Page 60 of Requiem of Silence

Tears welled in Yalisa’s eyes as she looked at her brother. “We met again in the refugee camp after the Elsirans took Sayya. I barely recognized him.”

Eskar gazed at his sister fondly. “Well, my face is forgettable, yours, however…”

Yalisa shook her head and lifted a thick green scarf to cover her hair. The air off the ocean was chilly, especially for Lagrimari used to a desert climate. “What are you doing here,uli?” the woman asked Zeli.

“We’re trying to get to Yaly. We… that is…” Zeli looked back to Varten, distressed.

“Seeing some of the world?” Yalisa asked conspiratorially. “I understand. It’s just what we’re doing as well.”

The ship they stood in front of was older. It appeared to be of Elsiran build, and had been well-patched. “Whose ship is this?” Varten asked.

“Won it in a bet against a drunken fisherman,” Eskar replied, looking proudly at the vessel. “Taught the man a valuable lesson about how smartgrolsactually are.”

Varten grinned. “Where are you all headed?”

“We’re not entirely sure,” Yalisa said. “We want to sail the continent, see other countries, go where the winds take us.”

“We’ve plotted out stops for fuel and supplies though,” Eskar hastened to add.

“Yes, yes, we don’t plan to be hungry ever again if we can helpit.” There was joy on Yalisa’s face, mixed in with sadness. “And what is in Yaly?”

“We want to see the Gilmerian Rumpus.” Zeli seemed almost shy to admit it. Neither Yalisa nor Eskar had heard of the Rumpus, so Zeli explained what she knew of the celebration, leaving out, of course, their desire to visit the Archives.

Yalisa’s grin grew. “That sounds like a grand adventure. Very smart to head for an event that only takes place every decade. Eskar has no love of crowds and loud noises, otherwise we might have joined you. But we can take you as far as Melbain City. We were planning that as our first stop.” She turned toward Lanar, who had thus far stayed out of the conversation. “And have you decided on a destination, Lanar-deni?”

“I believe I, too, would like to see this Rumpus. Ten years is a long time to wait for another.” His voice was somewhat stilted, his tone formal, as if he was not used to speaking often. “Would you mind if we traveled together?”

Zeli looked to Varten, who shrugged. “Not at all. Happy to have you.”

Lanar nodded gravely in acknowledgement. He had a very matter-of-fact way about him, which reminded Varten of Papa, though his papa was far more jovial.

“It’s always good to help a fellow countryman. We Lagrimari need to stick together,” Yalisa said.

Varten shifted on his feet, uncomfortable. He was half-Lagrimari, but would never be considered a countryman. “We can pay our way,” he added.

“No need,” said Eskar. “You are guests. Beloved ones at that.” He beamed at Zeli, still attached to Yalisa’s side.

“I, for one, would be interested to hear of how an Elsiran cameto speak fluent Lagrimari.” Lanar’s statement quieted the chatter. To Varten’s ears, even the volume of the docks lowered. His heart forgot to beat for a moment. He should have thought this through more.

If he told these people who he was, would they still want to help him? Or would they be afraid of drawing the ire of his sister?

“The king speaks Lagrimari fluently.” Everyone stared at him. That was, apparently, the wrong thing to say.

Lanar spoke up. “The king was able to learn Lagrimari because of the spell tied to his blood, which allowed him to awaken the Queen Who Sleeps.”

Now everyone stared at Lanar. “I-I didn’t know that,” Varten stammered.

“Few do. I wonder what is in your blood.” Lanar peered at him with eyes that looked older than his face. Though he seemed a no-nonsense sort, the deeply speculative gaze was a little unsettling.

Varten shrugged, hoping they would all just let the matter drop. Yalisa gave him a sympathetic expression. He fidgeted, feeling the scrutiny of the others upon him. When Eskar spoke, he sagged with relief. “Does anyone need anything before we pull anchor?”

“I’m ready to go when you are,” Varten said. Zeli and Lanar responded similarly.

“It’s two days to Melbain. Welcome aboard.” Eskar helped his sister climb onto the deck, and then reached out an arm to assist Zeli.

“What’s your ship called?” Varten asked, noticing a patch of fresh paint covering what must have been the former name.

“Haven’t named her yet. I wanted Yalisa to do it, but she’s been indecisive.”

---