“We have our spies—people like Cord and Mistin—to keep us appraised as to the goings on of the world.” The candle cast dark, flickering shadows across Krissin’s face. “Long ago, a young Witch became disillusioned with the way Haven ran the world. She garnered a secret following. One night, she stole into the Head’s secret libraries and took many of the books filled with Witch secrets. Then she and her followers fled to her homeland: Calden.”
Senna already knew this story. “But Calden was destroyed.”
Krissin’s gaze held Senna’s. “Not destroyed. Moved.”
Espen’s hastily scrawled word’s flashed in her mind. “But that would have taken hundreds and hundreds of Witches…”
“Oh, would it now?” Krissin calmly sipped her tea.
Senna’s gaze narrowed. “You know it would.”
Krissin pursed her lips. She’d been willing to share some secrets. Apparently, this wasn’t one of them.
It was true the Witches could move Haven, if there were enough of them, but Senna hadn’t known it was possible for any other place. Clearly, Haven’s Witches hadn’t either. It must be true, because the evidence sat in front of her. “How could you stay hidden for so many centuries?”
Krissin’s thumb traced the handle of the tea cup. “You’ll understand it better when you see for yourself.”
Senna slumped onto one of the chairs and poured herself a cup of tea, adding a generous dollop of clotted cream. “Really, what’s the point of all this mystery?”
Krissin smiled. “I will not reveal all our secrets to you, Senna. Know I will not harm you. In fact, all of us have great respect for you and what you’ve done. As long as you refrain from interfering, you will be treated as an honored guest.”
Senna felt the Four Sisters inside her. She could harness them within seconds, sink this ship and every other ship within a hundred leagues.
Krissin must have seen something of this on her face. “Don’t. Mistin would knock you senseless, and we would drug you until this is all over. I can’t guarantee the potions wouldn’t addle your wits or make you a slave to them, either.”
Senna swallowed her rage. Krissin was right. She had to wait for the right opportunity. “When I defeated Espen, I thought I was saving more than just the Witches. But that’s not true, is it? Hundreds of Calden Witches could have stepped in after we were gone and righted the world. It was never really in danger after all.”
Krissin rolled a handful of berries around on her palm. “Give yourself a little credit, Brusenna. We were hiding from Espen just as much as your Witches. She could have overthrown us just as easily as she did Haven.” Krissin stood and gestured for Senna to follow.
She obeyed, but only because there was no real choice.
Krissin led her back to her tiny room. “Mistin will stay with you to make sure you don’t attempt to sing. Don’t test her. She’s our best Stryker. I suggest you rest. Tomorrow will be trying enough.” She shut the door and Senna heard the lock click into place.
Senna let her eyes adjust to the dark. “Stryker?”
Mistin flopped onto the bed and stared at the ceiling. “Witches trained as fighters.” She hesitated. “I told you there is more to a Witch than just her song.”
Absolutely exhausted, but still fighting her fate, Senna grunted. “I never disputed that.”
“I know,” Mistin said softly, her eyes glinting in the darkness. “That’s why I’m your friend.”
Senna felt like screaming. “Friends don’t lie to each other. They don’t betray each other. And they certainly don’t kidnap each other.”
“This friend does.” Senna heard the laughter in Mistin’s voice. The Stryker rolled over and said seriously, “Not everyone looks at me the way you do. Haven certainly didn’t. I’m small. I’m female. I’m young. And worst of all, I have a weak song. But I’ve found a way to turn all my weaknesses into strengths. People underestimate me. They pass me over as unimportant. This makes me the perfect spy. You don’t have to be big and strong to throw a knife or to worm your way in as the Head’s secretary.”
“Or as my so-called friend.” Senna rubbed her eyes. “You know they’re not evil.”
“This war has been coming for centuries.” Mistin’s voice had hardened. “When it’s over, you’ll have a place among us, if you choose it.”
A place with these Witches but not with those on Haven. Senna rested the back of her head against the door and slid to the floor. This was what Espen was trying to warn her about. This was the danger coming for Haven.