Page 83 of The Eye of the Fifth
‘From who?’
‘His parents.’
???
Shivering on the bank of Nythanor’s fishing port, Kyra watched theThilenepull into the harbour through a narrow gap in the Frozen Tides. Seawater sloshed over the ice on either side of the little ship.
‘Ah, the cheerful Captain Damar approaches,’ Kyra said through chattering teeth. ‘You know, despite spending most of the time throwing up, I actually liked sailing on his ship.’
Naal shot her a sideways glance. ‘Was it the Captain that ultimately made it a pleasant journey, or his handsome quartermaster?’
‘Kawai?’ Kyra said, surprised and a little abashed. ‘He was handsome? I didn’t notice anything past the incessant winking.’
‘Mmm,’ was all Naal replied. As the ship pulled through the morning mist settled over the frozen tides, she performed a swift movement with her hands in the air above her head, rendering her great wings invisible.
‘Surely Captain Damar has figured out who you are by now?’ Kyra said incredulously. ‘I’m sure he wouldn’t pick just anyone up from the Frozen Tides.’
‘I’m almost certain he has,’ Naal agreed. ‘But I pay him well for his discretion. With me, Kyra.’ Pulling her hood over her head, she led the way up the gangway of the ship, Kyra following suit. Despite herself, Kyra found her gaze wandering the deck, searching for the tall Lorishman with the winking problem.
To her surprising disappointment, he was nowhere to be found.
Naal paid Captain Damar a few silvers for their passage to Loros, the captain murmuring his grievances once more at having to ferry them across the world, despite the heavy coins now weighing down his pocket.
As they pulled away from the Frozen Tides, the near-still waters below already crystallising to ice, Kyra took a glance up at the Floating Mountains once more, hoping she would see it again. At her side, Naal was doing the same.
‘Are you worried about leaving them behind?’ Kyra asked tentatively. The Sky Horse had taken them over the devastated cityagain, and Naal had stared at it until the tall, snow coated trees obscured it from view.
Kyra had the impression that Naal had been forcing herself to look.
‘I would be a fool if I did not worry,’ Naal replied. ‘But I have full faith in Maida and Nysari. I have full faith in all of them.’
Throwing caution to the wind, Kyra said, ‘Even Zuriel?’
Naal stilled ever so slightly. ‘Of course.’
‘She expected to be made Third, didn’t she?’
‘Yes…’ Naal said slowly. ‘AndIexpected my decision would be met with sour disappointment.’
‘Why didn’t you choose her?’
Whether it bothered her that Kyra was prying, Naal didn’t show it. She hesitated for a moment, as though deciding how much to reveal, but then she sighed. ‘Zuriel is… brilliant. Her loyalty to the Eternals, tome,has never wavered. But she is young. Far younger than Nysari and far less experienced. She sees her duty as absolute law, but lacks the emotional control necessary to make just, smart decisions. Her heart is true, there is no doubt about it, and she has always been so proud; proud to be my daughter, proud to be an Eternal. Too proud, perhaps, for I fear she craves the power that leadership inevitably brings. But Nysari never wanted to be Third. That is why I chose her over Zuriel. She has the strength of her father before her, and the capacity to shoulder this burden of responsibility without losing herself in the process. I hope one day, when her pride dampens and her wisdom grows with her, that Zuriel will understand that.’
‘She reminds me of my sister,’ Kyra pondered. ‘Dovella always strived to be the perfect child. To uphold the family legacy, to make our parents proud. To make Win proud. I see that same desperation in Zuriel. She craves your stamp of approval just as Dovella craves our grandmother’s. Dovehatedmy brother when he left us. I’m sure she hates me just as much now, Earth Warden or not.’
‘I met Dovella when I came to Vrethian to find you,’ Naal said with a smile. ‘She is much like your grandmother. More so than you, I believe.’
‘Yes, well… Dove always was her starchild.’
‘I find it hard to believe Winvara had a favourite amongst you.’
Kyra said darkly, ‘You can’t know her very well then.’
‘Oh, I know her better than anyone.’
‘How?’Kyra boldly pushed. ‘What happened between you? I don’t mean to be rude… but she never spoke of you. Not once. She never even mentioned that she knew the Air Warden, let alone had some sort of friendship with you.’
It was a blunt observation, and as the words left her mouth, hurt fluttered over Naal’s features.
