mirror. My heart sank.
It was worse than I thought. My hair sat in jagged edges, barely brushing the top of my shoulders. I looked like a street urchin.
I slumped onto the bed and threw myself sulkily into the pillows. Dhav regarded me for a moment, then stretched out next to me with a resigned sigh.
“It’s not so bad. You’ll get used to it.”
“I’ve never had short hair before.”
“The thing about hair, little thief, is that it grows.”
I turned on my side to face him.
“It’s not just that. I’m worried about the journey. About what happens when we get to the tower. I thought I could just steal the ring back and it would be fine. But now I’m not so sure. What if we’re walking into a trap?”
“I won’t let anything happen to you.”
“But it’s me he wants, isn’t it? He wants to turn me into a genie.” I held up my wrist where the silver amulet gleamed. “You were right to put this on me. At least he won’t be able to use me to harm anyone else.”
“It won’t come to that, Samira. I won’t let it.”
“But he won’t give you the antidote unless you hand me over.”
“As soon as he gives me the antidote, I’ll stick two blades in his chest. He won’t get his hands on you.”
“But if he does…”
“Samira…”
“If he does, Dhav, promise me this thing will work.” I shook the bracelet. I won’t be anyone’s slave. I mean it.”
“Fine. I promise.” His voice hardened. “The amulet will activate the minute you become a genie. If you try to grant a wish, both you and he will die. Is that what you want to hear?”
“Yes. No. I don’t know.”
He sighed.
“You are a strangely complicated person, little thief.” His eyes travelled to my arm, where my birthmark lay beneath my shirt-sleeve. “May I?”
I nodded. He undid a button and slid the neck of my shirt over my shoulder. He looked at the serpentine blemish curiously.
“The mark of a djinn,” he murmured. “Incredible.�
�
“You called me infernal when we first met,” I reminded him.
“I was wrong.”
He absently stroked his thumb over my birthmark, and suddenly I found it hard to breathe. I lay perfectly still as he traced its outline, wondering if he could feel my heart pounding.
As if becoming aware of my inner turmoil, he raised his gaze to meet mine. We both realised simultaneously we were lying on a bed just inches apart.
Slowly, he slid his hand over my shoulder and stroked one finger along my collarbone. His touch set my skin on fire.
“Samira,” he murmured huskily.
Heat pooled in my stomach. His eyes darkened as they trailed over my flushed face, my parted lips. I remembered what his mouth had felt like on mine, and I badly wanted to feel that again. The intensity of my desire took me by surprise.
I’d never felt like this before, and it scared me. I was out of my depth.
“I think…” my voice cracked, and I cleared my throat. “I think I’m going to share with Maeva tonight. She has plenty of room now that Kiran’s gone.”
He studied me for a moment.
“What’s wrong, little thief? Are you scared I’ll bite?”
“I’m not scared of anything,” I said with as much hauteur as I could muster. I sat up, trying to look cool and collected. “I just want to give you more space, that’s all.”
“More space. Right,” he said drily.
“And anyway, I think it would be sensible not to… to complicate things.” Heart thumping, I grabbed my hairbrush and the clean clothes I’d bought at the store. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I left the room without looking back.
I barely slept that night. Maeva had graciously let me stay with her. She had a spare cot tucked against the wall, narrow, but plenty big enough for me.
No, it wasn’t the bed that made sleep elusive. It wasn’t even the intermittent little snores that came from Maeva’s side of the room.
It was my feelings for Dhav.
I was annoyed and bewildered. I’d had boyfriends before, but no-one serious. No-one I couldn’t walk away from without a moment’s hesitation. But somehow this one man, this arrogant, entitled, self-righteous, know-it-all prince, had got under my skin.
Mark of the Djinn: A Young Adult Urban Fantasy Romance Page 15