CHAPTER 103

Vincent

The ships are unanchored as the sun rises, a breeze filling the sails. The Stillean ship leads, Khosa pointing the way. Pand delicately balances on the prow and watches her, shouting directions to the rest of the Hygodean crew. The other two ships follow in their course, each one lined with nervous passengers, some of them already retching into the sea.

Vincent looks to Stille, its once strong walls now crumbled, pristine beaches littered with burnt remnants of a failed ship and deserted belongings for which there was no room on the rowboats. Some who chose to stay have come to stand on the sand, silver hair and bald heads shining in the morning sun. High on the wall, a flash catches his eye and he sees his mother, the crown of Stille once more perched on her head.

She raises a hand to him, and he does so in return, putting it down only when he can no longer see her through his tears.