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Jarin took it from her in disbelief. “Where did you get this? Are you sure it’s the map?” He squinted. “I can’t understand these symbols.”
“Nor can I. Or at least, not many of them. But Yvette stole it from the pocket of Artus’s jacket yesterday. The language is Shirranis.”
The pirate laughed uproariously, causing red and green parrots to fly from a nearby tree.
“Artus would’ve lost his mind when he realized. This is fantastic.” Then, he sobered. “Lucky Yvette and the rest of them are gone from Madame Quaan’s. He’ll surely return there looking for it.”
“And all he’ll find is an empty house, save for perhaps Quaan shouting from within the walls of the study. But this is fortunate, isn’t it? He has little chance of finding the amulet without the map. And we’ll certainly not give it to him.”
“You’re right.” He returned the parchment to Riella. “We must keep it a secret, though. Pirates have big mouths. Ferrante will be able to decipher the map for us, I believe.”
“And when will that be?”
“When he’s ready.”
Riella sighed. “That’s what Kohara said.”
“What are Polinth’s chances of finding the amulet, do you think? He’s incredibly resourceful.”
The siren exhaled hard through her nose. “Resourceful is a nice way of putting it. The man is a parasite. He thinks my Voice will help him claim the amulet.”
“Then, we better find the amulet first. We have the map and soon, the Pandora will sail. I must deprive Artus of the power it would give him.”
“And Polinth.” Riella had a hopeful realization. “If we find the amulet, I could use it on Seraphine, to restore her.” She sighed, looking out to sea. “I wish I could talk to my friends. If the amulet is real, someone among the sirens must know more about it. Are you sure we can’t hurry Ferrante along?”
The pirate chuckled. “Have you ever tried to hurry along a mystic?”
“Fine.” She pushed her hair off her forehead in the blazing sun. “Let’s mend the ship, at least, so we’re ready to sail at the earliest opportunity.”
Days passed with Riella working on the ship alongside the pirates, and with no news from the Seer.
The crew did not warm to her, so she worked with Jarin. Now and then, he would hack green coconuts open on the beach with a machete and offer one to her.
The progress of the Pandora’s reparations improved Riella’s mood. While she thought about Seraphine often, she was glad that each day brought her closer to rescuing the elf.
To pass the time, she talked to Jarin, peppering him with questions about humans, and life on the land, and feelings. He stayed by her side nearly always, reasoning that she’d need protection from the rest of the pirates. She’d scoff, but not send him away.
Near dusk, they’d put down their tools and make their way into the jungle. The trees came alive with evening creatures, darting and rustling unseen. The palms stood tall against the infinite amethyst sky, the pastel sand retaining the heat of the day.
Ulyss and his children built a bonfire each night in the clearing at camp. Riella sat on the sand, inspecting her sunburnt arms and shoulders in dismay. Her skin was a bright, angry pink.
“Here,” said Jarin, bringing over a wooden bowl with clear liquid inside. “Coconut oil. For your sunburn.”
His tawny skin had only become more tanned from being in the constant sun.
The oil did help, melting into her raw flesh as she massaged. The pirates seemed to have resolved to ignore her, keeping their distance while talking and laughing among themselves. Kohara sat with the children, preparing food.
Night settled over the island. The only light was the yellow bonfire, leaping and dancing in the air like a living thing. Riella stared into the flames, mesmerized. The heat warmed the oil on her skin, scenting the air with the sweet earthiness of coconut.
She was so entranced that she didn’t notice Jarin had returned with food for her until he put a leaf plate near her knee.
“The fire is lovely to behold,” she said, picking up the plate.
“Aye.”
Jarin stabbed a piece of charcoal fish with a fork and crammed it into his mouth.
“How can you eat flesh?” asked Riella in disgust. “It turns my stomach to see you eat it night after night.”
