The Storm Witch (52 page)

Authors: Violette Malan

BOOK: The Storm Witch

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“And our horses? And the rest of our baggage?” He could tell that Dhulyn was disappointed. “At least the sun’s shining. And here come the captains.”

They had taken the last few days in the Midland Sea to say their good-byes to the crew, but the captains were doing them the honor of actually leaving the ship to say farewell in private—or in as much privacy as Nomads ever had.

#As much as they wish# #Amusement#

Parno grinned. Dar had no difficulty yet with the gangway, though she came down it with a hand to her belly. To Parno’s eye, there was nothing yet there to see of the twins she was carrying, though both Dar and Dhulyn had sworn that he was blind.

*Good wind, fair current* came the Nomads’ voices in his head, as they exchanged embraces.

*Fair current, good wind* he answered.

“Be near the sea in seven moons’ time,” Dar said aloud, so as to include Dhulyn. “You can be present when your girls are born.”

“I will be,” Parno said. “Expect me.”

Dar suddenly stepped forward and hugged Dhulyn, who did her best not to shy away.

“Would have liked to keep you both,” she said.

Dhulyn patted Dar’s shoulder, knowing that the sentiment was sincere. But she had never again managed a Vision in which she could link with the Crayx, not even using her ancient vera tiles to help her concentrate. Without the White Twins, her Mark simply wasn’t strong enough.

They shouldered their packs and, Dhulyn in the lead, headed back down the street toward the Mercenary House.

“We’ve missed the summer,” Dhulyn said, pulling the throat of her red cloak closed. “But at least the sun’s shining today.”

“It’s good to be back,” Parno said.

“Let’s see how good it is once we’ve been to Mercenary House.”

Parno took her by the elbow. “What kind of problems can they give us? What could be worse than what we’ve been through already?

Dhulyn shrugged one shoulder. “You’re probably right.”