Warrior Rogue (The Drift Lords Series)

by Nancy J. Cohen

  Certainly getting pregnant wasn’t a concern. Was that even possible with an alien? Despite his extraterrestrial origins, Paz had descended from the same seeds of humanity. She supposed it could happen if she weren’t on the Pill.

  So she’d share his bed, but that’s all. She wouldn’t invest her emotions in a bank that would close its doors in the end.

  The deck pitched and rolled, and she swallowed against a swell of discomfort. Sleep would be a welcome distraction. Her eyes drifted shut, and she dozed despite the queasy feeling in her stomach. Paz must have slept too, because the banging on the door woke them both.

  “Wake up, you lazy humans,” Smitty’s voice called. “These men want breakfast, and so do I.”

  Jen opened her eyes to find Paz regarding her with a sexy grin on his face. Heat rose from the tips of her toes to the roots of her hair. She was unaccustomed to waking up next to a man. Her last boyfriend, Jake the Jerk, had insisted on going home after they had sex. She hadn’t known until later it was because someone else waited for him.

  She sat bolt upright before realizing she had no clothes on.

  “Be right there,” she hollered to the closed door.

  Scrambling over Paz who watched her with a raised eyebrow, she grabbed her bundle of clothing and hastened into the tiny lavatory. She washed up as best she could, rinsed out her underwear and hung them to dry, then tossed on the pants and loose blouse. She’d didn’t want to go without her underthings but they had to be clean.

  “Good luck,” Paz called as she flew out the door.

  She was just as glad not to spend time with him alone after last night. It would distract from her cooking duties, and she wasn’t in the mood to discuss their relationship issues.

  Smitty waddled ahead of her toward the galley. When he showed her the miniscule space where she'd be expected to cook, her mouth dropped open.

  “Are you kidding? How can I get anything done in here? There’s no space even to move.” She glanced at the gas-fired stove, the cupboards, and the single stone countertop. It was stifling hot and dimly lit besides.

  Smitty gave her a beatific smile and rubbed his stomach. “We’re all counting on you, lady. The captain said he wanted the food ready by eight o’clock. I’m to help you get what you need from the stores below.”

  “Oh, yeah? What happened to the sack of food you bought from the old woman in the village? If you have fresh produce, I can use it.”

  Smitty shook his head. “It’s mostly smoked fish, and there’s not enough to go around. Besides, I already ate half of it. You can scrounge up something here.”

  Jen searched the cupboards to take stock. Other than rice, many of the ingredients were unfamiliar. She doubted these Asians ate eggs and toast for breakfast. What should she serve them? Seaweed and sushi aside, she could stir up some sort of fried rice concoction for the four crew members.

  “The men are talking about you.” Smitty shifted from one foot to the other as he watched her with his observant eyes. “They’re torn between sharing you for their pleasure or throwing you overboard if you don’t carry your workload.” He paused while she figured out how to turn on the burners. “I wouldn’t take a swim in these waters if I were you.”

  She glanced at him before filling a pot with water to boil. “What do you mean?”

  Smitty scratched his bearded jaw. “Giant jellyfish inhabit this area. Captain Kolami says they can get up to four hundred and fifty pounds. They’ve been known to capsize trawlers larger than this vessel. Their stings can kill you, if you’re unlucky enough to annoy one.”

  Jen added canned vegetables to a jumbo fry pan, turned up the heat, and stirred. The smell of food combined with the motion underfoot made her stomach roil. Sweat broke out on her brow. No matter how bad she felt, she’d have to finish cooking this meal. She lifted a bag of rice from the cupboard.

  “Rumors of sea monsters crop up everywhere.” Jen found a measuring cup for the rice. “Have jellyfish been sighted here?”

  “Fishermen have caught them in nets along with fish poisoned by their toxin.”

  “I didn’t realize such things existed.” Jen stir-fried the vegetables until they were aromatic and tender. After turning off the burner, she used a cloth to lift the frying pan from the heat. Steam clouded the air. “How could they grow so huge?”

  Smitty shrugged. “Could be global warming that heats the water, or pollution from dirty river run-off. Captain Kolami thinks over-fishing of other species allows more plankton to grow for the Nomura jellyfish to feed on.”

  “Well, that’s just great. It gives me another thing to worry about besides pirates.” She added rice to the boiling water, stirred it, and put on the lid. “Where do I serve the meal?” She took out a pile of dented metal plates from the cabinet.

  “I’ll take the food to the officer’s mess, but then I’ve got my own chores to do. I suggest you figure out what you’re going to make for lunch.” He gave her an assessing glance. “You might want to get some fresh air. You don’t look so well. Just keep a lookout for a large scaly tail.”

  “What, there’s more than giant jellyfish, sharks, and pirates out there?” Jen found a tray to put the plates on. “Are you scaring me on purpose?”

  After the rice finished cooking, she scooped it onto the plates and topped each lumpy mound with a portion of wilted vegetables. She handed Smitty the laden tray before pressing a hand to her stomach.

  Smitty’s eyes held a gleam of mischief as he regarded her. “The sea serpent even scares the sailors. Your Bible mentions the creature, calling it Leviathan: His sneezes flash forth light. From his mouth go burning torches, where sparks of fire leap forth. Out of his nostrils go smoke. He makes the deep boil like a pot.”

  The dwarf glared at her. “This area is dangerous. Why else do you think it’s called the Dragon’s Triangle?”

  Chapter Eleven

  “Come on, Smitty, I’m not that gullible. Go take your fish tales to the crew.” Jen waved him off. The deck heaved. So did her stomach.

  She rushed to the sink and vomited her guts out. Surely she’d die on this voyage. If a sea monster didn’t get her, the crew would toss her overboard for failing her duties.

  With a moan, she sank to the floor and huddled in a corner. Shivering despite the sweat on her face, she wrapped her arms around her knees in misery and listened to the creaks and groans of the ship. Men shouted from above, competing with a splash of waves. The vessel rolled, and the side-to-side motion combined with the smell of old grease and tar made her retch again.

  “Jen, what’s the matter?”

  Paz’s voice roused her from her stupor. She’d lost track of time, unable to think of the next meal and not knowing what to serve anyway. Most of the food stores were foreign to her.

  She lifted her head. “I’m seasick. Kill me now.”

  He crouched beside her and swiped the hair from her face. “Nonsense, you’ll be fine. It just takes a few days to get your sea legs.”

  “My father has a boat. I’ve been out on it many times, and it never bothered me.”

  He wet a cloth and handed it to her. “I’ve been on every ship in our fleet, and some designs affect me more than others.”

  “You’re part of a Navy? I thought the Drift Lords acted on their own.”

  A shadow crossed his face. “Not that kind of fleet, although we work with Imperial Space Command when necessary.”

  Then what did he mean? Too wretched to care, she washed her face with the cloth he’d kindly provided.

  “What’s there to drink on this boat besides ale? I couldn’t stomach it the way I feel.”

  “I’ll find something. Smitty gave me the key to the storage locker. He said you could use assistance. Wait here.”

  “Oh, like I have anywhere to go.”

  She wanted to laugh at her own humor but lacked the energy. Paz’s concern warmed her heart. He returned with an armful of canned goods and a stack of fresh vegetables.

  “The crew
buys produce from farmers who live on the mountain.” Paz dumped his stash on the counter and began sorting the items. “The volcanic soil is rich for growing crops, but it’s dangerous to live there. The mountainside shakes when the gods get angry, or so rumor goes. Authorities from the mainland have warned people to leave, but they need to earn a living. They’re paid regularly to bring supplies to the manor.”

  “The crew might believe that, but I don’t. You saw the farmer who owned the cart we escaped in. He’d been confounded.” Jen pushed to her feet. “Look, I can take over here. You should go back to scrubbing decks or whatever job you have.”

  His hair hung in stringy clumps, and his shirt was drenched in sweat. Nonetheless, his manly appearance sent a thrill through her, especially with the devilish grin on his face.

  “Not yet. I have a drink for you. It’ll settle your stomach.”

  “Man, I could sure go for a ginger ale.” She took the concoction he’d mixed, pinched her nose at the fishy smell, and downed it. Her mouth puckered. “Ugh, what was that?”

  “You don’t want to know. Why don’t you go lie down? I’ll whip something up for lunch.”

  She didn’t want to get him in trouble. “Do you have time? Seriously, I have no idea what to make. I don’t understand what half this stuff is.”

  He set to work at the counter separating slimy things that looked like tentacles. Her gut clenched, and she leaned over the sink.

  “Come on, I’m taking you to the cabin.” Paz turned her around to face him. “You’ll do neither of us any good if you don’t recover your strength.”

  Realizing he was right but feeling bad that she’d left him with her burdens, she preceded him down the narrow corridor, using the walls to steady her footing as the ship dipped and rocked. The dingy interior and confined space made her cringe. Once inside their cabin, she collapsed on the bunk.

  “I’ll bring you some broth when I have the chance,” Paz said, a tender expression in his eyes that she hadn’t seen before. “You’ll be all right in a while.”

  Friday morning passed in a blur. Paz returned as promised with a bowl of chowder and pressed the spoon between her lips. She managed to keep it down, and feeling more stable, fell asleep. Jen barely heard the creaking noise later when Paz sank onto the mattress beside her.

  By Sunday, Jen awoke with a clear head and was able to resume her chores. Paz had worked like a demon so he could carry her duties until she was well. He showed her what to do in the galley, and she managed to put together the next few meals without further mishap. They were both so tired by the end of each day that nothing was on their minds except rest.

  A violent pounding on their door woke them early Tuesday.

  “Open up,” Kano shouted. “The captain wants to see you.”

  What was wrong? Jen dressed hastily while Paz threw on his clothes. Then they headed up the companionway after the first mate. Jen squinted in the sunlight. She’d been outside only a couple of times, wanting to avoid the crew, and was unaccustomed to the brightness.

  The sails billowed in a stiff breeze while the ship plunged into the waves. Jen marveled that the motion didn’t bother her anymore and lifted her chin as the captain approached. He wore a scowl and hunched shoulders—not a good sign.

  Smitty ambled their way from the other direction, his face grimy, and his battered shoes all wet.

  With animated gestures, the captain exploded into speech. The other three crew members crowded around with mean looks on their faces.

  Paz cleared his throat, prepared to translate. Despite his bedraggled looks, Jen felt comforted by his presence.

  “Captain Kolami says someone stole the diamond earrings from where he stashed them,” Paz informed her and Smitty. “Since he trusts his crew, he claims it’s one of us. We are to produce the stones immediately or suffer the consequences.”

  Jen spread her hands. “But we don’t have them. Smitty?”

  The dwarf puffed out his chest. “Don’t you dare think such a thing. I’ve been working like a slave and getting no thanks for it. It’s an outrage, a person of my stature forced to hammer nails, swab decks, and clean latrines. This guy just wants to renege on our deal before we reach land.”

  Paz exchanged words with the captain who drew a nasty curved knife. At Kolami’s nod, one of his crew hefted a piece of rope and swung it menacingly.

  “The captain plans to give me fifty lashes if we don’t give up the earrings. Smitty, he’ll cut you up for shark meat. Jen will become a prize for their efforts.”

  Jen’s face blanched. “The double-crossing pirates.”

  A large swell lifted the boat. The vessel dropped with a resounding splash and then lifted again. A sudden shadow blocked the sun.

  What was that?

  Jen’s heart pounding, she scanned the waves. The current rippled and danced, white foam topping the crests. Water splashed against the hull as the bow drove through the sea. Sails with bamboo battens snapped in the wind, straining the supporting braces.

  The sun spilled tangerine light across the water. In early morning, it looked like a golden orb in a clear blue sky. Despite the glorious sunrise, goose bumps prickled her skin.

  A thud hit the junk, which shook violently and keeled to the side.

  “Uh oh, that’s not good,” Smitty muttered.

  Jen staggered as the deck heaved underfoot with another bump from below. A tail flapped out of the water and then disappeared.

  “Did you see that?” Hysteria rode her voice.

  The thing had been huge. Oh, God. Maybe that talk about sea monsters had been true.

  Another thud rocked their vessel. The captain shouted orders, and his crew rushed to a locker on deck and withdrew rifles from inside.

  “I’d say our hosts are the least of our worries right now.” Paz pointed out to sea.

  Everyone turned. A series of humps rose out of the water and then dipped below the surface. The creature had to be enormous although its full length remained hidden.

  “Do they have lifejackets on board?” Jen scuttled to a nearby chest and threw it open. Fishing gear. Oh, like they could reel in this thing. It might choose them for lunch, not the other way around. At a loss, she returned to her companions.

  “This way.” Paz gestured for her and Smitty to follow. “I thought I saw a harpoon on the quarterdeck.”

  The three of them hustled in the direction he’d indicated.

  “I should have known we couldn’t defy fate,” Smitty muttered. “Jormungand knows we’re here. He means to destroy you.”

  “What are you talking about?” Jen’s pulse throbbed in her temples. Why couldn’t they just find a safe harbor already?

  “As descendants of the ancient gods, you are his sworn enemies. The Midgard serpent hails from the giants and is a spawn of Loki. Kimmlebush, I shouldn’t have come.” Smitty cast a fearful glance at the water.

  The sea boiled and churned, and a great tail rose up to swat them. Jen grabbed the nearest rail as the ship tilted, hung in the balance, and then righted itself. This wooden rig wouldn’t hold up for very long under repeated assault.

  “What do we do?” She gazed at Paz, her head reeling.

  The sailors advanced toward them, aiming their firearms.

  Captain Kolami halted in front of her, his eyes blazing. He rattled off some words and Paz translated.

  “You have brought doom upon us. We should not have allowed a woman on board. Over the side with you. That may appease the creature.”

  Jen gasped. This was a no-win situation. What did they call it on Star Trek, the Kobayashi Maru scenario?

  As she saw it, they had three choices: to be murdered by the crew, drowned in the ocean, or eaten by the sea monster.

  The good thing was, she didn’t have to make a decision.

  The bad thing was, the serpent made it for her.

  It chose that moment to rear its ugly head. Two round yellow eyes glared at them from above a yawning mouth filled with sharp, jagged teeth
. The creature looked like a cross between a dinosaur and a snake. Its long, winding body made seemingly of pure muscle twisted to the surface.

  Jen opened her mouth to scream, but her voice was swallowed by the monster that gulped the entire ship down its throat.

  Wet blackness surrounded her as she tumbled into free space. Her breath escaped her lungs.

  This is it. I’m going to die.

  And then she was rolling and landing on a squishy, spongy surface. A body knocked into her and ricocheted off. Another thud sounded nearby followed by a curse.

  “Paz? Is that you?” Jen sniffed in the dark. There appeared to be breathable air, but it stank something foul.

  “Yes, I’m here.” His deep voice sent a rush of relief through her.

  “Where is here?” Sounds of trickling water met her ears along with an ominous creaking noise. “Wait, I still have my purse.” She’d strapped it on under her shirt so none of the crew would try to steal it. “I have an emergency penlight.”

  She took it out and shone it around, propping herself on an elbow.

  “This looks like a cavern but I don’t think we’re in any cave,” Smitty’s voice rasped from somewhere in the gloom.

  “I thought the creature ate us.” Paz struggled to his feet, staggering when the ground trembled beneath them.

  “The sea serpent swallowed us,” Smitty clarified. “We’re in its stomach. Lady, shine your light farther afield.”

  Jen did as instructed, her eyes widening. She and her pals had landed on a ridge, presumably a ripple in the creature’s innards. Below them sat the junk, its masts broken. The ship listed ominously toward a vast pool of sloshing liquid.

  As the bow dipped into the pool, the liquid bubbled and spurted. The crew were nowhere in sight.

  “This isn’t good.” Paz glanced at her, his face grim.

  “Why? There’s air in here, and we’re still alive.” She pushed a strand of damp hair off her face.