City of Wind (Steel and Fire Book 4) by Jordan Rivet

Author:Jordan Rivet [Rivet, Jordan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2016-12-18T00:00:00+00:00

19.

The Steel Pentagon

DARA met Siln in the manor house entryway on Turnday. She wore trousers and a black blouse instead of Wyla’s poison-green colors today. She had buckled her Savven blade around her waist and tucked a few Firebulbs into her belt pouch. After some consideration, she filled a wineskin with Watermight from Wyla’s supply and hung it from the other side of her belt. Watermight didn’t travel well, but it ought to last through the day. She hoped she wouldn’t need it. They were supposed to be observing Khrillin, nothing more. And enjoying the fighting, of course.

Siln proved to be a pleasant companion as they walked to the Steel Pentagon. It took almost an hour to get to the venue, which was located near the Royal District. Along the way, Siln regaled her with tales of his Watermight battles. Dara listened carefully, hoping to pick up something she could use. Siln had probably cleared it with Wyla before bringing up the topic. He was utterly loyal, as far as Dara could tell, and he wouldn’t teach her anything without Wyla’s permission.

After spending so much time Working in Wyla’s basement, Dara was surprised to find that spring was in full bloom in the city. The creeping vines and ground moss that were brown and withered when they’d arrived had turned brilliant green. Water lilies bloomed on the slow-moving estuaries, and tiny frogs hopped from leaf to leaf. It had rained recently, and the damp ground felt ripe, ready to break open at a touch. Even the salt wind off the sea smelled fresher than it had when they first arrived. Many people had abandoned shoes and stockings in favor of leather sandals. The feral children that always seemed to pop up in crowded areas ran barefoot through the mud and chased furtive creatures through the shallows.

Dara felt as if she could finally thaw out after her weeks in the dungeon-like Watermight chamber. Actually, months. Dara stopped short at the thought. She had been in Pendark for nearly two months. She didn’t have too much longer until Wyla removed the bond on her arm. And Wyla still hadn’t told Dara what she owed her for helping save Siv’s life during the fight in the Smokery District.

“What is it?” Siln asked.

“Huh? Oh, nothing.” Dara caught up to him, and they continued through the city. “I thought I saw a salt adder.”

“If you spot it again, let me know,” Siln said. “They’re delicious.”

“Aren’t they deadly?”

“Only to touch. Their skin secretes a poisonous slime. But Watermight has its uses. I can catch and filet a salt adder in three seconds flat. My friends and I used to race when we were first learning the Might.”

Siln picked up the pace as they approached the crowd surrounding the extra-large Steel Pentagon. Stands as high as two-story buildings rose around the arena. The rocky foundations supporting the stands sank slightly under the weight of all the spectators. The crowds gathering outside were rougher and rowdier than typical dueling spectators.

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