Call of the Bone Ships (The Tide Child, #2)

by R.J. Barker

“Shipwife Meas,” she said. She was tall, thin and with long red hair that she brushed out of her face with a hand that had three fingers fused together. “Ey?” said Meas “I would ask a question.” “And what is your name?” “Jennil, Shipwife Meas.” “Ask your question, Jennil.” The room went silent, all the better to hear what was asked of the most famous shipwife on the Scattered Archipelago. “I lost my child and man at Safeharbour, Shipwife, so if I join your crew, do you promise us action? For I thirst for vengeance.” Joron saw the smile creep across Meas’s face. “Oh Jennil,” she said, “if you thirst then follow me, and your cup will overflow.” The room erupted into noise, and Joron knew that, by the time Skearith’s Blind Eye rose above the bay, Tide Child would once more have a full complement on deck.

jogged up the beach with the wide-legged gait of one who suddenly felt the world moving beneath him.