by Mark Hare
***
In the morning, when Bane returned from the temple with the copies of the documents, Elsu did not object to the proposed detour to Skyros, noting it would add a week to their time at sea, alarming Bane, who had been certain Elsu would argue against it. Elsu seemed more like his old self, easy-going and jovial, and Bane found it easy to ignore the shadows creeping around the edges of his mind. Kai’s temper also improved the more she took Elsu by the hand or slipped her arm through his, often pausing to lean her head against his shoulder, eyes closed as if in thought. Although Bane wished he could be the one Kai touched, his imagination a wild riot of desire, it was enough to see her happy, or so he lied to himself, quite aware that he did so. Kai, happy being with Elsu, drew comfort from touching him and being touched. Having him next to her had felt so peaceful when she woke to his snores in the morning, she wished it could last forever, telling herself she would be happy for all time if they never saw the city in the sea.
Over breakfast, lacing her fingers in with his, she casually suggested abandoning the quest. Elsu put down his bowl, his face stiffening along with his body. Curtly, looking away to hide the confusion in his face, Elsu told her he would fulfill his promise and nothing could change that. Before she could say anything more, he left the ship, seeking the Navigator’s Guild, leaving Bane and the captain to deal with the infuriated Kai.