Page 49 of The Storm of the Empire

“Prisoners,” a familiar voice said quietly beside me.

I turned to find Faolan standing in the shade of the temple with a manifest in hand.

“Are you following me?” I asked playfully, quickly masking my unease.

“I was about to ask you the same thing. Are you on the return trip with me?”

“Actually, no. Where are you headed?”

“Back to Runerth, then on to the Seventh Kingdom.”

“Ice,” I said, letting my surprise show. “Can you sail there at this time of year?”

“Just barely.”

I looked to the prisoners again. “Why are they here?”

Faolan lifted his shoulders. “I don’t ask questions. I just do as I’m told. That’s for the captain to work out.”

“You don’t care who or what you’re carrying? Ever?”

He weighed my words, but I couldn’t tell if he was reluctant to answer or trying to figure me out.

“You don’t have to tell me. I’m just nosy. Not my business.” I raised my hands in the air, pleading humility like I thought a priest would.

“It’s not that. This is new to us. We don’t usually transport prisoners, and honestly, I’ve never even heard of anyone picking up prisoners from priests. It’s as weird as you probably think it is.” He paused looking at me again. “I’m surprised you don’t know what it's about.”

“Not my duty. The high priests give us all tasks, and mine are to see the safe transport of cargo in the Goddess’ name. I’ve never see this sort of thing, but I’m sure it’s in Her name. I don’t question.” It hurt to say the words, but I knew they were right to keep up the ruse. “They are probably going to serve penance in the Seventh Kingdom.”

“You’re probably right.” He turned to go, then hesitated. “What made you become a priest?”

I froze. Did he suspect me? Or was he questioning his life, too? I gave him the best answer I could: “The Goddess called me. But there are days I miss the sea.”

“You used to sail?”

“I spent a few months working ships before I decided to change directions.” I didn’t know why I felt the need to share these things with him, real things, but he drew it out of me.

“It’s a life. Not what I thought I’d be doing either.” He searched my face like he could place me. “I haven’t been doing it long myself. I’m not sure it’s what I should be doing. Goddess I’m not sure if I have a calling.”

“I try to serve Her, but I’m not sure such a thing truly exists.”

Faolan laughed genuinely. “Maybe there isn’t purpose to this existence.”

“I hope that’s not the case,” I sighed. There had to be. This couldn’t be it. I tugged my pendant again.

Faolan narrowed his eyes, glancing at my necklace. “Would it be so bad if it’s all meaningless?”

“Maybe the meaning is what we make it.”

His brows pulled as he considered my words. “I think you’re right. No wonder they say to talk to a priest to feel better.”

I laughed. “It only works sometimes. Don’t rely on it. You have to find it in yourself.”

“You’re killing me with small wisdoms.” He clapped me on the shoulder. “Will I see you back in Neilius? I think we are picking up some cargo there, too. I would’t mind having you on my ship again.”

“If the Goddess wills it, I hope to meet you again, friend.” I smiled because he’d given me something without even realizing it.

If I wanted to follow the eggs further, I had to go back to where I’d lost them in Neilius. It wasn’t solid, but his words had given me a gut feeling they were doing more. I also mentally added the mysterious prisoners to my list of things to report to Nyx. As far as I knew, only the guard transported imprisoned fae. What would priests have to do with prisoners?

---