Dragonlands(200)

“But I don’t know how,” Connor countered.

"They won’t believe you,” Jarrett said. “Do you want me to help you with that?"

Connor held the strip up to his eyes. Jarrett tied the ends at the back of Connor's head.

"I'll tie a rope around his wrist and lead him," Elinor said. She twirled her cape onto her shoulders and produced a rope from one of the interior pockets. "Connor, assuming they still have a Healer's Guild here, they will recognize you as my patient. We won't be questioned."

"They do have one," Jarrett said to Elinor. "I was hoping all of you would agree to the ruse."

Elinor tied the rope around Connor's waist. "I'll give small tugs so you know which way to go," she told him.

"Okay, are we ready?" Bastian asked. He shifted from one foot to the other.

"Yes," Jarrett said, hefting his pack onto his shoulder. He reached down for Elinor's, but was bumped aside by Bastian.

"I'll take it," Bastian said, snatching up her pack. He glared at Jarrett.

Jarrett shrugged, refusing to play this pissing match. "Let's go. The town isn't far. Around those trees and to the right." He set off at a quick clip, eager to keep moving. The sooner they secured a boat, the sooner they could get to the Isle of Repose. Every step took him closer to reuniting with Tressa.





Chapter Nine


"This boat will get you back to the Sands," the merchant said.

Jarrett knew the man would be pleased with their business. Since the barrier had been erected along the Meadowlands border, the sea merchants had lost a lot of revenue. The people of the Meadowlands needed to eat, so the Red and Yellow had extended the barrier a bit into the sea, but not far enough for them to escape their homeland. Visitors were rare, a boat sale even more rare. Jarrett knew it wouldn't take much negotiation to secure the deal.

"She looks good." Jarrett meandered around the deck. He tugged on ropes and rapped on the side. It felt and sounded solid.

"I'd offer you a crew..." the man trailed off.

Jarrett clapped him on the shoulder. "I don't claim to understand what my people did to you. I wish I knew why they trapped your people here."

"It is of no concern," the merchant said with a wave of his hand. "All will change soon enough."

Jarrett raised an eyebrow, but did not question the man. Surely the people here were always trying to come up with ideas to escape or to change their circumstances. But as far as Jarrett knew, turning someone into a dragon was irreversible. Unless the Green could find a way to turn back time, there was no hope of them ever leaving their homeland.

"I would like to rent her, then," Jarrett said.

"Rent?" The merchant sputtered, his face turning red. "It is for sale. I have no use for it now. Your people put me in this predicament. The least you can do is buy the vessel instead of bringing it back to me. It is only another reminder of our captivity." The merchant crossed his arms over his chest. He stared Jarrett down with angry eyes.

Jarrett waited only a moment, then held out a hand. "Deal."

The two men shook on it. Jarrett swung his pack off his shoulder, and counted gold coins for the merchant who took them with wide eyes and shaking hands. Jarrett felt bad. He knew it was rare for anyone in the Meadowlands to make this kind of money anymore. All of their trade was done near the border and they had to take what the traders would give them. While they weren't as isolated as Hutton's Bridge had once been, they felt the sting of captivity nonetheless.

"She's all yours," the merchant said. "Take good care of her. She was once my finest crabbing ship. I cannot get out to those waters anymore. Maybe someday..." He walked away, the coins jingling in his hands.

"I didn’t realize you were drowning in riches," Bastian said as they boarded the ship.

"No, but I was given enough by the queen of Risos to fund my journey to the Drowned Country. She is generous." The boat lurched away from the dock. Jarrett couldn't help notice Bastian grab the side of the boat, his face screwed up. "Are you okay?"

"Fine," Bastian said, his voice garbled.

Elinor placed a hand on Bastian's arm. She offered him something from her palm and whispered. He popped it in his mouth and chewed on it, then thanked her. The interplay between the two was genuine. Sweet. Jarrett hoped they'd find happiness with each other so Bastian would stop mooning over Tressa.

Connor took off the blindfold. He stood at the prow, taking in a deep breath. The sandy-haired man walked over to Jarrett, who stood at the wheel.

"How are you feeling?" Jarrett asked Connor.

"Good," Connor said. He tossed the blindfold overboard. It skimmed along the water, finally settling into a wave's wet embrace. "I’m angry and anxious over the eggs, but physically I feel strong. Ready to fight."