Page 10 of Queen's Griffon

“I don’t know. It’s just odd, is all.”

“Odd yes, but that doesn’t change the facts. She can’t fix what’s wrong in Verlora. No one can.” Griff believed that wholeheartedly because if the smartest men in the world—his father, his Uncle Basil, and all the other scientists—couldn’t save his country, then he highly doubted an imperious snippet of a woman could.

“If you say so, Captain.”

“I do say so. Now, is that all?”

Kreed took his leave, but his words lingered. The doubt he’d planted tried to blossom into hope.

Griff squashed it. He’d spent his youth praying for a miracle. Praying to one day see a ship on the horizon, carrying his father and an invitation to return home.

That hopeful little boy had grown into a man who understood miracles didn’t exist.

Chapter 3

Avera

Avera would needa miracle to convince the captain to aid her with her quest. To think, back in Seaserpent Bay she’d thought her biggest problem would be finding passage on a boat. Now she sailed on one but was no closer to achieving her objective.

Find and return the five stones—seals, as Opal called them—that had kept the ancient evil, Zhos, imprisoned until Avera’s own father, Basil Currosa of Verlora, removed them nearly three decades ago. Now, Zhos had begun causing trouble. The entity had stolen villagers and set them to work unwillingly to free it from a frozen lake in Fraegus Spire. It whispered in Benoit’s ear and convinced him to kill Avera’s family. It even had creatures of mist attack Avera, claiming once she died none could stop Zhos’s return.

Well, she still lived, but was no closer to finding the stones since she’d failed to convince the captain to take her to Verlora.

Jerk.

Her mood didn’t improve at being alone on a ship full of strangers. Captain Griffon had kidnapped her but left behind Gustav, the man who’d been her stern weapons instructor growing up and her fiercest ally after her mother’s death, and Josslyn, a woman she’d met recently who’d shown her what itwas like to have a friend. She also really missed her horse, Luna, a steed without compare.

Since she couldn’t stand to be in her cabin for long—the rocking motion of the ship still not completely agreeing with her belly—Avera went above deck and watched the horizon. The air filled her senses with its vibrancy. Despite the chill of the wind that filled the sails, the sun kept her warm.

As she leaned on the rail and watched the rippling of the waves, a presence by her side had her turning. A woman with tanned skin, boyishly short hair, and large, hooped earrings stood there, holding a mop.

“Is it true you’re Daerva’s queen?”

“That would depend on who you ask.” Avera’s lips turned down. “I was forced to run after my mother’s consort decided he wanted the throne, had my mother and siblings murdered, then had me falsely accused of the deed.” Avera saw no reason to not admit the truth.

“And you didn’t kill him?” The woman cocked her head.

“I will the next time I see him.” This time, she wouldn’t run away.

The reply brought a smile. “I’m Simhi.” The female sailor held out her free hand.

Avera stared at it a moment before clasping it and murmuring, “Avera.”

“You’re part Verlorian.” Stated, not asked.

Kind of obvious given Avera’s coloring. Daervians usually tended to have pale features and hair that ranged from gold to russet. “I am.” Then because she had nothing to hide, she lifted her chin and declared, “My father was a man named Basil Currosa. He left Daerva before my mother could tell him she was pregnant with me.”

“TheBasil Currosa?” Simhi’s eyes widened.

“You know him?” Avera herself knew nothing of the man, and while she’d said the name to Griffon and he’d admitted knowing it, he’d not acted as impressed as Simhi.

“Of him. He was only the greatest scientist of the time.” Simhi leaned close to whisper, “Some claim his last experiment is what destroyed Verlora.”

“It’s very possible.” Avera didn’t even try to protect the man who’d fathered her. “It would seem he stole something of great value from Daerva, something that needs to be returned or the rest of the world might meet Verlora’s fate.”

Rather than scoff, Simhi appeared pensive. “And you want to go to Verlora to get it back.”

“Yes. But your captain refuses.” Avera shot a glare in the direction of the helm even though she couldn’t be sure he’d returned to pilot his ship.

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