Chapter 59: A Bracelet and a Box (2)

Chapter 59: A Bracelet and a Box (2)

A grin flashed across Gandashs face briefly. So, youre fine with everything?

Of course. We grew up together, right? Best friends, no matter what. By the way, I get it. The stuff you said was exaggerated. And not well-worded. But, you werent the only one who was drinking. After I calmed down and got the alcohol out of me, I understood what you meant.

He paused for breath, and Gandash just looked at him, so he continued, We havent had much time together since we got separated on Sin-Amuhhu. Youre a fancy officer. Im just a normal mage. I made some new friends, and it might seem like I decided I liked them more. But its not true. And about Kat, I swear to you, Gandy, I never once was trying to flaunt her.

I know, Gandash said, and he looked down again. That was the most rotten thing I said. I wish you could just forget that.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

Xerxes wanted to keep talking. To tell Gandash that he understood about Bel, who his friend had loved for years before losing, only days after hed professed his feelings to her. But he knew it would be a mistake, whether Gandash was drunk or not.

I already forgot it, Xerxes said, wishing he could smile, but failing to find it in him.

Gandash looked up. He nodded. Hesitated a moment. Xerk, a blind person could tell that somethings going on between you and Katayoun over the past few days. You were inseparable for a while. Now shes not even looking at you.

Xerxes opened his mouth. To say what? Enusat defied your orders, killed someone, got hurt, and I got Kat to heal him, so shes pissed? Instead, he lifted his shoulders in a shrug. Women, he said.

Gandash laughed softly. Say no more. I hope you can work things out. Just please dont let it interfere with this mission, alright?

Of course not.

I have a bad feeling about this whole thing. I have no idea why we have these secret orders, and I can only imagine whats in store once we get to Puabi.

I get it.

Dont tell anybody that, obviously.

I know. Xerxes licked his lips. Gandy, can I ask you something? And you dont have to answer if you dont want.

I dont think so, Xerxes answered. I think it means we get to relax a bit.

The morning passed without incident. By evening, they were out of the mountains and into the foothills. It was now possible to see the lands below stretching out into the distance. They were brown and mottled, similar to the mountains theyd just traveled through.

Two days, Xerxes thought. That was how long he was going to give Katayoun before he forced her to talk to him.

That night around dinner, Enusat came up with an idea. There are two main ways to Puabi. North by the Brocade Road, and south through the Nergal Badlands. If Randy Gandy is smart, ell take us by the northern route.

Why? Kashtiliash said.

Because the Brocade Road goes through Eresh, Jad answered. Which is known for its brothels.

Fuck off, Jad! Enusat said. Its because the Brocade Road would be faster.

Theres no way its faster, Jad said. Its leagues longer.

Come on, Jad. Think! Going through the Nergal Badlands might be shorter. But its not faster.

Hold on, guys, Xerxes said. You have a whole area around here named after the Nergal? And its called badlands? Sounds ominous.

It sounds worse than it is, Enusat said. But the terrain is rough, and the weather is bad. Im telling you, the northern path will be faster.

Jad stroked his chin. You might be right. What do you think, Xerk-man? Is it worth bringing up to Randy Gandy?

Xerxes had just patched up his relationship with Gandash, and the last thing he wanted to do was create another possible source of tension. Sure, Ill bring it up to him when I can.

Except, he didnt. Because everything changed the next day.