by ML Guida
“What the hell? Hannah!”
Kane’s booming voice sent Ewan into action. He jumped over the rail and shimmed down the rope.
He grabbed the oars then looked up at the disabled ship. Kane gripped Hannah’s shoulders and shook her, but then held her in his arms. He’d forgiven her, but then, he’d forgive her anything. That could not be said for Ewan.
Angry and surprised voices called out.
“Ewan!”
“He’s the traitor!”
“May ye rot in hell, Kelley!”
Ewan bristled then dipped the oars in the sea. He didn’t look back, not wanting to see their accusatory eyes of the only brotherhood he’d ever known. He focused his thoughts on Catriona. If he saved Penelope, Catriona would have sight and never be in danger again. This was worth it.
He rowed away from the Phoenix into darkness.
Chapter 5
Zuto’s arms were chained to a tree branch high over his head, and he dangled like a monkey. Pain throbbed in his overstretched muscles, and blood drizzled down his back. He could easily break free from this bondage, but Maketabori forbade it. He allowed Natasa to torture Zuto every night to remind him that he was still a slave.
Guess the bastard forgot his promise not to hurt him.
Time was waning thin. He had to stop the mermaid from mating with the gun master, Ewan Kelley. All he had to was retrieve Ewan’s daughter, and Ewan would do anything protect her––including not mating with the mermaid.
Natasa ran her hand down his back, and he winced. She laughed then stood in front of him, licking the crimson off her finger. Hate burned in his heart as he stared into her big, laughing red eyes. She gave him a syrupy smile, and the moonlight glittered off her sharp teeth.
She ran the tips of her fingernails down his arm. “The pain will stop, love, as soon as you tell me your plans for the time spider.”
He gasped and spit on the ground near her red furry boots. “Go to hell.”
He loathed her more than he did Maketabori.
She pouted. “Is that nice coming from my favorite plaything? I am beginning to think you don’t look forward to my nightly visits.”
Before he could answer, she seized his hair, then kissed him brutally on the lips. There had been a time when he’d enjoyed her rough play, but now, he only endured it. She visited him every night and delighted in torturing him.
She ran her red fingernail down his cheek. “Tell me how you can control the time spider.”
He gave her a cold look that would have sent Captain Quinton Palmer of the Fiery Damsel fleeing back to his ship.
But she only smiled. Her red hair piled high on her head highlighted her tempting lips, and he couldn’t help but steal a glance down her bodice that could barely contain her large bosoms. But he was no longer seduced by her feminine wiles. She’d betrayed him, and he’d never forgiven her.
“You will tell me your plans, Zuto.” She squeezed his chin tight between her fingers. She narrowed her red eyes. “Tell me how you control that wretched beast. Its web is half-way done. I refuse to be trapped in that dreary town. Answer me.”
The time spider was loyal to him. Natasa had never learned how to develop a bond with animals and had even taunted the time spiders by playing with their webs and destroying their egg sacks. The creatures detested her as much as he did.
“No.” Zuto ripped his head away from her grip, her fingers scratching the side of his chin. Dampness trickled down his neck.
“I am losing patience.” She clutched the bloody whip in her hand tight. “I see you still need to learn that Maketabori favors me over you. You’re no better than I am, and you will never escape from this island. At least Maketabori allows me to be free at night.”
He bristled. Unlike him, Maketabori was not immune to her charms.
“Too bad he didn’t give you the same deal. We might have had a pleasant arrangement.” Her voice quivered as if she no longer believed she was in the god’s good graces.
“Perhaps he is growing tired of you as I have.”
She lifted her chin. “You’ll pay for your insolence.”
Weariness soaked into his body, but he met her haughty gaze. “Do your worst.”
She exhaled loudly then turned on her heels. He braced his body and gritted his teeth, refusing to cry out for mercy. The whip crackled behind him, and a slash ripped into his back, tearing away skin and muscle. Despite his iron will, he shuddered. She cracked the whip again and again. His legs wobbled, and he crumbled, stretching his muscles to the very brink of ripping them out of his shoulder sockets. With each lash, he sucked in deep gulps of air.
All strength abandoned him. His legs collapsed, and the weight of his body yanked his arms. He released a curse.
“Such a fool, you are,” she said.
The darkness lightened into the dawn, and cool air brushed over him. His blessed sun peeked over the horizon. “Your time is up, wench.”
A golden ray of sunlight highlighted the side of Natasa’s body. She hissed as she faded away. Not caring about the pain, Zuto jerked the manacles. Natasa had cursed them so he could not easily free himself. He yanked harder and harder. The tree branch split in two. Leaves and bits of wood fell on top of his head and down his flayed back. The chain dropped to the ground. He took a deep breath, trying to manage the numbing pain.
He forced himself to stand. He’d heal. He had work to do, and he needed to find that mermaid before Maketabori changed his mind and he was stuck on this damn island forever.
He wobbled to his hut and sat in front of his fire pit. He drew on his power and brought the image of Penelope into his mind. The flames crackled and flickered high. He swiped his palm. “I’naru’.”
The fire burned hotter. An image formed of a ship-filled harbor, a busy sea town, a lush jungle, and a tall mountain––Tortuga. The picture narrowed to a house with a white picket built next to a mountain trail. The gate was opened. A young woman with curly light blond hair and big blue eyes hugged a withered old crone––Morgana Fey, a powerful witch and a worthy adversary. He’d learned to never underestimate her power.
But the young woman had to be Penelope. Fear flickered in her eyes as she hurried down the path with no weapons. He smiled. She was heading toward the sea harbor town and obviously planned to swim back to her father. She’d be easy prey for the time spider and would never see her father again.
She wasn’t as tall as her older sister, Isabella, or curvy like her other sister, Angelica. She had the power to control ice, snow, and wind, but only if she remained pure. If she was seduced, then she’d lose her power, and her people would be vulnerable. He could exact his revenge on her pathetic father. Right now, she’d only begun to perform simple spells like making snowballs, and he’d make sure that was all she’d ever be able to do. He needed to capture her before she mastered it. His only hope was to keep her doubting herself and believing she was incompetent. But her sisters had taught him not to underestimate the power of a mermaid.
He returned to the beach, not wanting the time spider to destroy his home. The morning sun’s rays warmed the sand. Zuto slowly walked over to the waves and braced his legs apart. He stretched out his arms wide, then he closed his eyes. In a loud voice, he said, “Guaba.”
He opened his eyes. The ground quaked, and a crack ran along the beach, then opened wide. Sand and water spilled into the crack, creating a puff of murkiness. Through the swirling sand, a spindly hairy leg crept out, then another until the white time spider crawled out. A red mark on its belly was in the shape of an hour glass. It clamped its jaws back and forth, and eight glossy eyes stared at Zuto.
He lowered his arms. “Listen to me, my pet. I need you to find a mermaid with light blond hair the color of the virgin snow and a pure heart. But beware, she has the power to turn water into ice and could freeze you. Bite her then bring her to me.”
The spider swirled around until a sandy tornado rose and disappeared into the beach, leaving a mound of sand. He st
ared out into the empty horizon. “Beware, Captain O’Brien. Soon you’ll die of a broken heart.”
Chapter 6
Ewan looked up at the stars and the waning moon to guide him through the vast dark ocean. Guilt still weighed heavy on him over leaving the Soaring Phoenix drifting aimlessly, but he had to get to Tortuga before Kane. Catriona’s life depended on it. He figured it would take Kane at least two days to fix the tiller. Two days before he hunted Ewan down.
He ran his hand through his slick hair. Tomorrow night would have been so much easier since he could have changed into a bat. But he couldn’t speed up time.
Another row, and he winced. He rested the oars and took a deep breath. Tortuga was at least twenty leagues away, and he’d been already rowing for what seemed like a century. Even with his vampire strength, pain throbbed in his shaking arms. Sweat drenched his back, and his silky shirt stuck to his skin. He took it off then wiped his drenched face. He tossed the shirt onto the bottom boards. A breeze of cool air whipped around him, and he shivered. Despite the burning blisters on his palms, he picked up the oars and dipped them into the ocean.
By his calculation, he still had five hours before he reached Tortuga. It would take an ordinary man a day to reach the island, but Ewan wasn’t an ordinary man. His vampire strength allowed him to move three times as fast, but that didn’t mean he didn’t feel the aches and pains of rowing for hours. When he arrived, he’d have to hike up to Mariah Fey’s grandmother’s home where Penelope was staying. Weariness settled into his shaking muscles at the thought of making the long trek, but he could collapse later. All that mattered was saving Penelope. He just prayed the time spider hadn’t found her first.
Something splashed behind him. He whirled around afraid either Leif or William in dragon form had found him.
Relief flooded him.
Eldric the king of the merpeople glared at him. “So, the chosen one, was you? It should have been the captain.” The moonlight shined onto his white hair––the same shade as Penelope’s––and made it look brighter. Droplets of water trickled down his torso. He aimed his magical trident at Ewan as if debating whether or not to skewer him.
Ewan dropped the oars and raised his hands slowly. “Sorry to disappoint ye. The archangel didna give me any choice.”
Eldric lowered his weapon, then gripped the boat and rocked it.
Water splashed onto Ewan’s face like a hard cold slap. He shook his head, blinking his eyes. “Listen to me. This wasna me choice.”
“You fool! The archangel should have appointed the captain of the Soaring Phoenix. Not one of his scallywags.”
“I told you he didna give me much choice.” Ewan glowered at the king. “I have a wee daughter and if I donna do this task, he said Zuto will come after her. She’s all I have left.” Bitterness strangled his voice.
“You could die.”
Ewan took a deep breath. “My daughter is worth dyin’ for.”
Understanding replaced the anger flickering in Eldric’s eyes. “How old is she?”
“Five. She’s livin’ with her grandmother in Saint Kitts. As far away from this mess as possible.”
“To save your daughter you must save mine.”
“Aye, ’tis the archangel’s plan.”
Eldric held his gaze as if deciding whether a lowly pirate was worthy enough for his youngest and pampered daughter. He slowly asked, “You’re determined to do this task?”
“I am.”
“And you’re willing to do whatever is needed to keep my daughter safe?”
As long as it doesn’t jeopardize Catriona’s life. “I said I would.”
Ewan forced himself to be patient for the king’s answer. He wanted to grab his shoulders and shake him for taking so long to ponder. He must have thought Ewan was a poor choice or the lesser of two evils.
A vein in the king’s temple quivered, and his eyes hardened. “’Tis not as if I have much choice. I’ll help you.” His low voice was less than enthusiastic.
Obviously, he thought Kane was the better man, and maybe he was, but Kane was devoted to Hannah. Ewan knew that if Kane had a choice on who to save between Hannah and Catriona, he’d lose his precious daughter. He had to do this dreaded task.
“You must hurry and get to Tortuga.”
Ewan rolled his eyes and held up the oars. “I’ve been rowin’ all night.”
“Your rowing isn’t fast enough.”
His disdain stung and vexed Ewan’s unraveling temper. He slammed the oars into the water, splashing the sneering king. “Well, then how else I am supposed to get there?”
“I’m king of the merpeople and command the waters. Hold onto the boat, pirate.”
Eldric rose halfway out of the water and spread his arms wide. Black clouds blocked out the stars and moon and made Ewan feel small in the darkness. He sucked in his breath.
Ewan opened his mouth to argue, but the boat swirled around in the water spinning faster and faster. Wind hissed in his ear. The oars flew out, banging his arms, and he barely had time to grab the sides. Water surged around him, sloshing into the boat, and fear pounded hard onto his beating heart.
“Ye’er going to drown me, ye eejit!”
“Trust me.” Eldric’s voice was loud and strong.
A wave lifted Ewan and the longboat. He braced himself to be flipped over. The longboat swayed back and forth, then surged forward as if being towed. Mist splashed onto his face and whipped his trembling body. He sucked down sea water and choked. His vision blurred—salt water stung his eyes.
The world shot past him as if he was an arrow skipping across the ocean. He’d never moved so fast and couldn’t breathe.
Suddenly, the wave ceased, and the boat dropped through the air. His hair whirled around his face. Flashes of white, black, and purple blurred his vision. He screamed. The boat hit the water, sending waves spraying into the air, silencing his terror. He gulped for air and shoved his hair out of his face. He shook his head and slowly realized that the dark clouds had drifted away. The glimmering lights of stars, and the soft glow of the moon reflected onto the calm water. Ahead, flickering lanterns revealed the outline of anchored ships.
Eldric had kept his word. Ewan knew where he was. He was in the middle of Tortuga’s harbor.
Sailors looked down at him with curiosity and suspicion.
“What’s with all the yelling, mate?” an angry voice shouted.
Ewan sank back into the longboat, too tired to answer or care. The boat floated past a ship, and sailors peered over the railing. Some had pistols aimed others had swords.
He forced his wet and banged up body to sit up. He dipped his hand into the water and winced at the salt stinging his blisters. Waves lazily lapped against the hull. He paddled the longboat toward shore, but the boat seemed to steer itself. Eldric must still be controlling the waters.
Ewan put his hands on his knees and took deep breaths. He needed to save his strength. Morgana Fey lived on top of the mountain, and he had a long trek ahead. Why the devil couldn’t she live here?
A few yards from shore, he jumped into the warm water that came up to his waist. He hauled the boat to the shore and collapsed onto his knees.
Glimmering lamp posts highlighted cobblestone streets and wooden buildings. The streets were deserted except for the bawdy laughter that came from a couple. The man swayed, drunk off whiskey, and a seductive blonde had her arm linked with his, steering him toward the brothel. Scantily clad women leaned out the windows, obviously tired from a hard night’s work.
“Come up here, dearie,” a husky feminine voice called. “I’ll give ye a good time.”
Ewan ignored her and dragged himself to his feet. He headed toward the main street and stopped, blinking his eyes.
A woman hidden beneath a dark cloak scurried down the street. Moonlight blond curls escaped from the hood, and he caught a glimpse of cobalt blue eyes the same color as Eldric’s. He’d recognize her anywhere—Penelope.
She rushed past t
he alleyway without even noticing him.
He stepped out of the darkness. “Penelope!”
She stopped and froze. She gripped the cloak tighter around her and edged backward. “Who are you? How do you know my name?”
His gut tightened that she’d not recognized him. “’Tis me, lass. Ewan Kelley of the Soaring Phoenix. I have come to rescue ye.” He clasped her trembling arm. “What are ye doing wandering down the streets of Tortuga alone? ’Tis not safe.”
She wiggled, trying to escape him, and pushed her small hand on his. “Let go. I have to flee. Something is coming for me. Morgana sent me away.”
Chills rushed his arm at her soft touch.
She frowned. “Where’s the rest of the crew?”
Ewan’s conscience curled up in shame. He cleared his throat. “I abandoned the ship.” His voice came out hoarse, and he couldn’t hide the emotion.
“Why?”
He wasn’t sure how much she knew or how much Morgana knew. “I came to save ye.”
“You know of the—spider.” Her voice trailed off, and her face turned pale.
“Aye, I know of it. Ye have reason to fear the beastie. It can tear a man in two.”
Panic flickered in her eyes. She broke his grip. “I need to get away from here. Away from my people. The spider will kill anyone in its path to get to me. Save yourself.” She rushed past him toward the ocean.
He grabbed her wrist and whirled her around. “Listen to me. D’ye think the beast canna come through the water?”
“Morgana told me as much, but if I stay here, people will die. It wants me.”
“If ye want to live and save these people, follow me.”
Screams in the harbor jerked both their attention. Something large was blocking out the stars and knocking against ships. The once calm water sloshed back and forth, tossing anchored ships around like children’s toys. White sticky streams spewed out of the darkness and shaved off a ship’s mast. It fell into the harbor with an angry crash, sending waves against a nearby schooner, making it tip dangerously onto its side and knocking crewmen into the sea.