Watcher's Web

Watcher's Web Chapter 22

Jessica let Iztho lead her down into the courtyard of the guesthouse, where the patrons sat at tables for breakfast. Still in the tunic and trousers she had worn to the Pengali hide-out last night, she felt hot and sweaty. While he pushed her into a chair, she tried to mumble something about a bath, but her tongue wouldn’t work.

Her brain felt like someone had been at it with an axe, trying to split it in two.

Iztho poured light green juice in a cup and passed it to her.

"I think you and I should leave as soon as possible. You are in shock. You are in need of a Healer and I wouldn’t trust the ones in this pitiful town. As soon as we have finished our meal, I’ll go to the Exchange. I think you are ready to pass as a local."

He didn’t say my wife.

Jessica attempted to wipe haziness from her eyes. In the mirrored stone next to the door in her room, she had seen that she looked even more pale than normal. If the glances were anything to go by, fellow guests who shared this corner of the courtyard with them had noticed as well. Two petite red-haired women turned frequent glances on her, hazel eyes ringed by bright orange eyelashes. A man on a table next to them cast severe yellow-eyed looks over the top of his reader. Goodness knew what they all thought.

She took a bite from the bread. Its nutty, minty taste exploded in her mouth—and images of trees lining a riverbank bursting with green. Drooping branches tickled the water. Children playing. The soft murmur of a woman’s voice. Her mother; she recognised the tone. Memories, as if these past few days had unlocked them from somewhere deep in her mind.

Jessica took her cup, brought it to her mouth with a trembling hand. Was there anything she could do without getting visions and hearing voices?

"Lady, do you want me to bring you to bed?" Iztho’s face looked pale.

His blue eyes turned into black ones. Loose curls tumbled about his face. The soft glow of early morning light glistened in amber stones that dangled from his earrings. Below him flickered lights on an instrument panel similar to what she had seen in Iztho’s craft; sleek and smooth. Much more modern.

I’m coming. Hold on tight. I’m coming for you. The power of the engine sang through her veins.

Blood rushed to her cheeks.

Iztho just caught the cup before she dropped it, but a gush of juice went over the front of her tunic. "Come, I’ll get a Healer to come out right now." Iztho’s eyes were wide with concern.

"No, really, I’m fine." She rose from the table. I’m here. I’m waiting. Tell me where you want to see me.

"You’re not. You’re disturbed. Please, let me help you."

"I’m not disturbed!"

At the tables around them, conversations halted. People turned around.

She said in a lower voice, "He’s coming for me."

Daya’s dark lips twitched into a tiny smile that accompanied his twinkling eyes. A wave of happiness washed over her. His emotions. The link between them was complete. He was coming.

"Who is coming? Let me take you—"

Come to me. You’re in danger.

"No." Jessica pushed Iztho’s hands aside. She was not going to any doctor to be prodded at. If there was anything wrong with her, there was only one person who could fix it.

She ran from the table across the courtyard, although she barely saw where she was going for the image of Daya’s face in her mind. He’s coming, he’s coming.