Iann holds out a hand for Chana, who is still a bit wobbly. It takes her some time but as soon as she slides over, he holds out a hand for me.
“Rolley is the only one missing,” Benny shouts, having accounted for those we planned on coming with us tonight.
“Leave him,” I reply, and watch the faces around me fall. “Trust me.”
“Morrena,” Vera whispers. I follow her gaze up the stairs.
Morrena stands on the steps with a dubious smile on her face. Her skin still appears illuminated as if it’s radiating all her power to hold the people still.
“Ariah, you need to get in.” Iann brushes my cheek and gently pushes me farther inside.
Once inside we wait for Iann, Deean, and Benny. Vera and Sky move into the final carriage with three other men from Iann’s crew.
Our carriage jolts forward and a hand slips into mine. It’s not Iann’s though. Chana holds on tight as she rests her head back.
“I’ve been on one adventure in my life. The day I was taken and transported from Ethmay to Haymel. They said it would be better here. It’s been miserable,” she says slowly. “Promise me this one will be different.”
“This will be different.” The answer doesn’t come from me, but instead, Deean who sits across from her. “That I promise you.”
She rests her head against the window and gives him a hopeful smile as our carriage charges out of the castle courtyard and down towards the town.
Most of the townspeople are stuck back in the castle, unable to move, and the rest are tucked away for the night, resulting in clear roads and little fuss as we get to the docks.
Across from me, I lock eyes with Iann, who, despite the situation, looks to be wrapped in joy.
The last words he spoke to me before Morrena froze him play endlessly in my head.
There is an uneasiness about feeling this way so soon, but I can’t deny there is something between us, something I would like to explore more of. There is hope in him. A hope that I’ve never known, and I both fear and crave it.
We reach the docks where a burly captain is waiting for us.
“Right on time,” he says, pulling a pipe from his mouth. “I appreciate folks who respect time.
“This is for you.” Benny hands him a sack, which I assume is payment. “Everyone, meet Captain Sallen. He and his crew will be working with us.”
“Punctuality and payment. My two favorite things.” He tips a hat and allows us to board the ship.
“Nice necklace,” Deean mumbles as he makes his way on.
“Keep moving,” Iann says. I look back, but he only shrugs. “I’ll tell you about it later.”
Once everyone is on deck, we watch Sallen’s crew prepare for departure. I only count six crew members and expected more, but as long as they can get us away from here, who am I to complain.
It isn’t long before the ship drifts farther and farther from the dock and floats closer into the awaiting darkness.
29
ARIAH
“Iwant to go back!” I shout, before hurling chunks of bread and something red out of my mouth and nose.
What did I eat that was red? Thinking over breakfast this morning I vaguely remember a bowl of fruit and the sweet strawberries in the blend. While they tasted heavenly going down they’re wretched coming up.
Hands gather my curls and while I try to push him away, Iann doesn’t leave.
I’m not the only one seasick. I hear Chana throwing up as well, but since she’s been unconscious for a few days, hers is straight bile. Hearing it splatter on the wood only makes me sicker.
“Iann, go. I’ll be done soon.” I try pushing him away but I’m too weak to move him.
