“Not at all,” he peered at her, shifting his hand to get a better grip on the clothes. “You are ready sooner than I anticipated.” Turning slightly, Callum let Aiva’s items fall to the floor, drawing in a breath as if only just noticing what she wore. Arms folded across his chest he leaned against the door to close it, staring at her in disapproval. “I thought the idea of new clothes was to keep you covered.”
“It’s the local style. Do you not like it?” she asked, running her hands along the bodice which clung tightly to every curve of her upper body.
Callum coughed, moving from the door to kick the discarded clothing along the wooden floorboards, closer to the half-opened pack settled beside the bed. He said nothing at first, as if not hearing what she spoke. After a moment he straightened his posture, turning to face Aiva with more composure. He stepped forward to stand in front of her, his hand reaching lightly to examine the shimmering strands of her hair. “You look… beautiful. But you make me nervous. Why can’t you simply cover yourself the way you would if we were in Tanispa?”
“Because we’re not in Tanispa,” she huffed. “If our goal is to blend in, I have to wear a style more suited to the locals.” Taking a step back she looked Callum over, nodding approvingly at his change in appearance. Unlike her, he had chosen a more generic method of cover. A pair of clean, well-pressed black trousers adorned his legs, held by a fashionable belt under the thick leather of the weapon strap provided by General Uttae. His shirt was a heavy white fabric, tucked in at the waist, the arms loose and designed for comfort, tied securely at the wrists. Buttons fastened it down the front, neatly laid in place over his muscular chest. She found him dashing in his new garments. A sense of understanding came over her at the way he felt about her clothing, finding herself worried about the number of women who would seek to gain his favor
He straightened his shirt, hands moving to rest on his hips. “Are we ready to head out? If there is nothing I can do to make you change your outfit…”
Aiva rolled her eyes. His body language gave mixed signals, making it impossible for her to tell if he was offended by her dress, or if he merely put on a show for the sake of appearances. The way his gaze drifted over her figure led her to believe he didn’t mind the view. His concern was in whether other men would enjoy it as well. “Nothing I wear is going to make the men look at me less. I’ll keep close so you won’t have to worry.”
“Good,” he nodded, decisive in his mannerisms, leaning forward to pull on his boots. “If anything were to happen to you, I would hate to have to explain it to your father. You are my responsibility, after all.”
“I prefer not to think of myself as a burden. Can we not simply be friends watching out for the best interest of the other?” she sighed. They weren’t going to accomplish much for their friendship if Callum couldn’t let go of the idea that he was her guardian.
His hand rested on the doorknob, a thoughtful expression on his face. Extending his arm, he gave a soft smile, waving his fingers to summon her to him. “You’re right,” he agreed, clasping her hand at her approach. “You’ll have to forgive my distraction. There has been much on my mind the past few weeks. It’s difficult to get my thoughts in order at times and I forget myself.”
As he moved to open the door Aiva squeezed his hand to tug him back, signaling him to stop. His uncertainty had her worried. For so long she’d been wrapped up in her own troubles and concerns. She felt terrible for having overlooked what problems Callum might suffer from. “Wait,” she whispered. “Callum – are you alright? I should have asked long ago but I’ve been too selfish. You deserve a better friend than that.”
Returning the pressure of her hand he pulled her forward, the sudden, unexpected motion causing her to nearly tumble face-first onto the ground, both of them laughing reflexively as his arms shot out to catch her. “Think nothing of it,” he chuckled, helping to set her upright. “It’s nothing a hot meal with my best friend can’t fix,” he tilted his head to one side, a devious grin spreading across his lips. “And maybe a good strong drink.”
She smiled gratefully as they moved into the hallway, securing the door behind them before finding their way toward the stairs. At the bottom of the steps Aiva let out a breath of relief to see an older male seated behind the desk, the girl who had been there upon their arrival now nowhere to be seen. Good riddance. If she had to see that girl throw herself at Callum again, she might be sick.
Callum led her outside, inhaling a deep breath of fresh air. It held a scent of salt from the seawater which lingered on the breeze from the port, a constant reminder of how close they were to the docks. “There was a tavern not far from here. I figure we can get something to eat and then seek out a captain somewhere,” he explained. His long strides were difficult to keep up with. She was convinced he would have lost her if he wasn’t holding so tightly to her hand.
When they reached the building he referred to, Aiva had no doubt that they were in the right place. Loud voices rang through the street from the tavern door, dishes clattering, laughter filling the air. Aiva was nervous about going in. She had only been inside a tavern once in her life, remembering the experience vaguely through the haze of the past weeks. Her focus had been distracted at the time, half-starved from two days of being hidden within the supply wagon. While the business had been crowded and dirty, she feared it would be far different here in the port city than in Kaipoi. The clientele held no comparison to the citizens of Carpaen. Based on what she’d already witnessed, the social scene would be more troublesome. The city was teeming with thieves and cutthroats. They would have to watch their backs at every turn.
Callum kept Aiva close as they moved through the doors. Smoke filled the air to the point of near suffocation, a dingy haze settled in front of Aiva’s vision. Booths lined the walls while tables occupied the center of the room. It was surprisingly busy for early afternoon, men seated in large groups at various locations throughout the business, barmaids lingering around their company, flaunting their figures and laughing far too loudly at everything the men said. Several young women bustled about to deliver food and drinks to the tables. Callum paused briefly, scouting the area for a vacant booth. When he spotted one, he let his arm wrap lightly around Aiva’s waist to guide her forward. A possessive gesture. A show for the benefit of the men that Aiva was with him. It did nothing to dissuade them from hooting and whistling at her as she walked past, her gaze lowered to the floor to avoid eye-contact.
She slid into the hard seat across from Callum, scooting closer to the wall in hopes of keeping out of sight from the other patrons. A woman with mouse-brown hair approached the table, giving Aiva a polite smile before her attention focused on Callum. “What’ll it be t’day?”
He cracked his knuckles, leaning forward against the table, thoughtful. “Two glasses of the house wine and a couple bowls of the freshest soup you have,” he nodded. “That should be good to start.”
“I’ll have that right ‘way,” she winked playfully, hurrying from the table toward the bar. Aiva watched her move, irritated by the mannerisms of the women in this place. Did they have no dignity? No self-respect? It was revolting the way they threw themselves at the disgusting men, no doubt there only to gawk at the women.
“Do they really need so many waitresses?” she asked in annoyance. Her eyes swept the room, counting more than a dozen girls seated at the tables, while another handful actually gave an appearance of work.
Callum chuckled, the sound awkward, lightly touching Aiva’s cheek to direct her focus away from the women. “They’re not all waitresses. It’s best not to stare,” he said quietly.
“Not waitresses? What is their profession, then? I find it hard to believe the owner pays them to sit and talk to the filth.”
“They aren’t being paid to talk.” Callum adjusted the collar of his shirt, coughing to clear his throat, clearly uncomfortable. He paused, saying nothing until taking note of the confusion in Aiva’s stare. His laughter grew somewhat l
ouder, amused by her ignorance. “Aiva… you really are somewhat naïve,” he gestured toward a balcony along the upper level of the establishment, several doors lining the open hall, “they only receive payment if they convince one of the men to take them up there. Further details, I’ll leave for you to deduce on your own.”
It didn’t strike her immediately, the confusion lingering until suddenly the implication became clear. Her jaw fell open in disbelief, staring at Callum, disgusted. “You cannot be serious…”
“Oh, I’m quite serious,” he chortled. “Welcome to Luquarr. A country filled with the most vile and disgusting people on Myatheira.”
She covered her mouth with her hand to disguise the revulsion there. It was sickening! She couldn’t fathom what Callum suggested. Women being paid to sleep with men? Over the years she’d heard rumors of such deeds, but never had she believed it true. It was too repulsive to accept as anything more than gossip and false accusations made by courtiers about people they didn’t like. “I might have expected this from the mainland, but for a port island, I’m surprised,” she said, nose wrinkled in disdain.
Callum leaned back as the waitress returned, placing two glasses of wine on the table. When she lowered the soup bowls to the surface, liquid splashed over the edges, mingled with the dried food already caked into the wood from numerous spills left by past customers. He paid the woman little mind, cautious not to risk his gaze lingering too long and giving her the wrong impression. After a few moments she wandered away to another table, striking up a conversation with a new group of men to enter the tavern.
“The island and the mainland of Luquarr are both very similar,” he explained, taking one of the glasses in his hand to sip the wine. He inhaled deeply of the drink, savoring it. “Their government is essentially non-existent. Power shifts between whoever holds the most sway at any given time, which when dealing with criminals, fluctuates frequently. These people are used to living around crime. Their lifestyles are what we consider despicable and uncouth but they know nothing else.”
“So are these men pirates?” Aiva asked, glancing apprehensively at the other tables. “I thought they would be easy to find. Everyone looks the same.”
“Were you expecting eye-patches and peg-legs?” Callum chuckled. He took another sip of the wine, motioning with his glass for her to drink. “A few look to be pirates. I only know this from emblems they bear on their weapons or clothes. Despite the stories we’re told as children, pirates are skilled fighters and incredibly crafty. When I first joined the unit in Siscal, I was shocked to discover them to be such formidable foes.”
Aiva let her elbows rest on the table, gently guiding the wine glass closer. She’d never been much of a wine drinker and after her experience in Palinon, she hesitated to try the alcohol in a place like this. Slowly she lifted the glass to her lips, breathing in the scent, surprised by the pleasant fragrance. It was nothing like she expected. Mustering her courage, she tilted the glass back, letting the thick liquid pour into her mouth. The bitterness only lasted a moment before softening to a gentler flavor. Satisfied that it wasn’t as potent as the drinks served by the Feh Noq, she allowed herself to take another taste, relaxing into her seat. “It’s odd to think how different their lives are from our own,” she mumbled into her glass. “I’m so accustomed to the ways of Tanispa; this is a bit of a culture shock. Did you feel the same when you first went to Siscal? I know you rarely left Sivaeria yourself prior to your training.”
He considered her question carefully. With a slight nod he lowered his eyes to the soup bowl in front of him, grabbing up the spoon to taste the strange concoction. “The differences between Siscal and Tanispa are minor,” he shrugged. “The part of leaving home which came hardest for me was simply – being away. Not having my father to give advice or my mother making sure I behaved properly. It forces you to grow up rather quickly. I fancied myself a man when I departed for my training, but I was naïve as well. Over time I was able to adjust. You haven’t had the luxury of time, however. I can’t imagine how difficult this must be for you.”
“I suppose I haven’t thought about it,” she replied, distracted by the commotion around them. Following his lead she picked up the spoon to taste the broth. It was hot. Mildly spicy, though the flavor was refreshing. Familiar. Unlike the other foods she had consumed throughout their journey, she was certain this was one she’d tasted before. “At times I find myself overwhelmed. Having you here certainly helps. When you went away, you had no one.”
Callum smiled into his wine glass. “I was an absolute mess when I first went away. Ever since I could remember, you and Edric were always right there. To be in a strange place, so far from home, and without anyone whose face I even recognized – it was terrible. Thankfully the training kept me entertained for most of the day. I will say, had it not been for Gadiel, I would have gone mad within the first month. The lessons were nothing like I thought they would be. Truth be told, I don’t have very fond memories of the time I was there.”
“It couldn’t have been that bad. You were a good fighter already. Do you think it was boredom which hindered your enjoyment?”
“Oh, there was never a dull moment. They worked us hard. Nothing came easy other than the basic weapon training, and even then they pushed me to a limit beyond anything my father prepared me for. I think he did so intentionally. Leaving certain things out to make sure I would be challenged by the other commanders. It was a rude awakening.”
Aiva took another sip of her wine, engrossed in every word Callum spoke. She enjoyed hearing him talk. To get to know him and what he experienced during their time apart. “Tell me how you met Gadiel. And Kaemin. Were you all in training together?”
“Gadiel and I were, yes,” he nodded. “He was impressive with a blade and spot-on with his aim when given a longbow. I must have talked the man’s ear off every night about you and Edric, but he was equally homesick and shared stories of the friends he left behind as well. When we completed our training, I was with the first unit deployed to Siscal from our class. Gadiel was initially set to sail with us, but received leave after a letter arrived for him from home. You see, he was engaged to a young woman in the countryside on the outskirts of Voiene when he joined the military. I assumed he departed with the intent of marriage. When I heard from him next after I reached Siscal, I discovered his return home was due to a summons from the priests to discuss terms of annulment for the betrothal. Seems the young woman changed her mind about being with a mere soldier and sought the bed of another man.”
She gasped, heart lurching to think of poor Gadiel. He was such a sweet man. She couldn’t imagine how anyone would do something so wretched to him. At the same time she felt the familiar twinge of guilt to think that she wasn’t much better herself. Callum had proven himself a fine and honorable gentleman and she’d done nothing but cruelly reject him. “That’s awful,” she breathed. “He must have been heartbroken.”
“It devastated him. She was his entire world,” Callum agreed. “He admitted once that it would have been easier to accept if she had merely told him that she didn’t love him and no longer desired his company. It was the betrayal that hurt him most. I think that is why I knew he would never do such a thing to me…” his voice trailed off, a distant look clouding his eyes. It disappeared almost as quickly as it came, shaking his head to clear his thoughts. “We kept in contact and when he heard of my promotion to commander, he sent a formal request of transfer to my unit. My intention upon becoming captain was to name him the new commander in my stead. There just – was never time.”
“What of Kaemin? I don’t recall him serving on the ships in Siscal.”
“It’s a funny story how we met,” Callum laughed quietly to himself, as if at some private joke. “He was already courting my sister when we were introduced. We were at a military function in Siscal. Kaemin was in a class a few years behind mine. When it came time for him to graduate, all of the up-and-coming recruits traveled to Siscal to meet
with those of us already stationed there so they could ask questions and request admission to join. I was already a commander at the time and he was petrified of meeting me, afraid that I would disapprove of his relationship with Calie. I gave him a good run for his money before I let him know I thought him respectable enough. I thought the poor man was going to weep when I finally gave my consent.”
There was something calming about reminiscing of the past. To recall the fond memories of Kaemin. He was a kind-hearted soul. Perfect for little Calie in every way. A pang of grief brought a wash of moisture to Aiva’s eyes, forced back while she took another sip of the wine. “I still remember when Calie first saw him,” she smiled, hoping to hide the mournfulness in her tone. “He was not yet signed for the military and frequented functions held at the palace. My head was always so far away that I never paid much attention to the boys, but Calie was very observant. She liked to place bets on which of them she could convince to dance with her by the end of the evening. Her eye was on Kaemin all night. I issued a challenge that she couldn’t get his hand before the musicians played the final song. Calie was so smitten with him. She ceased dancing with the other boys in hopes that Kaemin would see her without a partner and approach. I couldn’t bear to see her tormented any longer so I told him he had no choice than to request her hand for a waltz.”
“An order from the Princess. That must have been frightening for him.”
“Weeks later I discovered it was his intention to request her hand but he was afraid she would turn him away,” Aiva grinned. “He was well aware that she was the daughter of the General and assumed her status was too high to meddle with a military hopeful. The two were inseparable after that night.”
Callum finished the last of his soup, nudging the empty bowl to the edge of the table. “I would love to hear about your excursions. Knowing you, I can just picture poor Faustine trying to keep you under control.”
The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Two: Beyond the Veil Page 62
