Lex pulled him into a hug, smoothing his hands across Dusk’s back. He didn’t say anything as they stood there, holding onto one another. After a moment they came apart and looked out over the ocean, the sun having disappeared and the sky growing darker by the second.
“The world is so much bigger than I thought it would be,” Lex murmured, shivering in the cold.
Dusk reached down and pulled the edge of his cloak up, wrapping it around Lex’s shoulders. “It’s bigger than I imagined too. I always thought everything would be wonderful outside of the mines. But… it’s more complicated than that.”
“I feel more like a lost kid now than I ever have in my life.”
“Me too. I realize I’m less in control now than I was before, but somehow it feels better.” Dusk huddled in close to block out the cold breeze. “It feels like falling, but in a good way.”
“I know what you mean.”
“Lex?”
“Yeah?”
“Will you tell me another story tonight?”
“I’m sure I can come up with something.” He was silent for a moment. “I could always tell you about the time I accidentally got caught by bandits on the road and was then rescued by a strange and mysterious man who came out of the woods.”
“I think I might know that one.”
“Oh, and you won’t believe how handsome he is.”
“Oh boy.”
Sixteen
It was two more days until land came up on the northern horizon. Dusk clambered up to the deck that morning to find the Dorsum Mountains glowing in the sunlight as it peaked over the eastern ocean, changing the snow capped peaks to a soft rosy glow. They had spent almost three full weeks at sea, but it seemed like they’d finally be stepping onto solid land once more and he couldn’t have been more thrilled. The ship had been an exciting prospect at first, but he had underestimated how trapped it would make him feel, stuck aboard a floating piece of wood for weeks on end. When combined with the cold and dreary weather, it had had an unpleasant effect on everyone's mood.
Thankfully his new book had spared him from cabin fever the last few days, and he had just finished it the night before. He’d loved every moment of it, but the book ended only part way through the actual story. It seemed as if there would be a sequel, but he knew the captain didn’t have any other books. Maybe, he thought, when they got to Greencoast he’d be able to find the rest of them so that he could finally finish Jax’s story.
As the day wore on the mountains grew in size and the shore came closer. The ocean shifted from a deep blue to a lighter cerulean before the town came into view. In the distance Dusk could just make out a village sitting at the edge of the water. The docks stretched far out into the sea so that ships could come in to resupply. Just beyond, rolling foothills cascaded away into the distance, eventually becoming part of the mountains themselves. Snow covered roofs belched smoke from their chimneys and although there was a war going on, the village looked untouched. Dusk could just make out warmly dressed people going about their lives as if nothing was wrong in the world. For a moment it made him homesick for a kind of life he’d never had.
“Nearly back on land at last,” Lex said, stepping up beside him and grabbing a rope in his left hand before leaning out. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been on a ship this long and now I remember why I didn’t like it.”
“You’ve been out to sea before?” Dusk asked, turning towards him.
“Only once.” He smiled. “I told you I’ve been to Inahan before.”
“Why did you have to take a boat though?”
“My parents have another house in Calendia, the royal city.”
“Wow… you really were rich.”
“My parents are rich,” he corrected. “I wouldn’t be surprised to find that the war has removed that house from their ownership.” He nodded. “Good. One less thing for my father to own.”
“You really hate him, don't you?”
“I want to, more than anything,” Lex replied, turning his head downward. “But he is my father and I’m still thankful for the things he gave me and the life he provided. Even if the price was higher than what I wanted to pay.” He turned to Dusk, a strange look in his eyes. “I wish I could hate him, I really do. But I can still remember parts of my childhood where he was wonderful. My best friend.”
“Maybe you can get him back…”
“No.” Lex straightened back up, gazing out at the village. “My family name is dead to me.”
“You’ve never told me your family na—”
“You lads, pack up your things,” Captain Duillearga called from the sterncastle, looking down on them. “We’ll be docked in ten minutes and we don’t plan to stay long!”
“Yes, captain,” Lex yelled back up. He grabbed Dusk by the arm gently. “Come on, it’ll be good to be back on solid ground again.”
Dusk nodded and followed him belowdecks to their cabin. It took them only a moment to gather their things and they were back topside, watching the crew work vigorously to pull up the sails and steer the ship into the harbor. A few men from the village saw the ship coming in and ran down the dock, calling out for mooring lines to bring the ship to a halt. Finally the gangplank was lowered and Maribel was brought up from the hull storage. She looked relieved beyond belief to be free of the cramped space and forced her way down the gangplank without anyone’s help. Immediately she trotted down the dock towards land of her own free will. For a moment Dusk was worried, but he saw one of the sailors jog off after her.
“We’re goin’ to restock for the journey back,” Duilleaga commented, stepping down the gangplank with all of them. “I’ve got plenty of time to grab a drink with you all before we go. Mr. Useni,” he called back over his shoulder. “Take the crew ashore and restock us for the trip back to Ditania!”
“Are you going back to Emerald Deep then?” Tara asked as they walked down the dock, headed for the village.
“No,” he replied, shaking his head. “I’m sure they would recognize our ship before we even got into port. We’ll be headin’ to a small village like this one south of Eblesal. There we can lay low for a while until trade picks up again. Maybe we’ll change the name of the ship and swap out the sails so we can take up runnin’ goods for the soldiers. Anythin’ to keep us out on the open water.”
“Why not go to the southern continent?” Cyrilo said, stepping up beside them. Dusk noticed he didn’t have a bag with him. “There’s no war and there are plenty of mixed towns on the coast that need trade ships.”
“An interestin’ thought.” Duillearga reached up, stroking his chin scruff. “I haven’t had a new adventure in quite a while.”
With everyone gathered, they made their way into town. There was only one tavern in the village of Watersedge and it was fairly close to the dock. As Dusk swung open the weathered wooden door, the familiar scent of stale ale and smoke hit him. Instead of cringing, he breathed it in, feeling more at home than he had during his weeks at sea. Quickly they found a table and ordered their drinks. Duillearga took off his ostentatious hat and hung it over the back of his chair, careful to keep the feather off the dirty floor.
“So, you’re headed to Greencoast Port, eh?” he asked, picking up his tankard that had just arrived and taking a long draught. “I have a feelin’ you’re lookin’ for the Legion of the Twilight, yes?”
“That’s right,” Dusk replied, sipping his drink. “I was told to find Mirinda there.”
“Mirinda is a curious person,” Duillearga said seriously. “But she is determined to help the less fortunate in life and make the world a better place, so I don’t think you’ll run into any issues there.”
“You know her?”
“Believe it or not, I’ve ferried more than one ex-slave over to Greencoast Port in my day, just like my father did before me.” Duillearga nodded with a wink, taking another drink. “The Zephyr, the guild, and the legion go back farther than you’d believe.” He stopped, setting his drink
on the table with a serious look in his eyes. “But be careful. Slavery may be less common in Inahan, but it still exists. And there are many people on the road looking for your kind, ready to return them for a premium rate.”
“We’ll keep our eyes open,” Lex stated, keeping his eyes on Duillearga. “Nobody is going to hurt Dusk again.”
“I believe you, lad.” He took another drink. “It may not be a bad idea to stay here until the weather breaks and let things settle down. Armies are marching across the land and war isn’t something you want to get caught up in. They’ll be forcefully conscripting anyone your age that’s halfway healthy.” He leaned back in his chair and kicked his feet up on another. “Besides, it’s too cold to go wanderin’ about in a place you know nothing about.”
“As much as I like that idea,” Tara added, “I don’t know if we have enough money for that kind of thing. I suppose we could find work around here to keep our rooms paid for.”
“I think you’re in luck.” Duillearga looked at the four of them. “Because I hear there’s been a beastie wanderin’ around these parts causing problems.”
“What kind?” Dusk leaned in, cupping his drink.
“How should I know?” the captain laughed. “It was just a rumor I heard back on the island. All they said was somethin’ was terrorizin’ these parts. Ask the local guard in the morning, I’m sure they can fill you in.” He scanned across the group, nodding his head. “After what I saw back on the ship, I’m sure you can handle it without a problem. And it might win you enough coin to stay here for a while.”
A look of excitement was slowly working its way across Tara’s face. “A real fight would be welcome. Especially after being cooped up for so long.”
“And with Cyrilo, we shouldn’t have anything to worry about,” Dusk chimed in.
“About that,” Cyrilo said in his thick accent. “I won’t be coming with you any further.”
“But I thought you said you were going to find a new life for yourself?”
“So I did and I think I have.” Cyrilo glanced up to the captain with a smirk. “If this moron is going to go to the southern continent, he’s going to need a Rhyka to lend him some credibility. The people there won’t trade with humans who can’t prove they aren’t prejudiced.”
“Who says that’s where we’re goin’?”
Cyrilo reached over and bopped him on the nose with a clawed finger. “It’s adorable you think you have a choice.” He turned back to the rest of the group. “There’s nothing for me in Inahan, just more war and death, which is what I’m trying to get away from. I’m sorry that I can’t go any further with you, but I think this is my calling.”
“We’re going to miss you,” Lex murmured, gazing up at him, a hint of longing in his voice.
“I have a feeling,” he glanced between Lex and Dusk, “that you’ll be fine without me. But, you can always come back sometime and take a ride on our ship.”
Duillearga sputtered, spitting out his drink. “Our ship?”
Cyrilo ignored him. “You three will always be welcome. Who knows? Maybe you’ll get tired of that farm life someday, Dusk, and you’ll need more adventure on the high seas.” His face took on a more serious look. “It’s the least I can do for you giving me the kick I needed to get out of there.”
“I might take you up on that offer.”
“Now just wait a minute here,” Duillearga began, but Cyrilo lifted a finger and put it to his lips.
“Hush hush. Don’t worry yourself,” Cyrilo purred. “You just focus on doing captain things, alright?”
The look that came across the captain’s face was enough to send them all into giggles. Dusk had known that Cyrilo and the captain had grown close, but he hadn’t realized just how much. He thought of the dark and upset man he’d met a month ago, standing at the brothel bar with no hopes of ever being free of the life he hated. But now he was sitting across the table with a smile on his face and nothing but adventure ahead of him. It was good to see and it gave Dusk hope for his own future. Maybe someday he would have something similar. He glanced over to Lex who was still laughing at the pair of them. Maybe he’d already found it.
The five of them spent a few hours in the tavern, drinking and eating their way through the evening. After the ship had been resupplied, Duillearga invited his sailors to come in and have a proper meal for the first time in a while. The tavern owner seemed frazzled, but happy for the customers that were probably rare at this time of year. Ale continued to flow and the night slipped by quickly. Before Dusk knew it, Cyrilo and Duillearga were pushing themselves up from the table.
“I think it’s time we head back out into open water,” the captain sighed. “We don’t want another Inahandrian ship on our tail by morning.” He reached around and grabbed his hat. “Speakin’ of that, I plan to take the prisoners half a day west and drop them on some abandoned beach. Keep your eyes peeled if they decide to come back this way and make trouble.” He looked to Dusk, giving him a wink. “Although I’m sure they wouldn’t mess with you again anyway.”
Lex came forward and pulled Cyrilo into a hug. “Take care of yourself.”
“You as well.” Then Cyrilo turned his head and whispered something into Lex’s ear that Dusk couldn’t make out.
Cyrilo leaned back and pulled Lex by the chin, planting a small kiss on his lips. “Be good now.” It made Dusk smile.
“You’re an odd person,” Tara said, stepping up to the captain. “But not the strangest I’ve met.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Duillearga responded, sweeping into a low bow once more before holding out his hand to shake.
Tara shook Cyrilo’s hand too and Lex the captain’s. Dusk stepped forward to take his turn, but he was surprised to see the captain turn away and head for the door.
“Will you walk with us Dusk?” Cyrilo asked, holding out a hand.
Dusk glanced back at the other two.
“Don’t worry, we’ll get the rooms and take care of the tab,” Tara reassured him, putting a hand on Lex’s shoulder to stop him from following. “Please don’t get kidnapped again.”
Dusk smiled and took Cyrilo’s hand, following him out the door with the captain. They walked along the muddy pathway, passing a few weathered buildings before finding themselves at the edge of the beach. Both Cyrilo and Duillearga stopped a few feet from the dock, staring out over the dark ocean. Above them the stars peeked through the clouds passing by and the ruddy brown moon poked through here and there. They watched the skies for a moment before turning back to Dusk.
“There’s a couple of things we want you to have,” Cyrilo said gently.
Duillearga stepped up and pulled a familiar leather tome from inside his coat. “You seemed to like this story so much, take it with you,” he said, handing over the copy of ‘Star of the Fallen’. “It was my favorite book as a boy, but I know it’s not the whole story. Maybe you can find the rest of it and bring it back to me someday. I’d love to know how it ends.”
Dusk took the book in his hands, staring at it for a moment. Suddenly he reached out and pulled the captain into a hug, surprising both of them. “I’ll bring you the rest of the story, I promise,” Dusk murmured through happiness that threatened to drive him to tears.
“Good lad. Good luck on your journey.” Duillearga stepped back and tipped his hat before he turned towards the dock and walked away.
“This,” Cyrilo sighed, pulling out a small package tied with string, “is something I think you should have. Open it when you’re alone.”
Dusk took the package with a nod, tucking it into his pocket.
“Thank you for waking me up,” Cyrilo sighed, taking Dusk by the shoulders. “I was lost in my grief and thanks to you, I feel like I have a reason to live again.” He stared into Dusk’s eyes seriously. “Remember that you saved someone on your journey. It hasn’t all been bad.”
Dusk stayed silent, but pulled Cyrilo into a long hug. For the first time in a long while he began t
o remember all the good he’d seen on his journey and all the people he’d come to care about. Even in the darkness there were tiny pinpricks of light, memories that shone like stars in his mind making everything he’d gone through bearable.
Cyrilo finally stepped back, giving Dusk one final look over. “You take care of yourself and don’t let Tara boss you around.”
Dusk nodded, a smile breaking through.
“And take good care of that boy,” he said seriously. “I think, if you asked, he’d give you anything in the world.”
Dusk felt his cheeks burning and his heart speed up. He knew it was true. Cyrilo turned towards the dock, walking back towards the ship.
“Take care and be safe!” Dusk called, waving.
As if Cyrilo could see out of the back of his head, he raised his hand and waved back. Dusk stood at the end of the dock for a while, watching the ship readying to sail. The gangplank was pulled up and the lines were cast off. Shouts could be heard echoing over the water as the sails were dropped and tied into place. The breeze picked up as if on cue and began to pull the ship back out into open water. Dusk waved out to them, knowing full well they could no longer see him. He watched the ship grow smaller and smaller until it disappeared over the horizon.
The cold was growing and Dusk pushed his hands into his pockets for warmth. Feeling the small package Cyrilo had given him, he pulled it out, turning it over in his hands. Untying the string, he began to unfold the paper, finding a single silver ring in the very center. The paper underneath was covered in markings and he ran over to the nearest lantern hanging outside a front door to look at it. In the orange light he saw loopy handwriting scrawled across the page.
Dusk,
This was Eiran’s ring. I know it’s not much, but I wanted you to have it as a reminder that there is good in this world. Bad things happen, but not everything in this world is suffering. Don’t forget the good you find along the way, even if it’s only temporary.
The Crystal Key: An LGBTQ+ Fantasy Series (The Crystalline Chronicles Book 3) Page 13