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Chapter Nine
THE ANCIENT WORLD NEEDED AQUARIUS TO MAKE GREAT CITIES IN THE VISION OF CREATING BETTER THINGS
Maris
“We need to go further inland to Thomazeau,” Kasper says.
I’ve never been away from the sea for any length of time, but last night, it called to me. Moving away from the coast doesn’t sound appealing. “Maybe I should wait here with Owen,” I say, rubbing my elbow.
“You’ve made it this far, Maris. Now you have to go all the way.”
“You’re adventurous and your curiosity is inspiring, but I’m not like you.”
He laughs and I pout. “I want to see you live a little. I dare you.”
I smile. “Okay. I’m in.”
We say goodbye to Owen before getting a bus across the country. Kasper spends the journey explaining some human things to me. The heat away from the water is uncomfortable, and the road is anything but smooth, although apparently, it should be a flat surface. Kasper doesn’t seem to notice the bumps or the hot air as he continues to explain transportation.
“This is our stop,” Kasper says, pressing the bell I’ve seen others use to make the bus stop.
We fight our way to the front of the bus and get off. “I’m glad that’s over.”
“You might not be saying that after the hike we need to do.”
“We’re not quitters, remember.”
“Okay. Let’s do this.” He pushes his rucksack up onto his shoulders and takes hold of my hand as we take off into the landscape.
“I thought a volcano would be hotter.”
“One that’s erupted or unstable would be, but this one’s more like a big hill.” He sighs heavily.
“What if we can’t find any blue obsidian?” I bite my lip.
“We were lucky with the first piece of the jug because Ryn had seen the Aquarius drawing. I doubt the other bits will be as easy to locate.”
“So, if this is the wrong place, we have others to visit?”
“I’ve been searching for this treasure since my brother’s illness became terminal. I want to find it as fast as possible, but Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
“I don’t know much about Rome, but I think I understand what you’re saying. This is going to take time.”
“I’m willing to walk over mountains and swim to the deepest depths for my brother.”
“You’re a wonderful person.”
“If you knew some of the things I’ve done to get here, you wouldn’t be saying that.”
“You sound like Pasha. She often tells me I can’t understand her struggles, but my life isn’t all rainbows and sunsets. It’s not as bad as your situation, though. I understand you’re desperate to change Owen’s fate.”
“You’re sweet.” He smiles.
I shouldn’t be irritated by his words, but I am. I’d like him to see me as more than a sweet girl. I’m almost nineteen and want to be seen as a headstrong woman. I want to be taken seriously, and I thought Kasper understood that.
My lips dip down into a frown. “Thanks.”
“You’re going to rule a city one day. That’s a lot of pressure, but at least you can live for today and enjoy your freedom.” He caresses the back of my hand, and I’m grateful for his words. He does seem to get me, and he’s right. I have time to enjoy these moments.
