A Fugitive's Kiss

by Jaime Clevenger

  “Is he still tracking you?”

  “He’ll never give up on a hunt.” She paused. “But he has no memory of the attack. He believes he was set upon by sailors trying to rob him. I made a deal with the king’s counselor and Alekander will never know I was there.”

  “You tried to kill him?”

  Darin didn’t answer.

  “What was the deal you made?”

  “I was sent on a few hunts.”

  “I think more happened in Caratia than I want to know.”

  Darin stood and went to get her cloak, digging through the pockets until she found an object wrapped in wool. “I met your brother in Caratia. He sends his love.”

  “Ranik was in Caratia?” It didn’t seem possible, but Aysha unwrapped the wool and immediately recognized the wooden sailboat. She clutched the toy, wishing she could hold her brother instead. The boat only made her miss him more. “Why was he even there? He could have been hurt…”

  “He wasn’t part of the fighting. He’d taken a crew position on a trading boat and the boat had docked in Caratia after the battle.”

  “But what of Shawn and the baby?” Aysha asked.

  “Shawn miscarried. He seemed a shadow of the man I met in your barn…We’d say in the North that he’s lost his way. I told him to find his forecaster—the riverboat man.”

  “You mean Jenner?”

  Darin nodded. “His Northern blood gifted him with a stronger sense. He can sense the future—though I doubt he’s very good since he’s untrained. But he reminded me of Telvin…”

  “Jenner never spoke of any stronger sense.”

  “I don’t think he knew what to make of it. He’d never realized there was a name for him even.”

  A chair scraped the floor below and Darin tensed. Heavy footsteps crossed the floor planks and someone called for a drink. Aysha glanced at Darin.

  “The walls are too thin. As new arrivals, we should expect that they’ll be listening to our every word.” Darin pulled on her boots. “I’m going out to have a look around.”

  As soon as Darin left, Aysha brought in the washbasin, now filled with cold water, and stripped off her clothing. She washed quickly, hating the rough rag and cold water but determined to be clean. Once the dried sweat and dirt from the mountains had been scrubbed away, she dressed quickly and went to dump the water. She met the innkeeper’s daughter on the stairs and the young girl wordlessly took the basin from her. Darin was right—they were listening.

  Aysha set out to find Darin and was quickly pointed to the barn by the innkeeper’s son. Not only were they listening, they were keeping close tabs on their whereabouts. She found Darin talking to a tall, bearded man.

  “This is Baylor,” Darin said, quickly making the introductions. “His mother has a room in her house that she’d rent to us. She’s a widow and lives alone.”

  “She’s nearly blind and needs help anyway,” Baylor added. “I can take you to see the room if you’re interested.”

  At Aysha’s nod, they all set off. Baylor’s mother, a bent-over woman who admitted that she could hardly see anything past arm’s length and mumbled about spider webs, preferred to be called the Widow Baylor. She came up close to Aysha and touched her tunic, then asked after her family name. It seemed the custom here was to use only family names with strangers. Aysha immediately decided against using Spur. The mountain range wasn’t wide enough to keep their secrets safe. She gave her father’s Glenlander name and the woman didn’t prod further.

  The widow lived directly behind the stables in a two-room cottage. The offered room faced the backside of the barn and was hardly wide enough for the bed and the one chair. Despite the cramped quarters and the strong smell of manure wafting through the window, Darin quickly agreed to renting the room. Aysha would help cook and Darin would fish, Baylor decided.

  “I don’t know how to fish,” Darin admitted.

  “You’ll learn,” Baylor said, slapping her shoulder. “You’ll need to eat.”

  They could buy fish or anything they needed, Aysha knew. Darin’s coin pouch had gotten heavier in Caratia, but Aysha didn’t want to ask what she’d done to earn the money. She also guessed that gold coins would attract notice here. Maylek didn’t seem quite as poor as Tiersten, but no one looked that well-off either.

  Darin left with Baylor, leaving Aysha to move their few things from the inn to their new room. As Aysha watched them go, she was surprised again at how easily Darin passed for a man. She was as tall as Baylor and had the same short dark curls and shoulders that were nearly as broad as his. They looked like brothers walking off together. Having come to Maylek as a man, Darin would have to keep up the costume. They had agreed to tell the story that they were from Caratia and had left after the failed uprising. Hopefully no one would ask anything more.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  As soon as they pulled in to the Crag harbor, Ranik recognized Jenner’s riverboat. His heart soared even as he reminded himself that Jenner wasn’t likely aboard it. But the possibility that he might be made the time that it took Captain and Anchor to argue about a dock to tie up at all the more painful.

  Anchor and Captain were to see about filling the king’s order and the rest of the crew had been looking forward to an afternoon free. Captain, however, had a change of heart at the last moment and decided to post one of the crew to stay aboard to keep watch for thieves. He called Ranik’s name, dashing his plans to rush over to the riverboat. He watched the others hop off the boat one by one and could not gather himself to smile and wave as they called back to him. Ranik strained to see Jenner’s boat. No one moved on deck and he guessed that the rig was empty.

  It was early evening before the order had been filled. The desired goods were to be brought on board the following morning; they’d set sail as soon as all had been accounted for. Once everything was settled, Anchor finally agreed to let Ranik have a break. He headed straight for the riverboat.

  Jenner’s mother was seated on the bench at one side of the boat, braiding a long rope, and although he raised his hand in greeting, she only gave him a half nod and went back to her project. Ranik hopped on board the riverboat, which felt small now in comparison to the cargo boat that had been his home for the past month.

  “If you’re looking for passage up the river we’re not leaving until day after tomorrow at the earliest.”

  “I’m looking for Jenner.”

  She squinted up at him and finally broke into a smile. “Oh, Ranik, I hardly recognized you.” She dropped the coiled rope and stood up to give him a hug. Then she held him at arm’s length and shook her head. “You’re far too thin. You’ve not been eating?”

  “I’m on a cargo boat and the food is terrible. Jenner isn’t here, is he?”

  “Not today, no. But I expect him back any day now.”

  Ranik felt his heart lift at this. “Any day?”

  “That’s why I’m docked here. I miss my Jenner…His brother is off at the tavern getting drunk, no doubt. I’ve had about enough of that son. That one takes after his worthless father.”

  “You’re certain that he’ll be back?”

  “Who’s ever certain about these things? He’s been gone too long, and he promised to return by the next full moon. That’s all I know. So, he has two days. Hungry?” She held up a basket of rolls and cheese. He had no time to protest as two rolls and a fat slab of cheese were soon pressed into his hands. She pointed at the bench. “Hold that seat down. I’ll heat up the soup.”

  Ranik sat down as ordered. He couldn’t wait to see Jenner again and hoped that he’d keep his promise to his mother. He couldn’t risk losing him again.

  Tomorrow the cargo boat would sail back to Caratia, but he wouldn’t be on board. He worried over what he would tell Anchor and Captain but was more than happy to avoid a return trip to Caratia.

  The sky had darkened by the time dinner was finished and a cool breeze made Ranik button his coat. Jenner’s mother carried away their soup bowls and then
wrapped a scarf around her. “I’m expected at the tavern tonight. You’ll keep watch?”

  She quickly disappeared beyond the circle of light that the lamp dropped on the planks. After she’d gone, he pulled his flute free from its tether on his belt, brought it to his lips and tested a note. He imagined Jenner, across from him on the bench, and started in on an old song. From several boats away he heard Anchor’s voice holler, “That’ll be Ranik. Play a little louder for these old ears.”

  He spent the night on the riverboat. Neither Jenner’s mother nor his brother returned until well after dawn. They caused a commotion when they did, both stumbling drunk and swearing. Between spats of cuss words, Jenner’s mother said, “I paid him my share and yours as well!”

  “You keep all our money, hag!”

  “Because it would be gone in a night if it was in your pocket!”

  Jenner’s brother knocked into a wash bucket, tipping it over and nearly losing his balance. He cussed when the water splashed on his trousers and then kicked the bucket again, sending the dirty water across the deck. The bucket hit the rail near Ranik and drew the man’s attention to him.

  “Who are you?” He came toward Ranik, his hand fumbling for the knife sheathed on his hip.

  “A friend of Jenner’s,” Ranik answered quickly. Up close, this man bore little resemblance to Jenner. They were of nearly the same height, but this man had dark eyes and hair with a broad forehead and a thick neck.

  “He never mentioned any friends,” the brother continued, his spit catching in the whiskers near his lips. He was only a few feet away from Ranik, and the smell of ale was strong on his breath. “You have no business on this boat without my say. What have you stolen from us?”

  Jenner’s mother spoke up. “Leave it be, son. It’s as he says. He’s Jenner’s man. And he pays his own way, unlike you, you worthless drunk!”

  “‘Jenner’s man’? What’s that?” He leaned closer and squinted at Ranik, as if trying to determine if this might be true. “Jenner’s man?”

  Ranik wondered what had possessed Jenner’s mother to tell him this. Perhaps she knew it would incite him more. He held his hands in front of his chest and backed away a few steps.

  “My brother answers to no man. Get off this boat!” the man yelled, shoving Ranik’s shoulder and stumbling as he did. He caught his balance and pointed at the dock. “Get off! I’ll have a knife in your back if I see you on this boat again!”

  “It’s lucky for you that you’re Jenner’s brother,” Ranik spat.

  The man cursed again, but Ranik had already hopped off the boat. He ignored the jeers that the man called after him as he started down the dock, but he knew the eyes of the sailors he passed turned on him.

  “You’re a lousy drunk, Vin,” Jenner’s mother said. “And don’t think I’ll be paying for you to have another night at the inn. I’m not paying for whores.”

  “Whore?” Jenner’s brother yelled. “As if you have any right! You’re the whore!” A loud crack of wood sounded and Ranik spun round to see splintered pieces of the wash bucket floating in the water.

  Jenner’s mother sank down on the bench. Ranik waited a moment, eyeing the woman to ensure she hadn’t been hurt. She smiled and waved at Ranik as if nothing were the matter. “I’ll tell Jenner you’re in town, dear,” she hollered to him. “I know he’ll want to see you as soon as he gets in.”

  Ranik returned to the cargo boat and found Anchor already at work, directing the work of the loading crew. He jumped in to help. They had the whole craft loaded before the other sailors sleepily spilled out of the tavern. The men were cross and exhausted, all reeking of alcohol and angry at having lost their month’s income in tavern gambling.

  One of the sailors, seeing Ranik, said, “And where were you last night? We needed your luck at dice!”

  Another sailor cursed and added, “There’s no luck in that tavern. The owner cheats.”

  A round of “Ayes” followed this. The sailors pushed and shoved as they went below. When the last of the crew disappeared below deck, Ranik turned toward Anchor. “I need to stay in Crag for a bit.”

  “You’re not that good at gambling.”

  “I’m not staying for dice. I have a friend I’m waiting for…” He paused, wondering what exactly he could tell Anchor as his excuse for needing to see Jenner.

  Much to his surprise, Anchor said, “Probably for the best.”

  “You don’t mind then?”

  “I’ll miss your flute, but I don’t think you ought to show your face in Caratia after what happened.”

  “You know that wasn’t my fault—you saw the whole thing.”

  “It was your knife he fell on, Ranik…someone’s probably already pinned his death on you.”

  “But you saw the soldiers—”

  “Of course I did, Ranik. And I’m not saying I wouldn’t stand up for you. I’m saying it’d be easy enough for someone to point the finger at you, and before you know it, you’ve got a king wanting a noose on your neck.”

  Captain pushed open the half door between his quarters and the deck. Ranik guessed that he’d heard everything. Anchor looked over his shoulder at him and said: “Ranik’s staying in Crag. We’ve already signed on two more crew. I told him he wasn’t needed.”

  “I’ll miss the flute,” Captain said. “We’ll push off in an hour, Anchor.”

  He’d been dismissed. It was all settled too easily. Anchor and Captain, he realized, didn’t want his bad luck. The Northerner’s death was tied to him, no matter what anyone said.

  Ranik spent the night in a rented bunk above the tavern. He kept his coat over his head to dampen the sounds of sailors fighting in the road outside and other sailors moaning with rented women from the tavern. By sunrise, the tavern quieted and he fell asleep. Only a few hours later, the owner came to push him out of the bunk, saying his night’s rent had been spent. Ranik wandered out into the road, blinking in the bright sunlight. He spotted a new boat in the spot where his cargo boat had been docked. No one onboard knew Jenner.

  Turning back to the tavern for a meal, he pushed the door open and nearly collided with Jenner, who was just coming out. Jenner grabbed him, lifting his feet off the ground as he did.

  “I knew I’d find you here! Hungry? Of course you are.” Jenner pulled Ranik over to a table. “You’ve gotten skinny, farm boy. What happened to you?” Before Ranik could answer, he called for two plates of bread and eggs. “You wouldn’t be here unless you were a free man. But by the look on your face, something awful happened.”

  Ranik couldn’t think of what to say. Jenner caught his hand under the table and clasped it between his own. The secret embrace nearly brought tears to his eyes. Still, he couldn’t admit what had happened. Not here.

  “You don’t have to tell me, farm boy. I’m happy you’re here.” He let go of Ranik’s hand and leaned back in his chair. “You’d laugh if you knew what I’ve been up to. I’m called Clouds now. I’ve learned to call the weather. Want a storm? There’s one coming day after tomorrow. Impressed? You will be when the clouds gather tomorrow night. I’ve taken up with a fishing rig and the captain pays me well for every forecast.”

  Ranik thought of Darin’s warning. A forecaster… “I asked after you on that fishing rig that docked last night. No one knew any Jenner.”

  “Like I said, they call me Clouds. They say I call the clouds and blow the winds in any direction I choose.” Jenner chuckled, waving his arms about.

  “You’re a magician now?”

  “It isn’t magic. Although I sometimes mutter strange words and cast my arms about for effect!” He waved his arms over his head again and said, “‘I call the East Wind! Hear me and do as I bid!’ And they think I can bring in the storm. They don’t believe that all I do is feel it coming.”

  “You’ve changed,” Ranik said. He wasn’t certain he was comfortable with the change. But something in him had also been altered these past months. Could he fault Jenner for having changed as well?
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  “It’s the arm waving that bothers you, isn’t it?”

  The tavern keeper brought out the eggs and bread himself, slapping Jenner’s shoulder. “I’ve heard what they say about you—calling in the clouds. You’ll have to bring me a storm later. I get more business in bad weather.”

  When the man had gone, Jenner gestured to Ranik’s plate as he shoveled his eggs onto a slice of bread. “No wonder you’ve lost weight. No appetite?”

  “Do you remember that fugitive? Aysha’s Northerner?”

  “The one you weren’t hiding in your barn?” Jenner winked.

  “I met her in Caratia. She told me to look for you…She called you a forecaster. Is that what you are then?”

  Jenner continued eating, as if he hadn’t heard Ranik. After he finished his plate, he wiped his lips and leveled his eyes on Ranik. “I’ve always known when the weather will change. I’d dock our boat a day before a storm and refuse to take on passengers, knowing what was to come but never explaining myself…I used to play at it when I was a boy—guessing which direction a cloud would cross the horizon, knowing lightning was coming hours before the sky darkened. I can feel the wind better than any sailor I know. But it’s not only that.

  “I can sense a change in a person as well. It was the Northerner who gave me the word for it—calling me a forecaster. She said I was born with a stronger sense, and although I knew it all along, I’d never talked about it with anyone. And I never pushed myself to see what more I could do. Since that day, I’ve been testing it. My skill is getting stronger. I knew you were coming today. And I knew I’d meet you in this tavern.”

  Ranik shook his head. “Sounds like magic to me.”

  “Whatever it is, I’m beginning to like it. The fishermen pay well for my magic weather spells.”

  “The Northerner warned me…she said that you could be led astray by your own senses. Most trusted friend, or worst enemy.”