by ML Guida
“Cap’n, come back.” Amadi slammed his hands on the railing.
Men crowded around the deck, calling for the captain. Angry waves rolled over Kane and he disappeared into the ocean.
William’s heart raced and the skin across his chest tightened and his blood pressure burst like a cannon. He stripped his wet clothing and stepped back. “Dragon, come forth.”
Chapter 23
Prickles swept over William, muscles rippled, limbs grew, and wings sprung out. The shift came fast, faster than it ever had. He leaned back on his haunches and flapped his wings.
Pride reflected in Mariah’s eyes. “Your powers are stronger.”
William tried to answer, but it came out as a gurgled growl.
In the eagle’s nest, Amadi cupped his hands over his mouth. “Cap’n, come back.”
“Ye eejit.” Sean pointed from the railing. “You can’t save her. She’s too far away.”
More pleas came from the crew.
Waves battered Kane as he swam toward the Fiery Damsel.
William jumped into the air and soared to him. He dipped into the water and clutched Kane’s shoulders, lifting him out of the sea, but Kane struggled like a marlin, punching William in the gut. “No. I’ve got to save her. She’s my life.” His loud voice tugged at William’s heart.
Afraid he’d drop his brother into the churning ocean, William dug his talons deeper and flew back to the ship. He dropped Kane onto the deck. “You fool.” Kane shook his fist.
Ignoring him, William circled the Phoenix. Mariah waved her arm. “William take me with you. Only together can we save Hannah.”
He swooped lower to pick her up, but Sharon’s dead eyes flashed in his mind, and he flew past. Below, Mariah raced toward Kane and grabbed him. She pointed at William. “Capitaine, order him back. He must take me with him. S’il vous plaît.”
But Kane ignored her. “Make repairs, Mallory.”
Sean nodded. “Aye, aye, Cap’n.”
Rigging lines unwound, and tackles clanged against the mast. Cables loosened to pull the tangled sails off the water that weighted down the Phoenix. Men raced around the deck to prepare the splintered masts. Kane would make the crew work night and day to make repairs and then pursue Palmer. At least, William hoped he did. He didn’t have time to argue with Mariah or Kane about his plans, and his plans didn’t include putting his sweet witch in jeopardy. Hannah’s capture was proof of the peril looming ahead, and he couldn’t bear to lose Mariah.
He left the Phoenix and flew in the direction of the Fiery Damsel. Only the deep blue sea stretched out for miles and miles. Damn it! Where was she?
“Black magic is hiding the ship,” Drakon said.
“Force Lark to reveal her.”
“I can’t. I don’t have that kind of power, but I know someone who does.”
“No!”
“She’s part of us. We can’t hope to defeat our enemies without her.”
“She’ll die.”
“You left her alone. Vulnerable. Without us…”
William roared, and fire burst out of his mouth. He spun around and flew back to the Phoenix, wary if ’twas the right thing to do. If Palmer kidnapped Mariah, he’d burn the bastard to a crisp.
Ahead of the drifting Phoenix, water churned faster and faster until another water spout formed, pulling out the sea and spraying droplets into the air. Air sucked out of William’s lungs, and his heart sank. Fear rushed from his head to the points of his talons. He gulped down air, and hard pressure swelled in his chest as if his heart threatened to explode with hate. The bastard wasn’t going to steal his beautiful witch.
He hissed and plunged toward the funnel, but the funnel’s long form twisted back and forth, leading him on a merry dance. Every time he spit out flames, the funnel swerved and he missed.
The Phoenix’s guns fired and recoiled. Cannonballs fell on either side of the rushing sprout.
Once again, William could detect a black form within the watery funnel. As it shifted to the left, sunlight shone through the sprays of water, and he glimpsed strands of swirling red hair. Palmer. William gnashed his teeth and dove. Talons stretched out, he closed in on the shifting spray. Droplets of salt water stung his eyes and splashed onto his scales. He closed the distance between them, and smiled at the victory within his grasp.
William exhaled fire into the swirling water, but the funnel suddenly sank into the ocean. Ready to yank out Palmer and tear into his flesh, he plunged into the sea. He swam around in circles, searching for Palmer. A school of bright colored fish swam by and a sea turtle hurried past him, but there was no sign of Palmer. Where the hell had he gone?
He burst out of the sea, water sliding off his scales, and soared to the Phoenix.
Water shot into the air behind the stern of the ship, and the blasted funnel emerged, twisting back and forth across the surface of the sea. Armed men braced themselves for what might burst forth. His foolish brave witch, Mariah, made her way through the crowd of angry pirates and faced the funnel with her wand and athame in hand.
His sword and pistol drawn, Ronan forced Mariah behind him. Thank the Lord! As much as William hated it, he knew his rival would protect her with his life.
William swooped into the swirling funnel, determined to snatch Palmer. Freezing air hit his face and rushed over his scales. He exhaled fire, but the dampness drenched the flame, changing it to black smoke. Blast it.
The tip of his nails grazed red strands of hair, and William curled his talons to seize clumps of his fiery mane. But Palmer jerked away and jumped through a wall of water. Icicles formed on William’s wings, making them too heavy to move, and he dropped toward the bottom of the funnel like an anchor.
“’Tis black magic. Get out while you still can.”
With a burst of energy, William forced his brittle wings to flap, battle the swooshing water, and puncture through the funnel wall. Hot tingles swept over him, and he shrieked. Against his will, his body contorted, bones and muscles shortening, and he changed into a man. He slammed onto the deck, knocking men to the ground.
Ignoring the grumbling of the men, he rolled to the side. Every muscle ached, and splinters dug into his flesh. He struggled to sit up, cursing. Strong hands lifted him off the deck. His legs shaky, he frowned. Palmer and Ronan faced each other, swords drawn.
Ronan narrowed his eyes. “Stay back. Palmer’s mine.”
Palmer smiled and lunged. Their swords clanged.
Men crowded in front of William, and he couldn’t find Mariah. Where was she?
Palmer beat upon Ronan’s sword again and again. Sweat leaked into Ronan’s determined eyes, and he gripped the handle with both hands. Odd, as Ronan was an expert swordsman. He knew better than to hold a sword like a novice. He blocked Palmer’s thrusts, but he was on the defensive, and Palmer forced him against the bulkhead. Palmer held up his hand, and chills sliced down William’s back. Evil magic. He could feel it. The sword jerked out of Ronan’s hands, and his eyes widened.
“Die, Ronan.” Palmer pricked the tip of the sword into Ronan’s throat, drawing blood.
Mariah darted through the men. “No!” Mariah lifted her wand and athame. “Mother Isis, stop him.”
The black handle on Palmer’s sword turned molten red, and he dropped it. “Bloody bitch.” He snagged her arm and shook her. “You’ll pay for that.”
“Damn it!” William shoved men out of his way. His wobbly legs collapsed, and he fell onto the deck. Someone hauled him to his feet. He peered up into Amadi’s concerned face. Amadi opened his mouth to say something, but before he could utter a word, William seized the pistol tucked inside his belt.
“What the hell?” Amadi growled.
William fired. Smoke swirled around the barrel of the pistol. Palmer cried out and staggered. A splash of crimson stained the back of his shirt. To William’s relief, Mariah broke free of his grasp. William wanted to rush over and pull her into his arms, but his strength failed him. The pistol clattered onto the
deck, and he fell onto his hands and knees, panting.
“Mon Dieu, William.” Mariah rushed over and wrapped her arms around his neck.
Palmer pulled out his pistol and aimed it at Mariah. He brushed off men who tried to restrain him and marched toward them. He was a deadly shot.
“Burn him.”
Not sure if he could in human form, William exhaled, and a stream of fire blasted on Palmer’s right side. His clothes burst into flames. Palmer released an unearthly shriek of pain as he was nearly consumed in crackling flames. The stench of burning flesh and hair reeked. Palmer waved his arms and beat at his body as if to put out the fire, but the fire burned brighter, blackening his skin. He danced around the ship, a red and yellow blur, and men darted out of the way, shielding their eyes from the radiating heat. Palmer leaped and smashed into the bulkhead, landed with a thud on the deck.
His heart beating wildly and his gut clenching, William turned his head at the black smoke and the smell of charred flesh rising from Palmer’s smoldering body. Shaking, he hated Palmer but seeing a man burn alive by his will, even an evil vampire, violated his honor.
Doc splashed water over Palmer and doused the flames. Palmer lay motionless, groaning.
Kane shoved men out of the way as he marched over to Palmer, sword raised over his head.
“Capitaine, no.” Mariah shook her head. “We need Palmer.”
“He’ll not tell the truth.” Kane aimed his sword. “No mercy for the man who killed my father and stole my woman. I’ve waited a long time to kill him.”
William held Kane’s angry gaze. “Kane, won’t you listen?”
“Killing Palmer will not bring Hannah back. We need to know their plans to save her, oui? I need to know Lark’s powers. Please.” William held his breath at her soft voice.
Doc rolled Palmer over. Mariah gasped, her face ashen. He couldn’t fault the horror in her expression. Palmer’s clothes had melted into his blackened skin, and half of his hair was gone, leaving a scorched skull.
Doc put his hand over his mouth. “I know you don’t care, Cap’n, but he’s done hurt bad.”
Kane lowered his sword. “He’ll heal. Take him below and leave him with his pain. If anything happens to Hannah, he’ll lose his head.” He pointed his sword at Mariah. “If she dies…”
William shoved Mariah behind him and forced himself to stand. Tingles swept over him. An urge to change into the dragon seized him, and puffs of smoke snorted out of his nose. He gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, forcing the transformation back. He refused to attack his distraught brother. “Leave her alone, Kane.”
Desperation flared in Kane’s eyes, and a vein in his temple throbbed. “Don’t threaten me, you eejit. I’m the bloody cap’n.”
William sighed. “I know. You’re not yourself.”
“Don’t test me brother.” Kane cast his gaze over him and frowned. “Put some bloody clothes on.”
“Where’s my Hannah?” Captain Justin Knight maneuvered through the crowd and clutched his cane with Solstice by his side. His face haggard and his eyes tired, he demanded, “What’s happened?”
“Captain Knight,” Palmer moaned. He motioned. “I have…a…message….about…Hannah,” he gasped. “To save…her—”
The scent of rotting flesh blew over William, and he wrinkled his nose at Palmer’s foul stench. Iciness gripped him, and he shivered. He sensed something, something vile.
Knight wobbled over to Palmer. “Hannah? What of her?”
“Come closer,” Palmer said, his eyes closed and his voice faded.
The iciness grew stronger, and William could see his exhaled breath. His stomach churned faster. Something was amiss. He grabbed Knight’s arm. “Stay back.”
Knight hit his arm with his cane, and William jerked back.
William rubbed his arm. “You damn fool.”
“Leave me alone. He knows where my Hannah is.” Knight hurried over to Palmer with the dog trailing behind him. Solstice sniffed and growled.
“He’s a liar.” Kane shook his head. “Don’t waste your time, Knight.”
Every hair bristled on the back of William’s neck. Evil was close. There was something inside Palmer’s breath. Men mumbled, and Kane scowled at Palmer, but none of them seemed to have the same sense of urgency as William did. Not even Mariah’s serene face shared his same growing fear. Why couldn’t anyone sense danger except the dog?
“Palmer, Tell me how to save her.” Knight’s voice pleading, he moved around Solstice and dropped to the deck next to Palmer.
The eerie sensation grew stronger. William grabbed Knight’s shoulder and pulled him back. “Get away from him.”
Knight slapped his hand. “Release me.”
“Listen to me.” William gripped his shoulder tighter. “Something’s not right.”
Palmer opened his eyes. “The warlock sends you a message, Knight.”
He opened his mouth, and blue smoke swirled and sailed up into Knight’s nose. Knight’s face paled, and his eyes rolled back into his head, Knight stiffened and fell back against William’s legs.
“Damn it.” William pushed his palms against Knight’s wide back. “Doc!”
Doc rushed forward and lifted Knight’s eyelids. “Take him to the crew’s quarters.”
Palmer chuckled, but his snort quickly turned to a hacking cough.
Kane jerked his arm. “Get Palmer out of here.”
William carried Knight down to the crew’s quarters. Knight had been so heavy when he’d first met him. Amadi could barely carry him. Now, the man was nothing but a heap of flesh and bones.
“Hang on, Knight.” William laid him gently onto a hammock. “Hannah needs you.”
His face drawn, Knight moaned. William cursed himself. He should have moved faster and yanked Knight away from Palmer instantly.
Doc put his hand over Knight’s mouth. “He’s breathing. Barely.”
First Hannah, and now her father. Damn it. Their enemies were leagues ahead and soon, all would be lost.
Mariah appeared and held a necklace with a purple stone in her hand. “Here, have him wear this.”
“A stone?” Doc wrinkled his brow. “How will this help?”
Concern flickered in her eyes. “The smoke he inhaled attacks the soul. ’Tis a healing stone, and it will help mend his broken heart.”
His little witch. Her magic had to win. William shrugged. “It won’t hurt, Doc.”
Doc mumbled, but he allowed Mariah to slip the chain over the man’s head. His pale color faded, and he inhaled.
She stroked Knight’s hair. “It will take time to heal.”
Solstice plopped down below Knight’s hammock and whined. William knelt and petted her head. “You knew something was wrong, too, didn’t you girl?”
“You sensed it, oui?” Mariah ran her fingers through William’s hair.
He trembled at her soft touch, and would never tire of her caress, her scent.
Kane hurried over to Mariah and clasped her shoulders. “Do you think ’tis true? Has Hannah been taken to Coaybay?”
William understood Kane’s anguish. His throat thickened at being helpless to ease his brother’s pain. He’d be going out of his mind if Palmer had taken Mariah and handed her over to the demons. Lord knew what was happening to Hannah. He wanted to tell Kane that his woman would be fine, that Zuto wouldn’t torture her, but it would be a lie.
Chapter 24
Mariah hung her head, avoiding le capitaine’s wild eyes. “I cannot lie to you. Oui, I fear Lark will take Hannah to Coaybay.”
He shook her, and her teeth rattled. “Use your magic. Find her.” He nodded to Capitaine Knight. “You helped her father.”
“Kane,” William growled. “Stop shaking her.”
Kane immediately stopped. Mariah’s arms throbbed where he had dug his fingers into her flesh. She stole a sideways glance to Capitaine Knight who lay in the hammock, his face pale and sweaty. She had slowed the spell down, but he needed to fight
the incantation to heal. The poor man must be giving into evil, thinking his daughter had been taken to hell.
They were losing.
“Then you find her, you overgrown lizard.” Kane shoved William. “You both come aboard my ship and tell me to hunt for her blasted brother. And now, Hannah is missing. I hold you both responsible.”
Mariah’s heart bled for le capitaine. “We will find her.” He was riddled with pain. A man desperate to do anything to save the woman he loved.
He slammed his fist into the wall. “Then go find her, damn it.”
Sean Mallory looked at Kane with pitiless disgust. “Are you done?”
“Done? Done with what?”
“Acting like an out of control milksop.”
“I’m—”
“Aye, you are. You’re the captain.’Tis time you started acting like one.” His icy voice seemed to calm le capitaine.
Kane ran his hand through his hair. “Hannah. She could be dead.” For such a strong man, his voice shook and tears glistened in his eyes.
Mariah lifted her chin. “She’s not dead. I would feel it if she were.”
He frowned. “How?”
“She has magic. Different than mine. But magic, nonetheless. And magic shifts when a light goes out.”
Kane’s face brightened. “Then you can find her.”
“Black magic veils her. I will need to conjure a spell and I might be able to locate her.”
“There’s another way, cap’n.” Ronan leaned against the mast.
“How?”
“Palmer.”
Kane shook his head. “He’ll not talk.”
“Not willingly. But there are ways to make him confess.”
“Torture?”
He lifted an eyebrow. “You’d rather have Hannah killed?”
“He’s been in league with demons, Ronan. What possible thing could I do that would make him talk? Besides, torture only makes a man more determined to prevail over his enemies. I won’t resort to it.”
Mariah didn’t like the idea of torture, even someone as foul as Palmer. “I need time, Capitaine.”
