Nyx
Rain reached the boat before they could see the bank.
It struck the awning in heavy drops, then ran over its edge in a sheet. The river ahead turned gray. Nyx pulled her hood closer and moved away from the rope a crewman was feeding through his hands.
"Inside the rail," he told her.
She stepped in.
They had joined the passenger boat on the second afternoon. The wagon and the hired road carriers had returned from the landing. Now, halfway through the third day of travel, the boatmaster was taking them toward a sheltered stop earlier than planned.
The current had strengthened since morning. Branches passed along the hull, some large enough to strike it with a sound Nyx felt through her boots.
Cedric was below the awning with the field attendant. His board had been secured along the inner side where the movement was smallest. He watched the crew through the open end, his good hand resting near the strap that held Nihil.
