Moss Forest Orchid (Silver and Orchids Book 1)

by Shari L. Tapscott

A little way out, something moves in the water. I focus on it, trying to figure out what it is. After several moments, I decide it was only a fish.

  “That’s because it was usually your fault, Lucia.”

  “Please.” I pick up Flink when the dragon sticks his nose a little too far over the edge of the dinghy. “You don’t remember things clearly at all.”

  Sebastian tilts his head and opens his arms wide as if to remind me of our current situation.

  Flink lets out a peep, and when I look down, I notice he’s peering in the same direction I was a moment ago. Something long and dark slides through the water. It’s closer this time.

  “Sebastian,” I hiss. “What is that?”

  Sebastian narrows his eyes. The creature sinks back into the depths. After several moments, it rises again.

  “It’s coming this way,” I whisper.

  “You don’t by any chance have your bow with you, do you?” Sebastian asks.

  “I broke it a couple months ago. The bowyer’s wife said he wouldn’t fix it for free again.”

  He glances over, his shoulders tense. “Tally’s always been a little jealous of you.”

  “I don’t really think that matters right now.”

  The boat rocks under us, but my eyes are on the creature. It hasn’t reached us yet.

  “There must be two of them!” I exclaim as I attempt to keep my footing. “What do they want?”

  “Something to eat.” Sebastian glances at Flink. “Toss them the dragon.”

  I’m about to snarl a retort, but the creature hits the boat again, harder this time. I stumble sideways. Sebastian grabs me by the waist, steadying me before I topple into the water.

  “Sit down,” he instructs.

  I glance at him, uncertain. “What are you going to do?”

  He looks at me like I’ve gone daft. “I’m going to wait for it to get close enough, and then I’m going to stab it with my sword.”

  “That doesn’t sound like a well-thought-out plan.”

  “My options are limited, Lucia,” he says, exasperated.

  “But what if you fall in?”

  “What if it breaks the dinghy apart and eats us?”

  The first creature skims the surface again, and this time I get a good look at his shiny, scaled back. It’s a serpent. Sebastian watches it too, an enigmatic look on his face.

  Our boat rocks, and I shove Flink behind my pack. He’s hiccupping harmless golden sparkles at the moment. At least we don’t have to worry about him catching anything on fire.

  I watch our backs, concerned there may be more of the beasts. What if these two are only distractions?

  Just when the first one is close enough to writhe up and lunge, it sinks into the ocean. The boat stops rocking, and the sea goes calm.

  Breathing hard, I stare at the water. After several tense minutes, I look at Sebastian. “Where’d they go?”

  Sebastian growls and rolls his shoulders. “They’re toying with us.”

  Hours creep by, and the serpents come back twice. Each time, when they’re close enough to attack, they disappear. I’m too exhausted to play their games. My muscles are tense, and my back aches.

  “They’re out there again.” I nod toward what I believe is east.

  “I see them.” Sebastian sounds as weary as I am.

  My throat is parched, and my mouth is sticky. The summer sun beats down on us, and the reflection is so bright on the surface of the water, my eyes hurt. Though I’ll be happy for the reprieve when it sets, I’m afraid the serpents are only biding their time until it grows dark.

  We haven’t seen any sign of a ship or land. I keep watching.

  The day slips into evening, and the sun sinks into the water. I can’t see the beasts anymore, but I know they’re out there.

  “Lucia,” Sebastian says quietly. “If the serpents attack in the dark—”

  “I know.”

  The last of the sun’s rays fade, and the sky darkens to indigo. I can sense the pair of beasts drawing nearer, can hear their quiet progress through the water.

  Sebastian rolls the hilt of his rapier in his hand, but we both know it’s too dark. If they attack—when they attack—they’ll act together. They’ll be no fighting them off.

  Our dinghy jolts, and the hair on my neck stands on end. “Sebastian, I never meant for this to happen.”

  He pulls me toward him and locks his arms around me, holding me so close it’s almost painful. “I know.”

  “I’m sorry.” It seems like it’s all I ever say.

  He sets his cheek on top of my head. “I swear, I will fight them, but I don’t know that we’ll…I don’t know.”

  One of the serpents hits our boat from below, and we rock perilously from side to side.

  Sebastian takes my face in his hands and angles me toward him, making me meet his eyes. “Lucia, I don’t know if we’re going to make it through this.” I choke back a sob, and he strokes my cheeks with his thumbs. “And this is the worse time possible to tell you this…”

  My heart seizes. “Sebastian?”

  He shakes his head, silently asking me to let him finish. “I’m not poetic or eloquent, but you must know—”

  From the corner of my eye, I see the giant serpent rise. Water rains down from its smooth skin, a waterfall in the sea. Sebastian shoves me behind him, but before he can act, a huge explosion rocks the water, sending our little boat careening sideways. Both night sky and sea light with another explosion, and dozens of orbs of fire meet the serpents. The one nearest us howls and writhes, but as it disappears into the safety of its watery home, its tail hits our dinghy. I scream and grasp hold of Sebastian. The vessel rocks so violently we come close to tipping over. Water sloshes over the edge, soaking my legs. Flink lets out a terrified cry, and I grab hold of him as well. After several minutes, the boat rights itself.

  From our right, a massive silhouette takes shape. As if summoned, the moon rises, full and white, and it casts silvery light on the watery landscape. The ship that saved us comes into view. On the prow, like a hero in a minstrel’s song, stands Captain Greybrow.

  CHAPTER TEN

  We Meet Again

  Avery offers his hand and assists me onto the deck. My limbs are shaky and stiff from being aboard the tiny boat, and my heart still races. I’ve never been so close to death. I clutch Flink to my chest. The dragon continues to tremble, but his hiccups have stopped.

  Near us, a man in long burgundy robes concentrates on the water, watching for the serpents to return. I motion to him and say to Avery, “You collect all kinds of illegal weapons, don’t you?”

  The captain leans close. “Be glad Gregory’s skilled in the elements; otherwise you would be in the belly of a serpent.”

  “I’m not sure we aren’t,” Sebastian mutters behind me, but he’s so quiet, I’m sure I’m the only one who hears him.

  Several men surround Sebastian, asking him questions about the beasts. With him distracted, Avery leads me farther down the deck. “Are you all right?”

  I take a deep, calming breath. “I’m terribly thirsty.”

  The captain laughs brightly, apparently amused. “Let’s get you something to drink.”

  “Sebastian will want to join us.”

  “Of course. We’ll get you settled, and then I’ll send for him immediately.”

  I’m about to argue, but he glances at Flink and says, “I see your egg has hatched.”

  I try to catch Sebastian’s eye, but his back is toward me. I say, turning back to Avery, “Terrible timing. He got us kicked off The Sea Star.”

  Avery frowns. “How could he do that?”

  He ushers me into his cabin and sits me at the very table where we shared breakfast.

  As I tell the captain of Flink’s unique attributes, he looks at the dragon, intrigued. “I’ve never heard of such a creature.”

  “I’m afraid he’s ill,” I admit. “But Sebastian thinks it has something to do with his species.”

 
The dragon wanders Avery’s quarters, nosing things. Like a puppy, he takes everything into his mouth, and I remind him constantly not to chew on things that don’t belong to him. He seems to like the opulence of the cabin, and before long, he makes himself at home on the captain’s bed.

  “I’m sorry,” I say.

  Avery only smiles. “I can’t blame him. It’s very comfortable.” His smile turns to a smirk. “I’d offer to let you try it, but I’m afraid I’d end up with the point of your dagger at my throat again.”

  I’m too shaken to flirt back. And, though I am relieved to have been rescued—and there is no one I would rather be rescued by than this handsome captain—it’s odd Avery stumbled on us yet again.

  “Why do you have a mage in your employ?” I ask him as I wander the room, changing the subject.

  Certain magic is allowed in the provinces. Anything that pertains to light, location, charisma, wards and some forms of transfiguration are allowed. Generally, if it’s harmless, it’s fine. Other forms of magic, like the enchantments on Avery’s daggers and the destructive, potentially harmful types—such as the fire the mage used on the serpents, is forbidden.

  “You don’t care about that.” Avery sits at the table and crosses his arms as he watches me wander his cabin. “You want to know why I’ve allowed one who practices illegal spells aboard my ship.”

  I smile at him. “The more I get to know you, the more I wonder if you walk a fine line between respected merchant and crafty criminal. You certainly seem to have a blatant disregard for laws and regulations.”

  “I’ve made my life at sea, Lucia. Those laws you speak of are unique to different kingdoms and provinces. Once you leave land, the rules change.”

  “Spoken like a pirate.”

  “You think so? Do pirates pick up damsels in distress?” He rises from his chair and strides across the room to meet me, a small smile on his face. “Do they save lovely young women who find themselves lost as sea?”

  He’s very close, and though I’m not afraid of him, I trust him a little less than I did a month ago. “I don’t know. I can’t say I’ve ever met one.”

  The captain brushes a strand of hair away from my face. “Well, I have. And I think a pirate would demand some form of compensation, don’t you?”

  My stomach flutters.

  “It’s a shame I have nothing to offer.”

  He leans down, so his lips are next to my ear. “Oh, Lucia. That’s where you’re so very wrong.”

  I pull back and raise my brows. “This usually works with your other conquests, doesn’t it?”

  Avery laughs, seemingly delighted. “Yes, usually.”

  “I’m not like your other girls.” I raise my eyebrows, challenging him.

  Avery’s hand drifts to my waist, testing the water between us, and he murmurs, “Yes, most girls don’t hold a dagger to my throat within the first five minutes of meeting.”

  He moves in, and his eyes drop to my lips. He gives me time to pull away, but I stand still, undecided. I’m tired and weak, and he’s so handsome. But Sebastian was going to say something before we were rescued, something that could change…everything. I must know, because if Sebastian was going to finish his thought the way I think he was going to finish it—

  A knock at the door startles us, and I jump back.

  “What is it?” Avery demands, sounding a little less patient than usual.

  “The man we just plucked from the sea wants to see you, Captain.”

  “Of course, he does,” Avery says to himself. “Let him in.”

  The door swings open, and Sebastian stands on the other side. He takes in the two of us, probably noting my flushed cheeks and guilty expression, and his expression hardens.

  “Come in,” Avery says, reverting to his charming self. “Lucia and I were about to have a drink. Please, make yourself comfortable.

  Sebastian takes in the room as he enters. Like me, he’s unable to keep his eyes off the treasures Avery’s accumulated. His eyebrows raise subtly when he notices the enchanted daggers. He gives me a pointed look.

  I glare at him, silently reminding him to be cordial when we’re at the captain’s mercy.

  He narrows his eyes slightly and returns my look with one of his own, this one reminding me he’s not the one lacking in manners.

  “Interesting collection you have here, Captain.”

  Avery glances at the daggers, not as trusting of Sebastian as he is of me. “I understand you would know.”

  The tension in the room could easily be cut with one of the captain’s treasures.

  Tersely, Sebastian turns toward Avery. “I want to thank you for coming to our aid. We will compensate you as soon as possible.”

  “No compensation necessary,” Avery says, happy to have the advantage for the moment. “It’s a pleasure to spend more time with” —he pauses and purposely allows his gaze to drift to me— “both of you.”

  “Hmmm,” is Sebastian’s only reply.

  “Are these Caratan forged?” I ask about a shield and sword affixed to the wall when the silence becomes unbearable.

  Temporarily distracted, Avery explains the pieces—where he found them, what they’re worth. Sebastian takes a seat and pours himself a drink from the nearest bottle. I’m not sure what it is, but it looks strong—and knowing Avery’s tendencies, possibly illegal. Sebastian holds it up to the light, studying it. Then, in a way contrary to Sebastian’s normal behavior, he tips his head back and drains it. He pours himself another.

  When Sebastian catches me gaping at him, he raises the drink in a mock toast and proceeds to down it too.

  I have a feeling these next few days are going to be very long.

  ***

  “We should reach Grenalda tomorrow,” Avery promises as he studies his sea map.

  We’re in his cabin again. I’m perched on a leather-covered stool next to him. The sky is gray, and it’s drizzled on and off all afternoon. Water runs down the thick glass of the multi-paned windows that separate us from the storm. On the other side, the seamen wear hide-cloaks to shield themselves from the weather. They all look a bit soggy.

  We’ve been aboard the Serpent for five days. No doubt the storm has slowed our progress.

  “And the weather?” I ask, nervous.

  Avery looks up, the corners of his eyes creasing in amusement. “Just a mild summer squall. Nothing to worry about.”

  Sebastian’s out there in the rain somewhere, or he’s hiding with the cargo below deck. Wherever he is, I’m sure he’s there because he’s avoiding Avery. The captain, I’ve learned, has a bit of a mischievous streak. He seems to find great joy in making Sebastian uncomfortable, and he ruffles my childhood friend’s uptight feathers every chance he gets.

  As if reading my mind, Avery absently asks, “Where’s your stuffy chaperone?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  “For being so distrusting of me, he seems to leave you alone quite often.”

  I give Avery a look, reminding him to behave himself. I don’t like the way the two go back and forth. It makes me uncomfortable. Perhaps it would be flattering if I thought their rivalry was because they are both madly in love with me, but it seems to have little to do with me and more with their own egos. I’m simply the catalyst and am now stuck in the middle. The two remind me of my brothers, of the way they would often latch onto my younger sister or me, trying to get us to take their sides in spite of the others.

  “What happened between you two, anyway?” the captain asks. “You mentioned you had a falling out.”

  Avery’s bored; he doesn’t usually speak of Sebastian when it’s just the two of us, but I think he dislikes being trapped inside as much as I do. The ship’s in no danger, and he’s not about to stand out there, drenching wet and frozen, if there’s any helping it.

  “Oh, that.” I wrinkle my nose. I still don’t like to speak of it. “I made a mistake. It took a while for Sebastian to find it in himself to forgive me.”

  �
�What’d you do? Have a wildly romantic fling with his brother? Tell him the cut of his jacket was out of season?”

  “Sebastian is an only child.” I give him a wry smile. “And don’t pretend that insulting your jacket wouldn’t offend you either.”

  Avery chuckles and goes back to his map. “I didn’t say it wouldn’t.”

  “We started our fledgling business a little over two years ago, and we were beginning to make decent money. I made the decision we should invest it.”

  “That doesn’t sound like such a bad thing.”

  “That’s because I haven’t finished yet.”

  A gust of wind rocks the ship, and the lantern flickers. I glance outside again, wondering if Avery’s wrong about the storm. Maybe it is a bad one, and it’s biding its time, building up in intensity.

  Frowning, I turn back to the captain to finish my story. “I was so convinced it was a good idea, I didn’t bother to ask Sebastian—I simply knew he’d tell me I made a wise choice. Unfortunately, I found a con-artist posing as a banker. He disappeared with everything.”

  My stomach still knots when I think about it.

  “My business partner, as you can imagine, was less than pleased,” I continue. “That’s why I’m after the orchids. I’ll repay Sebastian with my half of the money, and things will go back to the way they were.”

  Avery looks up, his eyes intent. “What did this con-artist look like?”

  “He was older, had a kind face. I don’t remember his name—not that it would be his real one anyway. What I want to know is how he infiltrated the bank. Surely someone would be bound to notice him waltzing about where he didn’t belong.”

  “Sounds like you were done in by a charisma charm—a strong one.”

  “A charisma charm? Those silly two-bit tokens we used to buy from passing caravans as children? Those are nearly worthless. I tried them a few times—they never worked.”

  Obviously amused, Avery shakes his head. “Not those, not exactly. A stronger version…a less legal version, if you will. I know a man who specializes in them.”

  “Tell me, are any of your acquaintances on the right side of the law?”

  He smiles in a particularly wolfish way. “I believe you are, correct? No dark secrets lurking under your lovely surface?”