Page 119 of Salt in the Seas
Gaeren’s guilt returned, and he wasn’t sure what else he could say.
“I still have faith that there’s more for us to do,” Cyrus said. “Whether it’s by the power of the Sun or the Stars, there’s a way out of here for us. I look forward to seeing how it’s possible.”
The next morning came quickly, but Nori didn’t come with it. They continued discussing their options in hushed tones, but outside of using Sylmar’s staff and magic to melt a hole through the hut, which probably wouldn’t get them past the strange seaweed net, and making a mad dash for Elder Algaen’s home, which would result in most of their deaths, they had very few ideas.
“At some point, they’ll need to take us out,” Sylmar said. “Whether to put us on trial or to execute us. That’s our best chance to make a move.”
“Or they could just burn us down in this hut,” Kendalyhn said, making several others wince.
“What if I offer myself as a sacrifice?” Riveran said. “They know I killed the sprite. I’m the one?—”
“No,” Gaeren interrupted. “It was self-defense. Or at least, you were defending me. I won’t let you take that fall for me.”
“Not even if it saves everyone else here?” Riveran asked.
Gaeren glanced around the room, his gaze resting on Aeliana. He adjusted the cuff of his sleeve, letting his finger run across the braid on his wrist. His jaw tightened, and he didn’t answer.
“It’s noble of you to offer,” Iris said, laying a gentle hand on Riveran’s arm. “But we’ll make every effort to find a way for all of us to survive this.” As she spoke, the rattle of the door met their ears, and everyone straightened, anxiously awaiting who might be on the other side.
A sliver of hope bloomed in Gaeren when Nori peeked around the door’s edge. She squinted at the prisoners, letting her eyes adjust, before glancing back out at the guards. “I’ll just be a moment,” she said and shut the door behind her.
She smiled hesitantly. “They wouldn’t let me bring food. But I did bring a poultice for Velden’s injury.”
“My wha—?” he started.
But she held up seaweed and repeated again, a little louder, “This is for your injury, Velden.”
A slow grin spread across his face. “Thank you.” He shouted his words toward the hut entrance. “Oh, it hurts. This will make itsomuch better.” He wrapped the seaweed around his arm, then whispered, “Actually, this does feel really nice.”
Aeliana rolled her eyes, then stepped closer to Nori. “Do we have any hope?” she whispered.
Nori sighed. When her gaze landed on Gaeren, it held more curiosity than animosity, but she still shook her head. “The elders are discussing your fate, and unfortunately, Elder Perla has shared your memory with all the others.”
Gaeren and Riveran exchanged a glance.
“I’m the one who murdered the sprite,” Riveran said. “The others are innocent.”
“I suspect they’ll find you all guilty by association, but I don’tknow.” She bit her lip and glanced back at the hut entrance. “They’ve said they’ll give an answer tomorrow, but they’re still deliberating. Everyone seems confused as to why they haven’t already condemned you.”
Sylmar’s gaze turned thoughtful. “So you think their verdict might not be that cut and dry?”
“I think I don’t want to wait to find out. If I knew where your starbridges were, I would bring them to you.”
“Why are you willing to help us?” Gaeren asked.
Voices sounded outside, and Nori’s whisper picked up its pace. “Look, I don’t think it’s right that you killed the sprite. But your culture is different from ours. I don’t know that I can hold it against you either. And while tradition in itself isn’t wrong, forcing people to do things isn’t right. I’m ready for a change, but I don’t think my people are.”
The door opened, and Nori straightened.
“What’s taking so long?” one of the guards asked.
“Nothing,” Nori said. “I’m done.” Her eyes held an apology that made Gaeren’s decision.
He grabbed her arm and fed her the memory of the box under the floorboards. The guard pulled out a dagger and rushed forward, but Gaeren held up his hands.
“I was just thanking her,” he said.
“You’re welcome,” Nori whispered, her eyes bright with hope. The guard dragged her out and slammed the hut door shut.
