Chapter 13
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
The moment I read beast on Mikael’s arm and recalled the words on my own skin: greed, slumbers, and ice, I knew without a doubt where we need to go.
I return to the bathing chamber to read the rest of the words on my arm, using the mirror to see any that I can’t make out.
Fire is born of silver-flamed tongues.
Ice holds the secrets we dare keep.
While greed slumbers in places unseen,
The northernmost island is one of legend and lore, with myths passed down for generations. Tales of how treacherous it is were recorded by our scribes, either by their own experience or the word of others who traveled there.
Only a handful of sailors would dare risk the freezing waters of the north and the beasts that fill the skies. There are precious gems and minerals on the island that some are willing to attempt mining.
But it’s said, if you wake the slumbering beasts that protect the island before you cross the barrier they refuse to go beyond, you will remain behind either as a frozen statue, or their dinner. I’m convinced they freeze the unlucky ones to eat later. Frozen meat doesn’t spoil.
Going to the island is going to be a feat in itself, but I want to know what the rest of the riddle is.
What we have to do.
Instead of lamenting over it, I make another list of items we’ll likely need to survive on the island. Fur-lined cloaks, thick blankets, winterized undergarments, new leathers, and other essentials.
We only have a few hours left until Eydis’s deadline expires, so I head down to the ground floor of the inn.
The room is abuzz now that it’s full of patrons. The clink of metal goblets, hushed voices among the loud ones, all mix and mingle with the musicians playing a tune. Spiraling from lit pipes, a thin veil of tobacco smoke wafts through the air.
Mikael is sitting at the bar, talking to Josef, laughing and eating.
I slide onto the seat next to him and hand Josef the list. “Can I find all this in town?”
“Easily. Do you want me to send someone to get it?” Josef calls over a young boy who was drying dishes. “Mav can do it for you.”
“No, I’ll go. Just tell me which shops will give me the best deal and which owners you trust.” I take the list from him. “Do you know a captain who will take us to Emberfrost Island?”
Mikael cocks his head to the side and looks at me before returning to his drink, downing the rest of it. He hadn’t acknowledged my presence until that name left my lips.
“You do know what lives there?” Josef balks.
I nod. “Yes. We have no choice in the matter.”
“Very well. I’ll send word to Harkin. But, Bryn, this isn’t going to be cheap.” Josef slings a rag over his shoulder and leans against the other side of the bar.
“I’m aware.” I jingle the three bags attached to my hip.
This curse-breaking ordeal is costing me more coin than I’d prefer. Two will be depleted by the items we need, and the third will go toward our fare to the island.
After, or if, we complete this next trial, we’ll have to stop at Varithen to restock. And check in with Peylin to make sure I don’t have to handle any lingering tax issues.
“I’ll go with you to get supplies,” Mikael announces, getting up.
“It’s probably best if you stay here.” I give him a look, and he returns to his seat.
“Tell the captain we’ll be at the docks just before dawn.” Josef gives the boy a few of the coins and sends him to deliver the message to the captain.
I get up without saying another word to Mikael and leave the inn. The tension between us is still hot and thick like the humidity on a peak day in summer.
I’ll discuss it with him tomorrow.