The Harbors of the Sun

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Bramble woke with Merit’s hand on her forehead. He whispered, “It’s all right.”

She took in a lungful of scent, nearly all unfamiliar. The only source of light was a hole in the roof. From the sense of movement and height they were no longer on the groundling sunsailer; this was a flying boat. “It is not all right,” she growled. She winced and the motion sent spikes of pain through her head; even the small amount of light was too much. She could tell it was just her and Merit in a small enclosed chamber. “Where are the others? Where’s Jade?”

Merit’s voice went raw with fear. “I don’t know.” He cleared his throat, an effort at control, then more evenly said, “I think it’s just us.”

Bramble opened her eyes, for a heartbeat frozen in terror. Leaving the court and traveling far across the Three Worlds was one thing when you were accompanied by a queen, her consort, your line-grandfather, and a clutchful of warriors. It was like a court in miniature, and therefore reassuring. But for two lone Arbora, it was a horrifying nightmare. She forced her pounding heart to calm, and managed to ask in an almost normal voice, “What happened?”

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