by Candy Crum
Mariana safely delivered everyone to shore, making sure to arrive first so she could inspect the area. While the captain was technically her superior, she was still in charge of everyone else on the ship, just as he was.
She also felt responsible for the innocent lives that had been lost at the hands of the Storm Raiders. A young woman named Abby, an Arcadian who had settled with her father in Holdgate, had been the biggest reason that the town and all of its storm ships knew about the bastard, Captain Tor, and all the destruction, murder, and pillaging he had done.
Mariana felt partly responsible, having worshipped the ground he walked on, just like everyone else in the town had. In truth, it wasn’t her fault at all, but she still felt as though she should have known something was amiss.
Now she dedicated herself to cleaning up the mess that was left, though Abby did a pretty damn good job of it herself. Still, there were straggler ships out and about, always recruiting new people, and she couldn’t rest until she found a way to put an end to it.
Screams filled the air, and she looked around to see people scurrying about to save themselves. There weren’t many left, as she could see plenty of bodies on the ground.
The screams told her all she needed to know, and she immediately dropped her sword to the ground and held up her hands. She had opted for that instead of the staff, but realized the chunk of wood might have been less threatening. She very slowly took a few steps forward and got down on one knee.
“We’re not here to hurt you!” she shouted over the madness.
Some screams halted out of curiosity, but most of the people remaining continued to run around in fear, trying to find a place to hide among the burnt homes.
“Tell me, did their ship look like ours?” she called out.
She heard voices behind her, and she twisted her body just enough to thrust a hand back, signaling for them to stop where they were. She waved her hand downward, and she could see out of her peripheral everyone slowly lowering to their knees.
Turning forward again, she said, “We’re hunting a Storm Raider ship. The ship looks like ours, but the sails are different. We only want to help.”
Surprisingly, the only person brave enough to step forward was an elderly woman, her back hunched as she hobbled forward. The clothing she wore was simple, but filthy. It was covered in ash and blood.
“You have magic like theirs,” the woman said with obvious hesitation in her voice. Though her body seemed frail, Mariana could tell that she was standing for her people with every ounce of strength she could muster.
Mariana nodded. “We come from the same town. We were all once part of the same fleet. Our goal was to seek out those who would do others harm, but several ships broke off from us and joined the terrible men we hunted. They call themselves ‘Storm Raiders’. We are Storm Callers.”
The old woman eyed her suspiciously as she took a few shaky steps forward. “You didn’t miss ‘em by much. They were here only an hour ago, but with the way you folk seem to travel on the surface of the water, I’m guessing that’s an eternity, now ain’t it?”
A sigh left Mariana as she gave a hesitant nod. “Our magic allows us to call wind to fill our sails, so we can travel faster across the sea. This is the closest we’ve ever been to that particular ship. Every village we’ve encountered was destroyed much earlier. While I know it’s of little comfort the shortened time lapse between their departure and our arrival means were getting closer.”
The woman huffed. “Not close enough, I’m afraid. I’d estimate 90% or more of our village is gone. Men and women run clean through with spears and swords. Young ones burned to death in their beds. You see, we live on the water, too.”
The old woman held up her hands, and Mariana saw for the first time the webbing that extended partway up her fingers.
“We live most of our lives in the sea, only coming out to sleep, have babies, and occasionally eat. Most of the time, we just eat fish fresh, without cooking it. Still, we have our homes because our babies and young children don’t have access to their magic yet, and us old folk are simply too tired to call on it much anymore.”
“I don’t mean to be rude, but what point do you have to make?” someone asked from behind Mariana.
She jerked her head around just in time to see Captain Veren punch a man they called Smiley in the arm. “Have some damn respect,” the captain snapped.
Satisfied, Mariana turned back around. “Please forgive my rude friend. As you were saying?”
The old woman’s eyes lingered on Smiley, and she finally shook her head, once again turning them back to Mariana. “My point…is that while you may not understand us, we are very much the same. You live your life on the sea, we live our lives in it. Those other men were evil, only using the water as a means to get what they want. I’ll trust you, but let it be known that I am an Elder here. I might not look like much to you, and I might not be able to throw a punch, but with a flick of my wrist, I can drown every one of you where you stand. Got it?”
“But if you could do that, why didn’t you just kill the Raiders earlier?”
“Dammit, Smiley!” Mariana heard the captain shout behind her, followed by a thump and a pain-filled, “OUCH!”
“If you want to start with him, it’s fine by me,” Mariana said, pointing behind her with the jab of thumb.
The old woman sighed and shook her head. “I just might.” She turned cold eyes that flashed aquamarine toward Smiley. “As for your question; it’s kind of hard to go after the bad guys when you’re eighty-five years old and running as fast as your old bones can carry you to round up all the innocent children and hide them. Especially when you get hit in the back of the head and left for dead. How well would you perform magic while unconscious? Hmm?”
Mariana couldn’t wait for the response to that one. She turned and saw Smiley lower his head in shame, wiping blood from his nose as he mumbled something to the effect of, “I’m sorry.”
“Do you have any wounded that need tending to?” Mariana asked.
The woman nodded. “We only had a few healers in the village, and all but one are dead. The last living one here is a young boy who fled south. He had his baby sister with him, so I assume he’s heading for our cousin village.”
“We don’t have any nature magic users, but we certainly know how to stitch up wounds and set broken bones. We’ll leave our weapons here and help you save any that can be saved. The rest…well, we’ll help you bury them.”
The old woman nodded, turning her back as she began to walk away. As promised, Mariana left her weapons, and the rest of the crew did the same as they slowly followed behind.
“You think the boy and little girl are safe?” Mariana asked.
“I certainly hope so. I found one of those Raiders just behind their home. Their parents were slaughtered inside, more than likely protecting the girl. The Raider had been drowned, and I’m afraid it was young Brann who was forced to do it, though I can’t be sure. Someone said they saw him make it to the sea with his sister. Honestly, if they’d all stayed in the water, they would still be alive.”
“At least they died heroes,” Mariana said.
The old woman nodded. “I suppose that’s one way to look at it. I overheard one Raider mention a village of Arcadian’s, south of the Heights. I assume that’s where you’d find them.”
“Thank you,” Mariana said. “I promise that I will find them, and when I do, they will pay for every life lost. Not only for those here, but in every unfortunate village I’ve come across during my search.”
“I’m glad to hear that, because I have another favor to ask,” the old woman replied.
“Anything. What can we do to help?” Mariana asked.
“I mentioned that our cousin village, where young Brann and his sister Sasha are heading, is to the south,” she said, and Mariana nodded. “The village is very close to where your Raiders are going to be. When you head down there, while I know it will be difficult, avoid that sh
ip, and check on the village immediately. Tell them what happened. Tell them we sent you there to warn them.”
The old woman sighed, stopping and turning to Mariana as she grabbed the Caller’s right hand. “They’re different than us. They live in the sea, same as we do, but they built their homes inside caves. They made it difficult for anyone to find them. They’re stronger than we are; maybe they can help you. Just don’t go straight after the Raiders, because I’m telling you now, they have more than twice the men that you do.”
Mariana nodded and reached out, squeezing the old woman’s hand. “That information helps more than you know. And don’t worry about a thing. We’ll make sure that they’re okay, and I’ll personally check on Brann and Sasha.”
Without another word, Mariana turned and made her way back to Captain Veren, who was now giving out orders to the men. Mariana took the ones that were the most experienced with wound care, while the rest went with the captain to begin digging graves.
9
Esmerelda sat on the throne that had once been her husband’s, eating fruit from an expensive bowl that had no doubt been pilfered from one of the many homes the bandits had come across in their time living outside of Arcadia.
The tent had been transformed, from a meeting place where the men would gather to discuss barbaric plans while abusing the slaves to a place of entertainment for those who were once their victims.
The tables had turned; she had allowed the women who had suffered so much for so long to deliver their own brand of justice. Whatever they saw fit was fine by her.
As the new queen sat on her usurped throne, she watched the men walk around in only loincloths to hide themselves as they danced, served wine, fed the women grapes, and cut up pieces of fruit.
She smiled as a tall man with broad shoulders approached her—defiant, though his eyes were downcast. Just by looking at him, she could tell exactly how much he hated her.
But he followed her every command.
“Hello, Charles,” she said in a seductive voice. “And why have you approached me?”
His brows furrowed, his fists slightly clenching at his sides. “Forgive me for interrupting,” he said with utter disdain, “but you have kept us here like dogs—”
“Oh,” she said, feigning a concerned expression as she sat forward. “I do hope they’re grateful dogs. After all, when the dog bites the hand of his master… Well, I believe the new ancients had a saying about that. Don’t you?”
Esmerelda watched as two women approached from behind, swords drawn and pointed directly at his back. They watched him carefully as the situation unfolded. He had once been a highly ranked guard in Adrien’s army, which had given him incredible senses. His eyes and stiffening posture told her that he knew they were there.
The man smiled through gritted teeth, giving a curt nod. “We are all—so—very grateful, Esmerelda,” he said pointedly. “However, the men do feel our talents are being unused. Some of them feel we’re wasting precious time that we could be using to advance.”
She smiled. “Is that so? And by ‘them’, do you mean you?”
His eyes met hers then, icy blue irises boring into her. “I do. I get that you’re trying to have your fun, trying to get back something you feel was taken from you. But at the risk of being run through with those blades behind me, you’re acting like a child that’s been given a brand new toy.”
Her eyes widened slightly as a small smile spread across her face. “‘Child’? My, those are awfully brave words coming from a man in a loincloth, dancing for his keepers’ entertainment to save his own skin.”
A dark smile crossed his lips in return. “I’m only biding my time until one of two things happen: you either get off your ass and use the talent that’s right in front of you, or we kill you and take back what’s rightfully ours.”
Standing, Esmerelda took a quick step forward and thrust out her hand to wrap around his throat, pulling him down to her and pressing her lips against his. There was a fierceness in the action, a need, and it obviously took him by surprise.
But it ended as quickly as it began.
Taking a step back, Esmerelda said, “Oh, Charles. I believe that you and I have a very different opinion on what is rightfully yours.”
Taking another step back, she smiled again as his eyes went wide and his jaw fell slack. Painful, gasping breaths gurgled from his throat. With another shove, the blades pierced through to the front of his body.
In unison, the women pulled back, their swords making a slick sound as they slid out, causing his body to fall to the ground. There were several gasps from men in the tent who had taken notice, but others were smart enough to keep their eyes down and not say a word.
Placing her hands on her hips, Esmerelda looked down, pursing her lips for a moment. “But you do make a very good point.”
She looked around the tent, taking in the sight of her warrior women getting their varying ideas of revenge on the men who were now their slaves. Charles wasn’t wrong. There was a lot of muscle being wasted.
Well, not wasted, she thought with humor. But certainly not used to its full potential.
Holding up her hands, she watched as her warriors began quieting the men that had begun to brave whispers. Soon everyone in the room was silent, and all eyes were on her.
“I’m hurt. Really. You still don’t understand the wrongs you have made here in the past? I had hoped that you would learn some humility, knowing what it felt like to be treated as less than human. Somehow, though, that lesson has been lost.”
She stared out at the crowd, allowing her words to sink in. “It seems that Charles here felt we were not making good use of you. From what I hear—” she smiled “—we’ve been making very good use of you. But there might be some truth to what he said. Show of hands, how many of you men feel the same way he did?”
There were several moments of hesitation as the men looked at one another, trying to decide if it was a trap.
“I’m asking! No worries here. At this moment, this is a kill-free zone. So, I will ask you only once more. Who here feels their talents are being wasted?”
Several hands slowly lifted. When no one was gutted where they stood, several more lifted. Soon, every man under the tent had a hand in the air.
Esmerelda smiled. “Thank you for your honesty. Now I’m going to be honest with you. You were given the option before, but it seems many of you have been hesitant to actually show enthusiasm for my rule. So, I’m going to give you an opportunity I had previously decided I wouldn’t. But make no mistake… This is the very last time this opportunity will arise.”
She watched as arms lowered and the men once again looked at one another with confusion, trying to decipher her meaning.
Instead of allowing them to wonder any longer, she continued. “You were given the choice to follow me or die. You chose to follow, but you haven’t shown any excitement for doing so. Now is your last chance. Show of hands. Who among you would follow me into war?”
Hands immediately shot up, several voices cheering out while others hesitantly whispered with their neighbors.
She smiled. “See? Was that so hard? As you all know, my late husband always made promises to raid the Heights. He wanted to take Craigston as well as the Temple. Unfortunately for all of you, my husband was weak. I, however, am not. Who among you will follow me into the mountains? Who among you will fight not only for me, but alongside me?”
Shocking even her, the excitement in the room blossomed. Men began to shout and cheer for her. Others followed suit, but she could tell it was forced. It was easy to tell who was motivated by greed and who was motivated by power—or fear. Anyone cheering for her obviously cared more about money and possessions; the rest would fight for her, but would secretly be planning her downfall.
Ignoring the latter group for the time being, she raised her arms out to her side and smiled. “Then let this be the dawn of a new day. Men, you will train with the women in hand-to-hand combat, as wel
l as in magitech weaponry. And don’t get any ideas—only a few of you will be chosen, and those that are will be heavily guarded by their mistresses. So be on your best behavior. Impress me, and you will not regret it.”
With the wave of a hand, she dismissed everyone, then motioned for her two personal guards to come forward.
“No more than one man to a group of four to five women. While we have a lot of skills they aren’t aware of, they still have years of combat training on us, and a hundred pounds of muscle. They can move incredibly fast, so let’s not give them the chance to turn,” Esmerelda said.
“How will we know who to choose?” Jill asked.
“As I was making my speech, I could tell who was genuinely excited about the trip, and who only pretended to be in order to save his own skin. Interview them. You’ll know who is who. They aren’t terribly bright, which was why Adrien chose them—as well as my husband. They’ll make it obvious.”
The women gave a quick nod before turning to walk away. Esmerelda stepped forward, stopping them for a moment. “Before you go, make sure everyone knows we will be heading out in thirty-six hours. At their skill level, it won’t take long for us to learn what we must in order to proceed, and I need to demonstrate my power quickly, before there is a mutiny.”
Dark smiles crossed the women’s faces as excitement took hold of them. They nodded before turning away and heading out of the tent to complete their orders.
10
By the time Arryn and her group arrived in Craigston, the sun had nearly set. High in the mountains, the sky was grey, and there was a distinct chill in the air that hadn’t been present in the valley.
“It’s about ta snow,” Samuel said with a smile on his face. “It’s good ta be home.”
Arryn smiled. “I bet it is. We should definitely make a plan before getting all the way into town. Are we stopping at Ophelia’s, or going straight to your house?”
