Something Eira had failed at, time and again.
“Those men ashore have told me that there are endless rumors surrounding the Pirate Queen on Carsovia,” Adela continued. “Rumors that say Adela was the one to bring down the mines. That there are still scars on the earth from her frost.”
“Rumors and frightful whispers seem to be your lifeblood,” Eira said dryly. “What’s a few more?” She wasn’t going to cower in front of Adela, and she’d had enough guilt over the choices when it came to the mines. Eira wouldn’t allow Adela to create more.
“The closest thing a person will ever have to immortality are stories on the tongues of others long after they’re gone—stories out of fear and out of love.” Adela finally brought her eyes to Eira, pulling them from the sea beyond. The world narrowed on the weight of the pirate queen’s frigid stare. “Perhaps I should be thanking you.”
“Thanking me?”
Adela tapped her frosty fingers on the armrest of her chair. “You are part of this story now, Eira. Part of this legend. And, judging from what I hear…you are honoring its viciousness.”
Eira shifted in her seat. The praise was genuine. Adela wasn’t one to say kind words for no reason. But now, of all times, it felt misplaced.
“Nothing I’ve done is worthy of honor,” she murmured.
“You’ve inspired terror.”
“I lost my friend.” Vulnerability crept up in her. Faster than Eira could stop it. Adela was the closest thing she had to a figure of authority—someone whom Eira could trust. Who guided her… Someone—despite all Adela’s claims to the contrary—like a parent. Just once, Eira wished she had someone in charge to lean on to lighten the load. “What’s the point of all this power, all this skill, if we can’t save the ones we love?”
A faint smile crossed Adela’s lips. It was tired. Sad, even. Eira wondered just how many people the pirate queen had watched die across her years. How often had she suffered this? How much colder was her magic for it?
“It’s just power. Not complete control over the world around you. Not immortality. It’s a tool like any other. And while we cansometimesbe strong enough to challenge fate…fate, in the end, will always win. Death will always come to collect his due.”
Eira swallowed thickly, remembering how she wanted to become strong enough to challenge the shroud of oblivion. How foolish the notion seemed now that she wasn’t standing on the edge.
“You know it to be true,” Adela said softly. The words were almost tender when they could’ve been biting. Understanding when they could’ve cut deep. “Even if you do not want to.”
Eira dipped her chin slightly. “I don’t know how I can face them when they watched one of their own get killed because I wasn’t enough.”Strong enough. Capable enough. “I’ve hardly been able to be in the same room as them.”
“They need you, Eira. Now more than ever. If you’re not enough now, then become enough for yourself and for them.” Adela’s tone shifted. Firmed. The words stung in the same way a mending salve could on a fresh wound. Good…but still sharp. “You have entrenched yourself too deeply in your role to back away now.”
“What is that role?”
“Lead them,” Adela said simply, as if it were obvious. “Be their captain. See your plans through to the very end and then make new ones. You still have work to do.”
“How can I lead them when I don’t always know what the right choice is?”
“Do not dictate. But do not shy from being the final voice when it is needed.”
“How will I know when it’s needed?” Eira had a thousand questions and she suspected that the majority she’d have to answer on her own.
“Time. Practice. And mistakes that you will vow to never make again.” The advice was cold, but earnest. “They will not move without you telling them to. If you abandon this post now, the crew you have assembled will scatter on the wind and, I assure you, will not be better for it.”
“I know.” Eira sighed softly.
“So we continue working on this plan of yours: the echoes that will undo him. Then, while you continue to hone your skill, you sail to Qwint and rally their banners. I suspect they will meet you with open arms—despite the rumors surrounding you. Once they hear of how you crippled Carsovia, you will be their ally. Gain the aid of Solaris—either through the princeling they left behind, or through the princess, who, like you, I’m sure survived and is somewhere on Meru wreaking havoc. Then, return to Meru and settle your business with Ulvarth as you have designed.
“Do not take no for an answer. Do not let anyone sideline you from your destiny. Do not hide your power. Show the world why they think you are my heir.”
When Adela said it all like that, so plainly, so clearly, it seemed almost possible. Easy, even. Though Eira knew it’d be anything but.
“Prince Romulin might not help me, if I’m even able to get to him. And I’m not so sure Vi survived, if I think about it logically.” Prince Romulin might not be willing to charge after the ghosts of his family.
“She’s alive all right.” Adela snorted. “If there’s one woman whocouldfight Death…” Adela shook her head, dismissing the rest of the thought. “The question will be if you can find her. But, if—when you do see her again, put in a good word for me, will you?”
“Pardon?” Eira shifted to face Adela.
Adela smirked slightly. “Tell her my meddling in Meru was only to find you, and nothing more. That, should I sail close to those waters again, it would be for similar reasons.”
