by Anne B. Cole
Lightning flashed across the cloudless sky followed by rumbling thunder.
Thud!
One of the oars struck something in the water. James peered over the side and saw a huge dolphin nudging the oar out of its way. It swam to the stern and began pushing the boat with incredible strength and speed.
“Poseidon likes to show off.”
The delicate voice focused his attention to the bow of his little boat. Aphrodite. He soaked in her physical beauty while the scent of hyacinths and lilies tickled his nose. His eyes clung to the goddess with overpowering need.
“Aphrodite.”
Crimson lips curled into a delightful grin.
James dropped the oars.
“Tell me the location of my jewels and I will fulfill your every desire.” Elegant fingertips guided his face to hers.
Tingling sensations waved over his chin, down his neck, and through his body. The urge to satisfy her surpassed logical thought. He reached into his coat for the black book. Her luscious lips parted. Closing his eyes, he tilted his mouth to hers.
Instead of the sweet taste of desire, salt water filled his mouth. A massive wave had slammed the tiny boat and dumped him into the dark depths of the sea.
Chapter 23
Zeus’ Decree
Sam Entwined Within James
“James.” Gretchen’s voice sliced through the water.
He broke the surface and gulped needed air. Far above he caught sight of his wife’s golden hair shimmering in dawn’s morning light.
She leaned over the rail with the dagger in her left hand.
Beautiful and courageous.
“Stop, I’ll come to you,” he cried when she lifted one leg over the rail in an attempt to jump overboard. He scanned the water for his rowboat. Nothing. When he looked to the ship, Gretchen had disappeared from view. Remembering Aphrodite was with him before the massive wave knocked him into the sea, he searched for the goddess.
A splash from behind jarred his attention.
“Grab it, James.” Gretchen pointed to one end of a floating rope. The other end coiled around her hand.
He followed her command and started climbing the rope. A wave slid under his boots and lifted him to the ship’s rail. The water remained controlled and solid as if he were standing on land. He quickly stepped on the ship’s deck.
Gretchen gasped in surprise.
He wrapped her in a fierce embrace with a silent vow to protect her forever. Her body tensed within his hold.
“I’m fine, love.” His words were meant to comfort her, yet she began to tremble. An uneasy feeling erupted in the pit of his stomach. “We’re together. No harm will come to you.” When her shivering increased, his hatred of the pirate escalated. “Did Kadir hurt you? Touch you?”
Shaking her head, she lifted her face to his. “No, I’m fine. It’s you I’m afraid for. Kadir is determined to acquire the treasure.” Her face pinched with despair. “James, he has been practicing for days. His skills with a sword are superior to anyone’s I’ve seen.”
When he pressed her head to his chest she pulled away and shook her head.
“If Kadir wins the duel, I’d rather die than be his.”
He knew she meant every word.
“Gretchen, our baby deserves a chance to live. I don’t claim to be an expert with the sword. I’ll do my best, but if I fail, promise me you will do everything in your power to escape Kadir and raise our child.” His hands dropped to her waist and caressed the baby growing within. “Promise me.”
Tears lined her cheeks and she nodded in agreement.
He leaned closer and kissed her quivering lips.
“James.”
“No talk.” He set a finger under her chin. “Kiss me.”
He barely finished his request when she took his face into her hands and pressed her lips to his. Their bodies molded together and for the first time James noticed the presence of their child. The small bump against his thigh was not only his wife, but a child. My child. He’d fight an army of Kadir Hatys for his wife and unborn baby.
“I love you, James.”
Her words etched into his heart.
“I love you and our little one.” He grabbed her hands and kissed her fingertips before returning his lips to hers. Their kiss escalated and he felt her love swell inside his soul. She returned his kiss with one of her own. He felt her need to be with him in the moment and forever.
“Ah, true love. How deliciously sweet.” Aphrodite’s voice surrounded James.
He fought every urge to break away from Gretchen to lay eyes on the goddess. He pulled his wife closer and kissed her bottom lip before moving to her neck. When he nipped behind her ear and traced circles with his tongue back to her cheek, he felt her body relax within his arms despite their circumstances and audience.
A crack of lightning followed by a crashing boom of thunder ripped the lovers out of their infatuation. James clutched Gretchen to his chest.
“A kiss for luck,” Kadir Haty sneered. “Longworthy will need more than luck to defeat me.” He puffed his chest in Aphrodite’s direction.
“Will you take the woman as your bride?” Aphrodite questioned Kadir.
Gretchen gasped and James positioned himself between his wife and Kadir.
The pirate stepped around Gretchen, tripping over James’ boots in an attempt to capture the goddess’s attention. He caught his balance and took a deep breath. “Angelic goddess, the woman means nothing to me. You are the one I desire. I will fight every—”
“What? How dare you assume you’re worthy of my affection? If I were to lower myself to a human it would never be to the level of a bumbling, lubberly pirate.” Her gaze moved to James. “Now, a handsome naval man may capture my attention.”
James struggled to keep his legs from collapsing.
Gretchen spun out of his arms and pointed the dagger at Aphrodite. “Stay away from my husband.”
“Stop nettling the mortals, Aphrodite,” Poseidon boomed from the shadows. He strode next to the goddess and struck the staff of his trident on deck with a resounding thud.
Asclepius joined the group with a silent nod of greeting.
“I will leave the ignorant humans alone once I get my jewels,” Aphrodite spat.
A bolt of lightning pierced the air and hit near Poseidon’s feet. The god remained standing, unaffected by the blast. He bent and picked up a piece of smoldering parchment. Everyone watched him scan the document in silence.
“Zeus sent a new decree,” Poseidon snickered. “The winner of the duel will receive Longworthy’s black book. Before the treasure can be removed, a sacrifice to the gods must be made.”
James watched an evil grin spread across Kadir’s face.
“Kadir needs to kill Longworthy and use his wits to find the treasure. Not a difficult task for an accomplished swordsman,” Poseidon mused.
Asclepius wiggled his finger in the air, calculating invisible numbers. “Odds are heavy in the pirate’s favor for the duel although, I must say, Longworthy did a brilliant job with the riddles. Bets are being placed.” He resumed his figuring. After scrawling numerous unseen tallies, he pointed to the air. “Odds are heavier in the event of Kadir not finding the treasure. All betting will close at the start of the duel.”
Kadir’s mouth dropped open and a single brow raised in confusion.
“If neither of these imbeciles will be able to retrieve my jewels, why am I wasting my time here?” Aphrodite’s sweet voice morphed into a screech.
“All in fun, beautiful one,” Poseidon jested. “Asclepius, I bet a hundred drachmas on Kadir for the win and thousand more for Kadir finding the treasure.”
Asclepius laughed. “Have you read Longworthy’s riddles? Even if Kadir could read, find
ing the treasure will be an impossible feat for him.”
“I enjoy playing against the odds,” Poseidon chuckled.
James watched Kadir’s temple throb with fury. Finally, the pirate understood the gods’ mockery.
Lightning split the skies and slammed into the ship’s deck between James and Kadir. A sword appeared in James’ hand. He marveled at the delicate balance of the weapon. His eyes landed on a matching sword at least a foot shorter in Kadir’s hand.
“His is longer than mine,” Kadir cried.
Laughter burst from the two gods.
Aphrodite cracked a smile. “Never heard a pirate admit that before. I definitely prefer Longworthy.”
“Keep your eyes off my husband.” Gretchen stepped between the men and glared at the goddess.
A clap of thunder silenced all.
“Gentlemen, this is a duel to death.” Poseidon eyed Kadir and then James. He raised his trident over his head. “Begin.”
Chapter 24
The Duel
Sam Entwined Within James
Clang.
Metal struck metal. The impact reverberated through James’ arm. He blocked a second blow high and a third low. Pain rippled through his body. Knowing he wouldn’t last a minute, he tangled his sword within Kadir’s and pressed his chest against his opponent.
“The gods are making fun of us, Kadir. Pierce my left side,” James whispered. “It will take time for me to bleed to death.” He pushed away and thwarted another strike.
Kadir grunted and parried him with less intensity. They danced by their audience. Gretchen stuck her foot out and tripped the pirate. He stumbled, yet regained his stance.
James maintained a distance without delivering a blow. The two eyed one another, each unaware of the other’s next move.
“You disappoint me, Longworthy. Opportunity wasted,” Asclepius stated. Poseidon smirked in agreement.
“Gentlemen fight fair. I’ll not strike a downed man.”
“Fool.” Kadir spat and sparred with greater intensity.
James sidestepped his opponent’s attack and dodged several blows. By moving across the deck, he kept enough space between them to avoid the tip of Kadir’s shorter sword.
At the far end of the stern, James defended himself with his back against the rail. The spectators remained near the center of the deck out of earshot. His arms throbbed from countering Kadir’s attack. He needed to sway Kadir’s feeble mind.
“I will take you to the treasure. It’s impossible to find otherwise.” He kept his voice low enough to be out of the god’s earshot.
“How will a dead man guide me to treasure?” Kadir flicked the tip of his sword into the air in a movement so quick, James felt the burn of the blade from his chin to his left ear before he realized it happened.
Kadir stepped back and grinned at his opponent’s bloody cheek.
Ignoring the sting of his wound, James adjusted his stance and held his sword on point, aimed at Kadir’s throat.
“The gods are arrogant and insult your intelligence. But they’re right, Kadir. You’ll never find the treasure without help. We can fake my death and heal a fatal wound with Asclepius’ blade after the gods leave. Then I will take you directly to the treasure, asking for nothing except my family’s safety.” James stepped away from the rail, keeping his back to the gods. “I give you my word.”
The two swords engaged.
“The gods are not fools. What if you die before they leave?” Kadir lifted pressure off his sword without releasing contact.
“Gretchen will be able to figure out the riddles. Protect her at all costs. If I die, she is your only chance at finding the treasure. Once you locate it, return her to Athens and respect her wishes.” James watched Kadir’s eyes dart to the approaching crowd. He thrust his sword at Kadir with all the force he could muster. Instead of striking the pirate, he buried the tip of the sword into the ship’s rail.
“Stupid fool,” Kadir shouted.
“No!” Gretchen screamed.
Lightning lit the skies. Kadir raised his sword for the killing blow. James grounded his feet and closed his eyes in preparation to accept death. He felt soft hands caress his face. Warmth surrounded him when the sword pierced his body. The blade sliced through his side and pinned him to the rail.
“James,” Gretchen gasped before burying her face against his chest.
“Woman,” Kadir growled. “You stupid, stupid woman.” His voice held desperation James didn’t understand.
“The dagger, it’s my only chance,” James whispered in Gretchen’s ear. Her hands fell to her sides and her body pressed closer against him.
Gretchen’s eyes widened and her body began to shake.
“If I don’t make it, take Kadir to the treasure. He gave me his word he will protect you and the baby.” James felt warm blood flowing freely down his leg. Its distinct metallic scent filled his senses and dulled his pain.
Gretchen’s lips quivered. “I love—”
Kadir removed the sword and the couple crumpled to the deck.
James landed on his side with Gretchen remaining in his arms. Dizzy with pain, he took comfort in her embrace.
Gretchen folded, limp in his arms. Her eyes lost focus and her head lolled to her chest.
When James lifted her chin, blood trickled from the corner of her mouth. Her lifeless eyes remained open.
“Gretchen? Gretchen, no!” James gaped at her chest. Blood stained her blouse. He gripped her in his arms and felt more blood pouring from her back. “Don’t leave me. I can heal you.” He pressed his hand against her back to slow the bleeding.
“Congratulations, Kadir.” Poseidon stepped forward.
“How tragic. Two lovers, slain by a single sword, die in each other’s arms,” Aphrodite cooed. She clasped her hands to her chest and shook her head in sorrow. “Heartbreaking, they won’t be together in the afterlife. Gretchen Longworthy will pass to the Elysian Fields.”
James watched as the goddess’s beautiful face hardened with wicked determination.
“My jewels remain missing,” she snapped. “Anyone who wears my jewels shall be cursed with a life of tragedy and doomed to an afterlife in Purgatory-In-Tartarus, where they will find Captain James Longworthy.”
“I will retrieve the jewelry for you, most beautiful one,” Kadir offered.
Asclepius glared at him. “I told you to protect her.”
“I didn’t intend to kill the girl,” Kadir cried. “How am I to find the treasure?”
James watched Kadir search the deck in desperation. Caught in a nook next to the ship’s wheel, the blade of the dagger reflected a flash of lightning. The pirate raced to retrieve it.
The ship suddenly listed portside and the dagger slid out of Kadir’s reach and across the deck. The bumbling pirate chased after the blade as waves rocked the ship.
James clutched Gretchen to his chest. He could feel her heart beat even though her breathing appeared to have ceased.
“Get the dagger, Kadir. I accept my fate, but if Gretchen dies, you’ll never be able to find the treasure for Aphrodite.” The effort it took to speak wicked away his energy.
Kadir dove to the dagger and gripped it. He stumbled his way back to James’ side.
“Save Gretchen. Without her I have no desire to live.” James tore her shirt, revealing the gaping wound on her back.
“What type of game are you playing, Longworthy?” Aphrodite glided across the deck and plucked the dagger away from Kadir with dainty fingers.
The pirate swooned at the goddess’s feet.
James felt his own life draining away when the thump of Gretchen’s heart weakened.
“She is too far gone. The blade will not work,” Asclepius warned.
“Heal him and find my jewels!” Aphrodite screeched. She thrust the dagger into Kadir’s hands.
“Anything for my lovely goddess.” Kadir scrambled to James’ side.
James refused to let go of Gretchen and scooted against the side of the ship. “Don’t touch me,” he growled. The dagger disappeared from the pirate’s hand and reappeared within Asclepius’ clutch.
“Sorry, Kadir. Bets are locked in place. Cheating with my dagger will not be permitted. You’re on your own in your quest to find the treasure.” Asclepius handed the black book to Poseidon. He bowed his head to James and disappeared.
“Get back here, Asclepius.” Aphrodite took two steps in the direction he had gone and vanished.
Poseidon tapped the cover. He glanced at Kadir and frowned. “You’re a man of the sea. I placed a sizable bet on you finding the treasure. Allow me to give you a head start.” He opened the book and began to read. “Three strangers fight, a favor done, in return a treasure won. Three bands lead the way, once broken do not stray.” He glanced at Kadir. “Does this make any sense to you?”
Kadir stood with his mouth hanging open.
Laughter erupted from the skies and rain poured down.
James pressed Gretchen’s head to his chest and tucked loose strands of hair behind her ear as he had seen her do a million times. Curly wisps, forever escaping her hairpins, matted her cheeks. His shaky fingers repeatedly swiped them away and pushed them in place. “Gretchen, my love.” He wept, pressing his lips to her forehead. Rain washed away his pain and bathed him with acceptance.
James scanned the skies above and prayed to his God for the salvation of their souls. He watched raindrops fall and form into a pen. It floated from the sky and stopped in front of Poseidon. An invisible hand dipped the pen into a hovering ink well and began scrawling a message in the black book. Poseidon held the tome with both hands.
