Each one of them fought to control the currents at their backs, and to stay on course. Quasim was one of the first, darting ahead on his back so he could wave at everyone.

Show off, thought Vasin. In his first lifecycle he’d have been tempted to match the Peridot, but not this one. Though he was sure he could outperform Quasim in the sky, today was not about him as Vasin the hunter. It was about him as Vasin, High Lord in waiting, and it was about House Ruby. It was a day for being careful and sure.

As Quasim’s hunters scrambled to follow their lord, Vasin signalled Anuja’s flight, then banked slowly, giving them plenty of time to read and follow his actions. It was not the most efficient way to do things, but it was the most likely way to keep them in formation.

Satisfied that they were on course, he glanced back to see that Lakshin was following, but was further back than he’d expected. The Opal was struggling. It struck him that there was a similarity between Lakshin and his brother, Gada. Both were officious, and both used their stern front to hide their inadequacies. It was possible Lakshin had suffered an injury on the last hunt and not mentioned it, and like Vasin, he might be holding back to support an inexperienced hunter. It was also possible he was terrible in the air.

He was glad Anuja had played it safe with this hunt’s timing. Most began just before dawn, the tributes starting their run while it was dark to lure as many demons as possible. By the time the hunters arrived, the suns would be peeking over the horizon, dissuading other demons from joining in, and allowing everyone to travel home in the light.

Given how strange things had been, Anuja had opted to delay, allowing the suns to rise and maximize their chances of coming back alive.

The swamp spread out below them, peppered with islands and clumps of trees. Thick clouds of insects swirled above the dirty water, gathering to greet the first tribute as she burst into view. From this distance she was little more than a stick-figure with a firefly torch.

Quasim signalled that he had seen the tribute, then began to turn over, preparing to dive.

‘Wait!’ shouted Vasin, displaying his palm to emphasize the point, but Quasim ignored him, plunging down at a steep angle. His hunters took longer to follow, unable to match their lord’s agility in the sky. Even when they arrived, there would be few places to land, and many for demons to rise from the water …

Vasin looked back again. His own hunters were still catching up to his position, Lakshin’s were even further back. Unable to join the rash charge of the Peridot Deathless without abandoning Anuja’s people, he watched, frustrated, as the swamp began to stir.

CHAPTER NINE