curvaceous cook as she walked away.
My fists tightened and I was tempted to hit something even more. Rio’s hand landed on my head.
“We’re already here.” He pointed over his shoulder.
While I had been preoccupied by the state of my pants, the ship had pulled up beside a very tall, rocky cliff. I stared at it for a moment before turning to the half-blood.
“Oh,” I said.
“Before we go,” Rio mumbled before dashing into the captain’s chambers and quickly reappearing.
“Here.”
He held out my walking stick, complete with the wispy vines I had grown, severed by the redhead’s knife. I watched the half-blood’s face carefully as I took it back, using some of my magic to return the wood as close to its former state as possible. Those parts that had grown through the varnish would probably keep growing. Maybe it was better that way. With some aid from the half-blood, I tied it to my back.
“Thanks.”
It said a great deal about how much he trusted me for him to return my “weapon.” How did he know I would not try to hit him over the head with it again? The corners of my mouth could not help but twist in amusement as I imagined the various ways I could ambush him, but we both knew I would not attempt it.
Though I had hated the half-blood on sight, he was proving as interesting enough person. He had more to teach me than I had previously assumed. I found myself wondering again exactly how old he was.
The half-blood, the kin and I climbed down into a longboat. It carried us only about sixty feet, bringing us closer to the side of the intimidating cliff before stopping.
My heart fluttered uncomfortably as I realized Rio still had not clarified how his being able to swim was going to help me not drown.
Rio tied the golden ring to his belt and then eagerly threw himself over the lip of the boat. Seawater splashed everywhere. I sat and watched him frolic while my stomach protested.
Levent silently fell into the water as well, heavy cloak and all.