“My father made jewelry with pearls. He made this for me.” Conred fingers his pendant. “He traveled a lot selling his jewelry. It used to make me sad when he wasn’t around.” He sips his tea, a dejected look clouding his vision. “But sometimes I wonder if he’d still be here if he had been traveling during the attacks. You know?”
“I completely understand.”
“But I’m grateful to be with Solyen,” he tosses in quickly. “He looks out for me, and it’s nice to be out at sea.”
“I’m glad he’s provided a great life for you.” I bite into a sweet roll as three bells on the ceiling give a light jingle. “What are those for?” I ask, pointing up.
“Those just let us know when the waters are getting too choppy,” Conred answers. “Light chimes are good, means we’re smooth sailing. But if the bells get loud or ring too quickly, it means the waters are getting rough…or that something is attacking the ship.”
The door of the cabin swings open, and Thane appears in the frame, dripping in black per usual. He looks from me to Conred, and I assume he doesn’t see Conred as much of a threat because he doesn’t glower.
“Oh, hello.” Conred smiles, looking from Thane to me, then back at Thane again. “Would you like to join us? We’re just having some tea.”
Thane gives a simple nod, and Conred scurries to the galley to collect another mug.
“I don’t believe I caught your name.” Conred places the mug down in front of him, pouring hot tea into it.
“Never offered it,” Thane mutters, picking up the mug.
“Oh.” Conred flushes as he drops down in his chair.
“Don’t let his asshole-ish ways get to you.”
Conred laughs nervously. After composing himself, he says, “I’m curious why you all want to go to The Shallows so badly. Most people steer clear of that area.”
“There’s something on the island we need,” I inform him.
“What? Like treasure or something?” he asks eagerly.
“That…among other things.” I glance at Thane. He’s chewing and ignoring us both.
“Well, you all are very brave, I’ll give you that. I’m already shaking thinking about how close we have to get to that island. Sort of wishing Solyen left me in Gadonia for this trip.” He lets out yet another nervous laugh while staring into his teacup.
“Youshouldbe scared.” Thane licks his fingers before lifting the rim of his mug to his lips and taking a gulp. “You’re a child. You don’t belong anywhere near The Shallows.”
“Well, I’m in my sixteenth year, so I wouldn’t say I’mthatmuch of a child,” Conred objects with a collapsing smile.
Thane sighs. “Why don’t you ask Solyen how much longer we have?” His question is more of a demand.
“Uh—sure. I’ll do that.” Conred gives me an uneasy look as he stands. “Be right back.”
When he leaves the cabin, I slap Thane on his upper arm. He doesn’t even flinch. “Why are you so mean to everyone? He’s being really nice and accommodating to us.”
“Toonice, if you ask me.”
“There is no such thing,” I counter.
“In my world, there is.”
“Some people are just nice and want company. I wish you’d stop making that out to be a bad trait in people.” I fold my arms. “Besides, I feel sorry for him. He seems to be the youngest one on this ship. He probably can’t relate much to the rest of the crew.”
Thane studies me a moment before polishing off his tea and placing the cup down. Then he digs into the pocket of his leather pants to pull something out.
“I needed him to get out so I could give you something. Hold out your hand.”
I shoot him a wary look. “Why?”
With an agitated sigh, he reaches for my wrist and turns my hand over so my palm is facing up. “Close your eyes,” he commands, and I do as I’m told—which is a first.
