Nojan (The Vartik King Chronicles Book 2) by Liza Probz

Author:Liza Probz [Probz, Liza]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Publisher: BrixBaxter Publishing
Published: 2020-04-20T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 19

She wasn’t sure how long they stood, arms entwined, telling each other of their days. Mayra expected it was both longer and shorter than she thought. Having lost track of time, she was surprised when her mother finally pulled away, clucking her tongue and commenting on the late hour.

“I have loved every moment of seeing you, daughter, but I fear that if we remain together for much longer, we may arouse suspicion.”

“Surely, you can’t think evil forces will descend in just these short hours?” Mayra was incredulous. Too much had happened too fast, and she desperately needed time to process it all.

“Your mother is right,” Nojan said, moving close to put an arm around her. “If they know your lineage, then it’s not much of a leap to think they may be keeping tabs on your mother in the hopes of catching you.” His expression was gentle as he handed her the visor.

Mayra stared down at it, suddenly overwhelmed with emotion. It wasn’t fair. She’d gotten her first taste of family, and now she had to go, apparently to hasten the coming of the apocalypse. And I thought slavery was bad. Now I have front-row seats to the end of the universe.

Her mother drew close, lifting her chin to unite their gazes. Mayra was again struck at how similar their eyes were. And she was saddened that the knowledge of the woman’s hard life had aged her beyond her years. “I will never forget you. And one day, when this is all over, you can come back to me.”

“Mother.” Her voice broke on the word, and she lunged forward, but Nojan held her back.

“I’m sorry, angel, but we should be going now. The longer we’re here, the greater the chance of being found out.”

Mayra struggled against his hold so Nojan picked her up. “A little help, dear?” he said, motioning toward the visor in her hands. Her mother plucked it out of her grip and placed it on Mayra’s face.

“Be safe, daughter. Come back to me.”

Then Nojan was sweeping through the tent, out the flap, and back out into the bustling marketplace.

“Gods damn you, Vartik bastard,” Mayra said, squirming in his arms. “Put me down.”

“And risk you running back? Not likely.”

“If you’re really so worried about being found out, don’t you think it’s a tad suspicious, you carrying me around like a sack of flour?” she hissed.

Nojan grunted, then paused long enough to put her feet on the ground. He wrapped an arm tightly around her waist, pulling her close. “Let’s get back to the ship.”

The return journey through the crowded streets was a blur. The flashing lights and hoarse-sounding hawkers were of no interest. In her mind, she was reliving the event that had just unfolded in the ratty old tent that stank of incense.

Before she realized it, Nojan was sealing the ship’s door behind him. “I’m going to get us off the surface immediately,” he said. “And after that, I’ll set a course for Vartik. We’ve got to get this book to the lab.

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