Page 107 of Salt in the Seas
“But then she died,” he said flatly. “She left me without a true place in this world, straddled between two people groups. She told me so much, but it turns out she told me very little.”
The wails had died down by now as people listened to his tirade, which was more of a tribute.
Nori stepped forward, tugging on her father’s sleeve. “Look at his hands,” she said. “He tells the truth.”
Everyone’s eyes strayed to Velden’s webbed fingers. Even he held them out and studied them as if he hadn’t seen them before. Then he looked up at the man, his chin raised with pride.
“Look at my eyes. My father always said I had her eyes. It made it difficult for him to see me after she died.” His lips pressed together in a thin grim line, hinting at a different sort of grief he’d yet to share with his companions.
This time, the Sayhleen man’s eyes grew misty. “Let him come,” he said gruffly. “But take the others to the hut.”
The hut turned out to be exactly what it sounded like: walls made from bamboo shoots and other sticks, a dirt floor, and a thatched roof. But the entire thing was lined on the outside with the same net that hadbeen used to catch them, some sort of seaweed-like substance that felt more alive than the ropes they’d used in Vendaras.
As the nine of them were shuffled into the fifteen-foot round room, they were relieved of their weapons, except for Sylmar’s staff, since he needed it for walking. The soldiers stared extra long at Riveran’s forehead, a stark reminder that even without context it was a clear sign of distrust across cultures. Even the silver fish and golden arrow, their guaranteed chances at escape, were taken into the Sayhleens’ custody. They didn’t disrespect the travelers so much as to remove starlocks, but they gave several warnings that no second chances would be given if magic were used.
Sylmar and Lukai immediately began scouring the walls of the hut for any weaknesses, but Gaeren simply sat, leaning back against the sticks. Their fate rested in the hands of the Sayhleens and in Velden’s ability to convince them of the truth. After seeing Velden grieve his mother, he held a fair amount of confidence in the Sayhleens. He just wasn’t sure how long it would take.
The warm, humid air made it impossible for their clothes to completely dry, but the longer they sat there, the stiffer their tunics and trousers grew with the salt. Aeliana’s blouse crunched with her every movement, and sand stuck to every bit of skin on Gaeren’s body, exposed or not. The inability to wash it off left him agitated.
“What happened?” Gaeren asked Aeliana, gesturing to the blood on her blouse and trousers.
She frowned at it, then tugged on her sleeves and flipped her hands around until she found cuts on her palm. “Maybe shells in the water?”
Her uncertainty left him anxious even though it wasn’t the first time she’d had unexplained cuts on her skin—maybe because it wasn’t the first time. Lukai joined them, smoothing out her wounds even though Aeliana could have done it herself.
Gaeren rubbed the braid under his cuff while debating if he should get up and give them some space. One glance at Kendalyhn, who glared daggers at Aeliana, made him decide that space would only get filled by someone else with far more animosity.
Eventually, even Sylmar joined the others on the floor, and Holm’s snores filled the room, lulling several others into an uneasy sleep.
Gaeren couldn’t find rest. As the Sun’s light finally peeked through cracks in the hut walls, footsteps sounded, followed by low voices. The hut door opened, and Velden was escorted in.
His eyes were puffy and his smile absent, but there was a peace on his face that Gaeren hadn’t seen since they’d discovered what Dreyfus harbored. Without a word, Velden walked to the back of the hut and lay down, curling on his side away from the others.
“Sylmar?” one of the soldiers asked, scanning the group.
Sylmar stood, leaning heavily on his staff. The soldier beckoned for him to come out. “Velden says you’re the one we should talk to.”
Gaeren grimaced, then murmured, “If we want to start a war.”
Cyrus was the only one close enough to hear, and he snorted out a laugh.
The soldiers glanced their way warily, but when no one else spoke or moved, they shut the hut door behind Sylmar.
A second round of waiting began, punctuated by intermittent naps. Food and water were delivered by Nori, who lingered within the hut as she handed them each a cup and plate filled with fish broth. Even Velden rose to eat, and Nori gave him a tentative smile.
“Rhoda never told my parents she had a son. I think that’s the only reason they’re hesitant to believe you. Why would she keep you a secret?”
Velden smiled, but it was a fraction of the carefree manner he usually exuded. “She kept many secrets, most of which she learned from Lady Merinnia.”
Nori’s eyes widened. “She went to see the Seer?”
He nodded. “I suspect that’s why she told me she had no regrets. She knew the outcome before she made her choices. I only wish she’d explained things a little more. Maybe given me some warning.”
Nori’s face grew troubled, and a soldier cleared his throat. She stood, backing away, the indecision on her face giving Gaeren hope. The elders didn’t seem to believe Nori, but as long as she kept asking questions and listening to their answers, they might end up with an ally.
“Thank you for the food,” he said.
She turned his way, and he gave her an encouraging smile.
