He regards me silently for a long moment. “Do you remember how many sailors Rian had manning theDawn Chaser?”
“Yes.”
“Do you see that many people in the alley with us right now?”
“I’m not talking about a ship of that size,” I snap. “Obviously.”
His eyes flick toward the sky. “Well, it’s nighttime, and if you wanted to bethisreckless, it might have been a better idea thismorning. I don’t know what the sea is like between here and Fairde, and we’d have no warning of hazards in the dark. It’s not like we can just—” He breaks off, then clears his throat emphatically. “I mean, it’s not likeIcan just start rowing. I also don’t know if it’s five miles or fifty, since we don’t have any maps.” He rubs at his jaw. “Or more than one person who knows their way around a boat—”
“All right,enough.” I drop to a crouch and brace my forearms on my knees. I miss home so much that itaches, and I have to shove the feeling aside.
I’ve had to do terrible things before. I can do them again.
Tessa, I’m coming. Forgive me.
“I’m ready to be done,” I say, straightening. “Let’s go talk to the barkeep.”
I expect Lochlan to fire back at me with another sharp comment, but he doesn’t.
Now that it’s nighttime, the tavern is packed with bodies, and the stench of sweat is overpowering. The sound is overwhelming, too, with musicians on a stand in the corner, the off-key whistle of a flute making my head ache. When someone starts pounding on a drum, I want to set myself on fire.
Lochlan leans in close. “Well, this seems like a good place to get some private information.”
I scowl, but we push between bodies until we reach the bar. The barkeep from earlier isn’t even here.
I sigh heavily.
The new barkeep is a young woman, not much older than Tessa, with waist-length blond hair and very pretty blue eyes. She spots us and makes her way over immediately.
“Ale?” she calls over the music. “Or something stronger?”
Lochlan inhales to decline, I’m sure, but it’s been a long day and it promises to be an even longer night.
“Something stronger, if you please,” I call back.
Lochlan snaps his mouth shut and stares at me, but the barkeep smiles when she hears my accent. “I think I’ve heard about you boys. Are you looking for sweet or sour—”
“Just strong.” I slap a coin on the bar. “Whatever that will buy.”
Her smile widens and she swipes the coin, then turns away to fetch a bottle.
Lochlan leans in close again. “Now you want to get drunk?”
I wish.“I doubt we have anywherenearenough money for that.”
The barkeep reappears, slapping four small glasses on the bar in rapid succession. She pours from a green bottle wrapped in silver threads, but the liquid is completely clear.
While she pours, she looks at Lochlan and gives him a wink. “Anything for you, handsome?”
That takes him by surprise, because he startles, then smiles—which makes me realize I don’t think I’veeverseen Lochlan smile.
“He’s not drinking all of that himself.” Without hesitation, he snatches one of the glasses and tosses it back.
“By all means, help yourself,” I say, annoyed. But I give the barkeep a nod. “Thank you.”
“I’ll be back when you’re ready for more.” She turns away toward another patron.
I lift one of the glasses and tap it against Lochlan’s empty one. “Cheers, handsome.” Then I toss it back as quickly as he did. The liquor tastes like nothing I’ve ever had and burns like fire. I’m simultaneously eager for the second one and already worried it’s going to hit me like a brick.
