The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea - Kerrelyn Sparks Page 0,9

still flustered. How had half a day passed by unnoticed? And why had her imaginings seemed so real? She drank some wine to get rid of the sting of hot ash in her throat.

“How the hell did you read this thing?” Nevis asked. “I can’t make out a single word.”

“It’s an ancient form of Eberoni.” She glanced over her shoulder and smiled. “Plus, you’re looking at it upside down.”

“Oh.” He turned the book around to face him.

He was still standing there, staring at it, when she set her cup and plate down and took a seat.

She sipped more wine. “Is it making sense now?”

“No.” He gave her a wary look as he sat down. “Not at all.”

She popped a grape in her mouth. “Don’t let it concern you. I grew up learning all about languages at the convent. No doubt your education focused on weaponry and military tactics.”

He snorted. “Is that your polite way of saying I’m an idiot?”

“No!” She chuckled, but her laughter faded away when he kept staring at her strangely. “What is it?”

“I’m actually well educated. Leo and I grew up together and shared a tutor.” He motioned to the book. “I could study that for a year and it would still be gibberish.”

She shrugged. “I guess I’m good with languages.”

“You communicate with seals, don’t you?”

“Yes.”

“How?” He leaned forward. “Did you find a book titled The Idiot’s Guide to the Language of Seals? I’d like to see it. It would be perfect for me.”

She gave him a wry look as she bit off some roast beef. Maybe this wasn’t a good time to admit she could talk to most of the sea creatures. “I’ve been able to do it for as long as I can remember, so it never felt strange to me. In fact, the real shock came when I realized that no one else could do it. It’s part of my Embraced gift, I suppose.”

“Right.” He tapped the old book. “I think there’s more to your gift than you realize.”

She swallowed hard. Was there some sort of connection between the old book and her gift? Was that why she was so drawn to the ancient legend?

Nevis stuffed a small loaf of bread with roast beef. “So, what’s the plan?”

“Excuse me?”

“You’re looking for the Embraced army, right?” He bit into his sandwich. “And Brody, too. You have an idea where he is?”

Maeve sighed. “I’m not sure yet, but one thing is certain. You’re definitely not an idiot.”

* * *

By the time Brody finished his flight to the Isle of Mist, he was utterly exhausted. He hit the beach with a clumsy landing, then rolled as he shifted from eagle form back into his human body. Damn it to hell but his arms and shoulders were aching. Breathing heavily, he sprawled onto his back.

For close to two months now, he’d spent his days in flight, searching in vain for any sign of a hidden army. At night, he’d scrounged about as a dog in search of food. There had been a few minutes each day when he’d been forced to return to his human form, not that it had helped matters. He’d learned the hard way that men from any country did not appreciate a stranger sauntering into their village naked. Women were much more openminded about it, but that only irritated the men more. Sometimes, it was simply safer to remain a dog.

And now he lay on this secluded beach. Muscles aching. Stomach empty. Full circle, he thought. How many years had it been since he’d washed up on this beach naked, starved, and exhausted? Four—no, fifteen years ago. And he’d been more than exhausted. He’d been terrified. Distraught. Devastated.

With a groan, he sat up and gazed out at the ocean. The old feelings of guilt still needled him, even though now, as an adult, he understood that there had been no way a ten-year-old could have saved his father and older brother from drowning in the middle of the ocean.

Brody closed his eyes briefly to stop the horrific memories from playing out in his mind. There was nothing he could have done differently. He would have perished, too, if he hadn’t been able to shift into a seal.

He’d barely made it here to this beach. After shifting back into human form, he had lain here, broken in body and spirit. How could he wish for life after seeing his father and brother drown? The entire crew had died, their bodies floating amidst the wreckage of