Kingdom of Sea and Stone (Crown of Coral and Pearl #2) - Mara Rutherford Page 0,18

can’t go back. Even if you made it, Ceren would capture you and take you back to New Castle.”

The thought made me weak in the knees, and I slid to the floor, bile burning the back of my throat. “But don’t you see? He’s taking our parents. He could throw them in the dungeon, just like he did to me. Gods, he could do even worse things.”

Zadie sank down next to me. “We don’t know that he has our parents. We have no idea what he’s planning. But we can’t stop him, not without help.” She pulled me against her, cradling my head in her lap. “You did the right thing, Nor.”

I shook my head, but she continued to shush me and stroke my hair. “All I’ve done is put everyone in danger, including you,” I said.

“You didn’t put me in danger. I chose to come.”

I glanced up at her. “But you have no idea what you’re getting yourself into.”

“I know I’m heading toward Sami, and I’m with you. I also know Mother and Father are stronger than you give them credit for.”

How could she be so calm about leaving the Varenians to face Ceren alone?

I studied my sister’s hands, browned from the sun and callused from rowing. The village had turned their backs on her, and she had managed to help take care of our family despite severe injuries. She was not the girl she’d been, I reminded myself.

And neither was I.

6

Zadie and I passed the afternoon in silence. I didn’t want to speculate on our parents’ fate and cause her more worry, and I suspected she felt the same. As the sky grew dark, I glanced up at the stars to orient myself. We were heading northeast, toward the shore. Zadie had fallen asleep, and I rose carefully so as not to wake her, then went in search of Talin.

He stood at the prow, staring into the darkness, but he glanced back at my approach.

“Are we heading to the port?” I asked, stepping up next to him. “Everyone in Ilara will be looking for us.”

He sighed heavily. “I know. But what choice do we have?”

He was right. The ship didn’t have enough supplies for a long voyage, and anyway, Talin had to get back to his mother. “Where do you plan to look for troops?”

“We’ll start in Meradin,” he said. “It’s well forested and fairly neutral territory. My father did a poor job of ensuring their loyalty, due to their proximity to shore.”

“Speaking of loyalty, where is the crew from?” I asked. One man was at the wheel, the other trimming the sail.

“I hired them at the port market.”

“Are they trustworthy?”

Talin glanced at the captain from the corner of his eye. “Only as far as they are greedy. I paid them half up front. They’ll get the rest when they deliver us safely to shore.”

I nodded and rubbed my arms to warm them against the cool night air.

“Are you cold?” He looked past me, to where Grig and Osius stood. “I have a cloak somewhere.”

“I’m fine,” I lied, not wanting to burden him more. Guilt for leaving my parents and fear for their safety soured my stomach. I glanced at Grig, who was clinging to the railing and trying valiantly not to be sick. I understood how he felt.

“We’ll get you some traveling clothes at the market, along with the rest of the supplies we’ll need,” Talin assured me as Osius approached us.

“Apologies for the interruption, but I was thinking that we’ll need to get to the horses right away.” He turned to me. “I know you can ride, but what about Zadie?”

“She can’t,” I said. “She’ll have to ride with someone else.”

Osius nodded. “She can ride with me, but we’ll need another horse, unless you’d prefer to ride with Prince Talin.”

“I think I’d prefer my own horse,” I admitted, hoping I didn’t offend Talin. “Riding double isn’t exactly comfortable.”

Osius bowed. “Of course, my lady.”

Talin and I stood in silence for several minutes, mulling over our own thoughts. “Nor,” he said finally. “I’m sorry we couldn’t take your family.” He chewed the corner of his lip, then added, “I’m sorry we couldn’t take everyone.”

I leaned back against the railing. “I know it was impossible. And my mother wouldn’t have left without Father. But I can’t help feeling like I abandoned them to a monster.”

He ran his hands through his hair in an attempt to smooth it, but he quickly realized it was hopeless and let his arms fall.