by H. L. Burke
Pushing open the door at the end of the hall, he inhaled the cool night air. The distant crash of breakers against the shore urged him to quicken his pace.
Stars flickered overhead. Calen had long ago discovered that his curse came with the advantage of increased night vision. Or perhaps that was just the nature of his life, spending so much time alone in darkness. Even with no moon, he could make out the shapes of the trees and the general rise and fall of the land.
The sand sank underfoot as Calen reached the beach. He sat down to remove his sandals then flexed his toes in the sand. Warmth still clung to the individual grains, even hours after sunset.
I haven’t seen any sign of other folk since my last episode. Perhaps I can risk a walk in the sun tomorrow.
The wind whipped over the sand. Calen shivered, wishing he’d thought to bring a cloak. Movement would get his blood flowing. His eyes half-closed, he began to run, guided by his memory of the oft trod shores. His footfalls blended with the rhythm of the sea.
A trace of smoke tickled his nose, and he slowed then stopped. His heart pounded. Taking several deep breaths to calm himself, he scanned the beach. A pinpoint of light shone orange in the distance. A campfire? His chest tightened in panic. Who could be out here?
Calen turned and started in the other direction.
Yellow lights flickered like cat’s eyes in the darkness, hurrying up the beach the way he had just come.
Desperate, he whirled away from the sea, even though he was less familiar with the terrain and navigating it in the dark would be risky.
More wavering lights.
Voices joined the lights. Someone cried out, “I see him!” and as if in response, a shudder cut up Calen’s spine.
This is a trap. Oh gods, I don’t want to hurt anyone.
The shudder grew into an earthquake, forcing him to his belly. He convulsed. His skin hardened and scabbed, his spine stretched and bent, and he screamed in agony.
Panic surged through him, turning the voices into the cries of angry hunters. He could feel the sand beneath his scales. His tongue flicked in and out, bringing with it the scents of the sea. The faint trace of warm blood within the approaching men taunted him, calling to him, tempting him to feed. Hunger rose in his belly. Bestial desires urged him to taste flesh, to gorge, to tear into his pursuers and make them his prey.
No, friend or foe, they are men. I'm a man, not a beast. I won't do it. Flee. I must flee.
With the last scrap of his human intelligence, he slithered into the water and sank beneath the pounding waves. Then everything was water and instinct. Calen was gone. The serpent was all.
***
Laidra slipped from her cabin, her arms close to her body and her head lowered in an attempt to be small and inconspicuous. Goosebumps tickled her arms, and even though the sky was dark, she felt certain someone would catch her at any moment. She could hear the sailors laughing and talking at the far end of the deck. Struggling to control her frantic breathing and pounding heart, she eased behind a group of water barrels and peeked over. Gan stood slightly behind a knot of sailors who surrounded two men playing knucklebones. No sign of Volen. Perhaps he’d gone to his cabin to lie down.
One of the men tossed the bones across the wooden deck. The others cheered. Yes, with Gan's men distracted, she felt she had a chance. It was best to hurry before that changed. Laidra slunk away.
She reached the stern and gazed over the side. In the moonless night, the dark sea seemed to fade into emptiness. The water and sky were endless yet confining, ready to swallow her up. Shuddering, she almost turned back.
Trying to gather her courage, she stood at the rail imagining the world she could see and the people she could heal if only she could make it safely off the ship. As if to discourage her, the wind whipped against her face like the slap of a cold hand. Her hood abandoned her head, and salt-mist stung her eyes.
Something scraped against the side of the boat. Laidra dropped to her hands and knees and scrambled behind a pile of coiled ropes. A long, narrow appendage, vine-like and glistening green in the torchlight, draped over the rail. Tapering to a point and covered with scales, it looked like the tail of a massive snake.
She clapped her hand over her mouth to hold back a scream. Then she blinked. Instead of the coil, fingers gripped the side of the ship, then a hand, then arms that hoisted up a torso and dripping head of black hair.
Her heart blocked her throat as Prince Volen pulled himself onto the deck and shook, dislodging a spray of water from his bare skin. She averted her eyes, and when she looked again, he’d wrapped a swath of cloth about his hips like a kilt. His dark skin shone in the torchlight, highlighting a jagged scar from his shoulder to his breastbone. Water pooled about his feet. For a moment, she thought his eyes glowed green. Then he turned towards the laughing sailors at the bow.
Laidra pulled her cloak close about her. Her whole body trembled until she feared the deck beneath her would shake and give her away.
Just imagination. What was he doing in the water, though?
She edged forward, more determined than ever to get off the ship. Earlier, she’d scoped out the ship under the pretense of getting a breath of fresh air and found the raft, a square of wooden boards with a single sail, barely large enough to lie across, tied with a line behind the ship. She could vaguely make out its outline, bobbing in the boat’s wake.
Getting aboard would be tricky. Curse me, why didn’t I ever learn to swim? Of course, it isn’t as if I’ve ever been around a pool of water deeper than a pig trough.
Laidra gripped the line that fastened the raft to the ship. It tore into her hands, rough and damp. She tugged, trying to get the raft closer, but the drag of the ship strained her arms.
The laughter died. Someone shouted, and feet pounded against the deck. Laidra froze. Had they seen her?
With a whoosh of flame, the signal brazier at the bow flared to life, casting a wide circle of light around the vessel.
“Do you see it?” a man called.
“No, but I saw the signal from the island. It’s heading towards us.”
“Drop anchor and arm yourselves.” Gan’s voice rose above the chaos.
Laidra hurried to conceal herself behind some crates. The ship halted its forward momentum, rocking gently in the sea’s embrace. With fewer shadows in which to hide, Laidra began to pray. Something hit the stern with a muffled thud. Hazarding a look over the rail, she sighted the raft. No longer pulled by the ship, it drifted against the stern, the line slack.
With a deep breath, Laidra scrambled over the rail and jumped to the raft below. She landed in a crouch, skinning her palms on the rough boards. The raft sank slightly with her added weight, bounced a few times, then settled to a gentle rise and fall along with the waves. She gripped the mast to pull herself upright, unsteady on the rocking surface.
Her numb fingers struggled with the line. It sliced into her skin, the sea salt stinging the wounds. Finally, she managed to work it free. A wooden pole with a metal hook on the end hung from a peg on the mast. With this, she pushed off.
Relief flowed through her as the raft drifted from the larger vessel.
How do I work this sail?
She fiddled with the cords holding the sail close to the mast. It unfurled faster than she expected and caught the wind with a jerk. Laidra clutched the mast and held on. Realizing it was propelling her straight for the ship, she pushed with her pole.
“Is that it? Is it coming?” a sailor, one of the younger ones judging by the pitch, shrieked.
“No, that’s just a shadow.” Volen's voice was calm, but held a hint of eagerness. “Trust me, when you see the serpent, you’ll know it.”
The raft slipped alongside the vessel, but from the shadows, all the sailors were at the other rail, staring into the water.
Something thrashed in the sea, faint, but closer than Laidra would’ve liked.
“By the gods!”
Volen chuckled. “See, unmistakable.
”
“It’s huge!”
“Get the princess,” Gan ordered.
Laidra cringed. Not yet! She hadn't had time to get far enough away. Still within the circle of light, she felt exposed. Her knees knocked together so hard she feared she'd pitch from the safety of the raft. Her hand strayed beneath her tunic to clutch the opal. Please, unnamed god, for every prayer I’ve given at the foreigners’ shrine, prove to me you care, don’t let them bring me back to that ship.
A gust of wind hit the sail as if it were a whip snapping at a mule's flank. The raft leapt forward, crossing out of the pool of light into the darkness.
“Sire! She’s gone!” a voice, now distant, yelled. “The princess’s cabin is empty.”
A bestial roar rose from the ship. “Find her!”
As if in response, a rasping cry rose from the water. Laidra stared through the darkness. The light-touched waters around the ship churned. Coils of green, easily as broad as a full-grown man, looped above the surface. A crest of black spikes stuck out from the glinting scales. The cry rang out again over the waves and the shouts of the men. Her pulse hammered into her skull. Don't let it see me. Please, please, don't let it see me.
“To arms!” Volen shouted.
“No, we can’t kill it. Hoist anchor!”
A howling wind rose up on the sea, driving the raft farther from the ship. The tiny craft crested a wave then crashed into another trough. Laidra yelped. She wrapped herself around the mast. The cries of the sailors faded against the roar of the ocean.
What was I thinking? I’m going to die out here. If not eaten by a sea serpent, then drowned by my own stupidity.
The raft spun and shook. Bile rose in Laidra’s mouth. She retched, spewing her last meal over the boards. Salt spray crashed over her raft, chasing away the vile smell of her vomit, but soaking her. Her robe clung to her skin. Even with several layers of cloth about her body, the cold chewed at her bones.
Well, I said I’d rather be drowned than eaten. Looks like I might get my wish.
Afraid the waves would push her from the relative safety of the raft, she removed her cloak, twisted it into a thick rope, and lashed herself to the mast. She shivered.
So many ways to die. Too cold, no idea how to steer, could drown, could parch, could starve. At least it’s on my terms.
Laidra sank to the deck, the cloak-rope sliding with her. Her thin tunic stuck uncomfortably to her body.
The waves rose and fell around her. In the distance, a pinpoint of light flashed. The moon? No, too low and too orange. Some sort of beacon. A lighthouse perhaps? It could mean land, and land meant hope, but with the constant pitching of the waves, she couldn’t tell if she was headed towards it or away from it.
Her vision adjusted to the darkness. The waves were a shade darker than the sky with its distant, unfeeling stars. Exhausted and with no ability to control her tiny vessel, she crumpled. Her stomach flopped about like a dying fish. She spit bile and closed her eyes.
A crash jerked her awake. Something jolted the raft. Her makeshift rope gave way, and Laidra went flying. She hit the sea with a scream. She clawed at the water only to sink beneath it. Brine burned her nose. Laidra let out a stream of bubbles and kicked. Her head broke the surface. Gasping air, she shouted. A wave grabbed her like a hand and lobbed her against something hard. Ribs bruised, she lost what little air she'd sucked in. Her hands scraped slimy, weed-covered rock.
Land?
Not enough of it. Waves pounded against her. She managed to hold on, clinging to a narrow ledge like a barnacle. The sea washed over her, each wave like a breath in followed by a breath out, each threatening to scrape her from her refuge. Her teeth knocked together, cold seeping through her drenched garments like icy fingers. Raising her voice, she shouted for help.
I can’t be far from some sort of land. Someone has to hear me. Oh gods, please let someone hear me!
Chapter Six
Calen exploded from the water, sucking air. He flailed briefly before his mind cleared.
The beach … strange men … torches … the curse …
He shook his head and allowed himself to float on the surface. It was hard to determine how long the curse had held him in its grasp. The sky was still jet black, though the sprinkling of stars had grown in brilliance. Not long after midnight, he suspected. Whoever had triggered the episode, and for whatever reason, was gone now. Perhaps he’d simply swam until he escaped scrutiny.
The light tower flashed to his left, allowing him to orient himself. Though he was a strong swimmer, he needed to get back to shore before he tired. He propelled himself in the direction of his island refuge.
Hopefully the men are gone. This doesn’t bode well. People should be avoiding my island, not hunting me on it.
Another light shimmered on the horizon like a candle in the sky. Calen smiled. His guardian had lit the beacon atop the castle. Keeping one eye on the beacon, he cut through the water with powerful strokes.
“Help! Some—please—me!”
Calen’s heart skipped. He treaded water and listened. The voice was faint, almost indiscernible over the pounding of the distant breakers. Perhaps he’d imagined it.
“Help!” the voice rose in pitch and desperation.
It came from the outcropping of rocks near the entrance to the cove. Why would someone be there? Even the few local sailors who dared to come near the island knew to keep away from those rocks.
He hesitated. It was still dark enough that he should be able to approach the person without triggering the curse. However, it was risky. If they saw him and the curse took over, he could hurt the very person he intended to help.
It’s not like I can go get help, though. What if this is a trap?
He changed his trajectory towards the rocks. The breakers rumbled as he approached, but the surf had calmed. Over the crash, the cry rang out again, “Someone, please help! I can’t swim!”
Calen raised an eyebrow. Then why are you in the ocean?
“Please! I don’t—I don’t want to die.” Something in the voice grabbed him by the throat. It was high and sweet, like a mix of birdsong and wind whispering through the reeds.
Oh gods. It’s a girl.
His heart drummed, but he steadied his breathing. The ocean pulsed around him like a living thing. As familiar as it was to him, it was still powerful and unpredictable. He'd have to act fast or the girl would be lost in it.
The rocks stood out in dark patches, washed with the white of seafoam as breakers rushed over them. The girl wore some sort of pale material, but in the darkness she was little more than a blur against a field of black. Good. If that’s what I can see, I should be nearly invisible to her.
Not wanting to startle her, he called out, “I can hear you! I’m coming. Just hold on!”
“Please, hurry! I can’t feel my hands anymore.”
He powered through the dark water. The surf pushed him up against the rock beside her. She faced him, and in spite of his confidence in the darkness, he flinched.
“No, don’t turn around.” He pulled himself higher on the rock then slipped his arms around her, her back to his chest. “What are you doing out here?”
“It’s a long story.” Her teeth knocked together. Her wet clothes clung to her body, waterlogged and heavy.
“Well, just relax, all right? The limper you are, the easier it will be to get you to shore. Can you lean back against me?”
“Yes.”
He stiffened as her hands felt for and found his shoulders.
She slipped her arms around his neck then pulled away with a gasp. “Are you naked?”
“Sorry.” Calen flushed then frowned. “I didn’t expect to find anyone out here tonight. If you’re going to be squeamish about it, I guess I can go get something to wear and come back.”
“No!” Her hold on him tightened. “I’m sorry, it’s just—”
“Yeah, I know. Awkward.” He cleared his throat before wrapping his arm around her chest.
“Like I said, try to relax. I’ll get you to land.” But what then? How long till dawn?
The girl went limp. Calen kicked off the rock as the water swept away and began to furiously backstroke towards shore. The water lapped against them. She whimpered, her body stiffening.
“Settle down,” he soothed. “We’ll be on dry land before you know it.”
“What about the monster? I saw it from the ship. It was terrible, long as a tree and thick as a man. If it’s out here, it could swallow us whole.”
He grimaced. “It’s not, and it won't.”
“How do you know?”
“Do you think I’d be out here swimming if it was? Just lie still. You’re safe with me.” And somehow he believed it. The darkness surrounded them like a blanket. With the water supporting her, she felt light in his arms, barely a burden.
“What’s your name?” she asked.
“Huh?” He started, his hold on her loosening.
“Name. Mine’s Laidra. What do I call you?”
“Calen.”
“Do you often swim in the middle of the night?”
He snorted. “You’re lucky that I do.”
She subsided.
Did I hurt her feelings? I’ve never talked with a girl before. Supposedly they’re sensitive. How did she even get out here? Oh gods, what if she was on a ship that wandered into my path? What if I attacked it? He needed to know. “Did you survive a shipwreck? Is that why you’re out here?”
“Not exactly.” Laidra cleared her throat. “My raft hit the rocks, but I don’t think you could call that a shipwreck, really. I said it was a long story, but the short version is they were going to try and feed me to the sea monster. I didn’t want to get eaten, so I escaped on a raft and ended up here.”
Calen’s stomach twisted. “Who was going to feed you to the monster?”
“You—you probably won’t believe me.”
“Try me.”