Souls Endure (The Souls Trilogy Book 3)

by Anne B. Cole

  A shimmer of light swirled around Gretchen and the treasure chest. When James attempted to touch her, fire crackled and scorched his fingers.

  “Release my wife, for the crime committed was mine, not hers,” James pleaded.

  Asclepius ignored his request and handed him the heavy chest of gold. The god then removed the bracelets from Gretchen’s wrists, opened the chest, and placed them beside the rings and necklace.

  “Kadir, Gretchen Longworthy will be in your care. If any harm comes to this woman you will be cursed to Purgatory-In-Tartarus.” Asclepius raised his gaze to James. “Longworthy, the gold and jewels are in your possession. You will seek a safe place for the treasure and record a means for recovery. You earned Poseidon’s respect for your loyalty to the Greek Navy. Kadir has yet to accomplish this. If Kadir defeats you, he must win Poseidon’s respect by finding the treasure.”

  The god paused and addressed Kadir. “If you fail to find the treasure you will be banished to Tartarus upon death to seek mercy from Poseidon’s brother, Hades.”

  Kadir’s mouth hung open and his forehead wrinkled in confusion.

  Asclepius rolled his eyes. “Let me make this simple. Longworthy gets the treasure and must hide it. Kadir retains Longworthy’s wife until the treasure is secure. Then you will fight to the death. If Longworthy wins, his wife and the treasure are his. If Kadir wins, he must earn the treasure by finding it. Understand?”

  Lightning struck at Gretchen’s feet causing everyone to jump. The swirling light around her dissipated.

  James stepped to her side and thrust the heavy chest at Kadir. “Take it. I want no part of this. I—” His fingers remained stuck to the treasure. “I cannot let go. Gretchen, I don’t want this. I want you.”

  She touched a single finger to his cheek. When no sparks flew, she cradled his head to hers. Before their lips could touch a force pried her away.

  “James, I believe in you.” The distance between them increased. Her hand reached Kadir’s cheek and stroked it. “I’m being forced to touch him. James, you must believe me.” Her fingers tangled into Kadir’s black hair and then wandered across his chest.

  A sickening smile crept over Kadir’s face.

  “Kadir is a pirate and cannot be trusted. She is with child. If any harm comes to her—”

  “You will have your duel with Kadir Haty once the treasure is hidden.” Asclepius chuckled and pulled the jeweled handled dagger out of the folds of his robes. He handed it to Gretchen. “I guarantee her safety.”

  Lightning lit the skies and fierce winds blew James to his hands and knees. Rain poured in torrential waves. Continuous thunder rolled. He ducked his head when stones and ancient debris flew around him in a tornadic fury.

  As suddenly as it began, the storm ended. James rose and wiped sand from his face with his hands. No longer bound to the chest, he leapt to his feet.

  “Gretchen?” He searched the area and found no trace of human or god. The first rays of dawn touched the sky in the east where the pirate ship had pulled anchor and began sailing to the south. He collapsed to the ground beside the chest.

  “Captain?” Peter and Dominic scrambled past the lion statues with swords drawn. “Where is Gr—”

  “Grady joined a privateer ship. He left with Kadir Haty.” James stared over the sea at the ship in the distance.

  “But sir, Grady is—”

  “Crazy? It’s obvious Grady isn’t thinking clearly. I hope our paths cross so I have the opportunity to convince him to rejoin our cause. Dominic, carry this back to the ship.” James handed him the chest and followed a few paces behind.

  Peter allowed Dominic to walk out of earshot. “Sir, you don’t understand. Grady isn’t who you think he is. We must go after him at once.”

  “I do understand and I will get my wife back. Which island would Kadir Haty be most familiar with?”

  Peter’s attention suddenly focused on the departing pirate ship. “I apologize, sir. She made me swear to secrecy. I will search every island in the Aegean with you to find her.” Fierce determination laced his words.

  “Think, sailor. Which island would Kadir be most familiar with?” James placed both hands on Peter’s shoulders. “Gretchen’s life depends on it.”

  “Kimolos. Kadir claims he owns several coves on the west shore.”

  James nodded and returned to the ship in silence.

  Chapter 21

  The Black Book

  Sam Entwined Within James

  Retracing his footprints in the sand, James returned to the shoreline where his satchel remained wedged between two boulders. He reached inside the bag and his fingers curled around the book Gretchen had given him. His heart began to race in anticipation of seeing her again. The three days since their separation felt like months.

  Glancing in the direction of the treasure’s hidden location, he felt confident the gold and jewels would be safe. He studied the area for landmarks he could use for hints.

  “I will create riddles instead of a treasure map. I pray this will be acceptable to the gods,” he mumbled and scrawled notes on select pages. After nearly an hour of writing, he closed the book with reverence. “My most prized possession holds the location of the treasure.”

  He held the book to his chest. With the riddles complete, he had nothing left to do except wait for Kadir. It pained him to think what would happen to Gretchen if he lost the duel. He hoped she would somehow be able to escape the bumbling pirate and figure out the riddles he had penned. If she found the treasure she would have enough funds to keep her and their child safe.

  Seals barking in a nearby cove snapped him out of his thoughts. The incoming tide lapped against his boots so he climbed a boulder and gazed over the calm sea. From this height he eyed his naval vessel anchored off shore. No other ship sailed as far as he could see.

  “The riddles are complete. I’m ready to face Kadir,” James called to the heavens. When no one responded and the skies remained still, he sat on the boulders and waited.

  “Grimm’s Children’s and Household Tales, Second Edition,” James spoke out loud in English. He traced the German words etched on the cover. The book fell open to the story of The Frog Prince. Although his skills at reading the German language were limited he had confidence the locations of the riddles throughout the book were accurate. Worry waved over him. “Kadir doesn’t seem bright enough to figure this out.”

  A flash of lightning crackled across the sky in agreement.

  “To make it fair, I will translate a few key words in the back of the book.” James pressed his lips together in thought. Retrieving his quill pen and ink, he felt he had to make the challenge worthy of the treasure. “Iron, gold, promise. These words translated in English, German, and Greek will give Kadir a means of finding the clues throughout the book even if he cannot read German.”

  A second flash of lightning danced overhead.

  “Too easy?” James asked.

  Thunder rumbled.

  He dipped his pen back into the ink and began scrawling names of islands, sailors, battle locations, dates, and anything he could think of in the margins to throw off potential readers. For several minutes he scribbled meaningless riddles on page after page. “Finished. The smartest of my men would have a hard time finding the treasure.”

  Jumping from the boulder, he boarded the boat and rowed back to his ship. When the sun’s rays disappeared below the horizon, conflict filled him. With his part of the agreement complete he would soon see Gretchen and face Kadir in a battle to death. Winner take all.

  “Captain, Ottoman ships were spotted heading to the port village of Psathi,” Peter announced from the rail.

  The rowboat reached the ship. Three crewmen hoisted James on deck.

  “Sir, many of the crew have family there,” Peter added.<
br />
  “Pull anchor. Sail to Psathi at once.” James’ first duty was to protect his countrymen. He couldn’t help but wonder if Kadir and Gretchen were present among the Ottoman ships. Lost in thought, he watched Peter bark orders to the crew. Men scurried on deck raising sails, collecting weapons, and preparing for battle.

  Within the hour, they made their approach around the southern edge of Kimolos. James pulled a spyglass from his coat and focused on two ships leaving port to the southeast. Disappointment filled him when he confirmed neither flew the colors of Kadir’s ship.

  “My God, they raided the village,” Peter cried.

  James moved the spyglass. Red and orange flames dotted the shore. “To port, immediately!” James had no interest in chasing the Ottoman ships. He caught Peter by the arm. “Your family, are they in Psathi?”

  “My wife and son live with two other wives of sailors. There are seven children in all.”

  James’ grip around Peter’s bicep tightened when he felt the man tremble with fear. “Assemble ten of our strongest men. Lead us directly to your family.”

  Peter didn’t respond. His eyes remained fixed on shore.

  James understood his friend’s reaction and called another sailor to make the necessary preparations.

  Crossing the distance to port took time. Fires on shore dwindled. Billowing smoke enveloped the village and lingered with the still of the night. Five rowboats lined the ship’s rail. Peter boarded the lead boat. James climbed in beside him with two others. Oars splashed frantically in the water.

  Cries of the villagers had met them before their boats hit land. Peter bolted into town with James close on his heels. Remains of the market continued to burn with survivors holding their injured or deceased loved ones in the streets. James watched Peter run to a woman who knelt by the body of a young man.

  “Where’s Leesa?” Peter demanded. When the woman didn’t answer, he shook her shoulders. Glazed eyes met his.

  Peter released her and she crumpled over the dead man. She took his lifeless head into her hands and began to wail, “My son, they killed my son.”

  James touched her head in a sign of compassion. Cries from the injured and grief stricken filled the air. He motioned his men to help. When he realized Peter had disappeared, he ran in search of his friend.

  Many hours passed and with the first traces of dawn, despair continued. Mournful cries became hysterical. Bodies were found and many died from injuries. The sailors helped locate survivors, extinguish fires, and line the streets with the dead.

  James tended to the wounded to the best of his ability. His heart hurt for the victims and for the shattered lives of the survivors. Stunned villagers relayed the massacre in gruesome details. Pirates had raided the market before moving to the homes. They killed the men and violated the women. Many children had been captured to be sold.

  James tore his shirt and began wrapping the burned hand of one of his sailors when he felt a tentative touch on his arm. A girl, no older than ten, stood beside him.

  “Are you hurt?” he asked her in Greek.

  The girl with mud caked bare feet didn’t answer. Small, strong fingers wrapped around his arm just above his wrist. She stood unmoving with brown eyes wide with terror and determination.

  James scanned the girl for injuries. She had no blood or visible burns so he finished wrapping the sailor’s hand.

  She didn’t let go.

  “Captain, she needs your help,” the sailor insisted.

  “I won’t be long,” James replied. The girl tugged his hand and ran with him to the edge of the village.

  She came to an abrupt halt in front of a stone structure built into the side of a ridge. With a shaky finger, she pointed to the open door.

  “Stay here,” he whispered.

  He drew his sword and entered the building.

  Chapter 22

  Determination

  Sam Entwined Within James

  “Patrick,” James called to one of his best crewmen as he stumbled through the doorway. His stomach roiled and his legs shook. He gripped the jamb for support.

  Patrick and two other sailors quickened their step to his side. “You look unwell, sir.”

  James ignored his concern and knelt in front of the little girl who remained standing inches outside the door. “Your family? Where are they?”

  Dark brown eyes rose and met his. Matted blonde hair streaked with soot framed her face. He didn’t expect an answer for he understood her state of shock. With an incredible amount of bravery, she took a step to the open door.

  “There is nothing you can do for them.” He blocked her and raised a hand to her shoulder.

  She jerked away from his touch. Pain and sadness riddled her face, yet she made no move to enter the building.

  “Patrick, take this child to the ship. I will meet you there after I speak with Peter,” James ordered.

  “You found him, sir?” Patrick replied with concern.

  James closed his eyes and his head dipped to his chest.

  Patrick headed to the door.

  James grabbed him by the arm to keep him from entering. “Inside. What I saw in there will never leave me.”

  “Peter is my friend, sir.” Patrick pulled free of his grip and entered the building.

  Through the open door, James heard Patrick talk to Peter whose mournful keening grew in intensity. Vivid images of what he had found inside the building flooded his mind. Dead women and children. Body parts severed and strewn throughout the room. Never before had he seen life so brutally wasted. In the midst of the massacre, a sole living person cradled the body of a woman in one arm and the lifeless form of a child in the other.

  Peter.

  James had found him rocking on his knees.

  “Leesa. My beautiful Leesa,” Peter had murmured while holding his dead wife and child.

  When James had touched Peter’s arm to make him aware of his presence, the grip on his wife tightened. Her head had flopped to the side revealing her severed neck. The stench of death overtook James and he had abandoned his first mate, leaving him to mourn in solitude.

  James peered over his shoulder into the shadows of the building, ashamed of his weakness and inability to comfort Peter. Anger built inside him and he realized his own wife and unborn child could be the next victims to senseless pirate brutality. A hand slipped into his.

  The girl remained staring with sightless eyes at the entrance to her home. He took a deep breath and spoke to her in Greek.

  “I’m Captain James Longworthy of the Greek Navy. You’re safe. My ship will take you to Athens where I will find you a new home.”

  She yanked her hand away and shook her head in refusal.

  He watched her search the area in a state of panic. When he touched her arm in a gesture of comfort, she screamed and wrenched free.

  Patrick appeared in the doorway with his lips pressed together in a grim line. “Is the child all right?”

  “Terrified, but she has no visible physical injury. Take her back to the ship with you, I will—”

  “Kaiti?” the girl interrupted.

  James shifted his gaze to where a younger girl with matching blonde hair stood a distance away. A squirming infant filled her little arms. Before he could stop her, the older girl ran to them, grabbed the other by the arm, and together they fled into the darkness.

  Patrick stepped to follow.

  “Wait. We will increase their fear if we go after them. There are many to bury. When the children see we’re not a threat, they will be more approachable. I’ll return to the ship and send additional help. You’re in charge in my absence.”

  “Yes, sir,” Patrick replied. He saluted, squared his shoulders, and reentered the building.

  With a heavy heart, Jame
s walked through the village and gathered his men. He instructed crewmen to assist Patrick and directed others to return the ship to bring additional sailors to the village. With determined effort, he stepped into the first rowboat and shoved off shore. His hands pulled the oars and he watched the decimated island grow smaller. His need for revenge on the pirates escalated.

  A thud caused him to glance at his feet. The black book had fallen from his coat pocket. He wiped seawater off the cover and cradled it in his hands.

  “Gretchen, my love, where are you?” James remembered Asclepius had said he would cross paths with Kadir and Gretchen if the gods were satisfied with his part in hiding the treasure. “Perhaps the clues are too easy.” He flipped open the book and began to scan the pages.

  “Approaching ship,” a crewman cried from deck.

  James spotted a vessel sailing in their direction from the southeast. The other four rowboats had reached the naval ship and were being hoisted on deck by the crew. Instead of closing the distance to his own ship, he scrutinized the other. A flash of light from its deck caught his eye.

  Pirates?

  James secured the black book into the folds of his coat and removed his spyglass. His heart lurched when the peered through the lens. Gretchen stood on deck, holding the jeweled dagger high to reflect the sun’s rays. He clutched a hand to his chest. Never before had he felt physical pain from emotional feelings. His love for Gretchen pierced his heart, his soul, his entire being.

  “Captain, the ship is Ottoman,” a sailor shouted. Several crewmen scurried on deck in preparation for battle.

  James raised his hand, palm facing them. “The Captain of the ship is a privateer, one I know well. No harm shall come to him or his ship. Continue with your duties on shore. I will speak with him and seek his assistance.” He angled his boat in the direction of Kadir Haty’s ship and began rowing.