Ignoring them, she scratched Gellen’s neck. “So what is he thinking?”
“That he doesn’t like the boat. He wants to fight, but he’s too scared to try since he can’t see.”
“How do I know you’re not making that up?”
Xaydin snorted. “He’s not creative.”
Ferris moved to stand next to Xaydin. “Ready?”
“Sure. Why not?” There was a note in Xaydin’s tone that gave her a bit of worry.
“Why do you say it like that?” she asked.
“Because we’re about to hit rough waters. I suggest you sit.”
She had no idea what he meant until they traveled far enough that there was no shoreline in sight. “How do you know where we’re going?” she asked Ferris.
“How does one know how to breathe? I make this journey enough that I could be as blind as your horse and still find my way.” Something he proved as he effortlessly glided them over the calm sea.
Only it wasn’t that calm, she realized as she saw waves in the distance.
Big ones that were heading for them.
“X?”
They both looked over to Masakage.
Scowling, Masakage studied the commotion, heading for them. “Is it me, or are those waves filled with Nereids?”
Xaydin cursed. “Worse. Mermaids.”
That only confused her. “Is there a difference?”
“Little bit,” he said sarcastically. “Nereids are friendly and only attack when threatened. Mermaids and mermen protect theaþaswereand kill anyone who threatens them.”
5
Xaydin turned toward Gisela. “Can you swim?”
“Not at all.”
He growled low in his throat. Of course she couldn’t swim. Why would this be easy on them? “Get in the center of the boat and brace.”
Manifesting a bow, he nocked an arrow and took aim at the waves, waiting for one of them to show themselves. Masakage moved to stand at his side with a fireball at the ready.
Xaydin smirked. “Has anyone ever told you what happens when fire meets water? You might as well be pissing on them for all the good that’ll do.”
Masakage gave him an irritated smirk before he threw the fireball into the water.
It exploded, sending waves out toward the mermaids.
“You were saying, brother?”
Respect went through him. “What a fine weapon you’ve crafted. Really makes my bow obsolete.”
Shaking his head, Masakage manifested another fireball.
Ferris pulled the rudder in and sat down near the bow. Letting out a sigh, he glared up at Xaydin. “They’re starting early. Who are you after that they’re so eager for you?”
