The Guild of the Cowry Catchers, Book 1: Embers

by Abigail Hilton

  Chapter 18. Maps and a Library

  Wefrivain is a crescent of thousands of islands, many of them tiny. There are six Great Islands—Maijha Minor on the eastern edge, followed by Maijha Major, Mance, Haplag, Lecklock, and Sern. Each of these island kingdoms have hundreds of smaller holdings. In addition, there are several dozen small, independent kingdoms, most of them near the center of the crescent, well away from the Great Islands. The sea is rougher outside the crescent, and outer islands are more likely to be uninhabited.

  —Gwain, A Guide to Wefrivain

  Half a watch later, Farell had gone around the ship reducing sail, slowing their pace, and redefining the lengths of the sailors’ shifts so they could rest. He stopped to talk to Gerard about some points of navigation—the first acknowledgement that Gerard was more than a passenger. While they were talking, Silveo twitched and sat up. Farell looked instantly on edge. The admiral struggled to his feet and came over to Thessalyn. She looked up from re-tuning her harp.

  “Silveo?” Gerard still didn’t understand how she sometimes knew who was approaching her. She claimed to recognize footfalls, but if so, she could hear many sounds beyond his ears.

  Silveo smiled dozily. “Thessalyn.” He yawned. “I think I owe you more chocolate.”

  “There’s more?” she asked in delight.

  “Yes. Good night.”

  He went slowly off to his cabin, and Gerard heard Farell breathe a sigh of relief.