Page 72 of Blood of the Stars

“That’s not an answer.”

She huffed, pushing past him on the path back to the beach. “It would be if you were listening. And until you truly listen, it’s all you will get..”

He ran after her like a child chasing his mother. But he didn’t care how desperate he looked. “How do you expect me to follow your directions if you’re not willing to give me context?”

She glanced over her shoulder, her expression mildly amused. “The same way you expect your men to blindly follow you.”

He caught up to her, but her words were too much an echo of Larkos’ for Gaeren to feel like they were still having the same conversation. “It takes time to build that trust.”

“Time.” She snorted, the closest thing he’d heard to a laugh from her. “More like money, which is still symbolic of our working relationship. Only I’m delivering you the location of the person or thing you’re chasing. Whichever it is you want, it will be at the end of this journey.”

They’d nearly reached the rowboat where the others, even Gullet, had already settled in, but Gaeren still didn’t have answers.

“And if it’s not?”

She turned and raised an eyebrow at him. “It will be.”

Without warning, she plucked a handful of red leaves from a nearby plant, then grabbed Gaeren’s wrist, placing the leaves in his open palm. He automatically shut his hand around them before they could fall.

“Red bush leaves. They make a fantastic tea.” She smiled, then turned her back and joined the men by the rowboat.

Gaeren’s words to Enla came back to him, plans to bring back red bush tea for their mother. Did Orra expect this offering to somehow put her more in his favor? Or was it some sort of warning that she knew far more than any one person should? Still, he grabbed more of the leaves, stuffing his pockets to the brim.

No one spoke as they rowed through the choppy waves back toward Starspeed, probably because Gaeren couldn’t keep a scowl off his face. Traveling to Valorian would be worth it if they found Aeliana, but if not, Orra would probably spit in the wind and say they had to take the Darkwater currents down to Andel.

Enla would be furious if he didn’t make it back before the dignitaries arrived.

His bad mood stayed with him even as he gave the command to turn and set sail for Valorian. Several of the men whooped and hollered, as the town was known for its bawdy taverns.

“What did you find on the island?” Larkos asked, leaning against the bulkhead while Gaeren steered.

“Nothing.” He spat the word out, his glare still resting on Orra, who perched on the bow as if willing the boat forward. He rested a hand on his dagger, rubbing the daisy on its pommel.

“There must have been something if we’re moving on to Valorian. Especially with high winds. It’s going to be a nasty one.”

Gaeren pressed his lips together, irritated that Orra’s unwillingness to speak was only serving to make him look like more of a fool.

The door to the captain’s quarters opened, saving him from having to answer.

Lenda’s pale face peeked out. Her brow furrowed in confusion as they sailed south from Bamboo Island.

Larkos’ cackle raked on Gaeren’s nerves.

“I’ll take the wheel so you can deliver the bad news to your bondmate.”

CHAPTER 29

Taking the ferry down to Valorian brought on a new form of torture for Aeliana. Sylmar had her alternate running through the properties of the Wheel of Magic and attempting to push energy to those around her, all while keeping her hair and face hidden under her hood. By the time they reached the Valorian docks she was nearly falling asleep on her feet.

In the distance, the Sungazer and city proper lit up with torch light, but Sylmar had them set up camp in the woods between the docks and the heart of Valorian. Holm, Iris, and Velden went into town to buy horses among other supplies. Iris even promised to find Aeliana a skirt, though she swore it wasn’t fashionable or practical unless you were nobility. Even though a light rain fell, the group left in high spirits, knowing the days ahead would be easier on horseback.

Aeliana ached to lie down for the night, but Sylmar had other plans.

“Flame requires more than heat,” he said. They sat beside each other, staring at the sticks Cyrus and Lukai had gathered. “There needs to be a spark. And that spark can come from you.”

Aeliana glanced over at Lukai, who had remained at Kendalyhn’s side almost constantly since Aeliana…well, since Aeliana had nearly killed the other woman. Kendalyhn was finally strong enough to assist in setting up camp, so she and Lukai had laid out all the bedrolls. Now, Lukai ran a finger over Kendalyhn’s arm, assessing her recovery.

Kendalyhn had hardly spoken to Aeliana since that night, and Aeliana couldn’t blame her. According to Lukai, Kendalyhn’s burns had run far deeper than those Cyrus had received from the dragon’s fire. It was almost like she’d been burned from the inside out. Aeliana shuddered, the motion only highlighting the way her body felt feverish and bloated with her blood’s energy.

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