Beside the Rock and Cloud
Page 23
He’s Coming
It lit the mountainside, like it had been painted beside the rock and cloud. The eery green glow illuminated the night sky. Pale clouds and fog obscured it like the smoke over a bonfire. Above the cliff face, the building was positioned over the town. A long flat walkway poked out from Cloudhaven Palace over the mountain towards the sea, several watchtowers oversaw the town of Coalville.
“Say, Roxy, what is that light?” Carilyo asked. The peculiar green light lit the outline of the mountain; smaller lanterns highlighted the snaking path up to the palace.
Roxy pointed to the source of it, a tower with three legs; the head of it was too bright to stare into, “That’s the Grand Duke’s evergreen tower, it stops ships crashing into the rocks around the western bay.”
Carilyo always liked Coalville, the royal palace was much more attractive than the Golden Empire’s rammed earth building in Cathis. Glorious gold spheres were highlighted by the lovely green glow; tall spikes stood high above them. He could make out the figure of a bald man standing out on the edge of the battlement watchtower; a huge sword was sheathed behind his back.
The door creaked. Cassi appeared from her quarters. “How do I look?” Her cheeks flushed red immediately when a few of the men looked her over. Carilyo’s eyes scanned the black dress with its overlapping sheets of cloth throughout.
“You look amazing,” Carilyo said.
Cassi stared at the deck with a smile on her little face.
Carilyo spoke again, “We need to replace Barolos and the others if we’re to make it to Argosa. I’m going to recruit; I’ll be back in a while. Enjoy yourself, and… don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
On his way into Coalville, Carilyo had two choices: The Imperial Arms, or The Vertecanian Cat. Since the Imperial Arms would be full of royal guardsmen and other Levacian soldiers, Carilyo opted for the latter.
Going into another pub would always be difficult for Carilyo now. He was three weeks sober. The cravings were still there, as were the shakes and his inability to sleep until it was nearly time to get up again. A drink would ease that, but it brought its own problems. Carilyo was determined.
He entered the door, the overpowering smell of ale attacking his senses, he took a deep breath, savouring it, hoping the smell alone would be enough to feed the addiction. Lucky for him, Levacian ale was foul, nobody but the locals drank it. He’d rather drink dishwater.
The red carpet was so dirty he couldn’t make out the gold patterns in it. Pint pots stood on round wooden mats over the scratched, worn tables. A few groups of men and women sat at the various tables strewn around the pub. A bunch of dark coats hung on a cylindrical wooden coat rack.
Carilyo approached a red-haired man sitting at the bar alone, hoping it wasn’t Donal, again. “Excuse me.”
The man tilted slowly. His eyes flashed with light like a storm was brewing in them, something flashed from one eye to the other. “He’s coming,” the man said. A streak of white bounced across his eye, then back again. It was so prominent it felt like it jumped out past his eyelid. A spark zipped towards Carilyo.
Feeling like one eye was blind for a second, Carilyo took a step back, wiping it clear. “Who?”
The ginger man stared blankly at the wall as though he was watching something. Carilyo kept an eye on him, expecting him to say something. He squinted his eyes at the spot on the wall the man was looking at. Nothing stood out about it, the paint was patchy, but it wasn’t that interesting. “Who’s coming?”
The man ignored Carilyo. Gulping ale, he burped, sending the vapours of fruity hops into Carilyo’s face. The bitter aftertaste was foul, particularly in gas form.
“Don’ny go try’inny get any sense out of old Elzos here.” Someone placed a hand on Carilyo’s back, then wrapped an arm around him like they were old drinking buddies. “His brain was damaged in the Battle of the Lightning Field. Terrible really, he used’ty be the life of the party. Suppose war does that to some people.”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Carilyo apologised to Elzos. “He was struck by lightning?”
“So the story goes,” the man said. “Most people don’ny believe that. But his hair was’ny that bright before he left for the battle. Lotsa things changed ‘round here after that. Anyways, is there something I can help you with.”
“Ah yes, I’m looking for crew. I’m travelling to Argosa.” Carilyo said.
The man sucked air between his teeth, as though he was dealing with something painful. “That’sa good eight week journey, another six to get back.”
“I know, but I pay well.”
“Lemme think about it a while.” The man returned to his seat.
As Carilyo turned to look for others to ask, Elzos turned to face him again, gripping his wrist. “The Lord of the Lightning is coming, no one can stand against the Golden Empire.”
Carilyo almost burst out laughing. He would have, but for the man’s ailment and the tight grip, which nearly crushed his arm.
“Zernando? He’s been dead for sectuaries. Everyone knows this.” Carilyo shuddered a little when Elzos’ head slowly lifted until their eyes met.
“He never died, he was only…” Elzos hissed the last word, “Sleeping. I see him in my dreams.”
His eyes diverted again, staring at his favourite blank space on the wall.
“You look stunning,” Roxy said, offering Cassi her arm to link. “Ready to go?” Roxy’s red tartan skirt was so vibrant over her pale legs.
Cassi nodded, taking Roxy’s arm. When they reached the streets of Coalville, Cassi unlinked their arms, looking her in the eyes.
“Roxy, there is something I must tell you.” Cassi looked at the rough brick walls, trying to find the right words.
“Yes?” Roxy’s voice was soft.
“How do I say this,” Cassi sighed. She scratched the back of her neck,as though the words were hiding beneath her hair.
“If you’re going to tell me that you don’t like women like I do, there’s no need.” Roxy smiled.
“Then why did you insist on me going for a drink with you?”
“Drinks don’t have to lead to anything more than that,” Roxy said. “I just wanted to get to know you better. I don’t meet many women in the world of sailing, none as interesting as you anyway. You’re always so busy, I just thought it’d be nice to spend some time with you.”
Cassi’s heart relaxed. “Well it sure is nice to have a break from it all.”
“Shall we?” Roxy offered a hand.
“Let’s go,” Cassi said.
They sat in a cubicle in the corner. They had so much in common after all, both had spent their entire life at sea with a crew who had become their family, with no privacy.
“It must be frustrating sometimes to spend all your time with your brother. He’s so protective of you,” Roxy said.
“We get on alright,” Cassi said. “Much better lately.”
“He sure is relaxed.”
“Yes.” Cassi sipped her drink. “A little too relaxed sometimes.”
“You have a lot of responsibility,” Roxy said. “You don’t get much of a chance to let your hair down.”
Cassi nodded.
“How’s your cocktail?” Roxy asked.
Cassi stirred the drink with her stick. She wasn’t sure what spirits it had in it. The Sword of Levac, the barman had called it. “It’s pretty sweet, tastes like orange, wanna try it?”
“Don’t mind if I do.” Roxy took a sip, offering Cassi hers; it was blacker than the night. She saw the rum going into it, along with several other spirits.
Cassi took the tiniest of sips, expecting it to be bitter, but it wasn’t too bad. It was good enough for her to take another drink.
“Like that one, do you?” Roxy grinned; her eyes widened in amusement.
Cassi nodded. “So.” She wanted to relax the conversation; she was sick of always talking about Carilyo or the ship, “What’s your type? What does your perfect woman look like?”
Cassi sat back a little uncomfortably. Roxy leaned towards her with pursed lips. When she got too close, Cassi turned her head away. Roxy snorted so loud a bubble of snot dripped out. Dropping back to wipe it, she burst out laughing.
“I got you!” Roxy shouted, leaning her face in close.
Cassi slapped her arm, then joined in the laughter.
“Do you hear that?” Roxy asked. Cassi faintly heard the music. “I hope you know how to dance.”
“Not very well,” Cassi said, sipping her drink.
“Me either, but that shouldn’t stop us having fun.”
Roxy dragged Cassi behind her into the pub. Cassi was a little embarrassed to be the only people on the dancefloor, but Roxy didn’t seem to care. Too many people were looking at them for Cassi to dance.
“Come on,” Roxy said. “You’ll enjoy it.”
After another drink, Cassi felt a little more relaxed. They laughed at one another’s ridiculous dancing. After a while, more people joined them on the dancefloor.
Eventually the whole pub was there, Cassi had fun dancing in a group with some Levacians who joined them. One of them took hold of her hips, dancing a little close for her comfort level of someone she’d only just met. To take his hands away from her body, she grabbed them, staring into his pretty eyes. She danced with him, pulling one hand at a time towards her.
When the band were finished playing, the man leaned in for a kiss, but she pressed a firm palm on his chest with a shake of her head.
“I think it’s time to head back,” she found Roxy. Cassi glanced at the Levacian who wouldn’t leave her alone, with a slightly worried expression.
“You got it, Captain.” Roxy grabbed her hand. “He giving you trouble?”
“Not yet, but you know how they get sometimes when you won’t go home with them.”
He blew Cassi a kiss as she left, placing his hand on his heart as though he was heartbroken she was leaving. Cassi waved with half a smile.
“Maybe we’ll meet again,” she kissed her hand and blew it.
The streets of Coalville were silent, the wet-look brown walls shimmered with a dreamlike green light coming from the lampposts. They filled the narrow, cobbled street with a cheery glow. Cassi and Roxy walked arm in arm, it felt nice to have a friend. Everyone she knew, she felt were more like colleagues. Roxy was the first person to ask her out for some drinks and a good time.
Past the shops, Cassi’s eyes were attracted to something: a blue light, brighter than ever. It pulsed from around the corner.
“Go on ahead, I’ll catch you up in a while.” Desperate to see what it was, Cassi peered at the colours.
“Be careful. You shouldn’t go in there,” Roxy warned, “That’s the Grand Duke’s secret testing lab.”
“I’ll be fine, I just want to have a look.”
“Stay safe.” Roxy hugged Cassi, then headed for the ship.
Walking back into the street, Carilyo’s dejected shoulders slumped. How is Cassi so good with people?
There was a commotion up ahead, he peered at the approaching figures. A woman was being chased.
In a hurry, she nearly knocked him over. Her heeled shoes clacked on the cobbles.
“Cassi?” He chased after her, seeing the Levacians in their red uniforms behind him. “What’s happened.”
“I’ll explain later! Just run.” Cassi lifted her dress to run faster. Carilyo dashed to catch up. The sea of red roared behind Carilyo. A hairy hand swiped at him; it wasn’t quite enough to get a grip of his shirt.
With fearful white eyes, Carilyo picked up the pace.
“What did you do?” He demanded.
“Nothing. I just wanted to see what it was. It had a beautiful blue glow, I thought maybe it was a sapphire I could buy.”
Carilyo glanced over his shoulder at the men. “What did you see?” He blindly swung an elbow, feeling it crunch on someone’s nose.
“Some sort of weapon, it was gold, but it shone blue.” Cassi stumbled, Carilyo helped her to her feet, dragging her along.
“How can gold shine blue?” His eyebrow raised. A red sleeve reached for Cassi. Carilyo tripped the man up, watching him tumble and roll with a pained grunt.
“The blue was on top of it,” Cassi said through a wheezing, tired breath. “Does it matter?”
A hand grabbed her dress, tearing some of the fabric from her shoulder.
Carilyo punched it away. “Don’t touch my sister,” he growled.
Cassi looked ahead down the street, it was too long and too wide, it finished in a dead end at the docks too.
“Not that way,” said Carilyo, “Let’s go through the back alleys.”
They hurried around a corner, hiding in the first alley they could find. He grabbed Cassi, dragging her behind the bins. The confused footsteps kept plodding down towards the dock. With his eyes closed, each footstep caused a thump in his heart. Carilyo got up, looking around the bins, sure the Levacian guards would figure out they’d hidden soon. He tried to find a way over the wall while Cassi caught her breath a moment.
“Hurry up,” Carilyo said. “We need to get out of here.”
“They’re gone.” Cassi giggled to herself, her cheeks were bright red as she tried to stand. Leaning against a wall, she tumbled over before Carilyo grabbed her by the arm. “Is this a dream? It seems so… surreal.”
“What are you laughing about!?” Carilyo demanded. “Of course it’s not a dream, my knuckles are killing. Why are you laughing so much? Are you drunk?”
“No!” Cassi was defiant. “Well, maybe a little tipsy.” She chuckled again, her cheeks were infuriating.
“Fucking perfect timing,” Carilyo grunted. He paced in a circle, then looked around to see if there was a wall to climb over. Stacking a crate on its side, he gave Cassi a leg up. She landed over the other side with an accompanying crash and a few additional bumps.
“Everything alright over there?” Carilyo asked.
There was no answer.
Carilyo grunted, forcing himself up from the crate. She was sitting in the corner. “Why didn’t you answer me?”
“What are you talking about?” Cassi asked, her hair was all ruffled.
“Never mind.” They headed towards the road.
More men, these in black jackets appeared across the road, hurrying along. They hadn’t spotted the pair of them. Carilyo had to drag Cassi back from the path when she nearly stepped out. She would have stumbled straight out in front of one of the Levacians.
Carilyo leaned with his back against the wall, feeling the rough brick on his back as he peered at the road.
When the coast was clear, he breathed a sigh of relief. Whistling along, they exited the alley, reaching the docks. A bunch of Levacian soldiers sat at a bench, chatting happily.
“Fuck.” He slapped a palm into his forehead. “Play along,” Carilyo said, wrapping an arm around Cassi’s waist as though they were lovers.
“You got it, lover boy.” With a grin on her face, Cassi looked intently in his eyes, then gave him a wet kiss on the cheek. Her lips popped when she retracted them, leaving a lipstick kiss behind. Laughing along, she placed her arm around him, then placed her hand in his back pocket, finding it hilarious.
“This is why you don’t drink Cassi,” Carilyo said. “Remember what happened last time.”
Cassi stopped in her tracks. Leaning forwards, she let out a laugh that echoed throughout the walls. Why did I remind her?
“The look on that Transcendental Priest’s face,” Cassi said through the giggles. After a while, she caught her breath.
The Levacian’s heads turned, then went back to their conversation.
“You and your little friends thought that prank was hilarious, di
dn’t you? I don’t even want to know what you put in his coffee to make his cheeks turn so green. I had to clean up your mess.”
“It makes a change.” Cassi glared at him, then chuckled again.
“Now come on,” Carilyo held her hand tight, dragging her along behind him. They climbed the ramp to the Howling Dragon.
The bulwarks swayed and rattled in the breeze; the rough wood looked like it would tip into the sea if someone leaned against it even gently. The ship lifted and tilted from the waves. The ropes hung on tight to the dock; it was like the moorings and the sea were caught in an epic tug of war. It was eerily quiet, looked like there was nobody aboard.
“Murta?” Carilyo called out. “Roxy? Hermo?”
Nobody answered.
“Leon? Drax?”
Carilyo turned for the ramp. The Levacians had concluded their conversation and were making their way up to the ship, blocking their escape.
“Shit, it was a trap.” He looked around for an escape, there was no way they could jump overboard with Cassi in this state.
“Hey boys, do you like to dance?” Cassi laughed.
“This isn’t a fucking prank Cassi, snap out of it!”
The hatch opened from below. Out came a painfully thin man wearing a black trench coat. A couple more men followed, dragging Samia and Doriya forcefully. The two of them were tossed down on deck, Samia looked up with worried eyes.
“Hey! What’s going on?” Carilyo looked around for someone to answer.
“I was hoping you’d tell me,” Trench Coat said. “Why were you spying on us? A Katalian girl was snooping around in a restricted area not so long ago, a Katalian girl who…fits your description” His eyes closed, then turned to Cassi, looking her up and down.
“That wasn’t us,” Carilyo said. “It could have been anyone.”
With a slow turn of the head, Trench Coat looked across the dock, pointing out the ships. All had red or green sails. “All the other ships are Levacian or Rocklanders. No one from Kataly visits Coalville at this time of year. Your ship wasn’t hard to find; you might as well have painted ‘Golden Empire spies’ on the side of it.”