Taken With A Grain Of Salt (Salt Series Book 2)

by Aaron Galvin

  A Common Seal dove in front of him.

  That’s Tieran. Kellen gave a flick of his hind flippers and followed. He found the water around twenty feet deep and followed Tieran under a rock ledge, then through a series of tunnels that progressively narrowed. Then, Tieran shot upward unexpectedly.

  Kellen felt his seal body react accordingly, his former speed tugging his lower half under him as he twisted his snake-like neck and turned his nose up to follow. He thought it crazy how he would have missed the opening had it not been for Tieran.

  The waters lightened as he rose to the surface and Kellen gave one last swoosh of his hind flippers to jolt him out of the water. His wet body slid along the cavern floor and he found himself near powerless to stop without hands to grab hold of anything.

  He blinked at the dark as another seal careened into him.

  Kellen lost control and snapped at the other animal before he regained mastery of his seal mind.

  Light flickered in the corner.

  Kellen watched Tieran approach in human form, bearing a newly lit torch.

  “Open your mouth.”

  Kellen obeyed and felt his seal lip tugged back as the changes reversed. Moments later, he stood on his human legs. “Tieran, how did you do that?”

  “Do wha’?”

  “Why can you change on your own, but I can’t?”

  “I’m a free man, aren’t I?” Tieran answered as he loosed Marrero of his Salt form. “The pair of you are just a couple slaves. Even Selkie suits know that.”

  “But how?” Kellen asked. “You act like they can think for themselves.”

  “Look, pup. I dunno how the suits work. How they know. You figure that out, you let ol’ Tieran know. Might be we’d make some monies.”

  “Whoa…” said Marrero. “Kell, check this place out.”

  Kellen looked around the room, noticing the natural grandeur of it for the first time. The ceiling domed over them with brilliant emerald geodes that caught the light of Tieran’s torch. Silver veins lined the walls like they carried the cavern’s lifeblood.

  Tieran ventured to the far corner, near stacks of food stores—salted meats, cheeses, and kegs of various ales and wines. Medieval weaponry hung from wooden racks next to a shelf of folded garments.

  “Are those Selkie suits?” Kellen asked.

  “Aye.” Tieran broke off a hunk of cheese and downed it. “The Lord Master likes to collect ‘em. Who knows…might be it’s time for ol’ Tieran to switch this rag of mine out. If I can talk Ishmael into helping me change coats, that is.”

  Kellen watched Tieran pilfer more of the food stores. Then he looked on the weaponry and found himself drawing closer to the killing tools

  We could take him. Kellen touched the hilt of a sword. Me and Marrero. Double-team Tieran, kill him, and wait out in here until the Orcs leave.

  Kellen heard water splash behind him. He released the sword hilt and stepped away upon seeing Ishmael pull himself from the pool. Kellen watched Ishmael’s lower half change from shark tail to human legs as easily as slipping off a pair of pants.

  He won’t be as easy to kill. Kellen noted as Ishmael wandered over to join Tieran.

  “Nice of the Crayfish to provide while we wait, eh boys?”

  Kellen watched both his captors each open a bottle of wine and salute one another before tipping them back. He studied the scars on Ishmael’s body, saw the whip dangling at Tieran’s side. Kellen looked down at the Crayfish emblem branded across his left hand.

  Now’s not the time to make your move, Kelly. He flexed his hand and felt pain flare up his forearm. Not yet.

  “To your boldness”—Ishmael grinned in a way that stoked Kellen’s anger anew—“and the monies you’ll bring me.”

  Not yet. Kellen studied the necks of his captors as they drank down their cups. But soon…

  GARRETT

  Garrett stared up at the Crayfish emblem hung from the tops of his four-post bed. He willed his body to grant him more tears, but it had nothing left to give. He passed the time counting the cheers and applause echoing through his window.

  He didn’t care what they cheered for, wishing only that it continued so he wouldn’t have to see August or Oscar again. It was only when the cheers changed to screams that Garrett rose from the bed and ventured to the window. What the…

  Heavy, black smoke billowed off the guest homes. From his high vantage point, he saw people run frantically about the dock as taller men and women, all with two-toned skin, emerged from the water.

  They look like me…Garrett reeled at the realization. Orcs. They’re the ones who’ve come to rescue me.

  “I’m up here!”

  Garrett’s hope died the moment he noticed the Orcs slaughtered those that ran with no hesitation. He recalled Watawa’s mention that Orcs had not kept the peace between the races. Remembered Oscar’s words on the yacht. Orcs are the finest killers in all the Salt.

  Garrett left the window and ran for the door. “Let me out!” He beat his fists against it. “Someone please let me out!”

  He put his ear to the door and heard yelling in the hall.

  What do I do? Garrett backed away. Where do I go?

  He surveyed the room and noted he had little chance of escape. The window blocked by bars, a fire raged in the hearth, and all the walls stone.

  Garrett returned to the window and watched the Orcs finishing up their bloody business at the docks. Several ran up the path toward the mansion, giving chase to those with a head start. Others swept through the fields and ponds, rounding up slaves.

  “Weava…”

  Garrett perked at the faint voice, one with a Boston accent. Lenny?

  “Weava…where are ya?”

  He stepped toward the door. Put his ear against it.

  “Garrett Weaver!” yelled a muffled voice. “We’re here to take you home!”

  Home…

  “He’s not up here…”

  “He’s gotta be,” said the Boston voice. “I’m tellin’ ya. He’s here. Weava!”

  Don’t leave…Garrett put his palm against the door. Don’t leave me here.

  “We need to go, Dolan. Now.”

  “Wait!” Garrett attacked the door. “Come back. I’m in here!”

  “Ya hear that? Weava! Where are ya?”

  “In here,” Garrett shouted. “Lenny, I’m in here!”

  “This one!”

  Garrett found he still had a few tears left. “Lenny!”

  “Yeah, it’s me, pal. Listen…get back from the door, all right? We gotta bust it down.”

  Garrett hurried away. “Okay. Do it.”

  The door shuddered.

  “Again, Eddie,” said Lenny from the other side of the door.

  Come on…come on…Garrett prayed as the door shook on the second blow, but held. Three more times he counted the bangs until the door broke off its hinges.

  A familiar face peeked in the door.

  “Lenny!” Garrett ran to hug him.

  “Hey, getoffame, will ya?” Lenny grumbled.

  Garrett let go. Wiped his cheeks with the back of his forearm. He noticed Lenny was not alone. “You…you were one of the marshals at the jail.”

  “Aye, name’s Edmund. We’ll catch you up later. Right now, we need to move.”

  Garrett hesitated, his stomach twisting with August’s earlier threat.

  “Wha’?” said Lenny. “What’s wrong? Come on already.”

  “A-August…said he’ll send a crew to k-kill my mom.”

  Lenny shook his head. “Not today, pal. Not eva. The Crayfish is dead. Oscar too.”

  “Are you serious?” Garrett heard the joy in his voice. “B-but how…when?”

  “Dolan,” said Edmund gruffly.

  “Right, let’s go,” Lenny tugged Garrett’s hand.

  Mom is safe. They can’t get her now. Garrett smacked the walls, elated, as he ran down the hallway after Lenny and Edmund and then to the stairs.

  They reached the landin
g and he found the mansion far different than the first time he’d toured it. Doors had been flung open and paintings ripped off the walls. The few candelabras that had not crashed to the floor now swayed loosely from what few strands remained to hold them. Small fires singed the once regal rugs and carpets.

  Still, Edmund and Lenny never stopped.

  Garrett didn’t either. They passed the library and a tall, balding man with a torch lighting everything afire.

  “Come on, Weava,” Lenny hissed. “Before Henry sees ya.”

  Garrett obeyed as the mad pyro continued on from piece to piece.

  “Keep moving,” Edmund cried. “We’re almost there.”

  The heavy oaken doors at the entrance hung open, flames licking up the sides of them. People poured inside the mansion, most of them screaming.

  Garrett crowded closer to Lenny and Edmund. “Where are we going?”

  “I gotta warn my crew,” said Lenny. “Need to tell ‘em—”

  “Lenny?”

  Garrett glanced up and saw more familiar faces in the doorway.

  “Elle…” said Lenny. “Paulie…whattaya doin’ here?”

  “We heard August was dead and decided to escape,” said Ellie. “But then we saw Orcs in the cavern. They have the entrances blocked. There’s nowhere else to go. We wouldn’t have got away if it weren’t for—”

  “Orcs in the cavern?” Lenny asked.

  “Trannies,” said Paulo, his tone grim. “The Violovar, Len.”

  “Th-those are the bad ones, right?” Garrett asked.

  Paulo nodded. “They’re headed up the path. Killing anyone they come across.”

  Garrett shuddered. “They’re here for me…aren’t they?”

  “Yeah.” Edmund surveyed the area. “Doesn’t mean we let them have you. Any of you seadogs know a better way out of here?”

  “Sure,” said Lenny. “The Crayfish invited us up here all the time for tea and biscuits. Whattaya think we are, Eddie? Honored guests here?”

  Garrett fought to breathe. They’re killing everyone to get me.

  “I think you’re a dead nipperkin if we don’t put our heads together,” said Edmund. “Now, think, all of you. How can we get down the path and avoid the Orcs? There has to be a way.”

  Garrett felt a tap on his shoulder. “You…”

  “M’lord,” said the slave girl who Oscar had offered as a gift. “I-I know a way. A secret way.”

  “Where?” Garrett asked. “Will you take us there?”

  The girl spun on her heel and ran.

  “Come on.” Garrett waved to the Selkies.

  “Who’s the broad?” Lenny asked as they followed the girl up the long hall.

  “Don’t worry about it,” said Garrett.

  The moment he set foot in the dining hall, he knew where she would lead him. Of course! Garrett sprinted past her and leapt to grab the tapestry rope. Hand-over-hand, he yanked it down and heard its wheels squeal high above.

  “Wha’…” said Lenny. “How did ya know this was here?”

  Garrett watched as Paulo yanked open the door.

  “Awfully dark…” Paulo looked at the slave girl. “You know where it leads?”

  “O-out…M-Master Oscar used it to come and go as he p-pleased.”

  Paulo frowned. “We have to go. Have to chance it.”

  “Aye, but I’m not fumbling around with no light.”

  Garrett watched Edmund yank a second torch off the wall and hand it to Paulo before leading the charge into the stairwell. He watched Paulo usher Ellie inside.

  “Come on, Weava,” said Lenny. “We gotta move.”

  Garrett looked at the slave girl. “Come with us.”

  She shook her head.

  Screams echoed into the room. “Orcs!”

  “Weava…”

  “No,” said Garrett. “I’m not leaving her.”

  Garrett felt soft lips on his cheek.

  The slave girl pulled away. “Thank you,” she said quietly. “For your kindness.”

  “Weava. It’s now or neva.”

  Garrett allowed Lenny to pull him into the secret stairwell as the slave girl stepped toward the tapestry string.

  Goodbye. Garrett thought as Paulo closed the door with a thud. Then he descended into the black pit, following the light of Edmund’s torch.

  LENNY

  Thanks for coming to warn us, Len, said Paulo. I see you’re still looking out for number one.

  And ya not? Lenny didn’t bother looking back as they followed Garrett down the spiraled cavern stair. He placed his left hand against the cold wall for comfort and peeked over the steep, open drop off to his right.

  Edmund’s torchlight bobbed a few levels below as the older Selkie led Ellie and Garrett around a turn.

  Bet the first thing ya did after hearin’ about Orcs was run to the stocks to free me, yeah?

  No, said Paulo. Ellie wanted to release you. My mother and I knew better.

  Hang on. Lenny stopped. Where is ya ma, Paulie?

  You know where she is. Paulo pushed past him and continued down the stairs.

  Lenny followed. Whattaya talkin’ about? Ya sayin’ she’s dead?

  How else do you think we made it up the hill before the Orcs? Paulo cursed aloud. Told her it should’ve been me that stayed behind, but she said my job is to protect Ellie now.

  Lenny paused to catch his breath. He continued on when he noticed Paulo hadn’t bothered waiting. Sorry, Paulie…for everything.

  Paulo snorted. I don’t want your apologies. I don’t want anything from you. Just ‘cause we’re running together now doesn’t change anything.

  Paulie—

  You lied to me. Used all of us as part of your plan.

  I wanted to help us, said Lenny.

  Stop lying! Paulo continued his descent. You wanted to help yourself. Everything you’ve done to this point is only one more move to help you get what you want.

  Ya wrong.

  The problem is you believe that, said Paulo. You think the reason you came to the mansion was to free Garrett? I know you better than that, Len. He’s still a faceless ticket to freedom for you.

  Lenny huffed for air. Ya don’t know what ya talkin’ about, Paulie.

  I do. You heard Orcs were in Crayfish Cavern so you ran to the only one who might get you out alive.

  And you’re so much betta? Lenny asked. What’d ya run to the cavern for?

  Even rats know to head for higher ground when a flood comes. Should’ve known you’d be the first to reach the top.

  Lenny felt like he’d been slapped. Oh yeah? I probably shoulda figured ya’d be the last, then. Makes sense, without me there tellin’ ya what to do.

  Maybe, Paulo acknowledged. But at least I can live with myself tomorrow.

  Whattaya want from me, Paulie? Huh? Spit it out!

  We get out of this cavern, I want you to go one way and I’ll go the other.

  Fine by—

  Lenny heard the echo of a door slamming from above.

  “Mmm,” said a deep voice. “A secret stair, is it?”

  “Aye…and I smell Selkie scum…”

  Orcs…Lenny sped faster. He glanced over the side, swearing he saw a faint glimmer of blue below. The smooth and slippery stairs warned him not lean too far over for a better look.

  He heard the Orcs laughing, their footsteps gaining.

  “Come back, Selkies,” said one. “We just wanna play!”

  The other laughed in such a way that it gifted Lenny new strength in his legs. He ran faster around the spiraled stairs. His added speed made him slip and he leaned to the left for the safety of the wall, heard loose rock scatter over the side.

  Ya neva gonna be big, Len. He could almost hear his father’s voice. Gotta be fasta or smarta if ya wanna survive.

  Lenny leaned close to the drop off, peered over the side into the abyss, and heard splashing from below.

  The Orcs sounded closer. “The seawolves are coming for you!”

&
nbsp; Yeah, Pop. Lenny took a deep breath. But a lil’ crazy neva hurt.

  Lenny leapt off the edge. Felt adrenaline race through him as he prayed for a watery landing. Seconds later, he splashed into the Salt. He kicked to the surface, sucking in air, and found Edmund and Garrett treading nearby, their faces lit in the bluish hue the waters emmitted.

  “Lenny…” said Garrett. “Where did you—”

  “Why haven’t ya changed yet? Where’s Ellie?”

  “Dove to check out the tunnel,” said Edmund.

  “We don’t have time for that,” said Lenny. “Ya gotta change now. Orcs are—”

  A wave of water somersaulted Lenny before he finished. Sputtering, he righted himself and reached for his hood the moment he came back up for air.

  Paulo surfaced next to him.

  Lenny slapped the water. Whattaya doin’, moron? Ya coulda killed me divin’ in like that.

  Paulo shrugged. “Ellie said the tunnel’s too small for Garrett to fit in Orc form.”

  “Wha’?” said Lenny. “Ya nearly as big as he is.”

  “Yeah,” said Paulo. “But I don’t have a dorsal fin.”

  Lenny heard the Orcs crowing as he swam to Garrett’s side.

  “Fine,” said Lenny. “Paulie, think ya can pull Weava through before his lungs give out?”

  “Aye.” Paulo donned his Elephant Seal hood. “I’ll make it.”

  “I’ll push from behind,” said Edmund.

  Lenny nodded. “Listen, Weava—”

  “Yeah?”

  “Get a good breath in…”

  Garrett shook his head. “But Lenny, what if we don’t make it? What if I dr—”

  “Ya won’t,” said Lenny. “We’ll get ya out and then you’ll change. Trust me.”

  Unless he changes before we get outta the tunnel. Lenny tried not to imagine Garrett as a Killer Whale, stuck in the cavern with nowhere to go. He shook the thought away upon hearing the Orcs footsteps, loud and clear.

  “We gotta go,” Lenny hissed. “Eddie, why aren’t ya Salted yet?”

  “You took my earrings back when you kidnapped me, remember? I’m deaf and mute to all of you once we’re below.”

  “Oh, great…”

  Edmund pulled on his hood. “Just saying, don’t forget to free me on the other side is all.”