‘Then who did you arrive with?’
‘Returners, like myself. Not many of my crew wanted to go to Paranish.’
They sniff and then slap the side of the crate. ‘Well, looks like we’ve got to get your ship back from those cursed Seaguardians.’
‘What makes you think you’ll be tagging along?’
‘For one thing, you owe me a life debt.’ Their voice had been pitched high, soft as silk, but now the edge comes back. ‘There’s always a place for a good pickpocket.’
They take a compass from their pocket. My eyes follow it hungrily for a second, then I snatch at it.
‘So, thisisyours.’ They smile, stepping back to keep it out of reach.
‘That was my mother’s. It’s from Lassair. Irreplaceable.’ I try not to sound like I’m begging.
‘Why did that Seaguardian – Nestor, isn’t that what you called him? – have it?’
‘I was... I was wearing his jacket when I was caught.’
Isagani finally throws me the compass. ‘So youdohave a penchant for disguises.’
‘You’re very relaxed about associating with outlaws.’
They look at me. ‘You don’t remember me, do you?’
I furrow my brows. ‘Why would I remember you?’
Their composure slips for a moment, and I see the hurt in their eyes. Hurt, and something else – maybe rage. ‘No. Exactly. I’m a street urchin, a gutter snipe with no one and nothing to my name. No one cares if I disappear. Only the Temple Sisters will mourn me when they guide my soul into the Tree of Life.’ The speech rolls offtheir tongue with a combative air, and I sense they’ve had to defend themselves often, scrapping for a fight. ‘I’d rather the rush of danger than waiting for a slow death here.’
Waiting for death. I know that feeling.
‘I can already tell you’re as stubborn as a tamaraw,’ I concede. ‘I’m surprised you haven’t tried to stow away.’
‘I did,’ they say, with a self-satisfied smile. ‘But few ships used to leave Paranish entirely.’
Very few ships, save those carrying Seaguardians and skeleton crews. I’ve been the latter before and seen where that leads.
I shake my head. ‘Exactly – “used to” – but you have more options now. Why me and my ship? The ship I no longer have.’
Isagani is silent for a moment, before saying, ‘I’m not exactly on the right side of the Seaguardians myself.’
I nod. ‘Fine. Well, we can’t plan our commandeering from here, so what do you suggest?’
‘I know the perfect place to hole up. Everything and everyone passes through there. We can plan our attack, sniff out a crew. We’re sure to find someone with a taste for adventure.’
chapter eight
ris
The golden houris upon us, the rays breaking through the clouds, heralding twilight. Night is descending fast, and I hurry. The cold comes quick here. Once the sun is gone, it’s like the empty side of your bed after your lover has left.
When you live on the Spring Isle, Alev is the only place you can go. It sits at the southern shore, the small harbour a ley line between us and the port of Umasa, on the mainland. The tavern stands hunched against the elements, built of coarse beige stone amidst the dark, earthy brown of bricks. Each roughly cut square, from our own quarries and those of the Autumn Isle, comes together to create a hodgepodge building that has withstood the centuries. Time moves slowly here. Sometimes I look around the Spring Isle and think of how many generations have lived on this land, cradle to grave.
I approach Vullis’s Tap, trying not to let fear show on my face. I catch my reflection in one of the smudgy windows and smooth the ends of my hair, which have been tugged free from my braid, noting the flush in my cheeks from the long walk. I’ve rouged my lips and eyes tonight. I’m more used to muddy breeches and sweaty smocks, and I feel like a sheep dressed as a queen. I take a moment to admire the fabric of the dress as it clings to my biceps. These are rare moments when I think of myself as pleasing to the eye. Larkin once thought so, told me often when we were happy.
I enter the tavern, slipping off my cloak.
‘Thought I was seeing the ghost of your pa, Ris,’ old Griyo makes the usual joke from his corner booth. A few other folk give a deep, rumbling laugh. I can’t help but wonder if they are making a mockery of my attempts at femininity.
