This was disconcerting. Brushing off the leg area of my robes, the specks of dust flowed off and became part of the hot air. Janilla gave Sandream’s head a pillow to rest on, even if it was moored in grime and dust.
The room lined with broken walls and the floor looked like a rocky mountain ledge. Five and Valor looked down that ledge into a deep ravine carved out of the corridor.
Fewer exit routes existed, but at least we lived. Now, we arranged our exit out of this place. The disorientation wreaked me. Things quieted down, so my body settled into its blossoming ache.
Adu came up to me and said with a dead tone, “I would ask what cruelty you have done to warrant this evil chasing you, but I fear I do not want to know. Still, you are rather calm considering this.”
I shrugged. “So are you.” Actually, this was the worst, but I was too used to shocking new developments trying to kill me. Putting on a front of strength was all I had at this point.
My eyes flicked down to the pill container attached to the belt around his waist. That could help relieve my pain and set me free from this performance of strength I've been putting up.
Adu flexed his lips and nodded his head. “I been in a fight or two, never thought I would see demons though. That I never expected.”
Valor motioned at Janilla. “Take out the crystal ball.” Janilla took my bag and produced it. Valor took it and spun the crystal ball on a cushion.
He grabbed Sandream’s wrist, pressed on a spot bringing fourth a shining blue tattoo.
I said, “Neither did I. You learned quick.” A dull light stream traveled from the top of crystal ball to her wrist.
Valor slid his finger across the glossy face of the crystal. Ten symbols floated up on the surface and they shone a scorching red.
My head seared with as much intensity.
I read them, “Seven, eight, seven, what are these numbers?”
“These are the numbers for this specific crystal. To make the connection, he must call this crystal. Five tell Wale these numbers and quickly.”
Five nodded. A raising chorus of noise emanated from outside.
“What are you doing?” I asked. Marideth and the concubine appeared in my peripheral.
Valor said, “We need to transport her consciousness to a new shell. If she dies in this one—that will be it. She will be gone.”
Marideth flexed her face as if she smelt something bad, yet her eyes watched our every move. In the distance, I heard voices and shouts.
The concubine held onto Adu tight, afraid to let go. Sandream blinked slower as we looked down at her. My throat tightened. “Janilla check the hall, warn us if anyone is coming.”
She nodded and went to her task. Marideth asked, “What are those?! Th—the, by the grace of God!”
I ignored her and was about to say something to Valor when Five interjected. “Her body is not ready yet.”
Valor cut his eyes and scowled. “It was supposed to be ready yesterday.”
Five replied, “One hour needed to ensure proper encasing and viral containment.”
Valor groaned then replied, “He does not need an hour. Tell him he has quarter an hour.”
Five nodded his head.
“What kind of malevolence is this? Son get away from there, th—”
“Please Queen, I beg your patience, this is not sorcery.” Valor gave me a ‘help me out here’ look.
YOU ARE READING
Carmine (Completed)
FantasyA young clever Princess of Ascus named Carmine is stuck in a daunting predicament by her father's decree. She wants to escape it by any means, for that was all she has ever done, running away from her duty, her crown. She must survive the darkest of...
