The trip back to Hume was uneventful. That was unfortunate as it gave Michael fewer distractions. He wouldn’t wish for a kraken or pirates, as he didn’t want to bring harm on everyone else travelling with him, but if the only possible victim would’ve been himself he would’ve considered making that devil’s bargain to occupy himself.The ship was more crowded this time, with a number of other diviners including Meera, as well as a handful of takers and even some Stent volunteers like Tain. Michael had been concerned about how Tain might take the death of his sovereign, but whatever had happened to the boy since the last time he’d seen him seemed to have made him far too jaded to care. Michael was concerned for him, but at least he seemed to want to live and fight. That was better than wanting to simply fight and die.When the colorful domes of Hume’s capital came into view, Michael had to keep himself from leaping off the ship and swimming the rest of the way. Luckily, the wind was good so they made it there and docked before the sun had set. Michael busied himself with helping the people they’d brought from Stent properly unload, leading them to the logisticians in whose care they would be in the short term, and giving brief reports to some of King Marlo’s assistants. Once that was done, he along with Ollie, Marcus, and Pyotr were escorted to the palace. Outside the gates Michael saw Knight’s Laird and Blake awaiting them.“Hail!” yelled Laird as they approached.“Hail!” replied Michael formally. Unlike usual Laird had a soft smile on his face. Michael presumed it was because the man’s wife was nearby.“Congratulations on your great successes. I did not anticipate we would begin receiving the diviners and takers so quickly.”“He kind of insisted,” replied Ollie with a smile.Blake walked up to him and drew him in for a forceful kiss.“I’m glad you’re still alive, tall boy,” she said, unconcerned about the eyes (...)