Book 2 - Chapter 27. Goodbyes (2/2)

”No need for thanks,” Dervish smiles. ”We had the adventure of a lifetime.”

”I would not call it an adventure,” Sharmila says thoughtfully. ”More a nightmare - the like of which I hope never to experience again.”

Dervish smiles. ”Be truthful. Now we've come through alive, don't tell me you aren't a bit sorry that it's over. It was wild but magical. Right?”

”No. It was horrible. I hated every minute of it.”

”Shark?” Dervish asks.

”I hated the pool of slime,” he grunts and we all laugh. ”Otherwise, it was a buzz. But that's because we survived. I'm sure Raz and Nadia had a different view of it.”

I feel a jolt of guilt when he mentions Nadia. I should tell them about her. But I gave my word. Besides, she said she wouldn't hurt them. The only one she hates is Beranabus.

”What was Raz like?” Dervish asks, smile fading.

”A gentleman,” Sharmila says.

”Yeah,” Shark agrees. ”I knew Raz. A top cat. But let's not talk about him. In our business, it's best to forget about death and focus on living.” He stretches and groans. ”I'm off to find a lake to soak in. How about you lot?”

”I'll come with you,” Dervish says. ”I still have a lot to learn about being a Disciple.”

”I'm not so sure,” Shark murmurs, then raises an eyebrow at Sharmila.

”I want some time off,” the Indian lady says, gazing at the moon. ”I have been a Disciple for many years. I am due a break. Maybe I will go to the village of my parents and pray to their memory. They were killed by demons.” She sighs and lowers her eyes. ”I will pray for Raz too. And Nadia. And the others who died in the course of this quest.” She looks at me. ”And I will pray for Kernel. And maybe for Art, even if he did not ever really exist.”

I smile at Sharmila thankfully, then stretch out my arms for a hug. As she wraps her arms around me, she whispers in my ear. ”It was strange that you could not find the Kah-Gash.”

”Maybe it doesn't exist,” I reply.

”Or maybe...” She hesitates, then releases me. ”I wonder what would have happened if you'd tried to open a window to one of us when we were with you in that universe.”

I frown. ”What do you mean?”

She smiles cryptically in answer, kisses my cheeks, then steps back.

”We can stay with you a while,” Dervish says, as I hover uncertainly at the edge of the village. ”Help you readjust and explain all this to your parents.”

I laugh. ”You really think you can explain Lord Loss to my mum and dad?”

”You have a point,” Dervish chuckles.

I shake Shark's hand, admiring his tattoos one final time. He salutes sharply when I let go. Then I shake hands with Dervish. ”Your spikes have gone floppy,” I note.

”I feel floppy all over,” he grins.

The four of us share one final glance that says more than any words. With a tired wave, I turn away from the three Disciples, face the village lights, steady myself and wonder what Mum and Dad will say when I step through the door. With an excited but nervous s.h.i.+ver, I start on the short walk home.

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