The sound of another guard vaulting up the steps filled Trynne with a feeling of panic. Morwenna vaulted off the railing, catching hold of the pillar that held up the roof overhead, and twirled down as she descended to the lower level. Several passengers rushed to the railing, shocked by the poisoner’s sudden flight, and Trynne wondered what she was supposed to do. Should she flee as well?

Had Morwenna known that her disguise would be dispelled crossing the lake? Surely she should have after her many visits to the Forbidden Court. Trynne felt more confused than ever by the poisoner’s motivations.

The two fallen guardswomen struggled back to their feet, their expressions full of pain and anger. A third reached the top of the steps, and one of the passengers spoke to her in a foreign tongue, gesturing down the ramp.

Trynne heard a commotion down on the lower deck, followed immediately by the splashing of water. Rushing to the nearest railing, she looked overboard and saw Morwenna’s dark hair against the green water, sinking lower and lower as she swam. Another guardswoman jumped in the water after her. It was obvious that they were not going to let Morwenna escape so easily. Trynne’s heart beat wildly. She had the Tay al-Ard, so she would hopefully be able to escape. Had Morwenna abandoned her, knowing she’d be captured? Or was she trying to save her own skin and allow Trynne to continue with their mission to save Lady Evie?

Most of the girls who were sharing the deck with her were shaking with worry—some talking amongst themselves, others isolated and fearful. Trynne did not have to try very hard to look agitated. She continued to watch from the railing, trying to see what would happen to Morwenna and if she’d be caught. The stone barge did not halt or change direction, even though one of the guardswomen was overboard.

Surprisingly, no one had accused Trynne of being in league with the girl who had jumped off the barge. No one had tried to speak to her. After several more moments, Trynne began to calm down. She was grateful she’d relied on Rani Reya’s clothes to disguise her. If she’d used the ring, she too would have been discovered.