Tessellations [BOOK TWO]

Chapter Two

There's a rhythm in the air and I can't be still
So rise, so rise, come dance in the dark
Clap your hands, move your feet
Our hearts beat, they beat
We're free, we're alive, our souls shiver and spark

We ate a quick breakfast, then left for the harbor with Wynter accompanying us. The city was even more charming in the morning; the streets bustled with people, and the sky was as vivid and colorful as the many stained glass windows. The air smelled of citrus and the sea, and everything around us burned bright with the energy of summer.

The Gossamer awaited us at the harbor, a bit smaller than the other, more prominent ships but still breathtaking. Her sails were a pale, almost luminescent lilac that seemed to glow from behind with sunlight. The ship itself was built of dark wood, and along the side was her name in golden script. I couldn't stifle a bit of pride at being able to recognize the word; Jasper had been helping me learn to read, and I was catching on.

Caleb whistled. "Now that's a ship."

We reached the Gossamer's dock, and a man I presumed to be the captain set down a crate he'd been carrying and strode swiftly over to us. "Ah! You must be Lady Songbird," he said. He smiled and shook my hand. He had a firm grip. "And of course, her legendary companions. It's truly an honor to meet you."

He was younger than I'd expected, with clear blue eyes and a noble manner. I was bewildered. Jasper said he didn't care much for the captain. Why on earth was that? Telepathy, Bird, remember. He's not a fool.

Caleb shook the man's hand. "You as well, Captain...?"

"Call me Alastair."

"You have a fine ship, Captain Alastair."

We exchanged introductions, and at last he invited us aboard. His men brought down the gangplank; it hit the dock with a resounding, wooden thud. I studied the crew as we made our way onto the ship, careful not to lose our balance. They all looked fresh-faced and decent—not at all what I'd expected.

Much better than pirates, I decided to myself.

The ship was large; the dark wood of the deck stretched on from end to end, lined with waist-high railings, beautifully embellished with gold leaf. The whole craft was a stunning work of art. We followed the captain, passing beneath the rigging. "There's the wheel, and back there is the quarterdeck," Captain Alastair explained, pointing. "Come, I'll take you below deck."

We followed him, first to the rig, and then down further to the living quarters. The inside of the ship was spacious, lit with candles along the walls. A single hallway stretched throughout the Gossamer's length, like the hollow spine of the ship, with doors leading to rooms on either side.

"We've got a kitchen, a ballroom...," ex-plained Alastair with a gesture. He turned to us with a smile. I could not help but smile back. He was charming, this captain. "There's more below, mostly storage, a holding cell or two. In case of stowaways, you know."

"How long would you estimate the journey to take?" questioned Caleb.

"Mm, perhaps five months, six or seven at the most if the sea's rough. But the Gossamer's a fine ship. She'll get you home."

•

We left the docks not long after, thanking the captain profusely for showing us around and in high spirits; I hadn't realized until then how much I missed home. Uncle Owen, Aunt Finna—it'd been nearly a year since last we saw them. Melody had promised to send her swiftest messenger to them with news of our return, but I knew I wouldn't truly be at ease until I could see them with my own eyes.