Page 32 of Mountains of Mist and Magic (A World of Sun and Shadow #4)

T he next few days were a flurry of activity. Selenia spent time in the yard, training with Sion. She doubted they'd need hand-to-hand combat skills on their voyage, but Sion seemed determined to ensure she was prepared for anything. Initially he had been reluctant to come with, but then he'd told her he'd rather be there to protect her than fret about her safety from afar.

Everyone was apprehensive, and Selenia had never seen her friends and family so short-tempered. Phillippe was especially on edge, and Selenia had gathered that his falling out with Esmeralda hadn’t been resolved. She didn't know Esmeralda well enough to press for details, but she hoped Renya might have some insight into what went awry and how to fix it.

Selenia packed her small satchel, listening to Julietta prattle on about her mate. It was hard to believe that shy, sweet Julietta had been officially claimed and mated before she had. She knew Sion wanted to wait, which she'd grown accustomed to, but she couldn't help feeling a speck of jealousy at Julietta's happiness.

“Are you going to have a big wedding?” Selenia asked, folding linens carefully before placing them in her bag.

“No. We don't want a wedding. I don't want to make a fuss. Triston doesn't either. He just wants things to stay as easy and frustration-free as possible.”

Selenia smiled. “I still can't believe you ended up with him.”

“Me either. He was the last person I ever imagined myself with. But, when fate calls—”

“—you answer,” Selenia finished. Julietta smiled, and Selenia couldn't help but feel affection for her friend and be happy in her joy, even if she wished things were moving quicker between her and Sion.

“So...you sealed the bond? Was it as amazing as they say? I swear Renya didn't walk right for days after.”

“Selenia!” Julietta mock scolded, but then laughed. “It was...intense.”

“I can't imagine Triston being anything but intense.”

“He is...but he's sweet and tender, too.”

Selenia scrunched up her nose. “I'll just take your word for it.”

There was a deep silence, and then Julietta looked at Selenia, fear visible in her eyes.

“What's wrong, Julietta?”

She straightened her dress absentmindedly. “Are you...nervous about heading into the sacred mountains? I must admit, I'm fearful.”

Selenia gulped. “I am. I don't know what this journey will entail, but I know it's the right thing to do. I can feel it. It's like my magic is pulling me towards whatever we'll find there.”

“My magic doesn't do anything like that.”

Selenia bit her lip, sitting down on the bed. Julietta joined her. “I think it's because I don't use my powers. They manifest in other ways.”

“Well, if Cressida is to be believed, we'll need every trace of power we possess to bring back magic for everyone.”

Selenia nodded, picking at a bead on her nightdress. She had worn one of her prettier nightgowns, hopeful that Sion would stop by this evening. Especially since they would soon be leaving the protective cave of Triston's home and heading into open ocean waters. Just the thought of water surrounding them nearly gave her a panic attack. She'd never been away from land before, and she was nervous about spending any amount of time at sea.

The water doorway parted suddenly, and Sion's figure emerged. The second he saw Julietta, he stopped, frantically mumbling apologies.

“Don't worry, Sion,” Julietta said, a small glow in her cheeks. “I was just leaving anyway.” Julietta gave Selenia an exaggerated wink before approaching the waterfall. It parted for her easily, then resumed its cascading cycle.

Sion looked guilty.

“What is it, Sion?”

“Nothing. I just feel bad for interrupting your time with your friend.” He stood near the water doorway, his hands fiddling with the sword he wore around his waist.

Selenia walked towards him, embracing him gently. She stood on her tiptoes and gave him a warm kiss. He closed his eyes, and she smiled slightly against his mouth, happy that she could evoke such a response in him.

“You're never interrupting, Sion. You're to be my husband soon.”

He smiled back at her, but then his grin quickly faded. “I trained a bit with Triston today. He seemed...excessively happy.”

Selenia knew what he was hinting at. “Yes, he and Julietta sealed their bond.”

Sion nodded, rubbing his fingers along his jawline. “Selenia...I hope you aren't...disappointed that we haven't—”

“Shhhhhhh, Sion. It'll happen for us when we're ready.”

“I know—I'm just worried you'll get tired of waiting...”

“I would never,” she said, sealing her mouth over his. She knew it was still difficult for him, but they had been making good progress and she was now able to touch him freely.

He broke their kiss. “I just worry that I'll never get past this. Every time I think I'm ready, I realize that Cressida is still alive and—”

Selenia took his hand, pulling him over to the bed. Before he could utter a word, she had tugged off his shirt. She ran her fingers up and down his chest, and he shuddered at the contact.

“We'll get there, Sion. And even if we don't, I'm content just to be near your side.”

“Selenia, I'm so lucky to have you.”

“I feel the same way. Now crawl into my bed and hold me until dawn.”

Before she even woke up, Selenia could feel anxiety pulsing through her. Today was the day. They were finally setting off on their journey. This was something that Grayden and Renya had been trying to do for five months, and today it would begin.

She untangled herself from Sion, who was still fast asleep. Every time he slept in her bed without a night terror was another positive sign that he was slowly healing. Perhaps Brandle's death had helped a bit, too.

Selenia quickly washed and dressed, eager to begin. Just as she slipped on her dark maroon cloak, Sion stirred, his hand searching for her as he became conscious. When he didn't find her warmth next to him, he shot up, his eyes darting nervously around the room. When he saw her, he relaxed, his strong shoulders lowering and his breath slowing.

“You should have woken me, you sly little fox,” he said, climbing out of her bed. “I have many things to do this morning before we depart.”

She moved into his arms, kissing him on the jaw. He groaned a little then gathered his shirt from her floor. “Are you ready for today?” he asked.

“I'm anxious about boarding the ship. I know we have to travel by boat, but I'm nervous to be at sea. I'd honestly rather ride the dragons.”

Sion turned slightly green at the mention of the dragons. “I'd much rather the boat.”

All their provisions for the journey were ferried through the cave and back outside to the large bay. Selenia stood next to Sion, waiting for the canoes to return so they could be taken to the Tidal Kingdom ship. Triston had told them over dinner that he rarely had use for it anymore, since many of his subjects had abandoned the tiny islands surrounding his domain in favor of seeking the protection of the Tidal Kingdom city, sheltered safely behind its massive cave walls. As the fish retreated and the tides lowered, they found themselves relying more on the food sources the jungle provided. If things didn’t improve, they would have to venture past the jungle into the Spring and Snow Lands looking for sustenance.

Finally, York returned with the canoe, and Selenia and Sion, along with Grayden and Renya, made the reverse trip out of the cave and into the bay. Selenia listened as Grayden and Renya discussed the dragons' roles in their journey. Renya wanted to bring all four dragons, but Grayden was against it.

“It's bad enough we have to bring your mother along,” he groaned.

Sion nodded empathetically.

Renya glared. “My father will handle her. If we bring Brutus, she won't even have to spend that much time on the ship.”

Selenia instantly saw the appeal of that. “That makes sense.”

“Fine. Brutus and Beauty. But I don't like the idea of bringing her entire tribe with us. I still don't trust her.” Grayden folded his arms across his chest.

As soon as they exited the cave into the bay, the dark-wood ship came into view. It wasn't quite what Selenia was expecting. Its hull was carved from the jungle wood of the forests; the sails shimmered with threads of iridescence, woven from the silk of rare sea creatures. Every surface of the ship seemed to be adorned with intricate carvings depicting the gods and a variety of sea creatures, some real and some mythical.

Julietta and Triston were already aboard, waving. Selenia’s sharp eyes instantly noticed their mating marks; Triston’s gleamed with the image of a twilight moon, and Julietta’s was a seashell. Selenia smiled slightly, dreaming of the day when she’d have her own.

York rowed the canoe over to the side of the ship, and Triston threw down a large rope ladder. Grayden scampered up the ladder quickly, then turned to help Renya up. Her center of gravity seemed to be throwing her off balance. Selenia wanted to tease her, but she knew it was the result of her pregnancy.

Sion gestured, and Selenia quickly climbed up the ladder, ignoring her brother's hand and hoisting herself up and over the ship's railing. Finally, Sion poked his head up over the railing and crawled aboard.

Selenia looked around the ship. She had expected there to be an entire crew on board, but there was no one except for Triston at the helm.

“Are you planning on captaining this vessel?” she asked.

“I'm as good a sailor as any in our army,” he replied, looking at her squarely. “And I refuse to endanger any more lives than we have to. This endeavor was not my choice, but if we are going to do it, the responsibility falls solely on us.”

“Are we all here?” Grayden asked.

Julietta spoke up. “Yes. We'll pick up Renya's...family from the island just off the main shore.”

The last of their supplies were loaded onto the ship, and Selenia watched as Triston adjusted the sails. He barked orders at Phillippe, Grayden and Sion, and between the four men, they were pulling out of the bay in no time. Selenia gave a silent farewell nod towards the shoreline, wondering how long it would be until she stepped on solid land again.

The ship careened out of the bay, soon leaving it behind. A few mauve-colored dolphins jumped along in the wake of the ship, and Selenia couldn't help but stare. She had never seen any sea creatures before, unless they were destined for her plate. Even then, she'd only had seafood a few times. She was transfixed, watching over the railing as the dolphins crested.

Sion came up behind her. “It's amazing, isn't it?” He put his arms around her waist, hugging her to him.

“It is certainly different from the Snow Lands,” she agreed. The turquoise waters shone with the light from the sun, and she felt her cheeks warm under the rays. She'd foolishly forgotten her hat, but her complexion no longer concerned her. It didn't matter.

Sion loved her the way she was.

She watched as the waves trembled in the wake of the ship, and was amazed at how the land got tinier and tinier until she could no longer see the shore. She had a quick moment of panic when she looked around, with nothing but the sea surrounding her, but a quick squeeze from Sion helped to calm her rapid breathing. She adjusted quickly to the rocking of the boat, the calmness of the water.

Renya, however, was not faring so well. She spent more time hanging off the side of the boat, spilling the contents of her stomach into the sea. Selenia felt awful for her. Grayden was there, patting her back and murmuring comforting words, but her skin was pale and her eyes were hollow before they'd even made it an hour into their journey.

Phillippe and Esmeralda were on completely opposite sides of the ship, hardly glancing at one another. Selenia wasn't sure what her brother had done, but whatever it was, Esmeralda didn't seem to be in a forgiving mood.

And then there were Triston and Julietta. Triston stood at the helm, unwavering in his duty, and Julietta was beside him, whispering in his ear. Whatever she said seemed to please him, because he would smile briefly, and then tug her under his arm.

It was a happy sight, and Selenia was glad for her friend. Now if only she could do something for Phillippe and Esmeralda...

After another hour, something dark caught the corner of her eye on the horizon. “What's that?” she asked, pointing.

“That's where we are heading. It's the Tidal Cay, the island that the others are on,” Triston said, pulling out a spyglass. “Yes, I can see the dragons.”

Sion gave a shiver next to her, and she held in her soft laughter, not wanting to mock him over his fear of the giant beasts.

As the island came closer, Selenia marveled at the tropical trees and the serene beach. The colors were so vibrant compared to the muted whites of the Snow Lands. It made her realize how much of their world she hadn't seen, but it also made her terribly homesick for her own lands.

The ship slowed and Triston began shouting more orders at the other men as they glided into the small bay of the island. There was a tiny dock at the far end, but Selenia didn't see how they could get close enough without running aground. But just as she started to fret, the boat stopped and the men dropped the anchor. She peered towards the dock and could make out the figures of Renya's parents and Agatha, along with the dragons.

Cressida clamored up and sat in the dragon that she usually rode, and Cyrus joined her. Agatha hoisted herself up on Beauty, and then they took to the sky, heading over to the ship.

“I think I'm going to go below deck and check on the supplies. Can I bring you anything?” Sion looked anywhere but at the approaching dragons.

“No, I'm fine,” she said, squeezing his fingers before he headed down the narrow stairs.

Selenia moved closer to Renya, who pushed her hair back from her face and tried to quickly hide any evidence of her discomfort. Selenia wondered if she wanted to impress her father with her strength, or downplay any weakness that her mother might notice.

“Are you okay, Renya?”

She looked at Selenia, and then gave her a small smile. “I'll be fine. I've never been seasick before, but I'm guessing that with the baby, it's made me more prone to it.”

“Don't worry, Little Fawn,” Grayden said, joining them both as they watched the dragons circle the ship, looking for a place to land. “I'll take good care of you tonight.”

“Gross, Grayden,” Selenia teased, and he gave her a grin, reminiscent of the old times and the teasing they had shared.

Triston, Esmeralda, and Julietta moved as far back from the center of the ship as they could, allowing the dragons to land. Only Selenia, Grayden and Renya weren't instantly alarmed by their presence.

Brutus landed first, and Selenia watched with grotesque fascination as the dragon tapped its long talons on the deck, as if trying to get the measure of the boat. Cressida remained on Brutus, but Cyrus slid off and moved quickly to his daughter.

“Sunshine,” he exclaimed, as if they had been parted for years instead of days. “How are you?” He looked at Renya's face carefully, as if looking to make sure she was happy and safe. Selenia felt a pang of jealousy for a split second, envious that Renya had a parental figure. “You've been ill.”

Renya laughed. “It's just the baby, father. I'm fine. We—both are.”

A wave of relief came over Cyrus's face as he embraced her.

Beauty landed next to Brutus, more graceful than the larger dragon. The juvenile dragon was smaller than the others, even though she was full grown. Renya hypothesized that it was all the flying she did around the Snow Lands, and that she was healthier because of the room to roam.

Renya’s aunt also embraced her niece, looking at her carefully, as if she expected something to be amiss. “I’m glad to see you, Sunshine.”

“I’m glad you’re here, Auntie,” Renya said, and then she gave a pointed glance at an unusually silent Cressida. “What are we going to do about her?”

Cyrus jumped in. “She’s magically tethered to the dragon. She can’t get off of him. I’ve also…bound her speech as well. She can’t speak unless directly spoken to.”

At this, Selenia glanced at the fallen Shadow Queen, and she could see the hot anger and miserable anguish as she tried to communicate with them. Selenia took several seconds to memorize the look so she could share it later with Sion. It was good to see her uncomfortable for a change.

Cyrus continued. “She’s going to follow us on the dragon. She can touchdown for small amounts of time, but she won’t be a problem.”

“Thank you, Cyrus,” Selenia said, acknowledging how this development would ease Sion’s journey. “It’s appreciated.”

Before he could respond, a loud snort drew their attention. Beauty was nudging at Renya, trying desperately to get her attention.

“Honestly, Beauty!” Renya chided. “You’re like a gigantic dog.”

Selenia wasn’t sure what exactly a dog was, but it had to be an affectionate animal, she thought, watching the dragon nearly knock Renya over in pursuit of pets.

“Beauty! That’s enough!” Grayden’s voice was firm and commanding, and Beauty looked at him with bored eyes before she sat. Selenia knew from the look on her brother’s face that he was concerned about Renya and the baby.

Selenia decided on the spot that she wasn’t ready to become a mother. She wanted to experience things, see more of their world and explore before she was treated like breakable glass.

Brutus suddenly took to the sky, circling overhead.

“That’s our signal to raise the anchor,” Triston said, his eyes fixed on the sun. “It would be best to be past the Siren’s Sea before it gets too dark.”