Chapter 267

'OFF ALREADY?' ALEK THOUGHT, CLIMBING the stairs to the hatch, ducking his head before coming out into the afternoon sunlight.

'Yes. We thought we might see if we can reach the land.'

'Don't tire yourself out too much.'

He felt her laughter at that and smiled, watching as the three griffons wheeled around the masts then swooped off, across the ocean. Turning, he paused at the sight of Leseach, not far from where Cat stood with Rashid and the other men. The Northerner wore an impassive expression but gripped the rail she leaned back against tight with both hands.

Not in the manner of one nervous of heights but like one who fought against anger.

Sprawled at her feet, its large eyes watching her, the ardwyr whined low and long, its whiskers vibrating. Leseach didn't appear to notice, eyes staring off into the distance.

An unsettling sensation rose in his gut.

Why did Leseach kill Ignatius, he suddenly thought; I'd assumed it was to protect me but I heard what she said to Cat and wh