The second star-lance opened before Skykeel finished drifting away from the first.
Its bronze jaws spread inside the red-lantern command ship. White fire gathered between them, bright enough to throw the armada's shadows across the star-water.
Beside Skykeel, the crosswake kept moving.
Black current rolled from the silver-sailed vessel's open keel. It did not flow in one direction. Its outer edge curled back on itself, caught broken star-shells, and flung them forward hard enough to strike sparks from distant lights.
No welcoming lantern shone inside it.
Kesta looped a fresh roof rope over her bandaged forearms and began dragging it toward the crosswake side.
That was Skykeel's first answer.
Neris limped to the nursery braces. Dema and Tovar shifted the occupied cradle under the root's strongest curve. Residents opened doors facing the black current and shut those facing the charging lance. Olsa's hunters moved to the damaged outer ribs without waiting for her to call them.
