Map of Plagues by J.F.Penn

Author:J.F.Penn [Penn, J. F.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Curl Up Press

13

Mila and Ekon sat on the edge of a pool at the back of the cave. It had clearly been formed by ancient tools, each inch of hard-won stone carved by those who spent their lives in the dark, the sound of metal on stone ringing in their ears.

“Have you been down there before?” Mila asked.

“Many times.” Ekon ran his hand over the stone and into the water, his flesh shimmering, turning to liquid as he touched it. There was evident pleasure on his face, a sense of longing for the deep that Mila recognized. On Earthside, she fought the urge to swim, to call on her water magic and sink into the canal or the river or the ocean, because each time she used it, she exchanged a piece of herself with the shadow. But now, she could give in to her desire, sink into the blue, become one with the waves with no guilt. The penalty was still the same, but somehow, it didn’t matter any longer.

Something changed along with her body when she became water. Sometimes she wondered whether she might turn into a sea creature if she remained underneath long enough. Her magic made her part of the water, and she didn't know how long she could stay down for. She had never tried it for too long, aware of the seconds ticking away and the drops of shadow turning in her blood.

Mila glanced sideways at Ekon. He didn’t seem bothered by fear of what might happen. He seemed entirely at ease with his magic. His dark skin was several shades deeper black than her own, his body sculpted with well-used muscles. She couldn't take her eyes off him.

Ekon met her gaze. “My ancestors came from Africa on Earthside, you know.” He shrugged. “At least that’s what they told me when I was growing up in the camp. Perhaps we’re related.”

Mila turned her face away to hide her blush. I hope not.

Sienna came to kneel next to Mila at the edge of the pool. “Are you sure you want to do this? We don't know what's down there.”

“But I do.” Ekon’s voice was confident, sure of himself. “I’ve been down to the ruined city many times.” He looked at Mila, his glance hesitant. “We should be fine. I mean there are creatures down there, things that came over from Earthside. They should be as extinct as this city but they still survive here. Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye out for them.”

Sienna put her hand on Mila’s arm. “You don’t have to go.”

Mila looked down into the deep blue pool. All she wanted was to swim away, to lose herself in the depths — and some time alone with Ekon would be good, too. But Sienna didn’t need to know that. She sighed. “We need this piece of the map.”

Sienna nodded. “But we don't know for sure that it's down there.”

Finn stepped forward, his deep voice resonating in the chamber. “The mark on the pyramid matches the Librarian’s map piece.

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