A vast improvement over the pit.
And while Adela regularly threatened her life, it lacked the same bite of pure malice the Pillars had. If the pirate queen was to be believed, her friends were also still safe. Perhaps better than merely “safe” if Alyss was literally learning the ropes of the ship…or were they were being treated as servants? Or worse? But something about Adela, the crew, and the whole atmosphere didn’t give Eira that impression. Plus, there was no way Ducot would abide Noelle receiving such treatment.
Which brought Eira back to her theory that Adela’s kindness was not all simply by chance. Adela was taking pity on her and her friends far more than the pirate queen was known for. There had to be a reason, right?
Eira’s prior suspicions about her possible relationship to Adela returned to the forefront of her mind. She would get to the bottom of it, one way or another. She would find the truth without doubt. Whether that was what Adela had already told her, or something more.
The next morning, Eira walked into the cabin with purpose. There was no more shoving from Crow and no more sideremarks. The pirate had grown tired of that game, or had been told to cease with the jests.
Eira went to her usual chair and sat, crossing her legs and folding her hands in her lap with an air of authority. Adela took notice of the shift in demeanor with a slight cock to her head and arch of her brows. But she said nothing, and Eira assumed that to mean that she was given the floor.
“This is the fifth day that we’ve done this,” Eira began, keeping her tone level and factual. “Judging from the speed we have been traveling, and the changing landscape, I suspect that we will be at Ofok within the next one or two days.”
The banks of the river were becoming sandier and there was the faint smell of salt in the air. The lands around them were becoming marshier and flat. It all heralded the sea, based on Eira’s knowledge of Meru.
A knowing smile crossed Adela’s lips. “An accurate assessment. I would expect no less from a young woman who grew up around the ships and docks of Oparium, and who took a keen interest in Meru. Your point is?”
Eira didn’t recall telling Adela where she had grown up, or about her nearly lifelong fascination with Meru. Now that she thought about it…Pine or Fen had commented on Oparium superstitions. Eira’s history had been well-known to even Adela’s crew.
Her heart tried to skip a beat at the idea that Adela was informing them all about her for the sake of protecting her. But, for now, she kept her focus. “Before we arrive in Ofok, I want you to help me restore my magic.”
Adela settled back into her chair. She rested both elbows on the armrests and pressed her fingertips together, bringing them to her lips in consideration. The air dropped in temperature and Eira fought a shiver. Every creak with the slight sway of the boat was suddenly deafening.
“Why would I do that?”
“Because I’m more valuable to you with my magic,” Eira dared to say. It was a bold assessment, but one she’d been thinking about between worrying for her friends night after night.
“You think so?”
“I do. Why else would you be asking me all these questions? You’ve been gathering ideas for new applications of your powers, or modifications to old techniques. I bet you’ve never taught anyone some of these skills. Or, if you did, they couldn’t master them as I already have.” Eira leaned forward slightly, resting her forearm on the table. Her skin prickled into gooseflesh. The chill radiating from Adela was a warning but she pressed on anyway. “If you restore my magic, I can help you in more ways than just hypothetical discussions.”
“If I restore your magic, you will use it to try and kill me. Which you will undoubtedly fail in doing, but then I will be forced to kill you. You will be useful to no one dead.”
Eira noticed that Adela had yet to deny that she was useful alive. Hope warmed her. “Why would I try to kill you if it would mean my own death? Haven’t I shown I’m partial to living by working with you so far?”
“People do foolish things when they feel power is on their side.”
“Then I suppose it’s a risk you’ll have to take.”
“‘Have to’?” Her tone was slightly amused, rather than offended.
“I will certainly exhaust my usefulness without magic sooner rather than later. At which point, I’m sure your choice will be to kill me then or restore my magic. At least the latter has the opportunity of more direct benefit to you.”
“I might release you.”
“We both know that’s not happening,” Eira said flatly. She met Adela’s gaze and held it—a silent challenge. “You have too many reasons not to allow me off your ship alive. As long as my friends disembark by Ofok, in one piece—well, and without shackles—I won’t fight whatever you deem my fate to be.”
After a long minute of studying her, Adela finally spoke. “You’re improving your negotiation skills.”
“I’m learning from the best. So, will you do it? Will you restore my magic?” Eira asked, heart hammering so loud that Adela surely must hear the crack in her calm veneer. Adela said nothing. “Unless…you don’t think you’re capable of it?”
Adela chuckled slowly. “Challenging my skill was not necessary. I do not have anything to prove.”
Eira bit the insides of her cheeks, worried she’d overplayed her hand. But…
“Very well, Eira. I will see your magic returned to you. And then you will henceforth use it solely at my beck and call.”
8
