by Bob Nailor
A gentle touch caressed her back as a finger traced a pattern on her shoulder. It felt good. Bezner had done that, but this time there was a strangeness, this wasn't Bezner. She froze. Her eyes wide, she noticed Chardo and Percho were not to be seen.
"Relax," Jopab whispered. "You are much too tense. Your muscles are taunt." His fingers traveled her spine. "Our friends have moved to a more discreet area, and away from our prying eyes." Suddenly there were two hands on her back, massaging, thumbs working the knots of tension. A warm breath heated the nape of her neck as Jopab gently exhaled before kissing her.
"You really shouldn't," she murmured, then turned to face him.
His arms embraced her, pulling her close. Their lips met in a kiss and a passion Jewyl had not felt in a long time surfaced to be released. She moaned as Jopab's left hand caressed her breast. His right arm again pulled her closer to him before inching to the base of her back. Their bodies meshed. She could feel his arousal.
A third hand stroked her back. The ecstasy of the moment caught her unaware. Suddenly it hit her. A third hand? Whose was it? Chardo? Percho?
"No, Chardo," she heard Percho rasp in the distance. "This way."
She felt Chardo's hand leave. In the distance behind her she could hear the two men whispering.
"Your attention should be here," Jopab whispered and nibbled on her ear.
Jewyl pulled his head back, looked at the rugged features in the moonlight, then giggled.
"Are you sure you want my full attention, Jopab?" she asked in a sigh. "It has been a long time."
"The night is short, Jewyl," Jopab replied. "Let us not waste it in questions." He placed his lips over hers and kissed her deeply.
# # #
Jewyl twisted in the morning light, turning to shade her eyes. She'd slept well and a small smile curled her lips at the memory of the intense love making. Suddenly she was awake, realizing her current location. She cursed quietly at herself for allowing Jopab to seduce her. How could she lower her defenses? Scents assaulted her nose.
"Good morning." Jopab stirred the fire and smiled cheerily. "Are you hungry?" He stood.
Jewyl glanced about. Chardo and Percho were in the distance, locked in a naked embrace, barely hidden by the nearby shrubs. She frowned. She had never considered Percho could be the type to catch Chardo's eye, he always seemed more interested in men with a physique like Jopab's.
"Jewyl, dear," Jopab whispered. "Breakfast?" He knelt and offered a woven grass platter to her. "Enjoy."
Jewyl eyes flared at the spoken intimacy then quickly scanned the contents of the platter with its fried vegetable patty and roasted chicken. She moved one arm to cover her bare breasts and grabbed her blouse. "I'm not hungry," she murmured and slid her blouse over her head. She stood, pulling her breeches up in a swift movement. She glared down at Jopab who stared at her, and then she again surveyed her surroundings. She wanted to erase the memory of the shenanigans she had allowed to happen. She glanced again at Jopab and knelt beside him.
"Last night was a mistake." She placed a hand on his shoulder and gave him a comforting squeeze. "It should never have happened, Jopab."
"Unfortunately, Jewyl, it did happen," Jopab replied. "I've adored you since the first time I set eyes on you. Remember? You were a fury in Azre's court, blades moving everywhere. Do you remember the first time I touched you? I know you felt it. I'm sure you know my feelings. What we shared last night was not an accident."
"You're a priest—"
"I’m a man first," Jopab cut off her words.
Jewyl adjusted the blouse about her waist. She tried not to remember when he had helped her down and into the boat; his hands had slid along her legs. Yes, it had felt good.
"Still, last night should not have happened." Jewyl inhaled deeply. "If I have led you on, I am sorry."
Jopab slid the grass mat toward her. "Here, eat," he said and looked away toward the small fire and noticed the smoke curling upwards into the sky.
"Are we having a lover's quarrel?" Chardo asked, ambling toward them. He wore only a smile. "That food smells great. Is there more?"
Jopab nodded toward the fire. "Be quick. I need to put it out since it is giving off a dark smoke which, if anyone is watching, could see."
"And this?" Chardo asked, pointing at what lay before Jewyl.
"Eat it," Jewyl said. "Or give it to Percho." She shrugged. "I don't want any, but first, at least put some clothes on." Jewyl pulled her knees up and rested her chin on them.
"Percho prefers I don't," Chardo said, grinning like a love-struck teenage lad. "Since when has modesty been an issue with you? We've seen each other naked many times over."
"Get dressed." Jewyl ordered and caste a glance at the distant bushes. "We'd best be on our way. We have a mission."
Jopab strode over to the fire and kicked dirt onto it. "Percho! If you plan on eating, you'd best be getting a move on."
Chardo bent down and leaned into Jewyl. "Personally, darling, I'd give anything to have a bout with Jopab. Why are you tossing him aside? Was he that bad in bed?"
Jewyl slapped Chardo's face. He grabbed her hand and held it firmly.
"So," he whispered. His eyes searched hers. "You do care. Why are you being so cold?"
Jewyl's eyes flared as she stared at Chardo. "You don't understand," she said. A tear welled in her eye. "I'm but a trophy, nothing more. He will leave me just like the others."
Chardo pulled Jewyl closer. "They don't leave. Jewyl. You send them away." He glared at her. "I've been around long enough to know you. Last night was no fling. You don't just give yourself to anyone. You weren't drunk. You wanted it... probably more than he did." Chardo flung her hand away as he released it and threw his hands into the air with exasperation. "Why?" he shouted. "Why?"
Jopab and Percho both glanced at Chardo's outburst.
Jewyl leaped back away from the sudden stranger before her. Was Chardo jealous?
"I give," Chardo grunted, shook his head, grabbed the mat of food and stormed toward Percho with the plate of food in hand.
"Looks like we have company," Jopab yelled. "Appears to be Bezner."
Jewyl looked up and could see her lost love nearing. She quickly finger combed her short tresses and attempted to pull them back in a knot. She gave up. Straightening her clothes once more, she stood to greet Bezner.
"I can only stay a moment," Bezner said as he slid off his steed and faced Jewyl. "Last night we were visited twice — once by guards of Lord Azre, and later by priests of Hagontha."
"It was expected," Jopab said.
Bezner glanced at the priest before turning a questioning gaze to Jewyl. He pushed a stray hair behind her ear. "What mess have you gotten yourself into?" he asked. Bezner grabbed her hands and searched her eyes. "Must I continue to shadow you for protection's sake?"
Jewyl pushed Bezner's hands away and stepped back. "You infuriate me," she spat. "I am not a waif to be watched over and cared for. I am quite capable of taking care of myself."
"I only meant..." Bezner fell silent.
"If you need to care for someone, go back to your new love, take care of her." Jewyl reached down, grabbed, and strapped her sword belt about her waist. "As you can see, I don't need you to protect me."
Bezner nodded. "As you wish," he whispered.
"Which way did the guards go?" Jopab asked.
"You will probably meet them in Lisbeth Harbor," Bezner said. "As well as the priests."
"We can handle them," Jewyl said and scoured the camp area. "Remove all signs we were here." She looked at Bezner. "We won't be needing your assistance, if that is what you were thinking." Jewyl forced a smile. "We wouldn't want to detain you from your wedding."
"You should make the port city by mid-afternoon," Bezner said and bowed. "I wish you good travel." He leapt onto the horse's back. "Safe journey." He pulled the reins taunt. The horse turned its head back toward the farm.
Bezner glanced down at Jewyl. She stood there defiant, waiting for him to leave.
"Rather harsh," Chardo whispered to Jewyl. "Like I said, you always push them away."
Jewyl turned away, there was no reason for Chardo to see the tears. "He has a new love." She made sure her voice didn't tremble or crack. She inhaled deeply before slowly letting it escape.
"We'd best be on our way," Jopab said. "Hagontha hasn't given us an easy path. Percho, get things moving."
The group moved quietly through the woods, watching and listening.
# # #
Jewyl gazed down the hillside toward the massive city and the ocean which disappeared in the horizon to match the sky.
"Our journey is near its end." Jewyl nodded toward the city. "We will find our ship, rest, and not worry about Azre's guards or Ballec's priests while at sea."
"Mother Hagontha will confuse them," Jopab added. "Chaos be blessed."
Jewyl stepped from the woods onto the road leading to Lisbeth Harbor. "We will find an inn, enjoy a meal, and make our final plans."
# # #
Lisbeth Harbor
The World's Largest
Harbor of Ocean Trade
Percho read the large sign aloud to them as they prepared to enter the gate into the city.
"Welcome, kind travelers," the rag-tag man said as he hobbled beside them in an attempt to keep pace. "Welcome to Lisbeth Harbor. Share a coin with one of Hagontha's lost souls?"
"Hagontha has no lost souls," Jopab spat. "If you work, you will earn the money you need. Why bother complete strangers?"
"My story is long," the man replied. "Let me share—"
"We really don't have time." Jewyl cast a casual glance at him then wrinkled her nose at the man's odors.
"I was a seafarer," the man began, ignoring Jewyl's comment. "A good one, at that until Hagontha..." His voice trailed. "I lost my leg at sea, and my wife left me upon my return. My son was killed by bandits, my home burned, and the captain set sail without me."
"Truly a sad tale," Percho said. "But, why do you blame Hagontha for your misfortune?"
"Is she not the goddess of chaos?" the man asked. "Is not my life's story one filled with chaos?"
"Hagontha is the goddess of chaos, indeed," Percho replied. "She reigns over chaos and will lead you through the paths of chaos, but you have forgotten — our lovely goddess doesn't cause chaos. She controls it.",
"Still, if you would be so kind to share a coin?" The man held out his scrawny hand, his fingers wiggling in anticipation.
"Find another to bother," Chardo said. "We've no time for your sad story. Now be away."
"And you say I'm harsh," Jewyl whispered to Chardo. She quickly turned her attentions to the city as they approached the wharf.
"We need a home base." She pointed at the inn just a few doors away. "The Crooked Skull might suffice. Let us get an ale and plan."
Chardo licked his lips. "An ale."
A woman with a cowl to cover her hair and face neared them. The woman tapped Jewyl’s shoulder, whispered ‘Join me at The Crooked Skull, Vaela,’ and continued on her way toward the inn.
Vaela? Who would call me that here? Jewyl watched the woman disappear into the inn. "Follow her," Jewyl said and hastened to the door of the inn.
Jewyl stood momentarily at the doorway to let her eyes grow accustomed to the darker room. She noted where the woman sat in a corner, alone. Jewyl strode quickly to the table.
"Who are you?" Jewyl demanded.
The woman pulled the cowl from her head to reveal her face.
"Britha? What are you doing here?" Jewyl quickly sat and motioned to the others to join her.
"Britha?" Chardo and Jopab said in unison.
Percho motioned for ales to be brought.
"There is much to tell you," Britha said. "A priest came to my father. He claimed to be a friend of Jopab and Percho. He said Ballec has fled to Zornal and Lord Azre's men are in pursuit of him and you. It was assumed you would go to Zornal, but there was also an assumption you might come to Lisbeth Harbor. Vico went to Zornal. I came here."
"But why?" Jewyl asked. "Why did you seek us out?"
"The Holy Father intends to deify Lord Azre." Britha shrugged. "The priest, Nethan, said you'd understand."
Jopab nodded. "It is a ceremony, but I truly don't believe Lord Azre understands the full consequences of the action."
"Plus, now I can join your group," Britha said, her eyes bright with anticipation and excitement.
Jewyl shook her head. "I promised your father I would not take you. Therefore, you must return home to him."
Britha stood and stamped her foot. "I am of the age to make my own decisions. I have stood watch, waiting for your arrival. None have bothered me. You and my father have no say."
Chardo quickly surveyed the area to see who had seen Britha's defiant act. He swung his drink drunkenly in the air. "And, so it should be," he said loudly.
Jewyl stood and placed a comforting arm around Britha. "I told you, a young man will come to save you from the dull life at the inn. What he brings — that I can't promise, but trust me, he will love you, and you will love him."
Britha began to whimper and tears flowed. "I want something exciting to happen now."
"Go back to your father, and the inn. Tell him we have received the warning, and understand the message." Jewyl hugged Britha. "You don't see it now, but someday you will thank me."
A young man approached and bowed. "My name is Longrel, most people call me Lon. Tell me, young maiden. These men are not of the age to be your father. Where is he, for I wish to know you better."
"Bashiwa. My father owns The Red Horse Inn."
"I will take you there and then bask in your beauty."
Britha blushed.
Chardo stood protectively to Britha's side. "Just who are you, Longrel, that we should trust you?"
"I have sailed for three long years on The Albatross Wing, and now weary of the sea life. I seek a permanent existence away from Lisbeth Harbor, and its shady inhabitants. This one," Lon nodded to Britha. "She has a fire about her to add to her beauty. She has been in my dreams these last months, and now, to see her, my dreams were but hazy visions."
"I will return to my father as you wish, Jew— Vaela." Britha curtsied to Longrel. "This gentleman may escort me." She drew back her cape. "I have protection, and know how to use it." The sword's handle glinted in the low light before she allowed the cape to cover it once more.
Longrel smiled. "A fire, indeed."
Chardo leaned in to whisper in Longrel's ear while placing a strong hand on the lad's shoulder. "If you are less than honorable, I will seek you out, and I will remove those which you want and cherish." Chardo raised an eyebrow. "Your days of having offspring will be no more." He squeezed Longrel's shoulder to drive home the point. "Britha is like a sister to me, and her brother, Vico, will more likely rip out your heart. Tread carefully."
Longrel nodded acknowledgment of Chardo's threat.
Jopab raised a hand to detain Longrel. "Tell me, Lon, which ship do you suggest we hire for a journey to Zornal?"
"Steer away from The Black Fury as well as Sea Ghost. I've heard tell they take on strangers who are never seen again. I know I've seen Full Sail Racer and The Sea Dragon at both harbors." He gazed at the group. "Then again, you might wish to stay clear of The Sea Dragon if you have issues with Lord Azre." Longrel shrugged and gave a knowing smile.
Jewyl leaped to her feet, a dagger discretely pressing at Longrel's waist. "A loose tongue dies quickly. Explain your words"
Frightened, he glanced at Britha. "Less than an hour before Britha entered, Lord Azre's guards stormed in looking for a woman and three men. The descriptions almost matched except for the darker red of your hair, Vaela."
"Is the Albatross Wing a fit ship to sail to our destination?" Jopab continued his questioning of Longrel. "You said you've seen other ships at Zornal. I assume The Albatross Wing sails there also?"
Longrel slowly nodded his head and whispered, "Yes."
Jewyl released the young
man and put her dagger in its sheath. "Perhaps now is the best time for you to depart with Britha on a trip to Bashiwa." She turned to Britha. "I know you won't betray me." She glanced at Longrel. "If he tries, I'm sure you know what to do." The obvious was left unstated.
"I will return Britha safely to her father in Bashiwa. There, I will enjoy her beauty and bide my time until I decide that which I will do as my lifelong ambition." He grabbed Jewyl's hand which took her by surprise. "Your secret is safe with me." He turned to Britha. "Shall we depart?" He took her hand and led her to the exit and they disappeared.
"So, Chardo, do you have enough the gems to get us passage on a ship.” Jewyl turned to look at Jopab. “Do you want to help make the arrangements? You can join Chardo." Jewyl nodded at the inn doors.
A lone guard stood in the entrance.
Chardo lifted a filled pouch to the table. “I have plenty of gems; more than enough. I was able to acquire more.”
Jewyl frowned. “We don’t need you pick-pocketing to have us arrested.”
Chardo pulled back the pouch, a look of hurt on his face. “I didn’t thieve these from the people of this fine city. Nobody should sound an alarm.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Escape In A Storm
A guard stepped into the shadowed room. He was not one of Azre's men. Jewyl sighed relief as he slumped into a chair in a distant corner and growled for ale.
"Perhaps a quick split of our group would be beneficial to our efforts." She nodded toward the guard. "Percho and I will remain here at the Crooked Skull Inn. The two of you find us a way out of Lisbeth Harbor."
"Fine," Jopab said, shrugged, and stood. "As you wish, Vaela. You ready, Chardo?" He put his arm about Chardo's shoulder conspiratorially, and led him toward the door. "Once outside, do we continue down the cobbled street or take ourselves up the stairs to the docks? I say stairs. We should find us a nice galley quickly. I've heard the merchant owners are always willing to take on paying passengers."
Chardo smiled at Jopab's touch. "I should be able to get us all passage without any difficulty." Chardo narrowed his eyes slyly. "I gleaned a couple of extra pearls from the tunnels during our escape."
