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For the second time since her journey home Corliss was trapped. At least this time she was not unconscious in a cramped attic. A spacious room confined her within its walls, decorated with elegant rugs and silk sitting pillows. Bissau sat before her, his young face contorted in confusion. Aisha tugged at the door handle, grimacing with each effort. She finally stopped jerking the door handle then beat the ironwood door with her fists and feet.
“Let us out Bagule!” she shouted. “Let us out!”
Aisha’s ranting informed her where she was trapped. Corliss could have told the fiery shape shifter to save her energy, but she had deeper concerns. Amber was not with them.
“Where is Amber?” Bissau asked.
Corliss shook her head. “I have no idea. Bagule must have known we would reach the city.”
“So, he set a trap,” Bissau said.
“But he didn’t catch all the mice,” Corliss replied. “I think the necklace protected her. Hopefully she was able to reach baba.”
“What are you two talking about?” Aisha shouted. “We have to get out of here now!”
Aisha’s outburst was answered by footsteps outside the door. They listened to jangling keys and then the squeal of the door handle as it turned. Aisha was poised to attack but her effort was deterred by three bodyguards entering the room with spears lowered. She back away with a snarl on her face. Bagule entered dressed in a billowing white shirt accented with golden threads. A simple white cape donned his head, a sneer distorting his ebony face. Nieleni accompanied him, resplendent in a flowing red and white dress and head wrap, her expression more reserved.
“Where is Amber?” he demanded.
“She is not here,” Corliss said.
Bagule strode to Corliss then bent to face her.
“Don’t toy with me Alake,” he whispered.
His use of her little name made her jump. He knew more than he should.
“She did not come. Your attempt to kill her drove her away.”
Bagule stood upright, worrying his chin. “So, she came this far and suddenly decided to go home?”
“She is a girl,” Corliss replied. “It was too much for her.”
Bagule strode by Bissau to Aisha. She glared at him then cut her eyes at the guards.
“Does she tell the truth, shape shifter?” he asked.
Aisha didn’t answer.
“So, she lies.” Bagule turned, striding back to Corliss. Bissau blocked his way.
“Stay away from her!” he warned.
One of the guards broke away from Aisha then rushed Bissau. The acolyte blocked his spear thrust then drove his foot into the man’s gut. He doubled over, falling to his knees and then keeled over, striking his head on the floor.
Aisha sprang to her feet, knocking away the spears of the guards before her then rolling between them. She sprinted for the open door then ran into Nielini’s fist. The woman then threw a studded orinka that crashed against Bissau’s head, knocking him unconscious. Nieleni sat on Aisha, gripping her into a choke hold.
Bagule knelt beside Aisha.
“I’m very disappointed with you.”
Aisha attempted to spit at him but Nieleni tightened her hold.
“I wonder if you would serve me again if I restored your abilities.”
Aisha’s face went slack and Bagule smiled.
“Yes, I can do it. But it comes with a price. First you will tell me if Amber entered the city, then you will find her.”
“No, Aisha,” Corliss whispered. “Don’t.”
“Your birthright will be yours again,” Bagule said. “Will you serve me again?”
Aisha nodded her head. Nieleni let her go. Aisha fell onto her side gasping as she rubbed her neck.
“She...she walked through the barrier before us, but when we passed through we were here and she was not.”
“How did she escape?” Bagule asked.
Aisha looked at Bagule. “I don’t know.”
Corliss felt some relief. At least she didn’t tell him about the necklace. Maybe Aisha had her own plan to help Amber.
“Get my kora,” Bagule said to Nieleni. The woman exited the room then returned with the instrument Aisha had described to them. Bagule cradled it like a child.
“Stand up, Aisha.”
Aisha stood, her legs trembling. Bagule closed his eyes then plucked a complex tune. Aisha went rigid then collapsed. She lay still for minutes then stirred with a moan. When she finally looked up there was a smile on her face.
“The restoration is temporary,” Bagule said. “You have two days to bring Amber to me. If you do not return with her in two days you will lose your powers permanently. Do you understand?”
Aisha nodded. “I understand.”
Bagule’s eyes narrowed. “You understand who?”
Aisha lowered her head, her shoulders slumped. “I understand...master.”
Bagule smiled. “Good. Now go. You waste precious time.”
The guards went to the window then opened it. Aisha hurried to it, climbed onto the window sill then looked back at Corliss.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “This is who I am.”
She leaped out the window.
Corliss dropped her head, despondent. Bissau still lay unconscious nearby. Without a mirror she couldn’t contact baba and warn him of Bagule’s intent. What happened to her was irrelevant. Amber was in danger and she had to find a way to warn her.
Bagule returned to her side. “So, what do we do with you, Alake? Don’t worry. I am not a cruel man unless I’m forced to be. I will keep you here just in case what you say is true. With you locked away the elders will make the right choice. But if Amber is in the city then you are of no use to me.”
Corliss didn’t reply. She hoped Amber was safe. It was all she had left.