"She says the tides will be right in three days," Aven said, sitting on a bench next to Atenel, translating as the Vathlanri spoke to one another.

"Good," he mumbled, jotting down some notes. "All our major repairs will be done by sunset tomorrow. If they ask, we'll be ready."

Aven nodded, turning his attention back to the meeting. Fortune had smiled upon them, the scouts they ran into at the wreck were from the Achara. Once they reported back the entire Ata had set sail, tracking them down with almost alarming speed the next day. A meeting was arranged and after some arguing, Atenal had been invited to join with Aven tagging along to translate.

There were five benches arranged in a circle on the open deck of the Achara's largest ship. Sayel sat to their left to represent the Tavada, while the other three were occupied by Vathlanri from the Achara. The meeting had been dull so far, most of it taken up by Sayel explaining the threat of Azun's fleet and where to find his shipyards. As they debated, Aven spent his time eyeing the woman they had traveled so long and so far to find.

Yia looked practically ancient. Her patchy, wispy white hair hung halfway down her back, decorated with white beads that rattled whenever she turned her head. Around her neck, she wore a necklace of wood and ivory beads. Her skin was wrinkled and weatherbeaten, seeming more like leather than anything else. With her scrawny limbs and missing teeth, it would have been easy to write her off as a doddering old woman. But her voice was strong and her dark brown eyes were keen and intense. The others did nothing except agree with her. At least it was clear who was in charge of the Achara.

"Even if the tides are right, and even if this east wind holds, it will not be easy to pass through the Etrin straits," said Yia. "Tsilen has watch stations on coasts and on the many islands at the mouth of the strait. There is a strong naval squadron that patrols the waters as well. Even at our strongest we never tried to raid within the Etrin Sea."

Sayel nodded along. "That may be true, but it is also true that combined we are the largest Ata to sail the sea in decades. Together we can punch through any patrols and make a run straight for the shipyards. Our ships can outpace any warning they may send. There is a chance we could take them completely by surprise."

"More of a chance than you think," muttered Yia.

Aven used the moment of silence to fill Anetal in before Syel started to speak again.

"This is not just about our Atas. This is about all Vathlanri," Sayel said. "When these Treasure Ships first put to sea we could not stop them from crossing Vaths Ocean. We were only fortunate that the Haogon Emperor only wished to trade and explore. Azun and The Litzu Emperor have no such peaceful intentions."

"Even worse," said Yia, cracking her fingers. "When Haogon made his Treasure Fleet, he controlled all of Qisin. Azun has put one to sea with a fraction of the territory. If Tsilen manages to win this war, they could make much more. I will agree that this needs to be done, but I don't see the point in involving drylanders."

As Yia's intense gaze fell on them, Anatel whispered quickly to Aven. "Because the new Treasure Fleet is the enemy of us both. Azun had spies in Hilt and we believe he intends to take control of the island with his navy. If we can strike a blow first, it will greatly enhance our position."

"Your ships are slow and sluggish," Yia continued. "To maintain surprise we must be quick. If you fall behind you could give away our approach."

"We have had no trouble keeping up on the way here," replied Aven, translating for Anatel. "While we may not be as quick to turn, the guns on our first-rate ships outrange anything you have and anything Azun has. From what I've seen, the guns on our second-rate ships are of much greater caliber than yours. If ship-to-ship combat breaks out we would survive much longer in the line of battle than you. Wabaro has sent word back to Ankurivi asking for help, reporting that we have laid waste to the shipyard with our Vathlanri allies would go a long way in convincing other Senior Batore to send aid. Sailing together serves both our interests."

Yia looked thoughtful for a moment and shook her head, making the beads around her neck and in her hair rattle. Everyone else was silent as they waited for her to speak. "Wabaro asking for help. Never thought I'd see the day. Commodore, your ships may join ours if they can keep pace."

Anatel broke out into a wide smile and stood. "Give her my thanks. I'm going to send word to the captains to make it ready."

As he left Aven went to speak to Yia, but she was quickly swarmed by other Vathlanri. He waited for the barrage of questions about provisions and where to send the young and old to be answered before he approached her.

"You speak well for a drylander," Yia said, taking off her necklace and wrapping it around her wrist. She rattled the beads in a slow rhythm as she spoke. "You must be the boy the Tavada raised."

"I am," Aven replied. "Commodore Anatel is informing his captains about when we will be traveling. He sends his thanks...and I have a favor to ask."

-

Yazwa held her staff out in front of her, watching as Ji prowled closer to her. Over the last few days, she had been swinging a hammer after being drafted into the repair effort. Now that the flagship was fixed up, she finally had some time to train. The crew had scattered below decks to rest in their hammocks, leaving the deck wide open. "Ready?" Yazwa asked, tensing up.

Ji only nodded, tail flicking back and forth as she shuffled closer.

Striking first, Yazwa lashed out with a hard thrust at Ji's stomach, following it up with a sweeping swing to the left.

The staff barely missed Ji, who rolled under the swing and was back on her feet before Yazwa could recover from the miss. Ji pressed the attack, closing distance and lashing out with her fists.

Yazwa stepped back and choked up on her staff, batting aside Ji's blows until she saw an opening. A quick upward jab with the butt end of her weapon caught Ji in the thigh and forced her back. "Got you!" Yazwa cheered.

Wincing, Ji reached down and rubbed her leg. "It was a good hit."

"Ha. I know you're taking it easy on me," said Yazwa. Watching her and Bill spar had been unreal. With one step Ji could cross the deck in a heartbeat or leap completely over his head. The hits were incredible too, Bill didn't so much as turn to water as explode into the mist. "Where is Bill anyway? I haven't seen him all day."

"I believe he is with Saiyun and the Captain," said Ji, flexing her leg. "Bill has been through the Etrin Straits before so he's offering his insights on how to sneak through them."

Yazwa looked around. Now that the Achara ships had joined them, it almost felt like they were on a wooden island. "How are we supposed to sneak all of this past anything?"

"If anyone can do it, Bill can," said Ji, bending her knees and raising her fists. "Shall we continue?"

"Yes, let's-wait," Yazwa said as some movement in the water caught her eye. "What was that?"

"What was what?" Ji asked, walking over to the railing with Yazwa.

An enormous shape drifted by just under the water. It looked like a massive gray fish, with white streaks running along its massive head. As it passed the top of its head poked out of the water and blasted a cloud of mist into the air.

"Is that a summon?" Yazwa asked, leaning over the railing to watch it go. "It's huge!"

"No," Ji said as the creature passed by. "It's a whale called a Cachalot. But I've never seen one this close before."

Running along the railing to the back of the ship, Yazwa kept pace with the whale as it slowly rolled over, lazily propelling itself forward with its fins. "It's as long as the ship!"

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With a quick hop, Ji joined her by perching on the railing. "Do you think it could be dangerous? One sweep of that tail could wipe out the Vathlanri ships."

If it was dangerous, the Vathlanri did not seem to think so. As it neared one of the twin-hulled vessels its crew cried out and leaped into the water, swimming towards the whale as it lazily drifted on.

"Wow," said Yazwa as a sudden puff of air behind her made her jump. "There's more!"

A group of Cachalots swimmingly closely together followed their leader past the ship and began slowly circling the fleet. They mostly kept to the outside, but sometimes one would dive down and pop its massive head out of the water between two ships before dipping back down again. The thought of training went completely out of Yazwa's head as she watched the giants swim through the water.

"Did you hear me?" Saiyun asked loudly.

Yazwa jumped when she finally registered that Saiyun was talking to her. "What? No. Sorry, I was watching the whales. What did you say?"

"I said," Saiyun sighed. "That had official word from the Achara that they'll join us on the attack. We set sail together at first light."

"You don't seem very happy about it," Yazwa said, tossing her dreadlocks over her shoulder.

Ji hopped down off the railing and smooth down her tunic. "Is something the matter?"

"We have almost no chance of sneaking in through the Etrin Straits," Saiyun sighed, rubbing his eyes. "There are plenty of forts as well as a naval squadron that patrols the area. From what Bill says there are plenty of Vao with aerial and aquatic summons in the squadron. Even if some were reassigned for the Treasure Fleet, it's a lot of eyes that we can't hide from. Our only choice is to rush through the straits as quickly as possible and hope we reach the shipyard before a warning does."

Yazwa squinted at Saiyun. "Well, that doesn't sound so bad. We've been in worse situations and gotten out."

Saiyun took a deep breath. "My apologies. I should just be happy we found the Achara. Here, I want you to take this," he said, reaching into his robe and taking out a folded piece of paper.

Yazwa took it and looked it over. The paper was pure white and it was shut with a wax seal. "Why, what is it?"

"A letter to my family," Saiyun said, looking off the boat. "I know we live in different countries, but our homes are close to each other. If I don't make it back, could you bring it to them? I...I want them to at least know the truth of why I left."

"Oh," Yazwa said as the paper suddenly felt heavier. "I mean, sure! But wouldn't you be better off giving it to Ji? I think she's the most likely to make it through. Have you seen how she moves?"

Saiyun stared at her like she had two heads. "Yazwa...Aven made contact with Yia. We're sending one of the supply ships back to Hilt and there's a spot for you on it."

"Oh well yeah," Yazwa scoffed, clapping Saiyun on the shoulder. "But you know how things work out here. She'll play the Favor Game and say I have to join in the fight before she cures me."

"...I imagine bringing a fleet of warships will be an ample trade," replied Saiyun.

Yazwa cleared her throat and tried to do her best Tsen impression. "You brought the ships in well before you asked me for anything. I am not responsible for your poor timing."

A laugh burst out of Saiyun's mouth as Yazwa grinned. "I can't believe I miss him," he said.

"I wouldn't mind having him on our side right now," Yazwa said. "But if Yia is supposed to be better than him, I can't wait to see her in action."

"Here's your chance," Ji said, pointing behind them.

A Cachalot swam towards them through the fleet with the top of its head out of the water, bumping smaller boats out of the way with its bulk. On top of its head was a white-haired woman, standing tall and proud. Behind her, Yazwa could make out another person crouched down low on the whale's back. The whale slowed as it reached the boat, coming to a complete stop and lifting its nose further out of the water, just above the deckline. The white-haired woman stepped off casually, eyes sweeping over the deck.

"Ah!" came a shout as the whale began to sink. Aven stumbled forward on its slippery hide and leaped through the air, catching hold of the railing as the whale slipped beneath the surface.

"Whoa!" Yazwa shouted, rushing forward with Ji to pull him up onto the ship.

Aven climbed up and brushed himself off. "Thank you. Yazwa, this is Yia."

"He-" Yazwa stammered, taken off guard by the intensity of the woman's gaze, eyes so brown they were almost black. "I um...I'm the one that's cursed."

"She doesn't speak Gray," Aven said, pointing at Yazwa. "But I told her everything."

Yia dug her finger into a pouch on her belt and drew a pattern in ash on her palm. Then she reached and grabbed Yazwa's wrist, holding it gently for a moment before letting it go. With a quick nod, she pointed at Aven, speaking quickly as she dipped her finger back in the pouch.

"She says she can do it," Aven said with a smile. "It will hurt, but the pain will fade quickly."

"Well, that's, what?" Yazwa gasped, eyes darting from Aven to Yia. "Wait now? She's doing it now?"

Yia spoke as she carefully drew four of the ash symbols on her inner arm.

"Yes, now. No favors" replied Aven. "She says that anyone she could call family is long dead and she's happy to help."

"Guess you're delivering my letter after all," Saiyun grinned.

Yazwa's heart thundered in her ears as Yia finished drawing the symbols and reached out for her hand. Finally. It was finally happening. The curse would be broken. She could go home.

Her hand jerked back, almost of its own will. "Wait!" stammered Yazwa. "Wait, hold on. Wait. This...this could be a bad idea."

"What?" asked Saiyun. "What do you mean? This is what you've been searching for."

"I know, I know, I know," Yazwa babbled, frantically searching for a reason for her hesitation. "But...But...Tsen! When Tsen tried this, it nearly blew his arm off. We...uh...We shouldn't take that risk! She's the leader, right? If she gets uh, gets hurt it it it it would cause problems."

Aven relayed the message to Yia. "She says don't worry," replied Aven. "Tsen was skilled, but he could never give up enough of himself to the Caves to match her. She'll be fine."

"Good. Oh. Good then," Yazwa said, clearing her throat. "I was worried about that, but it's fine."

Yazwa took a breath and wiped her sweaty palms on her dress. Seeing Tsen's arm rip itself open had been a shock. Now that she knew it wouldn't happen, she had no reason to hesitate. Tomorrow morning she would sail back to Hilt and then back home. She could finally set all this danger aside and go back to her old life.

This time she took a giant step backward before Yia could touch her. "Hold on hold on. Uuuuuh..."

"I didn't think you'd be this worried about a little pain," said Aven.

What was wrong with her? She'd chased rumors of this woman across the entire Raoin Sea. Why was her stomach turning at the thought of the cure?

Saiyun sighed. "Yazwa, we'll be fine without you."

"That's it!" Yazwa said, pointing at Saiyun. "I can't just leave you. After everything we've been through, I just can't run away before you go into battle. I'd never forgive myself."

A knowing look crossed Yia's face and she let out a low chuckle. After wiping the ash off her arm she took off her necklace and wrapped it around her wrist. She walked past Yazwa to the ship's railing, rattling the beads and mumbling.

"No!" Saiyun seethed, pointing at Yia. "You cannot give up this chance just because you feel guilty! She's the only person in the world that can cure you and she might be dead when this is all over."

"You could have stayed," Yazwa said quickly. "You said Wabaro offered you a job and she said that what you did was enough for a pardon but here you are!"

"That's different," Saiyun hissed.

"Yazwa," said Ji, stepping up and taking Yazwa's hand in hers. "I appreciate your loyalty to us...but Saiyun isn't wrong. This could be your only chance. You've fought by my side for months. I won't think any less of you if you go now."

"There are more than a thousand people in this fleet by now," said Aven. "We can afford to lose one."

Yazwa squeezed Ji's calloused hands. They were making sense, but... "No, see. I'm the only Achali here. You might need my Sight or my staff...and this curse has kept us from getting shot more than once, right? I'm more useful here than on a boat back to Hilt. I'm coming and that's it."

The three of them stared at her and she forced herself to meet their eyes. They only wanted the best for her, but she couldn't just leave them. After everything they'd been through, how could she abandon them now?

"I suppose," Saiyun said, breaking the silence. "I can't force you to leave. I won't say I'm happy you're staying, but I'll be glad you're fighting with us."

"We'll watch each other's backs, like always," Yazwa said, sitting down on the rail, feeling like she had just run a mile. "Well, at least we can once this fog burns off."

Wait, fog?

Yazwa looked over her shoulder, only for an impenetrable wall of fog to block the view of the sea beyond. Besides the ship, a whale rose from the deep, blowhole blasting out a dense cloud. A curtain of fog was slowly ringing the fleet as the whales circled around them. Yazwa looked down at Yia, still mumbling and rattling her beads. "Is...is she doing this?"

Aven asked, carefully listening to what Yia was saying. "The mist will protect us from eyes above and the Cachalots will protect us from eyes below and lead us straight to the shipyard."

Yazwa laughed wearily, steadying herself on the railing as the ring of fog grew thicker. "Looks like our odds just got better."