The navy was no longer small.
“We’re not even sure how you made it this far,” the captain said. “Allow us to board your boat, Captain?”
Aiko looked at me. “We don’t have time for this. We can help them if we can get to them.”
The captain of the warship had his arms folded. “Allow us to board your ship, or we will bring ourselves aboard.”
“Captain, we have information vital to the temple masters,” I started.
Two hooks-on-ropes flew over the sides of the ship to land on our deck. The ropes were immediately hauled back toward the larger vessel and caught our railing to pull us in.
With a quick snap of magic, both ropes were cut, and the hooks hung limply on our boat. We really didn’t have time for this kind of game.
“Madame, if you wish to remain alive and afloat, you will not do that again.”
I stared at him. “Captain, allow me to introduce myself. I am Kimber Raven, of the House Stormbreaker, Mistress of the Temple of the Lost God, Bright Sword, Breaker of the Spine and Keeper of Scar. We have to get back to North Landing and find the temple masters, where ever they are.”
The captain stared at me. “Master Roran has told us that Lady Raven was an accomplished sailor. He’d given each of the captains a single phrase you would know about your vessel that would indicate if you were telling the truth and not an imposter. What is it?”
I wrinkled my brow. “A single phrase. Did he give you any clues to give me? I’ve been sailing since I was nine.”
“None. Just that it was something only you would know.”
I looked up at the sail of the boat we were on. It hung unsecured, waiting for me to pull a line and find the wind.
I grinned and looked back at the captain. I had never told them the name, but I had no doubt they had discovered it. “The name of my parents’ boat. It was Find the Wind.”
“Mistress,” he said with a bow. “You have no idea how relieved the masters will be to see you alive and well.”
“Not half so much as I am.”
RORAN THREW THE LINETO THE BOATso I could tie us in.
I barely had the rope around the cleat before he launched off the dock and landed on the deck next to me.
His arms went around me, and his grin could have outshined the sun. “Kimber.”
I put a hand on his cheek. “Teabag.”
His mouth claimed mine, and I wanted to melt into him forever.
We had an audience, though, and that was not on the agenda.
Roran didn’t let go of me when he finally let the kiss go, but his eyes roved over my features. “Kimber, what’s happened?”
“Not the place and time, Roran. I will tell you everything. I swear.”
He pulled me close again, and I realized just how much I missed his massive bear hugs.
I gasped. “Vitas? How is Vitas doing?”
A slow shake of his head preceded his answer. “He’s mad with grief. He keeps doing stupid and suicidal things. Maybe you can talk sense into him again now that you’re here.”
Stepping out of his arms, but grabbing his hand, I pulled him to the stern. “Roran, this is Lord Knight Aiko.”
“A vampire.” I could hear the disgust in his voice.
“Master Roran, a pleasure to finally meet you. Mistress Breaker has spoken highly of you.”
