Page 12

CHAPTER 11

O UR NEW H IMZO COMPANIONS turned the crank at the well and filled their waterskins. They appeared like friendly travelers among the tangle of trees around us, but I knew better. Laude stood near them, oblivious and laughing at their banter while I ambled up the grassy hill. I couldn’t decipher my thoughts. These men shouldn’t have made it past the wards.

Clearly, the wards had failed; the five of them stood on Giddelian soil. How many more Himzos had infiltrated our lands? Did I need to abandon my quest to warn Papá? I let out a frustrated sigh.

Stick to the plan.

Marching back up to Laude, I filled with determination. Laude and I would get into the valley, but there was no way we’d travel alongside people of the very kingdom causing so much tension at home. But what if they could help me? The idea soured in my stomach upon wrapping my arms around Laude’s skinny torso.

She flinched but patted my back in a hesitant embrace. Red frizz poked my nose as I leaned in close enough to graze my lips against her ear. “We need to get away from them. Say nothing. It might give us away. They are Himzos.”

Laude stiffened. When I pulled away, her wide eyes glanced between the men and me. I nodded. She pressed her lips together, a slight tremble visible on her chin.

“We need to head out immediately.” Zichri’s voice rang with authority.

Laude and I locked stares while the five men stepped through the grass. Zichri waved us over to the road, but we hesitated.

“Prin—Miss Cypress, I will go wherever you lead. I meant what I said last night.”

I glanced at the metallic lines that now had kissed my elbow. I am running out of time. My chest tightened. “To the valley.”

Laude clapped her hands and bounced on her toes. “A quest for magic. I could scream for joy.”

“Lower your voice,” I hissed.

“Sorry, miss. I’m ever so excited. We’ll also need some provisions.” Laude flipped open the trunk and stuffed pears, bread smothered with refried beans, and waterskins into a woven bag.

“We’ll also need to get directions.” I stared out at Zichri and a lanky man waiting in our line of sight. Where had the others gone?

The three men came back into view, walking a black steed laden with supplies from wherever they left it during the altercation. I started toward them and called to Laude, “Follow my lead.”

Laude carried the overstuffed bag, chattering the whole way down the hill. Did she truly understand how dangerous continuing the journey would be? Her smile swallowed her ears as she gazed down the lane. The road ahead curved downward out of sight, and another section of the path appeared on the mountainside across from us. The blisters along my heels and the side of my pinky toe suddenly throbbed, having not fully healed from my ball.

“So, what’s it like out in Himzo?” Laude asked Zichri, shoulder cocked to one side under the weight of our sack. “I’ve heard only that there is no sea. I couldn’t imagine not living near water and ships. They say the sea is good for your health.”

An image of me covering Laude’s flapping mouth flashed through my mind, but Zichri’s offer to let us ride on their only horse silenced her more effectively. I could sing for joy at how thankful I was to ride the mountainous path, though we still needed to find a way to split from the Himzos without drawing unnecessary suspicions about my identity.

The horse shifted beneath our bottoms as we hit a steep decline. Laude clutched my waist, her head pressed against my back. Why did Zichri insist on Laude riding with me instead of taking turns? I’ve worn girdles that were less suffocating than this.

Zichri walked alongside the horse and held the reins. On the other side of us, the lanky man declared, “I could have taken those ruffians myself.” He flashed a cocky grin in my direction.

A stout man clapped a hand on the lanky one’s shoulder. “You couldn’t even have taken one yourself.”

The lanky man shook his head. “You, Gonzalo, forget what a little motivation can do. With such vile villains on the loose, my muscles growl with anticipation.” The lanky fellow turned his turquoise eyes to meet my gaze. “Damsels, you are in safe hands.”

I mumbled under my breath, “You Himzos aren’t that much better.”

The horse rounded a curve, clomping a steady rhythm.

“You never said where you were headed.” Zichri patted the horse’s black mane. “We’ll take you wherever you need to go. It’s not safe for young ladies in these parts. No one patrols the mountain roads.”

“Yes, I understand. I’m certain no one will follow us where we go.” I swayed with the horse’s gait.

Laude’s heat soaked into my back. What a most undignified way to ride, but what excuse could I give to kick Laude off?

Zichri combed a hand through his hair. “Where will you be going?”

“We’ll pass it on the way to Himzo.”

The stout man—called Gonzalo—growled, “For the love of all that is good, where are you going? We don’t have all day. Besides, we’re not even heading to—”

The lanky man jabbed an elbow into Gonzalo’s gut. On closer inspection, something about the thin man looked familiar, but I had never met a Himzo before. I brushed the notion aside.

“What? I wasn’t going to draw a map for her.” Gonzalo rubbed his potbelly.

Perhaps we should slip away sooner than later. I felt my features contort with my anxious thoughts.

Zichri cleared his throat. “Maybe you’d feel more comfortable getting to know the men. Meet Gonzalo.” He pointed to the stout man and moved his finger to the lanky fellow. “This is Blas.” Blas did a two-finger salute and clicked his tongue. Zichri called up the two others at the rear. “That’s Milo and Jaime.”

I dipped my head. “It’s nice to meet you all. I’m thankful for your help. But I’m confused at why a fine group of Himzos would be in the unpatrolled territories of Giddel.”

Zichri eyed Gonzalo, who bowed his shiny head. Bright-eyed Blas turned his slender face away while Milo and Jaime slowed their gait. Should I press for answers? That’s what my brother would do, but I was no spy.

“This path is lovely,” Laude piped in. “All the trees for shade and the mountains ahead.”

“Yes, I couldn’t agree more.” Zichri smiled back at Laude.

“Is Valle de los Fantasmas on the other side of that mountain?” Laude pointed to the tallest peak looming in the distance. Her other hand dug into my dress.

The Himzos gasped, and the horse even seemed to tripa bit.

“Yes, but the path is longer than it appears.” Zichri clicked his tongue, patting the horse’s side. “Why do you ask?”

“Because that’s where we’re headed.” Laude straightened up, now clutching me again with both hands.

I pressed my palms into the horn of the saddle. She was supposed to follow my lead.

Zichri’s brows furrowed. “Is that so?”

Back straight, I maintained my austere expression. Mamá would not approve of me socializing with Himzos. Or anything about this trip. So, why am I worrying? “Yes, we were invited into Valle de los Fantasmas.”

Gonzalo spat in the dirt. “By whom? The ghosts?”

Blas jabbed him, laughing.

“For the love of the Ancient One, keep your sharp elbow out of my gut.” Gonzalo threw up his fists.

Zichri laughed. “Stand down. Blas, keep those bones out of Gonzalo’s gut. We won’t hear the end of it if you bruise his sensitive skin.”

The men roared with laughter while Gonzalo shook his head. Zichri tugged on the reins and led the horses to the side of the road. He lifted Laude down by the waist and slipped his fingers around my waist too. I started, caught off guard by a tingling heat where he touched me. Why did he inspire such a sensation? I fanned myself, averting my gaze toward the luscious green canopy, to the tree roots jutting out of the ground—anyone but Zichri.

Gonzalo passed Laude a skin of water. Laude’s flirty wink caused an inward cringe to shiver down my spine. Best to look away. But I caught Zichri staring at me.

“Were you serious about being invited to Valle de los Fantasmas?” Zichri’s blank face was unsettling.

I held my breath and pulled my shoulders back. “Yes. Does this road lead to the valley?”

“It does get very near it. Most people avoid that portion of the path.” Zichri stepped close, forcing me to tip my head back to maintain eye contact. How would I pry details from him? Should I even try?

“Your assistance is no longer needed.” I raised my chin at his lifted brow. “You needn’t worry about us. We have no plans on turning you in to the authority. We also would prefer if you not mention this encounter to anyone.”

Zichri maintained a stern set to his jaw. “We can’t leave you two alone on this path.”

“But you will. Leave us.” I glanced at Laude, who giggled and patted Blas’s elbow. My instinct was to reprimand her for such behavior, but that might give us away. “Zichri. I’m not sure you understand. We don’t want you near.”

His lips twisted into a smile while watching Laude jest with Gonzalo. “Have you talked to your companion about that? It appears you’re the only one who finds our presence unwelcome.”

I inhaled, trying tokeep my poise. What would Mamá do in a moment like this? Of course, she wouldn’t get in a mess like this. If Papá found out about us running into Himzo merchants who wouldn’t let us be, he might start a war over these nobodies. “Do as you please. Laude and I are not with you.”

Zichri smirked, which dimpled his cheeks. “Fair enough. We can give you space if you like.”

“Could we get our pack with our food?”

“Gonzalo, could you pass Miss …” Zichri drawled.

What name had Laude and I agreed on last night? Not Cicadas. Cleo? Cy—That’s it. “Cypress!”

“Miss Cypress’s pack?”

Gonzalo held the overstuffed pack out to Zichri.

I snatched the brown satchel and swung it over my achy shoulder for appearance’s sake. I’d pass this to Laude once we were away. No one had ever let me carry more than a basket of flowers at home. And why would Laude mind the extra weight? I linked arms with Laude and dragged her away. “It’s time for us to head to the valley. We needn’t worry about these men.”

“But miss.”

“Say your goodbyes.” I waved a hand, tugging Laude along at my side.

The Himzos stood tall at the edge of the path, looking rather drab in their simple white tunics—perhaps Zichri held a splash of rogue appeal. I scolded myself for the silly thought. Zichri was a Himzo. Gonzalo stepped forward with saucers for eyes. Zichri flung his arm in front of Gonzalo’s chest. No one else took a step to follow us.

“Why can’t we let them walk us to the valley?” Laude’s whine grated against my ears.

“They’re Himzo. Do you want them capturing your princess for political gain?” I hiked faster, but the sack bumped against my hip, slowing my gait. When we reached the next bend, I’d ask Laude to carry the satchel.

One glance over my shoulder and my stomach dropped. So far, we only traveled a small curve of the mountain path.

“But they were mere merchants. And so funny.” Laude dragged her feet. “It sure is hot in the sun. Those nice men had a lot of extra water. I’m certain we can walk back up.”

I clenched my teeth and maintained my pace. Was she daft?

“Miss, they said there are more bad men like the ones who overtook us.” She jogged to catch up and looped her arm through mine. “I’ve never seen so many handsome, well-built, and jolly men in one place in my life. That Zichri sure had an eye for you.”

“Laude! Is that all you think about?”

She let go of my arm and kicked at pebbles over the dirt path. “Miss, only bony boys and the old cooks ever make it back to the kitchen and mending rooms. All the male servants have their own rooms, and the soldiers pay me no mind.”

“What would be the purpose? Your position doesn’t allow for marriage.”

“You’re right, miss. But oh, how I dream.” Laude clasped her hands together over her chest, letting her gaze drift out in the distance. “It would be so nice to at least have a suitor chasing after my hand. Your mother would say ‘No!’ while giving him a severe look, just like the ones you give. He’d sneak in the palace, leaving notes about his undying love for me, even after I tell him there’s no possible way.”

“Does this dream man have a face?” I skirted around a giant hole in the dirt.

Laude looked up, smiling brightly. “Oh miss! He’s tall and portly, but it’s all strength he carries over his torso. His crooked smile melted my heart, even if he’s clean-shaven on the top of his head.”

“Gonzalo? Really?” I couldn’t help but scrunch my face at the idea of Laude and Gonzalo.

She paused mid-step. “Truth be told. Blas also has a very nice laugh. He’s on the thin side, which means I’d have to give him an extra portion of food. His eyes make up for any of his other flaws. They’re almost as bright as Lux’s.”

I snickered against my own sensibilities. The idea of Blas being compared to Lux? Nonsense. But the joy in her voice peeled away my irritation. “And what of the other two men?”

“You mean Milo and Jaime?” Laude released a sigh. “They were even more lovely. If they had talked, Gonzalo would be in danger of losing my affection.”

Oh my! Now, I knew we must lose these men, for Laude’s sake. It’s unhealthy to have unrealistic dreams waved in front of a person. My misery should be enough to warn Laude about such things.

I stopped listening to Laude and let my mind drift. Each step forward meant my dreams could come true. And Lux would break off his engagement when he saw I had the gift.

A horse’s hooves clomped somewhere behind us. I straightened my back and pursed my lips. Was it the Himzos’ or another band of thugs? Apprehension pinched my stomach.

Laude squinted to make out who approached us. She giggled and clapped her hands in delight. “Miss, they’re coming. Do you think they’ll follow us?”

“No worries, Laude. We’ll outsmart them.”

“Oh.” She hung her head, slowing her pace to the speed of an injured turtle.