by L. S. Gibson
Ninian was totally nonplussed, opening his mouth as if to speak before snapping it closed again.
Jhond was already using his pendant, and in the next instant, his feet touched the deck of the Horologue. Nearby, Captain Amired was just coming up from below decks.
"That was quick," Amired said with a smile. "All sorted?"
"Yes," Jhond replied.
At the same time, Ninian muttered, "That's a matter of opinion."
Amired gave him a quick glance, but Jhond went on as if he hadn't spoken. "Garileon Castle is no more. I had to completely destroy it to disperse the spell."
"Sorry to hear that, but it can't be helped. So, what's next on the agenda?"
"What indeed?" Ninian said.
"Do I gather there's some kind of dispute going on between you two?" Amired asked.
"More that our esteemed Eynan has changed plans at the last moment," Ninian said, his tone clearly showing he wasn't happy.
"That's not fair, Ninian," Jhond said. "I didn't change anything. I just learned something new that means I need a contingency." Jhond then turned his back on Ninian and said to Amired, "I am going to the nunnery as planned, but I want you to take the Horologue as close as you can to the village of Lumera."
"Lumera?" Amired frowned. "That sounds familiar but--"
"It's on the coast at the foot of the mountain where the nunnery is."
"Come to the cabin and let's check my charts," Amired said, and both Jhond and Ninian followed him below.
* * * *
Jhond was pleased to learn that, according to Amired's maps, there was a possible anchorage in a bay just north of the village of Lumera. Ninian was still unsettled at the idea of taking Remelin back to the vicinity of the nunnery, but he had to trust in Jhond. Amired had kept well out of the discussion, simply following Jhond's requests.
Remelin had been below deck until Amired's call to duty had aroused her curiosity and she had come up on deck. She saw Jhond and Ninian leaning against the ship's railing and came over to ask where they were sailing to, and Ninian had wondered what explanation Jhond would give.
"I've asked Amired to take us close to Lumera," Jhond said, though he only glanced at her for a moment.
"I didn't expect that," she said. "I thought you'd use that transport device, same as you did to get to the castle. Unless you had some sort of problem with that?"
"No, everything went according to plan, though I'm afraid I had to eliminate the castle."
"Eliminate? You mean you completely destroyed it?" Her eyes were wide with disbelief.
"I had no choice, believe me. I don't damage or destroy ancient objects unless I have no other option."
"I can attest to that," Ninian said. "He tried other spells first, but the spell was so deep in the structure that the dispersion spell didn't work."
She sighed. "I understand. You've not said why you're going by sea, though."
"I overtaxed myself a little," Jhond explained. "I just wanted to take it easy for a while. It's only a short sail, then I'll finish it once and for all."
Ninian didn't know whether to be impressed by Jhond's slight bending of the truth, or to be impressed Remelin wasn't nervous of what was to come. To distract her even more, Ninian said, "I wouldn't be a bit surprised if you weren't hungry again, Remi."
She laughed and admitted, "Of course I am."
They went down to the cabin, though Amired chose to stay on deck to keep an eye on his crew. Ninian laid out a very impressive meal, even supplying a delicious wine accompaniment. Remelin seemed to be in a talkative mood and kept them entertained with stories of her youth before her mother had died. Jhond listened politely, but there was a distance between him and Remelin that Ninian couldn't quite understand.
A couple of hours later, Amired joined them and the captain explained they were about half an hour from the anchorage.
Remelin blushed as she hid a yawn behind her hand. "I'm more tired than I realized," she said, getting to her feet. "I trust you'll forgive me if I retire to my cabin."
"Of course," Jhond said.
"Indeed, go get your beauty sleep," Amired said, with a smile.
Remelin nodded and left.
"You eaten yet?" Ninian asked Amired.
"Not yet," Amired replied, grinning as he added, "Aldous will keep an eye on things and let me know when I'm needed on deck."
Ninian quickly spelled up a hot meal for him. Amired had only just pushed away his dessert plate, now empty of sliced piera fruit and sweet cream, when there was a knock at the door.
"Enter," Ninian called, and Aldous opened the door, but stayed in the entrance.
"You wanted to know when we got close to the bay, Captain."
"I did. Be right with you," Amired said.
Aldous nodded and left.
"This is a new anchorage and I prefer to take the Horologue in myself."
* * * *
Amired discovered taking his ship in proved more straightforward than he'd expected. Even though it was almost midnight, the sky was clear with a bright moon, and the ship slipped neatly into the bay. Abruptly, a moonbeam shone on the coastline, and one of the sailors excitedly pointed out a groyne jutting out into the sea. It was likely used by the local fishermen, but it was long enough it was possible the Horologue might be able to tie up to it if the water's depth was sufficient.
"Aldous," Amired called.
"Sir?"
"Drop anchor and then take out a boat and test the depth of the water by the end of that groyne."
"Aye, sir."
Ninian and Jhond came up on deck just in time to see the small boat being lowered.
"What's going on?" Ninian asked.
"Sending the boat to see if we can tie up at that groyne," Amired said, pointing toward the shore.
"I can go just as well from here," Jhond said.
"But if I have to follow you, it'll be easier for me if I can just walk ashore," Ninian said.
"Sure would help if you could use one of those pendants," Amired commented.
"Indeed, but Jhond won't lend his to me." Ninian's grin was lop-sided.
Jhond gave Ninian a look Amired couldn't quite read before saying, "I'll be generous and wait for first light before I go the nunnery, just in case, though I don't expect I'll need any help. I feel more comfortable knowing you're keeping an eye on Remelin."
"Why does that sound more like Ninian is guarding her?" Amired asked.
"Guarding, watching, call it what you will, but Remelin will be out of harm's way," Jhond said.
Just then, Amired thought he saw a light out of the corner of his eye and moved to the ship's rail. Yes, there, he could see a light flickering from the small boat. After a few moments of studying the movement, he turned back and said, "Aldous says it's safe. You two go below and get some rest, while I take the ship in. I'll call you at sunrise."
As they both nodded and went below, Amired wondered if he was missing something. Those two were usually so much in accord, yet Amired thought he sensed some discord between them.
* * * *
Remelin tossed and turned in the narrow cot, tired yet unable to go to sleep. She considered going up on deck, thinking perhaps some fresh air might help, but the looks she got from the sailors when she was alone on deck always made her feel uncomfortable. She got up and, hugging herself, began to pace the small cabin, frustrated and confused by her feelings and not knowing what to do.
::Calm yourself, my child. All is well.:: She froze as the words slid through her consciousness. The sound, the voice, was agonizingly familiar, but that couldn't possibly be the entity's words echoing inside her head. She lifted her hands and clamped them over her ears, as if that would somehow stop the entity speaking directly to her mind.
::Don't be a fool. You cannot keep me out. Never! Get dressed and come to me,:: the entity ordered, and Remelin sagged at the realization of how much under its control she was, how little power she had over her own life. ::And bring me the crystals.::
/>
Horrified at such a command, Remelin cried, "No, no! You would use those to destroy Jhond and Ninian." Instantly, a sharp pain lanced through her head. She automatically grabbed the sides of her head again, and her eyes widened in fear, even as her mouth dropped open in shock. Struggling against the pain, she forced the words between her lips. "I refuse...to help you...hurt him."
":You appear to have forgotten that you cannot disobey me!:: The pain came again, even more severe, and Remelin slumped to her knees, tears sliding down her face as she whimpered into her hands.
::You will do exactly as I demand. Your companions cannot help you, while I can cause you pain unending. Do as I say...bring me the crystals.::
Remelin clambered to her feet and began to get dressed. "I can't simply leave the ship," she murmured. "The captain has set a watch."
Cackling laughter filled her head, and she groaned.
::As if that would stop me--or you! You have power, minimal compared to mine to be sure, but more than enough to get ashore. Now, stop prevaricating and come to me!::
Remelin finished dressing and walked to the cabin door. She took a deep breath. She half hoped Jhond and Ninian weren't still on the deck with Amired so she could obtain the crystals from Jhond's cabin without being challenged, yet at the same time, she prayed she would be stopped. She hated she didn't have the strength or the power to fight against the entity that had invaded her being.
She listened carefully outside the cabin, but there was only silence from within. She opened the door, and there on the floor, just where she had last seen it, sat the chest, still in its fully restored state. Her heart beating too fast inside her chest, she made her way over to the chest and lifted the lid. There in the center sat the small box containing the crystals that were a danger to both Jhond and the entity. She wanted to close the chest lid and walk away, but a wave of pain swept over her, a final warning from the entity, and she reluctantly reached inside and took out the box. Tears threatened to fall, and, angry at herself, she brushed them away and left the cabin.
She returned to the captain's cabin and waited until she heard the men retire to their cabin some thirty minutes later. Then she waited another fifteen minutes to be sure they were asleep before she dared to risk leaving her cabin.
Swiftly, she climbed the ladder and emerged on the deck. She glanced about her and saw two sailors on the upper deck at the wheel, one of them leaning against the wheel as he spoke quietly to his colleague. Remelin recognized the two men, but couldn't recall their names. Quietly, she made her way toward the gangplank. She'd almost made it when she heard a step behind her. She turned to find Warkist standing just behind her.
He gave her a crooked grin. "You have trouble sleeping, pretty lady?"
Remelin didn't think much of Warkist; he always seemed to go out of his way to cause trouble. She couldn't afford for him to cause a problem now. "Yes," she confessed, raising a hand to her temple. "My head aches a little, and I thought perhaps some fresh air might help." She decided he could be useful and, drawing on the power at the center of her being, wove a spell to deceive the sailor, causing Warkist to imagine he saw her as a woman he admired and would be pleased to encounter.
Warkist suddenly stood straighter, a slight smile on his thick lips. "Amelie," he said. "Lords, but it's been far too long since I saw you." He reached out to take Remelin's hand, drawing it to his mouth where he kissed it. "You look..." He sighed. "I never thought to see you again."
Remelin stomach heaved as the sailor's tongue slid over her hand, but she managed to smile. "Indeed," she said, "it's good to see you, too."
Warkist released her hand and, looking confused, glanced around. He frowned and said, "I don't... What are you doing here?"
Remelin quickly drew his attention back to her face. "I was just going ashore, my dear. I wanted to get a new dress, so I can look good for you when you take me to dinner this evening."
"Dinner?" His eyes widened, and a sudden smile crossed his face.
Remelin leaned closer, pressing a hand to his rough cheek, as she faked a smile. Inside, she felt sick at what she was doing, all to obey a creature she hated, who wanted to hurt the man she loved. As if to send her a reminder, pain swiftly washed over her, swiftly gone.
"I'm sure you'll look lovely," Warkist replied with a grin. "You never fail to arouse my...interest."
Remelin forced herself to walk to the gangplank, glancing over her shoulder at Warkist as she made her way ashore, needing to keep his attention wholly on her. She concluded her spell by making Warkist turn aside and walk to the opposite side of the ship, forgetting he had ever met his longlost Amelie again.
* * * *
Something had awakened Jhond. It was early, though not yet sunrise, and Jhond was confused. He looked around the small cabin. There was no sign of Amired, who must still be on deck. When he glanced over to where Ninian was sleeping, it was to find Ninian shoving the hair from his face as he sat up.
"What is it?" Ninian said.
"Don't know." Just then, there was a knock at the door.
"Enter."
A sailor peered around the door and said, "The captain asks that you come up on deck, sirs."
"What's going on?" Jhond asked, as he got up. Neither he nor Ninian had bothered to undress before going to sleep.
"Not for me to say"--the sailor looked over his shoulder, as if to make sure no one else was there--"but it's to do with the young lady." He backed out quickly.
Jhond was up like a shot, Ninian close on his heels. When they reached the deck, it was to see the Horologue tied up to the groyne...and Amired had one of the sailors shoved up against the mainmast. It was Warkist.
"Amired!" Jhond shouted.
Immediately, the captain grabbed hold of Warkist by the collar and dragged him toward them.
As he neared, Amired said, "Remelin has gone! This idiot allowed her to go ashore."
"What?" Jhond glared at Warkist, who pulled away from his captain's grasp and attempted to stand up straight under the anger of the three men surrounding him.
"Don't you look at me like that," Warkist barked, but his expression betrayed his uncertainty. "No one said anything about keeping the girl on board. He"--he jerked his head at his captain--"was below talking with Aldous when she came on deck and marched straight for the gangway. I called to see if she wanted any help, but she never even answered me." He frowned as he added, "She just gave me this odd look and then she was gone."
"So you just let her leave? Without even knowing where she was going?" Ninian asked, his expression full of anger as he approached Warkist, only halting when Jhond spoke.
"We know where she's going," Jhond interjected, filled with self-recrimination as he recognized he had made a major mistake in not asking Amired to give orders that Remelin shouldn't be allowed to leave the ship. He'd thought he had everything under control, but now he could admit he'd been reluctant to confide in Ninian that he had come to suspect there was still some connection between the entity and Remelin. He hadn't been certain and thought Ninian would probably just think it was his imagination due to his "infatuation" with Remelin. Now he wondered if perhaps the entity was still managing to influence his thinking. Well, now to correct his error. "How long ago was this?"
"I called you as soon as I found out," Amired said, "but he didn't report it until I came back on deck." He glanced at Warkist. "Fifteen minutes later."
Warkist pulled free of Amired's grip. "Don't blame me when not one of you said anything about her being a prisoner!"
"Get out of my sight," Amired snapped, and Warkist hurried away, still grumbling about not being kept informed.
"Trouble is he's right," Ninian said.
"I'm sorry," Amired said, looking suitably chastened. "I thought she was safe in her cabin, and I needed to check supplies with Aldous."
"Can't blame you," Ninian said. "She still appeared to be upset, and I thought rest would help her deal with the situation. I guess she had plans of her own.
"
"If anyone's to blame, it's me," Jhond said. "I was so sure I had things under control that I didn't even suggest you inform your crew of the danger to Remelin so they could help watch over her. I kept it all among the three of us. Too damned sure of myself."
"No time for wallowing in self-pity," Ninian said sharply. "We need to take action. As you said, Jhond, we know where she is going. Do we follow or get there ahead of her?"
"We take a more direct route and get ahead of her." Jhond turned to Amired. "How would you feel about giving us some support?"
Amired's eyes lit up with excitement. "I'd like nothing better. I've been feeling somewhat left out, stuck here onboard ship while you two have been off adventuring. What do you need?"
Jhond seemed not to notice the excitement and humor in Amired's response and calmly said, "If you could follow her by the more conventional method, just in case we need someone to take care of Remelin while we face the entity."
"No problem at all." Amired grinned.
"You do remember the danger that you got dragged into the last time you helped Jhond?" Ninian asked.
"Oh yes, what excitement."
Ninian laughed. "You'll never learn."
"Listen who's talking," Amired said. "Never seen any sign you'll let him go anywhere alone."
"Captain," Aldous called, and they turned to find the mate hurrying toward them. "Just pulling Warkist over the coals, and he let slip that the girl was carrying a small box with her."
"Why the hell didn't--" Amired began.
"Hellas!" Jhond declared. No, no, she couldn't have! He dashed for the steps to below decks, hearing Ninian in pursuit.
He threw open the door to their cabin and there on the floor was the fully restored chest just as they had left it. He darted over to it, threw back the lid and there was a gaping empty spot in the center. Pain shot through Jhond's chest. How could she do that? Betray him like that? Taking the crystals to the entity in the cellar when there was a possibility that the being trapped inside could use the cracked one to kill him.