“Where is he?”
“The docks, he has taken her to the docks.” Etrigan, without a word broke through the bedroom’s glass windows as he soared out into the night looking for Claren.
As soon as Claren heard the loud thump of Kurten’s riding boots on the wood dock she knew she was making a mistake. All her life Claren felt as though she was a leaf being pulled along by the wind. It was always others actions that made her react and choose.
Was she forever going to be weak willed?
She never forcefully exerted her own will, until it came to Kurten. He tried the first time to claim her, but she resisted. Now she was meekly letting him take her by the hand into a life of uncertainty. The wind had picked up and was whipping her hair in her face while the sea air left a thin film of salty moisture on her skin. She was shivering not so much from the cold, but from what she was going to have to do.
Kurten’s long strides pulled Claren along the dock taking her farther and farther away from Westwind and Etrigan. With each step her heart grew more panicked but she was afraid. Afraid that if she acted out or tried to run he would catch her and kill her this time.
Think Claren! You got yourself into this mess this time and you have to get yourself out. You should not have left Westwind with him so easily, you don’t even know if Etrigan hates you.
Claren had stopped walking and she had not realized that Kurten was looking back at her still holding her hand tightly with a suspicious glint in his eye.
“We need to hurry my love; time waits for no one and neither does death.” He let go of Claren’s hand and moved closer to her.
“Not having second thoughts are we? You know it’s too late for that.”
“No, it’s never too late to make the right decision, to stop what you are doing and do the right thing.” Kurten’s laugh was harsh sounding in the darkness.
“I have made the right decision, I didn’t kill you in St. Marhen.”
“You would have killed me then?” Claren asked remembering the girl in North Alcott.
“Yes. Didn’t you get my message when you were in North Alcott?”
“That was you? You knew I was there?” Claren was stalling while she could formulate a plan, maybe someone would come out onto the docks. They had to have security. Kurten seemed to read her easily and took her hand once again to pull her along.
“I was in North Alcott, yes, but I hired someone else to put your name on a body. How it became a body was not my concern. You see Claren, I always get what I want no matter how long it takes and I have wanted you since I was at school. Oh, you didn’t know me back then but I knew you.” A rough shard of wood caught on Claren’s fabric slipper and sliced in to her foot making her gasp with pain. She stopped because she could no longer walk on it while Kurten once again yanked her by her hand sending the shard in deeper. She screamed out in pain.
“Stop!” Kurten looked back at her with wild eyes and she saw that he was moments away from striking her. She raised her foot so he could see the blood leaving pools on the dock.
“Ah, why didn’t you say so?” Kurten kneeled down to remove the shard of wood as Claren brought her knee up forcefully catching him as hard as she could on the chin. The surprise blow made him fall backward as Claren quickly reached down to her foot and yanked the wood out roughly. She screamed in pain, but broke out into a run back to the entrance of the docks. The wind now had become so violent that even though Claren screamed out for help as she ran, the sound was lost. Kurten, sat up and rubbed his chin and spat out blood.
“Where are you going sweetness? Our boat is this way.” He called out as he quickly overtook the injured Claren and grabbed her by her long hair stopping her. With a succession of quick slaps to her face, he caught her up in his arms and lifted her off her feet, carrying her back to the boat. Claren’s face stung from his slaps but she continued to beat and claw his face. Kurten dropped her unceremoniously on the hard dock and took off his jacket. A sharp pain shot up her tailbone to make her wince with pain. He held her hands together as he wrapped and tied the jacket around her straight jacket style.
“Stop fighting me you banshee!” He said through gritted teeth as he looped and knotted the excess fabric so Claren was thoroughly restrained. When he was satisfied she could no longer move her arms, he picked her up again and walked quickly to the boat.
“I see that you have not left off of your hell cat ways. All right, if that is the way you are going to continue to behave then I will have to be the brute you always knew I was, correct?” He smiled tightly at her and walked up the ramp to the boat onto the forecastle. Putting Claren down he turned just in time to see Etrigan come down from the blackness that was the sky. Etrigan used the top talons on his wings to pierce Kurten in his shoulders and toss him to the side.
“Claren? Are you all right?” He asked as he bent down to her looking at her bloody foot and nightgown. Etrigan moved to undo the jacket when he saw a steel shaft appear to the side of him. The pain did not register as he realized this pole had pierced his right wing and pinned it to ships superstructure. He looked into Claren’s frightened eyes and knew that he would do anything to protect her from harm. He touched her face softly then placed both hands on the pole bearing his weight down on it so that it came loose from the ship. He turned around to face his enemy, walking towards a surprised Kurten as he removed the pole from his wing. Claren saw the wound in Etrigan’s wing begin to bleed profusely, but she could do nothing to help him or herself. She moved to stand up using the wall for support.
“She is not for you, you’re nothing but a beast.” Kurten spit as Etrigan easily caught him in his grasp. Etrigan’s fingernails had grown into strong black talons that were hard as granite, something that had never happened before, but he felt the power in them and knew he could easily kill this man that threatened Claren.
“I may be a beast, but I know more about love than you human ever could. Wanting someone does not grant you the right to take them by force.” Etrigan shifted his hold so that he could grip Kurten by the neck. Etrigan’s black eyes said everything to Kurten and in a cold and calm manner Etrigan knew what he had to do so that Claren was safe forever. Etrigan began to apply slow pressure to Kurten’s carotid artery.
“Don’t kill him man! That trash is not worth it!” Dekker yelled out against the fierce wind. Horace, Dekker and Fredrick were running up the boat’s ramp. Etrigan’s claws were held under Kurten’s throat as a single thread of blood ran down his neck. Etrigan’s own wound was bleeding heavily. Etrigan had felt his bleeding wing and felt his strength diminishing and knew that he needed to dispatch Kurten quickly.
Etrigan looked back at the three men who now ran up to him. His father wore a look of horror on his face at seeing his son’s further transformation.
“Etrigan my son, do not kill him. You have to let go of your rage and want of revenge, as do you Kurten! It does no good but eats up the soul!”
Horace had moved over to Claren and was attempting to free her from her restraint which he succeeded in doing.
“You will be the animal that he accuses you of if you kill him, Etrigan. Let him go.” Dekker said softly. Etrigan looked back at Claren and Horace then slowly back to Kurten while releasing his grip and letting his hands drop to his sides.
Kurten landing on his feet shakily, pushed past Etrigan and made a bee line for Horace and Claren. Punching the surprised Horace in the face, he pushed Claren overboard in to the dark sea. Fredrick ran at Kurten knocking him to the ground while Etrigan dove overboard catching Claren just as her legs hit the icy water. His wounded wing was having trouble lifting them both away from the crashing waves that were pummeling both of them. He could not let go of her, but he could not fly up to safety. He knew he would not be able to stay in this position for much longer so he made a choice.
“I am going to heave you up and over the deck, let go of me when I do.”
“No!”Claren screamed and clung tighter to him. She felt that if she
let go of him she would never see him again.
“I love you Etrigan! I love you with every fiber of my being and I never want to be without you, if you die, then I die.” Claren wrapped her arms around him tighter and buried her face in his neck.
“Look at me.” Etrigan said about the roar of the ocean. Claren looked up at him, his black inhuman eyes, fierce talons and bleeding wing. She could not read his thoughts but she knew that she was prepared to die with him, she did not care what he was.
“If you love me, kiss me Claren.” Etrigan whispered. Claren moved towards him closing her eyes and kissed him softly on his lips. His lips were warm and salty but she felt his warmth flow in to her, warming her face, neck arms and body. She opened her eyes while still engaged in her kiss and was astonished to see Etrigan had been slowly flying them up to the side of the boat and over the railing to safety.
Etrigan opened his eyes and smiled softly at Claren. His blush was visible even in the darkness and Claren saw that his eyes were once again the dark blue that she remembered. He set her down softly on the deck of the boat.
“Well there goes our chance, Horace.” Dekker said to Horace who was laying on the struggling Kurten. All three men had pinned him to the deck of the ship with their weight atop his.
“What are we to do with this scoundrel?” Horace asked the other men.
“I have a use for him, we plan a trip to the Devils Continent and I have a use for a deck swabbie!”
“What are you saying Dekker?” Horace hissed, his own face still bleeding where he caught a blow from Kurten.
“Well, if we return him to the authorities that is going to put a huge damper on things at Westwind I fear. But I have need for someone on my crew for some of the most vile and nasty jobs on the boat. Really, you would all be doing me a huge service.”
“Who do you think you are dealing with!? I am Kurten Wandsworth, my father is the Mayor of St.Marhen!” Kurten cried out aghast.
“Etrigan, what say you on the matter?” Horace asked ignoring Kurten’s outburst. Claren had sat down at the base of Etrigan’s feet because of her own bleeding wound. Etrigan moved his wings around her as if to shield her.
“I think it is up to Claren. She is the one that he has plagued the most. Whatever she decides I will stand by.” Fredrick stood up knowing that he could trust the kindness that lived in Claren to do the right thing. Claren looked at Kurten who lay on the deck bleeding, the three men still holding him down. She was overcome with pity for him, having known nothing more in life than greed and lust.
“Take him Dekker, perhaps you and your crew can teach him what it really is to be a human. But do not be overly cruel to him, because you cannot teach kindness through cruelty.”
“As you wish my fair one.” Dekker said impishly.
Sailing into the future
Dekker arranged for Kurten to be kept as a prisoner on his ship until he was ready to set sail. He had given specific orders to his men to treat the man well, but to teach him his basic duties as a sailor. Horace and Dekker visited Westwind everyday for the last two weeks since the incident on the docks.
“I do believe he is only playing at being sick so Nurse Claren continues to tend to him.” Dekker said in the living room of Westwind. Claren had been Etrigan’s faithful nurse while his wing mended.
“Yes, he does lay there with a somewhat smug expression on his face doesn’t he?” Horace chided. Etrigan lay on a chaise lounge his long legs stretched out and his right wing bandaged.
“I am wounded, see?” Etrigan moved his white bandaged wing a little to show them what they could all plainly see.
“Yes, yes old boy, keep up with the game. I would keep playing it too if I had such a lovely nurse.” Dekker said, smiling good naturedly. Claren felt herself blush as she did more often ever since the night she told Etrigan that she loved him.
“I believe it has been your visits to Etrigan that has helped lift his spirits.” Claren said.
“Well, we can humor ourselves and agree with you Claren.” Horace said pushing his glasses up to his nose.
“How is our mutual friend?” Etrigan asked.
“Well he lives and works below decks. Sometimes we bring him out for a spot of sunshine. He hasn’t spoken much the men say.” Dekker said.
“When do you plan on leaving for your trip?” Claren asked.
“That depends on a few things here on the home front.” The three looked at the light haired young man, questioningly.
“Well, I don’t want to leave until I have heard wedding bells rung. If you get my meaning Etrigan.” Dekker looked at Etrigan pointedly, but jerked his head towards Claren. Claren felt her face flush. She and Etrigan had not spoken about what was said between them when they thought they were about to die. She had gone over the incident many times in her mind since that night. Savoring each delicious word she had said and their kiss. When tending to him, sometimes their hands would touch and she wished she was bold enough to kiss him again. But since that day, they had not spoken about it or exchanged a verbal endearment. Etrigan always looked at her with eyes full of love, but she realized that he had never told her himself that he loved her back. A creeping doubt had slowly been pushing its way through her mind at night. The voice of negativity told her that he could not possibly love her back. She was not his kind, and that kiss was merely a product of an emotionally charged moment.
“Wedding bells? As in marriage?” Etrigan asked Dekker.
“Of course man, the way the two of you came up over the side of the ship with lips locked, it was highly indecent for the rest of us to see.”
“Yes, so naturally we would think a wedding would follow shortly.” Horace added.
“Please you two, why do you bring up such things?” Claren said not thinking she could bear this conversation much longer. Their two friends did like to stir the bee’s nest. She stood up to leave the room before they could see her tears of embarrassment. Etrigan caught hold of Claren’s hands and held her in place.
“I don’t know if she will have me, but I do want to find out.” Etrigan said pulling Claren closer to him as he moved from his chaise lounge to the floor onto one knee. He reached into his pants pocket and brought out a beautiful ring with pink and white sparkling stones. He held the ring up to her.
“I have been carrying around this ring in my pocket for months. I do not have social status or graces. I never went to a Gentlemen’s academy but I do know that I will love and protect you forever. You draw breath for me, without you I am nothing. I know you are my mate and were made for me, I love you Claren.”
Dekker and Horace were shocked into silence, they had not expected to see a proposal today.
“Will you accept and marry me Claren?” Etrigan asked holding the ring out to her, his voice trembling with emotion.
“Yes Etrigan Lowood, as a friend, lover and my husband I will accept you.” Claren’s eyes filled with tears of happiness and she could not suppress the smile that she was sure went from ear to ear. Etrigan placed the ring on her trembling finger and looked over at their two companions.
“She said yes.” Etrigan said sheepishly more to himself then anyone in the room.
“Well kiss her man!” Horace said out of character. Etrigan turned towards Claren and for the second time brought his lips to hers, kissing her softly.
Horace and Dekker cheered and clapped happily. Fredrick, who had been discussing the lunch menu with Mrs. Whitby heard the commotion and ran in to the living room, his face white. He was not used to so much noise in the house since Claren’s windows were repaired.
“What is going on?” He nearly cried feeling every bit of his age and not of want of any more nastiness.
“Your son is getting married.” Horace said cheerily shaking Fredrick’s hand.
“What’s this? Is it true? Claren, Etrigan?” He looked to the young couple who were both smiling radiantly. Their happy face gave Fredrick his answer as he walked over to embrace them both. Claren felt as tho
ugh her whole body was smiling, every pore felt happy. Every morning for the last two weeks she woke up with a smile on her face and at times she would try to hide it, to no avail. Spending time as Etrigan’s “nurse” provided much time for feverish kisses and the exchange of sweet sentiments. He had confided in her that he watched her many a nights as she slept before she put up curtains, his curiosity burning more than his anger.
“You captivated me Claren, I was angry you were here but I didn’t want you to leave. It was as if I had finally awakened from a deep sleep.”
“Then why did you push me away so hard?”
“I was afraid of you, of the feelings you caused within me. I didn’t know what love was but it made me feel vulnerable.” Etrigan placed his finger under her chin and raised her mouth up to his.
“Forgive me for being foolish and immature. I think I learned of love in a backwards fashion. I knew what love was not but I do know that I always want you to love me Claren and I promise to always love you, you who are a part of my soul.” I fell into Etrigan’s arms once more feeling my blossoming love grow deeper for him.
His Black Wings Page 28
