I took it.
“But it’s inRhi’Ahr,” I said.
“Cy fwthilu,”he said, and the text began to shimmer. “Say it.”
“Cy fwthilu,”I breathed. “Oh.”
Legend Has It: Chronicles of Netherseaby Ellianthys Moonforth.
“You may have a part to play in this great game,” he said. “Now that I know you have the bones. Besides, you’ve said you are willing.”
The only way to survive in Thanavar’s game…
“You have the power,” he said. “And the chimeric is yours to control. Therefore,Lindurithainis yours as well.”
Was this really a game? And if so, was he playing me? How would I know? And what if I wanted to play?
“You said you were a resource,” he said. “But what if youhadall the resources in the world, all the books, all the chimeric? Would that be enough to satisfy a runechaser like yourself?”
He leaned forward, and my skin warmed at his nearness. I wanted to close my eyes and let it burn.
“If youwerea bird, would you guard the island with your life, learning and growing in magik ’til the end of your days?”
And suddenly, I knew that’s exactly what he had done for ten years after the Abolition, until theRhi’Ahrships came. Alone, with nothing but books and magik for company.
I looked up and met his eyes. They called me like the ocean, deep and dark and swirling with currents. They were worlds unto themselves.
“If the Court of Sand could save Dev, yes,” I breathed. “Yes, I would.”
He turned his face as if studying the spines of his books, but I knew him better now. The runes were spinning as plans took shape.
“You are as brave as a warrior,” he said quietly. “Perhaps itwasthe Sister Moons who brought you to our decks.”
“Then I thank them,” I said. “I’ve lived more since you pulled me out of the sea than I have in all my life before. I may die horribly and soon, but I wouldn’t trade these days for anything.”
“Well,” he said, his lips twitching. “You may not die…horribly.”
Almost a joke.
“I thought you were a better liar than that,” I said.
His eyes softened.
“I shall try harder next time,” he said. “Honor Aro’elithna’illyon.”
It sounded so beautiful rolling off his tongue.
“Much better than ‘wretched woman from a lost frigate,’” Isaid.
“Well…”
“I know, I know,” I said. “The frigate is still lost.”
He smiled easily this time as he reached for the bottle, and my heart skipped a beat. What was it about smiles now? I’d lived my life without them and been just fine. I was getting so soft.
There was a rap at the door, and Worley peered in.
“All hands preparing to board, sir,” he said.
