Shadow Honor - Book 1 of The Trial

Shadow Honor - 12

"Madame Godani owns this pillar, all the way up to the Upper Shade," Styx explained as he climbed to the top floor of the complex with Prism. They reached a small platform that rested against the giant column of limestone. Small handholds and footholds were cut into the stone that would allow passage to the heights above. Styx inclined his head toward those handholds and continued, "It shouldn't be difficult to reach the cavern ceiling, and then we simply have to make our way through the Upper Shade."

"Is it really that simple?" Prism asked, eyeing the pillar with determination. Styx wondered if Prism would go against Madame Godani's request that they wait until she had everything in order before they left, but to his relief Prism turned back to look at him instead.

"No," Styx answered with a light smile, "but I thought it might make you feel better if you thought that we could make it out easily." He rested his hand against the pillar, feeling its cool surface as he smiled fondly at the memories this particular platform held for him. There were many times in his childhood that he had come to the platform for introspection. From here he could see the entirety of the Lower Shade, and had been able to daydream of exploring the distant shadows. He sighed as the memory faded and he was brought back to his present problems. "In all honesty," he said, meeting Prism's eyes, "dodging the patrols once we get up there will be the hardest part. There are only three exits to the surface that I know of, and I'm sure all three will be guarded."

"I'm not worried about the patrols," Prism said grimly. He winced and touched his ribs where Fasha had stabbed him. "Unless Fasha is waiting for us."

"Are you sure you shouldn't be worried?" Styx asked as he eyed the area of the wound. Though the clothing that Prism wore prevented him from seeing the injury clearly, the entire section of cloth from his armpit to his hip was caked in blood. Prism wasn't bleeding anymore but he appeared to be getting weaker by the minute. "You aren't looking too good," Styx observed. "We need to have that knife wound checked."

"I'm fine, and we must reach the city as soon as possible," Prism replied, dismissing Styx's concern with a wave of his hand. "I can still fight my way up, even if I have to take it easy."

"But you're still concerned about Fasha catching up to us?" Styx replied, raising his eyebrows as he shook his head. He glanced worriedly at Prism's wounded side again as he asked, "What is your relationship with him? It seemed like the two of you had history."

"Ancient history, best left in the past," Prism replied noncommittally. He sighed as he saw the worry still present in Styx's face. "I suppose there is no use in lying to you. This wound is going to take some time to heal, and it will also take quite a bit of my energy," he admitted, and then shrugged as he continued, "I can handle any common fighter, but Fasha is better than most. At my current strength I wouldn't stand a chance against him."

"I saw him get pulled down by that monster," Styx replied with a shiver, "Even if he does survive, he won't exactly be in the best shape either." He laid a concerned hand on Prism's arm and insisted, "I'm serious though; we should get you looked over before we leave. Madame Godani has the best doctors in The Shade in her employ."

"We really don't have the time, though I appreciate your concern," Prism answered with a patient smile. "I'll find a Fedain when we've made it to the surface. They're the only ones who can help me."

"You might have a hard time with that. Fedain are rare in Pentalus. I'm surprised you don't know that," Styx replied, shaking his head in disbelief. He took hold of Prism's arm and tried to drag him back toward the stairs as he insisted, "She really does have the best doctors around, Prism. Come on, Madame Godani is still working on putting everything in order. We have time."