The Heart of Alchemy by James Wisher (i like reading books txt) 📗

“According to the captain, three of the timbers cracked, but we’re in no danger of sinking and we’re not taking on water. They braced the hull to reinforce it, he said. I didn’t actually watch the process. Figured I’d be more in the way than a help. Besides, I didn’t want to leave you alone.”

Otto grunted and swung his legs over the side. “Did any of the men get hurt by the magic?”

“No, though they did complain of tingling in their hands for a few hours afterward.” Corina shook her head. “Given the alternative, that didn’t seem so bad.”

Otto shuddered to think what would have happened had the Black Wind gotten in. Those insects would have eaten them down to the bone in seconds. “Is there anything to eat? I’m starving.”

“I figured you would be.” Corina handed him a plate covered with a white linen napkin. “I’ll let you eat in peace. Hans is probably still up waiting for news. He worries like a mother hen. We would both appreciate it if you stopped giving us fits.”

“You sound like my mother. Go on. I’m going to eat and sleep again. I should be fine in the morning.”

Corina gave him one last, long, searching look before ducking out into the hall. Otto tossed the napkin aside and looked with distaste on the cured ham, biscuit, and apple on the plate. Unappetizing or not, he ate it all and washed it down with tepid water from the pitcher beside his bed.

The next two weeks were as peaceful as the passage through the Narrows was harrowing. The weather warmed as they turned back northeast and everyone was glad not to have to wear their heavy cloaks anymore.

Otto’s strength quickly returned, more quickly, in fact, than he expected. Perhaps constantly pushing himself to the point of exhaustion was building his stamina a little more each time. He liked to think there was at least some benefit to be had beyond survival.

The only downside to the whole event was the men looked at him even more warily now. Before they had hid their nerves whenever he was around, but now they didn’t bother. Even Hans stiffened when he walked by. Hopefully they’d get over it sooner rather than later.

Only Axel and Corina still treated him the same. He doubted Axel would ever really hold him in awe. His brother had beaten him up too many times when they were kids to really consider him a danger. He did show respect now, and that was enough for Otto.

Respect was all he’d ever wanted. If he had to frighten people into giving it, well, that was a price he was willing to pay.

Chapter 31

“Land ho!” The lookout’s shout made Otto flinch.

He and pretty much everyone else was out on deck trying to escape the stifling heat below. They had reached the tropics again and with it came intense heat and humidity. Sweat plastered Otto’s tunic to his back and soaked his hair.

Was that better or worse than the cold? He couldn’t decide. Otto hated both extremes with a passion.

Fifteen days had passed since the passage through the Narrows and nearly two months since they left Lux. To say everyone was eager for some time on solid ground would be putting it mildly. They had also been going through their water at a rapid clip, so refilling the casks would be a relief.

Despite the island—or at least the mountain jutting up out of the center of it—being visible for hours, it took the rest of the day and night to reach it. Otto stood beside Captain Wainwright as he brought them into a natural harbor, took down the sails, and lowered the anchor. They ended up about a half mile offshore, a reasonable enough trip for the ship’s two dinghies.

“I’ve never seen anything like this place,” Captain Wainwright said. “It’s like this harbor was made for ships to anchor in.”

“Perhaps it was,” Otto said. “One of the Arcane Lords might have built it for some reason we can’t even imagine. All that matters today is that it makes our task that much easier.”

Axel approached from the lower deck. “We’re here. How do you want to handle this, little brother?”

“I’ll take Hans and his squad to collect the water. You and your scouts can handle the hunting. We’ll meet back on the beach before sunset. Sound good?”

Axel nodded then grinned. “Do you know how long it’s been since I went hunting for beasts instead of men? I suppose we’re not apt to find boar or deer here, but anything will be welcome. I’m so sick of jerky I can’t even put it into words.”

“The crew and I will reinforce the hull where we hit that ice floe. It’s not serious, but I’ll feel better when we’ve put some two-inch-thick oak planks across it.”

“I’ll leave that in your hands, Captain,” Otto said. “As soon as we’ve refilled our supplies, I want to be on our way. We still have, what, a month to go before we reach our destination?”

“Thereabout,” Wainwright said. “Don’t worry, we’ll have the patch in place by noon and be ready to go when you are.”

That was exactly what Otto wanted to hear. He and Axel went down on deck and set about collecting their various team members.

“Do you think we’ll see any monsters?” Corina asked.

“I certainly hope not. Besides, I need you to stay on the ship.”

“But—”

“No buts. If anything attacks the ship while I’m gone, your lightning will be the best way to chase it off quickly. I have no desire to end up marooned on a jungle island.”

She frowned but didn’t argue. That pleased Otto as he had no intention of changing his mind. Despite her complaints, he didn’t make these decisions to annoy her. If Otto said he needed someone somewhere, then he had a good reason for it.

Half an hour later, Otto climbed into the dinghy with Hans and his squad as well as ten empty water