His relaxed tone doesn’t hold a hint of judgment, just mere observation.
“It is, but like Yemi said, this isn’t my first time. It’ll hopefully be even easier this time around.”
“And I’ll be there with you.” My head shakes and Thayla perches her hands on her hips. “Why the hell not?”
“It’ll be easier and quicker for me to pop in and out. And if I were to get caught, I can come up with a million excuses for what I was doing. No…” I lighten and lower my tone as I lace my fingers through hers. “We both know no excuse will work for you. I refuse to risk that.”
Her harsh exhale causes her nostrils to flare, but she doesn’t disagree, although it’s clear that she wants to. Her fingers flex around mine a few times before she gives me a clipped nod.
“Fine.”
“I can’t believe you’re serious right now,” Doren whispers as if he’s afraid someone may hear him.
“Well, I am. This is important to Amick for whatever reason, so it’s important to me. I’d appreciate it if you told me what else you know but aren’t saying or tell me what I’m looking for?”
He tears his gaze from mine. The request in Yemi’s eyes gets him.
“Once you and Amick or whoever reviews the material, you’ll understand why I’m not saying anything else.” He sighs and bows his head. “What you’re looking for is a scroll. I’m not sure of the layout of the High Chancellor’s office, but it’s in a far corner, smooshed between two tomes. The title of the scroll is The Law of Doppia Disaccord.”
My mind searches my memories for any mention of that. I won’t sit here and say I know and have memorized every single law written into our realm, but I have a deep understanding.
“Why have I never heard of this law?”
“It hasn’t been practiced in quite some time. Long before even I was born. Let’s just say, the gods didn’t like the balance it brings.”
“How old are you?” Thayla asks, then her eyes widen. “Sorry, inappropriate time and question.”
“That’s all right. I’m coming up on my ninety-eighth birthday.”
Damn. He doesn’t look a day older than me.
“Well, then,” Thayla says, clearing her throat. “We’re going to have to throw you a grand celebration for your hundredth, huh?”
A bright smile lights up his face and Yemi hides hers behind her fingers.
“I’d love and greatly appreciate that. I haven’t celebrated my day of birth in many years.”
“I’ll leave all of you to start planning that,” I say as I spin Thayla into my arms. “I’ll be fine and fast. As soon as I find it, I’ll take it straight to Amick. Stay here while I’m gone.”
“I really don’t like that you’re going alone.”
“I know, but it’s just the Sanctum.”
“It’s that fuckers office within the Sanctum.”
“Yes, but he isn’t even here and who better to sneak in and out than me? Time is on my side, you know?”
She huffs, then presses her lips to mine. I give myself over to her and her frantic kiss. I hate that this upsets her, but I can’t shake the sensation that we desperately need that scroll.
“One hour, then I’m coming searching.”
“Deal, little goddess.”
I give Yemi, Doren, and Iric a dip of my head, then call my power forward.
My starshoot carries me away and releases me in the Chancellors’ hall. I’m not dumb enough to starshoot directly into Harriseen’s office. He may have dropped the ego and left some protections in place this time since he’s away from the Godsdawn.
Let’s hope not.
