Pirate Lord Page 13

  They had debated leaving the children back at the Island. Argued was a much better word for it. Tristan thought they’d be safer on land, but Lily didn’t like the idea of leaving them there, with Merek so close by. And she didn’t know who she’d leave to babysit – who of their crew would be left behind…they needed all of them. It wasn’t like the kids hadn’t been on board for fighting before. If luck was on their side there wouldn’t be much fighting to be done.

  Irena squirmed in her grasp as Lily shouldered her way out of the meet room doors, but she kept hold of her. The breeze was colder today, but the fresh salt-filled scent of it woke her up, focused her mind. Irena stilled and focused on something behind Lily. The captain hesitated for only a moment, before taking a good guess, “Eli.”

  “Captain.”

  Irena smiled and wriggled once again, demanding to be put down. This time Lily obeyed, and watched her toddle off across the deck.

  Eli looked after her, silently coming to Lily’s side. “She looks more and more like you every day.”

  “Really? I think she’s Tristan all over.” Lily sighed, “Any news?”

  “Captain Kilrot, Captain Verta, and Captain Hril have already responded to the messages Tristan sent out – they will aid us. Their ships are on their way as we speak.”

  “How many are they sending?”

  “Forty.”

  “That little?”

  “There are many others who are yet to answer.”

  “Do we have any idea yet the size of the force that we’ll face?”

  Eli shook his head, “I’ll tell you as soon as I hear anything.”

  “It’s not that.” Lily forced her expression to remain neutral, though he saw through her, as he always did.

  “But there is something bothering you. Tell me.”

  “Why do you stay with us Eli – why do you take orders from me?”

  “I knew a woman like you – a long time ago. She was fierce, a furious and unrelenting storm. She too was a born leader. I’d never met a female like her before, she fascinated me.”

  “A past lover?”

  “Oh gods no – she was already very much claimed. And I would have been completely idiotic to challenge her partner, he was arguably stronger willed than she was. Besides, I was young then – by our standards. Still, I admired her, as I admire you Tigerlily.”

  “So you follow me because you admire me?”

  “Yes. I’ve lived for a long time now Lily, I’ve seen a lot. One thing I know is that leaders should be people that are easy to respect. I find you easy to respect and so I follow you, and I will do so until you have no use left for me.”

  “How much longer will you live?”

  “No one can answer that Lily, not even the Princes of the Wastes. I am grateful for it.”

  “Why don’t you just go it alone? Why follow anyone at all?”

  “I’ve done that before as well, but I’ve learnt I prefer to follow rather than lead. I am better when I have someone to answer to.”

  “Would you answer to Roselyn?”

  He went silent for a moment, surveying the horizon. “You’re getting off topic again.”

  “Am I?”

  Eli grinned, “Why do I fascinate you so much Tigerlily? Let’s talk about that.”

  “Oh I don’t know, because you’re thousands of years old, though you look like you’re barely into your twenties, you’re from a country that doesn’t even exist anymore, you’ve seen countless generations and cultures pass you by…”

  “Anything else?”

  “I like having you around.”

  They both slipped into companionable silence, both gazing out over the waves, the rippling surface that caught the light, the glittering rays that bounced from it, or slipped under the waves, giving a glimpse of the world below.

  ~

  Crag Rock was a sticky city, the humid air thick and moist, clinging to your clothes. Lily felt in dire need of a bath already. The kids were loving exploring a new place, and even Irena was laughing and scooting in and out of the market stalls that lined the main bridge. The people, despite their reputation, were really friendly, and just chuckled as the kids caused chaos, tossing them fruit and little trinkets. Lily tried to pay for them, but the stall owners only shook their heads and smiled. Like Crescent Bay, the people here were a mishmash of cultures. Pirate bays were always like that, they were one of the few places that were accepting of anyone, no matter what they looked like.

  The buildings were all painted terracotta, a hue that came from the coral coloured stone that made up most of the area. The hook-like rock that formed the tip of the bay was visible from anywhere in the city, thanks to the fact that here they built up rather than out. It was to this landmark that the larger ships moored, rope bridges leading to the paths that snaked along the cliffs. Most of the main streets in the city were rope bridges, the houses built one atop the other to make the most of the limited space available.

  The main town had been at sea level once, but over the years it had flooded and been forced to move higher and higher up. Now most of the houses were built into and atop the cliffs and rocks that dominated the terrain. The old city still existed, drowned beneath the waves. At low tide the tips of the roofs could be seen poking out from the water, as if reaching up to escape their wet tomb.

  Irena suddenly stopped and stared down the street.

  “What is it?”

  Irena said nothing, but raised her arm and pointed.

  Lily followed the direction she indicated, and her heart stopped. Irena moved, as if breaking from a trance, smiled, and ran over to another stall the twins were exploring.

  Lily didn’t pay her any notice, she just stared at the figure Irena had pointed out. Her again. Lily’s legs began to shake, but she forced them into a run.

  She heard Kilo’s shouts from behind her, but didn’t answer him, didn’t turn around. She didn’t even dare to blink. The figure retreated, and slipped down an alley between the towering buildings. Lily skidded to a halt as she reached the entrance, peering into the gloom. There was no one there. Lily swore to herself, and hurried back to Kilo and the children.

  “What was all that about?”

  “Nothing. I thought I saw someone that’s all.” It had been happening more recently, seeing her, though Lily was not sure of the cause, perhaps just her own fears about becoming the Pirate Lord’s pet. It was probably just a figment of her imagination. Lily kept telling herself that anyway. She narrowed her eyes at Irena. She’d seen her too. So maybe Lily wasn’t as crazy as she’d thought. Or her daughter was as crazy as she was. The thought wasn’t exactly comforting.

  ~

  Roselyn slipped as the ship twisted to the side, losing her footing entirely. Before she could hit the deck she was grabbed by Eli. He righted her with one arm, then just continued on walking past with only his easy smile serving as greeting and farewell. She stared after him.

  How could Lily have thought there was anything there? If they did actually talk they seemed unable to avoid competitive banter. But it didn’t stop her from wanting to talk to him. She was intrigued by him, that much she’d admit, but there was nothing romantic in it, she just saw that there was more to him than there seemed. Roselyn hadn’t figured out what it was yet though. He tended to keep his shoulders a little bowed – but this did not strike her as his natural posture, more that he did it on purpose. She’d noticed him straighten up when he thought it was just him and Lily. Perhaps it was out of habit, an introversion to keep attention off of him, to disguise his true height, the strength in his shoulders. Eli always seemed to be checking who was watching him, who was nearby. He moved silently, a talent that he must have been taught, for no one moved like that naturally. He kept watch over Lily, had every trait of a personal guard, but then there was that carefree smile, a smile that was at odds with everything else in his character. She’d watched him joking around with the crew, playing with the wolf pups, expertly tying down ropes and swingin
g himself up the rigging. He was like a chameleon, everywhere he was, he fit in, just like that, like he slipped into a different skin. He was always aware, always watching. She chewed at the inside of her cheek.

  Stopping at Crag Rock had proved a wise decision, the Wolves had found much of their Pack lingering there, sampling the pleasures that the town had to offer. It was a horrid city, crowded, dirty and constantly clouded with a wet humid mist that seemed to cling to your body even after leaving. Lily had admitted she felt the same; they’d both scrubbed themselves thoroughly on arriving back at Hunter. Roselyn had been surprised when Lily left her to watch the children while she bathed, until Eli had strode through the meet room doors and flopped onto the back bench, his lip quirking as she glared at him, unable to hide her contempt. She could at least be trusted to watch three children, couldn’t she? She knew she was an assassin, but she’d never hurt children. Besides, she didn’t kill without a contract.

  Eli flicked his dreadlocks out of his face and wrapped his arm around a rope, hauling on it and directing the sail that swung at his insistence. He’d discarded his shirt, which was not like him, and Roselyn had a perfect view of his back, the muscles that swelled, the beads of sweat that trailed down his spine, the two dimples on his lower back just above his waistband.

  Her face was burning up.

  She swore and turned back to the view, Crag Rock disappearing into the distance, its shoreline busy with ships. A fair trail of them now followed in Hunter’s wake. More had confirmed they would hurry to the Pirate Lord’s shores, courtesy of Tristan’s messages. So things were looking good. In Roselyn’s experience that normally meant something was bound to go wrong.

  Merek would be pleased at least that his plan was all fitting into place. She hadn’t expected it to be so easy to befriend Lily. Nor that she’d actually feel something for her in return. They understood each other. Roselyn hadn’t imagined that happening when Merek had described Lily to her. He had warned her that she was more than she seemed though.

  Her heart ached as she remembered the way Merek had tucked her hair back behind her ear, the way he had leaned in, the concern in his face. She’d thought he was going to kiss her, but he’d just been teasing, as he always did. Merek liked the effect he had upon her, he liked to watch how she crumbled under his attentions. She knew there was nothing more to it than that. But it was still hard. Her nails dug into her palm as she gripped her hand into a fist. There was still the battle, and she still had a job to do.

  ~

  Every ship that crossed their path seemed to be a member of the Pack. Lily knew it was all going far too well. They’d had replies from most of their allies, the majority of whom had agreed to come to the call and were sailing as fast as their ships could carry them towards the Island’s shores, to await the directions of Hunter and the Wolves. They would wait outside the labyrinth and if the enemy armada arrived earlier than expected, they would serve as a barricade. Lily glared at the scribbled notes she’d been making, battle plans, random thoughts that plagued her. She found it helped to write it down, get it out of her head. She had enough voices in there as it was.

  The majority of the crew were sparring today. Training was never really scheduled, it was just a bit of fun really, the crew could mess around with whatever weapons they fancied, spar against their comrades, only a few of them were taking it seriously. Still, every little would help in the upcoming battle. Roselyn was watching from the side, her attention fixed on Eli.

  Lily smiled to herself even as Tristan swooped in behind her, gripping her waist and grazing his lips against her neck. He wiped the thin layer of sweat from his brow, slipping his sword back into his belt. He’d been fighting Jim – his favourite opponent for sparring. Having known Jim since he was a child, it was probably nice for him to now be able to treat him as a man, as an equal. Tristan was proud of how Jim had grown up. Though he never admitted it, Lily believed he thought of Jim as his first child. He headed for Roselyn, so Lily followed.

  “Want a turn Roselyn?” he asked, his brow quirking, his eyes gleaming.

  “I’m fine looking, thanks.”

  I’m sure you are. Lily managed to contain her snort, though she couldn’t keep back the smirk.

  “What training have you had with weaponry?”

  Roselyn gave Tristan a devilish grin “Plenty.” She knocked his pistol out of its holster with little more than a flick of her wrist. The assassin grinned, spinning it into her palm, and heard the click of the trigger the instant before the barrel was pressed against her forehead. Roselyn snorted, glaring at Lily from the corner of her eye. She hadn’t even seen the captain move. Lily’s face didn’t flicker, nor did she lower her gun from Roselyn’s temple.

  “Twitchy, Captain? I just wanted a look at it.” Roselyn flicked open the barrel and tipped out the lead. “No danger here.”

  Lily lowered her pistol, cocking her head, “Liar.”

  Roselyn smiled, dismantling the gun and reassembling it within seconds. Then she held it out hilt first back to Tristan. “All yours.” He snatched it out of her hand, offering one finger in reply. “Not a bad make for a pirate crew.”

  “I don’t remember anyone asking for your opinion.”

  Roselyn flinched, but refused to turn around. Eli was right behind her. So close that she could feel his breath against the back of her neck. Either she was getting rusty, or he and Lily weren’t human. No one could sneak up on her.

  “Flashy. But he means for actual battle – not stabbing in the dark and the shadows.” Lily said.

  The assassin shrugged, “What’s so hard? Stick them with the pointy end, it’s all the same.”

  Tristan burst out into laughter and Lily smiled faintly, “Ah, you got this.”

  Lily continued smiling as she slotted into place beside Roselyn, leaning against the balustrade.

  Tristan turned in the other direction, slipping his sword silently from his belt. His walk transitioned into a mock stealth crawl, sliding himself up to the mast and hiding himself behind it. The twins faces lit up as they realised what their dad was up to. They nodded to each other and Kris disappeared up the rigging. Lily caught Roselyn watching out of the corner of her eye.

  “It’s not Kris you need to keep your eye on.” She whispered, nodding her head in the direction Jon had vanished.

  Tristan meanwhile was making a great show of searching the main deck, loudly and dramatically. The crew made sure to keep out of his way, a few of them stopping to watch, laughing at Tristan’s exaggerated gasps and exclamations. Lily pressed her foot down on a board she had learnt made a horrible creak when trod on in the right spot, causing Tristan to jump around, his sword outstretched. He glared at her as he realised what she had done, and threw a vulgar gesture at her before continuing his prowl.

  Lily laughed, “They’ve played this since they were tiny. I bet he thought he’d get the better of them now they’re on a new ship – but they learn things quicker than I do.”

  “DISARM!” Jon appeared from somewhere in the shadows, leaping over an abandoned crate and launching himself at his father. His sword met Tristan’s, flicking the blade out of his dad’s grasp. Tristan just grinned, and twirled away from Jon before he could grab him, only to have Kris land in front of him, blade outstretched.

  “Surrender, or feel the cold of my steel.”

  “I have got to teach you some better lines.”

  “Yours aren’t much more advanced I’m afraid Tristan. In fact I think the twins could teach you a thing or two.” Lily called out over the deck.

  Tristan pouted, “You do realise I let them win, don’t you?”

  “Of course darling. Now boys, playtime is over, its Mummy’s turn.”

  Both boys met her with a stare that would unsettle even the most seasoned pirate, left their captured father unattended, and stalked over to Lily.

  She pulled her sword from its sheath. “Remember what I taught you last time. Ready?”

  “Always, Ma.” Jon and
Kris grinned wider as she took up her stance, and waited for them to get close enough.

  Jon was the first to attack, but she blocked his parry, spinning to send him off balance, back away from her. Kris dove in, but again she saw him coming, their blades met with a crash, and she ran her sword the length of his before managing to knock him back. Lily spun her head around in time to see Jon already back up and heading for her. A furious crash of blades followed, Jon just about managing to block her attacks and knock her blade enough to send back a few of his own. Kris interfered, and Lily took them both on, spinning from one to the other in movements that were so swift and faultless they looked choreographed.

  Her hair whipped around, seeming to catch fire as it caught the sun, bright russet highlights appearing in her brunette mane. Kris fumbled and Lily knocked the sword out of his hand, sending it spinning across the deck. Chop stamped on the blade, halting it in its tracks.

  Most of the others had now stopped to watch the twins take on their mother. Roselyn got the impression that it was the norm for this spectacle.

  Lily advanced on Jon, who met her eyes with a determined expression, holding off the first of her blows before managing to slap his blade against her wrist. Lily’s lip twitched, then she ducked, flicked her leg around, and sent her son crashing to the ground.

  Lily panted, her chest expanding as she breathed deeply. She lay the flat of her blade against Jon’s neck. “Dead.”

  Roselyn stared stunned as Jon broke out into a broad grin and gripped the hand that Lily held out for him. She ruffled his hair and planted a kiss on his brow before striding over to Chop, collecting Kris’ fallen blade, and handing it back to its owner. She crouched before him, speaking quietly to him for a while, then stroked his cheek and gripped his shoulder warmly.

  Kris skipped back to Jon’s side, the crew went back to their exercises, Tristan scooped up Jon and dangled him by an ankle, sending him into fits of laughter, and sending Kris demanding the same treatment, and little Irena appeared from wherever she’d been causing trouble, grabbing onto her mother’s leg as she reached her.