Dmitri kept his voice infuriatingly calm. “The time wasn’t right.”
“Now you’re telling me about them, why?” For a moment, Martin recalled how frustrated he’d been every time he asked a question growing up, and his gran answered, “You’ll understand when you’re older.”
“Because, my little mage, now the timeisright. Eyes kept closed will open.”
Something flickered at the corner of Martin’s sight. By the time he turned back, Dmitri was gone.
Chapter Twenty-five
Thesunrose,thesun set, and after midday, rains chased customers into the tavern, where they enjoyed pints until the downpour abated. Still, no sign of Martin.
What could Peter expect? The man’s mannerisms and speech marked him of the high city for all his plain clothes. Surely a lowly tavern serving working folks’ fare couldn’t hold much appeal over time.
“He says he’s from a village north of the city,” Addie had said.
“North of the city” wasn’t a good description, with E’Skaara being a southern port.
Peter closed his eyes, recalling the boy who’d shared his bunk. If this man was indeed the boy he’d rescued, with whom he’d spent time on board theSeabird, Martin definitely didn’t remember.
Or pretended not to. Peter would keep his suspicions to himself—for now. See what game Martin might be playing. And how dangerous.
After all, he’d known Arkenn less than two sevendays, with one of them in pain and healing most of those days. But, then again, maybe Martin had better things to think of than a skinny, sun-browned pirate lad.
Longing not to be alone in the world could also create delusions. One of Da’s crew spent two seasons stranded on a small island. When rescued, he swore a beautiful woman lived there with him. The crew searched the whole island but found no sign of anyone else.
Besides, Martin was much stockier of build than Arkenn. Though they shared similar eyes and hair, Arkenn likely left the city seasons ago. And wouldn’t any mountain-bred men share similar traits, like the native E’Skaarans favored each other? Arkenn also spoke with a lilting mountaineer accent.
Even if Martin wasn’t Arkenn, he still wouldn’t pay someone like Peter any attention.
And why would he? You’re a pirate’s son and tavernkeeper. Nothing.
Still, night after night, Peter watched and waited, hope dying more with each passing eve. Maybe Martin really was from a farming village north of the city. How often before had Peter sworn he’d spotted Arkenn, only to be disappointed?
“I’ll close, Addie. You run along home.”
Addie folded her apron, flashing Peter a smile. “Are you running me off?”
“No? Why would I do that?” Why was the meddlesome woman grinning?
“I think you’re about to have company.” With a giggle and a wave, she bid Peter good night and slipped out the door, which she left open.
Had Addie lost her mind? Peter crossed the room, intent on blocking the eve chill. A shadow fell over the doorway. “I’m sorry, we’re clo—” The ability to speak fled Peter’s mind when the shadow stepped into the light.
“If I promise to help you clean, will you share a pint and a game of cards?” Martin pulled off black gloves and pushed back the hood of his cloak.
Martin. Dressed in black from head to toe, firelight washing over his high cheekbones and uncertain smile. For a moment, they merely stared at each other.
Peter shook himself out of the spell. “I’m nearly finished, and how could I say no to the savior of my customers?” Stupid, stupid. Why couldn’t he think of something better to say? Why was forming words into coherent sentences so hard?
Wait. Had this vision asked a question? Oh, yes. Right. “I can do that.” Peter hurried over to the bar, returning with two pints of his best. Thank the Father the pints hadn’t come of their own volition when Martin or anyone else might see. More and more, lately, Peter had to hide unexplained occurrences.
Martin sat at the table, shuffling a deck of worn cards with nimble fingers while staring at the dying fire. Without looking at the deck, he dealt their hands. Peter took the opposite chair.
Oh, nice selection. Peter added the points, spreading his cards on the table.
They both drew one final card to place on top of the others.
The lovers and the joined souls.
