"How long ago was that?"
"Twenty... no, twenty-two years."
Theus fell silent.
There was not a single sailing ship at the docks—indeed, not a single ship floating on the water. They were all submarines.
He remembered Carter mentioning that the submarine they had taken had been in service for a full ten years.
What exactly had happened on the South Continent during that time...?
Theus's thoughts were in disarray. Everything had happened too quickly, far beyond anything he had imagined.
When he saw the submarines, he had assumed they were in for some kind of Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea journey.
Perhaps it really had been twenty thousand leagues, but they had covered them in only half a minute.
For a moment, they were all at a loss, until Carter clapped his hands. "Everyone, welcome to the South Continent."
He gave a slight bow, then stepped aside. A gangway extending from the submarine had already been set upon the dock. The people and machines moving through the harbor made way for them, some casting curious glances their way.
Chloe gave Theus a slight nod, then strode forward with her head held high.
Chloe was leading this time. Theus had no intention of revealing his identity, which was why he had come to make contact with the Night Watchers first—who knew how far Jules's cooperation with the Skinwearers had gone?
If they had information on his side while his side knew nothing of theirs, wouldn't that put them at a severe disadvantage?
"I'll take you to the Night Watchers' Church first." Carter somehow produced a cane and led them onward.
A [Skinwearer] was taking them to the [Night Watchers'] Church?
They exchanged glances. It seemed Jules had not lied—the relationship between these two faiths truly was close.
On the North