Page 71 of Light and Shadow
She gapes. “What does that mean?”
I embrace her and pull her close. Cupping her head, I comb my fingers over her soft hair. “Dragon magic is complicated. They can manipulate time. That’s how Delana trapped them in time.”
“I don’t understand.”
Having her in my arms is so comfortable. It’s as if this was always meant to be. I close my eyes. “We can ask my mother about the vision when we see her. She has far more knowledge of such things.”
“Mmm…” Her breathing slow and steady she cuddles into me.
With Harper in my arms, I find peace and rest for the first time in three nights.
At first light, the entire party is awake and watching as we approach land. I’ll admit that I’m anxious to get off the ship and feel dry, solid land beneath my feet.
Since there is no port in the Gulf Uaine, we have to drop anchor and take the small boat to the rocky beach. There is some sand, but many boulders jut from the beach. Jax has fished the area and is confident about our approach. If he’s wrong, we could drown. At the very least, if we lose the boat, we’ll have a hell of a time getting back to the ship.
Bert gives the command to drop anchor, and it feels as if everyone on board sighs with relief. Still, there’s a long journey ahead, and not all of it is easy.
“What is it?” Harper stands beside me.
“I worry too much.” It’s my attempt to ease her fears.
She laughs. “I doubt that, considering what we’ve faced so far.”
“Are you sure you would not be better off staying aboard?” I know I’d feel better.
She stares me down like the warrior she is. “No. I need to use some of the skills you’ve taught me these last few days. Besides, what if the ship is attacked? Will you be comfortable not being able to reach me?”
It is difficult not to adore her quick mind and how she always thinks one or three steps ahead. “You are too clever for me, and perhaps for your own good as well.”
As she climbs over the rail and into the boat, she says, “You’re not the first person to tell me that.”
I’m not at all surprised. I hold my breath until she’s seated in the dinghy, and then I head down the rope ladder to join the party of ten who will hunt and gather for the rest of the trip up the coast.
With two oarsmen, we paddle toward land.
Bert stays aboard the ship, but Nainsi is a fine archer and comes to hunt.
As he promised, Jax directs the boat to a sandy patch of beach where we ride a wave to safety. Once the boat is secured, Cara, Dorian, and two more head into the woods to the northwest. Jax, Nainsi, Harper, Beran, Fancor, and I keep to the west and south.
This part of the world is filled with contrast. The dark sea crashes against jutting gray rocks and soft white sand. A hundred yards away stands the greenest woods I’ve ever seen. From the cliffs where Harper and I arrived at Clandunna, these woods looked as if they’d been painted into place.
Birds squawk loudly, unbothered by our presence. With no paths to follow, we push through dense underbrush until we reach the heavy canopy. It’s an old forest with gnarled roots rising above the soil. Overhead, the treetops sway in the breeze. The trunks creak and groan as if they speak to each other. Hopefully, they’re not complaining about our presence.
It’s hard enough on my legs to traverse this place. I’m wishing more than ever that Harper had stayed behind.
Without complaint, she walks carefully a few feet to my left. “I feel as if I’m still swaying with the ocean.”
Patting her arm, Fancor grins. “It will take some time to find your land legs again.” He stops, crouches, and narrows his gaze westward.
A twig snaps. I’m slightly annoyed that a dwarf heard the deer before I did. Signaling to Harper, I point. It seems a consensus to let Harper take the first kill. Everyone watches, eager to see what she can do.
She swallows, and her color grows pale and a little green. Still, she nocks her arrow, takes a firm stance, and waits.
The deer steps into view.
I whisper, “Just behind and above the front leg.”
Harper is focused, but no less gray. Sorrow and pain reflect in her eyes as she draws the bow back and releases her arrow. It flies true, and the deer drops where it stood. Tears stream down her cheeks as she walks with her head high to the kill.
