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Nevin wrinkled his nose. “There’s naught but mushies to eat here, so ya know.”
“We’ll live,” I said.
“Maybe.” Keane narrowed his eyes. “Look. I dunno what you’re playing at, but I’ll pretend to believe you. Tell us where you roped it and we’ll leave this whole place to the two of you,” said Keane, gesturing at the cave walls.
I swallowed. I’d have to take a gamble, but I’d seen the boat well enough to guess where it might be. “Northwest edge, where the shore makes a sharp turn.”
“And if it ain’t there?” asked Keane.
“We need water,” I said. “Point us to that and you’ll know where to find us.”
Keane pointed at the ceiling.
I looked up, seeing nothing but darkness.
He laughed. “No, no, the mountain. Out, then up. Can’t miss it.”
Graham stood, pulling me by the hand.
“Lower your spears, men. And get moving,” said Keane. He took a short branch from the ground, lit it with the flame from the wall’s torches, and handed it to me. “You’ll be needin’ this.”
I accepted the torch, taken aback by the gesture. It seemed almost polite.
Graham retrieved the barrel the men had taken from him and went up the tunnel after them. I followed with Keane behind me. The dark sky appeared, and Graham stepped outside.
I stopped before exiting the tunnel and turned around, watching Keane’s face in the torchlight, wondering whether I was crazy for thinking I might be able to trust him. One weight on my conscience needed to be eased. “Listen,” I whispered. “If there’s someone at the boat, tie him up—tight—but don’t kill him.”
“You said it was just the two of you,” said Keane.
“Not exactly.” I glanced back. “But please, try not to kill him, as tempted as you’ll be.”
He lowered his voice. “I’m not quite the barbarian you think I am.” His accent sounded Cambrian now—high-ranked Cambrian. “I don’t kill every man I see.”
My mouth fell open as I realized I’d possibly found a friend in my enemy. “Trust me. It’s not you—it’s him.”
“You know, if there’s room, maybe the men would tolerate you two taggin’ along. It’s your boat after all.” He winked. “Just don’t tell ‘em I said that.”
“Thank you,” I said, though I really hoped I wouldn’t have to take him up on that offer. “You’re a good man.”
Keane cleared his throat and spoke louder. “Now that’s takin’ it too far, blondie.” He squeezed past me and left the cave, catching up to his men who ran downhill toward the northwest carrying their torches.
I emerged from the tunnel, lighting up the cliff face with my torch.
Graham was standing closer than I’d expected. He waited at the entrance, studying me curiously. He couldn’t have heard the hushed conversation, but my fears didn’t abate.
I turned my smile to an innocent one and stepped to the edge of the hill.
When the lights from the men’s torches were distant specks, Graham turned to me. “Will you please tell me what just happened? You didn’t move the boat, did you?”
I could only smile. If Cael lost his boat, we’d finally be able to get away from him. New possibilities opened up in my head and my heart.
“I have to assume you don’t actually want to be marooned on an island with me for the rest of your life,” he said.
“It won’t be so bad.”
His eyes grew wide.
“I’m kidding! Nothing could get me to stay in this hell hole. I’ll explain on the way. Let’s go.”
