Page 85 of Blood of the Stars

“I thought you already did all that,” Riveran said.

Orra raised her eyebrows, waiting for his answer as well.

Gaeren shrugged. “I may have gotten distracted verifying Orra’s story. Can you blame me? She’s not the most forthcoming.”

Thallahan snorted, which made Breeve chuckle.

“We can pay for the horses and still be on our way before the moon’s reign,” Gaeren said.

Deep howls came from the forest, and Riveran shuddered. In the coming weeks they’d be traveling through those same trees with full-grown winex at their prime. Orra had better be right about this.

She kneeled on the dirt once more, this time like a stubborn mule waiting out its owner’s patience. “I’ll leave without you if the trail begins to fade.” She closed her eyes, hands in the dirt, and with the backdrop of her stillness, it was like the moon began to rise faster, its zenith too imminent for Gaeren to return in time.

Riveran grabbed his arm before he could turn back to Valorian. “Is En—is your sister in danger?”

Gaeren stiffened. “My sister is fine as far as I know.”

“Then who is she talking about?”

Gaeren glanced back at Orra’s strange countenance, more to avoid Riveran’s prying gaze. Why was Gaeren so desperate to keep it secret? If they found Daisy, Riveran would know. But if they didn’t find her, Gaeren couldn’t bear pity from a traitor.

“No one you need to worry about.” He yanked his arm out from Riveran’s grasp before leading Thallahan and Breeve back to town.

Gaeren let the sailors choose their own path. It was no surprise that they chose the ship, but Gaeren sensed their relief at even being given the choice. All the sailors walked a thin thread, working for the prince they were supposed to want to overthrow as Recreants. It was one thing to make voyages under his authority, but it was another to follow him through southern lands in plain sight of all their fellow Recreants, marking themselves as Loyalists even if they weren’t.

By the time they reached Starspeed, it was late enough that Gaeren only expected a skeleton crew left to guard it.

“Back so soon?”

Gaeren jumped despite his relief at Larkos’ voice. Twice in one night, he’d been foolish enough not to tune in to his surroundings. The older man stepped from the shadows where he’d been leaning against the dock’s post. A pipe rested between his fingers, and smoke billowed around his head. When he brought the pipe to his mouth, the motion drew Gaeren’s eyes to his new tattoo. The Wheel of Magic and its faded rim taunted Gaeren as a reminder of all the ways Larkos had said the world was breaking down.

According to Orra, that brokenness could be fixed.

“There’s been a change of plans,” Gaeren said. “Tomorrow morning, you’ll sail back to Elanesse without me.”

Larkos raised a brow and sucked on his pipe. One glance at Thallahan and Breeve sent them scurrying aboard Starspeed, out of earshot.

“Riveran and I will return by land. Give Enla my regrets.” Gaeren clenched his teeth before going on. “Tell her I hope to return before the dignitaries, but if not, it will be worth her wait. There are red bush leaves drying in my quarters. She can grind them up for tea leaves for our mother. Oh, and grab the Sundial shell from my shelf. I meant to help Erech find one for his sisters.” Gaeren grimaced, wishing he’d had the time to follow through on that promise himself.

Moonlight reflected off the water, making the questions in Larkos’ eyes dance. “What should I tell the men?”

“Thallahan and Breeve overheard enough to keep them talking for the entire trip back.”

Larkos grunted and let out a puff of smoke. “Are they gonna say you’re looking out for your men or for yourself?”

Gaeren tensed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You shirk your role as throne warden to your sister, but not because you think someone else has the right to step into that role. Be careful you’re not still entrenched in the way you were raised—the way they hammered the lies into your brain until they sounded like truth.” Larkos leaned forward, tapping Gaeren’s temple with his stubby fingers. “If you’re doing something that matters, Thallahan and Breeve will see that. If you’re going off on treasure hunts, well, they’ll see that too.” His words held no bite, but they still stung.

“This isn’t just about treasure hunts.” Gaeren ran a hand through his hair and stepped away from Larkos. “This decision is best for everyone. For the men, for me, for our nation.” He bit his cheek. Enla wouldn’t like it, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t the best decision for her either.

“That’s all I asked, then. Just making sure you’re looking out for the men. It matters if you want them to look out for you.” Larkos winked, unconcerned over Gaeren’s irritation. He blew smoke out the side of his mouth. “Taking the lasses with you?”

Gaeren opened his mouth to agree, thinking of Orra, then froze. “Oh, Sun’s fire. Lenda!” He spun to face the town as if he could see her beyond the town’s revelry. Gaeren doubted Orra would wait much longer. There was no chance for him to warn Lenda or send her back to the ship. “I’ll need you to send a sailor to collect her in the morning. Take her back to Elanesse.”

Larkos chuckled darkly. “You really are determined to make her hate you.”

Gaeren frowned, remembering Enla’s insistence that Lenda go with him. What had Enla seen in the paths without Lenda? Something that wasn’t good for Gaeren or for Enla’s plans for Gaeren? He shook the thought away, hating that Orra’s suggestion could make him question his sister’s motives.

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