โEyllwe has no standing army,โ Aelin said, feeling the blood drain from her face. โThere is nothing and no one to fight after this springโsave for rebel militia bands.โ
Rowan said to Rolfe, โDo you have exact numbers?โ
โNo,โ the captain said. โThe news was given only as a warningโto keep any shipments away from the Avery. I wanted their opinionsโโa nod of the chin toward the cadreโโfor handling it. Though I suppose I should have invited you, too, since they seem intent on telling you my business.โ
None of them deigned to respond. Aelin scanned that lineโthat line of
armies.
Rowan said, โHow fast do they move?โ
โThe legions departed Morath nearly three weeks ago,โ Gavriel supplied. โThey moved faster than any army Iโve ever seen.โ
The timing of itโฆ
No. Noโno, it couldnโt be because of Ilium, because sheโd taunted himโฆ
โItโs an extermination,โ Rolfe said baldly.
She closed her eyes, swallowing hard. Even the captain didnโt dare speak.
Rowan slid a hand along her lower back, a silent comfort. He knewโ was piecing it together, too.
She opened her eyes, that line burning into her vision, her heart, and said, โItโs a message. For me.โ She unfurled her fist, gazing at the scar there.
โWhy attack Eyllwe, though?โ Fenrys asked. โAnd why move into position but not sack it?โ
She couldnโt say the words aloud. That sheโd brought this upon Eyllwe by mocking Erawan, because he knew who Celaena Sardothien had cared for, and he wanted to break her spirit, her heart, by showing her what his armies could do. What theyย wouldย do, whenever he now felt like it. Not to Terrasen โฆ but to the kingdom of the friend sheโd loved so dearly.
The kingdom she had sworn to protect, to save.
Rowan said, โWe have personal ties to Eyllwe. He knows it matters to her.โ
Fenrysโs eyes lingered on her, scanning. But Gavriel, voice steady, said, โErawan now holds everything south of the Avery. Save for this archipelago. And even here, he has a foothold in the Dead End.โ
Aelin stared at that map, at the space that now seemed so small to the north.
To the west, the vast expanse of the Wastes spread beyond the mountainous continental divide. And her gaze snagged on a small name along the western coast.
Briarcliff.
The name clanged through her, shuddering her awake, and she realized theyโd been talking, debating how such an army might move so quickly over the terrain.
She rubbed her temple, staring at that speck on the map. Considering the life debt owed to her.
Her gaze dragged downโsouth. To the Red Desert. Where another life debt, many life debts, waited for her to claim them.
Aelin realized they had asked her something, but she didnโt care to figure it out as she said quietly to Rolfe, โYouโre going to give me your armada. Youโre going to arm it with those firelances I know youโve ordered, and you will ship any extras to the Mycenian fleet when they arrive.โ
Silence.
Rolfe barked a laugh and sat again. โLike hell I am.โ He waved that tattooed hand over the map, the waters inked on it churning and changing in some pattern she wondered if only he could read. A pattern sheย neededย him to be able to read, to find that Lock. โThis just shows how utterly outmatched you are.โ He chewed over her words. โThe Mycenian fleet is little more than a myth. A bedside tale.โ
Aelin looked to the hilt of Rolfeโs sword, to the inn itself and his ship anchored just outside.
โYou are the heir of the Mycenian people,โ Aelin said. โAnd I have come to claim the debt you owe my bloodline on that account, too.โ
Rolfe did not move, did not blink.
โOr were all the sea dragon references from some personal fetish?โ Aelin asked.
โThe Mycenians are gone,โ Rolfe said flatly.
โI donโt think so. I think they have been hiding here, in the Dead Islands, for a long, long time. And you somehow managed to claw your way back to power.โ
The three Fae males were glancing between them.
Aelin said to Rolfe, โI have liberated Ilium from Adarlan. I took back the cityโyour ancient homeโfor you. For the Mycenians. It is yours, if you dare to claim your peopleโs inheritance.โ
Rolfeโs hand shook slightly. He fisted it, tucking it beneath the table.
She allowed a flicker of her magic to rise to the surface then, allowed the gold in her eyes to glow like bright flame. Gavriel and Fenrys straightened as her power filled the room, filled the city. The Wyrdkey between her breasts began thrumming, whispering.
She knew there was nothing human, nothing mortal on her face.
Knew it because Rolfeโs golden-brown skin had paled to a sickly sheen. She closed her eyes and loosed a breath.
The tendril of power sheโd gathered rippled away in an invisible line. The world shuddered in its wake. A city bell chimed once, twice, in its force. Even the waters in the bay shivered as it swept past and out into the archipelago.
When Aelin opened her eyes, the mortality had returned. โWhat the rutting hell was that?โ Rolfe at last demanded.
Fenrys and Gavriel becameย veryย interested in the map before them.
Rowan said smoothly, โMilady has to release bits of her power daily or it can consume her.โ
Despite herself, despite what sheโd done, she decided she wanted Rowan to call herย miladyย at least once every day.
Rowan continued on, pressing Rolfe about the moving army. The Pirate Lord, who Lysandra had confirmed weeks agoย wasย Mycenian thanks to
Arobynnโs own spying on his business partners, seemed barely able to speak, thanks to the offer sheโd laid out for him. But Aelin merely waited.
Aedion and Lysandra arrived after some timeโand her cousin only spared Gavriel a passing glance as he stood over the map and fell into that generalโs mindset, demanding details large and minute.
But Gavriel silently stared up at his son, watching her cousinโs eyes dart over the map, listening to the sound of his voice as if it were a song he was trying to memorize.
Lysandra drifted to the window, monitoring the bay.
Like she could see that ripple Aelin had sent out into the world.
The shifter had told Aedion by nowโof why they had truly gone to Ilium. Not only to see Brannon, not only to save its people โฆ but for this. She and the shifter had hatched the plan during the long night watches together on the road, considering all pitfalls and benefits.
Dorian strolled in ten minutes later, his eyes going straight to Aelin.
Heโd felt it, too.
The king gave a polite greeting to Rolfe, then remained silent as he was briefed on the positioning of Erawanโs armies. Then he slid into a seat beside her while the other males continued discussing supply routes and weapons, being led in circle after circle by Rowan.
Dorian just gave her an unreadable glance and folded his ankle over a knee.
The clock struck eleven, and Aelin rose to her feet in the middle of whatever Fenrys had been saying about various armor and Rolfe possibly investing in the ore to supply the demand.
Silence fell again. Aelin said to Rolfe, โThank you for your hospitality.โ And then turned away. She made it a step before he demanded, โThatโs
it?โ
She looked over her shoulder, Rowan approaching her side. Aelin let a
bit of that flame rise to the surface. โYes. If you will not give me an armada, if you will not unite what is left of the Mycenians and return to Terrasen, then Iโll find someone else who will.โ
โThere is no one else.โ
Again, her eyes went to the map on his table. โYou once said I would pay for my arrogance. And I did. Many times. But Sam and I took on your entire city and fleet and destroyed it. All for two hundred lives you deemed
less than human. So perhaps Iโve been underestimating myself. Perhaps I do not need you after all.โ
She turned again, and Rolfe sneered, โDid Sam die still pining after you, or did you finally stop treating him like filth?โ
There was a choking sound, and a slam and rattle of glasses. She looked slowly to find Rowan with his hand around Rolfeโs neck, the captain pressed onto the map, the figures scattered everywhere, Rowanโs snarling teeth close to ripping off Rolfeโs ear.
Fenrys smirked a bit. โI told you to choose your words carefully, Rolfe.โ
Aedion seemed to be doing his best to ignore his father as he said to the captain, โNice to meet you.โ Then he strolled toward where Aelin, Dorian, and Lysandra waited by the door.
Rowan leaned in, murmuring something in Rolfeโs ear that made him blanch, then shoved him a bit harder into the table before stalking for Aelin.
Rolfe set his hands on the table, pushing up to bark some surely stupid words at them, but went rigid. As if some pulse thrashed through his body.
He turned his hands over, fitting the edges of his palms together. His eyes liftedโbut not to her. To the windows.
To the bells that had begun ringing in the twin watchtowers flanking the mouth of the bay.
The frantic pealing set the streets beyond them halting, silencing. Each bleatโs meaning was clear enough.
Rolfeโs face went pale.
Aelin watched as blackโdarker than the ink that had been etched there
โspread across his fingers, to his palms. Black such as only the Valg could bring.
Oh, there was no doubt now that the map worked. She said to her companions, โWe leave. Now.โ
Rolfe was already storming toward herโtoward the door. He said nothing as he flung it open, striding onto the quay, where his first mate and quartermaster were already sprinting for him.
Aelin shut the door behind Rolfe and surveyed her friends. And the cadre.
It was Fenrys who spoke first, rising to his feet and watching through the window as Rolfe and his men rushed about. โRemind me never to get on your bad side.โ
Dorian said quietly, โIf that force reaches this town, these peopleโโ
โIt wonโt,โ Aelin said, meeting Rowanโs stare. Pine-green eyes held her own.
Show them why youโre my blood-sworn, she silently told him. A hint of a wicked smile. Rowan turned to them. โLetโs go.โ โGo,โ Fenrys blurted, pointing to the window. โWhere?โ
โThereโs a boat,โ Aedion said, โanchored on the other side of the island.โ He inclined his head toward Lysandra. โYouโd think theyโd notice a skiff being tugged out to sea by a shark last night, butโโ
The door banged open, and Rolfeโs towering figure filled it. โYou.โ Aelin put a hand on her chest. โMe?โ
โYouย sent that magic out there;ย youย summoned them.โ
She barked a laugh, pushing off the table. โIf I ever learn such a useful talent, Iโd use it for summoning my allies, I think. Or the Mycenians, since you seem so adamant they donโt exist.โ She glanced over his shoulderโthe sky was still clear. โGood luck,โ she said, stepping around him.
Dorian blurted, โWhat?โ
Aelin looked the King of Adarlan over. โThis isnโt our battle. And I wonโt sacrifice my kingdomโs fate over a skirmish with the Valg. If you have any sense, you wonโt, either.โ Rolfeโs face contorted with wrathโeven as fear, deep and true, shone in his eyes. She took a step toward the chaotic streets but paused, turning to the Pirate Lord. โI suppose the cadre will be coming with me, too. Since theyโre now my allies.โ
Silently, Fenrys and Gavriel approached, and she could have sighed with relief that they did so without question, that Gavriel was willing to do whatever it took to stay near his son.
Rolfe hissed, โYou think withholding your assistance will sway me into helping you?โ But far beyond the bay, between the distant, humped islands, a cloud of darkness gathered.
โI meant what I said, Rolfe. I can do fine without you, armada or no. Mycenians or no. And this island has now become dangerous for my cause.โ She inclined her head toward the sea. โIโll offer a prayer to Mala for you.โ She patted the hilt of Goldryn. โA bit of advice, from one professional criminal to the other: cut off their heads. Itโs the only way to kill them. Unless you burn them alive, but I bet most would jump ship and swim to shore before your flaming arrows can do much damage.โ
โAnd what of your idealismโwhat of thatย childย who stole two hundred slaves from me? Youโd leave the people of this island to perish?โ
โYes,โ she said simply. โI told you, Rolfe, that Endovier taught me some things.โ
Rolfe swore. โDo you thinkย Samย would stand for this?โ
โSam is dead,โ she said, โbecause men like you and Arobynn have power. But Arobynnโs reign is now over.โ She smiled at the darkening horizon. โSeems like yours might end rather soon as well.โ
โYouย bitchโโ
Rowan snarled, taking all of a step before Rolfe flinched away.
Rushing footsteps sounded, then Rolfeโs quartermaster filled the doorway. He panted as he rested a hand on the threshold, the other gripping the sea dragon-shaped pommel of his sword. โWe are knee-deep in shit.โ
Aelin paused. Rolfeโs face tightened. โHow bad?โ the captain asked.
He wiped the sweat from his brow. โEight warships teeming with soldiersโat least a hundred on each, more on the lower levels I couldnโt see. Theyโre flanked by two sea-wyverns. All moving so fast that itโs like storm winds carry them.โ
Aelin cut a glance at Rowan. โHow quickly can we get to that boat?โ
Rolfe was gazing at the few ships in his harbor, his face deathly pale. At Ship-Breaker out in the bay, the chain currently beneath the calm surface. Fenrys, seeing the captainโs stare, observed, โThose sea-wyverns will snap that chain. Get your people off this island. Use every skiff and sloop you have and get themย out.โ
Rolfe slowly turned to Aelin, his sea-green eyes simmering with hate.
And resignation. โIs this an attempt to call my bluff?โ
Aelin toyed with the end of her braid. โNo. Itโs convenient timing, but no.โ
Rolfe surveyed them allโthe power that could level this island if they chose. His voice was hoarse as he at last spoke. โI want to be admiral. I want this entire archipelago. I want Ilium. And when this war is over, I wantย Lordย in front of my name, as it was before my ancestorsโ names long ago. What of my payment?โ
Aelin surveyed him in turn, the entire room deathly quiet compared to the chaos of outside. โFor every Morath ship you sack, you can keep whatever gold and treasure is aboard it. But weapons and ammunition go to
the front. Iโll give you land, but no royal titles beyond those of Lord of Ilium and King of the Archipelago. If you bear any offspring, I will recognize them as your heirsโas I would any children Dorian might bear.โ
Dorian nodded gravely. โAdarlan will recognize you and your heirs, and this land as yours.โ
Rolfe ground out, โYou send those bastards down to the inky black, and my fleet is yours. I cannot guarantee the Mycenians will rise, though. Weโve been scattered too far and too long. Only a small number live here, and they will not stir without proper โฆ motivation.โ He glanced toward the bar, as if heโd expected to see someone behind it.
But Aelin held out her hand, smiling faintly. โLeave that to me.โ
Tattooed skin met scarred flesh as Rolfe shook her hand. Hard enough to break bones, but she did it right back. Sent a little flame searing into his fingers.
He hissed, pulling back his hand, and Aelin grinned. โWelcome to Her Majestyโs army, Privateer Rolfe.โ She gestured to the open door. โShall we?โ
Aelin was insane, Dorian realized. Brilliant and wicked, but insane.
And perhaps the greatest, most unremorseful liar heโd ever encountered.
Heโd felt her summons sweep through the world. Felt fire hum against his skin. There was no mistaking who it belonged to. And there was no mistaking that it had gone right to the Dead End, where the forces dwelling there would know there was one person alive with that kind of flame at her disposal, and track the magic back here.
He didnโt know what had triggered it, why sheโd chosen now, butโ
But Rowan had informed Aelin how the Valg haunted Rolfe. How he had this city watched day and night, terrified of their return. So Aelin had used it to her advantage. The Myceniansโholy gods. They were little more than a bedtime story and cautionary tale. But here they were, carefully hidden away. Until Aelin had smoked them out.
And as the Pirate Lord and Queen of Terrasen shook hands and she grinned at Rolfe, Dorian realized he โฆ perhaps he could do with a bit more
wickedness and insanity, too.
This war would not be won on smiles and manners.
It would be won by a woman willing to gamble with an entireย islandย full of people to get what she needed to save them all. A woman whose friends were equally willing to play along, to rip their souls to shreds if it meant saving the greater population. They knew the weight of the lives panicking around them if they gambled wrong. Aelin perhaps more than anyone else.
Aelin and Rolfe stalked through the open tavern doorway and into the street beyond. Behind him, Fenrys let out a low whistle. โGods help you, Rowan, that woman isโฆโ
Dorian didnโt wait to hear the rest as he followed the pirate and the queen into the street, Aedion and Lysandra trailing. Fenrys kept at a distance from the others, but Gavriel remained close, his gaze still fixed on his son. Gods, they looked so much alike,ย movedย alike, the Lion and the Wolf.
Rolfe barked to his men waiting in a line before him, โEvery ship that can bear men sailsย now.โ He rattled off orders, delegating his men to various ships long bereft of crew to run them, including his own, while Aelin stood there, hands braced on her hips, watching them all.
She said to the captain, โWhatโs your fastest ship?โ He pointed at his own.
She held his stare, and Dorian waited for the wild, reckless plan. But she said without looking at any of them, โRowan, Lysandra, Fenrys, and Gavriel, youโre with me. Aedion, you get on the northern watchtower and man the mounted harpoon. Any ship gets too close to the chain, you blast a hole through their gods-damned side.โ Dorian stiffened as she at last addressed him, seeing the orders already in her eyes. He opened his mouth to object, but Aelin said simply, โThis battle is no place for a king.โ
โAnd itโs one for a queen?โ
There was no amusement, nothing but icy calm as she handed him a sword he hadnโt realized sheโd been carrying at her side. Damaris.
Goldryn was still strapped across her back, its ruby glowing like a living ember as she said, โOne of us has to live, Dorian. You take the southern watchtowerโstay at the base, and get your magic ready. Any forces that try to cross the chain, you take them out.โ
Not with steel, but magic. He fastened Damaris to his sword belt, its weight foreign. โAnd what are you going to do?โ he demanded. As if in answer, his power writhed in his gut, like an asp curling to strike.
Aelin glanced at Rowan, at his tattooed hand. โRolfe, get whatever iron chains you have left from your slave-mongering. Weโre going to need them.โ
For herโfor Rowan. As a check against their magic, if it got out of control.
Because Aelin โฆ Aelin was going to sail that ship right into the heart of the enemy fleet and blow them all out of the water.