Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 93948 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 313(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93948 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 313(@300wpm)
Even now, as I fight to maintain the image of the phantom Audacity, sailing so far away that I can barely make it out, I’m aware that I’m replaceable. I have been since the moment I was born, first to my family and then to the rebellion. It’s strange something that stung so sharply with one situation is almost comforting in the other. I chose to follow Siobhan. That’s the difference.
The duplicate Audacity is far in the distance now, reaching the edge of my range. I grit my teeth and pour more magic into the glamour. I can see the ships following it, phantom shapes in the fog. “Just a little longer…”
A soft breeze, warm and deeply unlike the wind lashing at my face and hair, caresses the shell of my ear. “Bastian, you can release the glamour now.”
“Okay.” I let it go with a whoosh that slams into me and has my knees knocking together. Every muscle feels strangely liquid, my bones brittle, my head swimming in a way that has nothing to do with the violent rocking of the ship. I cling to the edge of the crow’s nest, determined to keep my feet. If I go down now, I’m not sure I’ll be able to get back up again. Siobhan has enough to worry about taking care of Nox without adding taking care of me to the equation.
I glance down at the deck, my gaze instantly drawn to the woman in question. She stands tall and strong, cradling Nox in her arms. Nox looks so damn small, and the care Siobhan takes with them, holding them close even as she speaks with Poet, makes my chest ache. I’ve held Nox like that, too, what feels like a lifetime ago.
I’m a greedy, unforgivable bastard. No matter how much I love Siobhan, I cannot fully exorcize my love for Nox. Even going without seeing them for fourteen years, that emotion never went away. I’ve heard all the stories of their exploits, how they worked their way up through Hedd’s crew until they became quartermaster, about everything they’ve done since becoming captain. They were already impressive when we were young and foolish and filled with so many dreams that the world was eager to crush. Now they’re on another level entirely.
An invisible massive hand wraps itself around my waist. Before I realize what’s happening, I’m lifted neatly out of the crow’s nest and brought down to the deck next to Siobhan. The moment I touch down, my knees truly do give out, and I collapse at her feet. I catch sight of a haggard-looking Bowen on the upper deck. He nods to me and then allows Evelyn to guide him down the stairs to the hatch where the crew’s quarters lay.
Our sails are filled with so much air that the masts’ creaks can be heard even over the wailing of the wind. It sounds like the screams of lost souls, if I believed that sort of thing. I don’t know that I do. Death is one giant unknown, and while various islands in Threshold have different cultural and religious beliefs, I’ve always found the mystery to be more attractive than answers. I rub my hand over my face. “How is Nox?”
“Unconscious, but they were running their mouth before they passed out, so I suspect they’ll be fine.” Siobhan shifts Nox into a singular muscular arm and holds out a hand to pull me to my feet. She puts a little too much strength behind it and I actually elevate several inches before landing hard on the deck again. If she hadn’t kept hold of me, I would be right back where I started. She winces. “Sorry. I’m a little distracted, too.”
“Understandable.” Things were so much easier when we thought we might die before the end of the day. No need to have tough conversations in those circumstances. The danger hasn’t passed entirely, but it’s abated enough that we’ll probably live to see another day. A pair of crew members scramble up the rigging to the crow’s nest; they’ll keep watch for the Cŵn Annwn.
We’ve done all we can do.
Poet approaches, looking just as harried as she always seems to be. Her frustration is apparent in every word she speaks. “Take the captain to their cabin. Both of you stay there with them and ensure they get their rest and manage some food when they wake up. Keep off the deck in the meantime. You look like you’re about to pass out, and I don’t have time to worry about one of my people tripping over you.”
Then she’s off, shouting instructions to the closest group of air-users. Siobhan and I exchange a look, and I can’t help a brittle laugh. “It’s kind of nice being treated frankly.”
“Poet certainly has a way about her.” Siobhan turns, seeming reluctant to release me, and starts toward Nox’s cabin.