The Dragon Flute: Daughters of Fire and Sea, #2

By Holly Karlsson

A quest to save the world. The second book in the Daughters of Fire & Sea epic fantasy trilogy from Holly Karlsson.

Betrayed by their allies and separated by powers beyond their control, Lyric and Runa will not be broken. Dragons once again fly the skies, but their world's ancient guardians have been transformed into killers. Driven mad by dangerous magic, the dragons are burning their way across the land, driving Erith further into chaos.

Forced to make new alliances, will the sisters find a way to restore the dragons' sanity and heal the Taint before it destroys Erith? Or will the world be overtaken?

This epic trilogy concludes in The Demon Queen, coming soon.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Holly Karlsson
• Release date: Jul 30, 2020
• ISBN: 9781733099844

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

RUNA

Somewhere Above the Ayanaran Forest

Runa was not enjoying herself. She’d never considered being afraid of heights, but she’d never been up this high. Flying through clouds, unable to see the ground, was somehow worse than lurching on a ship in the middle of the sea. It didn’t help that she could hear her father’s enraged howls from the cargo hold. Her stomach churned, but she refused to shut her eyes.

The summer sun had risen and now blazed high in the sky, bathing Runa in welcome warmth as she sat with her back against the Skybird’s mast. Traveling east towards the Sireni fleet, the events of the night before seemed distant. Runa could almost dismiss the fear and death and impossible magic as a dream, if not for Egan’s howls and the red-scaled wyvern inspecting the crow’s nest above her head.

Kaia, the airship’s captain, strode past. Her face was pinched, a muscle working in her jaw as another scream drifted up through the deck. The wind caught the long blue sash knotted around her waist and pulled it behind her. Runa had asked Eleden, her uncle, why his sash was green, and Kaia’s blue, and he’d explained that it marked their clans. Kaia was Sae’thresh, which translated as ‘The Fury.’ They were the Sireni’s fighters.

Though no longer outwardly hostile to Runa, Kaia was clearly displeased that a Raendasharan was free aboard her ship. It didn’t matter Runa had never lived in Raendashar or spilled Sireni blood. If not for Eleden, Runa would probably be in the hold with her father.

Runa was grateful to be leaving behind the Ayanaran forest aboard Kaia’s airship, but she couldn’t shake her distrust of the hard-eyed captain. She did not have Eleden’s confidence that Kaia would deliver them into Sireni hands as allies and not prisoners. On the ground, when Eleden had proposed searching the Ayanaran village for survivors, Kaia refused, threatening to tie them up and drag them to her ship if they fell behind. At least Lyric is all right, Runa thought. Her sister was aboard Eleden’s ship, the Talan, sailing back to the Sireni fleet with the rest of Eleden’s crew and Kell.

Looking away from Kaia, Runa turned her face to the clear sky and breathed in. The air smelled crisp and clean. An eastern wind had pushed them away from the fires and smoke, bringing a calm that made Runa uneasy. Her eyelids drooped, exhaustion threatening to pull her under, but she straightened stubbornly. She could not sleep, not yet. They were lucky to be alive. I can’t let my guard down, she thought.

While fleeing the clearing where the dragons had killed Laenadara and the Ayanaran priests, Runa had expected to be scooped up in razor-edged talons or burned by dragon fire, but none of the Three reappeared. Their luck had continued when one of Kaia’s crew found kanvar root, a natural sedative. Removing the rough outer skin, Runa’d cut several small pieces and gave them to Eleden, who, with the help of Kaia and Laerdi, managed to force the prepared root down Egan’s throat. They’d all come away with new bruises, but eventually, Runa’s father had succumbed to the root’s effects and fallen asleep, making it possible for Laerdi to carry him. They’d moved faster then, no longer dragging a fighting man as they fled the forest.

Runa would never admit it aloud, but her father’s power scared her. He was dangerous, even unconscious and slung over Laerdi’s shoulder. Alert to every twitch, every hitch in his breath, she’d watched him, unable to tear her eyes away. What would have happened if Kaia hadn’t stopped him with a punch? Would Runa have lost her power to that feral green light in his eyes?

Once aboard the Skybird, Egan woke violently in the hold, the root wearing off earlier than Runa expected. The dose she’d given her father should have kept him unconscious for hours. She hadn’t considered that it might affect him differently. Fathered by one of Serith’s creatures — rumored to live deep in the Sea of Screams — Egan was a god-child and not entirely human. Even Eleden, with whom he shared a mother, didn’t know the full extent of Egan’s power, certainly not now, twisted as it was by the Taint.

Though Runa still had several pieces of kanvar left, Kaia refused to open the hold. She would not risk someone being injured in their attempt to restrain him. Eleden had thought to go on his own, try to reason with his brother, but Laerdi convinced him to wait until Egan wore himself out. So far, there didn’t seem to be any decline in the thumps and screams.

Runa’s thoughts turned to Serith. When the sea serpent had arrived during the summoning, she’d been angry, and disappeared before Runa or Lyric could speak. Where was Serith now? Had she returned to the bottom of the Sea of Screams to Aya’s roots? Or had she been affected by Laenadara’s spell, like the Three? Were the Sireni in danger?

A howl echoed beneath Runa’s feet inside the hold, and she clenched her teeth, bracing her fingers against the wood at her back. Perhaps if they could find Serith, she could help Egan. Serith was a dragon, and though her element was water, surely her magic could also destroy the Taint.

Raith, Runa’s guardian, flew down into her lap. The wyvern was red and scaled like a lizard, with blunted spikes rolling down their spine and tail. Though they felt solid, Runa could see her legs through the guardian’s body as they settled across her knee, invoking memories of her own wraithlike state before the events inside the Veil. Runa shrugged off a chill. See anything? she thought to Raith.

The wyvern tilted their head, regarding her with bright gold eyes. Birds, they said. Images of brown-winged birds, wheeling through the clouds, filled Runa’s head. Often, Raith’s words were accompanied by moving pictures and sensations, like Runa was re-experiencing something they’d seen and felt. It was both disconcerting and remarkable.

Any dragons? Runa asked.

No, but they could be coming up beneath us.

Well, that’s comforting, Runa said aloud.

What’s comforting? A shadow fell over her, and Runa looked up. Eleden stood in front of her, smiling as their eyes met. He looked tired, his green eyes sunken. His thick brown hair, streaked with silver, ruffled in the wind, and sunlight glinted off the rings in his left eyebrow.

Raith thinks a dragon could come up beneath us.

Eleden nodded grimly. A tactical move, he said. "I’d do it if I were a dragon, or had another faster airship and wanted to take the Skybird."

Do you miss your ship? It can’t be easy following another captain’s orders.

"For now, Kaia and I are aligned. I will see the Talan again and my crew. Eleden chuckled. This is not the first time we’ve parted."

Runa raised her eyebrow, but Eleden didn’t say more. Are we away from Ayanar yet?

Can’t bring yourself to walk over to the railing and look down? Eleden grinned, a teasing light entering his eyes.

Runa curled her lip. People weren’t meant to fly. Her apprehension was confused by an image Raith sent her of spiraling through the sky. She touched her face, the sensation of wind and sunlight lingering on her skin. Lips quirking, Runa lowered her hand and rubbed Raith’s head. Not for me, she thought.

In answer to your question, we’re close to the Elesieayn border. We’ll keep to the mountains and head for the coast, avoiding their settlements. Hard to explain a Sireni ship in the western skies.

Runa wasn’t familiar with regional politics, but she doubted anyone would be worried about a lone ship. Not now. I’d say we’re the least of their worries. Didn’t the dragons head northeast?

Yes, which is why we’ll turn north and try to avoid them. The dragons are probably following the strong winds through eastern Elesieayn and Chianseia beyond.

Runa’s brow furrowed as she tried to imagine the Old Ones’ path. Would they attack cities like Eleden had feared or keep to the fields and mountains, seeking food and shelter? Would they turn southeast, towards her home? Towards Kaliz? Distrustful and dismissive of magic as Kalizans were, she doubted the people would believe their eyes if Fyre were to swoop down on them.

After Kaia’s crew of fifteen Sae’thresh had raised the Skybird off Ayanar’s beach, she’d sent her Skyrunner — a fast, magic-enhanced gull — with a message to the Gale about the dragons and Serith’s awakening. She hadn’t mentioned the Taint, but according to Eleden, few Sireni saw its threat. Their eyes were on the war with Raendashar, but surely their views would change now that the dragons were awake.

Do you think the Gale will care if the mainland burns? Runa asked. She narrowed her eyes as she watched Kaia’s crew move around the ship. The Sireni’s food comes from the Sea. What’s it to you if mainland crops burn?

We don’t fish all our food, Runa, and we’d die just as easily as the people here if the dragons attack our ships. If our fleet is destroyed, we’ll have nothing. The Gale will take action. Our people care about life. We’re connected, all of us, those on land, and the Sea.

They didn’t believe you about the Taint, Runa challenged.

Eleden stroked his chin, eyes thoughtful. They will not deny our account of the dragons. They will see something must be done, and when the Ayanarans’ magic has been reversed, the dragons will heal the Taint. They will stop its spread. Perhaps they’ll even stop the war.

Her uncle seemed to believe it, and Runa wanted to as well, but from what she’d seen of the world, they rarely got what they wanted. Something would always go wrong. She listened to another frustrated shriek from below. If we can’t soothe the Old Ones, we can’t save my father.

Eleden shifted, his eyes growing dark, mirroring Runa’s pain and frustration. She knew what he was doing, feigning confidence so she wouldn’t worry. Her uncle dropped his hand and set his jaw. The Gale may know a way to help, to calm him. Or the Sae’go with their healing magic.

The Ayanarans were unable to help him, or perhaps they lied about that. They caused this madness in the dragons. They broke their minds. Who’s to say they didn’t do something to Egan? Runa clenched her jaw. She still couldn’t come up with a reason for why Laenadara had done what she had. Why summon the dragons and then hurt them? She’d overheard the high priestess say that Aya, the Mother Tree, would ensure the dragons’ compliance. Had Laenadara intended to control them like Rakarn?

Raith shifted in her lap and rested their head on Runa’s arm.

Damn them, she growled. If they hadn’t been so arrogant, if they’d learned anything from Rakarn’s failed ritual, then the dragons would already be stopping the Taint’s spread. Or was that a lie too?

I don’t understand why. Eleden snarled an oath, eyes blazing in his sun-darkened face, his calm breaking. I thought they were allies. They’re supposed to treasure life. And Aya … did She mislead them? The priests claimed to be following Her guidance.

Runa shook her head. Do they think this helps them in some way? If they were hoping to survive, it didn’t work out in their favor. She thought of Laenadara’s bloodied body. If they cleanse the world by burning it, all of it, who would be left? No Taint, but no life either. This destruction cannot be the healing Aya promised. She scowled and stroked her fingers along Raith’s spine, drawing comfort from the wyvern’s rough scales.

No, Eleden said, the dragons’ magic is not only destructive fire. They can shape it to their will, and create or unravel existing magic.

Perhaps the Tree was sick, Raith thought.

Runa looked down at the wyvern, brow furrowed. Sick?

Compromised in some way.

Like you think Lyric is? Runa looked up as Eleden shifted. He’d rocked back on his heels, bracing his hands on his belted waist.

Laenadara never said anything that led me to believe this was her goal. If I’d known she’d do this, I’d never have brought you girls to her. He rumbled something in Sireni and thumped a fist against his thigh.

It’s done, Runa said. We can’t unring that bell. All we can do now is stop what the Ayanarans set in motion. If magic did this, then there has to be a way to undo it.

Eleden raised an eyebrow. And if the dragons are the only ones with magic strong enough to help themselves?

Hey, I’m the cynical one. Where’s your optimism? Runa asked, raising her brow in return.

Her uncle laughed and shook his head. He reminded her of Lyric, fiercely hopeful no matter what. Runa’s thoughts drifted to Elae’s Hollow and her life before the dragons and the Veil. Unlike her sister, she’d always longed to run away and see the world, do anything other than follow the path their mother laid out for them. She chewed on her lip, her emotions confused. Did she want to go back? Was she already giving in because life out here was more complicated and dangerous than she’d expected?

Raith’s body stiffened, their head lifting.

Runa felt the hair stand up on the back of her neck. Danger.

Dragon! someone screamed.

Eleden spun, hand to his belt, as Runa scrambled upright. Raith climbed up the mast beside her head, wrapping their body around it like a scaly, red vine. They scanned the sky. There was a rushing sound, like something moving fast through the air, and then a white dragon thundered past the bow. Striking the ship’s side with a loud crack, the dragon wheeled, wings snapping outward as the Skybird rocked sideways. A sailor fell free with a scream, reaching uselessly towards the airship as he disappeared into the clouds.

Aery, Runa breathed. Pale like snow, the dragon’s muscular body shimmered as her diamond-shaped scales caught the sunlight. Sharp, curving horns topped Aery’s head, following the curve of her skull. Her tail was long and spiked, and it tore a chunk out of the airship’s side as she swept past again. Her enormous slitted eyes were blue and mad with fury.

Shoot it down! Kaia screamed. The captain ran towards the railing, crossbow in hand. She fired as Aery dove past, quickly loading another bolt into her weapon. Though Kaia fired with speed and precision, the small, sharpened bolts bounced off the dragon’s thick scales.

Aery came back around, white flame flickering between rows of long, sharp teeth in her open mouth. Eleden drew his sword and moved in front of Runa, as though intending to cut the dragon’s fire.

Runa flexed her fingers. She didn’t know what to do. Elenora had only taught her how to summon and shape fire. She knew no battle spells to turn away a dragon. Aery released a stream of fire, and Runa felt a wave of heat. She instinctively raised her hands. 

Abruptly Raith dove in front of Eleden, releasing a silvery shield. Aery’s flames deflected up, away from them, towards the massive blue balloons that held the ship aloft. There was a hiss, an acrid stench, and then a loud pop as one balloon burst. The ship listed to the left, knocking Runa and Eleden off their feet. Eleden lunged forward, catching the mast and grabbing Runa with his other arm. Raith gripped the back of Runa’s shirt with their claws, vainly attempting to hold her up with their wings.

Sailors yelled and screamed, grabbing hold of whatever was nearby. Dropping the crossbow, Kaia caught herself on a net and hooked her leg through the rope. She began a Screamer’s shriek, turning her head to track Aery.

Pain burrowed between Runa’s eyes. She clenched her teeth convinced her skull would split. Was this what Lyric and their mother had felt when fighting off the Screamers in the Veil?

Move your jaw! Eleden yelled. You need to pop your ears, equalize the pressure!

The Skybird started to turn south, drawn off course by the deflating balloon. Aery roared and flashed past. Something shot from Kaia’s hands, distorting the air, but the dragon evaded it as she disappeared into the clouds. Runa searched the sky, heart thumping. Where was she?

Aery reappeared, her wings tucked as she dove at the remaining balloons. Kaia threw out her hands again, and something skipped across the dragon’s scales, throwing up sparks. What spell was Kaia casting? Was she shaping the air? Runa summoned fire then let it die on her fingers. What would flame do to a dragon? She clenched her teeth, angry at herself and Elenora.

Aery spun, her claws ripping through another balloon. The Skybird jerked to the right, and Runa’s stomach lurched, a gasp lodging in her throat as she watched sailors tumble free into the air. Her feet slipped off the deck, and Runa twisted, grabbing Eleden’s arm. Terror and determination warred for control. She felt a burst of concern from Raith, then their claws in her shirt as they tried to steady her. Runa looked up. There was only one balloon left. It could not hold the Skybird’s weight on its own. We’re going to fall from the sky.

We need to tie ourselves to the mast! Eleden shouted. Face turning red, he hauled Runa towards him, then thrust her at the spar. Runa grabbed the thick rope that wrapped it. She clung to it tightly, breathing fast, as Eleden removed his green sash and looped it around her waist.

If Aery pops the last balloon, Runa yelled, we’ll plummet! She looked at Raith. The wyvern’s eyes were pulsing a faint red. Your shield. Can you extend it beyond me?

Yes, but not the entire ship.

Stomach twisting, Runa blinked hair from her eyes as it rippled around her in the wind. Try.

Raith crawled up onto Runa’s shoulder, their claws sharp against her collarbone. My power is through you. If I draw too much—

Take what you need, Runa said fiercely. She wouldn’t die here; this could not be the end. She’d get back to Lyric. She would.

Raith’s eyes blazed with light, and Runa felt power flare inside her chest. It felt like she was holding her breath and couldn’t breathe out. The pressure expanded, and pain sizzled through her like tiny bolts of lightning. Her hand spasmed, and for a terrifying moment, she thought she’d let go of the rope. Instead, Runa’s hands clenched, her muscles locking as the pain intensified.

Runa? Raith’s eyes flickered, worry humming through their bond. It’s too much. 

Don’t stop, Runa hissed through clenched teeth. Black spots appeared before her eyes, and then Aery roared past. The dragon’s claws scraped the deck, leaving long gashes in the roughed wood. Her massive body arched up, and fire shot from her mouth.

Raith’s claws tightened, and their body went rigid. Something pushed outward away from them, shimmering in the air, then the last balloon popped in Aery’s fire, and the Skybird fell.

The cord tightened around Runa’s waist. She heard Eleden shout, and then her vision went black.

CHAPTER 2

RUNA

The Ayanaran Forest

Runa woke on her back. There was blood in her mouth, and she groaned as she rolled onto her side. Raith’s face filled her vision, and all she could see was a blurry, red snout. She wrinkled her nose as the wyvern’s hot breath puffed across her face, smelling of cinnamon.

I’m alive, Runa said, sliding her tongue across her teeth. She groaned and spat blood onto the ground as Raith drew back. Everything hurt. It felt like she’d been stretched too far, her joints and limbs aching. Flexing her fingers, Runa gasped as they spasmed. She could feel dirt beneath her nails. We’re on the ground.

She looked at Raith, remembering. You saved us.

The magic was yours. Raith’s head dipped. I’m … sorry, Runa.

Sorry? Runa shoved herself into a sitting position and rubbed her eyes with the back of one hand. She was shaking.

I couldn’t save them all.

Chest tightening, Runa looked around, afraid of what she’d find. Had she been flung free of the airship? Eleden’s sash was gone from her waist, and her stomach felt bruised and tender. She was in a field inside a deep rut of churned earth. Something huge had plowed through the dirt and grass. Ahead, Runa could see the Skybird’s hull, or what was left of it, surrounded by splintered trees. It’d crashed into the forest. The remnants of one of the balloons draped across the back, deflated and destroyed. The ship wouldn’t fly again.

Her eyes caught on a body nearby, and fear rushed past the pain and shock. Runa scrambled over the torn dirt, ignoring her injuries. Was it Eleden or her father? She reached out, hand hovering over the man’s shoulder and leaned over his face. Relief pushed Runa back on her heels. He was one of Kaia’s. Breathing out, she checked for his pulse, though she knew he was dead. The man’s neck was broken.

An image from Raith filled Runa’s mind — Eleden, face bloodied and eyes wide with concern. She turned, tears springing unexpectedly to her eyes, as her uncle stumbled towards her. His left arm hung limply, and she could see that it'd dislocated from his shoulder.

Runa! Praise Sae’shara, he gasped. You saved us! Eleden gripped her shoulder with his right hand, grinning through a mask of blood. Your shield—

Not me, Runa said, still dazed. Raith. She gestured at the airship. What happened?

Aery destroyed the last balloon before she flew away. We fell fast. I thought we were done for, but your shield enveloped us. Eleden shook his head. I lost my grip on the rope and was tossed free. I hit the trees.

How many? How many survived? Runa looked back at the dead man.

Five. Eleden’s voice was grim. Five that we’ve found so far. He pointed behind him at a small knot of sailors tending to each other’s wounds. Kaia was among them, her face angry as she stared at her destroyed ship.

Five. Five out of twenty. Runa felt her grief mirrored in Raith. She frowned, partly to force the tears away, and followed Kaia’s gaze to the Skybird. My father?

Apprehension filled Eleden’s eyes. I haven’t found him. The hull is scattered over the field, but the hold may still be intact. He stared towards the downed airship. It looked as if he expected to find his brother dead, and Runa felt her stomach hollow.

He may have survived, Raith said.

Runa nodded. She’d lost the kanvar root in the crash. She had no way to sedate Egan anymore. And if he was dead … she hadn’t sent her mother a message yet. Hadn’t told her Egan was alive, and now …

Stop, she told herself. Focus on what you know. Runa looked at her uncle and his dangling arm. Here, let me help you. Eleden frowned as she put her hand on his wrist, then sat down, anticipating her request. Smiling slightly, Runa held his elbow, keeping his arm against his body, then slowly rotated his forearm away by his wrist until she felt his arm return to the socket. Relief chased pain across Eleden’s face, and Runa let go of his arm.

You’ve done this before, Eleden said gruffly, flexing his hand. Thank you.

Runa nodded. She hadn’t yet asked him about Laerdi or Teaeth, his crew members who’d been abroad. Were they safe? Teaeth? Laerdi?

Eleden’s face darkened, and he shook his head. Teaeth is gone. Laerdi is all right. He’s helping Yaenara.

Runa hadn’t known Teaeth very well, but sadness settled on her shoulders. Her thoughts turned dark as her fears spiraled. Raith, who’d been flying over the field, returned to her shoulder and brushed a wing against her cheek. Runa straightened, drawing strength through their bond. We should check the hold for Egan, and take someone with us. I can’t touch him if he’s awake, and you might need help.

I’ll come. It was a man’s voice, unfamiliar and soft-spoken.

Eleden and Runa turned. A man walked towards them, the blue sash around his waist torn and stained with dirt. His hair was gathered into a braid along the top of his skull, the sides shaved, and when he drew close, Runa could see seabirds tattooed across the sun-darkened skin over his ears. There was a cut across his forehead and blood in his hair, but his green eyes were free of pain, his movements relaxed.

This is Petur, Eleden said, nodding at the green-eyed man. Thank you.

Nodding her thanks, Runa looked back at what remained of the Skybird.

Someone’s in there, Raith thought, gold eyes fixed on the damaged hull.

Runa steeled herself and started walking towards it. She felt dizzy, and her side hurt, but she shoved those unhelpful sensations away with a scowl. Her father needed her. She glanced up, scanning the sky for Aery. Had the dragon abandoned them because she thought they were dead? Why had she attacked?

I don’t see any dragons, but I’ll return to the sky. Ensure they don’t surprise us. Raith nudged her cheek, then leaped into the air, flying high above them. They sent images of the top of the forest, green and unbroken. There was smoke in the west, distant, most likely the Ayanaran village.

Reaching the Skybird, Runa found a large hole in the side, the wood splintered inward. Had the trees done that when it’d crashed or Aery’s claws? She hesitated, thinking of her father’s rage in the pit in Ayanar. You should go first, she said, looking at Eleden. He might attack me.

Her uncle nodded and put a hand on her shoulder. Prepare yourself, Runa. His voice was tight, his eyes clouded. He may not have survived.

I’ve seen dead men before, Runa said. It sounded colder than she’d intended. Raith says someone is in there. She waited as Eleden ducked into the hold, then stepped inside after him. It was dark, and she lingered in the opening, waiting for her eyes to adjust to the lack of light.

Boxes and barrels were scattered everywhere, some torn open from the fall. The damage was extensive. How could anyone survive this? She stepped around a smashed crate of silks, the rolls of fabric a jumble of textures and colors. Runa paused, momentarily captivated by the luxurious goods. She’d never seen such wealth in Kaliz. Had it come from Oleporea?

Over here! Petur called, head appearing behind a heap of broken boxes.

Climbing over the shattered wood — mindful of the jagged splinters catching at her robe — Runa found Petur crouched over something near the wall. She braced herself, catching sight of her father’s arm.

Runa? Are you all right? What’s happening? Raith sent a pulse of concern.

He’s breathing, Petur said, looking back.

Runa sent a silent message to the wyvern. It’s my father. I’m all right. She felt Raith’s rising concern soften. Setting her jaw, Runa stepped forward. Petur moved out of the way, making space for her to kneel beside her father. She stared at the man who’d left before she was born, searching for something familiar in his face.

Egan was lying on his side, his head awkwardly resting on one bent arm, the tattooed rings of mage blue that encircled it covered by his matted, silver hair, wet with blood. There were new scratches across his face, and his bare chest was covered in wounds, some the long, bloody lines she’d seen before, left by his fingernails, and some new. Most appeared superficial. How had he survived being crushed by the boxes?

Hesitating only briefly, Runa ran her hands over his chest. She found no broken ribs. She listened to his breathing, then straightened, annoyed how fast her heart was beating. We should get him out before he wakes.

Eleden leaned over her, inspecting his brother. Yes, we should move him now.

Shifting out of the way, Runa watched as Eleden and Petur lifted Egan’s unconscious body and carried him outside. Slung between the two men, her father looked small.

She followed them out, watching as they laid Egan on the grass beside the broken airship. Runa studied him again in the light. Her father was dirty and thin, his ribs visible beneath his wasting skin. He’d clearly been handsome once, but now his square face was drawn, the cheeks sunken. A scraggly beard covered his jaw, the skin raw where he’d torn at it with his fingers. We should restrain him, Runa said.

Eleden re-entered the broken ship and returned with several heavy ropes. His face was grim, his eyes unreadable as he tied Egan’s hands and ankles. Remarkably, Runa’s father didn’t wake, his chest rising and falling with shallow breath.

Petur began searching the wreckage, and Runa and Eleden moved a little ways away from Egan, still close enough to see if he woke, but far enough that Runa wouldn’t be in danger.

The pain in Runa’s side returned, and she pressed a hand against her waist. What do we do now? It irritated her that she had to ask Eleden for help, but she had no plan of her own. She had no idea where they were. They certainly couldn’t go to the Sireni now. Lyric won’t know what happened.

She caught sight of a flash of red overhead, and Raith swooped down, settling on her shoulder. Their gold eyes met hers, and the wyvern’s tail wrapped loosely around the back of her neck.

You’re injured. I can mend you if you let me?

Runa raised an eyebrow. You can heal?

Yes, I think so. I cannot fix anything significant, but your injuries are within my ability. Your rib is broken. Here.

Heat bloomed across her side. There was pain, as her rib knit back together, and then a dull, manageable ache. Runa dropped her hand. That will come in handy.

Raith shifted, seeming tired.

Unaware of their communication, Eleden blew out a noisy breath of air. He was looking around the field, then up at the sun. Narrowing his eyes, he swiveled and pointed away from them with his good arm. That is east, he declared. If we walk that way, we’ll end up in Kaliz. Ayanar doesn’t have a port, but if we head to the Kalizan coast, we can find a ship and barter passage back to the fleet.

Runa studied the trees, then looked back at her father. "I grew up in Kaliz. If we can reach my village, I can get supplies. We can send a messenger from there to Lyric and the Gale. We can’t take my father on a ship, not like this, but if I can get him home, I