The raft jerked once and shot toward the black mountain. It skimmed the foamy surface of the waves and sent spray onto our faces. Ana’s face was hard as iron. She looked like Sol. I imagined the black shadow of the ship and the smaller shadow of the boat, and sent the heest to say hello to each one. Hopefully, the crew would understand enough to come back. Hopefully, the heest wouldn’t get too excited about the fun game. Just nudge them a tiny bit, Patchy. No more than that. My feet still hurt from your friendliness yesterday. Just nudge them a tiny bit, Patchy. No more than that. My feet still hurt from your friendliness yesterday.I clasped my hands tightly in my lap, wondering if I’d done the right thing. It wouldn’t help to have another person swallowed alive. Except maybe Ranar. S

