“He has something I need.”
“Another souvenir, like the monocular?”
“You could call it that.”
Balthezar huffed. “Then I will warn you that a lock of hair and a sample of blood will not be enough, no matter what it is.” His gaze skimmed Astraea head to toe, and I was close to plucking his eyes out of his head. “He’ll want all of her.”
My jaw tightened. “We can handle him.”
“He’s a powerful man. He hasn’t lived beyond a human lifespan and kept hold of the richest empire by being so easily thwarted. There are those who believe he is a gold-touched god because his fingers appear bathed in the metal… If he sets his sights on the Maiden, he will try to collect her.”
“A starlight matter enhancement could achieve the gold skin effect.”
“Agreed, but there is power in faith and legends. And there are many about Vermont that make the people believe he is someone sacred. As much as you will be tempted to approach with violence, and you’re powerful enough to challenge him, I would caution against it. Vermont is as worshiped as the star-maiden by the people of Volanis.”
I said, “Then I’ll cut him down and make them see Astraea is the one and onlytruegod to walk among them.”
“I’m sure you could, but exercise caution, Rainyte, for her sake. She needs all the alliances she can get, and a nationforcedto bow before her will always remember.”
I would have to keep my impulses under control for her. Something told me that being around Vermont was going to be an incredible test of my restraint.
“Will you need passage back to the mainland?” Balthezar asked.
“No.”
“I saw your dragon. Is it true there are others?”
I cast him a deliberating look. “Yes.”
Balthezar said nothing more about it. He stood, indicating with a hand to Brody, who came to his side with the silent request.
“We should dock in a few hours. You’ll be safe from potential pirate attacks here.”
“You trust us alone in the place that holds all your treasure?”
Balthezar lay a hand on Brody’s shoulder, giving the boy a seconds-long fond look.
“I think you of all people know our greatest treasures are people, not items.”
36Astraea
Stepping off theSilver Sparrowwas like crossing realms, not seas. The temperature was far more pleasant. Warm, even. The weather aside, I was taken by the breathtaking spectacle of wide white buildings in the distance, with circular roofs, which crowned in the middle.
The buildings and arches we had passed so far had been pristine, mostly white architecture with accents of gold. The mountains, which didn’t peak quite as sharp as those on the mainland, must be volcanic, like I’d read about. This kingdom appeared so somber in our eternal night, but I could picture how brilliant it would shine with the daylight.
Nyte and I observed the bright streets from a dark alley, quickly realizing how out of place we would look when we were clad in dark, thick clothing while the people here wore beiges and golds and lighter pastel colors.
Glancing back the way we came, I could just make out the harbor where theSilver Sparrowwas docked.
“Do you think we’ll run into Balthezar and his son again?” I asked hopefully. We hadn’t had the chance to say goodbye.
“I hope not,” Nyte said.
“I found them charming.”
“I’m still debating going back and wiping their memory of us.”
“Please don’t,” I said. “I can’t explain it, but I trust the captain. We might need allies on the sea someday.”
