Hime and Amina were drawn down the stairway to the deck by the commanding rhythm of a reel. Soon, the floor was lost beneath dancing feet, and the musicians struggled to be heard above joyful laughter. Caledonia followed more slowly, enjoying the sight of her crew dancing on the back of the sea without fear that someone might hear them and take advantage of their distraction.

“Couldn’t leave the gun behind.” The voice was amused and dark in a way Caledonia associated with only one person. “Though it’s nicely hidden, I’ll give you that.”

Caledonia’s hand strayed to the pistol secured at the small of her back. She’d tried to leave it behind but at the last minute, she’d tucked it into her waistband. It was a comfort to have it near. Not having it there . . . well, it was a step she wasn’t ready for.

“I’m certain you’ve got at least two on you, Pine.”

They were hovering on the aft deck, stained in sunset colors. Pine was dressed not for celebration but for travel. His hair was slicked into a tight ponytail at the nape of his neck and there was a gun strapped across his back. He smiled, but sadly.

“I can’t stay here,” he said.

“You can,” Caledonia answered, but without any urging. “Where are you going?”

His eyes turned south. “To see what’s out there. Beyond the Net.”

The Net didn’t exist anymore, but it was going to be a long time before people stopped referring to the place where it had been by that name. The line of ships was a part of their imagined world. It would take time to change that.

“Who’s going with you?” Caledonia asked.

“No room for anyone else on my boat with me and all my demons.” Pine’s answer was as playful as it was serious. “And all my ghosts.” He added the last softly.

Caledonia didn’t like the thought of him sailing off into the unknown without anyone to watch his back, but it was an argument she wouldn’t win. They’d held a memorial for everyone who’d given their lives in the great battle. The names had been recorded with as much accuracy as they could manage, and then they’d put out every light in South Haven and flooded the harbor with floating lanterns. There had been more than one lit for Sledge, but not by Pine. Caledonia knew he’d watched the ceremony from a distance. Pine wasn’t the sort to release his ghosts so quickly.

“Will you come back?” she asked.

“If I don’t get killed.” He laughed at himself, then stepped forward and pulled Caledonia into a crushing embrace. He tucked his head low and spoke in her ear. “If you’re going to stay with him, at least promise me you won’t let his demons become yours.”