‘All right,’ Tollere said, taking control of his fear. He nodded, as though deciding on something. ‘All right.’ He was trembling all over as he started to climb again.
Roul looked up at Eda. ‘What were you thinking? He’s twice your weight.’ His words came out harsher than he had intended.
She opened her eyes, chest still heaving. ‘You said to take care of one another.’
He was not angry at her. It was fear working its way through his body—the fear of something happening to her. ‘I need you to climb to the bottom before you tire. Can you do that?’
She nodded, licking blood from her lip. ‘I can do that.’
He remained close as they slowly descended, directly beneath her and deliberately in her path so her feet were between his hands at all times. He wanted her within reach. Only when they neared the bottom did he increase the distance between them. He stepped down onto the slippery rock and moved aside for her, glaring in Tollere’s direction. ‘Just so we’re clear, if by some miracle you make it back up that cliff face, you’ll be running laps for the next five years.’
Tollere swallowed and looked at the ground. ‘Yes, Commander.’
When Eda dropped down beside Roul, Alveye, Hadewaye, and Tatum applauded her. A smile played on Eda’s lips as she held on to her hips and caught her breath.
‘That was somewhat impressive,’ Tatum said. ‘I’ll give you that.’
‘I owe you,’ Tollere said, his cheeks red.
Roul let them fuss. He might have even joined in the applause if he were not their commander. It had taken her one day to win over the group. One day. Everyone except for Blackmane, who was looking out at sea, ignoring what was taking place behind him.
‘All right,’ Roul said, quietening everyone down. ‘I want this swim to be much less eventful than the climb down.’ He ushered the group along the edge, where the water crashed against the rock and kicked into the air. ‘Flat Rock is a half-mile swim. We stay together, and we look out for one another. If you can’t swim, then now’s the time to speak up.’
No one said anything.
Roul glanced at Eda, who was still peppered with debris. Her plait had come loose, and sections of hair blew in all directions. Her cheeks were red from the icy wind, her eyes two blinking emeralds against the sea spray. Swallowing, Roul turned his attention back to the men. ‘All right. I suggest you strip down to the bare minimum. Suttone, you can go in as you are.’
‘I hope you can swim as well as you can climb,’ Tatum said as he unbelted his trousers.
She looked around the group now stripping to their braies. ‘I can always call in my favour with Tollere if I start to struggle.’
‘That would require Tollere to not drown,’ Alveye replied.
Tollere shoved him as he was stepping out of his trousers, and he almost went into the water.
‘You know, I think I’ll remove my trousers too,’ Eda said, reaching for her belt. ‘I don’t want heavy fabric slowing me down.’
Roul rubbed his forehead. ‘As you wish.’
The others looked between themselves, then averted their eyes.
‘Don’t look so thoroughly uncomfortable,’ Eda said. ‘I’m keeping my shirt on.’
The men seemed to relax at hearing that.
‘The water’s dark, but look out for shadows,’ Roul said. ‘Shadows are likely rocks, and they’ll slice you up good.’ He blinked as a spray of water hit him. ‘If a current wants to take you, don’t fight it. You’ll tire too quickly. Let it carry you for a bit—so long as it’s not into a rock—then try again. Make sure you keep an eye on the person in front of you. Then no one will get left behind. I’ll be at the back.’
‘Then who’s going to keep an eye on you?’ Eda asked.
His eyes met hers. Of course she would ask that question. ‘I don’t need someone watching me. I just need you all not to drown. Can we all manage that?’
There was a collective murmur of ‘Yes, Commander’, and then Blackmane was first to dive in. The others followed, resurfacing with gasps and curse words describing the temperature of the water. Roul was last to dive in, popping up behind Eda.
‘Let’s go,’ he called to Blackmane.
They all began to swim. Roul followed Eda so closely that her foot kept striking his chest as she kicked. She looked back at him.
‘My toenails will shred you if you continue to swim that close.’
