Shaking her head she felt her cheeks flush with warmth. A click of her oar crashing into that of the man behind her and Callum alerted her to the fact that she had unknowingly stopped moving. The soldier grunted irritably, saying something in a harsh line of noises from his native language. Embarrassed, she quickly forced her arms into motion, finding her way back into the rhythm. Callum looked her over curiously, chuckling quietly to himself as he focused his attention on the water once again.
When the outline of the islands appeared ahead it was all Aiva could do to keep from crying out from joy. They had made it. After all their trials and tribulations they were finally there. Only one last journey stood between them and the mainland of Luquarr. She didn’t care how difficult that trip was, as long as they made it. She longed to see Edric’s face again. To wrap her arms around her father and calm his poor heart with the fact that she remained alive.
Uttae guided the boat to the docks, tying it off with expert ease. Passersby cast confused glances their way, stepping further from the water, uneasy at the arrival of a group such as theirs. Aiva couldn’t imagine Tunir had many reasons to send their people to the trade islands. She laughed silently to think what it must look like to the locals. Uttae and his men were an intimidating sight. She couldn’t blame the islanders for being uncomfortable.
The men were ordered to remain in the boat while Uttae climbed onto the dock, helping Aiva to her feet and onto the dry wood of the port. She watched Callum lift himself out of the water to stand at her side. Although he attempted to hide his pain, she noticed the grimace that crossed his face, favoring his left side slightly. Aiva knew he would never admit the exertion had aggravated his still-healing wounds. He made it easy to forget that he suffered at all. She scolded herself for having forgotten his condition. If she had been thinking clearly upon their departure, she would have argued against his participation in rowing with the others. Callum needed to rest. It was too dangerous to risk exacerbating his injuries now.
“This is as far as we take you,” Uttae stated. He casually observed the area, a smirk visible on his lips to see the way the people avoided them. “I think we are making the locals uneasy enough.”
“Words cannot express how grateful we are for everything you have done,” Aiva gazed at Uttae, saddened to think this would be their final farewell. They owed this man their lives. Had it not been for him, they would have surely perished in the jungle that first day. She wished there was something she could do to make him realize how much it meant to her. Uncaring about appearances, she stepped forward, rising onto her tiptoes, her arms wrapping around Uttae’s shoulders in a tight embrace. He looked surprised at first, a laugh escaping him in a soft breath of air, regaining his composure. Lightly he patted her on the back, his dark eyes sparkling blithely.
“You will be missed,” he nodded, stepping toward the boat with a sharp nod in Callum’s direction. “You take care of her, Prince. We look forward to having you as our guests again someday. You owe me a hunt.”
Callum’s face softened, forcing the grimace away. “I won’t forget, General.”
As Uttae turned to board the longboat, he brushed past Callum, Aiva’s eyes barely taking note of an exchange between them, a small pouch passed from his hand into Callum’s. Without another word he stepped into the water, taking his position at the head to begin calling orders to the men. Callum and Aiva stood on the dock, waving to Uttae while he untied the boat, maneuvering it toward Tunir. They remained there, staring into the distance until Uttae and the others were nothing more than a mere speck in the horizon. Their joy mingled with disappointment to say goodbye to their friend, though Aiva didn’t want to let it slow them down. There was much to be done.
“Have you been to these islands before?” she asked, pulling Callum from his thoughts. He looked distracted, blinking to bring Aiva into focus, silent for a moment as if trying to register what Aiva asked.
“The Luquarrian islands?” he mumbled. “No. I visited the mainland during my service in Siscal. We never had need to travel this far into the Vai’ld Sea. These islands are nothing but trade ports between Mialan and the mainland of Luquarr. Pirates frequent these ports for rest on their journey, but they don’t linger long. It’s best not to fraternize with the traders they intend to rob on the waters.”
She swept the area with her gaze. It looked the closest to normal that anything had since leaving Carpaen. The people were of mixed heritages, some human, some Mialan, while others were strange hybrids between races she couldn’t quite put her finger on. Proportionally they were as she expected. Nothing unusual like the Feh Noq or Syet. On these shores they would blend in with the rest. Title and rank meant nothing to these people. They wouldn’t care who her parents were or why she was there. For once there would be no need for political negotiations.
Slipping the pouch into his pocket Callum gently took Aiva’s hand, eyes alert, scanning the area for which direction they should go. She trusted his judgment when it came to exploration of a foreign city. Callum had more experience being away from home and how to conduct himself amidst the common folk of smaller villages. Though Aiva felt knowledgeable in how to handle the upper classes, she had very little experience in how to talk to anyone else.
A clothier shop caught Callum’s attention at the corner of the main street, dresses hung from the windows to draw customers inside. He paid little attention to the items Aiva collected, only giving an occasional suggestion to make sure she had a pair of sturdy boots and something easy enough to maneuver in if they found themselves forced to fight. The prices were lower than she anticipated. Guilt hung over her at every article she picked up, adding to those already waiting at the counter for purchase. She deserved a little pampering after everything she’d been through, and she knew Callum wouldn’t tell her no.
By the time they finished in the shop, Aiva was weighted down by garment bags and accessory boxes. Callum purchased fewer items for himself, though it was to be expected. Men’s clothing required less to complete a wardrobe. “We should seek an inn for tonight,” he said absently, looking at the buildings along the street. “Even if we strike up a bargain with a trade ship, they won’t leave right away.”
Her excitement at being in a new city helped to quell the frustration at being held there overnight. She found it almost a relief. They were there on business but, for the first time since leaving Tanispa, they were free to roam as they pleased. No men to keep watch over and no one watching over them. Phaezut and Uttae had been wonderful hosts in their respective lands, but their presence was ever constant. Without their hawkish supervision, she felt like an adult; no longer looked after by someone else. She viewed their time on the Luquarrian islands as a learning experience. A chance to test herself in the world.
The storefronts along the street were well-stocked and brightly adorned, several merchants positioned outside the doors to beckon men and women inside. It was easy to be drawn in by their calls, Aiva’s eyes drifting from door to door, hand held firmly by Callum to prevent her from wandering off while he continued down the main road in search of an inn.
He pulled her along toward a weathered wooden building at the corner of a busy intersection, horses and carriages trudging through the city in every direction. A rickety sign hung at an angle beside the door of the structure, the word “inn” scrawled across it in bold, painted letters. It looked less than accommodating, but they weren’t in the market for comfort. As long as there was a lock on the door and clean bedding, Aiva saw no reason to complain.
Walking through the entrance Aiva could see a young human girl seated behind the desk at the center of the back wall. Her long auburn hair was ratted and tangled, nibbling at the end of a quill held loosely in her hand. She paid little attention to their arrival, eyes diverted to the parchment on her desk while giving her introduction. “Welcome to the Vailetta Inn. What can I do for you today?”
“We need a couple rooms,” Callum stated calmly, tugging Aiva closer to him. Seve
ral men stood around the room, eyeing them curiously, scattered cat-calls directed at Aiva as she passed. She glanced over to them, hesitant, nose wrinkled in disgust. They were dirty; oil visible in their hair, matted atop their heads, smudges of dirt and mud caked across their faces, a thick scent of tobacco wafting from the cigars which dangled from their mouths.
At the sound of Callum’s voice the girl behind the desk let her eyes lift from the half-filled parchment in front of her. Her face softened, an almost starry appearance glinting in her gaze while she leaned forward. The tight corset she wore accentuated her womanly features, the angle which she positioned herself prominently displaying her body for Callum’s benefit. “A couple?” she asked innocently. “Are you and the lady not staying together?”
He cleared his throat, directing his gaze evenly at the girl’s face. “Not in a sense which allows us to share a single room. Do you have two available, or should we take our business elsewhere?”
“That won’t be necessary. I have plenty of vacancies. For you, I would volunteer my own room if I could not accommodate you otherwise.” A flirtatious wink caught Aiva’s attention. Possessively, she stepped closer to Callum, resting her hand gently against his chest, eyes narrowed in a threatening glare toward the clerk.
“He doesn’t need your room,” she said curtly, chin jutted out in a display of pride. The girl glanced at her, seemingly amused by Aiva’s harsh tone.
“No, but the offer stands should he decide to take it.” She stood up stiffly, shoulders back, making sure to utilize every possible means of making her figure more appealing. Grabbing two keys from a group of nails hammered into the wall behind her, she sat them on the desk in front of Callum, providing him with a quill and a parchment contract. “I just need your signature on the line and you’re all set. If you require anything of me, I’ll be off in a few hours.”
Callum ignored the girl’s advances, dipping the quill in the ink provided, a dull scratch of the tip audible to Aiva’s ears as he scribbled a signature across the parchment. He pushed it over the surface to the girl’s hands, collecting the keys with a gracious nod. “You are far too hospitable, Milady,” he replied distractedly. Another whistle from the men kept his attention, shooting them an icy glare. “Perhaps you’ll have better luck with one of your patrons there. I offer my apologies but I’m regrettably not interested. Good day.”
Gently yet firmly he guided Aiva from the lobby, keeping her positioned in front of him to avoid allowing the men to see her while they made their way toward the stairs at the left. She was thankful of his protectiveness. The behavior of these people was appalling. Never had she seen such a display; especially not from a young woman. Anger boiled inside again to think of the promiscuousness of the clerk. “That girl should be ashamed of herself,” Aiva breathed in disbelief when they reached the landing. Callum chuckled, easing his hold on her hand without letting it go.
“The women of Luquarr aren’t exactly known for being virtuous. I hate to say it, but you’ll likely see worse before we leave this city.”
“Do men actually accept offers such as hers?” she asked, horrified by the thought. It sickened her to even consider. “Would you have taken her up on it if I was not here with you?”
He glanced at her, his expression revealing the initial hurt at her question before quickly transforming into a look of utter disgust. “Aiva, I have no desire to touch a woman who has likely bedded half the men that populate this island. My concern while here is not for myself. You are, to my knowledge, an innocent woman. These men will recognize that instantly and it will attract a great deal of unwanted attention. Please, promise you will not go anywhere without me at your side.”
Aiva blinked at his words, thrown by the uncertainty he exhibited at mention of her innocence. Did he still think her unchaste? Had they not already established the truth? “It pains me that you question my purity,” she frowned, led down the hall to a battered looking door at the far left. Callum paused outside it, staring blankly at the lock for a long moment before seeming to notice it there, retrieving the key to fit it into the mechanism.
“I don’t question it, Aiva,” he said quietly, pushing the door open. “But if you’re going to continue your suspicions of my honor, it seems only fair that I return the favor.”
“Men are different from women. I don’t intend insult, Callum, but you are a soldier. Even Edric told me he wouldn’t trust men like you around me due to their known indecency.”
“My mother and father raised me better than that. I hoped you knew me well enough to know that much.” He gave a sharp jerk of his head toward the room, motioning her to go inside. “Come, Aiva. Get yourself cleaned and… covered. When you’re ready I’ll return and we can begin our search for a ship. My room is across the hall, if you need me; though I doubt you will.”
She stepped through the door, letting the bags in her arms drop to the floor with a loud thud. Callum remained long enough to make sure she was safely inside before starting to pull the door closed, stopped by Aiva’s hand reaching out to hold it in place. She couldn’t let him leave on such a sour note. Their intent had been to mend their friendship while on the island. Not injure it worse. “I’m sorry, Callum,” she said softly. Her gaze met his steadily. Sincere. It hurt her to think she had in any way wounded his pride. “I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“I know,” he smiled, a light twinkle in his eye as his hand moved to her face, gently brushing a strand of hair from Aiva’s cheek. “Don’t worry about it. Get yourself dressed. I’ll fetch you in an hour.”
Without giving her a chance to respond he tugged the door free of Aiva’s grasp, a soft click echoing around the room as it settled into place. The locking mechanism twisted under the key he wielded from outside, leaving her alone in the silence. She stared at the door for a long while, wishing she could go to him. Get yourself ready, she urged herself. Once she was dressed it would be easier to call him back to her side. The faster they were in search of a ship, the better. There wasn’t a moment to waste.
Aiva stared at her reflection in the mirror, wielding the dagger from inside the bracer on her wrist. Since the confrontation with Ireni, she had little opportunity to focus on her appearance, barely paying attention to the fact that her hair no longer laid the way she was accustomed. It bounced from its shortened length, a strange shape created from the direction Ireni’s blade cut through the long strands. Diligent in her efforts, she tried to correct the uneven edges, trimming her bangs to blend into a gentle frame around her face. The longest ends reached to settle just above her shoulders, the gentle waves of her ebon hair shining in the filtered light through the windows.
Satisfied that there was nothing more to be done, she slipped the dagger into its tiny hidden sheath, running her fingers through the strands from root to tip. It was an unusual style, though she didn’t mind it. The other ladies at court would no doubt find it an interesting statement when she returned.
She heaved a sigh while taking in the details of her wardrobe. Women’s garments felt foreign after so long wearing Edric’s clothes. Pants seemed fitting now. Normal. To be in anything delicate and dainty made her feel foolish. She kept Uttae’s advice in mind when choosing a skirt. He presented a logical argument about not wearing restrictive clothing. There was too great a risk of a fight over the next few weeks. She needed to be practical in her decisions. In place of a full skirt, she opted for an asymmetrical design, the black fabric flowing from her waist in gentle waves, the hemline veering upward at the right to create a slit along her thigh. It covered more skin than the garments she wore in Tunir while it granted freedom of movement with her legs. To add more concealment for the sake of modesty, she donned a pair of sheer black silken stockings. Her worn old boots were replaced by a more feminine design, the leather polished and to the knee, folded over at the top, fit tight to her calves. They were sturdy. Durable. Far superior to bare feet.
The white chemise she wore came off the shoulder, laced at the e
lbow to flow into a slight bell-shape. It left her forearms bare while concealing the lacerations caused by the tiger’s claws that marred her flesh on both biceps. A black bodice cinched tightly around her midsection, front-laced, accentuating her figure and reminding her of how stiff and uncomfortable women’s clothing could be. She twisted from side to side, scrutinizing every inch of the garments and how they fit. If she wanted to keep Callum’s eye, she would need to stand out amongst the other women in the city, and that would be quite a task if the girls were as bold as he suggested.
Her hand rested lightly over the hilt of her sword, the finely crafted leather belt sitting low on her hips, adding flair to her appearance that seemed appropriate for the surroundings. She felt fierce. Strong. As if nothing could touch her. False confidence, she knew, while at the same time she liked to believe it was true. The thieves might be a threat but between her and Callum, they didn’t stand a chance.
Gathering the rest of her belongings from the floor she gave a final glance around the room to make sure nothing had been left behind. It hadn’t been quite an hour since Callum left but she was ready to get moving. Her entire body trembled excitedly to see the city. She hurried across the room, twisting the lock to make her way into the hallway, her full hands making it a struggle to close the door behind her. She used her foot to knock on Callum’s door, anxious for him to answer.
It opened almost immediately, Callum’s face appearing on the other side, uncertain before softening into a look of relief. “You had me worried,” he exhaled, waving her to come in. “I was afraid it was the clerk – why are you carrying all your things?”
“I remembered that you purchased a pack while at the shop. I thought I could leave these items in your care so they can be put away in preparation for our departure,” Aiva replied. She moved through the door eagerly, pressing the garments against Callum’s chest, making sure nothing fell from his grasp. “I didn’t have anywhere to put them. I hope you don’t mind.”
The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Two: Beyond the Veil Page 61