Mystics touch, p.12
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Mystic's Touch, page 12

 

Mystic's Touch
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  She shook her head.

  Gehiji nodded curtly. “Here’s what we’re going to do. I’ll carry Ceros. You follow as close as you can, making as little noise as possible. Understand?”

  “Yes.”

  “If I stop suddenly, I need you to watch this hand.” He held up his right hand. “I may have to signal you with it.”

  “Okay.”

  “This,” he made a fist, “means stop and be silent. If I point in a certain direction I mean for you to pay attention to that area because either someone is coming or there is something you need to see. If I want you to go ahead of me in a certain direction, I’ll do this.” He held up his first finger, swirled it in the air then pointed. “Got it?”

  “Got it.”

  “Good. Ready?” He extinguished the lamp next to the bed.

  “Wait. What about our supplies?”

  “If you think you can carry the basket and your bag easily without making any noise, then do so. If not, carry what you can and we’ll have Hesina send whatever is left.”

  Danet slipped the bag strap over her head and around her body then tested the weight of the basket. It wasn’t significantly heavy since it wasn’t full. She shrugged and said, “I can carry it.”

  He nodded. “One more thing. If we’re discovered, I’ll do what I can to distract them so you can slip away and return to the room.”

  “Why? Wouldn’t it be best if we stayed together? I can probably convince anyone in the palace that we’re going to get help or something.”

  “You’re his best chance for healing. I don’t want to risk you being banished from his care. The queen won’t be able to protect you if this goes wrong.”

  She swallowed the fear that bubbled up. “I understand. But I still think I would be a credible witness to what you are doing.”

  He sighed. “Just promise me that if we’re caught and you can get away easily and unseen, you will.”

  “Depends on who it is,” she said stubbornly.

  He shook his head. “We need to go.” Gehiji extinguished the last light then scooped Ceros up. He hung Ceros over his shoulder like a sack of grain and whispered, “Put a few pillows under the sheet so it looks as if he’s still lying there.”

  Danet nodded and did as he suggested. Then she grabbed the basket and followed Gehiji to the adjoining chamber. It was a secluded sitting area with rows of bookshelves and an open balcony overlooking the family gardens.

  Even in the dark she could tell it was a comfortable room. One she hadn’t explored but now wished she had.

  Gehiji walked to the edge of the balcony and checked the one across from them and the area below. He gestured for her to come closer as he put Ceros in a nearby chair. “I’m going to lower you to the ground first. When you reach the bottom I want you to look in every direction to make sure no one saw you. You also need to make sure there is no one nearby.”

  “All right.”

  He unwound the sash that circled his waist and crisscrossed his chest. It was a heavy but narrow band of fabric she wasn’t familiar with. Because it was so narrow, he had wrapped it multiple times around his body without it being bulky.

  When he was free of the fabric, he wrapped it around her waist and legs in a strange fashion and knotted it before she realized his intent. Good thing she’d worn leggings instead of a dress.

  “Climb up on the rail then turn and stand on the edge, facing me,” he instructed.

  Her eyes were probably as large as saucers. The drop to the ground below them might not be enough to kill someone on impact, but it was high enough to cause injuries and frighten her.

  “I won’t let you fall.” He showed her the ends of the fabric bunched in his hands.

  “But is the fabric just as confident?” she mumbled.

  He chuckled. “It will hold you.”

  Doubt lingered, but seeing no alternative, she climbed over the rail and faced Gehiji. “Now what?”

  “I want you to hang on to the fabric here.” He showed her where to put her hands. “Then lean back, keeping your feet flat against the balcony ledge or the wall below it. I’m going to slowly let out more fabric. As I do I want you to walk backwards down the wall.”

  She gulped in air. “All right. Sounds easy enough.”

  “It is, actually, for you. I’ll be doing all the work up here.”

  Keeping her eyes locked on Gehiji, she took a deep breath then leaned back.

  “That’s right. Good.” Even though he was whispering, he didn’t sound as if he was straining to hold her weight. “Now take a step back.”

  She did, hesitantly, afraid to look down.

  “That’s right, now another,” he encouraged.

  She took another tentative step.

  “Good. Keep going.”

  The tightness in her chest eased. Now that she knew she wasn’t going to plummet to the ground, her remaining steps were smoother and less jittery. When she was close enough, she stepped off the wall and put her weight onto her feet on the ground.

  She looked around to make sure no one was nearby then up at Gehiji. He was leaning over the railing, looking down at her.

  “I don’t see anyone,” she whispered as loudly as she dared.

  He indicated he had heard her then gestured for her to unwind the fabric from her body. He pulled the material up as soon as it was free.

  Their basket of supplies floated down from the balcony at the end of the makeshift rope.

  She quickly untied it and set the basket behind some nearby plants. It was several moments before she heard rustling from the balcony. When she looked up, her breath caught as she watched Gehiji climb over the railing. Ceros was once again draped over his shoulder.

  It felt as if their descent took an eternity. Her heart pounded in her ears and she prayed they didn’t fall.

  Once they were on the ground Gehiji set Ceros down then quickly freed himself from the binding. Somehow he was able to pull the fabric free from whatever he’d secured it around on the balcony.

  Danet checked on Ceros while Gehiji finished.

  Ceros? Can you hear me?

  There was still no reply. Her heart ached.

  “Is he all right?” Gehiji asked as he knelt beside her.

  “As far as I can tell, yes. But he’s still not responding.” She looked to Gehiji. “I don’t suppose I have to tell you how much this concerns me.”

  “I know. I can see it in your face. It will be fine. He’s been through worse than this.”

  Her eyes widened in alarm. “I don’t think I want to know.”

  “No. You don’t.” He stood and checked the area around them. “Come. We need to move quickly while the guards are still on the other side of the fountains.”

  She nodded then retrieved the basket from where she had hidden it. Once Gehiji had Ceros in position again, over his shoulder, he motioned her to follow. He moved silently along the perimeter of the building, using the shadows to stay hidden. Each time they crossed a span that was not in shadow, she felt as if everyone in the palace could see them. Even though it was very dark outside.

  When they reached the kitchen gardens Gehiji stopped at an ancient doorway that looked as if it had been installed when the palace was first built. He knocked twice on the faded wood. In response, there was a scratch and one knock down low on the door. Gehiji responded back with three quick raps. She heard the sound of the bolt sliding then the door eased open a fraction.

  Gehiji pushed it open and stepped through. Danet followed but was surprised not to see Hesina or anyone else waiting for them. Gehiji slid the bolt quietly back into place to secure the door then put his finger to his lips to indicate she should remain quiet. They waited in the semi-dark as Gehiji listened to the sounds around them.

  Danet? A groggy voice whispered in her head, startling her.

  Ceros? Are you okay? She reached out to grab Gehiji’s sleeve.

  Don’t know… I…

  Gehiji looked at her with a questioning expression. She pointed to Ceros then held up one finger to ask him to wait.

  Ceros? She paused for a response. Ceros? Are you awake?

  She shook her head for Gehiji’s benefit. Ceros’ contact gave her a ray of hope. She reached out and pushed his hair away from his face even though it was pointless the way he was hanging over Gehiji’s shoulder. It made her feel better to touch him.

  Voices from across the garden caught her attention. She tensed and turned to Gehiji. He looked as if he was expecting to hear them. Next she heard the slam of a heavy door. The voices were gone and Gehiji’s posture relaxed.

  “Should be clear now. Come on,” he whispered then turned to follow the path opposite where the men had gone.

  Danet followed but found herself frequently looking back to make sure no one was behind them.

  When they came to a shed built in the corner of the wall, he gestured her to come closer. “Look inside on the shelf,” he whispered. “There should be a stack of clothing. Grab what’s there and bring it with you.”

  She eased the shed door open and cringed when it squeaked in protest. There was even less light inside than what she had become accustomed to, making it difficult to find the shelf. Thankfully the area was clean and organized and she found the clothes easily when she ran her hands along the wall to the shelf.

  She latched the shed door closed and joined Gehiji and Ceros in the shadows near the wall. “Now what?” she whispered.

  “Now we find the cart Hesina was supposed to have brought around.”

  Gehiji led them to a door that was a mirror image of the one they had used to get into the garden. He slid the bolt as quietly as possible then gestured for her to precede him.

  She stepped to the side so Gehiji could pass through with Ceros. As he did, Gehiji pulled the wood door closed behind them.

  “Where do they store the supply carts?” he whispered.

  “Behind the stables, I believe.” She pointed to where the stables were. In case the smell of eligari excrement wafting toward them wasn’t enough to give it away.

  “Lead on then.”

  She blinked in surprise then rallied herself and showed him where to go. When they rounded the corner, she was surprised to find Hesina’s son.

  Danet turned to whisper to Gehiji over her shoulder. “It’s Ptah. Was he supposed to be here?”

  “Hesina said someone would come to drive the cart.” Gehiji shrugged. “I guess he was chosen to do it.”

  “How about if I go talk to him to verify this is where we’re supposed to be and ensure no one else around?”

  Gehiji frowned but finally nodded. Before she walked away, he grabbed her arm. “If something looks wrong or you feel uncomfortable for any reason, I want you to say something, anything, about the color red. Understand?”

  “Yes. The color red.” Danet squared her shoulders and headed to Ptah. As quietly as possible, she walked closer.

  When Ptah saw her approaching, he hopped off his perch on the edge of the cart and greeted her. “Mistress Danet.” He took her hands in his then bowed his head and brought their joined hands to his forehead in a gesture of the deepest respect. Keeping his voice low, he said, “I’m glad you made it.” He looked around. “You didn’t come alone did you?”

  “No, Ptah. My friend is trailing nearby. I came to make sure the coast was clear for them.”

  “I haven’t seen anyone since the watch made its last round. Won’t be much longer until the next pass.”

  “How long have you been waiting?” she asked.

  “I waited until little Ptah was abed. Apris tucked the little ones in bed with her so it wasn’t a problem to be off.”

  Danet smiled at the family picture his words created in her mind. “How is little Ptah?”

  “He’s a dandy. Getting taller and stronger every day. Won’t be long now ’til he’s able to run on that foot again.”

  “Good. I’m very glad to hear it. I know it’s tough to keep little boys off their feet at that age.”

  “Yes, but if it meant tying him to his bed so he didn’t lose that foot, we’d have done it.”

  Danet patted him on the shoulder. “I know you would have but I’m glad you didn’t have to.” She chuckled. “And I’m sure little Ptah is too.”

  “I know I’ve said it before, but I don’t know what we would have done if you hadn’t helped him.”

  “I’m just glad I was able to. And that we were able to save his foot. I wouldn’t wish that on any child.” She looked around. “Do you think it’s safe for my friend to come out and load our things in the cart?”

  Ptah looked up at the moon then at the palace walls. “If he can move quickly, we can get them into the cart before the next pass of the watch. We’ll have to resettle things once the watch is past.”

  “All right. Let me go tell him.”

  “Hurry.”

  She quickened her pace and darted around the corner, nearly running into Gehiji. “He said he hadn’t seen anyone since the last pass of the watch but that we’d need to hurry.”

  “All right. Grab the basket.”

  Danet did as instructed and followed Gehiji to the cart. Ptah was holding the tarp up to allow them to climb in. If he was surprised by their cargo, he didn’t indicate.

  Once Danet and Gehiji climbed into the cart, Ptah handed Ceros to Gehiji and their basket of supplies to Danet then pulled the tarp into place. “I’ll leave the corner flipped back to let in some air. As soon as the watch has passed out of sight, I will let you know.”

  “Thank you, Ptah,” Danet said.

  Under the canvas, Danet crawled next to Ceros. She kept her movements slow so as to not rock the cart.

  “Did he say something to you earlier?” Gehiji asked softly.

  “Yes. But it was very brief and then he was gone.” She placed her fingers on the pulse on Ceros’ neck to count his heartbeats. “And no, I haven’t been able to reach him again.”

  “From your expression, I guessed that was what happened but I didn’t want to risk setting him down or asking questions just then.”

  She looked to where Gehiji sat. She couldn’t see his expression, but he had to be tired after carrying Ceros so far. “I know. And I know there was little we could do right then. I don’t think it would have mattered even if we had been in his room.” She shrugged. “The movement might have been what brought him around. It’s hard to say either way.” Danet reached across and patted Gehiji on the arm. “Why don’t you rest while you can? Ptah will warn us if anyone comes near.”

  He chuckled. “Shouldn’t I be telling you that?”

  “Perhaps it’s good advice for both of us.”

  Danet let her head fall back against the side of the cart. For safe measure, she took Ceros’ hand into hers. As she listened to the sounds of the night she let her eyes fall shut. It would be for just a moment, she promised herself.

  The jolting of the cart startled Danet awake.

  “It’s all right,” Gehiji reassured her. “Ptah is hitching a couple of eligari to the cart.”

  “So we’ll be off soon?”

  “Yes.”

  She rubbed her eyes. “How long did I sleep?”

  “An hour or two, I would guess.”

  It didn’t feel as if it had been that long. But then again, given the stiffness in her neck and backside, it was possible. “Apparently the watch passed without incident.”

  “Umhmm. I heard Ptah speaking to someone from the stables a little while ago but he didn’t let on we were here. That’s how he was able to get the eligari.”

  Ptah appeared at the back of the cart. “It’s time. I’m going to put the tarp back in place to cover you. I know it’ll be dark and maybe even warm, but as soon as we clear the gates I’ll stop and loosen the corner again. Okay?”

  Danet and Gehiji spoke at the same time. “We understand.” “Do what you need to do.”

  “I recommend not speaking again until we’re past the gates,” Ptah added.

  “Agreed,” Gehiji answered for both of them.

  The flap of the tarp flipped closed, throwing the cart into total darkness. Danet didn’t realize how helpful the little light they’d had before had been.

  When the wagon lurched forward, her heart raced. The possibility of being discovered at the gate buzzed through her mind. Worry for her father, Gehiji and Ptah threatened to send her into a panic as she sat in the dark, enclosed cart.

  Danet…

  Her name whispered through her mind.

  Ceros. I’m here. We’re taking you someplace safe. She waited for him to say something else. Can you hear me?

  When he didn’t respond, she wondered if she was hearing things. She turned his hand and touched the pulse at his wrist. It beat slower than she liked but was steady. Somehow it calmed her. She intertwined her fingers with his and forced her mind to brighter things.

  An image of the oasis she frequently saw in her dreams floated though her thoughts. She concentrated on the flowers and trees she usually saw there. The colors and scents and sounds. Before she knew it, the cart slowed then stopped.

  She held her breath and listened for voices.

  One corner of the tarp was lifted, letting in a hint of light along with a wave of fresh, cool air. Danet filled her lungs.

  “To the address you told me?” Ptah asked.

  “Yes. No problem at the gate then?” Gehiji asked.

  “Not even a second look,” Ptah said.

  “Good.”

  Danet felt the cart dip as Ptah climbed back onto his seat. “Where are we going?” she asked Gehiji.

  “I made arrangements for an alternate place to stay as soon as I saw there was trouble with Ceros.”

  “Just in case?”

  He shrugged. “One can never be too careful.”

  “I suppose not.”

  “Now we need to figure out how to get Ceros inside without drawing attention.”

  “It’s still early, isn’t it?” she asked.

  “Yes, but as soon as the first sun breaks there will be people about. We’ll need to move quickly when we arrive.”

  “All right.”

  Gehiji cocked his head to one side and stared at Danet. “You’ve done very well tonight, Danet. I’m impressed. And that’s not an easy thing to do.”

 
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