Gods, are we going to go under?
But my devious azdaha levels out just above the surface of the waves, those powerful wings flaring wide and making my stomach swoop as we glide gracefully a few feet above the crystalline water. Raz drops one clawed hind leg into the sea, creating a wake of white foam behind us.
I’m so mesmerized by the glittering stream that I don’t spot the movement until some kind of spinning sea serpent with an open maw full of fangs launches itself from the indigo depths right at me. At the last second, Raz veers upward, his huge body shuddering with fright as the monster narrowly misses us and dives back down.
“What in Droon was that?” I yelp, watching it arrow through the water beneath us.
Oh, Starkeeper, you should have seen your face.Raz shudders again, and I realize that it’s withlaughter, not fear.
I scowl and yank on one of his chartreuse frills. “You did that on purpose, you overgrown lizard!”
That is a razortooth eel. It’s mating season so they’re extra vicious.He flashes me a hint of fang in amusement.They’re good eating.
I sigh theatrically at the hopeful note in his mental voice. “Fine. I suppose I should thank Indira letting me steal you away from your duties yet again. Let’s go catch some eels for your fierce mate. Just don’t drop me.”
Not on my watch, Starkeeper.
***
TODAY IS DAYfifteen, and still no Darrius Nightsong.
In his absence, Ani has been a stalwart companion whose company I value greatly, even if she’s infuriatingly tight-lipped about her brother’s whereabouts. Our routine since Darrius vanished has been consistent, spending most of our days and meals together.
“Is the king well?” I ask Ani while we get our lunch from the cook and carry it to the library. My mouth waters at the smell of the savory lamb, eggplant, and tomato stew, served with piping-hot rice, that the king’s thoughtful cook prepared as a treat for me. I suspect, however, that the kind gesture is because ofhim. The missing monarch himself. And I don’t want to like that at all.
“Yes,” Ani says.
“He’s not in any danger, is he?”
Ani lifts a brow as we enter the library, but she doesn’t tease me about my concern. “No.”
“Does he do this often?” I venture. “Disappear?”
“On occasion.”
“Why?” I ask.
Ani shrugs. “His story to tell.”
I groan inwardly: that was the same thing Razulek had said when we’d flown together. Gods, it’s like pulling teeth to get anything but noncommittal answers from anyone. So, I ask the question that is really troubling me. “Does he usually return unscathed?”
To my surprise, Ani lets out a snort. “I wouldn’t say unscathed, but he’s usually in better spirits when he does. He hasn’t been gone this long for some time, however. Not since...” Her face clouds slightly. “Well, it was a while ago, perhaps half a year or so. Something terrible happened, I believe, and he disappeared for weeks.”
“Where does he go?” I prod, encouraged by full sentences for once.
“Why so curious?” Ani returns. I feel my cheeks heat at her scrutiny.
“I’m not,” I say. “I just want to go home, that’s all.”
I rub my eyes. My desire to return to Coban is no secret, but the only person powerful enough to open a portal to another realm is the missing Darrius.
“Is portal creation another of your brother’s numena?” I ask Ani.
“Yes, there’s a reason he’s the only sovran in Everlea,” she says. “He has master rank over kinetic magic as well. To open a portal across the realms, one would have to be an ergokinesis master with the ability to manipulate raw energy.”
“And no one else can?” I ask.
Ani’s face is solemn. “No, and even if they were powerful enough, it’s forbidden for anyone else but the king to do so.” She shoves the pile of books I’d saved from our last library visit toward me. “Don’t worry, he’ll be back soon. Catch up, you’re behind.”
