Ship of Destiny (Liveship Traders, #3)

by Robin Hobb

Life was good. A short time later, he felt Amber set one hand to his railing. Beside it, she rested a hot mug of something. ‘You’re up early,’ he greeted her. He glanced over his shoulder to find her studying him carefully. She was smiling. ‘I awoke suffused with a singular feeling of well-being.’ ‘Did you?’ He smiled smugly, then looked back to the day. ‘I think I know the feeling. Amber, I think my luck is changing.’ ‘And everyone else’s with it.’ ‘I suppose so.’ He pondered briefly. ‘Do you remember what we discussed last night?’ ‘I do.’ She waited. ‘I’ve changed my mind. You’re right to want to go north again.’ He looked around at the wonder of the spring world. ‘It feels good to set people on the right path.’ He smiled at her again. ‘Go north.’

Shreever felt her own back would break as she strove to lift her head high enough to weave a complete cocoon around herself. She had seen both Sessurea and Maulkin cocooned before she had managed to finish her own case. As they grew still and their cases dried to a dull grey, she felt both abandoned and grateful. She was glad to see them safe. Those two, at least, had a chance of emerging beside her.

The Lords of the Three Realms had returned.