Gadonia is charged with life, light bathing exterior walls and gold trails. Ivory-and-green sails are draped from roof to roof like canopies between the buildings. I think they might reflect and amplify the light from the bulbs at night. Riders on trikes with wooden boxes attached whiz past us on the cobblestone streets.
“Fish,” Enver says, as I watch one of the riders descend a hill. “There are fish in the baskets. They deliver them to the families. We like to make sure everyone is fed, no matter how much coin they have.”
“It’s getting late.” I watch a woman offer a beaded bracelet to Rynthea, who gratefully accepts it. “I’m surprised to see it so busy.”
“Ah yes. Gadonia, the city of daydreams and light,” Enver replies, indulging me.
We continue down the hill the trike riders took moments earlier. The dark-brown roads are slightly damp but likely not from rain. I can imagine all the families coming back and forth from the coast, their hair and clothes drenched, sand sticking to their skin, and exhausted laughs as they find their way home.
I make out the ocean ahead. The water stretches far beyond the never-ending horizon, soft waves rippling silver beneath the crescent moon. At the shore are rows of docks with bobbing boats, where merchants likely sell items, too. Some are built with stands that are now covered by thin sheets to protect them.
It reminds me of Ember Coast—the idea of sellers leaning over the edges of their boats to offer freshly caught seafood. The nostalgia is hitting me so hard right now. No wonder Enver moved here.
I look at Thane, Rynthea, and Algar. Algar and Rynthea are absorbing the ivy-wrapped buildings, but Thane is studying Enver with a frown. When his eyes find mine, they’re filled with…curiosity? Jealousy? Both?He tears his hot gaze away and clenches his jaw before I can decipher what it is.
“How long do you all plan on staying?” Enver stops in front of a two-story inn with light pouring through stained-glass windows. Music trickles out of the swinging front door, along with laughter and other joyful noise. The vibrancy of the stained glass reflecting on the streets is inviting enough for me to want to join.
I stand next to Rynthea, whose eyes bounce between me and Thane.
“If you’re not sure, we have several inns you can use with wonderful accommodations,” Enver suggests.
“Actually, Enver, we don’t plan on staying too long,” I tell him. “We were hoping you could help us with something, though.”
“Of course. What is it?”
“We’re looking for someone who can sail us to The Shallows.”
Enver’s eyes widen, and the color drains from his face. “I believe that is the first timeanyonehas ever asked for my help getting to The Shallows.” He gives Thane a solid once-over. “Does this have something to do withhim?”
“What? No!” I counter.
Thane chuckles darkly.
“So why on Thelanor would a girl likeyouever want to go toThe Shallows? There is nothing for you there.”
“There is, and it’s very important that I get it,” I reply, slightly annoyed by his remark. I don’t like how he makes it seem like I’m a child incapable of making my own decisions. He’s literally only a year older than me.
Enver narrows his eyes at Thane.
“Look, are you going to help us or not?” Rynthea demands, clearly fed up with his questions. “We can always find our own way. We’ve worked through situations much more difficult than this.”
“I—I want to help, I do. It’s just…” Enver sighs and drops his head. “I assume you’ll need a ship?”
We all nod.
He eyes each of us carefully. “There is only one captain I know who travels anywhere near The Shallows, and he doesn’t come cheap.”
“Coin doesn’t matter.” Thane’s voice is raspy. “Where is this captain?”
“His name is Captain Solyen Terrick. He owns a speedship. He lives here, but right now he’s likely on his way to Junsho ports. He handles many of our overseas trades.”
“When will he return?” Thane asks.
“That depends.” Enver drags the pads of his fingers over his forehead like he’s riddled with unfathomable stress. “Sometimes Solyen makes stops at other cities for leisure before he returns. Could be within a few hours. Could be a day or two. I’ve not known him to be away from Gadonia longer than three days at most.”
“Damn it,” I mutter as Rynthea curses under her breath and Algar sighs. “Three days is a long time, Enver.”
“I’m not understanding the rush, Zaira.” His face is drowning in concern. “No one is ever this eager to go to The Shallows. Literally, no one.”
