Page 22 of Light Up the Night

“There is an army approaching. The same folk who took our King. That charm. Your charm may be what saves us all. May we use it?”

I could have applauded. The boy could have been a Krypt, I thought, before I recalled that he was. Tarla hesitantly pulled the chain from her neck and held the gris-gris out in offering.

“How do we test it?” Fish asked, he wrapped his arm around the woman in a reassuring side hug of sorts, but kept his eyes locked on me.

“It has to be crushed. Under the leaves, so they don’t see it or hear it.”

“What if the leaves are wet and there is no crunch?” Tarla asked in a voice that was barely audible.

“Good point.” I smiled, tossing her a wink. She shrank into her long blond hair, letting the part shift over one eye but seemed to relax a bit. I thought I even caught a hint of a smile.

Keif rounded the table and motioned for Fish to set the gris-gris on the floor before he covered it with a scroll.

Fish shifted forward, but Keif stopped him and pointed to Tarla instead. “You step on it. We need to be sure that it will break under warriors big and small.”

She gave a slow nod before carefully stepping on the gris-gris. It shattered the moment she implied pressure. We all heard it, but we were running on self-preservation and straining to hear it. Azaria of the Savageland wouldn’t be.

“My advice,” I started, “is to litter the path ahead of them. They might notice, but hopefully enough bottles will be crushed by then to have made a difference. Even if it only takes down a few men, the surprise of it will slow the rest.” I’d did my part. Gave my counsel, but I still felt like I owed her the full truth. “I didn’t see Lazarus amongst them. The reports from the men confirm that the scouts haven’t either.”

“How do we know he isn’t dead already?” Keif groaned into his palms.

“That’s treason!” Bard gasped.

I barked with laughter, unable to control it. Sometimes it was just the only option besides tears.

“Only in the Iron Inlet would anyone ever put you and I in the same category, Kantor. They told me Nirvana Root is an executable offense when I rowed ashore…” I recalled with a sardonic grin. “Lady Tarla, would you mind fetching the midwife for us?” I asked, scooting back from my seat. “Tell her to bring all of her bottles and see that someone brings every leaker in the village to this office, if you would?”

She curtsied toward Chalice and started to back away.

“Lady Tarla…” I called softly, instantly gaining her attention. “I’m the Queen’s own physician. If the midwife has any difficulties or your child is ever in need, you must call on me to return this favor.”

Her eyes lit up and she gave a head bob toward me before scurrying out of the room. I would have paid her, I knew how serious the gris-gris could be to women, especially expectant mothers. She was a good sport, a good loyal patriot. The least I could do was offer a return of favor.

“Is this your wish then?” I asked, glancing back at Chalice.

She raised her brows and dipped her head subtly. “I trust you, Ender.”

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