Deciding it was safe, I emerged into the canyon—and was almost bowled over by a group of mermen carrying a stone slab. I ducked out of the way just in time. I followed the curve of the terrain, pausing to watch a group of kids throwing shells and stones into hoops. They asked if I wanted to play, and though I did, I shook my head. “I’m looking for someone.”
As I moved along, I thought I could feel eyes watching me, but when I looked, everyone was minding their business. Was I being self-conscious? Lysi had assured me several times that I was doing fine, and it was hard to tell I’d been a human only days ago.
“Morning, little sis.”
I whirled, face splitting into a grin.
Nilus looked better groomed and rested, crossbow slung across his back like he was ready to hunt.
“Breakfast?” He offered me what looked like a string of seaweed with fish eggs stuck to it.
I accepted it hesitantly.
“Don’t do what I did and refuse to eat anything but salmon,” he said. “You need your vitamins.”
“Thanks, brother.”
I plucked off a few eggs. They were decent—less fishy than some of the other stuff Lysi had gotten me to eat.
“I was thinking,” said Nilus. “You’ll need a weapon. What kind do you want?”
I nodded to his crossbow. “Is that even a question?”
He beamed. “I’ll show you how to make one.”
He led me along the canyon, which stretched further than I’d thought. We rounded a bend and came to an area that looked like a bomb had recently gone off. Mountains of objects were piled everywhere. Dozens of merpeople were gathered around work surfaces, including Lysi and Ephyra. The mermen who’d been carrying the stone slab were positioning it in the midst of it all.
“Welcome to the armoury,” said Nilus. “Chert, slate, argillite.” He pointed to the piles of rock. “Bone, sinew, shells, things humans dropped—that’s useful for ropes and stuff—and that’s ironwood. Don’t worry, it’s not actually iron. It makes for a lighter weapon, but it’s still strong. We’ve got other wood up there.” He pointed to the surface, where a timber raft was tethered to the shipwreck some distance away.
“I want to make mine out of ironwood,” I said.
We approached an empty worktable. Nilus placed an ironwood log and a stone chisel in front of me.
“You’ll find the crossbow a lot different from what you’re used to. It took me awhile to get accustomed to the weight, and the aim is all off underwater.”
“Oh. Should I make something else?”
“No. Once you get the hang of it you’ll be as skilled as before. Assuming you could shoot straight before, anyway.”
I jabbed him in the ribs. “Anyo said I’m as good as you. Maybe better.”
Nilus smiled sadly at the mention of our old training master.
Galene’s laughter boomed across the canyon. She was leaning over Lysi, watching her chisel a slab of argillite.
“I told you, I haven’t made my own longblade before,” said Lysi.
“Clearly. Here, hold it like this.”
Galene reached her muscular arms around Lysi and adjusted her hands over the chisel and argillite slab. Lysi tensed. She glanced up, caught my eye, and pulled an exasperated face. I smirked and returned to my ironwood.
“Jealous?” said Nilus.
“I trust her.”
He hoisted a slab of chert onto the table. “She’s a good kid.”
“Does she get the big brother stamp of approval?”
