Oryen straightened. “That’s the call.”
They moved to their boat, waiting for the order to board. Across the bank, the High Council took their seats. Her father passed her a tight smile. Kara was relieved to see the Durent delegate from Team One approach his own boat, fully healed. He was in company with a dark-haired Lyran girl, both with matching looks of determination. Thomelwalked behind the pair, his gaze fixed on the ground. Henry and the rest of his team followed behind.
Don’t bow. Please don’t bow. God of Air, if you’re listening–
Her expression must have betrayed her because Sebastian was already watching her, chuckling to himself.
“Heads up, Lady Hale,” he said under his breath. “Your loyal knight approaches. Might want to curtsy.”
Kara shot him a glare. “Keep talking, Thorne, and I’ll push you overboard.”
He huffed a laugh. “I’d like to see you try.”
A hush fell amongst the crowd as the Fatàn judge got to her feet.
“Water is your next trial. A race. But be warned, this river is fast flowing and holds challenges you do not yet know,” the judge explained. “The first team to return will score the highest. You may board your vessels.”
The longboats each had one seat at the front for the rudder and six oars, three on each side. Naturally, Jax took the helm as the others filed in.
“Sebastian, swap sides with Morra – balance the weight,” he instructed, clearly in his element. Sebastian obeyed without question, taking the position behind Kara. She half expected some quip or sarcastic comment but none came. Just steely focus. Gregor, Sienna, and Morra were now on the right; Kara, Sebastian, and Oryen on the left.
Jax gave a sharp nod of approval. “Right. Grab your oars. Plant your feet. Tight grip. Be ready.”
Kara took hold of her oar, hearing the others do the same around her.
It was Lord Elias Lyra who rose from his Council seat this time, cloaked all in violet, his long blonde hair falling loose around his kind face. “When I raise this torch,” he said, gesturing to the flame he held, “you may begin.”
The river surged beneath them. Kara gripped her oar tighter. With one smooth motion, Elias raised it high.
And they were off.
Their oars hit the water with an almighty splash, Jax calling the strokes. “Row. One. Two.”
They held their own at first, but fatigue set in quickly. The boat pulled right – Gregor’s strokes too deep, Oryen out of rhythm. The effect was chaotic.
“We’re listing to the right,” Jax called, pulling sharply to adjust the rudder. “Left side – match rhythm!”
“I am,” growled Sebastian. His strokes found a smooth, even pace, but the rest couldn’t keep in step.
“Gregor, row through the water,” Jax snapped. “You’re not angry with it!”
Gregor grunted and attempted to soften his rowing but it had little effect. One boat surged ahead – Alys and Henry’s. Kara groaned inwardly. Of course they were in front. The race was already spreading them out. And they were stuck in the middle. The river widened – then split, presenting a choice they had to make in an instant. To the left, it flowed slower, its banks covered in mist; to the right, a narrow path churning with white-water and jagged rocks.
“Which way?!” Kara shouted.
“Cut left!” Jax called, voice cutting through the wind. “We could moor on those rocks!”
But Gregor was still pulling too hard on his side. The current grabbed them and dragged them right – straight into the narrow path. Fast. Uncontrolled.
We’re going to sink the boat.
Jax’s hands glowed a deep-blue, trying to calm the waters.
Then–
CRACK.
The boat had hit hard against a jagged rock on the starboard side. The impact jolted Kara sideways. Jax swore, yanking the rudder to the left. Sienna slammed into Gregor’s shoulder with a sharp yelp. Oryen lost his oar entirely – it fell into the water with a loud splash. Sienna screamed, and Gregor pulled her back from the edge. Morra was gone – dragged under in an instant, the river swallowing her whole. Another wave slammed against the hull, throwing all but Jax backwards. His hands glowed brighter. Sebastian struggled to his feet and launched himself off the side in one fluid motion, before another wave could throw him over.
