“I do not have a special connection to the spirit of the Earth! Enough of this! Talon has set spies to keep watch over me. I managed to escape for a time, but they will find me again soon.” Storm longed to tell her uncle about the Water-witch’s warning. But what good would it do? Lake could not protect her from a Fire-witch. He didn’t even know that the Salamander was trying to kill her. Only Teanu, her island’s head Elder, knew about that. And she had sworn Storm to secrecy.

“Then I must ask you what you intend, Niece,” said her uncle. “Our trading will be done here in another five-day. Will you be coming with us when we sail?” Lake’s eyes were fastened on her face; his expression that of a man expecting a blow.

“Of course I will be sailing with you!” Storm put her hand over the cuff on her right wrist, over the scar. The idea of leaving Bellum so soon was upsetting – she realised she would miss Mer, even Betaan. Miss the excitement of Bellum Town. And … the pit of her stomach clenched as she thought about binding her hair into a topknot again and donning the ugly, sleeveless tunic of a non-sex.

“They will try to keep me,” Storm said, knowing it to be true. “They won’t just let me leave with the fleet. We will have to trick them.”

“Have care!” hissed Lake. “I don’t trust the woman who runs this place.”

“Trusting anyone in Bellum Town is never wise,” agreed Foam.

“So it would be well to speak softly.” Lake leaned closer, his voice so quiet Storm could barely make out the words. “I agree. The Pact has not had a Weather-witch in many generations, and they want both the power and prestige such magic brings. They will make you work for them by fair means or foul. I will make plans for your escape. But we must finish trading first.”

Storm nodded. Trade was essential, or many on Yanlin would go hungry during the coming monsoon.

“I am sorry I doubted your loyalty,” Lake said gruffly. “Teanu will see that you don’t have to sacrifice everything for Yanlin, never fear. You must come home, Niece!” Lake recovered himself enough to attempt a half-hearted laugh. “Haven’t I told you what Minnow will do to me if I return without his beloved cousin?” He gave her arm a clumsy pat. “Can you meet us here again in a five-day?”

“I will try, but after today it will be more difficult to escape the guards.”

“We will come to Talon’s house if necessary, though we cannot speak freely there. A five-day, at the same time, if you can! Take care, Storm. Be wary. I have a bad feeling in my bones.”