Thane and Rynthea approach with their rucksacks strapped to their backs.
“This is it,” Rynthea announces, looking between me and Algar, her expression serious. “Last chance to back out.”
“Never,” Algar replies firmly.
“This is it,” I repeat in a whisper, my heart rate increasing as I pick up my rucksack from the deck floor and strap it over my shoulder.
We watch as Conred and another crew member grab a set of ropes to lift a boat from a cargo slot on the side of the ship.
“This is as far as we go,” Solyen announces as he nears us. He takes a pull from a silver pipe. “Row four miles east and you’ll have made it to The Shallows.”
He studies us with his dark, intense eyes. His face seems more worn today. He probably hasn’t had a drink yet. “Are you lot absolutely sure about this?”
I nod. “We’re sure.”
“Then Orvena be with you. Go to that boat there.” He points to the small boat the crew is prepping. “My boys will lower you down.”
Once we’re settled into the rowboat, Solyen approaches again. “As agreed, I’ll wait here until sunset. But if you’re not back by the time the sun reaches the horizon, I’ll have no choice but to leave you behind.” He inclines a bushy eyebrow. “This part of the sea is not one I wish to be in when it gets dark. It’s worse than The Void. You row your way back, and when you’re close enough, you soundthishorn.” He accepts a copper horn from one of the crew members. “Once we hear it, we’ll know you’re on the way and will bring you back up when you reach us.” He hands the horn to Algar, who slips it into his bag.
“Listen, before we take off, do you think you can watch my Zephra?” Algar grabs Zephra and offers her to Solyen. She clearly doesn’t like the action because she scurries back to his shoulder, glaring at Solyen like he’s the enemy. “No, Zephra, you’ll be all right. Listen to me.” He grabs her again and cups her body in his hands, forcing her to look into his eyes. “I can’t have you on that island with me, all right? It’s too dangerous for you. I want you to wait here, where it’s safe.”
She chitters. I swear it’s like she’s arguing with him.
Algar only smiles at her before kissing the top of her head softly and offering her to Solyen. This time, she doesn’t put up a fight. She drops into Solyen’s oversize palm, but not without staring sadly at Algar and making a whimpering noise.
A wave of sadness washes over me for them. I can only imagine what she’s thinking. She probably won’t ever see him again. She probably won’t seeanyof us again.
“I love you, Zeph,” Algar says in a soothing voice.
She lets out a soft squeak.
“Just feed her fruit and nuts for now, if you have any,” Algar says, blinking quickly to clear the tears in his eyes. “No honey or sweets, or she’ll rip through your ship like it’s made of paper.”
Solyen blinks at Zephra, like he’s trying to figure out how something so small could possibly cause that much damage.
Algar gives the captain a nod, and Solyen yells, “Right! Let ’em down, boys!”
The crew works the cranks, and the boat teeters left. Slowly, we’re lowered down toward the water. Before we get too far, I peer up at Conred, who is clinging to the thick ropes with both hands as he eyes me.
“Good luck,”he mouths.
“Thanks,”I mouth back.
Rynthea grabs one of the oars as soon as the boat hits the water. She hands the other to Thane, who helps her steady the boat. “Let’s start rowing.”
“Unnecessary.” Thane places his glowing hand over the water, and the boat’s hull shifts under the influence of whatever magic he’s using. We coast forward toward what resembles land in the distance, sailing fast enough that a gentle, balmy breeze buffets us.
The ride is eerily quiet. None of us say much. It feels like we’re riding to our doom…yet somehow, I still have hope.
Looking over my shoulder, I spot theEmellie, only now she’s a speck—one that grows smaller and smaller the closer we get to the island.
We still can go back. I can tell Thane to stop, turn the boat around, return us to the ship—that this is a foolish plan. A part of me longs to do that—the weaker, less confident, risk-averse side of me. But the stronger half is louder. That half believes I can do this. She’s alert and ready, willing to risk everything for her sister.
We’re only a short stretch away. The dangers and horror aren’t just in The Shallows. They’re everywhere in Thelanor, and yet we survived.
We made ithere.
What makes this island so different?
