The Unearthing (Book I of the Tebel Chronicles)

Chapter 12

Not feeling at all tired, Cyan decided to go up to the roof and look at the city and stars. She still marveled at the vastness of the heavens without a globe full of artificial light to diminish them, so unlike her far-off Manhattan. The multiple moons made her aware again of how far away from home she was. What was she doing here? How was she going to get back? Would she ever be safe again?

Cyan stepped lightly on the flat roof, with the sounds of the night market below and wondered if she dared to go and wander around outside the inn. Cyan realized she wasn't alone. A young man was leaning over the low surrounding wall and watching the activities below. Cyan turned to leave, not wanting to disturb him, but her foot caught a broom leaning against the wall and it clattered to the ground.

'Hello,' the man said softly, now watching her. He was younger than she'd originally thought, maybe a few years older than Kael and Jesse. Even in the night-light Cyan could see he was striking. She apologized for disturbing him and turned to leave.

'Don't go,' he said. 'There's enough scenery for us both.' He smiled a slow, appealing smile before gesturing for her to come closer. 'Please, join me.'

Feeling drawn to him despite herself, Cyan shrugged and went to stand beside him. Street lanterns lit the scene below, where people wearing the now-familiar desert robes were browsing between stalls selling spicy-smelling meat cooked over a fire, racks of bright-colored turbans and trays of unfamiliar herbs. The sound, the smells and the sights were almost overwhelming, but exciting nonetheless.

'So, Desert Lady,' he said finally, after they'd stood in comfortable silence for a while, 'what is a girl like you doing in a place like Carmi? I thought only traders and criminals made their way here.'

She looked at him surreptitiously. He had dark eyes and his hair was brushed back carelessly. His clothing looked different from the robes that were so common with the locals. As she examined him, his dark, mysterious eyes reflected the glow of the street below as he stared into the night.

'I'm just passing through – with friends,' she said, before adding quickly, 'they're below, but they know I'm up here.'

He glanced at her, clearly amused, before returning his gaze to the city. 'You've curious colored eyes, Desert Lady.'

'So I've been told,' she murmured. The dark-haired stranger chuckled.

'I dare say they've been causing you a fair bit of trouble.' He straightened up and turned towards her, brushing his hair back. 'So you're not a criminal nor a trader... just a mysterious stranger from the desert.'

'That wasn't a question.'

'An observation.'

'How do you know I'm from the desert?'

'You're wearing robes only bought in Micrild.'

'Are you a trader or a criminal?'

'Both and neither.' His gaze fixed on her.

'You're flirting with me.' Cyan was amused and a little surprised.

'That wasn't a question,' he remarked.

'An observation.'

'Are you laughing at me, Ocean Eyes?' He gave her a mock frown. 'Do you find me silly after the desert men?'

'For now, I find you charming.' Cyan laughed, feeling embarrassed, not sure how to respond to him. She could tell he was comfortable relating to women. He was very good-looking and knew it, but she wasn't sure yet if it was in an arrogant sense.