Beside the Rock and Cloud

by Pete Draper

  “Besides, it’s time we got you some new clothes, you smell like a mountain goat.” They both laughed, Cassi poked her finger through one of the holes in Carilyo’s shirt. “Once I trade the jewellery for money, we are getting you a new outfit.”

  Forgive but Never Forget

  A mindless screech. A low ringing drone; followed by a billion white spots. Each one pierced his eyes like needles. Bright colours washed over his vision like a puff of smoke. The buzzing in his ears was like a sword grinding on a whetstone.

  The endless ringing was something he’d have to live with for a while now, along with the shakes, the mix of nausea and insomnia and an inability to raise his arm. One drink might help, but it was a slippery slope.

  Carilyo looked in the mirror, the white pinstripe shirt was thick and warm. He pulled the baggy sleeves down. He hated it when Cassi pointed it out, but now he was wearing it, he quite liked it. It had been difficult getting it on his arms without being able to lift them, he got there in the end though. His face didn’t look so great; once he’d washed the blood off, it looked like a carved piece of fruit.

  The ruffled trousers might take longer to get used to, and the leather belt. He couldn’t find a nice hole for the buckle to go through, one was too tight, the next was too loose. His feet felt imprisoned in the shiny leather shoes, he couldn’t remember the last time he’d worn shoes.

  In the south dock, they’d pawned the rest of Cassi’s rings. She’d thrown his old clothes in the bin the moment he went into the back room to try the new clothes on. There wasn’t much choice but to buy these.

  When he came out, Cassi had a new outfit too, she was wearing a t-shirt with blue and white hoops and a dungaree dress over the top. Carilyo gave her a beaming smile, he hadn’t seen her wear anything like it for so long.

  “I feel stupid,” Cassi said, looking glumly at her feet.

  “It suits you,” Carilyo said. “You look so cute.”

  Cassi’s cheeks brightened. “You think?” Her head lifted; he’d not seen those cheeks looking so rosy for years, he just wanted to press her tiny button of a nose. She smelled so sweet when she wasn’t wearing all that perfume.

  Carilyo nodded with a beaming smile, he could speak without slurring now at least. “You look just like you used to, that’s how I always remembered you. You look so much prettier without all of that makeup, you never needed it.”

  Cassi looked away. “I told you that you’d like that shirt.” She tugged his sleeve.

  “You always know best when it comes to fashion.”

  As always with Cassi, the moment didn’t last long. Her eyes turned serious. “Back to business. Where should we look for new recruits?”

  “I don’t know this part of town so well, but I’m sure there will be somewhere I can go.” Carilyo thought for a moment.

  A yellow light filled the room, the bells in his ears rang much louder. He felt like he was going to fall to his knees and throw up. Carilyo placed a hand over the lump on the top of his head, the skin felt so tender. Touching it, even gently, only intensified it.

  “Is everything ok?”

  He hadn’t seen Cassi move. Out of nowhere, she was right in front of his face, with a concerned look.

  “I’ll be fine, I got hit in the head a few times, but I’m still standing.”

  “You look like shit.” Cassi looked at his face, tapping one of the fleshy bits with her finger.

  Carilyo winced and flinched as though she might hit him. A burning smell filled his nostrils, then he felt like he was about to pass out.

  His body shivered, he slurred, “I’ll be fine Cassi, we have enough to worry about without you worrying about me.”

  “Will everything be alright?” Cassi sighed, “I feel like the odds are against us.”

  Carilyo wrapped his long arms around her, making them meet around her back. “The odds have always been against us, when has that ever stopped us?”

  “You’re right.”

  “You’ve been through a lot,” Carilyo said, he rubbed her back. “Leave the recruiting to me, I’ll meet you back on the ship.”

  “But-”

  “Just let me do this Cassi.”

  When Cassi was gone, Carilyo entered a bar in the south end. It was full of drunkards, more inebriated than Leon and his gang. He regressed inside himself, wondering how to approach this. There had to be some way to get people’s attention.

  He tapped a glass with a spoon.

  “Excuse me,” Carilyo said. A few heads turned, then they resumed their conversations.

  “Who does he think he is?” An old man with chunky sideburns said, looking Carilyo up and down. He guzzled black ale from his glass.

  “Excuse me!” Carilyo climbed on a table and yelled. A bunch of heads turned. “Good. I am uh… travelling to Argosa. I need uh…” In his concussed, alcohol-withdrawn state, speaking Levacian was difficult, he rolled his hand around, as though it might help find the words. “I need uh, ship friends. I can uh… pay you badly- I mean well.”

  The drinking resumed, after a few laughs at his expense.

  “This is beyond hopeless.” Carilyo’s slumped down from his pedestal. “I should have brought Cassi along. She would have recruited ten men by now.” Carilyo sighed, sitting on the table. He felt the warm ale seeping into his new trousers through to his ass-cheeks. Perfect.

  “It’s not always her job though, I have to pull my weight.”

  With his head staring at those shiny new shoes, he turned for the door, feeling the uncomfortable stickiness as he peeled the trousers from his thigh. A hand grabbed his shoulder. “I’ll join yous.” A Rocklander, from the islands by the sounds of it. “The name’s Tumas. My wee laddy’ll come along too. This here’s Gunnar.”

  The scruffy boy whose hair was receding already nodded.

  “Someone once told me it’s bad luck to have a Rocklander on board-” Carilyo realised what he said and that his face wore a frown, causing Tumas to frown and back away. “Wait, I mean, they told me it was lucky.” Carilyo rubbed his eyes, every time he blinked, the room filled with stars.

  “That it is.” Tumas laughed. He had a thin grey ponytail and a chunky nose; he looked experienced, to say the least. “What happened to you boy? Rough day?”

  “You could say that it was a good day.” Carilyo tried to smile, but the muscles in his face were exhausted. “Glad to have you aboard Tumas,” Carilyo said, he shook both of their hands. “And you too Gunnar.” He rubbed the boy’s head, feeling the short hairs in the middle.

  When they returned to the Howling Dragon, Samia and Doriya had arrived. Doriya was happily running around the deck.

  “It’s still not enough,” Carilyo sighed, looking around. Including Leon and Drax’s men, they had seventeen, not counting Sofiya, who was still below deck; not that she was any use. Carilyo didn’t like that Leon’s men made up the bulk of them, they needed to outnumber them. Ideally, they’d need thirty to get to Argosa.

  “Don’t fret,” Cassi said. She stroked his shoulder; he felt her warmth on his quivering skin. “Hermo will be back soon with his friends.”

  “Excellent,” Carilyo faked a smile. He still wasn’t sold on Hermo, particularly around his little sister.

  Cassi felt the dislocated socket in his shoulder. “We should put that back in, maybe Murta can do it.”

  Carilyo shuddered. “No.” He waggled his finger, speaking in a voice quicker than Cassi’s. “No, no, no, no, no. Not yet. I’ve had enough pain today. I shall fall to the floor a dead man if I feel any more pain.”

  “Alright.” Cassi backed off.

  Hermo returned with five Katalian friends, including the bald man with the gold tooth. The others all had dark slicked-back hair and styles of facial hair which ranged from stubble to great bushy beards. One had the thickest eyebrows Cassi had ever seen.

  The bald man, Settico his name was, turned up his nose at the ship. “Is this it?”

  “What do you mean?” Cassi marched over,
pressing her face close to his.

  “Nothing.” Settico shrugged, his smooth head and face were shiny. “I just expected a little more… I’m not sure what.”

  “The Howling Dragon was my papa’s pride and joy.” Cassi stared through him with hands on hips, but he was unmoved. “Sure, it needs a tidy, but I will not hear a bad word about it.”

  Hermo grabbed Settico’s shoulder tight, they whispered to each other. Reluctantly, Settico walked back to Cassi. “I am sorry Cassi,” he said.

  Hermo’s face twisted, he gave Settico a menacing stare.

  “I mean Captain.” He bowed. “I did not mean to insult you now, or earlier. This is the most wonderful ship in the Merged Seas.”

  “Your apology is accepted.” Cassi nodded. When Settico turned his back, she gave Hermo her sweetest smile.

  Standing halfway up the steps to the quarterdeck, Carilyo eyed them all suspiciously. “Welcome aboard… the Howling Dragon!” He yelled, letting the words hang in the air. He held out his arms as though he had given a rousing speech. “All newcomers,” Carilyo hopped up, turning when he was on the top step. “Shall participate in a talent competition during their maiden voyage, it is the rule of the Howling Dragon. Then you must all sing for me.”

  “I’ve been told I have the nicest voice in the Green Sea,” one of the Levacian’s bragged.

  “I look forward to seeing it.” Carilyo pointed at him, then lifted his arm flamboyantly. Carilyo glared at the men advancing up the ramp, “What are you doing here?”

  Cassi reached for her sword.

  “Wait,” Barolos said, holding out a peaceful hand. Luco and Varleo stood beside him. A bunch of wounded old crew members limped behind, covered in cuts, bruises and bandages. “We came wid a peace offering.”

  The glum faces behind him nodded, Zellsee’s broken nose had a bloody strip of cloth over it.

  Barolos took the bag from his shoulder, opening it to show Cassi the money inside. Cassi considered the old man’s weathered face.

  “A hundred punts, from de sale of de lager,” Barolos said, holding a bunch of crumpled notes in one hand.

  Cassi narrowed in on him. “A hundred punts?” She looked shocked. “I would have gotten twice that.” One-twenty maybe.

  “I know you would.” Barolos’ head sagged with a lethargic nod. “I knew we wouldn’t get a good price widout you.”

  Cassi snatched the bag from him. She considered Barolos and the others. They couldn’t afford to lose more of the crew fighting this lot off. But she could never trust them again.

  “What do you want?” Cassi demanded. She knew exactly what they wanted, but she wanted to hear him grovel.

  “I came to apologise,” Barolos sighed. Maybe he hoped he wouldn’t have to beg; he should have known Cassi better than that.

  “Please, take us back. De Howling Dragon is our home.” His pathetic eyes looked over the new crew.

  “We didn’t have a choice,” Luco said. They all nodded, with their shoulders slumped, they looked like reeds in water.

  “Didn’t have a choice. Pah.” She felt her fist clench. “There is always a choice, there is always a right way. So, you returned my own money.” Cassi shrugged as though it was nothing. “Am I supposed to congratulate you?”

  “No.” A dark shadow curved around Barolos’ eyes, his head turned slightly aside.

  “Where’s the rest of it?”

  “I don’t have it,” Barolos growled. He took a step back, as did the others. Cassi was too formidable in this mood.

  “Then where is it?” She raised her hands aside viciously. “Where are my clothes?” She tugged at her cheap dress. “My jewellery?” She wriggled her bare fingers. “Papa bought it me.”

  “Taylan sold it.” Luco stepped forwards. “He put on a big party with the proceeds. He wanted to celebrate the end of Cassi and Carilyo.”

  “I’m hearing a lot of he did this, and he did that. None of you were involved in this?” Cassi looked over their guilty faces, Varleo daren’t meet her stare. “It’s easy to blame the dead man, isn’t it?”

  “I’ll pay you back, in time.” Barolos groaned.

  “Why should I ever trust you?” Cassi asked. “You change loyalties quickly eh?”

  “I did the right ding, in the end.” Barolos took a long blink. “Dere’s no use me apologising again.”

  “So what do you all have to offer, that I don’t already have?” Cassi swept a hand towards her new crew. “Aside from my own money.” She placed the bag over her shoulder. “Now get-“

  She was interrupted by the patter of feet. Carilyo came running down from the quarterdeck. “Wait, Cassi,” he said, grabbing her by the arm.

  “What is it?” Cassi glared at him.

  “Let them aboard.” Her brother whispered, “They know the Howling Dragon better than anyone.”

  “But,” Cassi eyed him suspiciously, “We cannot trust them, what if they mutiny again? We have new crew members they could turn against us, I nearly drowned last time.”

  Carilyo nodded at them to come aboard. Then he took Cassi’s arm, whispering, “Papa always said. Forgive, but never forget.”

  Cassi smiled a mischievous grin.

  Making Things Right

  Out of destruction, came life. Inside the crack were dozens of species of weeds and nettles. The groove in the dock looked like a giant knife had been dragged across it. Thick algae grew in the dents. The east dock was a sad indictment of poverty; both docks were equally important to Levac’s industry, yet one was deemed worthy of a rebuild, the other wasn’t.

  “I won’t be long.” Cassi walked down the ramp. They’d moored the ship as far as possible from the bar, covering the dragon’s head. It would have been too far for her to walk from the south dock, it was a twelve mile walk from one dock to the other through Levac City. On foot, Cannon Town was the best route, but it was best avoided.

  She placed her hands in the pockets of the dungarees and slowed to a whistling walk as the city guard passed her by in their red uniforms, with short swords at their hips. Lucky for Cassi, they didn’t consider her with any suspicion. She gave them her most innocent smile, just in case.

  “Be careful around here sweetheart,” one of the guards said, turning after they passed her. “There’s some ruffians around.”

  “Thank you, officer.” Cassi’s cheeks lifted. “I feel much better with two strong soldiers around to keep me safe.”

  She whistled along the dock. The sturdy waves slapped against the sea wall, squeezing between the gashes in it, watering the weeds and nettles. It was sad to see such poverty, so close to where the rich lived.

  “Was she Katalian?” One guard asked.

  “Sounded like it.”

  Cassi kept on down the dock towards The Prince’s Arms with her head down.

  The bar was an eyesore, the city guard had only come to catch the culprits, they hadn’t stuck around to clean up. Not a single table or chair stood, one of the balconies had collapsed, leaving a gigantic pile of rubble in one corner, the supports of another stood precariously. The corpses had been taken away, but the middle of the room was still covered in blood. Some of the glass had been swept away, but tiny shards of it still glittered where they had stuck in the floorboards.

  The broken window was boarded up, but the glass still littered the pavement. Cassi took a step inside, carefully stepping past a dangerous broken half bottle which guarded the doorway.

  The barman was stood, his arms vibrating as he saw Cassi approach. She stepped on tiptoes, trying not to cut her feet. Cassi gasped at the sight, then covered her mouth with both hands. We did this to get our livelihood back, but all we’ve done is destroy someone else’s.

  She approached the barman with a glum face. For once, Cassi D’Silva didn’t have the words.

  “What do you want?” The barman quavered, his hand trembled.

  “I am so sorry about your bar,” Cassi said when she was close. “I know it will take time, but this will cover some
of it.” She brushed glass aside, feeling the sticky ale on her arm, then placed the bag of Levacian punts on the bar.

  “I will pay for the rest and more when I return,” Cassi said. “I am so ashamed about what happened, but I promise I will make up for it.” She stroked his cold, trembling arm.

  The barman cried, too upset to speak.

  “Me and my crew will help you rebuild, when we return from Argosa.” Cassi tried to console him the best she could.

  He wiped a tear from his lower eyelid, his mouth moved, but didn’t speak. Cassi couldn’t read what he might have said.

  “Shit.” She looked over her shoulder, then hid behind a column.

  “Where’d she go?” The city guard asked.

  The barman shook his head. “I didn’t see.” Then he glanced at Cassi, twisting his head, as though he was telling her to go.

  Rocks in Coratta

  A strange smell filled her nostrils, a nice smell, a familiar smell. The mid-afternoon light blared through the stained glass ports, casting their green glow over Cassi.

  She quickly dressed and headed for the quarterdeck, grabbing her gift for Carilyo on the way. The cuts on her fingers stung when she flexed them, the fleshy skin was starting to scab. Barolos stood near the wheel with his back leaning on it. Murta eyed him with suspicion from a nearby stool. Cassi looked around to see what the smell was.

  “Why have we stopped?” She peered at the town beside them. Port Alissa was nowhere special; it didn’t even have a market. The port was tiny, it only fit a couple of ships.

  “Carilyo,” Barolos replied abruptly. It was like he’d aged ten years since the fight, the creases in his forehead looked like they’d been carved with a knife.

  Carilyo was standing beside the cooking pot above its burner, something bubbled away inside it.