Whisper of Blood

by James Dale

  "Now Tarsus," Kaiddra warned the Amarian. "Don’t me mean. This is likely to turn into a serious matter."

  "Agreed," Dorad said. "I apologize."

  "Apology accepted," Tarsus grinned. "Let's go get some more ale." And the two men rose and began making their way to the bar.

  "I wonder if those two ever really get mad at each other." Jack wondered aloud.

  "Forget those lunatics," Kaiddra smiled, sliding closer. "Let's talk about you."

  "What would you like to know?" asked Jack. God she was beautiful! He could smell her hair even over the press of bodies in the tavern, and her supple body so close to his was maddening.

  "Tarsus said he found you wandering around alone in the Ailsantain, hunting a na’Ghomari. You are insanely brave or simply insane?” Kaiddra asked.

  “Is there a difference?” Jack grinned with a shrug.

  “He also thinks you are some half-Ailfar prince on the run," she said. "Perhaps fallen royalty like Dorad."

  "I'm certainly not royalty," Jack laughed. "Although, one of my very distant relatives on my mother’s side, was a queen in ancient Ireland. If you believe the family stories. Though that was so long ago it hardly qualifies me as royalty. I was a soldier once, a pretty good one, but still just a soldier."

  "I know," Kaiddra nodded. "A Ranger of…America? That cannot be all? There's something different about you. There is Ailfar blood in your veins. Only a blind fool could not see it. They do not mix their race lightly, Jack Green Eyes. Dorad has a bit of Ailfar in him, but he’s an Ellgereth."

  "What about yourself?" Jack inquired, changing the subject. "How did..." he almost said a woman like you end up in a place like this, but he caught himself. "How did you become a member of the Brotherhood?"

  "The story is not an unusual one, except that I'm a woman," answered Kaiddra.

  "So, I've noticed," he smiled.

  Kaiddra glowed at the complement. "My father was a wealthy merchant in West Caerloth. He was thrown into poverty when three of his fleet of four ships sank in a fierce storm off the coast of Amorhad. Faced with the choice of impoverishing himself to pay off his debts or turning to banditry, my dear father became a pirate. He was always a bit of a rogue at heart," she laughed fondly. "After preying upon those he had formerly done business, he gained enough fame to be admitted to the Free Brothers of the Sea. When he died, he left me his ship and all his ill-gotten treasure. He taught me well the trade of robbing and plundering, and I took over his command."

  "A fascinating story," Tarsus remarked, returning to the table with Dorad and more drinks. "I get goose flesh every time I hear it."

  "Damn your smelly barbarian hide," Kaiddra swore, slapping the table in anger. "We were just getting cozy."

  "I see that," the Amarian laughed. "But I can't have you ruining my second mate before I make any money off his sword arm. You know how men leave your embrace. As weak as a kitten and worthless as honest pirates for the rest of their lives. No damn good to anyone."

  "The thought hadn't even crossed my mind," Kaiddra smiled, but underneath the table she caressed Jack's leg.

  There was a lull in the conversation and the foursome fell to drinking their beer. It seemed the evening had taken a dull turn and Kaiddra had decided to start another argument between Tarsus and Dorad when a break in the monotony presented itself in the form of a drunken pirate. A large, shaven headed man stumbled over to their table and began to stare lecherously at the raven-haired woman. He was rather deep into his cup and obviously didn't recognize Kaiddra or anyone at the table.

  "Why don ya dump theesh scum pretty lady," he slurred. "Ya can shpen the night wish a real man."

  "I'm with real men now, thank you." Kaiddra said coldly.

  "Ha!" laughed the drunken freebooter. "Yar weth an ol' man, a pipshqueak and a wet noshed boy."

  Braedan started to rise but Kaiddra placed a restraining hand on his arm. "And where might I find a real man?"

  The poor fellow tried to straighten himself and staggered backwards a couple of steps into the table behind him. The men sitting there gave him dirty looks but said nothing. "Searsh no farther," the drunk said, regaining his balance.

  "You?" Kaiddra asked. She stood and he put his arms around her, pulling her close.

  Again, Braedan started to rise but this time Dorad stopped him. "Patience my friend," he smiled. "You'll enjoy this."

  "You are strong," Kaiddra purred at the man. "But is your manhood strong enough to pass my test?"

  "Wha tesh?" asked the drunk.

  "Why, this one of course," Kaiddra smiled, kneeing him viciously in the groin. He released her and doubled over, his face turning purple. She turned calmly back to the table and picked up Tarsus' empty pewter mug. "May I?"

  "By all means," laughed the Amarian. He had witnessed this test before.

  "Thank you," she smiled, then turned and struck the drunk a mighty blow under his chin that sent him flying onto the table he had jostled earlier. It flew apart with a crash and the men sitting there scattered. Kaiddra sat back down next to Braedan with a satisfied smile.

  "Did he pass?" Dorad asked, laughing heartily.

  Kaiddra looked at the unlucky pirate. He was already beginning to crawl back towards them. "No," she sighed. "If he had any balls, that blow would have finished him for the night, and if he had any brains, he wouldn't be coming back over here."

  "Then I guess it's my turn," Tarsus said, getting up. "With your permission captain?"

  "Be my guest," Kaiddra laughed. "It seems he can't take no for an answer."

  Tarsus walked over to the struggling man and lifted him to his feet. "When you called me an old man, I hope it was meant in a friendly manner."

  The drunk swung wildly but Tarsus deflected the blow easily, then punched the man soundly in the mouth. He fell back into the arms of one of the men whose table he had destroyed and they both tumbled to the floor. Then the Amarian was set upon by two of the patrons of the Shark's Tooth and the fight was off and running.

  "That's my cue," Dorad laughed. "And I thought it was going to be a boring night. Excuse me," the prince bowed, then picked up the bench he had been sitting on and crashed it over the back of one of the men wrestling with Tarsus.

  The tavern erupted.

  "Let's get out of here," Kaiddra smiled, taking his hand.

  "Aren't we going to help?" Jack asked.

  "They're big boys," she shrugged. "They can take care of themselves. I have other plans for our evening."

  The brawl had now engulfed the entire tavern. Jack and Kaiddra were the only two not involved in the fight. Stepping over wrestling pirates and skirting around the larger groups of fighters, the two reached the exit with little difficulty. Once outside, Kaiddra hooked her arm in Jack's and led him on a leisurely stroll through the avenues of Brimcohn. He paid close attention to their route. He’d already been lost once today and didn't like the feeling.

  They walked in silence through the center of the city, passed by the Great Council Hall of Brimcohn and onto a quiet lane that traveled up a hill overlooking the harbor. At the top of the hill was a villa. There was a marble fountain in the courtyard filled with exotic fish and a stone pathway lined with fruit trees brought them to a large portico. Kaiddra raised one of the stones of the veranda, withdrew a large brass key, and opened the door to the villa. Braedan started to speak but she placed a finger on his lips and shook her beautiful head. She led him through an anteroom, then down a long hallway ending at another door. Kaiddra opened it and they stepped into her private chambers.

  The room was large and regally furnished. The marble floor was covered by a delicate, hand woven rug and there were tapestries hanging on the walls. In the center of the room was a large, four posted canopy bed covered with throw pillows and silk sheets. Jack walked around the bed to a pair of double doors which opened out onto a balcony. From there he could see the city below. The sounds of the waterfront drifted up from the docks and a gentle, cooling breeze was coming off th
e bay.

  “Shall I get some wine?" Kaiddra offered, joining him.

  "Maybe later," Jack said, turning to face her. In the soft light of the stars, her dark eyes glistened like twin black pools. “Why did you bring me here, Kaiddra de’Caerl?”

  “You…interest me, Jack Braedan,” she replied seductively, moving closer.

  Braedan’s heartbeat quickened. It had been a long time since he'd been with a woman. So long he could not truthfully remember it with any clarity. But his body apparently remember. The heat from her body was like a furnace. Kaiddra moved closer still until their hips touched and she could feel his hardness. “It seems I interest you as well,” she smiled, sliding her arms around his waist.

  "Do I have to pass the same test as our friend back at the Shark's Tooth?" Jack asked teasingly.

  "Oh, I have a different test for anyone who makes it this far,” Kaiddra purred.

  “A different test?” asked Jack curiously. “Does it begin perhaps like…this?” He reached up to the undo the first button of her blouse. When she did not object, he undid the second. Then the third. When the last was undone, he slid her blouse off her shoulders and it dropped to the balcony floor. “Permission to continue, captain?”

  “Permission granted,” she breathed huskily, as she took his hands and moved them to cup her small, but perfect breasts.

  Jack swept the beautiful pirate up in his arms and carried her back inside.

  The sunlight streaming in through the open balcony doors played gently across Jack's senses, bringing him back from the land of dreams. He could hear song birds in the distance and a breeze blew in off the sea, salty and refreshing. He opened his eyes and smiled contentedly. Kaiddra wasn't in the room but he could hear her singing somewhere in the villa. He could still smell her scent on the silk sheets of the bed, mingled with the musky odors of last night's love making. He stretched happily and smiled, thinking this pirating business wasn't going to be so bad after all.

  "You're awake," Kaiddra smiled, walking into the room. She was wearing a purple silk robe that whispered as she moved. In her hands was a bowl of fruit.

  "Come here," Jack said, patting the bed next to him.

  "We don't have time," she laughed.

  "Come here Kitten," he grinned, throwing back the bed covers. She had acquired the nick-name sometime during the night.

  Kaiddra sat the bowl of fruit on a nightstand by the bed and snuggled next to him. "If you call me that anywhere outside this room," she said, kissing his neck, "I'll cut off your manhood and nail it to the Huntress’ main-mast."

  "Yes Kitten," Jack smiled, untying her robe.

  Much later they lay satisfied in each other's arms. Jack was on the verge of drifting back to sleep when Kaiddra bit him playfully on the ear. "No, you don't," she laughed when he cried out in pain. "The council meeting is at noon." Reaching over to the nightstand she retrieved the bowl of fruit and placed it between them. Jack selected an orange the size of a soft ball and began to peel it.

  "Is this place yours?" he asked, popping a section on the juicy citrus into her mouth.

  "My father built it when I was still a girl," she answered, licking juice from his fingers. "With the spoils he brought into the Brotherhood. It took over three years to complete and almost all of the gold he possessed."

  "And you've lived here alone since he died?"

  "When I choose to," she said, feeding him a plump grape. "Where are these questions leading?"

  "I guess it's hard to keep the place in order," he continued. "What with you out to sea half the time."

  "Yes..." she nodded hesitantly.

  "Have you ever thought about hiring a house keeper?"

  "Are you applying for the job?" she teased. "Because I have other…positions you could fill."

  "I thought we tried every position last night?" Braedan grinned.

  "Get your mind out of the gutter and tell me what you’re getting at."

  "I just happen to know someone, who knows someone, who's looking for another job." he explained.

  "Is she pretty?" Kaiddra asked suspiciously.

  "I don't know," Jack shrugged. "I haven't met her. She's Heath's mother, Jessica."

  "The Seawolf's cabin boy?"

  "Uh huh."

  "I don't know?" she said thoughtfully, biting into an apple. "I've never given it much thought. The villa could use someone to take care of it when the Huntress is out to sea. I'd have to meet her of course."

  "Of course."

  "And if she's too pretty I could always say no," she smiled. "Listen to me! You spend one night in my bed, and you've got me hiring house keepers. Next you'll be moving in!"

  "Can I talk to Heath about it?"

  "Yes, you rogue." she laughed. "You can talk to Heath. But only if you get the hell out of my bed and put some clothes on! Better yet, why don't you take a bath? You smell like you spent the night in a brothel."

  "I kind of like the way I smell," he grinned. "Now, maybe if you wanted to join me?"

  "I've already had my bath. Besides, I have to get dressed and round up my officers."

  "Do you need any help?"

  "No. I know just where to find them."

  "I meant getting dressed," he said reaching for her.

  "Don't you think of anything else?" Kaiddra laughed, sliding off the bed.

  "Not since I met you."

  "Get out of my bed!" she said putting her foot down. "The bath is the next room down the hall. It's fed by a hot spring. You should find it cleansing."

  "But..."

  "Do it now, Jack!"

  "Yes Kitten," he laughed. "Anything you say."

  Chapter Ten

  Council of Admirals

  Kaiddra soon left to find her officers, but not before she ensured Braedan was bathed and dressed, and not until she was sure he understood the directions to the Council Hall. After she departed, he wandered about the villa, exploring the large house. It was truly a grand place. He didn't doubt for a minute it had cost all the gold Kaiddra had claimed. There were tapestries hanging on every wall and statues of gold and ivory, and artifacts of every shape, size and description filled the rooms. She also had an enormous library filled with books, none of which he could read unfortunately, and a room filled with all types of arms and armor. Kaiddra and her father had certainly made a successful living as freebooters after he joined the Brotherhood.

  Braedan glanced at his Rolex. It was 11:37 A.M. Although the exotic, Swiss engineered time piece was likely useless to him now, he’d worn it so long it felt like a part of him and he was lost without it. He didn't know if noon in Brimcohn meant twelve o'clock or midday, but Kaiddra had said they were going to be late if they didn't hurry. He broke off his exploration and left the villa, locking the door behind him and replacing the key.

  He had no idea where to begin to search for Tarsus and Dorad. He had not thought to ask Kaiddra if they had dwellings on Brimcohn or if they would have returned to the Seawolf. Well, it was too late now. He decided to start looking at the last place he had seen the pair. It took him only minutes to reach the Shark's Tooth. Now that he was beginning to learn his way around Brimcohn, it seemed to be shrinking in size. He found the tavern a total wreck. There were broken tables scattered around the floor and shards of smashed ale mugs laying everywhere. The railing of the staircase had completely vanished, a single rung was all that remained, hanging precariously by a loosened peg. An unconscious man lay at the foot of the stairs. Braedan checked his pulse out of habit, just see if he was alive, and then left before anyone arrived asking questions.

  Without knowing where else to search he walked to the Council Hall, hoping they had already arrived. He found it easily, recalling its location from his tour yesterday. It dominated the center of the city, and the only building he had seen built of white marble. He mounted the steps of the Hall and when he reached the top was stopped by a pair of guards in front of two large, double doors.

  "State your business at the Council Hall
of the Free Brothers of the Sea," stated one blocking his path.

  "I've come for the Council of Captains," he replied.

  "Your name and you ship?" the man asked.

  "Jack Braedan of the Seawolf."

  The man scanned his roll book, looking for the unfamiliar name, but the other guard’s eyes flew open in recognition.

  "I don't see you on the roster," the guard said arrogantly. "It is a closed meeting today. Only officers can attend. I cannot let you enter."

  Braedan was about to argue with the man until the other guard whispered in his comrade's ear. The man's mouth dropped open and he stammered an apology, stepping aside. "Sorry, I didn't recognize you. Is there anything we can do for you?"

  "Can you tell me if Tarsus Aernin or Dorad Ellgereth of the Seawolf have arrived yet?" he asked.

  "They have sir," answered the other. "You'll find them inside. Officers of the Seawolf sit in the left section. Down front most often."

  "Thank you," Braedan nodded as the guard opened the door for him. He walked inside, shaking his head and wondering what frightening story the guard had heard to cause him to act as he did. Tarsus was right. A good reputation went a long way in Brimcohn.

  The interior of the Great Council Hall was built in a large semicircle, gradually slopping downward until it ended at a raised platform. On the platform was a long, rectangular table with five high backed chairs. Braedan guessed the admirals of the Brotherhood would soon fill those to oversee the meeting. On the right and left of the platform, separated by an isle way, were the seating sections for the captains and their lieutenants. Each section had roughly twenty rows of forty seats, making the capacity of the hall about eight hundred. There would be far less than that number in attendance today, it being a closed meeting.

  The guard at the door had said Tarsus and Dorad would probably be seated on the left. That's where Braedan found them. Dorad was holding a wet compress to the right side of his face, which when removed, revealed an egg sized purple lump that came close to closing his eye. Tarsus wasn't in much better shape. He had a cut on his forehead someone had stitched closed and his lower lip was swollen. When he smiled at Braedan, he winced in pain.