An Heir of Frost by Elise Kova

Author:Elise Kova
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Young Adult Fiction, Pirates, Action & Adventure, Wizards & Witches, General, Fantasy, Epic, Fiction
ISBN: 9781949694611
Publisher: Silver Wing Press
Published: 2023-02-12T16:00:00+00:00

21

Adela sat quietly as Eira gave her the summary of where everyone stood and what they wanted to do next.

The pirate queen hadn’t talked much this morning and Eira wondered if her relative silence was related to their conversation the night before. She wouldn’t be surprised if Adela felt a margin of shame for having been seen in a weakened state—not that she should feel shame. But such emotions were rarely logical.

When Eira finished speaking, Adela lifted the delicate teacup off the table next to them, taking a thoughtful sip. She stared out the windows at the churning blue and white waters the ship left in its wake.

“You think you will be able to defeat him as you are now?” Though fair, Adela’s skepticism was still a glancing blow.

“Perhaps not as I am now,” Eira admitted. Cullen’s words from the tournament cautioning her against killing Ulvarth—the risks that’d create of another taking his place, of turning him into a martyr—had lingered with her. “But I have an idea of how I might be able to use my magic to get the upper hand.”

“Which is?”

“The echoes.” It was a far-fetched idea and Eira knew it. “Though, I admit, it hinges on theories you sparked in me that I don’t yet know if they’re viable or not.”

Adela seemed to preen at that. But her expression turned serious once more. Whatever curiosity she held toward Eira’s plans, she kept it to herself, for now. “Regardless of if you have the means or not, I am the pirate queen, not a delivery service. Moreover, I will not be returning to Meru.”

“I understand.” Eira had expected Adela to say something of that variety and had been preparing her response. “None of us expect charity.”

“Then what is your barter?” Adela turned her cold stare to Eira. “Do not forget that you already owe me for the restoration of your magic.”

Eira refrained from pointing out that Adela hadn’t really done anything to return her magic. It had more or less returned on its own. Though, she didn’t have proof that what Adela’s actions over the days before hadn’t helped her. And…Adela had kept her word that her and her friends would stay safe. They were fed, sheltered, and still weren’t shackled. It wasn’t worth splitting hairs over the details.

“I will help you work on any magical techniques you desire, as well as show you my own…and I will open up your channel as I’m able.” Eira thought that was all she’d promised. Which felt like more than enough. But any deal with Adela was going to have to favor the pirate queen if it was to be successful. “We understand our help on the ship covers nothing more than our room and board, and your good will—if that much. So we will work hard to make ourselves useful and follow your and the crew’s orders. What we ask for is that you grant us a vessel of our own once we have earned it.”

“Excuse me?”

Eira couldn’t decide if the surprised expression that Adela wore was a good sign or not.

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