Chapter 48

Wind blew through the holes in the vessels, whistling hollowly. The sound sent shivers up her arms. The Vivarrian seemed to be verifying that no one else was in the shop. Driada crouched behind a half-built ship. It was missing its mast. A dragon’s head was in the process of being carved at the bow.

She watched him search the workshop with narrowed eyes. Marcus paused in his search. He reached out with a hand.

“I was worried I wouldn’t find you,” he said softly.

Driada frowned. Is he speaking to a ship?It was then that a woman stepped out from where she was hiding. She was tall, thin, and with an angular face. She reminded Driada of a hawk. Her black hair had been braided and tied round her head. She wore a silver circlet. A woman of status, then. But why don’t I recognize her?There were a few wrinkles on her face, but she was hardly aging.

“Were you followed here?” the woman asked in the form of a greeting.