Heroc was a font of information about the ocean and tides. She was surprised to learn they had several boats, which they used for fishing near the shore. He pointed out the various birds that glided overhead and recounted several legends of sea monsters that plied the deep waters.Abrah was quiet. Watching them, with them, yet separate.She’d played on the beach like a child, building a sandcastle as best as she could with Carn’s dubious help while the men practiced with their swords. They were always armed, the huge swords such a part of the men she barely took note of the weapons anymore. The brothers had stripped off their tunics and fought naked from the waist up, except for the wrist and armbands, which were for more than just decoration. They were for protection, used to deflect the opponent’s blade.Their motions were fluid as they dipped and swirled, their chests glistening with sweat. The deadly weapons flashed in the sunlight as they circled one another.She’d shucked her coat as the day warmed and sat back on the beach with her arms wrapped around her knees, watching them.
