Page 9

nine

Morai

S preading the map Kirnon had given them on the table, Morai used blocks of wood to keep it in place. She then looked up at her friends, who had all gathered at an inn. They were now upstairs in Morai’s room, which she would be sharing with Fida and Neoni, to go over the plan—though, to be honest, there wasn’t much of one.

“So, here’s the plan. We’ve already secured the carriage to Braken, and it’ll take us two days to get there. That isn’t the problem, though. The problem is here.” Morai pointed to the map that showed the layout of the entire kingdom. Braken lay to the south of the kingdom and while the path was straightforward, there was a swampy area that was dangerous to cross. It wasn’t the swamp itself that was dangerous since a path was made for easy passage, but the things that lived there.

“So, what’s our strategy?” Morai glanced briefly at Luka, who was sitting in a chair, his arms folded, before glancing to Fida. She was trying not to be concerned about it, but Luka had been suspiciously quiet. Even when they went to the market, she loaded him with supplies until his arms hurt. He didn’t try to tease, or even sabotage anything. And if she knew Luka as well as she did, he was always planning something. His quiet demeanor confused her.

“I think it would be best if we get to the swamp before the sunset,” Fida said, frowning down at the map. “The swamp mermaids are nocturnal, so they should be asleep. I’m more worried about the chimeras. If they don’t disturb the waters, they may not wake the mermaids. But if they do, we'll have to fight them off.” Morai winced. She heard of swamp mermaids, but she’d never actually seen one. She heard they had green slimy skin and could control the vines that grew around the trees in the swamp. That would be a problem.

“So, what should we do if we get attacked?” Luka asked, leaning forward to study the map as well.

“I think Tanen and I will be able to handle it, as long as you all cross the path fast enough.” Morai frowned. That was a very vague plan. While she trusted in both Fida and Tanen’s fighting skills, it would be a lot for two people.

“Are you certain about this? I mean, what if you get injured?”

“Oh, that won’t be a problem,” Tanen spoke up. “If we do Luka’s healing sk…uh, I mean potions can heal pretty quick.” Morai raised a brow at Luka, who was scowling at Tanen, who was rubbing the back of his neck with a sheepish grin.

“I didn’t realize you also bought potions?” she said, Luka gave a nonchalant shrug.

“I figured stocking up would be beneficial, since we don’t have a healer on hand.” Morai studied him, her scowl still in place.

“What? Can't get over how handsome I am?” Morai scoffed.

“Don’t get ahead of yourself, you’re average at best,” she said, though her face had grown hot. She relaxed a little. At least he seemed to be back to his normal self.

“Average, I’ll have you know…”

“Okay, now that we have a plan, can we head downstairs for dinner?” Neoni asked, interrupting whatever Luka was going to say.

“Yes, let’s, I’m starving,” Tanen said with a clap of his hands, and with that, the group headed downstairs to the inn. Morai stayed behind to fold up the map; she put it in her pack and hung it on the door hook. She glanced around the room one last time. It was sparse, with three beds lined up next to each other and a window overlooking the city. On the opposite wall, an unlit fireplace was carved into the stone.

Morai sighed. While what had happened with the elixir was unprecedented, it still gave her the opportunity she needed to finally have enough money. If they pulled this off, she’d have enough money to move, and still have a lot left over. Satisfied, she opened the door, and gasped when she almost walked into Luka.

“What are you doing? You scared me,” she said, curling her hand into a fist so she didn’t clutch at her chest like her mother.

“When were you going to tell me you were leaving?” he asked. Morai scoffed.

“And why should I tell you that, and how did you even find out?”

“Your mother mentioned you leaving.” Morai frowned. When was that? Morai furrowed her brow in thought. Oh, her mother did mention it in Kirnon’s office.

“I still don’t see why I should tell you.” She pushed past him to head down to dinner. Luka grabbed her hand to stop her, quickly letting go again.

“Just…” He closed his eyes then shook his head, before opening them again.

“Never mind, forget I asked,” he said moving past her to head downstairs. She frowned at him, what was wrong with him, then her eyes widened, and she rushed after him.

“Did you just stop me so you could get to the stairs first?” Luka stopped and grinned at her, all the seriousness from his face was gone. Then he winked before continuing on. Morai scoffed.

“Oh, I’ll get you for that.” She followed after him vowing to get him for his sly trick.