The Defiant Ones

by Anna Keraleigh

  “Tyrrhenian Sea.”

  Larina faltered before growling and speeding back up. “Are you daft? There will be guards and few ships. The merchant port is closer to the river we already passed.”

  “Merchants will open mouth to Romans for but a few coins. The ships on the sea are more likely to be slave ships or better still, traders of Gaul materials.”

  “You lead us from death only to send us toward the mouth of the enemy.” Her breath was wild despite her attempts to calm it. The run was taking its toll, as it was not her first of the day. No, her day started out on a slave ship. One that was similar to the ship Brennus spoke of. She had spent the morning watching her sisters in the tribe executed and then fought for her life, twice successful, before the champion showed up. Energy was running low. Luckily, the will to survive was great.

  It took many hours to run toward the coast and they took only a moment’s break at a stream to gather water in their bellies. There was no talking, or cursing, just running. Larina was exhausted but she hid that fact from her new companion. Soon the smell of salt water filled her lungs. It was a blessing from the Gods, at least that was how she was going to take it. The forest gave way to sand, the same as the arena floor, and she fought the chills that ran up her spine. There were three ships here, the oars indicating they were slave carriers but none holding Gaul’s markings. They slid to a stop behind a massive tree, both gasping. Larina gave a glimpse out and wanted to kick the champion, but was too damn tired. “Your plan is shit.”

  He glanced at her with a lift of his lips.

  It was entirely too sensual, the way he looked. Larina glanced away, disturbed at her body’s reaction. She felt more keenly aware of her breasts and the nerves between her closed thighs.

  “Look toward the sunset and see intent revealed.”

  Larina did look and she was rendered silent. Way out there was a ship, one that didn’t seem to have any oars. What could power a ship if not wind and human slaves? It also flew no particular flag. Perhaps a neutral ship or one that was attempting to be allies with Rome. She didn’t know what tribe would do such a thing but it was their only hope. The swim would be long and arduous. This was a sea, who knew what monsters lay beneath the shiny surface. Plus, any guards, and most likely the ships, would be searching. They’d have to stay well away from any torchlight. Larina sighed. It really was their best plan. “Apologies. My mood is sour.”

  “Accepted,” he said with another of those grins. The man oozed testosterone. “Especially since I risk my life to add in the length of yours.” He moved to his knees, taking a bigger peek around the tree. “The path is clear. Our chance is now.”

  Larina gave a nod. Her muscles protested as she followed the hulk of a man through the last of their covering. The sun was setting as they waded through the sand. Each step was a nuisance and chance at being discovered. When the cool water rushed over Larina’s feet, she felt a renewal of energy. She trudged through the waves, her feet sinking slightly into the sand, and then she dove beneath. Her body moved away from the shore with some well-timed strokes and the brute was only a few paces behind. When her lungs all but screamed, she surfaced to gulp in air and chance a look at their surroundings. Guards walked the beach but none close enough to see them. The water here was clear but with the fading light, the danger grew ever higher.

  Larina opened her eyes beneath the water, watching for anything swimming that may consider them prey. Nothing stirred beneath the surface. The next gulp of air was accompanied by Brennus. His hair was wet and plastered to his face. His tanned skin looked rather handsome in the sunset. Shadows drew across his face from the clouds that dotted the sky.

  “Am I deformed then, to hold your gaze for such time?” he asked as his eyes scanned the horizon.

  Larina rolled her eyes but she doubted he saw the movement. Her retort would have to wait as she began a languid swim on the surface. Her eyes constantly scanned the area. They were close to the ship now. She could see holes in the side but they were too high for oars, and the wood was a different color than Roman ships, much darker than natural. Perhaps it wasn’t even wood at all. She frowned, switching to a slow backstroke as Brennus caught up to her position. Water lapped at her mouth. “If they bear no hatred toward the Romans what is your plan of escape?”

  Brennus swam to her side. “I am champion of fucking Rome and you are an Amazon queen. They are but flies on a bull’s ass.”

  Larina snorted. He did have a point. They could take on a small army by themselves. Water lapped at the edge of the boat and Larina placed her hand against the exterior. The material was smooth and she held on to give her body a rest. Exhaustion would overcome her soon, despite her will to live. The shadows had grown, the sun dipping below the horizon, and she saw a hint of the moon as Brennus reached the ship. There was a ladder here, carved into the side, and Brennus glanced around before beginning to climb. The chance of the ships seeing them was great, for the moon was not their friend.

  He hopped over the side and Larina began her ascent. Each pull upward used some of her energy, and there was not much to spare as she hauled herself over the edge. If there was a fight she’d have to rely on adrenaline or perish at the attempt of freedom. The deck was silent. The boat swayed slightly under her feet but no patrols watched for them. So, this was not a Roman ship.

  There was a creak and Larina jerked her head to the right to catch sight of a woman. The female froze and her gray eyes went wide. She wore the strangest attire. “Do not scream. We mean you no harm.” Larina spoke, woman to woman, ready to plead for her help.

  The woman squinted her eyes. “You two decided to steal the wrong ship.” She then curved her hand and a bright glow began to emanate.

  Perhaps the stranger was right. The ship they chose had been a shit plan after all.

  Chapter Two

  Brennus was tense. He was ready to jump toward his female companion and knock her from this stranger’s path. There was no need for them both to lose their lives in such a foolish attempt at freedom. He could easily best this tiny woman. Although, his confidence faltered as a ball of fire appeared in her palm. What in the name of the Gods was this?

  “Wait!” A voice called from the darkness of the deck. “They’re not Roman.”

  The fire sizzled in her hand but the grey-eyed woman held still. The woman before them, no, the Goddess, squinted her eyes and looked closer at them. Her lips parted and the fire in her palm began to die down like a flame struck by strong wind.

  “We do not call ourselves such nor do we call the Romans friend,” Larina said as she sat on the deck.

  “You’re a gladiator, aren’t you?” A young man came from the shadows. He looked to be in his early twenties. “I have seen him marched through the streets. Did you fight in the great arena?” He seemed fascinated.

  “I do call myself a gladiator, the champion of Rome.” Brennus joined Larina on the deck. His body was as exhausted as hers looked. He had used his last ounce of strength on the swim. “We need but a moment of rest and sustenance. Romans hunt us.”

  “This isn’t exactly the best place for that,” the woman said with a frown. “This ship is…different.”

  The young man came forward with a strange container and he handed it to Brennus. The water inside sloshed around and he took a greedy gulp. His thirst was not quenched but he handed it to Larina anyway. “What manner of ship is this?”

  “That is a long-ass story. I’m Sorcha.” The woman held out her hand. “You can stay below deck for a rest and we’ll make some food for you.”

  Brennus gladly took the assistance and the chance at a new ally. “We are branded fugitivus.” He figured it wouldn’t hurt to be honest, not with the woman that could create fire in her hand.

  Sorcha nodded.

  Larina stood and together they followed the woman below deck. As they walked a spacious hall of dark wood, he wished for his sword. At least then he’d have a weapon should these strangers decide they were worth mo
re to the Roman shit eaters. He fisted his hands. All his hard work had been thrown away. May his sister forgive him. The arena had been a forced event, but he strived for title of champion. Each swing of his sword, each day practicing under the hot sun, and each life taken, was for a cause. To gain enough coin to see his sister freed of slavery. He’d thrown all his years of hard work away on the whim of his cock. Seeing this woman, this Amazon queen, in such dire straits had clenched his gut and made him act on impulse. Now, he had to deal with the consequences. Perhaps they could go back for his sister. Though such a task would be near impossible.

  They traveled down to dark stairways and the hall opened up into a big room. Cloth hung from the ceiling to create walls, and pushing one dark piece aside revealed a small bed. It would barely be big enough to hold his muscular frame but at this point, he’d take anything. “Gratitude to you both for your generosity.”

  The flame-wielding woman nodded and gave a small smile. “Rest.”

  He shuffled forward and sat on the bed. Larina did the same behind the curtain and he heard the squeak of her sitting down. “I believe the ship chosen was correct.” Brennus said.

  “We shall see. What form of woman creates fire in the very palm of her hand?” Larina asked. Another squeak sounded.

  “’Tis a mystery.” Brennus lay back. His body practically hummed as it relaxed for the first time in many hours. “One to be solved with the sunrise.”

  “Agreed.” Larina’s voice was muffled. Within moments, her soft breathing greeted his ears. Brennus was quick to follow.

  * * * *

  To Larina, yesterday’s events felt like strange dreams sent from the Gods. She had managed to survive her execution and the daring escape, then come upon a ship that would help them further their distance from Rome. There was also the matter of this strange ship and the woman who could capture fire in her hands.

  Larina had awoken moments ago but had not risen. Her mind whirled and tried to process the abnormality of it all. Then there was the champion of Rome. The fucking champion risked his very life to save her. Either she had been blessed by the Gods or they were not yet done torturing her.

  “Do you yet live?” His voice was deep.

  It sent a shiver down her spine. The reaction was not welcome. Larina sat up and a few aches called for her to return supine. “I do.” She swung her legs over the small cot and sat there. The light of day sprayed through small circular openings. This ship truly was unique. She had never seen beds such as these. They did not seem to be filled with feathers but something firmer. The rocking of the ship had swayed her to sleep last night but now it just reminded her of the lack of plan. “Do you have any other foolish plans working in your mind?”

  His big form sat up behind the curtain. She could see his dark outline as a deep laugh vibrated through the big room. “I shall think of one and put your worries at ease.”

  Larina rolled her eyes. Cocky shit. She stood, her muscles complaining, but they were only overshadowed by the rumble of her empty stomach. “Food calls my name. I shall see our bellies filled.” She began to walk away but heard the creak of the floor behind her.

  “Together is the safer path.”

  He did have a point. They seemed to be in synch when such situations arose. Larina nodded and trudged across the room. There was the smell growing strong, one of savory food that made her mouth water. The door here was open and she stepped through cautiously. The area was well lit but not by torches. Strange orbs were on the ceiling, sending light down upon a large room with three large tables and their hosts.

  Sorcha looked up from her book and gave a small smile. “I figured the smell would wake you.”

  “You were correct,” Brennus said from behind her.

  “We wish for more than food, though the gesture is appreciated.” Larina took a few steps into the room, spotting the young man in front of some kind of cooking device. There were no flames so she was unsure how the food could taste as good as it smelled.

  “Answers?” Sorcha put down her book.

  “And clues as to our future. Gratitude for the help on the previous night but more is needed if we are to survive. Do we still reside in Roman territory?” Larina took a cue from her sore muscles and sat down.

  “Yes. I haven’t moved the ship since you both came on board.”

  That was the second time Larina noticed her speech. It was also unlike anything she had ever heard. Her words were disturbing. “We have not yet moved?” That meant not only were they still in Roman waters but just beyond Roman land and soldiers.

  Sorcha shook her head.

  She felt Brennus tense beside her. He stood, walked to the nearest circular hole, and stared out. “Do we remain safe?”

  “But for the moment,” he said.

  “So speak, I wish to see future plan revealed,” Larina said and sat back awaiting the words that would set their course.

  “Future pretty much sums it up,” Sorcha said nervously. She took a deep breath. “All right. I’m a witch. I have some cool abilities.”

  “But we saw you wield fire, not ice,” Larina said.

  Sorcha giggled. “Not that kind of cool. I have some skills at the magical arts.” Her smile faded and she looked sad. “I was just trying to show my family that I was powerful. I wasn’t a disappointment to our name. That I wasn’t a failure…but I am, and I did. I failed a simple spell and I kind of sent this old ship back in time. It was an accident. I tried to change it but I can’t seem to send it in reverse and…I may have very well ruined the very future of mankind.”

  “Is he from the future as well?” Larina asked about the young man. She didn’t believe a word of what this woman said. The Gods were known to spin tales to mortals to trick them. Larina would not be played the fool.

  “Cextus? Oh no, I picked him up only a few days ago. Long story. I am trying to get us back to the future so as not to disturb anything else. The Roman era!” Sorcha threw up her hands.

  Brennus scoffed behind Larina. “We are to believe such a tale?”

  Sorcha looked at him with squinted eyes. It was a threatening look.

  Larina tensed, ready to counterattack any strike.

  Sorcha lifted her hands. Not at them but at the wall. She lowered her head and let out a deep breath. She cupped her hands and the ball of fire formed. The flame swirled against her very skin without burning and then it flew outward. It hit the walls so hard the spark scattered to the floor and the entire wall began to burn.

  Larina shoved her chair back. Fire was not something to play around with.

  Sorcha then blew out a breath and waved her hand. The flames that threatened their lives died down and turned into a small wisp of smoke. The wall was slightly burnt but the danger was gone.

  Larina stared at this woman with a tale so strange it might very well be true. “You are a Goddess?”

  Sorcha snorted. “No. I’m just a girl. One that can do a few tricks but not as much as her high-class family.” She frowned.

  Larina was speechless. She didn’t know what to believe or how to handle this new, unprecedented situation. Thankfully, the young man, Cextus, brought bowls of food to the table and her stomach rumbled louder than her thoughts. She sat slowly, now fearing to startle the powerful woman before her. “Who else could possibly wield fire in their hand but a Goddess?” The ship rocked a little wildly to the right and Larina caught her bowl before it could plunge to the ground, never to reach her empty belly.

  Sorcha sighed. “I told you, a witch, and my family is among the most powerful.”

  Larina heard Brennus slurping at his food and she was eager to do the same. Her spoon, not made of wood but blade material, dipped into the hot liquid. What greeted her tongue was a feast of flavors.

  “Why a ship?” Brennus asked as he finally left the window to sit beside Larina.

  “Oh, um, this was on display but not many want to see an old ship so I was usually alone there. I loved it here. Still do. The smell of the old wood
, the smooth feel under my fingertips.” Sorcha reached out to touch the wall. “This was my place away from the world.” She dropped her arm. “I just never expected to be plunged into the past with it…or to pick up anyone else.” Sorcha gestured toward them.

  “We cannot return to the shore without impending death,” Larina said as she gobbled up the food. Chunks of meat added to the lovely sensations in her mouth. The bowl was empty far sooner than she expected or wanted. She placed it on the table, licking her lips. Larina noticed how Brennus had his eyes upon, her then quickly looked away. What was the fool thinking now?

  “We should bring them with us,” Cextus said excitedly.

  “Out of the question. I’m not screwing anyone else by having them stuck on this ship.”

  “Can you not just step off the bow and return to our world?” Larina asked. The words Sorcha used confused her.

  “Well, yes, but then we’d be stuck in this time. I haven’t given up hope of returning home one day.”

  “We may yet join you then. At the very least to the next…jump, was it?” Brennus asked. His bowl seemed to be empty as well.

  Sorcha hesitated. “I could mess up something big by letting you on board. The future could be a wasteland or…worse.”

  “Our paths are yet blended,” Brennus said. He had stood and returned to the window. His eyes widened at the sight of what lay beyond. “Roman shits.”

  Larina got to her feet fast and was by his side, eyes straining against the bright light to see. Three Roman ships were descending upon this vessel with extreme speed. “We have been discovered.” Larina’s hope fell until she looked at Sorcha. “We must go with you. You will be put to death along with us.”

  Sorcha gusted out a harsh breath. “Maybe we could outrun them. Do you know how to sail a ship?”

  “We are but warriors, not of the sea,” Brennus said, his voice urged deeper by their current situation. “It is time to make a decision. Stay and fight or flee with hope of fighting another day.”