Star Storm

Chapter Thirty

A Quick Dip in Murky Waters

Kael and Amara stopped by an old war cruiser and Amara's family engaged with the owner without hesitation. A pouch of credits made its way from Genie's hands to the captain's gloved fingers as they discussed the ship's worth.

"You might have killed Cyre," Kael said quietly. The pair stayed away from the negotiations, equally fighting the urge to simply agree to the first price offered. "Or countless others. You might have torn yourself apart."

Cracking her fingers, Amara rolled her neck to the side. He sympathised with her. They could not have been in more of a hurry but neither Dennice nor Genie wanted to accept their city was in danger.

All Kael could do was hope Amara would make a deal with them. Without permission from the city's Elders, leaving Henedrumm was impossible. The airspace was crawling with guardships ensuring no unwanted traffic came in or out.

No wonder, he thought. Keeping their abilities secret would be a difficult job with trade ships, rogues, and the Celestial Watch roaming around. With Amara taking the risks she did, it was a surprise no one had realised her abilities already.

"Sounds to me like the ritual is a good idea," Kael said.

"In theory."

"Yet you didn't complete it."

A strange growl came from Amara and she crossed her arms. "I have my reasons."

"I'd very much like to hear them."

"I hope you're not starting to care about me," she snorted.

Kael felt his cheeks burn and stepped back as Genie returned. The elder lady waved a key in front of them and smiled, tucking the newly bought ship's key into her robes. With little choice, Amara and Kael trailed after Genie.

The Lees happened to take no further interest in Kael's company. Once Amara had agreed to their terms, Genie steered her into private quarters. Kael was completely forgotten and he only managed to speak with Amara briefly.

"Shall you be alright?" he asked. He nervously hovered by the door; aware Genie was anxious to lock him outside.

"Yes," Amara laughed. "As long as we get things done quickly."

Nodding, he stepped back and allowed Genie to separate them. Dennice watched from a distance and smiled when Kael met his gaze.

"Ritual is a piece of biscuit," the pale boy said.

Piece of cake, Kael thought to himself. He did not dare to correct Dennice aloud. If his temper was anything like his sister's, Kael knew Dennice would not take kindly to such words from a stranger.

"Wondering why she keeps avoiding it? I ask myself the same question every day before breakfast." Dennice kicked himself off the wall and extended his arms. "Come on, royal boy. The bath isn't far."

What Dennice had claimed turned out to be an understatement. They left the bedroom chambers of the great building, took a single flight of stairs down and crossed under an archway. Kael would not have considered mentioning 'far' when describing such a distance.

They entered the cave-like room and Dennice was pulled into a group of friends. Kael decided things would be better if he did not mingle and found a quiet spot to stand in. He lingered by the yellow pool; his worried expression hidden by the shadows.

It appeared word of Amara's decision had spread quickly. At least fifty Henere stood around the pool wearing long robes and holding candles. An eerie chant slipped from their lips.