Free Mission To Mahjundar by Veronica Scott

wedge of the translucent fruit. “Mmm, my thanks. I do so love this delicacy, and I can’t peel it for myself. Which I hate to admit, so I rarely ate it at the palace.” Wiping a bit of juice from her chin, she laughed at herself. “Back to your question, first we have to make an offering at the temple, then we can open my mother’s tomb.”
    “Open? Dig out from under tons of boulders?” asked Johnny, who was riding on the other side.
    She scoffed at the idea, shaking her head. “If my petition in the temple is granted, we’ll be given a key by the gods, to open the tomb door.”
    “If this petition is denied?” Mike said, tossing the fruit core off the trail and reaching into his saddle bag for another.
    “Then Vreely would take me back to the city. Since I’m past the customary age of marriage, Empress Maralika has indicated I’d have to enter the Abbey of the Obedient Sisters, who live on a remote southern island. I’d be one of their novices, subject to all manner of torment. I'd rather die cleanly and get it over with.” Shalira sounded serious and upset. “I must get the things my fiancé requested. There isn't any other way. He made it clear he wouldn’t enter into marriage, no matter how large a dowry my father sent, unless the tribal insignia came too.”
    “Why were the items buried with your mother, if they're so important?” asked Mike.
    “They were significant to her too, in life.” Shalira made a little fluttery gesture with her hand. “I don't know why the clan chief wants them so desperately, but undoubtedly the totems are venerated treasures to the hill people, whereas they were a source of amusement to the nobility at court.”
    The day was another hot, cloudless scorcher. As the sun climbed directly overhead, the road came to an abrupt end in a box canyon. The way was blocked by a temple, built in a style reminiscent of the emperor’s palace, but obviously far older. The roof was in poor repair, there were jagged cracks in the masonry, and the steps and walls were overgrown with creepers. In some places, the vegetation completely obscured the building, and stubborn vines were pulling the stones apart. The western flank of the building had collapsed at some point in the past, probably in an earthquake.
    Mike surveyed the unpromising façade, exchanging dubious glances with Johnny, and asked Shalira, “How often does anyone come out here, Your Highness?”
    “Rarely. Only royalty are buried in the valley beyond. Why? How dilapidated is the temple?” She turned toward him in the saddle, forehead wrinkled in concern.
    “Pretty abandoned and desolate, but the main part of the building is standing.” Judging from the obvious distress on her face, she needed reassurance and a redirection of her thoughts. “What's the plan?” he asked.
    “I enter the temple and present a petition for permission to open the tomb. If I’m successful, I’ll be given a key and we can enter the valley, going directly to my mother's tomb.” Shalira’s hands clenched on the reins until the knuckles were white. “I have to make the ceremony work. There are no other choices. I told you.”  
    Dismounting, Mike handed his reins to Johnny. The black horse had been on good behavior all day, not surprisingly after yesterday’s run, but now he was a bit skittish. The clumps of dried rollweed blowing in the hot wind spooked all the horses. Mike helped Shalira from her saddle, discreetly turning her to face Vreely, who’d walked up behind them.
    Vreely had his usual scowl as he glanced from Mike to Johnny. “Remain here, outworlders, this ceremony is none of your business. I’ll escort the princess into the temple.” He reached out a black-gloved hand to take Shalira's arm.
    Mike shifted her one step to the side, interposing himself between them.
    “Not a chance we're going to miss this. Sergeant Danver and I promise not to get in the way, but we’re definitely going in. The Emperor specifically