CHAPTER 19
The city was simply called “Capital” or at least that’s how it was translated by the device in my ear. Andokar patiently led us through the winding streets, which took longer than I expected because we were mobbed the moment we appeared outside the gates.
I scooped M’Pak up and put him in the satchel.
His growls deterred some of the Ptexari, but not all.
The Ptexari were intensely curious about me.
They didn’t touch me, but they crowded close and sniffed me.
I clung to Andokar, who finally grabbed me and flew me to a nearby balcony.
The onlookers could fly too, but the hasty retreat and his yelling at them were fortunately enough for them to shamefacedly back away.
Still, they remained on the street while gazing up at me.
I, on the other hand, went ballistic, struggling in Andokar’s hold, triggered by an unpleasant flashback to my assault.
“My apologies, Princess, for touching your person without permission.” He held his hands up and stepped back. “My only thought was for your safety.”
I was shaking, but also realized that I was overreacting. Andokar meant no harm. He was trying to help. I closed my eyes and took several deep breaths, chanting “Andokar won’t hurt me, Andokar won’t hurt me” until I felt reasonably calmed.
“No apology needed,” I told him. “I appreciate you getting me out of there.”
He eyed me askance, clearly uncomfortable. “I can call for a backup squadron to either bring us a vehicle or accompany us on the walk while maintaining a larger perimeter,” he said. “Which would you prefer?”
I still wanted to see the city, but agreed the extra protection was a good idea, so we waited for a few backup guards to arrive.
The guards formed up around me as we continued our walk.
They kept random people from approaching me as Andokar pointed out some of the more popular food stalls and stores for weapons, jewelry, clothing, home furnishings, and personal care, such as crest grooming and wing oiling.
I tried not to gawk in the windows of the wing oiling salon. It looked like a combination of a massage and nail salon, with technicians stretching, buffing, and polishing the patrons’ wings. “It looks pleasant,” I commented to Andokar.
“It is,” he smiled as we moved on. I admired the buildings, all with open rooftops and balconies.
Both the upper and lower tiers of the city were equally busy, and I walked slowly, taking in the colorful mosaics on the walls, red paved streets, and large shade bushes systematically planted every few blocks for pedestrians.
The streets were wider than what I was used to, and all seemed to be designated as one-way, but with separate lanes for 6-wheeled vehicles, 2-wheeled motorbikes, and pedestrians.
It was all very orderly, in its own chaotic way.
After an hour, we stopped at a food stall with cushions for patrons to sit on and enjoyed Oonag and stewed ovina in a flatbread.
Mystery meat in a pita pocket. It was flavorful, and honestly one of the best things I’d eaten.
I tried not to think about the froggy grasshoppers I was eating.
M’Pak enjoyed one as well and purred in contentment.
When we finally returned home, I was tired and overstimulated from the day. Exhausted, I fell onto my pallet, while M’pak curled up beside me and dreamed of chasing ovinas well until dawn.