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Aria heard Perry clear his throat. Her eyes filled with tears, and he hadn’t even said anything yet.
“I’ve, uh . . . I’ve never been one for speeches,” he began. “Wish that weren’t the case right now. ” His voice was even and unhurried, like he had all the time in the world. Like he always sounded. “I want you to know that I did my best to look after you. I didn’t always succeed, but you’re not an easy group. I think that’s fair to say. You fought me sometimes. You argued with me. You expected me to be more than a simple hunter. And because of you, I became more than that. So I want to thank each of you for letting me lead you. And for the honor I’ve had of serving you. ”
That was it.
Sable came back on. “I thought that was well said, actually. Very capable, your young lord. You’ll see him again soon, when we reach the Still Blue. ”
He kept speaking, but Aria didn’t hear the rest.
Her gaze moved to the window again, and she went to it. People made way for her, clearing a path. Even Sable’s soldiers stepped aside for her. For Roar, Talon, and Brooke, who lined up beside her at the thick glass.
“There,” Brooke said, pointing. “Do you see them?”
42
PEREGRINE
The Dragonwing surged forward again, pushing Perry’s back against the sea
t and making Cinder gasp.
They passed the other Hovers in the fleet, one after another, and then there was no one left. Nothing in front of them but Aether in every direction.
“You’ll need to tell us how close you want to be,” Sable said.
Perry looked at Cinder, who bugged his eyes and shrugged.
It was such an honest reaction that Perry found himself smiling. None of them had been in this situation before; how close they should be was anyone’s guess.
Strangely, Perry felt better, his focus returning by the second. He’d said what he’d needed to say to the Tides. Now it was time for action—always where he felt surest.
The craft gave a sudden lurch that pushed him against his restraints, and then it began to shudder. The instrument panel came alive, flashing with red warning messages, and the blare of an alarm filled the cockpit with an urgent pulse.
Cinder blurted, “That’s good! We’re close enough!”
The craft slowed and then bobbed unsteadily in place. Here the ocean was even rougher, rising in huge swells. Perry estimated a distance of one hundred and fifty yards between them and the barrier. He’d have liked to fire an arrow at it. A dozen arrows. He’d have liked to be the one to pierce it and tear it down.
“Time to do what you’ve promised us, Cinder,” Sable said. “Do this, and we’ll get both of you home. Willow is waiting for you. ”
Cinder eyes had glazed over. Silent tears spilled over, rolling down his cheeks.
Perry tugged his seat restraints off and stood, knowing this was the hardest thing he’d ever have to do. He sank into his legs to keep his balance in the pitching craft and unbuckled Cinder’s restraints.
“I’m right here,” he said, holding his hand down. “It’s all right. I’m going to help you. ” Cinder’s arm shook violently as Perry helped him to his feet.
They moved into the small hold behind the cockpit together, Perry half carrying him.
The bay doors opened. Wind and spray swept inside in a violent rush. The air was cool and tasted of salt, as familiar to Perry as anything, except for the sting it carried, like bites all along his skin and over his eyes.
The wall of Aether churned and roiled ahead of him; Sable’s pilots had turned the craft parallel to it. For long moments he stared in awe, unable to look away, until he caught movement from the corner of his eyes.
Cinder was bent into a corner of the craft, his back convulsing as he retched.
“What’s happening?” Sable’s voice moved through the speakers. “I can’t see what’s happening. ”
“We need a minute,” Perry snapped.
“We don’t have a minute! Get Aria up here right now,” Sable ordered.
