Page 36 of Fate of Echoes and Embers (Heirs of Elydor #3)

MAREK

“Be careful, the rocks are slippery. Here.” I held out my hand.

Issa took it as we made our way to shore.

Finally, after a storm that could have found its origins from the Maelstrom Depths, it was so strong, and an extra day at sea courtesy of it, we arrived precisely as predicted.

I’d never been so glad to see the distant shores of my home on the horizon.

“When you said we would not be sailing into the main port, you were not jesting.”

“Few know of this inlet,” I said, hoping Issa would not ask more. I’d never been ashamed of my unsavory lifestyle, when not sailing with the Tidebreaker Fleet, until now. My reasons for it may have started out pure, but I’d become deeply ingrained in the underbelly of Elydorian society.

As we came upon the shore and turned from the inlet where Tidechaser was docked to the other side of the cliff that jutted out into the sea, I waited for Issa’s reaction. Seeing Elydor and all its splendor through Issa’s eyes had become a favorite pastime of mine.

“The Thalassarian palace. I’ve never seen it up close before. It’s beautiful.”

“The Palace of Tides is constructed from white limestone and coral. Once inside, you’ll find open-air courtyards allowing the sea breeze to flow freely. Its inhabitants like to be reminded of the sea just outside their doors. As do all Thalassari, though most do not live in such splendor.”

“I would think not.”

“This way,” I said, the secret entrance locked to most. As we made our way from the depths of the palace upward, eventually arriving in open corridors, I explained the origin of the many mosaics of swirling waves and celestial maps that decorated its halls.

“At night, the paintings glow with phosphorescent inlays in the stone, reflecting the magic woven into Thalassaria’s very foundation. ”

I slowed, seeing Issa’s expression.

“Something is wrong?”

“I cannot present myself to the Queen of Thalassaria this way. But my belongings are?—”

“Nerys will care little about that, Issa. I promise you.”

But Issa did care. She was a noblewoman, trained to present herself in a particular manner. Not being nobly born myself, I often forgot the protocols that were deeply embedded into her culture.

“Captain,” a servant who had aided Nerys in her transition to queen greeted me as he passed.

“Aeolis.” I stopped him. “A favor, if you please.”

He darted a quick glance at Issa. “How may I be of assistance?”

“Lady Isolde is a guest of the palace. We’ve traveled a long way, our belongings lost to us.”

Highly competent, he needed no further prodding. “I will see her installed in a chamber.”

“Overlooking the sea,” I added, knowing she would enjoy the view even though our time here would be limited.

“Of course. And I will secure garments for you, my lady, if you will follow me.”

“The queen?” I asked him.

“In the throne room, meeting with her council.”

“Will you get a message to her, please, that I have returned with urgent news? I will be in my chamber. Please bring Issa when she is finished. And a meal, as well.”

“Of course, captain.”

“You have a chamber, in the palace?” Issa asked.

Aeolis appeared amused.

“I am an important figure here with many official duties,” I said in my best highborn voice.

Issa’s laugh floated down the corridor as the servant led her away, attempting to hide his smile.

I watched her go, Issa not turning back. A foreboding I couldn’t shake, watching her walk away, came over me. Why did she not see that her happiness was as important as anyone’s? She was made for the sea.

She was made for me.

But forcing her to make a decision she wasn’t ready to make would not bode well. Instead, as I’d done these past few days, I pushed aside the future to concentrate on the present. Namely, telling Nerys and Rowan of our successful mission and gaining their support to overtake Draven.

The chamber Nerys had given me to utilize, a small but functional one above the smuggler’s entrance, had one important feature.

Fresh water, drawn from hidden aquifers, streamed through the ceiling, pouring into polished stone basins that drained seamlessly into the palace’s waterways.

Cleaning and drying myself, I changed into something more presentable: the uniform I’d worn as a corsair.

Securing the leather pouch on its belt, I opened it, as I’d done so often these past days, still in awe at what stared back at me.

Small enough to sit in my palm, its jagged facets shifted from deep blue to silver.

Faint veins of light pulsed within, as if alive with a quiet, steady power.

I wasn’t surprised when a knock at the door was followed by it whipping open. I’d left it unlocked, expecting the precise reaction from my friend as I received. Nerys ran toward me and tossed her arms around my neck.

“You’re alive. Marek, I was so worried. When did you get back? Did you make it to the Depths? I can’t believe you’re alive.”

Untangling her from my neck, I smiled at the now-queen.

“Are you simply planning to stand there, grinning at me? Marek, answer my question.”

“I would but am uncertain which one you’d like for me to answer first.”

“Uh.” She jumped back. “You are impossible. I honestly thought I might not see you again. So you didn’t make it to the Depths? Did you come here first? Mev sent word and mentioned some sort of problem.”

Making my way to the door which Nerys had left wide open, I closed it and turned to her, laughing. “Queenhood has not settled you, I see.”

“Marek,” she warned.

I held open my hand, the Crystal inside. Nerys rushed forward, staring at it. And then me.

“Impossible.”

“And yet, possible. The Wind Crystal. Retrieved from the Maelstrom Depths, as your majesty requested.”

Nerys shook her head in disbelief. “How did you…? You did it. Marek, you really did it?”

“Take it,” I said, offering the Crystal to her.

“It is not mine to take.” She closed my fingers. “That Crystal belongs in Aetheria. Will you take it there? Deliver it safely to Mev and her father?”

I’d expected the request.

“Of course. But I have a favor to ask of you first.”

In response, Nerys hugged me once again, both laughing and crying at the same time.

“So little confidence in me,” I said, hugging my old friend back, glad to be home, even if it was temporary. “And much to tell you.”