Chapter Forty
The next morning, I stood on the prow of the Reprisal, entering Weisha harbor with a larger crew than I had left with. It’s always a good thing not to lose anyone, but gaining was even better.
“You ready, boss?” Navin asked.
“Yes.” I turned away from the view and followed Navin down into the hold.
Vasren was already there, inspecting the crates. He looked up as I joined him. “Not much room.”
“Are you afraid of enclosed spaces?” I grinned at him.
“No. I'm afraid of being separated from you.”
“I'll be right next to you.”
Glancing at the others, he took my hand and drew me to the side. “Are you sure you don't want the Raltven to try to get into the House of Silk again?”
“It won't work. Even with that cloak, Tesal may not make it far. Not if it's as crowded as before.”
“I know. Otherwise, I'd be using the cloak.” He squished up his face. “As much as I hate touching the thing.”
“We're burning it once this is over. Or maybe we'll give it to the Raltven to bury. But I think the Raltven who were killed to make that cloak would approve of us using it.”
“I think they would as well, but it's like wearing their corpses.”
“Ugh! You know we can hear you, right?” Tesal grumbled. “Thanks so much for that shit about the corpse cloak. I have to wear it.”
I chuckled as I returned to the group. “It's magic, not corpses. You'll be fine, Tesal.”
“I'd feel better if we were doing this at night,” Navin said.
“You're going to be in a box. What does it matter?” Ruspo waved at a crate. “Speaking of which—get in already.”
“This feels wrong. We can hide on our own.” Sudar climbed into a crate.
“Normally, yes. But not in this instance. And you three are the lightest, along with me.”
“Why does he get to go?” Baelxa nodded at Vasren. “He's heavier than I am.”
“Because even though he's heavy, he can fit into that crate. You Brandva have tails and horns, while the Tyasmorans have wings. You won't fit into the crate.”
“And because I said so,” Vasren growled. “I'm going with my mate. End of discussion.”
“Fine.” Baelxa pouted.
“We'll have more fun posing as customers anyway,” his brother, Grekan, said to him.
“Yeah, all right.” Baelxa grinned.
“Do not get distracted.” I pointed at them. “When you hear the fighting begin, I need you to find us.”
“Yes, boss,” they all said.
“All right. Let's deliver a surprise to the Spider.” I crawled into a crate.
Vasren leaned in to kiss me before he set the lid in place.