Page 79 of Children of Anguish and Anarchy

He sails in on a ship triple the size of the others. Hundreds of colored shields glisten along the ship’s sides, making it look like the scales of amagnificent ryder. The ship’s many sails flicker in gold, decorated with images of Baldyr’s golden mask.

Jörah’s lips part at the fortress that floats in the ocean. The mighty vessel moves through the water like one of the Skulls’ axes, cutting through the very seas. Its multiple levels burn with the torchlights of an army. A carving of a man made of thunderclouds serves as the ship’s figurehead, sculpted out of their crimson bloodmetal.

At the arrival of their king, the Skulls on the beach end their debauchery. Men who were passed out in the sands now stand at attention. Others stumble out from their tents. Everyone rushes to re-don their masks.

When Baldyr’s ship docks, a creaking drawbridge falls into the sand.

Every Skull takes a knee as King Baldyr appears.

You.

King Baldyr stands at the head of the drawbridge, bare chested and head raised. His presence is like a whip cracking through the air. He commands power over his men with a simple look.

As he walks, the majacite crown burns through my skin. The scent of mead fills my nostrils. Suddenly, I’m locked back in the Silver Skull’s quarters, fighting to get away from him.

“That’s him,” I say.

“You are sure?” Jörah asks. “Even with the mask?”

I can’t explain that I will never be able to forget the shift of Baldyr’s gait. The slant of the black runes carved into his fair skin.

“I’m sure.” I nod.

King Baldyr makes his way down the ramp. His heavy boots thunder with every step. Blood drips from his large hands. I pray it’s not the blood of any captured maji.

Baldyr convenes with a few Skulls on the sands, exchanging words we can’t hear. With a torch, he moves into the forest. His torchlightdisappears down a dirt trail, heading for a cave on the far side of the island.

Jörah pulls a black mask over his head, and gathers his best men.

I brace myself as he gives the final command.

“Move in.”

CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

TZAIN

MAE’E’S VIDEIRA HURTLES THROUGHthe thrashing seas. I brace myself as we sail. The future hierophant does the work of at least two of her weavers. Her muscles strain as she commands the wild vines.

A ribbon of light cascades across the stars. They glimmer above our heads as we sail under the crescent moon. I stare up at each twinkling dot, fighting to stay calm.

I know Mae’e carries us as fast as she can, but every second that passes fills me with dread. King Baldyr lies ahead.

I have to reach Zélie before he does.

“Are you sure it’s this way?” Inan shouts over the roar of the whipping winds.

“Our vines have a signature,” Mae’e calls back. “It’s like a heartbeat in my ears. The videiras they sailed are near.”

I’m coming, I think to Zélie’s spirit. I pray she can feel me, even this far away. All the emotions I felt on the Skulls’ ship rush forward again. I can’t believe how close she is to falling back into their hands.

I grip the hilt of my axe. Holding it now, I can’t help but think of how the Lâminas fight. All their strength comes from within, from their sparring prowess to the very weapons they pull from their skin.

I still hate the way the Skull’s axe feels in my hand. I know all it willtake is my blood for the weapon to reawaken the monster I became on that ship. Yet I don’t know what choice I have.

To save my sister, I have to do whatever it takes.

“We’re here.” Mae’e lets her hands rest. The whipping vines of the videira fall into the sea as we drift before an island chain.

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