Heart Stone Read online

  At the sound of our muffled conversation, she turned, leaping from her seat to launch herself at me.

  My arms reflexively went out, enjoying the spontaneous and joyful hug bestowed upon me. A moment earlier I’d been frozen by the winds. Now I was warm and happy.

  She pulled back, her soft eyes sparkling with pleasure as she first smiled at me, then included the guys with a small nod of her head.

  "It's wonderful to see you. It's funny, because I'm used to spending my time alone with the wolves, but I may have missed you. Strange really. Maybe I’ve gotten used to being around others. It was quiet last night, and a little lonely." The corner of her lip quirked up in a bashful smile.

  My heart swelled at her admission. I’d been worried about her when I fell asleep last night and when I’d awoken this morning. I was surprised how much I’d thought about her, considering how well I’d managed to push away my concern about my family.

  "It was weird being away from you, too." My words were soft, but even as I spoke, I knew there was more I could share.

  "What did you find out?" She moved back to the fire and picked up a small animal she'd been skinning, glancing up at me. She kept her eyes focused on the animal for the most part, but when I didn’t answer right away, she looked up again.

  I sat down beside her, watching as her graceful hands made short work of it.

  "We discovered something about the Heart Stone. It sounds like it’s related to the Soul Goblet I found on Bomrega Island. I think it's part of a ritual alluded to in the books I read earlier at Cliffside. If we can find it, I think we may be able to perform the ritual correctly this time, the one Suun had initially planned before he changed to the one he used to imprison Dag’draath."

  "Fantastic! So, where do we go next?"

  I loved the way she didn't question my theory, trusting I knew what I was talking about. It made me feel proud, somehow, knowing she thought I was every bit as capable as her in my own way.

  "See, here’s where it gets a little trickier." I was reluctant to break the mood of excitement but wanted her to have all the facts before she agreed to come. "Jarid believes it's hidden in the Northwestern Lands. We need to find a way back through the Low Forest to get there and find its hiding place."

  Her face fell. "Well, I was hoping it was closer, but that's not so bad." She turned to Will. "Can we ask Captain Baeley to fly us there?"

  He grimaced. "Depends on a few things. The first being whether she has time, and secondly, whether her ship can go there. I don't know much about how they work, except the bit about magic, but I overheard her once when she was talking to one of the deckhands saying something about how there were places she couldn't fly because the magic didn't work."

  "Really? Odd. You'd think if something was magic it would always be magic." Gwen let out an interested hum as she worked, arranging it neatly on a small rack of tree branches she'd prepared and placing it over the fire, rotisserie style.

  He shrugged, watching her movements. "I don't know. But if you want to ask her, we can head back into the city and see if she’s at the docks. We can only try, right?"

  I stared at the naked remains of the small creature, watching her give it a quarter turn. "Hopefully, you heard wrong about the magic."

  Once our bellies were full of the small animal, I helped her repack her gear and we headed back down the mountain into Starside. I was hopeful Captain Baeley would be able to help us, because otherwise, the distance we needed to travel was far, and innumerable potential obstacles stood in our way. We’d already been attacked by ur’gel in the Low Forest, and creator only knew what awaited us between here and the Northwestern Lands. I also hoped the money I’d given Will would be enough. Even with what I’d taken from Cliffside before I’d left, we were running lower on funds than I’d like, and so far, the Library hadn’t seen fit to provide any practical resources.

  It was midday when we arrived at the docks, and they were as busy as they’d been when we first met the captain. For a moment, I worried her ship was gone. An airship to my right departed, gently pushing away like a boat drifting on the water, and exposed the proud, familiar vessel behind it.

  She stood on the dock supervising the reloading and didn't immediately notice our small group. When she did, she turned and gave a cheery wave. "Ahoy there! Does this mean you'll be wanting to get back to Sunglen now?"

  Will looked at us, and when I gestured at him to speak, he turned to her and told her our intentions. “So, Rhin says she needs to get to the Northwestern Lands.”

  I waited, breath caught in my chest as her eyes widened and narrowed. I knew instantly I wasn’t going to like her answer.

  Chapter 6

  "Have you been smoking Jimsonweed? Are you high right now?" She was practically bellowing at us. It was easy to guess she wasn’t pleased with the question as her eyes bulged with disbelief.

  I couldn’t help flinching at the intensity of her reaction, not expecting the combination of confusion and anger from the otherwise stalwart captain.

  Will looked at me as if to say, "I told you so," before turning to reply in a calm, soothing voice. "I know, it's not somewhere you’d normally fly. But is there a reason why you can't? Such as the danger of the journey, or something else?"

  He tilted his head and I waited nervously as she worked to compose herself.

  "Danger isn’t something I worry about," she scoffed, bristling at the implied insult. "Have you ever seen an airship over the Low Forest? Have you?”

  I’d never thought about it before, but now she mentioned it, I realized I never had. Not like that meant much, as the first time I'd ever seen an airship up close was when Will had introduced me to her.

  "No, I haven't." I readied myself for a biting comeback but received a satisfied smile from the fierce woman instead.

  "No, you haven't. And I'll tell you why. Airships can't go over the Low Forest. We don't know why, there's no reason. They plain can't do it. Every airship crew knows this. We can go over Bruhier, and we can go over the Dragon Dominion. But not the Low Forest. If you want to get to the Northwestern Lands, you'll have to travel there by foot."

  I let out a sigh. My face must have shown my disappointment because she relented.

  "Look, I'll tell you what I can do. I can't take you all the way to the desert, because I can't fly over the Low Forest. But if you want, I’ll take you as far as the final mountain range separating the Dragon Dominion from the desert. But no further."

  "That would be very helpful." Relief made my voice crack from the strain I’d been putting on it from holding my breath. "Can you take us now?"

  She shook her head. "No, not tonight. I have some things to tie up. Morning is best for us to leave anyway, especially if we are flying over the mountains. We’ll leave at daybreak if you’re sure you want my crew to take you."

  I didn't want to chance losing her sudden change of heart, so I bit back my impatience and smiled. "That's fine. Tomorrow is fine." I paused, looking at her magnificent airship before turned back at her. Something she’d mentioned had piqued my curiosity. "You mentioned no one knows why you can't fly over the Low Forest. So how exactly does the ship run?"

  She rolled one shoulder dismissively. "No one really knows specifics. It’s all magic, but I’m sure a smart Librarian already knows that bit. The propellers, rudders, and other navigational things are similar to water ships. All I know about flight and lift is magic makes it happen. The problem with the Low Forest is whatever magic keeps us aloft seems to become completely nullified the minute we cross into it."

  Gwen stepped forward. "What do you mean, nullified? What would happen if you tried?"

  Her face became solemn. "I've only seen it once, but once was enough for me to know the limits of an airship and never attempt it myself. When I was a young ship hand, long before I had my own vessel, another shipmaster challenged my ship to a race. To the mountain range and back; a mere lark during some downtime between jobs.

  "But somethin
g happened with their steering, or perhaps a rudder or propeller, I'm still not sure." She shook her head, pressing her lips together for a moment, she paused before continuing. "We watched as it passed over the final mountain range, then instantly plummeted, free-falling straight down, where it crashed to the rocks below. We searched for survivors, but no one made it. By the time we’d landed in a safe place and trekked up to the crash site, a few hours later, all hands were lost."

  I gulped. If I'd wanted to argue, beseech, or cajole her past her limits this story gave me adequate pause. For our own sakes, as well as hers, nothing would induce me to push her limits further now I'd heard this.

  "I'm sorry, I didn't know. I can’t imagine how difficult it must have been for you," I offered hesitantly.

  She took a deep breath and brushed off my concern. "It was many years ago. I tell you this story not for sympathy, but so you can understand I’m not saying no to be difficult." She smiled suddenly. "If I was able to fix a ship so I could go into the Low Forest, imagine how much money I'd make. Why, I’d have a monopoly!" She added a wink, causing the guys to chuckle in response.

  I looked at Gwen to see what she thought.

  She’d been quiet the entire time and had an odd look on her face.

  When I tilted my head and raised my eyebrows, she shook her head slightly and smoothed out her expression. I didn't press for her thoughts, deciding I'd ask later. It seemed important, although I wasn't sure if it was related to our mission or something else.

  It felt like we had a lot of catching up to do when we could catch a quiet moment.

  "I'm assuming you have enough money for this trip?"

  Baeley turned to Will in a businesslike fashion, interrupting my train of thought.

  He nodded, handing her a pouch of gold coins about the same size as the one he'd given her on our previous trip.

  She opened the sack, counted it, and nodded. "Perfect. You can put your belongings aboard now, just make sure to stay out of the way of the deckhands and make yourself scarce. We’ll leave first thing in the morning. You can use the same bunk as last time, and spend the night if you want, unless you find better lodgings elsewhere, which I’d recommend if you want anything plush."

  He gave a gallant bow, smiling as he stood. "The bunks will be wonderful. Lovely to do business with you. We’ll be ready and eager to depart first thing."

  She shook her head as she looked at us with amusement. "You’re all becoming quite the adventurers. Who knows, maybe someday, you'll want to take a post as part of my crew. You seem like a rather good lot, crazy, if not perhaps overtly brave. And the skinny boy at the back looks like he's in love with the whole flying thing."

  Sel's eyes widened at being addressed, touching a tentative hand to his chest.

  She snorted. "Yeah, you kid. I've been watching you. I think you’ve got the makings of a decent airman. But obviously something to think about later, as you’re on your own mission. Now if you'll excuse me, I've work to do."

  She tipped her hat, turned on her heel, and strode away.

  As I watched her return to the ship and begin to bark orders, I couldn't keep my mind from returning to thoughts about the magic able to power an airship, as well as Gwen's mysterious look.

  We had a lot of catching up to do, and though I was frustrated at the delay in departure, part of me was happy I’d have a chance to talk to her privately before we left. I had a feeling our conversation would change my life in some unknown fashion.

  Chapter 7

  We stored unnecessary items in the bunk and headed back to town to blow off some steam.

  Gwen needed items for the wolves, since she hadn't had much luck with hunting on the side of the mountain other than for small ptarmigan like the one we’d shared earlier.

  I’d put my odorous change of clothing down and seriously considered buying another change of clothing. I wasn’t sure the smell would ever come out or if I could find replacements, but I was eager to throw the ones I had away.

  Gwen paused as we walked down the gangplank, so I gently tugged on her arm. She turned, uncertainty filling her beautiful eyes along with something which looked suspiciously like tears.

  "What is it? Why do you look so sad?" I pulled her close, hoping the contact would cheer her up. "You know Baeley and the other shipmates love your wolves. And they look far more comfortable this time. They're not even curled up on the bunk but roaming the ship like they own it. I may or may not have seen the good captain slip Swift a piece of meat from her own lunch."

  She gave me a watery smile. "I know they're fine, I mean, they don't spend all their time with me. I'm just uncomfortable. This far from home, I’m feeling unusually uncertain and I don’t like it."

  I gave her a quick hug. "You've got me. And the boys, if they count." I rolled my eyes, earning a realistic chuckle this time. "Come on, we don't have much time. Will knows a market which he swears has what you need for Swift and the others, and I need a new change of clothes."

  She pulled away, giving me an exaggerated sniff. "That you do, my friend, that you do."

  I mock-glared at her, and we both burst into laughter.

  The others were walking ahead and turned to see what was so funny, which only made us laugh harder. We caught up with them but didn't bother to quench their curiosity.

  "You mentioned there's a market?" I worked to stifle my giggles with some difficulty.

  Will narrowed his eyes as he regarded me. "Yeah, not too far from here. Were you looking for something specific, or just for her wolves?"

  I nodded, sniffing my tunic, and wrinkling my nose. "Yeah, actually. I think this attire is on the verge of needing to be burnt to ward off evil. Unless there's a way to decontaminate the things I’m wearing aboard the ship, I wouldn't mind buying one or two changes of clothing to replace what I’ve been wearing."

  His ready agreement irritated me even though I’d invited it. "Yeah, there should be a clothier with ready-made stuff in the market. Due to their proximity to the docks, they get a lot of travelers.”

  He inclined his head to the left and we followed him.

  As promised, the small marketplace had everything we needed.

  Gwen found meat for her wolves, which Sel offered to carry. She accepted gratefully. It was nice of him, but I had a tough time looking away from his scrawny form carrying the huge sack. He hardly seemed big enough, but he didn’t complain.

  I purchased a change of clothing on sale, which thrilled me more than I’d expected. I’d never cared about what I wore before, but I guess even a book lover appreciated clothes when they were required.

  Once we’d finished getting the necessities, we stood around and stared at each other awkwardly.

  "Now what?" I looked between them, waiting for an idea. “We have a few hours left. Do we want to find a place to stay in town? Or would you like to sleep on the ship?"

  Sel readjusted the weight of the meat on his back. "If it's all the same with you, Rhin, since you’re with Will and Gwen, would you be okay if I went back to the ship?" He gave a sheepish smile. "I'll take the meat back for the wolves. I'd like to spend more time on the ship, learning more about the life of a flying man. Of course, if you need me…" he hastily tried to downplay his request, but I raised my hand.

  "No, it's fine. You go on back to the ship. Can you take my new clothing back too? You’re sure you’ll be okay?" I looked around the marketplace after passing the items over. It was a bustling, vibrant place, without any concerning individuals loitering and the sun would be up for a few more hours. Nothing to make me think he wouldn’t be okay, but I worried anyway. He was so young still.

  "Yes, I'll be fine. Will you be returning tonight?" He tried to sound politely uninterested, but the hopeful expression on his face gave him away.

  A brief look at the other two confirmed my thoughts. "I think it’s best we do. I don’t want to chance missing our flight in the morning. Sunrise can be hard to predict when you're fast asleep."

  "And
we've already paid our fare, which means tonight’s lodgings are basically free."

  Will pointed at Gwen. "Right on the money. If you’d like, we could test out the nightlife, in controlled measure, of course."

  Sel raised his eyebrows, laughed at Will’s rakish smile, turned, and waved as he headed back toward the docks.

  I watched him walk away with fond amusement, knowing he thought we were about to get out of control. I’d say he should know me better, but as I was continually discovering new facets of my personality on this journey, maybe his concerns were something to keep in mind. Especially if we wanted to make sure we were on board with him and the wolves in the morning.

  Before I could reply to Will’s offer, Gwen chimed in.

  "I’d love to see a little of the nightlife. Do you know any good places? I could go for a nice dinner and a few drinks to relax." She looked at me, eyes wide with hope. “What do you say, Rhin?”

  It was clear she wanted me to be on board. I smiled at her eagerness. "Sure. But I don't want to be out late. Staying out all night is just as bad as missing the ship in the morning because we slept in.”

  Will put a hand over his heart. "I solemnly promise to return you to the ship before midnight. Milady’s?" He held his elbows out to accept our arms.

  I snorted but accepted one arm while she took the other. Sel was long gone, having turned the corner a few moments earlier.

  It was just the three of us now. I felt lighthearted, but also strangely unsettled. I’d been holding Gwen’s arm until now as we’d rambled through the market and his was a poor substitute.

  He was objectively quite attractive for a human, but he was a little too cocky for my taste, and sometimes seemed to go out of his way to poke at me. Kind of like a brother, who spent most of his time deliberately trying to get a rise out of me.