Page 25 of Of Blood & Stone

“What about Yenna?” Elnok asked, ignoring the way his chest squeezed far too tight.

“She’ll be fine.”

“The woman clearly isn’t made for sea travel. She’s puked every other hour at this point.”

“Then let’s get docked at the next port?—”

“You know that’s not what I meant.”

His friend’s face turned a pale red.

“None of us are ready to say goodbye to you, and we don’t have to. I’m going to find this healing tree and you’re going to be cured, alright? And right now, you’re only wasting what little breath you have left by trying to convince me otherwise. Best we spend these last few hours together in shared happiness instead of anger.”

Orym’s gaze softened right as the door opened, the rest of their crew spilling in with plates of fresh fish and watered-down ale. Yenna joined shortly after, wiping what must’ve been a remnant of bile from her mouth as she smiled at Orym. He smiled back. Elnok joined in the eating and drinking with his crew, retelling old stories of their comings and goings along the coast over the past decade.

Laughter filled Elnok’s heart until Kharis entered the cabin, his green and brown leather armor still on, the yellow stone on his chest aglow.

“Excuse me for the interruption, Prince Elnok,” the Estean warrior announced, “but it’s time we discuss our plans before our departure.”

Everyone stiffened at the Estean’s intrusion, but Elnok bade everyone to continue telling their stories. He followed Kharis to the main deck, the hot sun baking an intense heat into the wood of the ship. They approached the side of the vessel, the Dynami resting his forearms on the railing. A brisk wind swept Elnok’s hair across his face, so he fastened it at the nape of his neck.

“Tell me what you know of Estea,” Kharis said, his golden-blonde hair waving in the breeze.

“I thought you wanted to discuss a plan.”

“I do. Understanding your perception of Estea will help.”

Despite the sun glimmering along the calm waters, a dark storm cloud slowly approached from the horizon. All Elnok wanted was to spend these last few moments with his crew, but he joined the warrior and leaned his arms on the railing.

“Your kingdom only trades with Vutror because of the special weapons they provide. In return, your kingdom provides Vutror with shipments of food and water.” Elnok paused, considering the days he’d spent with dust in his teeth and his stomach growling for anything other than seaweed. “But this also meansyour people willingly leave the rest of the continent in famine when you have the means to do otherwise.”

He expected Kharis to counter, but the warrior only stared forward, his dark eyes focused on the approaching storm cloud.

“What else?” he asked.

“I’ve heard rumors it’s your women who tend to your crops through magical means,” he replied, “but it’s Dynameis like yourself that are the only beings capable of surviving Lhaal Forest.”

“And what of the monsters that dwell in Lhaal?”

“There’s little I’m certain about. Only that legend says those monsters were born of the bloated earth and carved with the intent to kill. And, if it weren’t for these creatures, the people of this continent would’ve taken your people to war when the hints of famine and drought showed themselves ages ago. You Dynameis would’ve killed them with ease, but they would’ve done it anyways.”

Kharis’ expression remained unchanged. “Would you have joined such wartime efforts?”

“No.”

His brows raised as his mouth thinned. “Interesting.”

“What is?”

“You speak about Estea with disdain, but you wouldn’t jump at the opportunity to fight us if given the chance?”

“I’m not a fool, Dynami. While war against your kingdom ushers excitement just as much as strong ale and passionate cries for blood, it would only mean a quick death. Yet, I imagine that’s what most people are desperate for nowadays—a way to feel like they did something at the end of it all.” Elnok paused, voice lowering, “Not just sit in this dust and slowly waste away.”

“And that is what you would prefer? To slowly waste away, as you say?”

Elnok paused, the salty breeze filling his lungs.

“I wish to survive.”

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