Chapter 25

• As the ship approached the white curve of beach and the jutting pier of Ilith Cape, Rivyn’s eyes watched the wheeling birds. The sailor’s voices rose as they lowered the sails and prepared to drop anchor. I saw a flash of light as one of the birds vanished in the air.
• The village on the shore looked like a child’s drawing, the details stolen by distance, but eventually I could see the smaller fishing boats bobbing in the water, and figures along the sand, watching our approach.
• “What is next for you?” Valhared joined us at the balustrade, leaning his elbows on it. We watched as the sailors lowered the rowboat over the side of the ship, preparing for our departure.