We reach Belayn’s chosen town shortly before dawn. I lie in the dark listening to the elevated voices of the sailors as they maneuver the galley alongside the dock. My sleep was broken as usual, only this time it was Bren’s revelations that have left me miserable and ridiculously prone to tears. Neither of which does anyone any good.
One of the boys shuffles off the bunk and goes to look out the window. Our cabin faces the bank opposite the town; there are only silvered plains and a farmhouse or two visible.
“We’ll see it soon,” I promise as the others sit up.
“Will we have the Blessing here?” Cari asks, slipping her little hand into mine.
“Yes,” I say, grateful for this distraction. I describe the Blessing again, though I’ve done so before. It seems best to ease their fears as much as
