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He pointed down to a large rectangular building in the city's center. Smoke was rising up in different colored plumes. "That's the temple of Ea. Every year on this day, magi are allowed down into the lower levels where the pools of wisdom are. They are springs said to have been formed by Ea himself."
"And do they give you wisdom?" Fen asked, leaning back into him.
"Sometimes. The magi will think of one question to ask Ea for the whole year before they ask it. You don't ever want to waste it," Khan replied.
"And what did you ask today?"
"I haven't been to the pools yet. I got special permission from Mushuri and the high priest to take you. They know that you are a kind of magi yourself and touched by the gods."
Fen turned her head. "Do you think Ea will give me answers? I am not one of his followers."
"You didn't worship Inanna, Amunet, or Thoth, but you still felt their power and presence. I don't see why Ea will be any different," Khan replied. "I won't force you to drink the waters, but I think that it might be a way to find out some answers you seek about why your Odin decided to abandon you."
"Because he's a raging dick," Fen muttered. There were things she wanted to know. With every day that passed, she seemed to have more questions.
"Perhaps there's a deeper reason for his betrayal. For now, enjoy this moment, and we can go to the temple later," Khan replied.
Fen tilted her head back and stared at the clouds around her. "This place is amazing, Khan. When I think it can't be more magical, it surprises me."
"I hope you learn to love it." Khan pressed a kiss to her neck. "Now, let's see how fast this chimera can fly."
Fen's grip tightened on the bar again, and she leaned forward like she would on a galloping horse. "Do it."
"You are perfect for me," Khan laughed. She didn't know what he did, but suddenly the chimera shot forward, and Fen finally screamed.
Thirty-Four
The temple of Ea shone with gold-bound cedar and lapis lazuli. Like the temple of Inanna, there was one large hall with a colossal statue of the god at one end. He had a set of mighty wings, with rivers flowing from his hands and two trees on either side of him. Every curl of his beard was carved in intricate detail, as was his armor, designed like fish scales, and the sword at his hip. The altar before the statue was overflowing with candles and fresh offerings, the scent of dragon's blood, cedar, and rose incense permeating the air.
Fen hung tightly to Khan's hand as they walked through the people streaming in to lay gifts at the god's feet. She clamped down on her magic tightly, not wanting any interference from so many people's energy bombarding her at once.
Khan took her through a set of doors and into a library. Fen's eyes went wide at the rows upon rows of books and scrolls.
"This is one of the magi libraries," he explained, weaving through the stacks.
"I really need to learn to read," Fen sighed.
"We can start lessons whenever you like. The script is different to the Ankharian but easier to learn," Khan replied. He took down a book and opened it to show her. It was filled with lines of a script made of dashes and small triangles.
"They are kind of like runes," Fen said, touching them lightly.
"That's why I think it will be a better language for you to start with." He gave her a smug little smile. "Besides, Atrahasis has better books to read."
"And you aren't biased at all. I'm sure Asten would say the same about Ankharian.”
"Probably. I hope he's okay," Khan said, his smile fading.
"He's smart enough to keep his head down or outfox anyone who tries to capture him," Fen replied and squeezed Khan's hand. "I'm sure Sargon's spy would've said something if the Thothi had been targeted."
"You're right, I'm just…"
"Worried because he's your friend, I understand. I still hope that my sisters all are okay, even though I had none that I was particularly close with," Fen said.
Khan frowned. "Why not? You are so easy to be around and to talk to."
"I made them uneasy, I suppose. I am big for a woman of my people, and my teachers always said I had too much magic. Some thought I was too touched by the gods, which set me apart from them," Fen tried to explain. "Some were afraid; others were jealous. I've always been fine with solitude, so it never bothered me all that much. I traveled a lot and never overstayed my welcome."
"It also meant you never had a home," Khan said, his voice soft.
