Princess Elodi's Arc

Chapter 53 of 55

The unknown coast grew closer through the morning. Elodi held the ship's rail and watched the shore rise from the gray water. A stone tower stood above the trees. Thick moss wrapped its walls, and green vines climbed to a steep red roof. Dark windows watched the sea like empty eyes. "It's beautiful," she said. Damon climbed down from the crow's nest and rested his hands on her waist. But she saw smoke curling above the trees. People lived here. Elodi did not know if they would welcome her or chain her. Captain Blackwell brought the ship in slow. "I don't sail blind into strange harbors," she said. "We could raise no flag and hope. Or we could show ourselves and pray they're kind." Her hand rested on her sword. "My crew is tired. We can't fight a village if this goes wrong." Elodi studied the beach. Small boats lay pulled up on the sand. Figures moved among them, watching the ship. "If we hide, we look like raiders," she said. "Raiders get met with spears." She thought of the island, of the coconut Chieftess Valara had offered instead of a blade. "We show them we come in peace. Openly. No weapons drawn." Blackwell frowned but nodded. "Your call, girl." Elodi went below and returned with the otter on her shoulder. Its jeweled collar caught what little light broke the clouds. "They'll see a woman with a pet, not a war party," she said. Damon lifted his black hawk to his wrist. "And I'll keep Midnight ready. One shriek buys us a moment if we need to run."