He continued his wet kisses, forcing her head to one side. From her angle she could see out into the tavern, aware of the eyes watching them. They were making quite a scene. Odell nibbled her ear playfully. “If ya come upstairs with me, I tell you.”
“Well, that would be foolish of me, now wouldn’t it?” Aiva chuckled awkwardly. “How about you tell me before I go anywhere. Otherwise, I will assume you bluff and you will get nothing from me.”
“On the contrary, I can get whatever I want from ya,” he sneered. His hands tightened, pressing her hard against him. “It’s my gen’rosity which makes me let ya think ya ‘ave a choice.”
“If you tell me what I want to know, I can guarantee your experience with me will be far more enjoyable.”
Odell smirked. “Fine,” he whispered into her ear. “But I require more if that’s the game ya wants ta play.”
“Name your terms.” Her heart crashed against her chest. She wanted away from him. If he didn’t back down soon, she would have to give Callum the signal to create a distraction. She didn’t know how much longer she would be able to maintain control of the situation. It was spiraling out of hand fast.
“Ya come upstairs with me and I take you with me ta North Pointe.” He paused, trailing another row of kisses along the side of her neck just below her ear. “Once Osahar ‘as accepted ya, I’ll lay claim to ya as my own. You do whatever I ask of ya. I’ll make sure it not so bad for ya either.”
With a grimace Aiva caught Callum’s eye, motioning desperately for him to get her away. Casually he stepped away from the bar, watching one of the waitresses coming by, drinks in hand. He looked in the opposite direction at her approach, his foot extended outward, causing the woman to trip, the drinks splashing onto Odell’s back. Odell straightened angrily, releasing his hold on Aiva to face the girl in his fury.
“I’m so sorry!” she gasped, embarrassed, the red hue of her cheeks increasing to a deep crimson. “I didn’t mean to. I… I tripped…”
“Are ya stupid, woman?” Odell bellowed. “Do ya ‘ave any idea ‘ow much this shirt cost?”
Aiva took a step backward, setting her mug on the bar, searching the area for Callum. She jumped to feel someone take her hand. Startled, she turned to find Callum behind her, index finger pressed against his lips, indicating her to be quiet. Another man stood not far from Odell. Callum turned his back toward him, moving in to cause the man to retreat closer to where Odell was standing. At that moment Odell brought his hand up as if to strike the waitress, catching the man with his elbow in the process. Infuriated by the blow the man spun around, winding his fist back to connect hard with Odell’s face.
As the men began to trade punches back and forth, several others around the bar joined in, shouting profanities. Callum pulled Aiva closer. Keeping her in his arms he guided her away from the commotion and deeper into the crowd of onlookers. “This is our cue to leave,” he whispered, ducking low to prevent anyone from seeing their faces. “We’ll have to look for a ride elsewhere tomorrow.”
She made no attempt to argue. Her stomach churned from the ale. All she wanted to do was curl up in her bed and wake in the morning when the alcohol had run its course. They had barely pushed through the door of the tavern into the street when she found herself unable to hold back the sickness any longer. Pitching forward, she began to heave. The only thing stopping her from falling to the ground was Callum’s hands on her shoulder, keeping her steady while her body expelled the disgusting liquor from her system.
“That is possibly the least attractive thing I have ever seen you do,” he chuckled, the sound forced. His gaze constantly returned to the tavern door, watching, waiting, alert for Odell’s approach. They weren’t safe yet. She needed to gather her composure enough for them to get back to the inn.
“You would do the same if you had just consumed two mugs of that hideous concoction they call ale,” she muttered, trying to straighten her body to balance on her feet. Callum urged her forward, moving around the mess she’d made on the ground to prevent her from stepping in it. “I will try not to subject you to the sight again.”
He squeezed her arms comfortingly as they continued along the street. “You got the name we needed, at least. Now all we have to do is find where Osahar stays on the mainland.”
Through her discomfort Aiva managed a smile. Callum hadn’t heard the last of the conversation. Odell spoke directly to her, too quiet for anyone else to have caught the information he shared. “North Pointe,” she stated proudly. Her feet stumbled, hands clutching at her stomach as another wave of nausea washed over her.
Callum paused, staring at her in awe. She could see the approval in his eyes. It made her heart swell to think that she’d finally done something right. He was happy with her. Maybe now he would realize she was more of an asset to the mission than just a prissy stowaway princess.
Her hand moved to her mouth, turning away from Callum to keep from vomiting on him. In his distraction he lost his grip, her body tumbling forward drunkenly, face-first into the gravel. She laid there in absolute misery. Everything around her spun wildly. Coherent thoughts no longer existed in her mind, her words slurring with every attempt she made to talk to Callum while he struggled to stand her on her feet. “I can’t make it. You go on without me,” she mumbled. “I can just… sleep here for a while.”
“Alright, Aiva. I think you’re cut off for the night,” he chortled, groaning under the weight of her body resisting his attempts to get her off the ground. Giving up on trying help her stand, Callum scooped her into his arms, finding her easier to manage when not requiring her to do anything. “Let’s get you to your room so you can get some sleep. I make no promises that you’ll feel better in the morning.”
Words came from her lips though she didn’t know what was said. It didn’t matter anymore. He was holding her and for some reason that made her happy. Curling up against his chest she let her fingers play with the buttons of his shirt, uttering nothing but nonsensical noises. In her head she was speaking something deep and meaningful. Somehow it was lost in translation between her mind and her alcohol hindered tongue. Slowly everything started to grow dark. She fought the sensation, her body drawn deeper into it against her wishes. Leaned against Callum, she let herself go limp in his arms, drifting into unconsciousness. They were safe for now. She could worry about the repercussions of their excursions in the morning.
Chapter Twenty-Two
When her eyes finally opened Aiva let out a pain-filled groan. She felt as if a carriage had rolled over her head, the light from the window causing her to cringe. What was wrong with her? Images from the night before swam through her mind, blurred from the alcohol. The last thing she remembered was retching on the ground in front of Callum. Oh, how humiliating! But what happened after that? How did she get to her room?
Patting at her body she exhaled in relief to discover her clothes remained intact. Good. In her condition, there was no telling what she might have done if Callum accompanied her to the privacy of her room. She shook her head at the thought. He was too honorable of a man. Regardless of what she might have requested, he never would have taken advantage of her inebriated state. Her fear was in what Callum must think of her.
It had to be the ale. She remembered that much of the night with absolute clarity. Ireni worked for Osahar. And if he was in North Pointe, that was their best chance at finding Shaelyn. Regardless of how far behind their enemy they had fallen, if they knew which path Ireni planned to take, they could easily accomplish a track.
She pulled herself up on the mattress, a dull thud sounding from where she let her head fall against the board framing the top of the bed. Her entire body jumped to hear a click come from the door, the key turning the mechanism from outside. Fearful of who was there, she clutched at the blankets, hugging them tight under her chin.
To her relief it was Callum she saw there, head down, quiet in his attempts not to wake her. A glass of water could be seen tucked under one arm to l
eave his hand free, a bowl of soup and bread firmly gripped in the other. Silently he closed the door behind him, twisting the lock into place before turning to face the bed. “Ah, you’re awake.”
“If I could have remained asleep, I would,” she sighed, rubbing at her temples painfully. “I’m afraid to ask what happened last night. I don’t remember how I got back to my room…”
Callum chuckled, moving across the floor to set the bowl and glass on the bedside table. “I wish I could say you walked here on your own, but that would be a lie,” he grinned. “I’m not surprised you don’t remember. I brought you some water to rehydrate your body and some soup to ease your stomach. I found a quaint little restaurant down by the wharf. Their food is more than tolerable.”
“You went down by the docks?” she gazed at him. He left her at the inn alone? “What if something happened to you? I never would have known where you were.”
He pulled a stool next to the bed, settling himself beside Aiva, his hand lightly pushing the soup closer. “I wanted to see the number of trade ships in the harbor. There are a few that look promising. Some of the dock workers indicated one scheduled to leave tomorrow.”
Unable to focus on the discontent of having been left alone, Aiva carefully picked up the soup bowl from the table, gently blowing at the steam which billowed from the surface. It smelled divine. She dipped the spoon into the broth, twirling it, lost in her own thoughts. A nagging fear in the back of her mind prevented her from feeling joy at the thought of finding a ship. What if Edric and Gadiel didn’t make it to Luquarr? The journey across the massive sea would be perilous in such tiny boats. The slightest shift in weather could leave them capsized in the frozen water and no one would know.
Aware of the change in Aiva’s demeanor, Callum moved from the stool, coming to sit beside her on the bed, his face solemn. “I know you’re worried about your brother,” he said quietly. “I must admit, I am as well. To make that trip on the lifeboats would be a task for even the most skilled boatmen, but your brother is strong and he doesn’t give up easily. If Gadiel is with him, I trust their ability to lead the others to safety. We can’t allow ourselves to think any different.”
“I just… we have lost so many men already,” Aiva lowered her eyes to stare sullenly into her soup. “Kaemin’s death was tragic and it still hurts to think of. If anything happens to Edric,” she grimaced, “I’m not sure what I would do.”
Callum gave a half-hearted smile. “This has been the biggest test of my career. Before it is through, we will find ourselves tested even more. It is the way of things. We can’t know what the gods have planned.”
Unsure of what else to say, Aiva brought the spoon to her lips, sipping the broth curiously. With an expression of pure delight she closed her eyes, grateful for the pleasant taste it brought to her mouth. The lingering flavor of ale was overpowered by the spices, refreshing her senses save the ache that remained in her head. “This is delicious,” she complimented, finding the statement out of place in their conversation. It was unfair that she enjoyed a warm bed and a good meal while her brother could be lying dead somewhere at the bottom of the Vai’ld Sea.
“When you are finished, we should be on our way to seek transportation,” Callum stated, the somberness of his gaze still visible, belying the lightness of his tone. “We’ll have to be careful with Odell in town. Taverns should be avoided whenever possible.”
“Trust me, I have no intention of touching alcohol for some time,” she chuckled, wincing from the discomfort it caused. “I prefer to remember who returns to my room with me.” Callum’s head cocked to the side, peering at her as he rose to his feet. Flustered, Aiva tried to retract her statement, realizing how boorish it must have sounded. “Not that I intend to bring anyone back to my room. I just meant… I dislike that I have no recollection of how I got into bed last night.”
Callum’s face softened, his eyes filled with a look of understanding. “If it eases your conscience, there is no story behind how you reached your bed,” he started to laugh, the sound fading away quietly. “You passed out on the street. I carried you back here and saw you safely tucked in.”
“Oh, thank the gods,” Aiva breathed, relieved to hear that she hadn’t made herself look more a fool. “I promise, you won’t see me like that again,” she held her hand up for emphasis. “My days of ale drinking are hereby over.”
Chuckling to himself Callum nodded, maneuvering easily toward the door. “Finish your soup and get yourself together. I’ll be back soon.”
Before Aiva could say anything more, Callum slipped into the hallway, a click from the lock turning it securely into place. Sitting the empty bowl on the table, Aiva’s eyes lingered on the doorway, mouth open, the words she wanted to say hanging on the tip of her tongue. There was just so much! So many things left unspoken. But now wasn’t the time. Callum was distracted by their search for a way off the island. It would be easier once their task was completed and there was nothing left to do other than wait for their departure. Maybe then my head won’t feel as if it is going to explode.
The city of Vailetta was surprisingly beautiful under the sun-filled sky. People wandered the streets, their attire less provocative during the day than Aiva had come to expect from them at night. Women wore dresses of simple design, light colors, edged with gentle laces. Nothing quite so fancy as those worn by the courtiers in Tanispa but more acceptable to give an image of modesty.
Her heart was aflutter to be at Callum’s side. His pace was quick, determined, making it difficult for Aiva to keep up. She wasn’t sure exactly where they were headed though Callum looked focused on the direction he took. A large ship could be seen, tied at the eastern pier, a tall human man positioned near a ramp, parchment and quill in hand. His sandy hair was windblown, cut short in front with a long ponytail hanging low down his back. He appeared cleaner than other sailors Aiva had seen during their time in the city. At their approach the man lifted his head, face stern, watching them cautiously.
“Good day, sir,” Callum announced, offering his hand to the man in polite greeting. The man stared at it for a moment before tucking the quill under his arm, accepting it with a firm shake.
“The day is too young ta know if it’s good yet,” he replied. “Ya have an air of business about ya, son. What can I do for ya?”
Callum smiled, his hand lightly pressed against Aiva’s lower back to urge her forward into the man’s sight. “We are in need of transportation to the Luquarrian mainland. I spoke with some men in the harbor this morning and they told me this vessel is set to sail in that direction. Is the ship’s captain nearby?”
The man chuckled, his thick mustache making it impossible to see the smile that accompanied his laughter. “I be the ship’s captain,” he nodded. “My men call me Bingham. Ya say the dock workers told ya ta see me?”
“They did,” Callum agreed, his relief audible in his words. “I attempted to set up arrangements with several other ships without success. The workers tell me you are a generous man and for the right price might be more accommodating.”
Bingham eyed Callum, looking him over with a scrutinizing gaze. He was wary of them. Not that Aiva could blame him. In his line of work, he had reason to be cautious of who he allowed aboard his ship. “Ya seem like a decent lad. What business would a young couple like ya both have on the mainland? The Veil ain’t exactly a place ta honeymoon.”
“The Veil?” Aiva peered at the man, confused. Callum let his hand slip around her waist to pull her closer. He gave a lighthearted laugh, his head leaning closer in response.
“A name the sailors have given to the Vai’ld Sea,” he grinned, squeezing Aiva gently as if to apologize for laughing at her question. She found no amusement in the explanation, staring back at him, apathetic. Clearing his throat, Callum returned his attention to Bingham, the smile on his lips more forced than before. “The Veil is a dangerous place for sure. But we are to meet a ship there which will take us north to Siscal through the Nahpoa
. It is our hope to be married and start our family in the mountains of Velorum.”
At Callum’s words, Bingham’s expression softened, the corners of his mustache twitching upward. The first real sign of a smile Aiva had seen since they approached. “I can’t blame ya, lad. The lady deserves ta live somewhere as fine as she,” his eyes sparkled at Aiva in the afternoon sun. “Why don’t ya step aside with me right quick. The young lass need not worry herself on business.”
With a gentle pat on the shoulder Callum nudged Aiva closer to the ship. She gave no argument, taking a position near the ramp to watch the crew load their crates onto the vessel. Callum and Bingham didn’t venture far, taking only a few steps to grant privacy between the two. Aiva watched, intent on their actions, unable to hear the words they spoke. She noticed Callum extend his hand to place several gold coins into Bingham’s palm, the motion concealed within a handshake to avoid notice of the exchange by local thieves. They talked only a moment longer before parting ways, Bingham’s voice calling out gruffly to the crew, directing them toward another stack of crates further down the pier. Callum wasted no time returning to Aiva’s side, his face brightened, devoid of the solemnity she had seen there that morning.
“Is it done?” she inquired, anxious to hear the news. “Will he take us to Luquarr?”
“He will.”
“Really?” Aiva exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement, her arms wrapping around Callum in a jubilant embrace. Callum stumbled slightly under the enthusiasm of the gesture, laughing quietly as he regained his footing to return the hug.
“Captain Bingham intends to be on the water before the sun rises. The goods he transports are scheduled to be in Dackdyn within two weeks time.”
Aiva’s heart fell to hear the timeframe. “Two weeks?” she breathed. “But that is too long. The others will be gone from Dackdyn by then.”
Callum frowned, extending his arms to get a better look at Aiva without removing his hands from her waist. “I’m sorry, Aiva. I can’t make the sea smaller than it is. If the wind is with us, we may reach the port a few days early, but there is nothing else to be done. Besides,” he sighed. “Edric and the others may not have reached the city yet. The distance between us may be less than we think.”
The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Two: Beyond the Veil Page 65
