“Look what I’ve found,” she called to the others where they were gathered around the fire. As one they turned to look as she held up her find.
Jaaniyah stood up and gasped.
“Nica—” Shanks’ voice was controlled. Too controlled. “Where did you find that?”
“Over by the river.” She tilted her head. “I found it tucked among the roots of a huge tree.”
Shanks let out a slow breath. “Nica…”
“Tell her,” Jaaniyah said.
“What?” Nica looked from Jaaniyah to Shanks, irritated they both seemed to know something she didn’t. “What’s wrong?”
“Can you show me where you found it?” Shanks’ tone was gentle as he got to his feet. “We need to put it back.”
“What is it?” Nica’s question died in her throat as Shanks froze. Silence descended over the forest like a blanket. Even the birds and wild monkeys ceased to twitter.
“Don’t move,” Shanks breathed. The tone of his voice was a clear warning of the seriousness of the situation.
With a sickening realization, the situation became apparent to Nica. They were surrounded. Faces stared at them from the shadows of the forest, blending so naturally with the surrounding foliage it took Nica several moments to realize exactly how many encircled them.
The people watching were a variety of heights, but none were taller than Nica. Their skin was as coarse as the trunk of a tree and covered with markings: dots, lines, swirls. Leaves were intertwined in their hair as though for decoration and their clothes were made from the fabric of the forest.
The Narsgededon forest people.
Her gaze traveled from one face to another, noting each person clutched a tall spear, cocked at an angle to fire on command. In a blink, the situation was clear. She’d found something that belonged to the tribe. Something important.
Shanks slowly held his hands up. “Ranagstu’ moab sinc ka’.” He stumbled over the unfamiliar words. A grumble went through the group like a ripple on a pond. One man raised his spear, his angry eyes locked on the carving Nica held. His gaze darted between Shanks and Nica as though debating who to attack first. As one, the entire tribe tensed and subtly shifted into a fighting stance.
Jaaniyah let out a whimper.
All the veiled references to the dangers within the Narsgededon came flooding back to Nica. Then Lady Angeline’s voice echoed in her ear. ‘Where ever did you learn the dicadian rhythms of the Narsgededon forest people? I don’t believe I’ve heard five people in my lifetime be able to enunciate the ariatic structure of the harmonic contrast like that.’
“In-gma a’ish tu li’e’,” Nica said. Her voice was like a bell in the silence of the forest. “We wish you peace,” she added for the benefit of her travel companions. She sensed more than saw Shanks’ startled reaction. “Aman dia shung-sa, co dora’ manag mi’i’i,” she continued in a sing-song voice. “Please accept the safe return of your blessed gift.”
“Nic, lay the flutar on the ground, slowly,” Shanks said in a tone that offered no recourse. Nica bowed as she lowered the carving to the ground and gently released it.
“Back away. Don’t look at them,” Shanks instructed in a low voice.
“Isla mong’tubo reegla ela bon day du’u,” Nica spoke loudly so all could hear. “May the Mother forest bring you great bounty.” She brought her hands together as though in prayer and dropped her eyes. Please let it work.
Silence stretched through the forest.
“Ing shee’ma.” An older man stepped forward and spoke in a guttural voice. His authority was undeniable. He pointed his spear at her.
All eyes shifted to Nica.
Nica nodded and moved toward the flutar.
Shanks swore under his breath. “What are you doing?”
“He wants me to hand it to him.”
“No,” Shanks said, then louder, looking directly at the older man, “No.” His voice was firm.
A grumble went through the forest people again as they shuffled their positions, but Nica knew what she had to do. She reached for the wood piece and carefully picked up the sacred item. Cautiously she approached the leader. She balanced the wood carving on her open hands and held it out for the man to take. “Sho shee’mo.”
His limpid eyes didn’t blink, yet Nica didn’t sense any animosity from the man. Merely curiosity. Her lips curved in a small smile. Though the man did not return the smile with his lips, she was sure she saw it in his eyes.
With his free hand he pulled at a piece of brown twine hanging around his neck. A small leather pouch was attached. He took one step forward and with a flick of his wrist flipped the twine necklace over Nica’s head.
Behind her, Nica could feel Shanks ready to spring to protect her.
The elder’s eyes lingered on her blond hair and she got the sense he was waging an internal battle with his curiosity. Finally, his eyes settled on hers again and he gave one slow nod of his head.
Without a further word the man reached with both hands, his spear now held loosely between his fingers, and took the gift Nica proffered.
“Reega ma.’” He said in his guttural voice as his eyes swept their group. His gaze stopped on Shanks. He nodded once at the younger man. “Ranagstu’ moab sinc ka,” he said, slowly repeating what Shanks had attempted to say earlier, as though for his benefit. A smile flitted across his face so fast Nica wondered if she’d actually seen it.
His eyes returned to Nica. He nodded once as he said in softer voice, “Y’we’e mish a mu’u.” He turned and without a sound they were gone.
“What did he say to you, Nica?” Jaaniyah asked in a trembling voice.
“He said she spoke like one of the people,” Shanks answered. He moved closer to her and raised his eyebrows. “I’m impressed.” His teasing smile back in place. “So many secrets you have, Lady Jacoby.” Something deepened in his eyes and Nica’s heart skipped a beat. “You intrigue me.”
With a thump, Jaaniyah sank down to the ground. Her head slumped into her hands as sobs wracked her body. Shanks went to Jaaniyah and bent down to slide a protective arm around her shoulders.
Nica stared at the two of them, fighting her own emotions.
Sebande approached silently to stand next to Nica. “Ela makata, I’ll help you gather wood for the fire.”
Nica raised her head to force a smile for him. “And how do I say ‘thank you’ in Corsosh?”
“Counte,” Sebande replied.
Nica nodded. “Counte, then.”
NICA AND SEBANDE were warming some of the provisions gathered from the soldiers when Shanks joined them around the fire.
“That was amazing to listen to you speak to them, Nic,” Shanks said. “I’ve struggled to learn this dialect for years. How is it you come to speak their language?”
Nica shrugged, still irritated at his constant solicitation of Jaaniyah. “Are they gone now, do you think?”
Shanks shook his head. “No, not all of them. There will be guards who stay. They won’t allow us to see them but trust me—they’re watching us. They know everything that goes on in this forest.”
“Oh,” Nica shivered. She looked around but all she could see were shadows among the surrounding trees. “Is that why Jaaniyah was so afraid? Did she think they were going to stab us with their spears?”
“Well, the Narsgededon poison the tips of their spears, so it’s possible,” Shanks said. “If the wound doesn’t kill you, then the poison surely will. I suspect that’s what’s in the pouch he gave you.” He nodded to the pouch that still hung around Nica’s neck. “A significant offering of trust.”
Alarmed, Nica looked down at the little leather pouch. Gingerly, she grabbed the twine from which the pouch was suspended and slid the little bag to the outside of her clothes. No sense taking any chances.
Shanks reached for a piece of meat that Sebande offered. “Also—” he added, almost as an afterthought— “the Narsgededon are said to be cannibals.”
Nica jer
ked her eyes up to his.
Shanks gave her a crooked grin. “But that’s not a proven fact—just a forest rumor.” The corners of his blue eyes crinkled up as he laughed at her, his blond hair falling back. That was all it took. Suddenly her heart was singing and her chest felt so full she wanted to burst. She turned away before her eyes betrayed her emotions, frightened by how strongly he could affect her.
AFTER THEY HAD eaten they broke camp to continue on. Once again, Jaaniyah required Shanks full attention for some inconsequential task.
“Sebande,” Nica put a hand on his arm. “Could you help me for a minute?”
Surprise flickered in his eyes but he nodded without asking. Yanking the string on the bedroll he was fastening to his saddle, he reached a hand and rocked the pack making sure it was secure before he followed her to the edge of camp. Nica reached down and slowly pulled her dagger from her boot. He blinked, but didn’t move.
“Will you cut a strand of my hair?” She reached behind her head and lifted the top layer of hair. She circled her finger and thumb to show the thickness. “A long piece, from underneath?”
Sebande’s face was a mask as he took the knife from her outstretched hand. With little effort he sliced her hair off.
“Ela makata, histra mek’e,” he said, as he handed the knife and section of hair to her.
Nica smiled up at him. “Sebande, I’ll look forward to learning Corsosh from you when we return to LaBricé.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “And that way, we’ll have no more secrets.”
He leaned down so she would be sure to hear him. “Brave girl, kind heart,” he said softly. Then he turned and strode away.
Nica watched his retreating back, surprised and pleased at his words.
“Are we ready?” Shanks called out.
Nica hurried toward the creek and the Pandoxian tree where she’d found the flutar. Breaking off a large leaf from a nearby shrub, she placed it carefully among the protected roots of the tree. She took the chunk of hair and laid the blonde strands across the green plant, wondering how long it would be before the forest people found her gift.
s Nica feared, Jaaniyah asked to ride with Shanks.
“Would you mind, Nic?” he asked.
Nica smiled and joined Sebande near his horse. After years of living around Mosaba, it was easy to mask her emotions. The tall young man leaned his arm down for her to grab and with one effortless tug, pulled her onto the horse behind him. Nica was pleased when he didn’t wait for Shanks and Jaaniyah to mount their horse, but set off instead.
They rode through the day, pausing only to rest and water the horses. While they were dismounted Sebande pulled Shanks aside and had what appeared to be a heated conversation. Nica watched them covertly out of the corner of her eye, curious at what they discussed, for she’d never seen the two of them argue before.
Before they departed Jaaniyah came up to her. “Jonn and I have decided it would be best if you and Sebande delay your return until after we’ve had time to get back inside the palace walls. That way there’s no chance anyone will see us together.”
Nica took a deep breath, fighting the desire to say what she really thought.
“It would only be for an hour or two,” Jaaniyah said. “Don’t you agree that makes the most sense?”
Nica nodded, her mask in place. What she thought didn’t matter to any of them anyway. “Perfect sense. Where shall I go when I return? Are there other rooms I could claim as my own this time?” She smiled sweetly at her sister. “So I don’t disturb you, of course.”
Jaaniyah nodded. “I’ll arrange for a suite for an unnamed guest who wishes to retain their privacy.”
Shanks joined them. “We should keep moving. We’re within an hour of the palace now.” He looked over at Nica. “Nic, we were thinking…”
“I’ve already told her, Jonn,” Jaaniyah interrupted. “She agrees. Actually—” she gave Nica a conspiratorial grin— “she said she was pleased to have a little extra time with Sebande alone.” Jaaniyah slid her arm through Shank’s and pulled him in the direction of the horses. “Come along, Jonn.”
Shanks’ eyes narrowed. “You and Sebande are long lost friends now?”
Nica held up her hand to stop him. “Jaaniyah has done enough talking for all of us,” she said in a cold voice. She turned on her heel and stalked over to Sebande. Something on her face must have indicated her mood because Sebande quickly vaulted onto his horse and reached down to pull Nica up behind him.
“You’ve heard we are to delay?” he asked.
“I’ve heard.”
He kicked the horse into motion and pulled away from where Shanks was still helping Jaaniyah climb on their horse. “When we get closer, I’ll veer off the path so they can continue on. There’s a place not far from there we can go visit that has a nice view. I think you’ll enjoy it.”
Nica appreciated his kind intentions. It was clear he realized something was amiss between her and Shaun. Or perhaps, she thought, he’d known it would come to this all along. Because if she were honest with herself, why would Shanks have any interest in her? Especially when the future queen of Jarisa was in love with him.
She tightened her grip around Sebande’s waist and laid her head on his broad shoulders. “Thank you, Sebande.”
AFTER SHANKS AND Jaaniyah had ridden on to HighGarden, Sebande left the two guards at the trailhead and threaded his way through the trees and brush along a path that was practically non-existent. It took almost ten minutes before they broke free of the undergrowth and were able to walk their horse along a rocky shelf. Nica wondered how Sebande could even tell where he was going so rough was the terrain. He steered them down an uneven path which led to a cliff overlooking a lake.
Nica peered around his shoulders. “What’s that?” she gasped. Below them steam rose from the water in small billowing clouds.
“It’s a natural hot springs,” Sebande said. He twisted around in the saddle and grinned at her. “Want a warm bath?”
Nica stared up at him in disbelief before she grinned and shouted, “Yes!”
He steered the horse down to the edge of the water and slid off. For the first time ever, he reached up to help Nica dismount. As Sebande set his horse to graze, Nica hurried down to the water’s edge.
“Asante,” she whispered in surprise. “It’s almost hot.”
Sebande chuckled. “You’re sworn to secrecy though. Very few people know this place exists. I don’t want to be taking my baths with a bunch of dirty soldiers.”
Nica giggled. “I promise. But Sebande—” she gave him a teasing look— “where are you going to go while I take my bath?”
Sebande grinned, revealing white teeth. “I’ll be guarding you, of course, M’lady.”
Nica splashed the water at him. “Then turn around, sir.”
Their close quarters over the last few weeks had reduced her inhibitions and she wasn’t too concerned if Sebande saw her in her undergarments or not. Sebande turned on his heel and crossed his arms, his back straight as he perused the trees that surrounded the hot springs.
Nica sat down on a large rock and pulled her boots off, followed by her breeches and cloak, along with her jacket and sweater. She folded them neatly and left them on the rock. Clad in only her undershorts that reached halfway to her knees and her camice, which hung from straps over her shoulders, she waded into the warm water.
“Oh, it’s so warm,” she called. Once she got to knee level she sank into the water up to her shoulders and pushed off, floating. “This is heaven.”
“I guess I should’ve asked if you could swim first,” Sebande called, a hint of worry in his voice.
“Not to worry—I’ll shout if I start drowning.”
Nica lay back in the water and floated, kicking her feet as she luxuriated in the warmth. She flipped over and paddled forward, closing her eyes and submerging her head, kicking hard with her feet to glide underwater. She only came up for a breath of air before she plunged back under and soared
through the water, weightless and free. When finally her lungs started to burn she kicked her way to the top, her outstretched arms breaking the surface of the water. Taking a big gasp of air, she flipped over on her back and glanced toward the shore. Sebande was bare-chested and poised ready to dive in, his eyes searching the water for her.
“I thought you were going to keep guard with your back to the water,” she laughed.
His shoulders relaxed and he motioned her back towards the shore.
“I didn’t know you could swim like a fish.”
Nica swam back and reluctantly climbed from the water, shivering in the chill air. She tried not to stare at his chest. She’d never win in a fight against those muscles.
“I’ll probably catch my death of cold now,” she said as she tugged her dirty clothes back on, “but I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Thank you, Sebande.”
“Stand by the fire while I take a dip,” Sebande said. He stepped aside and revealed a small smokeless fire at his feet. Without glancing at her, he dove off the rocks, slicing neatly through the water.
Nica watched his dark shoulders move effortlessly through the water and wondered what his childhood had been like growing up in Corsock. He and Shanks both must have done a lot of swimming since they lived on an island.
It wasn’t long before Sebande climbed from the water to shake all over like a dog after a bath.
“Argghhh!” He growled against the cold air. “That’s refreshing.”
He walked near her to pick up his clothes. Well-developed muscles rippled down his arms and chest. Sebande pulled his shirt back over his shoulders and squatted down next to where Nica sat by the fire. Her smile faltered when she saw the frown between his eyes.
The Midnight Spy Page 23
