He grinned. “Is that a proposition?”
She laughed. “You’re incorrigible. But yes. I’m proposing you eat with me. Preferably by the fire so we can see what we’re eating.”
“After you,” he said with a slight bow.
They joined Ridge just as he sat back on his heels. The fire licked at the dry wood, steadily growing larger until flames lit a large perimeter around them. They settled down on the ground, India crossing her legs under her. Robby sat on a smooth rock and drew his knees to his chin.
India portioned out chunks of bread and cheese, handing Robby his share then holding Ridge’s out to him. Next she pulled out a bottle of wine and held it out to Ridge for him to open.
He moved closer to her and took a swig from the bottle before handing it to her. She tipped it up and let the liquid pour into her mouth. It was coarse, but it tasted like manna.
She wiped her mouth on the back of her sleeve then passed the wine on to Robby.
After she finished her food, she leaned her head back and gazed at her surroundings. It was quiet. Only the occasional popping of the fire intruded on the silence.
Orion loomed over them. They were camped a mile or so from the base. But what of the cradle of the moon? Was it literal or figurative in meaning? And did Juan Miguel know the path to the doorway? Was there an actual doorway?
She sighed. As much as she thought she knew about Pagoria, in fact, she knew little. Here she stood, poised to enter a city that hadn’t been touched by civilization in centuries. Shouldn’t she feel something more than the hollow ache in her chest?
She glanced over at Ridge and found him studying her. His eyes were so full of...well, there was a mixture swirling in his dark eyes. The flames of the fire only heightened the illusion of torment she saw there.
He didn’t look any worse than she felt.
Juan Miguel shuffled into the light cast by the fire and stood a moment as if to warm himself. The air was cooler here. Almost chilly.
“We are not far,” he said quietly, almost reverently. “Beyond De Reloj is the gateway to the city. We will travel through the village in the morning. Then I will leave you to continue on. I can go no farther.”
India’s eyes shot upward. “I don’t understand. What village do you speak of and why cannot you continue on?”
Ridge leaned forward, his expression as tense as India felt. Even Robby seemed riveted by the Spaniard’s words.
Juan Miguel cast a look toward Orion. “De Reloj guards the entrance though no one outside the village realizes this.” He shrugged. “And few would think to look in a populated spot for the doorway. Most assume it would have been found by now if it was close to civilization.”
He turned and looked at India. “As to why I cannot continue, I am forbidden. I cannot take you into the city. Your choices will decide whether you are worthy to enter. My duty was to see you safely here.”
“And my father? Is he there already? Where is he?”
“Seek and ye shall find,” he said simply.
Shock shot up India’s spine at hearing the Biblical words. Something tugged at her memory, a lingering familiarity. She was reminded of something. But what?
She shook her head.
“Well then, it certainly sounds as though we’ll have a lively day,” Robby said with a yawn. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to turn in.”
“I will keep watch,” Juan Miguel said as he turned and walked away.
India watched Robby lay out his bedroll away from the fire. After a few seconds, he crawled under his blanket and settled down.
How could anyone sleep at a time like this?
Her eyes skittered to Ridge, and felt slightly better that he looked as bemused as she was. He rose from the ground and walked out of the light. She stared after him in curiosity. In a few moments, he returned, dragging a log with him.
He positioned it on the other side of the fire from where Robby lay then returned to where India sat. He began collecting the blankets then extended a hand to help her up.
She let him pull her up, curious as to his intentions. She shivered as his hand slid up to her elbow, and he guided her over to the log.
“I don’t know about you, but after hearing all that Juan Miguel had to say, I find I’m not in the least sleepy,” he said. “I thought we could relax and enjoy the evening.”
