Her eyes filled with tears, but her head stayed high like she was daring us to say anything.
Gavin’s expression cooled. “You’re right. You were coming with us regardless. The lighthouse is crawling with Dokkalfar by now, and you wouldn’t have been able to escape this time.”
“I wouldn’t have said anything.” Cali crossed her arms over her chest.
“You wouldn’t have to.” Gavin’s tone held a thread of steel. “The Dokkalfar have ways of taking your memories simply by looking in your eyes.”
“I could’ve killed those black things on my own, you know. I’ve taken out twenty of them in one night without anyone’s help.” She walked quickly across the deck, opened the door. “So, to answer your question. No, thank you. I’m not an art-and-tea kind of girl. But hey, maybe I’ll serve you breakfast.” She turned and practically took the stairs two at a time.
“Wow.” I stared at the empty stairwell. “She’s really struggling.”
“That only makes sense,” Gavin muttered as we made our way down the hall. “She can’t swim, and she’s on a ship headed out to sea. Add to that that she’s the only human and everyone else could kill her easily, it’s no wonder she’s a little aggressive.”
We veered right at the bottom of the steps and went to our cabin. I took off my boots and left them by the door. “Gavin?”
He shucked his shirt and pants. “Yes.”
“I’ll never be able to get her to talk unless she lets her guard down. She’s a survivor that sees me as nothing more than spoiled royalty. I have at least one warrior with me at all times, for heaven’s sake.”
“That won’t change.”
“I know.” I sat down and took off my socks. “But if we have to stay on this boat for even a few weeks with nothing to do but sit and stare at each other, we’ll all go stir crazy.”
“Good point.”
I tucked one leg beneath me while the other dangled off the side of the bed. “So, I’d like to train.”
Gavin smiled and patted my knee. “All right. We can spar on deck.”
“And I’d like Cali to join us.”
Gavin stood, making a production of closing the curtain over the porthole. “Nora. I know you mean well. But she’s human. If she doesn’t feel like she belongs now how will Cali feel when she is defeated with little to no effort?”
“You’re assuming she won’t have help. What if it’s boys against the girls?”
Gavin’s grin widened. “You mean like a challenge? You’d protect her?” He pulled the covers back and crawled to the center of the bed.
“Of course. And Rena and Elaine could help too.”
He patted the bed beside him. “I’ll ask Weylin.”
“Why?” I scooted over, and he threw the blankets over us.
“As your Guardian, he’ll want a say, and we’ve never trained with him and I against you.”
I snuggled into his chest while his arm curled around my waist.
“You sure this isn’t about Cali?” I yawned.
“Why would it be? Weylin’s sole purpose on this mission is to protect you. His only request is we allow him to do it his way, remember?”
I kissed Gavin’s chest. “Well, I don’t think he’ll be able to resist a good challenge.”
Gavin scoffed. “We’ll see. Now go to sleep.”
I nestled down. “Night.”
As I closed my eyes, I could swear a lone flute lilted outside our door.
Chapter 20
Coming to Terms
“I will not!”
A woman screeched from the hall, and Gavin shot out the door before I knew what was happening.
Cali and Weylin stood nose to nose by the steps.
“This is ridiculous!” Cali tore at the life vest, only to have Weylin zip it back into place. “And I can’t believe that you put me in bed with you! How dare you!”
Weylin’s eyes narrowed. “You will not sleep on the floor.”
I knew that tone. Yeah. He was so going to win or die trying.
“Who in the hell do you think you are? I’ll sleep where I bloody well want, and you don’t have a thing to say about it, Slick.”
Weylin leaned in. “Watch. Your. Mouth.”
Rena, Tark, Elias, and Elaine popped their heads out of their cabins.
Cali blushed, mortified. “Great. Now we’ve woken the entire ship. Stop that!” She hissed as Weylin ripped the zipper back up. She shoved at his hand, but he didn’t budge.
“Kitten. You want to go make breakfast, have at it. But while you’re on deck you will have this vest on, or you won’t be going at all. Your choice.”
Tark half grinned and pulled Rena back into their room. Elaine and Elias followed suit.
I nudged past Gavin. “Weylin? Do you mind if I talk to Cali?”
“Why are you asking him?” she shrieked.
“The human doesn’t take one foot outside without this on,” Weylin growled.
I crossed my fingers over my heart. “Promise.”
Cali glared at Weylin and then at me.
Gavin whispered in my ear. “Remember, not a word about training.”
I nodded, and Gavin went back to our room and closed the door.
Weylin scowled as he crossed his arms over his broad chest.
I sat on the bottom step of the landing, motioning for Cali to join me. “This seems to be our place to talk.”
Cali didn’t answer. Instead, she slowly unzipped the vest and then let it fall to the floor, her deep brown eyes daring Weylin to do something about it.
He started for her, but then his eyes blanked. I had a feeling Gavin was talking some sense into him because he stopped.
“Enjoy it now, Kitten,” Weylin grumbled.
Cali stepped on the vest, grinding it into the floor before sitting next to me, her back ramrod straight.
Weylin took a deep breath. “Nora. Not one foot.”
“We’ll stay right here.”
He went back to his cabin and quietly closed the door.
“Why do you let him talk to you like that? I want to jump off the side of this hunk of metal just as a big screw-you-and-the-horse-you-road-in-on. And here you sit, all docile and obedient. Not sure who I’m pissed off at more—him for being such a jerk or you for being such a tiara-wearing-pushover.”
I bit my lip and counted to ten. She so had the wrong idea about me. “I’ve learned fighting’s not worth the effort when Weylin’s right.”
Her eyes narrowed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You can’t swim,” I quietly said. “We’re headed out to sea. The fall alone would plunge you ten, fifteen feet below the water, and even the Urisk would have a difficult time against this current. Weylin knows that, and he’s not about to risk your life.”
Cali took a deep breath. “Look, you might like all that he-man crap. Personally, it makes me want to punch bunnies. How can you stand him telling you what to do?”
“Weylin and I are a team. We’ve learned to rely on each other when we fight. I trust him with my life, and I respect his opinion. Right now, everyone on this ship wants to keep you safe, including Weylin.”
Cali kicked a small chunk of dirt across the hall. “Why?”
I closed my eyes and sighed. “I told you. You’re rare. Even the Urisk think so.”
Cali looked at her feet. “Sorry I yelled and woke you up,” she muttered.
“You didn’t wake us. Gavin and I were getting ready to go to breakfast. And I’m glad we have a chance to talk.”
“Why, Princess?” She raised an eyebrow. “Want to invite me to art lessons and tea?”
I folded my hands in my lap. “Boy, you must really think I live the life of Riley.”
Her eyes warmed as she smiled. “My mom’s best friend used to say that.”
“It was one of my foster mom’s favorite sayings. I grew up wondering who on earth Riley was and why we’d want to live like him.”
Cali’s shoulder nudged mine. �
�I didn’t know you grew up in a foster home.”
“That’s because you never asked.”
Her brown eyes glittered. “Touché. All right, Cinderella. I gotta know. How did you go from Orphan Annie to future Queen?”
I smiled. “Well, you see it all began when I was helping some friends move into college.”
Cali leaned against the wall, getting comfortable, as I told her of how Gavin and I met. Elias and Elaine came out of their room, stepping by us as I finished the story of the mountain house. By the time we reached the Queen’s acceptance of me, Tark and Rena came from their cabin, saying hello before making their way to breakfast.
“... And that’s how we ended up at your lighthouse.” I finally stood and stretched.
“That’s some story. Sure you don’t just have a vivid imagination?”
“Asks the girl who’s sailing with gray furry creatures that stand on two hooves.”
She chuckled. “Again, touché.”
“Now you know my story. What’s yours?”
Cali’s shoulders tensed. “I’ve already told you.”
“I’d like to hear more about your life. What was California like?”
She glared at me. “Why? Some mandate from the hubby?”
“No.” I tried not to get frustrated. “I haven’t seen another human in ages. I’d like to be your friend.”
Cali looked down. “Sorry. Being an asshat is more of a compulsion, really. The people I usually meet would slit your throat as soon as look at you. Trusting anyone is hard. And last night I fell asleep on the floor and woke up this morning on a soft bed with huge arms around me.” She swallowed and glanced at her cabin door. “It threw me for a loop.”
I kept my expression neutral. “I bet it did.”
“I didn’t know what to do. I’ve never ... what I mean is ...” Blushing, Cali scowled and looked back at me. “I was ten when we moved from Italy and sixteen when California slid in the ocean. Mom died soon after, and I left on that train. I tried to keep track of time with the seasons, and so I’m pretty sure I’m around twenty-four or twenty-five, but I really don’t know.” She started chewing on her thumbnail. “Thing is, I’ve had my fair share of scrapes. But I’ve never found myself in the situation I was in this morning. Nothing like that’s ever happened to me before.”
I shifted my feet, hoping that Gavin would have this discussion with Weylin, so I wouldn’t have to.
“Why don’t you want to wear the life jacket?”
“Well, after the oh-my-good-sweet-Lord-a-man-is-in-bed-with-me freakout, I peeled myself out of the sheets and put on my boots hoping to make a quiet exit. As soon as I opened the door, I was snatched off the ground, and my arms were being forced into that monstrosity.”
“Would you have worn it if he asked?”
“Absolutely not!” Cali threaded her hands through her hair, sending curls in a wild array around her shoulders. She eyed the vest like it was going to bite her. “Cripes. It’ll be humiliating being the only one having to wear one of those things. Everyone on board already thinks I’m one step above a monkey.”
“What gives you that idea? Everyone admires your strength. Very few humans cross a Dokkalfar’s path and come away breathing.”
She tilted her head toward her room. “He took my weapons and kept me pinned to him like I was a ragdoll.”
“He’s one of the best warriors Kailmeyra has ever seen.”
“Still, it shouldn’t have been so easy for him,” she muttered, kicking at the floor again.
“Don’t worry about Weylin. And if it’ll make you feel any better, I’ll wear a life vest too.”
Surprised, Cali’s eyes flew to mine. “Why on earth would you do that?”
I handed her the bulky foam jacket. “I hate being cold.”
Our door opened, and Gavin stepped out carrying a hat and gloves.
“I don’t want you freezing on deck.” He kissed my wrist above his amulet before placing the gloves on my hands. “If you’re still chilly, Elaine says she can add another layer to the lining of the jacket.” He tucked my hair behind my ears before pulling the sock cap over my head. Gavin kissed my forehead, handed me a coat, and walked up the steps.
Cali smiled. “See? He wasn’t demanding or bossy. That was actually kinda sweet.”
“That’s your perception. If Weylin had tried to slip gloves on your hands, you’d have punched him.”
Cali chuckled. “True.”
I slipped the coat on. “Listen. I’ve known Weylin for a while. He might not be the subtlest of warriors, but he always does what he thinks is best. Making sure you get a good night’s sleep and that you’re safe on deck is what’s best. In his own way, he’s being kind of sweet too.”
Cali scoffed. “That’s your perception.” She put on the life vest and zipped it up.
The door to our left opened, and Cali twitched like she wanted to bolt. Weylin carried another vest in his hands. Without saying a word, he handed it to me and took his place a step behind as we started up the stairs.
“How did he know to bring you that?” Cali whispered. “You only offered to wear the silly thing a few minutes ago.”
I opened the door and shivered. “Gavin asked him to bring another one.”
“How? He’s up here, and I’m pretty sure phones are a thing of the past.”
I sighed as we made our way across the deck. “The Alfar are telepathic.”
“Get out!” Cali smacked my arm.
“I’m serious as a heart attack!” I quipped back, suddenly feeling like we were in high school.
Salt water sprayed along the railing, giving off a frigid mist that brushed across my face.
“So how does that work?” Cali asked. “The whole talking with your mind thing.”
“I wouldn’t know.”
Confused, she glanced over.
“I’m human too, remember? Or at least the part that can’t hear other people’s thoughts is still human.”
“Yeah? Do the Alfar talk around you without you knowing?”
Gavin opened the galley door, not meeting my gaze.
“All the time,” I muttered.
Cali grinned. “Boy, that must piss you off, true?”
“You have no idea.”
Gavin closed the door while Weylin took a step closer and cleared his throat. “I’ll take those,” he motioned for the vests.
Cali dropped hers by his feet and walked away, making a production of wrapping the apron cloth around her waist. She kept her head high and pushed open the galley door that led to the dining hall.
“Don’t worry, she’ll come around.” I handed Weylin my vest. “Oh, and I’d like to start training as soon as possible. Gavin will fill you in on all the details.”
His eyes narrowed as angry patches colored his cheeks. “He’s mentioned your idea. And sprites will live in the abyss before Cali gets anywhere near a practice session.” With that, he followed Cali’s path and made his way to the hall.
Gavin helped me take my coat off.
“I take it he didn’t like the idea.” My statement came out more like a question.
Gavin scoffed. “You could say that. We’ll talk about it later. For now, no training with Cali.”
Chapter 21
The Weapons’ Room
Weylin had been unusually surly during breakfast, grunting and occasionally looking up from his plate.
The guttural sounds of the Urisks diminished as the hall emptied, leaving rows of dish laden tables. Finn rolled out several large pieces of paper, and Gavin and Elias stood, watching as the Urisk mapped out our course.
The kitchen door swung as Cali made her way to the serving line. She swiped her forearm across her brow, pushing back damp curls. Picking up a tray, she gathered cups and plates. Weylin sat back in his chair, watching her collect empty dishes.
Rena’s gaze flitted from me to Weylin to the serving line. “We should include Cali. She’ll want to know where we’re going too.”
I sighed. “I’ll see if she wants to join us.”
Rena’s brown eyes sparkled. “Good idea.”
The Urisk milled about as I wove between the heavy benches. Dishes clanked in the kitchen, the sound growing louder as I neared the serving line. Cali kept her head down, wiping off the already clean counter.
“Hey, you want to join us? Finn’s giving a report on where we’re headed.”
Cali looked up, her eyes found Weylin’s. “I’d rather work, but thanks.” She hit the galley door so hard it swung back and forth several times in her wake.
I made my way across the room.
“Where is she going?” Weylin practically growled.
“She’s helping with the dishes.”
Weylin grumbled something about stubborn women, got up from the table, and stormed toward the kitchen.
Gavin sat back in his chair. There was talk of a storm brewing to the east, and Tark suggested he try guiding the water’s current to help steer the boat.
Elaine stood. “I like that idea. The wind isn’t as strong as it needs to be, and I’d rather run parallel with the storm for a while. I might be able to hold it, but I won’t be able to keep it away altogether. With any luck, it will shift and head back out to sea instead of coming inland.”
“Aye,” agreed Finn. “It’ll be our hope as well. If not, we’d be in fer a bit of rough seas.” He faced Tark. “What say you, Water Tamer? You up fer some current shiftin’?”
Tark grinned. “Sounds fun.”
After another round of brainstorming, it was decided that over the next few days Elaine and Tark would work in shifts.
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