“I think this is just his way of trying to make something up to me,” I answer honestly. “He did something that he can’t take back, and I think bringing me with him is his way of showing me he wants to be better.”
“Oh.” He takes a small step back, turning his body to face me. “You two were together?”
I nearly laugh in his face until I realize he’s being serious. “Me and Ryder? Noooo.”
“I see.” He turns back to look out at the sea. “Well, from where I’m standing, I think Ryder bringing you here isn’t just because he has an agenda to earn his way back into your good graces. You know, last night when we went to meet in the other room, he told us he had a good feeling about aligning with us but that it was you we needed to convince. He told us you would have the final say, and whatever you decided is what would be.”
“What?” I nearly shout. “He said that?”
“Sure did. We have not forgotten what Damien and Danielle’s father did for us. The cost of his life is one we cannot repay, but offering our allegiance is something we can do. So, whatever you wish to know about our territories, I will tell you.”
The wind whips the loose pieces of my hair across my face as the ship picks up speed. I hadn’t even realized just how far we had made it in such a short amount of time. Zentria is almost invisible to the eye from where we are now. Something about being completely surrounded by only water is soothing. It makes me feel small in the way that looking at the stars does.Like the weight of the world isn’t on my shoulders. But as much as I would love to get lost in the wonder of it all, I have a job to do. If Ryder is putting this call in my hands, then I need to know more. It’s not enough to go on a good feeling. I’ve done that before, and it got me thrown into a cell for two months.
“Okay then,” I start. “How many fighters do you have? And how many can you fit on these ships?”
“Straight to the point. I like it,” he says with a nod. “We have about two thousand trained. The ships can carry fifteen hundred. The shapeshifters who can fly will do so, while the others stay back to watch over the territories.”
“Are you truly willing to go up against King Cimmerian? That’s no small thing we’re asking of you and your people.”
His face seems to tighten just a bit. “King Cimmerian has ruled for far too long. He’s killed many of our people over the years. If there is a fight coming his way, we want in.”
“Even if that means losing more?” I press.
“War has a cost, and so does freedom. We know this, and we accept the price.”
“We’ll do what we can to keep you out of it, but if the time comes for us to call upon you, will you answer without hesitation?”
“You have my word.” He grabs my right hand, taking a bow before sealing the promise with a kiss to the top of my hand.
“I’ve heard enough. If you’re willing to join the fight, we are welcomed to have you.”
He loops my arm through his and guides us to where the others are standing in a circle, lost in conversation. They all go quiet when we approach, as if they had been waiting for us the whole time.
“It seems we have an alliance to celebrate today,” Nio informs, looking to me instead of the others.
“We look forward to serving by your side in the days to come,” Ion says, taking Danielle’s hand in his.
I look to Ryder for him to say something, but he simply winks at me as if to say, “well done.”
“Well, I don’t know about you all, but I think a celebration calls for some bubbly.” Danielle kisses Ion on the cheek before rushing down into the ship’s interior.
A few minutes later, she comes back up with two bottles of champagne and glasses for each of us. Something about her sunny disposition and desire to celebrate reminds me of Meeka. I can only imagine the parties the two of them would’ve thrown together if she were still here.
Suddenly, I’m reminded of why we’re doing all of this. Why we’re willing to sacrifice more lives. The future we’re fighting for will be better and brighter, no doubt. I just wish freedom didn’t come at such a high cost. I don’t know war, but I know King Cimmerian, and looking around at this group of people, I can’t stop myself from recognizing the heartbreaking truth that not everyone here will make it out alive. Nothing about that fact seems worthy of a celebration.
I excuse myself and make my way to the top deck in the back. The view from the front was stunning, but the view from the highest point of the ship easily puts it to shame. The way the sun glimmers over the midnight blue water reminds me of Emeric’s dragon scales. By now I can make out the outline of the island we’re headed for. It must be Illarium.
“You okay?”
When I turned around, I wasn’t expecting to find Damien. We haven’t spoken much, and I figured he was keeping his distance from me as well.
“I just find it hard to celebrate a partnership that will end with some of us dead.” I could’ve said I was fine, but it’s Damien, and brushing him off wouldn’t do much good.
“I understand,” he says as he steps in place beside me. “Some people find comfort in living for the now, though. There will be plenty of days to mourn the losses that are sure to come. Today doesn’t have to be one of them.”
His words touch me deeply. If I don’t learn to appreciate the good moments while they’re here, then what is the point of even living? I had two months’ worth of dark days in the dungeons, dreaming of living a day like today. I shouldn’t waste it away imagining things that have yet to happen.
“You’re right,” I agree with an exhale. “Death made you wise.”
