Realm of Light - Deborah Chester [136]
Finally, after tearing apart a pillow and scattering the stuffing everywhere, it came back to her and crouched just out of reach.
It stared at her long and hard. She stared back. She could feel magic crawling about the room, but whether it came from the jinja or from another source she did not know.
“Hurt me,” the jinja said, eyes flashing.
“The trapper? I am sorry. You have been frightened too. You are far from your jungle temple and the caves which should have kept you safe.”
The jinja drew back and rocked itself, looking awed.
“Yes, I know of your home,” Elandra said. “I am very great among the humans. I have much consequence. You will have consequence too. Everyone will see how pretty you are, because you are mine. Will you bond with me?”
“Bonding mean serve.”
“Yes.”
“Trapper make do. Trapper hurt.”
“If you will not bond, I will not force you,” Elandra promised. “If you will riot bond, I will have you released back into the jungle.”
“No!” the jinja said in alarm. “Not safe. Danger!”
Elandra thought of the fleeing animals and birds. “Are you safer with me?” she asked, and again held out her hand.
The jinja tilted its head to one side and studied her a long time. Then it glided closer, its tiny feet not even touching the ground.
“You bond with wild jinja? No tame. No sorcerer touch.”
“I need help,” Elandra said. “I need a good jinja to serve me and protect me.”
The creature bared its pointed teeth conceitedly. “I best jinja. Best!”
“Then we are together?” Elandra asked it.
The creature took her hand and lifted her fingers to its face. It began to hum, a sweet eerie sound that vibrated through Elandra’s bones. She shut her eyes, trying not to fear the sound. A peculiar feeling washed in and out of her, and the humming stopped.
She opened her eyes and found the jinja crouched at her feet, its face against the floor. It was trembling. Concerned, Elandra bent over and stroked its bare back gently.
“Are you still afraid?” she asked it. “I’m sorry.” This wasn’t going to work. The creature would have to be set free, discreetly so no one else would catch it. “I’ll tell Alti to let you go.”
The jinja jumped up fiercely, eyes flashing. “No go! No go! You promise good eats, pretty eats! You promise.”
Elandra laughed. “All right. If you’re going to stay with me—” “Bonded now. No leave.”
“Oh,” Elandra said in surprise. “I didn’t know it was that easy.”
The jinja scampered away and kicked at the torn bits of cushion. “I punished?”
“Not this time. Only if it happens again.” The jinja shook itself rapidly and scratched its ears. “Maybe.” Laughing again, Elandra rose to her feet. But before she took two steps, the jinja darted over to her and clung to her hard. “What is it?” Elandra asked, stroking its head. “Danger,” the jinja whispered. “Much danger.” “Here?” Elandra asked in alarm, glancing around. “Soon. You go to it. You take jinja there?” “I’m afraid I have no choice.”
The jinja shook its head and scowled. “Much sad to come. Much sad.”
Part Four
Chapter Twenty-Four
The sun was setting over the bay when Elandra and her escorts rode into Imperia. She could see the huge, ruddy orb of the sun dropping to the horizon despite the veil of gloom that shrouded the city. The black cloud covered the city completely, keeping it in perpetual twilight. The air smelted of smoke and ashes, and the cold wind of winter seemed especially sharp as her horse picked its way over the rubble and debris filling the streets.
She rode with her father, Lord Pier, Iaris, and a handful of frightened servants, surrounded on all sides by calvary. The soldiers had their hands on their weapons and were alert for trouble, their eyes shifting constantly, aware of every noise and movement.
Elandra said nothing, nor did her companions. The sight that stretched before her horrified her. Imperia, a city once so magnificent, now lay in ruins. Charred beams and timbers poked up