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Doroth Zain pauses thoughtfully. A bird calls in the distance. It sounds like a scream. “I have no power to do such a thing. Such matches are a matter for the Rose Court. Prince Atticul has never expressed an interest in marriage before. They are keen to see him finally wed and she is his choice. They will force her father if they must.”
“She will not marry him. I don’t care how you do it. But do it.” Damon swallows. “And if you do, I will owe you a debt.”
“A debt? Really? And what would that mean to you?”
“I am aware that you need me for something. If you do this for me, I will return. If you wish me to travel to Ismagaar, I will. But not with Lyr. I will find him safety first.”
Doroth Zain looks out to the Gleam, where the waters reflect a slowly lightening sky, and then back to Damon. “When the Lady Inez was married to you, you lay with her?”
Damon nods. “Twice. On our wedding night and at the Feast of Surrus. It is well known.”
Doroth Zain nods. “Zai would not support such a match, I believe. A woman should not marry the brother of a man she has lain with.”
“Indeed. Thank you.”
“But if I take this line, I will need the debt repaid.”
“It will be repaid. When Lyr is somewhere I know he is safe. Do this for me and then I am yours. For Jareleezi. For whatever you need me to do.”
For the third time, Damon Darekul uses his body to protect someone he loves.
As they sail away, back down the Gleam, Trysta says, “Where are we going?”
Damon looks at Lyr, his face peaceful in a way he has never seen before. He puts an arm around his slender waist and says, “Somewhere warm.”
29
DOROTH ZAIN
Doroth Zain returns to the Temple of the Immurite and rings the bell.
The Immurite opens the iron hatch.
“Doroth Zain,” she says. “Have we secured the path of Damon Darekul?”
“I believe we have. Jareleezi’s plan worked. The slave changed his path as her Gods promised.”
“You persuaded him to travel to Ismagaar?”
“Not yet. But he will. It may take a little longer, but he has sworn to me he will return to do his duty. He will go there. They all will.”
“You have made plans for the others?” asks the Immurite.
“They are in motion. Perl will meet Lukas in Lunatum.”
“And you are sure Damon Darekul will honour his word?”
Doroth Zain smiles. “Damon Darekul? Yes, I am sure.”
30
LYR
“That’s it,” Damon says, shading his eyes as he looks directly into the bright sun of the southern Mortingale Sea.
“Are you sure?” says Trysta, leaning on the boat’s rail next to him.
“I’d know my ship anywhere.” He sounds happy. He has missed fighting, Lyr thinks. No matter how much he claims he only fought because he had no choice, it is in his blood now, part of him. He misses it.
