“What’s your plan?” someone asks.
“How do we keep our people safe?” another cries.
“Where is my husband?” a woman says. “It’s been days.”
“I mourn their loss,” Sonco says. “And I’m hopeful they’ll be found. For now, I ask that everyone remain calm. Turn to our gods for comfort. They will provide it, I assure you.”
I hear the regret and sadness entrenched in every syllable. Manuel and I exchange glances. They must be referring to the parts of the jungle that are dying.
“However, we cannot be caught unaware. If the corrupted area grows, we must send more scouts.”
“Another mission?” someone balks. “Didn’t you lose good people bringing the strangers into our city?”
Several people turn to glare at us. I shift my feet and drop my gaze.
“This will be a different objective,” Sonco says smoothly. “The group will only venture there to observe and report back their findings.” He hesitates. “That’s not to say it won’t be dangerous.”
“What about the dark magic?”
The hairs on my arm stand on end. I go up onto my tiptoes, trying to find who’s asked the question. Manuel nudges me and points.
It was Chaska.
I look at Manuel and mouth,Wow.He nods, then his gaze flickers back to her.
“Did you hear the way some have died?” Chaska asks. “Their bodies torn apart. Arms and legs pulled from their sockets. That isn’t the work of a wild animal. This is a monster the likes of which we’ve never seen. This threat is too close to the city entrance.”
Sonco’s jaw locks.
“If you send out another group, I’ll be going as well,” she demands.
But the Illari leader is already shaking his head. “It’s much too dangerous. We cannot lose someone with your immeasurable talent. You’re our only seer.”
She stills. And then, incredibly, her head tilts and half turns toward where I’m standing. Manuel positions himself closer to me, frowning.
“She can’t mean …” I breathe.
He scowls. “She absolutely does.”
Sonco continues his reassurances. “This time we will send our finest trackers to learn more about the area affected. The more information we have, the better we can plan.”
I nod along with him. It’s a sensible strategy.
“Who will go?” he asks quietly. “I need five. Perhaps six people.”
Chaska immediately raises her hand. Sonco shoots her a disbelieving look. “I said no.”
She drops her arm.
No one else indicates they’re willing to risk their lives for the mission. Dark magic? A monster capable of ripping limbs? I don’t blame anyone for remaining quiet.
Then comes a gravelly voice from the front of the room. “I’ll go.”
For a moment no one says a word. Sonco’s shoulders tense, then he halfway turns to the man behind him, leaning against the wall, his eyes closed. I honestly thought he’d been asleep.
“You’ve only just returned.”
The man shrugs. His eyes arestillshut. “You need men. I’ve gone before and at least know what to expect.”
