C70 Songs from the Shore

At dawn, the fire was low but steady.

Ember stirred the embers gently, careful not to disturb the banner folded beside her. The salt-tied oath hung loosely from the rope’s end, its obsidian shard glistening with dew.

Elin sat with knees pulled to their chest, eyes on the east where the sea met the hills. “Do you think they hear us?” they asked.

Ember looked toward the horizon. “Not just hear