The Deepest Blue(23)

“It does matter what kind of spirit you’re controlling,” the younger one was saying.

“Not to me,” the older one said.

“But say you control both a fire spirit and an ice spirit, and you force them to fight each other. Think about what would happen!” Animated, she was gesturing wildly.

“You’d create steam,” the older one said dryly. She gestured to the copious steam that rose off the bathing pools. “Lots of steam for them to hide in and kill you.”

“Okay, maybe, yes, but I still think we have to go on the offensive.”

“Dying in a blaze of glory is a legitimate choice.”

Exasperated, the younger woman threw her arms in the air. “You’re so negative! That’s what will kill you faster than spirits. Have a little faith!”

“I have faith that the spirits are more deadly than my attitude.”

“Heirs are supposed to be heroes, you know.”

Heirs! Mayara had intended to stay silent, but not if these women were heirs. She had to ask them the question that Lord Maarte had avoided: Why hadn’t they come? “Excuse me? Hello?”

Their conversation broke off.

“Who’s there?” the older one asked in nearly a growl.

“This is new,” the younger one said, surprise in her voice. “I’m not allowed to talk to others. Lord Maarte’s orders. Who defies him?”

They didn’t sound overly friendly, but Mayara wasn’t feeling friendly herself. “There was a storm that hit the south shore. Eight days ago.” Maybe nine. She wasn’t certain how long the cartena flower had knocked her out. She thought of Kelo and then ruthlessly pushed the thought back again. “No heirs came and a village was destroyed. Why didn’t you come?”

There was silence for a moment. Mayara wondered if she should have been more polite and if she was about to be in trouble with either Lord Maarte or them. Heirs were even more dangerous than the Silent Ones. The Silent Ones were trained to enforce laws. But the heirs . . . They were, in many ways, above the law. They were trained to fight threats to the islands. Trained to fight spirits, Mayara reminded herself. Not islanders. They’re pledged to protect people like me.

Or people like she used to be. She supposed she couldn’t consider herself an ordinary islander anymore. She was officially a spirit sister, her name and her choice recorded by Lord Maarte for all of history.

“She thinks we’re heirs,” the younger one said.

Through the steam, Mayara saw they were both staring at her. She stared right back. If they’re not heirs, who are they to talk about spirits like that? Obviously, they weren’t Silent Ones, chattering to each other and with their faces bare. Also, Silent Ones didn’t fight spirits; they used them—and only the ones they knew they could control.

“I’m sorry to hear of your village,” the older woman said gravely. “But we aren’t heirs.”

“Notice the guards?” The younger one waved her hand at the three Silent Ones. “You don’t guard heroes.”

Mayara had thought they were here to guard her. But if they’re guarding them too, then that means . . .

“Take a good look at us,” the older woman said, rising out of the water so her entire body was visible. Her wet flesh was soft, as if she’d never lifted a fisher’s net or rowed more than a few strokes. She bore scars across her stomach that looked like claw marks. “You’ll want to remember us because we’ll be dead soon.”

The younger one rolled her eyes. “If her village was hit by a wild spirit storm, she’s not going to be impressed with your scars.” To Mayara, she said, “I’m Roe, and this is Palia. She’s having some trouble adjusting to the reality of our situation.”

Palia sank back into the water. “On the contrary, I’m well aware of the reality. I’m not the one in denial about our chances.”

Politely, Mayara said, “They’re very nice scars.”

Roe covered a laugh with a snort.

“I take it you’re both spirit sisters too, and you also chose the island.” Mayara hadn’t thought about the fact that she’d meet others like her. Despite everything, she almost felt like smiling. I’m not facing this alone.

But the two of them were staring at her as if she’d said the most horrible words they’d ever heard. She wondered if she’d guessed wrong. Surely, though, if they weren’t heirs and weren’t Silent Ones and were talking about controlling spirits . . .

“You’re spirit sisters,” Mayara said. “Like I am. Aren’t you?” It felt a little strange to admit her power so openly, but it wasn’t as if it was a secret anymore.

Palia buried her face in her hands and moaned.

“I’m sorry,” Mayara said. “What did I say? I didn’t mean . . .”

Roe’s voice was subdued. “It’s not what you said. It’s who you are. You’re the twelfth spirit sister to be found. Per tradition, the queen waits until we number twelve before she orders the Silent Ones to start the test.”

Palia lifted her face. “Because you’ve arrived, we all get to die that much sooner. Hurray. So happy to meet you.”

Mayara didn’t know what to say to that.

“I . . . I thought I’d be more ready,” Roe said; then she shook herself, scattering drops of water in every direction. “Had to happen sooner or later. And this must be even harder on you. We’ve had time to get used to our fate.”