Page 37

Chapter 36

I NEED TO LEARN HOW TO READ A MAP

T he next few days passed in a blur of training, eating, and sleeping. My body grew strong, stronger than it had been before the poison, which I think was due in part to what Blue had done under the battle moon.

I’d claimed the bow the first day of weapons training, but it was the mace that I’d settled on as my weapon of choice. I’d become adept at using it, but every time I stepped into the arena, my gaze was drawn to the twin axes that sat unclaimed on the weapons rack, and my hands itched to take them, but my nightmare would fill my mind—me on the battlefield with an axe in each hand—and I’d turn away.

If I didn’t use the weapons, then how could my nightmare come true?

It was ridiculous, because it was a nightmare, not a prophecy, right? But I wasn’t taking any chances .

The Authority concluded their investigation, but no one could tell me the result. All I could do was hope that Ravi and his brother were all right.

The week was almost up, and the four of us who’d been chosen for the first pareekshan were getting antsy. Umbra hadn’t been to see us yet, and Pashim wouldn’t spill the beans, no matter how much I cajoled, and Araz…well, he’d barely shown his face, although I’d sensed him from time to time. He’d been sleeping on the roof all week. I’d checked and found some of his things up there, and I may have sniffed his pillow.

The bond was a messed-up thing.

The time went by fast, and we were all starting to get agitated when Umbra finally showed up at supper.

I’d just taken a huge bite of my roasted chicken leg when she swept in, staff held high, emerald robe flapping around her legs, and demanded our attention.

“You have been patient in waiting for news regarding your first test,” she said. “As a demigod, you will be tasked to fight on land, sea, or in some cases in the air. You will be tested in all three. The first test will take place on land.”

Murmurs filled the room, and she allowed the buzz for a moment before raising a hand for silence.

“If you recall, I told you that humans live in space between the dharti and Patala.” Dharti meant earth and Patala was the realm of the naga. Yep, she had explained it to us before. She waited for sounds of assent before continuing. “However, mortals were not created to live under the earth, but on it, and there are a handful of settlements on the surface in regions we have secured.”

“Like the western one that was attacked?” Joe asked.

“That is correct,” Umbra said. “At present, there are five settlements, and we have recently completed the construction of a sixth. The four chosen will accompany an elite troop to the surface and aid them in transporting humans from one of our existing settlements to the new. You will be responsible for protecting the human cargo and ensuring they are well taken care of. The route passes through a region that we have not been able to mark as clear yet, but the devouring force is focused elsewhere at present, making it the perfect time to move the cargo.”

“Do we get to take our drohi?” Dharma asked.

“Yes. Always.”

“And how long is the journey?” Priti asked.

“Two days on foot.”

Joe raised his hand. “Why can’t we just use those thunderbird things to fly the people over, or…some of the Asura have wings…” He trailed off at the look of annoyance on Umbra’s face.

“Thunderbirds? Wings? You might as well let off fireworks to let the enemy know where you are.” She took a breath to compose herself. “It is one thing to use the Pavan savar when riding into battle, but for a mission such as this, stealth is required. You will travel via vortex. It will set down ten miles from the pick-up settlement and collect you all ten miles from the drop-off when you are done. Pashim will explain the rest to you.” She dropped him a nod. “You leave at sunset tomorrow.”

She swept from the room as quickly as she’d arrived, and all eyes turned to my table. To Pashim, who sat opposite me.

He crossed to the wall by the door and reached up to grab a ring I hadn’t even noticed was there. He pulled it down to unravel a map.

“We will be collecting a small group of humans from Nahee Aasha.” He pointed at a red dot on the map. “We will take them to an as of yet unnamed settlement here.” He indicated another red dot. “The locations of both are secure. The ground surrounding them has been woven with wards to keep the devouring force at bay. Some settlements are connected by underground tunnels. But this latest one is not. It should be a simple mission. Collect and drop off. We will take this route.” He drew a line with his finger across the map. “Then once we’ve dropped off, we head this way. Around this mountain pass that will bring us out here where our vortex will be waiting.”

Joe put his hand up.

“Yes?”

“Um…Why do we have to take that route? I mean, wouldn’t it be quicker to go…” He approached the map and tapped at a location. “This way? Through this valley?”

I had no idea what he was taking about. Maps were not my forte, and it all looked the same to me.

“You are correct,” Pashim said. “It would indeed be quicker, but Mrtyu Valley is off bounds.”

“Why?” Joe asked.

“Mrtyu means death, and the valley of death is named as such due to the battle that occurred there hundreds of years ago. The devouring force was beaten back from that region, but many of the Asura forces were killed. The area is said to be plagued by wraiths and the spirits of the restless dead, forgotten by Yama.”

“Who’s Yama?” Dharma asked.

“The god of death,” Pashim said. “He closed the gates to the underworld a long time ago. Now the dead roam, and there are places like Mrtyu Valley where you might find them in abundance.”

“Wait a second,” Dharma said. “Are you saying that these…spirits can hurt us?”

“They cannot hurt you directly, but they can make you hurt yourselves or others around you.”

“Okay, the long way it is then,” Joe conceded, as if he had a choice.

But Pashim merely nodded. “I’ll be accompanying the party, but we will be led by Guru Mihir and his troop of ascended Asura and seasoned demigods. Are there any more questions? ”

Priti put her hand up. “How many humans are we escorting?”

“Thirty,” he said. “More will be transported in a few weeks, and those of you who were not chosen this time will be on the transport team then, so I hope you all paid attention.” He closed the map. “No training tomorrow. Rest up. Come sunset we leave.”