“Vi, what is it?” Jayme asked, stopping as well.
Vi continued to stare at the bird. It was a massive thing, ruddy brown. As if sensing her attention, its head swiveled back and the bird let out a loud caw. She wasn’t surprised Kora kept birds to communicate with other vessels—it made perfect sense, actually. She also shouldn’t be surprised that the bird was a desert eagle. They were likely common in Norin.
But she would’ve sworn it had the same bright, steely eyes as the bird on the windowsill in Inton.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Vi wason deck shortly after dawn.
She was the second to arrive after the early call of “Land!” was shouted across the vessel. Vi raced up to the bow, straining over the railing, as if by leaning slightly closer she could urge them forward.
Jayme’s hands appeared on the railing next to her and, for a while, they let the commotion on deck occur around them. Vi’s heart was racing. Every step she took on this journey felt like a new point of no return.
“So, that’s it,” Jayme said, finally.
“That’s it.” Vi affirmed. As they continued to near, the isle grew. It looked much like Vi had imagined it: a sloping rise in the land, dotted with tall, wide-leafed trees and dense brush. The beach was white sand and curved around what Vi knew to be a sheltered grotto.
“I hope we haven’t missed our counterparts…” Jayme murmured softly. “I want this all to go smoothly.”
“You and me both.”
“Ready the rowboat,” Marcus ordered, stepping out into the sunlight on deck. “You three, get out the goods.”
Mare was close behind him. “I’m going to try to get two new bladders of fresh water.”
“You’re not going ashore.” Marcus turned to Vi. “They’re in the boat with Kora.”
“What? The green gills? Why them?” Mare pestered. “Isn’t it my turn?”
“I don’t think I opened the matter for discussion,” Marcus said with a low growl.
“You’re getting one.”
“We’ll be in and out. I don’t want us anchored longer than we must be here. You’ll go ashore somewhere else if we need water.”
“Fine,” Mare huffed, walking over to them. Vi was expecting to have to defend herself, but was pleasantly surprised when Mare merely lounged on the railing. “You two see any red flowers, spiky pedals, almost fuzzy centers, grab them. They’re called Fire Flowers and taste just like fresh cranberries.”
Jayme and Vi shared a look.
“Sure,” Vi merely agreed. It didn’t matter she wouldn’t be coming back. Mare was hardly the first person to whom she’d made a promise she had no intention of keeping.
The ship coasted into a sheltered lagoon.
The sails hung limply as they were stowed, loose rigging keeping them from catching the wind for the time being. A loud clanging noise brought Vi starboard. The anchor plunged into the icy clear waters with a splash and the whole ship rattled as the heavy chain clanked into the deep.
“You ready?” Jayme asked from her side, hand on the hilt of her sword.
“I think so.” Vi started toward the rowboat. “I hope you don’t have to use that.”
“You and me both,” Jayme mumbled again.
The rowboat was positioned just on the other side of an open gate in the railing. Vi recognized a large chest, already loaded in the boat’s center. Two men were in the boat, working the ropes and levers. Kora sat in the bow.
“In with you both.” Marcus nodded to the boat. Then, turning to Kora, he added. “You’re sure about handling the negotiations? Gray Sail merchants can be shrewd.”
“I’ll be fine.” Kora assured him. “I’ll also have Earnt and Varus with me, too.” She motioned to the two men in the rowboat, completely ignoring Jayme as she clamored in, sword and all.
“I heard Mare giving some ration requests as well,” Marcus continued.
