“So I heard. They intend to meet the warlord.” Admiral Rimba presses the bundle of mint into the side of his cheek, but it does not impede his speech. “And you’d like for us to alter our destination from Iresh to Vanhi.”
“I would,” I reply, relieved one person in Lestari understands military strategy.
The admiral waves me over to the map at the other end of the console. “Datu Bulan agrees. He sent orders for me to lead the fleet up the River Ninsar. The river goes around the Bhavya Desert and connects here, to the River Nammu, which flows into Vanhi. The passage narrows, so we must sail single file, but we should fit.”
“Should?”
“Our navy has never voyaged that far inland.”
The odds continue to stand against us. “How long until you reach Vanhi?”
He weighs my question before replying. “We have enough Aquifiers to propel us there in seven days. The reverse journey is six. Pushing upriver against the current will slow us.”
The demon rajah is estimated to arrive in Vanhi within six days, but I do not press the admiral. He and his men realize our urgency and will do their best. I point to the section of the map where the two rivers meet. “My party and I will meet you here. How long do we have?”
“About four days. If you aren’t there when we sail by, we will continue on without you.”
“We’ll be there.”
Admiral Rimba pushes a pin into the map at the cross section of rivers. The finality of our arrangement bores into me. I must find Brac and meet the admiral’s fleet on time, or we will be on our own.
Natesa and Rohan wait in the garden near the wing flyer. Yatin stands off to the side, frowning up at the sky. One would think airsickness afflicts him instead of me. I am already ill in anticipation of our flight.
Yatin and Natesa have changed into sturdier travel clothes. Natesa traded her skirt for Princess Gemi’s favored attire, loose trousers. They also brought supply packs for themselves and Rohan, and one for me. My mother and Ambassador Chitt stand off to the side, come to say good-bye.
Tears shine in Mother’s eyes. “Be careful.”
“I will.” I draw her in close. She smells of hookah smoke and jasmine.
“Love you, Deven,” Mother whispers.
Emotions crowd my voice. I manage a nod, and she moves on to bid farewell to the others.
Ambassador Chitt saunters over, his hands clasped solemnly behind him. “I heard about Prince Ashwin’s plans. He sent word to the warlord, but he isn’t waiting for a reply. He, the kindred, and a small group of guards are flying to Samiya. He asked me to go with them and help negotiate.”
Chitt has closer ties to Hastin than we do. The warlord once served with Kishan, Kali’s father, as well. “Do you think Hastin will unite with the empire?”
“Difficult to say. Hastin has always been unpredictable.”