Chapter 175: Dividends of the song
It took Irwin a while to regain his clarity, but when he did, he wondered why none of the others had come up. He'd almost expected Greldo to be watching him, noting something about his singing skills.
Locking the steering wheel, he headed to the cabin, but before he could reach it, it swung open.
Greldo looked at him, his silver eyes gleaming and a wide smile on his face. "So, done singing?" he asked as he walked outside, followed by Rindiri, who closed the door.
Irwin grinned at his friend, knowing he was just messing around.
"I wondered when you would show up," he said. "Even all your hair can't keep you warm? I'll buy you a mantle next time we reach a port."
Greldo barked a laugh, but as he walked past, Irwin was surprised when Greldo reached out and grabbed his shoulder, squeezing slightly. His friend's eyes turned foggy momentarily, and his grin faltered.
"That was probably the most beautiful thing I've ever heard," Greldo said.
Irwin blinked in surprise while Greldo headed to the stern, leaning on it as he gazed off into the distance.
"Those were Chaos Whales," Rindiri said, inspecting him as if expecting to find something new. "I have never heard of someone singing with them. Do you have these where you are from?"
Irwin shook his head as he saw Rindiri stare at him curiously. Her hair was half gray by now, and he felt his smile slip as he realized what that meant.
"Did…" he began, faltering as he gestured at her hair.
"Seven lives remain," she said, squaring her shoulders. "Four with us and three somewhere else."