And fly to the skies from your land
His voice is deeper than I expect. He studies me for a beat, and I wonder what he sees—my travel-worn jacket over my well-fitted shirt, my too-big pants tucked into boots that might’ve passed for new a few months back. I’d had to replace almost all my clothing after my visit with Frey.
He clarifies that it’s not a passenger ship—merchant, maybe cargo? I watch him accept a pastry from the vendor, and his crooked smile points out that I’ve got no clue where I’d end up on this ship.
“That was my next question,” I say, grinning. “Didn’t wanna hit you with like thirty questions right outta the gate. Not that I’ve got that many ready to go.” I clear my throat. “I’m looking to get to Torchline. Soon as I can.”
I wear my best confident face—open, easy, hopeful. Worst thing he can say is no, right?
“As for what’s in it for you…” I trail off. Easily a deal breaker. “Passenger ships charge too much. I can pay you a little, and work the rest off on the way.”
The land that you love and all that you are
