Page 83 of The Divine Lies We Weave

Fair. You will need to head into Kithium territory. Toward the Whispering Mountain where the monsters lie.

Rajesh groaned. He drifted a finger toward the mountain peaks nearing the ocean line of Kithium.

The Scorpion was right. He wasn’t going to like the destination. Heading into Kithium territory meant they would have to be stealthy and outwit not only the monsters, but the other palace soldiers that hunt them. It meant crossing borders toward a place where he wouldn’t be protected by Nihikian law. It meant burrowing into the mountains without their ship and taking on the monsters who sought shelter between their peaks.

It meant more bloodshed.

Despite the desert kingdoms’ agreement to evenly harness the Flames and use mortals as Vessels, Kithium and Nihikia had been tense for years. Water rations were harder for Nihikia when Kithium was closer to the oceans. Military tactics between the kingdoms were always putting Nihikia in the path of danger. Rajesh remembered Iravan telling him about the latest board meetings, where Kithium was willing to sacrifice small villagers as targets to draw the monsters out from the bigger cities.

It made him sick to the stomach at the thought.

Fuck. Is there not another way?

You wanted the tree. You wonder why you never found it.

Rajesh tilted his head to the ceiling and took several deep breaths. His crew was not going to like this. I would be endangering my crew.

Let them go. Do you need them?

Of course, I do. We won’t survive without them.

The Scorpion clicked his pinchers. Sometimes, sacrifices should be made in war.

Rajesh slammed his hand on the table. This isn’t a war. Not between you and the Viperess. I have helped bring each and every crew member from the bottom up. I am not about to leave them, and they won’t leave me.

You’d rather lead them to their deaths?

Rajesh bit his lip. We will manage. We’re stronger together. The more Vessels and Flames, the easier we defeat the monsters.

And what of the Kithium soldiers? They won’t exactly let you walk in.

No. But they have to offer sanctuary. To any Gilded Thorn. If we come across rebels within the walls, then we will deal with them.

I’ve heard they’re looking for Nihikian spies too. Lords are running rampant and trying to take over sections of land at any cost. The Scorpion swished his tail in thought.

Rajesh clenched the table. I will figure it out. This is my crew. We are Gilded Thorns. We will pass through the Kithium cities entirely if we must.

Best let your crew know then.

Rajesh stared out the window, watching as the night cast the dunes in darkness. He knew the dangers. His mother would not approve of this plan. If she was here, she’d be dragging him by the ear and urging him not to antagonize anyone in Kithium. Allies among other Gilded Thorns were tight and tense. Any wrong move could send the wrong message.

But Rajesh knew he could be careful. He could weasel his way out of situations. He had to try.

Time to alert everyone.

He gathered all thirty members of his crew into the training room. They rubbed their eyes, some groaning and grumbling. He needed to get this off his chest, no matter the hour.

“Wh-what’s the matter?” Tanmay asked. “Is something wrong? Are we heading in the wrong direction?”

“Calm down,” Navya said, slumped back against the bench. “He’ll tell us when he tells us.”

Tanmay continued to pull at his fingers, leg shaking.

Rajesh glanced over his crew. He had lost many members over the last few years as captain, and each one hurt all the same. But they deserved to know why their course was changing and if they wished to turn back, they could. They had families and loved ones to protect too.

As soon as everyone was seated, they fixed their gazes on Rajesh at the front of the stands.

“I know it’s late and I called you at an inconvenient time, but I need to talk to you all,” Rajesh said, voice booming in the open air. “The attack today meant we lost a few good people. I have always been honest with you, about our missions, about the monsters, and I tried to protect you when I could.”