“Indeed,” he said, holding a hand out toward the rise of the hill. “I won’t stand in the way of any order Sledge gives. Only ensure they’re followed as intended.”

The sounds of sparring filtered between them, though Caledonia was sure their meeting had not gone unnoticed.

“So, if it were up to you, I would be confined to my tent.”

Pine’s eyes narrowed and he leaned in even closer, so close that she could see a scatter of old orange scars hidden along his shadowed jaw. “If it were up to me, we’d have left you in the bay to drown with your mistakes.”

“Then I’m lucky it wasn’t up to you.”

He leaned away with a nod. “This time.”

The truth of the statement rang as clear as a bell. Though Caledonia had every reason to fear Pine’s strength, and his dislike of her, he was loyal to his leader, and that would always guide his actions. Even if he didn’t agree with them. In a strange way, she found this comforting. She might not know precisely where she stood with Sledge, but she would always know with Pine.

She smiled. “I’m afraid I like you, Pine.”

He frowned, finally taking a small step back. “You’ll get over it.”

This time, Pine let her go, perhaps satisfied that she wasn’t going to light a signal fire after all. It was a small relief. Caledonia preferred to greet her ocean alone.

Though the hill was gentle and sloping, her body demanded she take it slow. She focused on pushing one foot in front of the other and not the small feeling of frustration that wanted speed. The grass underfoot was sparse and weedy, thick stalks growing in powdery soil. Not unlike the Blades themselves.

The wind picked up as she neared the crest of the hill, bringing with it the smell of salt and the distant sound of rushing water. She pushed herself to move a little faster, to reach the peak where wind whipped at her cheeks and toyed with her curls and the ocean glittered in the sun. It danced along the coast, playful and teasing as it rolled in and out of coves, licking at cliffs and laughing in tide pools.

Caledonia let her eyes trace it in all directions, and for the first time in days she felt like she knew where she was.

Chapter Six

CHAPTER SIX

The twenty-first time Caledonia left her tent, it was to fight.Caledonia braced for attack, holding the wooden staff across her body. Her muscles strained, and she relished the sensation. Four paces away, Sledge crouched and bared his teeth. He held his own staff in one hand, gripped just behind his body so it lay along the back of his arm and shoulder.

“Think we can step up the pace?” Sledge asked.