Page 43 of Sun, Moon & Shadow

“It’s a fine day for a sea voyage,” Thorn said blandly, looking down his nose at Nova. Clearly, she’d failed to endear herself to the Noble Lord during her short stay in his Court. He turned to Callan, gripping his shoulder.

Liv approached, her blond hair and red robe billowing in the breeze.

“Remember my words, Nova. There is something truly remarkable about you.”

Nova bowed her head briefly and boarded the vessel, making her way to a wooden bench at the stern.

Callan dropped onto the deck shortly after and freed the lines. Several hands on the dock shoved the boat forward over the water’s choppy surface as Callan took his place at the base of the mast. A moment later, he shouted a command, and the sailors slid the oars through the hull, rowing in time with one another and propelling the ship across the cove.

Nova glanced back at the shore once they reached the open sea, the fishing village reduced to a speck on the horizon. The sailors pulled the oars inside, and Arik helped Callan raise the sail. The dark blue fabric unfurled and caught the wind, carrying them farther out to sea.

Callan joined her at the stern to monitor the tiller and keep the ship on course. With the wind blowing from directly behind them, the raised stern buffered them from the breeze. He motioned for her to slide down the bench toward him. When she was close, he positioned her so she sat with her back to him, gathered her hair in his hands, and braided it, securing the end with a leather cord.

“You’ll be glad your hair is tied back if the wind picks up,” he said.

“Where did you learn to braid?” she asked, twirling the end of her hair around her index finger.

“We’re taught as younglings. Warriors often braid their hair before battle or for special ceremonies,” he explained, readjusting his cloak. “Who did you think braided my hair for Hayer?”

Nova shrugged, and he smiled, turning his attention to the horizon.

The daylight hours passed uneventfully with clear skies and favorable winds. The sailors busied themselves with card games and twirling daggers. Everyone shared a meal of bread, smoked meat, and ale as the sun began to sink toward the horizon.

Nova leaned over the side of the ship, staring into the choppy water gone murky in the growing dusk. She dangled her arm overboard, the cold spray of saltwater misting her sleeve as she tried to dip her fingers into the sea.

An unfamiliar voice, deep and rich, came from behind her. “Careful you don’t fall in.”

She turned her head to find Arik, the solid height of him towering over her like a marble statue.

“Our legends tell of Laika, a great sea beast that roams the ocean. She shipwrecks those who fail to make an offering in exchange for safe passage.” Nova had never heard the legend. She gathered he was teasing, trying to frighten her.

“What sort of offering?” she asked, rising to stand beside him. She craned her neck to meet his dark eyes.

Arik shrugged. “A blood sacrifice. A goat, perhaps.” He grinned at her, his teeth standing out against his dark skin in the fading light. “But some gold or jewels might do the trick.”

Nova brought her hands to her face, running her fingers over the earrings from Fawn. They were silver, but the pale stones were lovely and seemed to glow faintly. She removed them with some hesitation and held her hand over the side of the boat, closing her eyes.

“Laika, please accept this offering in exchange for our safe journey,” she murmured solemnly. She tipped her cupped palm, and the earrings dropped with a plunk, sinking into the seemingly endless depths below. Arik nodded in approval.

Callan’s voice carried on the wind, drawing Nova’s attention. He stood at the bow with one of the sailors, gesturing at the sky and the empty horizon sprawled out before them. She noted that several of the crew appeared to be keeping a watchful eye on him. It suddenly occurred to her that perhaps she should have been keeping a wary eye on the crew.

“Do they not trust him?”

Arik followed her gaze, then leaned forward, resting his elbows on the rail.

“Many who don’t know him, fear him,” he said, voice quiet.

A laugh nearly passed her lips, but his expression had grown serious.

“Why should anyone fear Callan?” she asked, leaning forward and extending her hand toward the water once again.

Arik shot a quick glance to where Callan stood, still occupied.

“Has he told you of his parents’ deaths?” he asked, his voice barely audible over the sound of the vessel cutting through the waves.

Nova nodded. Arik tapped his thumbs together a few times before continuing.

“When Omen of Raven’s Isle murdered his own father and brother, he became a threat to the authority of the Aemorian Council.”