I nod. “We could escort them to the rendezvous point, but we can’t just leave the Chotgori….” The words Ghoa screamed at the prince replay in my head:Who cares about the Chotgori when the gods themselves are in danger?
But sheshouldcare. We all should. The Kalima will be far more likely to heed our warning and consider an alliance if at least part of the Protected Territories are present and committed. Otherwise, we’ll look like exactly what we are—a band of homeless, wandering shepherds led by Enebish the Destroyer and two fledgling Kalima warriors.
Even if the Chotgori decide they want nothing to do with us, I can’t bring myself to leave them. Not after seeing them suffering in the mines. Not when we’re right here. And not when Ghoa could make freeing them so much easier. With her help, it won’t be nearly as dangerous.
Serik catches my eye, and the grin that lifts the corners of his lips confirms he’s thinking the same thing. “Ghoa can’t expect our help without offering something in return,” he says. “As Commander of the Kalima warriors, she should know all good treaties require compromise.”
CHARTER TWENTY-FIVE
GHOA
“YOU EXPECT ME TO DOWHAT?”
I laugh so hard, I inhale the spices strewn across the shelves of the otherwise empty pantry where they’ve “imprisoned” us. Pepper and cinnamon invade my nostrils, which is exactly as unpleasant as it sounds. Three violent sneezes grip me, and Enebish and Serik wait for me to stop heaving before they speak.
“Help us free the Chotgori laborers and we’ll allow you to continue on to the Kalima,” Serik says again, as if the problem is with my hearing.
“Oh, you’llallowme to go, will you?” I say with a cutting laugh.
Ivandar repositions abruptly, slamming my side into the shelving. “It sounds like a reasonable request.”
“It’s not,” I snap. “We don’t have time, and those workers won’t help us protect the gods.”
“But they will!” Enebish delves into an impassioned speech, but I stop listening. The Chotgori won’t help me reclaim my position. They’ll be nothing but a nuisance. And I’m done doing favors. Ivandar’s list of my “noble” actions has been looping in my head for the better part of the day, cynical and taunting.
I stab my filthy nails into my thigh, my mind sharpening with the pain. “You realize I could leave this sorry prison anytime I want to?”
Enebish and Serik fold their arms and press their sides together in the doorway. As if that will stop me from barreling through them.
“If you could escape so easily, why haven’t you?” Enebish demands.
Because I want the glory of capturing all of you.Except that isn’t entirely true. When I first saw Enebish, I wasn’t thinking about capturing or annihilating anyone. There was only that voice deep inside me—thatfeeling—forcing me to my knees. Commanding me to stay my hand.
But I’m obviously not about to admit any of that.
“I exercised restraint for the greater good of Ashkar,” I say instead. “Our journey will be safer and faster under the cover of darkness.”
“You expect me to assist you freely after everything you’ve done?” Enebish slams her palm against the door frame.
Ivandar jumps. I don’t.
“Your gods are in danger, and you could save them,” I say, my voice as sweet as the honey crusted on the floor. “You’re the one who’ll have to live with the consequences if you choose not to help.”
“We’re not foolish enough to release you,” Serik cuts in. “So the only way you’re getting to the Kalima is if you cooperate. Help us free the Chotgori workers, and we’ll take you to the rendezvous point.”
“That’s exactly what Idon’tneed—a parade of rebels and shepherds and slaves announcing my arrival to the Kalima.” I blurt before I can stop myself.
Serik steps into the pantry, flooding the tiny space with his insufferable heat. “Why don’t you want the Kalima to know you’re coming?”
Bleeding skies.
“It has nothing to do with not wanting them to know I’m coming,” I lie, “and everything to do with counterattacking swiftly to have a prayer of reclaiming our land from the Zemyans. Which will be impossible with such a big unwieldy group. But you wouldn’t know that, since you’ve never had a mind for battle. You’re not atrueKalima warrior. Just a monk with powers you can’t control.”
Fire bursts to life in Serik’s palm and he slashes it past my face. “I’ll happily display my control anytime you wish.”
I will never,everget used to that.
Ivandar elbows me as we lurch away from the flare of heat. “It’s our best option. And the Chotgori areyourpeople too,” he tacks on. As if I need another reminder.
