“Indeed,” Eira agreed. If the stories Varren had told her of Lavette were true, then she certainly was.
Lavette’s expression hardened at the praise. Her gaze pierced the city, staring at something Eira couldn’t see with purpose. This certainly wasn’t the homecoming they had imagined for themselves when the tournament started…but at least it was a homecoming, which was so much more than many of the competitors and spectators could say.
“There.” Lavette raised a finger, pointing at a small ship that was making its way out of the inner wharf of Qwint. “That’s the boat that’s coming to greet us.”
“I’ll let the rest of them know. Take the time to gather your things.” Eira stepped away, returning to the main deck where the others had gathered, and gave them a quick rundown of everything Lavette had said.
“So, we’re not supposed to let them know that we’re here on behalf of her supreme coldness?” Crow folded her arms.
“Treat Qwint as you did Meru.” Eira remembered Adela’s orders that they were not to interfere with Meru’s politics and hoped it made things clear. “Now is not the time for piracy. We’re here as guests.”
“Can’t say we pirates get to be guests often.” Fen folded his hands and put them behind his head. “It’s been some time since I’ve been on solid land for a few days, longer since I’d been anything that could remotely be called a guest. I think I will enjoy it.”
“So long as ‘enjoying it’ has nothing to do with thieving, murdering, or any other unsavory acts, enjoy.” Eira swept her gaze across them. “We’ll see how things go, but I don’t expect to be here longer than a day or two. Long enough to patch the ship, restock, and see what aid from Qwint we can secure.”
In preparation for their arrival, Eira distributed some of the coin that Adela had generously given them for their journey.I’m not a charity; I expect you to earn it, she’d said in a firm tone, yet, with a hint of humor.Don’t waste it. You’re not getting more from me. Eira had assured her that they were more than capable of paying their own way.
After receiving their monetary rations, the crew quickly set to hiding anything that could be considered pirate paraphernalia alongside their valuables and packing light bags to venture into the city with. While Lavette had assured Eira that their ship would remain safe in the harbor, she had also said it would be searched, and it was all too easy for one bad actor to have sticky fingers.
Eira entrusted the dagger to Crow, telling the woman to guard it with her life while they were on Qwint. Then, she went about squaring away the rest of her things. As Eira was packingher own bag, a glint of red in the twilight caught her eyes, causing her to cease all movement.
Nested atop wads of clothing—what precious little items Eira still had left to her name—was an unassuming pouch of soft leather, its drawstrings loosely undone and contents barely visible. Eira’s fingers glided over the scars of time that crossed the worn patches of material. She kept her magic tightly to her, unable to bear the thought of catching a rogue whisper of the thousand stories that must be contained among the jewelry within.
Every piece was more intricate than the last. Designs that hadn’t been in style for years back on the Solaris Continent. Rings, pendants, and bracelets of breathtaking beauty twinkled in the beams of twilight that struck through the planks of the decks above. Their polished surfaces refracted Eira’s face, illuminated by lamplight. Patina clung to their edges.
Her grip tightened around the bag as an invisible fist closed around her heart and Eira drew a shuddering breath.
Turning, she crossed to Ducot with purpose. Eira could feel the others glancing in her direction, no doubt curious as to what had caused the shift in demeanor. Even though she knew Ducot could sense her, Eira dared to rest a hand on his shoulder. He tensed and it reminded her just how little contact they’d had—physical or verbal—since Noelle’s death. He blamed her for it. She blamed herself. There wasn’t much to be shared between them as a result.
She spoke first. “You should have these.”
Ducot held out his hand and Eira placed the bag in its center.
“She would’ve wanted you to.”
His lips pressed into a hard line as he realized what Eira was handing him. Ducot took the pouch and tugged at the drawstrings. Slowly, he explored its contents, eventuallyselecting a small, golden signet ring with three rubies dotting its surface.
Wordlessly, he set the pouch into his own trunk and slipped the ring onto his left little finger. It had been crafted for a hand much smaller than his. “Thank you. I’ll bring the rest back to her family. That’s what she would’ve wanted…and they deserve to know.”
Eira felt as much obligation to notify Noelle’s family as he did. She owed it to them to accept responsibility for what her choices had wrought and stand before their judgment. But she also didn’t know if Ducot would want her there.
“If I can help you find them, I would be glad to,” were the words she settled on.
He nodded and Eira stepped away, leaving it at that. There was an aching gap in her heart that Noelle had once occupied, made wider still by the distance Eira now felt with Ducot. She’d do anything to return to the place they’d once been. But, finding their way back, the trust, the openness… It might be too much for her to ask for.
She ascended back onto the main deck, taking over from Crow and Fen so they could gather their things and ready themselves. The small boat was almost upon them and they were now close enough to the city that Eira could see the men and women who lined the upper walls of the ramparts that overlooked the sea. Attention trained solely on them.
“Lavette,” Eira called down belowdecks, “They’re nearly here.”
“Almost finished!” The reply was accompanied by the heavythudof a bag hitting the floor.
Eira turned her attention back to the small boat. But no sooner had she than another set of footsteps approached. She knew who by the sound alone.
“Are you nervous?” Olivin asked, coming to her side.
“Not really.” Eira shrugged. “Should I be?”
“It is a new place…but, given what you’ve already survived, I suppose very little would make you nervous.”
