I said my goodbyes to the couple at my door and found Arlo still asleep in my bed. I curled in next to him and faded back to sleep. I would need my rest. War was coming.
One last siren ceremony separated Arlo and me from freedom. After this, there would be their Hydroxia, starting at midnight, when the longest full moon would be the brightest. While the sirens drank, feasted, and mated, we would make our escape.
But first was the Jawro competition. A part of me didn’t wish to attend. I’d rather stay with Arlo and rest. Maybe run through our planfor escaping again. But I needed to get a feel for the atmosphere within Naiadon. Were guards walking about and on edge? Or were people at ease?
I walked with Morvyn through the halls to the armory. All of Naiadon’s people seemed present, pouring out into the halls and dressed in bright colors. We turned into the armory, which was filled with vivid sirens in every shade of every color, crackling with anticipation as they filed into the stands that curved against the back wall of the space.
One last ceremony. One more day. I could do this. The cheers and excitement were splendid, though. Reminding me of what people said jousts were like on land, especially the ones my father would hold that I never had the opportunity to attend.
Nixie stood by Raylik both dressed in outfits fit to fight in, red sparring fabric that was thin and tight so no one could get a good hold on them. Their hair both braided in small tight lines against their head, for the same reason. Ready for who ever dared challenge them.
We found Lumina in the stands, a stylus in hand and wax tablet on her lap.
“Lumi, why don’t you just watch for once.” Morvyn chided as we sat on each side of her.
“Someone needs to scribe what happens, or else it will all be forgotten,” Lumina said, looking up at Morvyn. Her golden dress was dazzling against her dark skin.
“I can tell you what will happen. The same thing as every year,” Morvyn scoffed, looking out at the center circle. “Raylik will beat whoever is dumb enough to challenge him, gently but well, as per usual. Someone will foolishly challenge Hylos and be defeated miserably. We all cheer. The end.”
“And I’ll write it all down to ensure it is remembered for years to come.”
“Suit yourself. Elowyn and I will do this thing called enjoying ourselves. You should try it sometime,” he joked, shouldering into her, earning a smile.
I snickered too.
A deep sound blared through the room, siren song booming through the space, echoing off the glass dome that capped the armory. The crowd cheered with it, sending parts of their own music to blend and bind with the sound.
“Here we go,” Morvyn thrilled and whooped with the crowd. Then, his face fell. “And here she comes, mymiserableaunt. She wouldn’t shut up about thishonorbestowed upon her over dinner the other night,” Morvyn said, rolling his pale eyes.
Elspeth walked before the armory pool. The crowd hushed to hear her speak.
“As the longest living Circle leader in these three great seas,” she said, her voice loud, siren magic sending it cracking on the song.
“Couldn’t get me to admitthatwith a spear to my head,” Morvyn murmured.
“Shhhh,” Lumina hushed.
Elspeth’s voice cracked through the room. “I will judge the sacred Jawro competition. First, the rules. The aim is simple. Whoever removes the bangle from the other contestant’s ankle is the victor. Step out of the circle and you will be forced to forfeit.”
“That’s not a whole lot of rules,” I whispered to Morvyn.
“Exactly. Leaves lots of room forinterpretation.One year, a winner gnawed off the other contestant’s leg to remove the bracelet.”
My stomach churned at the thought.
“Who here wishes to compete first?” Elspeth looked to the crowd, her frozen eyes scanning for takers.
“I do.” Draveen’s voice commanded the regard of the crowd.
“This will be good. I can’t wait to watch Hylos kick his ass,” Morvyn snickered, rubbing his finned hands together.
“Granted. Draveen of Twynox Circle. Tell us who you wish to challenge.” I looked down at Hylos, regal as ever. By the tick in his blue jaw, I saw he was readying to stand and fight Draveen.
“I call a human from the very ship of our rivals.”
The crowd gasped.
My heart dove through the ground. No. Not Arlo. Anyone in the world besides him.
