Shadow Weaver (Back on Wattpad 2020!)

Chapter 12

Outside, the stark midday light dazzles my vision. I pull the hood of my parka further over my head to shelter from the blistering wind and the eyes of hundreds of men. We slip around the crowds at the Pit entrance and stride across the square. Tug, with his knife in one hand and an arm around my waist, keeps pace. I move with purpose, afraid of losing the Prince's blighted mind among so many others. Once we enter quieter streets my task grows easier and I relax a little.

"I have found a buyer," I say. Of course, I cannot be certain the Prince was in the Pit searching for an Uru Ana, but it seems a fair guess considering he has lost all his memories and will need someone to help him distinguish friend from enemy. Someone attacked and killed his escort, which means they probably tried to kill him too. If he wishes to return to his prior existence as the Prince of Caruca, he will need some assurance that his life is not in immediate danger from his closest friends and associates.

"We already have three offers."

"Two," I correct. "And I did not mean for Kel." Beast-face's gaze slides over me. "What is your highest offer for my brother?"

Tug licks his lips and the balance of his shoulders alters as he walks. "Ten Carucan gold," he says. The faint memory of a cloth with the number seven written on it flutters in the mind-world.

"Seven," I say. "Disappointing."

"More than I can earn in a year."

"Another lie."

He yanks me to a stop and leers in my face. "You are not nearly as clever as you suppose."

"And you are not nearly as stupid as you pretend," I counter. My chin trembles, expecting a slap, but I do not look away.

"Who is this buyer?" he growls.

"The man the King's soldiers seek."

His lip rises in an unamused half-smile. He is not happy I have managed to keep information from him.

"I can show you a man who will pay ten times for me what you will get for Kel. Even if the bidding reaches your precious ten Carucan gold. I will take you to this person and cooperate if you and Brin refuse all buyers for Kel and return him to our—", I cut myself off just before I say parents, "—mother," I finish.

Tug raises his knife and brushes the blade along my neck. Two passersby arc around to avoid us. The freezing outdoor temperature seems to drop another ten degrees.

"You know you cannot trust me, Mirra. Why try to bargain?"

My eyes water with the harsh wind but my will steels and strengthens. Tug was once a man people trusted. He had values and principles. I have seen smoky echoes of an honorable soldier. I need to smash the barricade and pull the past into the present.

"There must be someone you have loved. Someone you would do anything to protect. I've seen the way you look at Kel. You don't have to do this to him. When you sell me you will get what you want. You will be a rich man."

Something sharp pricks my neck. I gasp and feel warm blood trickling down my skin where he holds his knife.

"Never," he snarls, "make the mistake of thinking you can get inside my head."

"Your life is pitiful and worthless! Why do you even bother?"

He draws the blade along, widening the cut. My heart hammers in my chest. I am terrified I have finally broken the stony facade of control and the consequence will be getting my throat slit. He pants hard as he stoops over me. I raise my watery eyes to his. I made a promise. To Kel, to myself, to the Gods. You will not overwhelm me, Beast-face.