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“I think you’ve had enough wine, my friend,” Djur said, a hardness to his tone.
Osatt did not hear his king or he did not care to cease speaking. “Our Veri keeps breath in our lungs. Gods would take us back to their halls long ago without our Veri. Anyone tries to take her from us, I’ll send them to the gods instead, a new slit in their throat.”
32
The Heartwalker
My grip tightened on Mira’s leg beneath the table. Silence settled over the hall.
Djur glared at his fellow mortal. Zara seemed entertained by the drunken admission, and Eeva appeared ready to hide behind the large tome she’d carried into the hall.
I leaned over the table, eyes locked on Osatt. “Is that a threat?”
Lena sighed. “Forgive Osatt. He speaks too much when ale strikes his tongue.”
“What does he mean? About her keeping you alive?” I used my head to gesture toward Eeva.
The sea witch frowned. “Eilifur is filled with powerful folk sent to do the gods’ work and bless clans of these seas. It is no surprise the gods saw fit to send Eeva to Eilifur so their lives might carry on even longer.”
I narrowed my gaze. What in the hells was she talking about?
“My wife takes a great deal of pride in our clan,” Djur said, taking another drink.
“How does she help you live?” I asked, voice sharp and harsh.
“A harvest grown under Eeva’s touch holds the gods’ power,” Parek said. “The crops keep lives long and filled with vitality.”
“Our dear Eeva is part of the gods’ plans to keep their blessed people from succumbing to the follies of mortality, illness, injury, and death,” Lena said, stiffly. “A true gift for our people. That is all Osatt meant. Eeva is our ward, but we cherish her as much more.”
The witch believed these mortals were a chosen people of the gods? It was ridiculous, but I did not have the care or time to argue. Let them think they were chosen folk. I would be off their shores by dawn.
Mira faced Eeva. “The golden garden is yours?”
“Yes.” Eeva fidgeted in her seat. “My talent takes the form of a harvest.”
“Does your magic live in the soil? Or seedlings?”
“Neither, actually. In my blood.” Eeva’s cheeks heated. “A few drops will help it all grow.”
“It’s rather incredible you can do such a thing.”
“Thank you.” Eeva tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, heat in her cheeks. “Not long after I joined Eilifur, I began growing their garden. If my harvest keeps my dear friends living through the turns with me, then it is more than an ability, it is an honor.”
“You have a sea witch for a wife. Does she not cast spells for you to live like fae?” I asked Djur.
The king drummed his fingers on the table. “Lena’s spells only work so long and do not give strength to the whole of our kingdom. Eeva’s crops bless every mortal soul in Eilifur.”
“Oh, but Lena is quite powerful as well,” Eeva said, glancing at the sea witch. “She is a wonder at warding and tracking spells. The woman can find schools of fish in the emptiest of seas.”
“Eeva.” Lena chuckled softly. “Accept a bit of praise, my girl. Our new friends have never met a Veri Ikuinen, but they know many sea witches. They’re only curious.”
Eeva pushed her spectacles up her nose again. “Right. Well, my blood is quite simple, really. Veri folk infuse good health, strength, or protection with their talents. The Veri like me, whose blood infuses in food and such—well, lifespans can be quite long if the spoils are consumed. I’m pleased to share my gifts so long as I, too, am a guest here.”
Lena smiled, her thumb rubbing the glass talisman she wore around her neck. “And we are honored to share our days with you.”
After a pause, Djur rose from his seat. “While you are our guests, you will be given a room here in the Head House. On the morrow, we’ll send you on your final journey with our gratitude for your visit.”
The feast ended with a sweet cake of sorts stuffed with more of the golden pomes. Once plucked from the branch, it seemed the brilliance faded.
