Page 50 of Lhora
“Aww, gee,” Jorm playfully groused.
Chuckling, Lon ascended the steps up to the forecastle. Lhora followed, and together they watched as the ship dropped toward the waters. She observed the masts swiveling like wings as they helped to brake the frigate’s descent.
The vessel landed with a spray that washed over the bubble covering the observation deck, temporarily blinding them from their view of the port. As the ship was brought around to the landing area, she and the Vadris left the bridge and hurried below deck to the main hatchway.
As they maneuvered into place, she felt the ship bump as it came to a complete stop, and ropes latched onto the hull to secure it to the wharf. “Let me go first,” she told him.
“Don’t worry. I was going to ask you to, anyway.”
The vessel stilled, and Lhora felt her heart pounding in anticipation. If she knew her parents, there would be a small army waiting outside with their weapons at-ready in case she didn’t appear. But in the event she did, they would also be there to welcome her back.
Kalfis and two other crewmembers arrived. One of them undid the hatch to open it. The door slowly lowered as it extended outward to become a gangplank.
She smiled at the sight of nearly two dozen soldiers braced to attack. The instant they caught sight of her, their faces filled with surprise and delight. They straightened, but their weapons remained in their hands. She knew why.
“Vadris, stand beside me so they can see you don’t have a sword at my back.”
Lon casually stepped up beside her, allowing them to see that his own weapons were still on his belt.
Stepping onto the gangway, she casually crossed the spit of water separating the ship from land and stepped onto the dock. She knew her appearance was raising questions. On top of needing a bath, she wore Coltrosstian clothing that was splattered with Tra’Mellian gore.
Ahead, the soldiers parted, and she caught sight of her mother standing there, an unreadable look on her face. Lhora opened up to learn how frightened the Esstika had been. How she’d almost grieved at her daughter’s disappearance, believing she’d never see her alive again.
Unabashedly, Lhora ran forward, her arms out, and dove into her mother’s embrace. Fallmin joined them, and they held each other tightly. The soldiers politely remained silent until the family finally parted.
It was Gur Costan standing beside her father who spoke first. “Esstiss, welcome home.”
She nodded and stepped back to address her parents. “Esstika, Gur Fallmin, this is Vadris Lon. He and his men were instrumental in saving me from the Sarpi. As Esstiss, I have promised them sanctuary, and given them my word that they will be welcomed in Beinight. If it weren’t for these brave men, Coltrosstians though they be, I would not be standing here in front of you now.”
She gave her father a side eye as she placed a hand on her sword. It was their silent signal that she had something of major importance to discuss. Fallmin nodded as her mother addressed the Vadris.
“You have our eternal gratitude, Vadris Lon. If the Esstiss deems you worthy of our protection, we are happy to provide it. Let us know what you require, and it will be given.”
“We’re hungry and tired,” Lhora told her. “Can you have the kitchen staff fix us something to eat?”
“Certainly.” Kai looked past her to where more of the Vadris’s crewmen were waiting at the hatchway. “How many of you are there?”
“Thirty-two, plus four Coltrosstian prisoners and their Sarpen.”
“The Sarpen?” Costan repeated.
“He was injured when the Tra’Mell boarded our ship. He needs medical attention.”
“Are there any others requiring medical aid?” Fallmin inquired.
“A few of my men were injured, but none seriously. My physician is taking care of them.”
“What about you?” the Esstika inquired softly. She scanned her daughter’s appearance. “You are well? You were not…harmed?”
Lhora knew her father would read her emotions, but kept silent…for now. “I am well.”
“Thank the goddesses. Come.” Kai stepped back. “Vadris, tell your men we are giving them sanctuary. Gur Kurken, install them in the guest quarters where they can clean up before dinner is served. Gur Costan, take care of our prisoners. Lhora?”
“Yes, Mother.”
“My heart is rejoicing. I want to hear what happened. I need to hear it all.”
“You will. I promise.” She looked over at her father. “I’ll tell you everything.”
