Leaving Kyor a little way back, I go and offer Benny a deep hug. ‘How are you doing?’ I ask him.
‘Good. It was good to see everyone. Reminds me what I’m fighting for, you know?’
I nod, though the truth is I still don’t know what it is he – or any of the others – are here for. And now, more than ever, that lack of knowledge is unnerving. Just like Kay said at the beginning of this, everyone thinks they’re worthy of Etta’s gift, and as Kyor pointed out, it’s each person for themselves now that we’re at the Ofur, meaning maybe I should be a little more sparing with my trust. Though the way Benny beams at me makes it nearly impossible.
‘Well, I think it’s safe to say that every person on the island is happy that you’re okay now,’ Benny says. ‘Those storms were definitely starting to piss people off.’
‘There were storms while I was out?’
I’m frowning, still not sure what the weather has to do with me until Benny’s gaze shifts across to Kyor,and it clicks.
‘You mean …’
‘Let’s just say they had an unusually greenish hue …’ Jonas replies.
A spasm of warmth flickers inside me. He told me he was terrified, but it’s different to know there was physical evidence of it.
‘I’m also very glad to see you’re all right, Rose,’ Jonas says. There’s a strange formality to his tone and when I go to hug him, his body is unusually rigid. ‘Just one more trial to get through.’
‘Right?’
I know from the look Benny gives me that he can feel the tension too, but I’m not exactly sure what I can do about it. A boat is hardly the most practical place for a private conversation, assuming that’s even what Jonas wants, as the other four remaining Rettlings are here too. Along with Zara and Grenda, the other two who made it to the Ofur are Moryal and Del, the two behemoth men from Galreck.
My mind shifts to the last trial and specifically to Seiren. I pray she didn’t die trying to seize a boat.
With Jonas being so standoffish, I quickly head back to Kyor, though we don’t speak much. Instead, we simply stand there, his arms wrapped around me as I gaze out at the water. When the mainland comes into view, my stomach twists. The weight of it all presses down, and I know that no matter what happens at the end of this, life will never be the same as before, but wasn’t that what I wanted? Deep down, I know whatever future awaits us has to be better than life in the slums, but the unknown is nerve-wracking all the same.
‘Can you see that?’ Benny comes over to us when we’re still a fair way from the shore. ‘It looks like they’re waiting for us.’
‘A welcoming committee, you mean?’ My heart lifts at the thought that I might get to see Kay after all. But the hope fades as Benny shakes his head.
‘No, I don’t think so. I think it’s just priestesses.’
A knot binds my ribs as Kyor and I exchange a look.
I sigh. ‘They can’t be doing this again so soon. There’s no way.’
‘We’re not ready for the Ofur.’ Kyor frowns. ‘You’re barely recovered.’
‘No, it’s not possible,’ Jonas joins in. ‘Every Retterheld recorded has been across four moons. We’ve only just finished the third cycle. It should be at least another week, if not two.’
‘Well, someone ought to tell them that then.’ Benny gestures to the shore where I can now make out the blue robes of the priestesses, even if I can’t see their faces. And I know exactly which priestess he’s talking about when he adds, ‘Is it just me, or does she also freak the fuck out of you all?’
None of us reply. We don’t need to.
High Priestess Mila waits on the dock and my eyes go to her belt, to the dagger that is still at her side.
‘Is it me, or does something about this feel dodgy?’ Benny asks. ‘Dodgier than usual,’ he amends.
‘It’s not just you,’ I reply.
‘Just stay close.’ Kyor takes my hand, his comment solely for me. ‘And not because I think you need me, but?—’
‘I know,’ I say. The fact is, I also want to hold his hand. There’s a quiver in the air, creating a sense of unease.
Not a single person speaks as we disembark, and Mila waits until we’re all standing on the dock before she speaks.
‘Rettlings, I am grateful to see your safe return. Etta has blessed you indeed. But I am afraid I have bad news. During the previous trial, there was a gross violation of the Retterheld rules.’
