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"We've had a harrowing journey, racing against time to get to Azizi while the Avariens made their way down for El'Tide."
Several nods trickled throughout the crew as the rest twitched the winged curves of their ears, their wings fluttering gently beneath the bright dawn.
"We've had our losses during this time," I continued, frowning as I thought of our dead, seeing their names and faces plain as a new dawn in my mind. I noticed the sea angels bowing their own heads, faces tightened in grief.
Another tally to give me.
I looked out sternly.
"You've had your chance to fly off, and I wouldn't have held it against you."
"Yes, you would have, Cap!" Jakran called.
The corner of my lips twitched.
"No, I wouldn't." A beat. "But I would have your wings plucked on sight If I ever crossed you again."
That got them laughing. The sea angels looked nervous, brows rising high. They didn't seem to think that was too funny. Corellis didn't laugh either, but her eyes were shining, and that was enough for me.
"Thank you," I said fondly. "For staying with me. We all know I carry the least desirable reputation across the sea and sky. But you've remained. And now, we have a stone to fetch."
"Like a pretty Ayella in silks?" asked Ifu.
I grinned back, winking at him. "Like a pretty Ayella in silk."
"Well, that'll motivate any ayèn, I think," called Dakri. "It sure as rot is motivating me."
Cackles broke out across the deck. Even Nyala cracked a rueful grin, shaking her head.
"All of you will remain on the Ashweaver, except for Hezron." I nodded at the cabin ayèn. He and I had already spoken of what I needed him to do once we were in the palace. Hezron floated on the deck below, scrubbing towel in hand, grinning like a fool.
"Ayella Corellis has been kind enough to help Engèli navigate through a waterway that will take us directly to the palace. There, we'll hide the ship in the caves below. I need all of you to be ready. We'll sail fast. If things go my way, we'll be in and out of the palace before King Au'Pearl has had enough wine to warm his entrails. The moment we board again, we take off through the same waterway and scat. All clear?"
"Aye!" the angels chorused. "All clear, Captain Ashthorn!"
"Good," I said. "Etheriscs on! We travel below sea!"
Engèli navigated the Ashweaver over the calm surface of the Mistwind Sea. The blues and lavenders were breathtaking. Even hints of orange danced like sparkling flecks wherever the sôlight touched.
Engèli turned the wheel, thrust it upward, then bent it back, making it almost flat. I had just enough time to slip on my etherisc when the Ashweaver pitched forward and plunged into the sea.
The first thing to hit me was the freezing cold. My body spasmed, wanting to fly out and get above water. A small hand came to my shoulder, reaching for the nape of my cloak. When I turned, I found Ayella Corellis trying to take my cloak off. She was resplendent, enveloped in the blues and lavenders of the sea. Her pale blue dress seemed to mold with the surrounding water, as her ivory curls floated around her shoulders.
"You'll swim better without this massive thing on you. It will slow you down."
I only nodded, listening, but moving slowly, so she was forced to take more time helping me. I loved her touch, her scent, and wanted to keep her as close as possible. When she inevitably pulled away, my hearts rebelled.
Engèli wasted no time. He pushed a lever, thrusting the ship into high gear. Before long, we were zooming past miles of deep sea. Floating through the water, while somehow staying on the deck, I pulled away from the Ayella to bark orders at the crew.
"Draw in the masts! Quickly! Move!"
The crew rushed to obey. The sky angels struggled with dancing between floating and swimming to get their jobs done. It made for an amusing sight, but I had no time to dwell on it. A gong beat in my chest. I fisted my hands and released them before half floating, half swimming to reach Engèli.
"How much longer?"
Engèli grunted. "A few hôrs."
"How behind my payè are we?"
