Toward Dawning Light by H.E. Bauman

Author:H.E. Bauman [Bauman, H.E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2024-10-07T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 31

A few days on a ship, even a large one, was miserable. Despite feeling sick, Jin had pushed on and helped Lucian and the Novarian military. Astrea had seemed to get her sea legs, but her head still felt slightly off ever since leaving port. The worst of the storms had cleared, but the waters hadn’t been entirely smooth, either.

Much of the time had been spent watching Cressida, Lennor, Civan, and Adi play cards. Marko sometimes joined. Balthazar often did. Astrea had even started trying to learn one of the games whenever she felt she wouldn’t get too motion sick.

It was the afternoon of the third day since leaving the northern Novarian port. The sun was low in the sky despite the ship’s clocks pointing to nearly three in the afternoon. Thick gray clouds hung above the bleak scene as the ships dropped anchor. Even from inside the dining room on the ship, the Lost Isles were clearly desolate, just snow and ice and towering peaks.

“We’ll be taking boats to the largest island in half an hour,” Jin said as he strode into the room with Lucian. “Get changed. Bring your packs.”

They all descended down to their cabins in tense, heavy silence. Anxiety choked the air, a cloud of orange that blocked Astrea’s vision. She ducked into her room, and Jin followed right behind. He pulled their bags from where he’d stashed them in the tiny wardrobe, then began unpacking all their gear.

Astrea pulled on the thick, fur-lined leggings provided for her. The inside was incredibly soft, and the outside was covered by a thin layer of white leather. Her armor dress was constructed the same, lined with fur and wool and covered in much thicker, harder white leather.

“Here.” Jin passed her a hood and mask combination, which would cover everything except her eyes.

It was made of dense, heavy cloth. Astrea frowned. “Is this really necessary?”

“Easier with the wind; your hood will get blown off,” Jin said.

After tucking it into the pocket of her skirt, Astrea grabbed her gloves and stuck them in the other pocket, then reached for her bag.

Jin was dressed nearly the same as her, though his armor lacked the skirt hers had. All white, from his boots to his own head covering. His rings caught the room’s low lights as he shouldered his bag.

“If you get too cold out there, let me know,” Jin said.

“And do what about it, exactly?” Astrea asked. Besides, if they really were going to be running all around the island searching for aetherium, surely she wouldn’t get that cold. Physical activity always warmed her blood.

“My fireweaving is good for many things.”

A blush crept across Astrea’s cheeks as memories of how Jin’s hands warmed noticeably during their more intimate activities jumped to the front of her mind. Of course he could probably very well warm her up on a full-body scale, not just when they were in bed. “I see.”

With a small smile, Jin tilted his head toward the door. “C’mon. Let’s get out there.

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