Angel Arias by Marianne de Pierres Page B

her questions and told herself to trust him.
    They sat quietly for a few moments before he spoke again. ‘You know, you’re not who I thought you were. Cal said you were – I mean, you are – a Seal. When we met I thought you were strange but sweet and kind . . . different from the girls I knew. But you’re more than that. You’re so strong. Outside Danksoi when the Night Creatures attacked, and then when Rajka –’
    ‘Charlonge’s the one who stopped the boy at the window.’
    ‘But the decisions. We trusted you. Followed what you said and you got us out. Back on Ixion, I thought Dark Eve was special, but . . . what I’m trying to say . . . You’re like Eve, Naif. A leader . . . only quieter,’ he said. ‘And you don’t own an axe.’
    He added the last in such a matter-of-fact way that Naif wanted to smile. But she didn’t; his face and his intentions were too serious for that. Instead she let pleasure flood her veins and wash away any past disenchantments with him.
    A loud, tired voice cut into their conversation. ‘We’re here!’
    Ruzalia stalked through the cabin to the main window.
    Markes and Naif left the armchairs to join her. Below them was the snaking coastline and cold-grey water of their home. Even from this height, Naif recognised the Old Harbour and the flat roofs of the Seal compound. The fence around it was a mere strip of silver but further north there were other thick, snaking lines dividing the city into more parts. To the east she could see the barley fields and the huge main ramparts that looped in a half-circle from the top of Grave to the bottom, ending at the water. Walls within walls.
    Her hand automatically touched her thigh and the spot where her obedience strip had been. The Riper Brand had brutally cut it away from her skin, nearly killing her. Thanks to Lenoir she’d survived the ordeal with only a puckered scar as a reminder.
    But the sight of Grave brought a phantom pain back. Every step she’d taken to run away had been filled with sharp, intense agony inflicted by the obedience strip. And now she was returning to this place by her own choice.
    Markes rested his hand lightly on her shoulder as if sensing her fear.
    She wanted to clasp his fingers but Ruzalia was watching them and she didn’t wish the pirate to see her need.
    ‘This way,’ said Ruzalia, and led them to the under-cabin where the platform awaited lowering.
    ‘We’ll drop you into the Old Harbour. Two days from now I’ll return. Be there with answers or I’ll find my own way to get my island back.’
    Naif nodded.
    The pirate handed her a folded piece of parchment. ‘This came up on the last Ixion run. Meant for you, I think.’
    Naif opened it up. The writing was neat but the ink was smudged and the paper dirty. It was from Rollo.
    The Ripers drove the Night Creatures back from Danksoi but Eve thinks it won’t last. Eve and Joel want to tell everyone what we saw in Danksoi but Lenoir said the Ripers will stop the food and clothes supply if they do. We need you to talk to him. You’re the only one who can convince him to stop. Help us.
    Rollo.
    P.S. Suki is still missing but I promise I will find her.
    Markes, reading over her shoulder, made a sound in the back of his throat.
    Suki . Naif swallowed hard and looked at Ruzalia. ‘We’re ready. Lower us down.’
    Charlonge hugged them both as they stepped onto the gantry. ‘Be careful.’
    ‘You too,’ said Naif.
    ‘Lower them now. Before the wind picks up again,’ said Ruzalia.
    He grabbed hold of the ropes on the other side of the gantry and Plank sent them slowly descending towards the cold lapping water of the Old Harbour.
    They stopped just above the stretch of grey sand near the long jetty where the barge came in. Markes jumped down first and waited for Naif to follow. She dropped more heavily than him and fell backwards.
    He went to help her up but she shook him off. ‘Let’s get to the warehouses; out of sight.’
    The sun