“Why not dock off this port?” Eira pointed at a town adjacent to the mines, just southeast. It looked like it was the end of the closest road to the mines.
“Too many ships. We’ll be spotted in an instant by Carsovia’s navy. This is a harder route, but a safer one. More guaranteed that you’ll get there, assuming your better sense doesn’t leave you on land. Once you’ve done what you need to, go through that town and steal a boat to return here.”
“Is this the boat that you promised?” Eira folded her arms.
“What? Not good enough for you?” Adela summoned her cane with a thought as she leaned away from the table.
“It just makes me wonder why I didn’t steal a boat at Black Flag Bay.”
“Because everyone there would’ve killed you for it. And, had you miraculously survived, you would’ve crossed the pirate queen, which does not promise longevity.” She motioned to themaps with an open palm. “This way, you not only end up with a boat, but my favor.”
“A valuable thing indeed.”
“Glad you have enough sense to think so. We still have work to do, you and I.” Adela paused. She added, “If something goes amiss, and your vessel is sunk in the process of getting it back to theStormfrost—or it isn’t truly seaworthy—I will ensure you get a proper one.”
“Generous of you.”
“I’m told I have a soft spot for you.” Adela gave her a thin smile.
“And why is that?”
She chuckled, shook her head, and ignored the question, returning to the maps. “It should take you two days to get the mines from here. I’ll move theStormfroston the night of the third day and hold my position for one dawn and one dusk. If you’re not back by then, I’m leaving you for dead.”
“Not that much of a soft spot,” Eira said with a playful note.
“More than I would give most.”
“Then I’m going to leverage your fondness and ask that those from Qwint be taken home if I don’t return. My friends too, if they make it out without me.” When the pirate queen said nothing in reply, Eira placed her hands on the table and looked Adela in the eyes. “Please.”
“Granted,” she said after a moment’s consideration. “But I expect you to prove to me that all our training—all the investment I put in you—wasn’t for naught.”
“I’ll do my best,” Eira vowed and pushed away from the table. “If there’s nothing else…”
“I want his right foot, as proof of his demise,” Adela said coldly. “A foot for a foot.”
Eira paused, staring at Adela’s frozen leg. The pirate queen looked out her window with a sour expression, her gaze piercing Carsovia in the distance.
“I’ll bring it to you.” Eira had no hesitation.
“Good, I expect nothing less.” Adela continued to stare out the windows as Eira took her leave.
Most of the crew had surrounded the small boat that was pulled up to the railing on the side of theStormfrost. Her friends were already positioned in the vessel, along with Crow and Pine. To Eira’s surprise, Lavette and Varren were included.
“Varren?” Eira said softly as she approached the railing. “What are you doing?” Her words had gone soft with surprise. With the answer she already knew.
“What does it look like I’m doing?” He forced a grin. So clearly trying to be brave. So clearly failing.
And yet, he genuinely seemed all the stronger despite it, from his windswept red hair to his ruddy, freckled cheeks to match. And that snaggletooth smile that kept on despite all he’d been through.
“You need a guide, and I’m the only one whoreallyknows this land. I know the ins and outs of the mines. Plus, I have some unfinished business of my own there.”
“You told us all the details; we will be all right.” Eira had committed to memory every story of Slip and the mines that he’d imparted.
“Believe me, I made every effort to talk him out of this,” Lavette said dryly. There was a sharpness to her gaze that radiated displeasure. “It’s really up to you to tell him not to.”
“I’m not going to do that; it’s his decision,” Eira said, ignoring the pointed look Lavette gave her.
“Good, let’s shove off before I change my mind.” Varren situated himself.
