Skies of the Empire by Vincent E. M. Thorn

Author:Vincent E. M. Thorn [Thorn, Vincent E. M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780692157503
Published: 2019-05-23T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-One

The Dreamscape seemed to stretch out for eternity, with new constellations of stars and moons adorning the sky with each new place the Dreamscape Voyager flew over. In the waking world, Cassidy had tried to carry on with her duties in spite of her injuries, only to be stricken by festering that left her feverish and unable to stand. Since being bedridden, Cassidy found herself spending a great deal of time here, accompanied by Hymn, sailing over marvelous lands the likes of which she had never seen. In the waking world, her body was still on the mend, but here she could move as she needed, though she still felt her pain somewhat distantly. She woke up occasionally when nature called or when Nieves came in to change her wrappings or give her food. During the time she lay in bed, her monthly blood came and went and they still had not arrived in Nasradaan – though Nieves said Cassidy should be walking before they arrived.

Usually, being confined drove her mad, but now she could pass her time in the Dreamscape. Hymn asserted that it wasn't the same as sleeping and that Cassidy was not resting when she visited; Hymn also insisted on saying she was not actually in the Dreamscape but was projecting herself there, whatever that meant. No matter the reason, she was content to be there, working and sailing like she could not do from the captain's bed. Hymn never gave her directions and always seemed to be looking for something just beyond the horizon.

This day they sailed over a valley of red grass littered with plateaus and silver streams beneath a purple sky. Hymn stood at the bow, hands folded in her lap as the wind tussled gently at her hair. Cassidy left the helm and stood next to her. “Why do we keep coming here?” Cassidy asked.

Hymn gave her a sideways glance. “Would you rather lie in bed?”

“Not at all,” said Cassidy. “I just mean, you seem to be looking for something.”

Hymn turned her gaze back to the horizon. Her colors shifted from blue to purple. “There is always something to look for,” she said absently. “It is best that we keep moving.”

“I never suggested stopping.”

Hymn took a step from the bow and slowly ran her eyes across Cassidy's body, as if she were sizing her up. As she did so, the color of her eyes and dress returned to their usual blue. “You know a fair bit about running, do you not?”

Cassidy raised her brow. “Running? I did a fair amount as a kid. Not much call for it now, though, living on this boat and all.”

Hymn laughed. It was a pure, musical sound. “Oh, Cassandra, I think you are still running.”

Cassidy scratched her head. “What?”

The Fae sighed. “Never mind.”

Cassidy peered toward the horizon, trying to figure out what Hymn was seeing there. “So, what are you looking for?”

Hymn waved her hand, encompassing the space beyond the ship with her gesture. “Do you recognize this place?”

“It's the Dreamscape, obviously.

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