Spellbreaker Read Online Free PDF Page B

catamaran was rare. Nearly every spoken word would be overheard and repeated by some sailor. Asking for a private conference would sow gossip among the crew. Not a good thing, but not an avoidable one either.
    â€œOld friend…” Leandra whispered before trailing off. What, exactly, did one ask of a friend one might soon murder? “Screw it all,” she muttered. “Can you think of a reason why I might want to kill you sometime early tomorrow morning?”
    Holokai snorted. “Hey, Lea,” he said in the rolling accent of the Inner Islands Sea People, “can you think of a reason why you wouldn’t want to kill me? Especially if we had another night—”
    â€œKai, I’m serious. From the smuggler’s prophetic text, I learned that tomorrow morning I’ll have to choose between killing someone I trust—” no need to say “love” around him “—or dying myself. So, why might I kill you tomorrow morning?”
    Holokai’s smile fell. “You’re not fooling.”
    â€œNot fooling.”
    â€œCan’t you just run away—”
    â€œThere’s no running, no way to avoid it. It’d be a piss-poor prophecy if I could avoid it by drinking myself stupid. And, before you ask, I can’t sense more than an hour into the future again without going insane.” Leandra tried to soften her tone. “Look, Kai, something big has started. So, why might I have to kill you? I’m asking.”
    Holokai looked to see if the lieutenant was listening then turned back to her. “No, Lea, not unless you changed your mind about…” He blushed slightly. “You know, my requisite to give the people of my island a son.”
    â€œNo, I haven’t changed my mind. We both know my disease prevents my helping you there. Our agreement stands. But is there a reason I should change my mind? Should I doubt my trust in you?”
    â€œNo, Lea.” His eyes searched her face. “No.”
    Leandra frowned. Did he seem just slightly guilty? Or would anyone feel a bit jumpy if so questioned? “Is there something you want to tell me, Kai?”
    â€œLea … no…”
    She remained silent, which was in her opinion the best way to wring out a confession.
    He stared at her a bit longer, the blush growing across his pale cheeks.
    â€œDo you,” she asked calmly, “have any reason to be displeased with me?”
    â€œOh, no.… No, no,” He said quickly. In daylight, his face would be red as a hibiscus blossom.
    At last Leandra took pity. Loud enough for the lieutenant to hear, she asked, “How long would it take you to search for new ships in the bay or ships that will enter the Cerulean Strait by tomorrow morning? I need to know if I might expect anyone new in Chandralu.”
    He looked westward. “I’d need to cover about a hundred miles or so to be certain. But sixty miles should give us a good enough idea, and I’ve been feeling strong lately, so…” His gaze went soft as his mind became a calculus of winds and tides. “Considering it all, that should give us a pretty good idea of who’s gonna tie up to the docks tomorrow. You give me five hours, maybe six, I’ll get it done.”
    â€œYour speed is always impressive.”
    He spoke softly. “Maybe I’ll impress you with more than speed later, hey?”
    Leandra rolled her eyes. “If you can get it done, Captain.”
    â€œLea, there’s one more thing?”
    â€œOh?”
    â€œI wasn’t going to say nothing, but since you’re telling me all this, maybe it’s a night for strange things to happen.”
    Leandra tapped her index fingers together in the Sea Culture gesture for “Get on with it then.”
    â€œSo I thought I saw something flying between the standing islands behind us.”
    â€œFlying?”
    He scratched his chin. “Sounds strange, hey?