Knight of Wands (A Steampunk Fantasy Adventure Novel) (Devices of War Book 2) by SM Blooding Page A

way.”
    I nodded. “Not that the Families are any better.”
    Open surprise filled his expression. “I’m oddly glad to hear you say that.”
    I let out a frustrated breath. “I know no one is perfect. I wish I knew the best solution.”
    “What if we were all allowed to go back to a city-by-city rule?”
    “Did we ever truly have that?” When I’d been a part of the El’Asim Family, just a son of the fleet, things had made a lot more sense. We were in control of our lives. No one else had any say in anything we did.
    I now knew my father had had a lot less control than I’d perceived. The El’Asim and Ino Families were bonded through the marriage of my parents, but what that really meant was . . .
    I didn’t know. That the El’Asim had to be careful of any actions that would adversely affect Ino? My mother was a very strong woman. Her will was felt on the fleet.
    Did the citizens of Ino City feel the ramifications of siding with the El’Asim? I’d always thought not. They were stuck to the sea. We were free to fly the sky.
    But if they hadn’t been bound to the El’Asim, they could have taken their letharan city under the ice when winter hit. It would be safer for them under there. For that matter, it would be safer for everyone to reside under the ice through the winter.
    Who would decide what was best for them? For the Hands? Who had the power of mind to determine where the best common ground would be? What would happen if all power was removed? Was that a viable suggestion?
    Garrett wiggled his fingers lightly to gain my attention. “There are a lot of things going through your mind right now.”
    “Indeed.”
    “That is good. I have a lot more confidence that this could work.”
    Glad someone was. “Where do your allegiances lie?”
    He frowned and took a handful of sand, letting it filter through his fingers. “As Egolda City, we were under first the protection of the Ears, then the Families, and finally the Hands. I’ve seen the pros and cons to all of it.”
    I nodded. “What does that mean for Peacock Rock?”
    He tipped his head. “We’re safe here. We rely on no one. Yes, it is nice to get the technology updates from Joshua—” He brushed me off when I opened my mouth to ask him about my friend. “—but we’re safer having no affiliations with anyone.”
    I narrowed my gaze.
    “Here, we are safe. We can hold off any attack that might come. We have our own resources, and they’re within our caverns, for the most part. There are caves like this—” He waved his hand to the waterfall. “—riddled throughout. We’ve discovered orchards, natural fields, animals.” He met my gaze. “I see no reason to side with anyone.”
    I nodded slowly. “I wish all the cities could know that freedom.”
    “Part of the problem is that the Hands cannot survive on their own.”
    I groaned. “I know. They burn fuel. They have no fields.”
    “But where do they get their metal?”
    I shook my head. “I don’t know, but I’d love to find out. Have you ever seen anything like it?”
    “No. Have you?”
    “No.”
    We were quiet for a long moment.
    “Garrett,” I said softly. “If you decide to remain neutral, truly neutral, I may request your assistance.”
    “That would be difficult since you do have an affiliation.”
    I stared into the space between us. I did.
    “But you have been tasked with drawing up the treaty, and the only way for everyone to agree would be if it were fair.”
    “Exactly.”
    He shrugged. “I could act in this manner for you, but, Synn—”
    I met his gaze when he didn’t continue.
    “Be fair. To both sides.”
    That was going to be a lot easier said than done.

CHAPTER 9

    REUNITING WITH FAMILY
    Garrett broadcasted to Ino City, Asim City, and the El’Asim Fleet using the radio Joshua had given him when they’d first settled. Ino City was closest, even though I yearned to be back on the fleet. Isra, my second in command, had the fleet in Kiwidinok, but they