Witch Born(99)

They were out in the open water now, fast approaching the shimmering barrier.

Senna’s sigh of relief caught in her throat when they passed through. She was lost and afraid and alone. And then they were on the other side. The sudden storm bit into her flesh, but she barely felt the wind’s teeth. She was too consumed by horror at the sight of dark ships stretching as far as she could see.

An armada bearing Tarten’s red flags. At this distance, Senna would be hard to make out, but that wouldn’t last for much longer. She couldn’t stay here, not where any Tarten could look out and see her. She’d rather take her chances with the Witches.

Gripping the next rung with shaking hands, she peeked over the side. There were people everywhere and nowhere to hide. “Might as well get this over with,” she muttered to herself. She hauled herself up and over the side. Her muscles had cramped into place. She straightened herself stiffly.

Everyone on deck froze.

Krissin moved first, marching over and gripping Senna’s arm, a phalanx of Guardians at her back. “Foolish girl! Do you know what you’ve done?”

Senna was too tired to care. “I’m thirsty, and I need to relieve myself.”

“We should take her back,” Krissin’s Guardian said.

Krissin pursed her lips. “How long do you think it will take for the Haven Witches to feel our songs? We’ve passed the barrier. We mustn’t stop now.” She glanced at the Witches standing a little ways back. “Sing to those in the city of Lilette. Tell them we found her, and make certain none of the Tarten ships hear the song.”

“If the Tartens find her, they’ll kill her,” the Guardian warned.

Krissin sighed. “They couldn’t possibly know she’s here.”

One of the sailors called, “Head, a Tarten captain is requesting to board.”

Krissin’s skin went a chalky gray. “Our ship? But if they meet with anyone it should be Millay. She is the Head of War.”

The sailor shook his head. “They’ve already put a boat in the water, Head.”

Krissin pointed to two Guardians. “Get Brusenna out of sight. If she tries anything foolish, knock her unconscious.”

The Guardians grasped Senna’s arms, hauled her into one of the officer’s small cabins, and told her to keep quiet. Then they shut the door.

Senna found and used the chamber pot. Then she waited in the dim, cramped room, sweat starting down her back. Soon, she heard voices on deck. Unable to hear or see anything, she perched on the edge of the bed.

It wasn’t long before the door was pushed open. Krissin stood looking at Senna, her face hard. She nodded to the Guardians. “Go on deck with the others. Be ready for trouble.” After they left, she shut the door behind them. “Somehow the Tartens know you’re onboard.”

Waves of dread rushed through Senna with each heartbeat. “What? How?”

She felt Cord reacting to her fear. She pushed the interference aside.

Krissin shook her head. “I don’t know. But if I don’t bring you out, they’ll call off our alliance. And if they don’t attack us immediately, Haven will. We’ve already revealed ourselves to them. Either way, it’ll mean war—a war we might not win. I can’t save your life at the cost of hundreds more, Creator-touched or not, next Composer or not.”

Senna rested her head in her hands and then started when Krissin shoved a waterskin, hard bread, and salted lamb into her hands. “Keep it next to your breasts. That’s the safest place for it.”

“Unless they rape me.”

Krissin faltered. “Try and stay alive until our battle with them is finished. We’ll monitor the ship they have you on and try to negotiate for your release.”

Senna doubted she would live that long.

Krissin held the door open and gestured her out. Unused to the brightness, Senna squinted at the dark figures on deck. When she recognized them, she went as still as a grave. Grendi narrowed her eyes. With wings of white at her temples, her thick black hair was piled in elaborate twists on top of her head. The silk of her sleeveless dress rippled like water. In her hand, she held Joshen’s section of the crescent-moon pendant. It stretched and twisted toward the pendant at Senna’s throat.

“No.” The denial left her mouth before she could stop it.

Grendi delicately took the pendant and tapped it against her metal ring. It immediately went limp. Her smile was wide and predatory. “Brusenna. How fine to see you again. I’m so glad you crossed this abominable barrier so we could find you. We have much to catch up on.”

Cold talons of fear wrapped around Senna’s soul. “What have you done with Joshen?”