Beside the Rock and Cloud

by Pete Draper

  “Just because you’re my big brother…” Cassi whispered with a growling voice. She looked at Luco, the man wore a permanent pitiful frown beneath those glowing blonde locks. “Doesn’t give you the right to tell me who I’m allowed to be in love with. I’m sick of men telling me this, I never had a boyfriend because papa was so protective. I won’t let you do the same.”

  “Then don’t come crying to me when he breaks your heart,” Carilyo snapped, waving her away with a hand.

  Cassi stormed off into her quarters, slamming the door so hard it nearly fell off its hinges.

  Carilyo sighed. The slam of the door filled the ship, everyone’s head turned for a second. “What’re you looking at? Back to work!” He puffed frustrated air out of his bulging cheeks. “Why does everything have to be so difficult?”

  Carilyo watched the sparkling glitter paths dance above the rippling waves, following them to the sky. His heart was racing, but that was common now. It had thumped in his chest since he gave up drinking

  “Did you and Cassi have a bit of a falling out?” Samia asked, she must have heard the slam from below deck.

  “How did you guess?” Carilyo rolled his eyes, then stared down at Hermo, who was laughing with his Katalian buddies. Settico grinned at something Hermo said.

  “I see the way you look at him,” Samia said. “He’s not such a bad guy you know, once you get to know him. Sure, he likes to brag about his war stories, but who doesn’t?”

  “Not you as well Samia,” Carilyo groaned. “I’m just looking out for her. She is all I have; I don’t wish to see her heart get broken. A tear from her eye hurts like a stab in my heart.”

  “You care about her, I know that.”

  They both watched Doriya, who was playing happily with Gunnar. She pressed Gunnar’s nose, and they both giggled, then Gunnar stroked her hair and whispered something in her ear.

  “Do you not feel the same way about Doriya?” Carilyo asked.

  “Of course I do. But she is a child. Cassi is not, she is old enough to make her own decisions. If you are too protective, then no one will ever be good enough for her.”

  Carilyo didn’t have any words, Samia was right. It didn’t mean he was going to be the one to apologise though.

  Samia rested a hand on his shoulder as she turned to leave, “You’ve only just become close, don’t let this push you apart again.”

  She was making perfect sense.

  “I worry,” Carilyo said. “That one day she’ll outgrow me, and we’ll lose touch. Maybe she’ll disappear off with someone, and I’ll never see her again. I’ll sail the seas a lonely man.”

  Samia shook her head, her cheeks creased into a smile. “That will never happen. She loves you Carilyo, she really looks up to you. She’s lucky to have you.” She stroked his shoulder, “You are sensitive, I like that about you. Maybe there will be a time you need to be protective, but it’s not now.”

  Carilyo was unmoved, he stroked the rim of his hat, feeling guilty that he hadn’t gotten Cassi anything.

  “Just think about it,” Samia said. “I like you Carilyo, but Cassi is her own woman, let her be just that.”

  Carilyo looked back in confusion and frustration.

  After a few hours of sulking, Cassi left her quarters. The sky was dark, Barolos was steering with a bottle of beer in one hand, his dirty clothes were ragged, he was giving off a bad stench like he hadn’t washed for a while. They didn’t acknowledge one another.

  The deck was mostly empty, Carilyo must have gone to bed. Cassi walked down from the quarterdeck. Hermo leaned over the rough bulwark, looking peacefully at the horizon.

  “Good evening,” Cassi joined him. “It is much quieter tonight.”

  “Very much so,” Hermo said. “I enjoyed the talent show, though the juggling… not so much.” His face turned to embarrassment. “I’m glad you saved me from the knives, I didn’t lose any fingers at least.”

  Cassi snorted, then giggled to herself. “You were so bad at that. But I’m sure you have other talents.” She couldn’t help but stare at his handsome face. His arms were so toned, it was like someone had tied a rope around his arm and was pulling it tight, no wonder he always wore short-sleeve shirts.

  Cassi snapped out of it. She realised she was staring and sucking the tip of her index finger.

  “That I do.” Hermo turned to face her, leaving a palm on the parapet. “You looked like you were enjoying yourself with Drax.”

  “Oh, that.” Cassi looked away sheepishly. “Well I enjoyed the dance. I wasn’t expecting the kiss at the end, but I suppose it was alright.” She shrugged, then looked at Hermo out of the corner of her bright eyes.

  “Well if you ever want to dance, I’m not too shabby myself,” Hermo said.

  “That’s a bold claim,” Cassi said, the corner of her lip lifted.

  “Too bad we don’t have any music,” Hermo looked up at the clear sky and the stars, the moon gleamed brightly. “It would have been a perfect night for it.” Casually, he leaned his elbows on the ship.

  “We don’t need music.” Cassi offered him a hand, “Let’s see what you’ve got.”

  Before she could move, Hermo took her palm. His hand was so soft, his feet were like lightning, but his footsteps were deft. He twirled her around.

  Before he could do anything else, Cassi grabbed the back of Hermo’s head. Pulling him close, she closed her eyes and kissed him, feeling her tongue brush harshly against his.

  Their eyes opened, they looked at each other like they were in a daze. She grabbed his wrist. Despite him being twice her weight, and head and shoulders taller, she dragged him behind her like a ragdoll.

  The Smell of Alcohol

  It had been a couple of days since they last spoke. They’d avoided each other whenever they passed. Carilyo had filled his bottle with rum, he wasn’t drinking it, but he was up on the quarterdeck sniffing the aroma as though his life depended on it.

  Their eyes met for the briefest of seconds before Carilyo looked away sharply. The breeze flicked his hair; he wasn’t wearing his hat today.

  “After all yous’ve been trew,” Murta said. “Yous’re really gonna let sometin as petty as this come between yous. Yous’ve been mopin’ around deck for the last two days; don’t yous think it’s time to settle your differences.”

  “I’m the one who’s owed an apology.” Cassi’s screwed up face looked down at the sloshing, choppy water. “I’m not talking to him until I get it.”

  “It doesn’t matter who’s owed an apology,” Murta huffed. He shook his head in disbelief, sliding the salty liquorice into the corner of his mouth. “I should bang your heads together.” Murta shook his head again, the sigh floated through the air unevenly. “If yous’re not gonna do it for him, do it for me. You’re my Cap’in. It’s so much better when yous two get on, it’s much better when you walk around with a smile on your face. It really lights this place up you know.”

  “I always have a smile on my face,” Cassi growled from behind her tightly folded arms.

  Murta snorted.

  “What’s funny?” Cassi snapped.

  “Please yourself Cap’in.” Murta strolled off. “But don’t take it out on me.”

  Cassi looked up at Carilyo with a deep groan.

  She walked up to the quarterdeck. “Carilyo, where’s your hat?”

  Her brother turned his head, then he raised the bottle to his nose. Closing his eyes, he breathed in the scent of rum. “What do you want?” He grunted.

  “I came to… apologise.” The word was so difficult leaving her tongue. “I’m sorry for snapping at you the other day.”

  “I was only looking out for you.” Carilyo didn’t look at her, he pressed the bottle to his lips.

  “You’re not making this easy Carilyo. Arguments only happen when both people have something to say.” Cassi backed towards the steps. “I’ll leave you with your bottle.”

  “Don’t go Cassi, please.” Carilyo’s eyes softened, the bottle
flipped down to his side. “I’m sorry.” He held out a hand for her to take. She walked over to him, taking his palm. He wrapped an arm around Cassi, giving her a sideways hug.

  “I don’t want to lose you,” Carilyo croaked.

  “What do you mean?” She looked up at him.

  “I… missed everything.” Carilyo’s eyes were feeble. “I missed you growing up, while I was trying to solve my problems with a bottle.” He gripped the neck of the bottle until his scabby knuckles turned white.

  “We’re past that now Carilyo.” Cassi tried to look reassuring. “I turned out alright in the end, as did you.”

  “You’re all I have,” Carilyo said. “One day I’ll lose you, and I’ll have nothing, nobody. I’ll sail the Merged Seas wearing a bitter frown, with nothing but a bottle for company.”

  “No, you won’t.” Cassi stroked his arm, taking the bottle from him. “I’ll always be your sister.” She kissed his cheek, “And I’ll always be here for you. I want to be there to see your children grow, if you ever get around to having them.”

  Cassi picked up Carilyo’s hat from the chair, placing it on his head at an angle and laughed. Carilyo adjusted it, the beads on his hair jangled together merrily.

  “I’m sorry…” Carilyo smiled. “It’s been too long since you asked. Tomorrow, I shall teach you how to sail.”

  “I look forward to it.”

  “Oh, and by the way,” Carilyo pointed at Gianlo’s chair. “I have a gift for you.”

  She couldn’t believe it. Harold was sat in a relaxed pose with one paw leaning on the armrest. He still looked like he’d been through the wars, but he was much improved.

  “Sorry, I’m not the best at stitching,” Carilyo said.

  Some of Harold’s fur was coming out around the shoulders, and his head wasn’t perfectly straight, but at least he had his limbs back.

  “He’s perfect.” Cassi picked him up like a new-born baby, taking him to her room. She placed him in her safe.

  Man overboard

  Thump.

  Cassi woke suddenly. Heavy footsteps thudded; swords scraped on deck. “Shit, pirates,” she whispered to herself.

  Hurriedly, she got dressed, throwing on the first things she could find. Creeping towards the door, Cassi peered through. Couldn’t see a damned thing, she had to pull it open more.

  She felt the heavy thump in her heartbeat.

  As she pulled the handle, the creak was louder than the palace gates of Puritudo rolling against their rusty hinges. Her face cringed. She could make out the figures in the dark through the crack in the door. Someone was kicked off the edge, yelping and splashing when they smacked the water.

  Cassi nudged the door a little further, placing her hand in the open gap. Carilyo stood with Gianlo’s sword in his hand, fighting them off. She looked closer at who he was fighting off. The new crew were forcing the old crew overboard.

  Cassi thrust the door open, barging through the quarterdeck and down the steps.

  “What’s going on?” She demanded.

  “We decided to clean house,” Carilyo said. They stepped back as a growling man passed them, Hermo had a fistful of his shirt. Tipping the man over the bulwark, he violently threw him overboard. With a couple of spins, he splashed into the Green Sea.

  “Why didn’t you tell me?” Cassi looked around.

  “I did,” Carilyo said. A puzzled look crossed both raised eyebrows, neither of them could lift any higher. “I said, forgive, but never forget.” Carilyo tilted his head, as though that phrase had been the blueprints of a detailed plan. “Could I have been any clearer?”

  “You’re right Carilyo.” Cassi looked at Barolos, who had backed away towards the plank. Her lip curved into a crooked smile at the thought of kicking him off the edge. “Let’s deal with Barolos.”

  As she stepped forwards, Leon slit Zellsee’s throat. Blood sprayed on deck, splashing on Cassi’s face.

  “Sorry Captain,” Drax apologised.

  Cassi wiped the blood with her sleeve. “Someone better clean this blood up tomorrow,” she said.

  When his bleeding body stopped moving, Leon and Drax took him by the arms and legs, tossing Zellsee overboard.

  Leon crept towards Barolos, catching a heavy fist to the stomach. Drax stepped in as Leon fell back to catch a breath. Soon Drax caught an elbow to the face. Swirling, he fell flat on his chest.

  “Leave him to us,” Carilyo said.

  Drax forced himself to his feet, he and Leon looked for someone else to offload. Someone behind Cassi whelped, yelling as they fell.

  Barolos’ distraught eyes flicked from Carilyo to Cassi, there was no way out.

  “Don’t look so glum Barolos.” Cassi smirked, speaking in her highest, sweetest voice. “We all knew it would end this way; besides, you were never the same lately.”

  “Please.” Barolos lowered his head, placing his palms together. His filthy clothes gave off a disgusting reek, his dirty hair was irritating to look at. His eyebrow ring had been ripped out, a bloody peak with hairs either side poked from the wound.

  “I’m sorry Barolos,” Cassi said. “But you betrayed our trust, our papa looks down on you with shame.”

  Murta appeared with Barolos’ bag in his hand. Barolos cringed.

  “What’s in here?” Cassi took it, her face was expressionless as she reached inside, she ruffled through a few setag notes and sweaty clothes, feeling the silver chain beneath them. “Papa’s necklace? Why did you keep this from me?”

  Barolos looked away, wincing in anticipation. Cassi and Carilyo neared him.

  “You said I was forgiven.” Barolos said, a nervous look was painted beneath his wrinkled eyes.

  “And you are.” Carilyo’s eyes watered when he eyed Barolos; he was like family. “You may go to the Hall of Ancestors, knowing that we forgave you for your role in that sordid mutiny. Gianlo told me never to work with someone who would betray him,” Carilyo said. His eyes narrowed. “Now walk de fucking plank.”

  “You do not need to do dis Carilyo,” Barolos said whilst stumbling onto his back like a sack of potatoes as the sword approached him.

  “You’re right Barolos.” Carilyo nodded to Cassi, “She can do it.”

  “With pleasure.” Cassi grinned, taking the silver sword. “I knew we shouldn’t have trusted you. I wonder what else you stole from us and Gianlo over the years.”

  “I never stole anything,” Barolos complained. He looked so helpless flat on his back. The last few weeks looked like they’d made him age ten years.

  “Pah. Stealing or not giving back something that doesn’t belong to you, it’s the same thing. Now on your feet,” Cassi said. She waved the sword in front of his face.

  Barolos didn’t try to fight; he just closed his eyes. Turning his back to them, he neared the edge of the plank. “I thought you were better dan dis Cassaiyeta.” The light breeze carried his words like a bad smell, or maybe it was his unwashed armpits.

  “I’ve already told you, do not use my full name.” Cassi prodded the sword into his back, puncturing his shirt. It was just enough to break the skin; a satisfying piercing feeling zipped throughout the sword. “It’s time for you to join Taylan in whatever afterlife you see fit. Maybe you can count to infinity with him for the rest of eternity.”

  Barolos turned his head, but not enough to make eye contact. “I should have listened to him. I should have attached a ball and chain to your ankle before we pushed you off.” His words were venomous, “Dat pretty face of yours wouldn’t be so sweet after the crabs had feasted on it. Your papa would be ashamed of your treachery Cassaiyeta.”

  “Turn around,” Cassi growled.

  Barolos turned to face her; an irritating smugness filled his face. She raised Gianlo’s sword to the beard over his neck, thinking about where she could cause the most pain.

  She could slit his throat, then watch him bleed out, slowly. Maybe it would attract the skimmer sharks, she could take delight in watching them feast on him.
<
br />   “You dare tell me who my papa would be ashamed of. He loved you like a brother. How dare you, after you betrayed us.”

  “You are a disgrace Cassi. You do not deserve his necklace…” His bloodshot eyes met the tip of the blade, “Or his sword…” He waved a palm at the quarterdeck, “Or his ship.”

  The sword lowered for a second, Cassi wondered what she would do, what Gianlo would do. She closed her eyes, taking a sharp breath.

  “Good girl,” Barolos said. “You’re doing de right thing.”

  Cassi lowered the sword some more. Barolos took a step forwards.

  Cassi let out a shrill scream. With a diagonal slash, the sword gashed deep across his chest. Barolos’ blood spattered onto her face. He tumbled backwards, plummeting into the water like a boulder. The sea swallowed him up.

  When she turned, Carilyo watched her with wide eyes. “You did the right thing Cassi.”

  “I know.” She tried to wipe the blood from her face, but only smeared it more. The sharp, furious breaths zipped past her teeth.

  “What about this one?” Carilyo pointed at Luco, who knelt next to the plank on the opposite side, shivering as though he was at the top of Mount Cyborn. “Let’s tip him over.”

  “No.” An abrupt snap from Cassi. “I have a better idea.”

  Luco stood at the edge of the plank, eyes shut tight. He had a huge purple bump on his neck where Cassi had hit it with the blunt wooden arrows she had from when she was a child. They had flat, square faces, which bounced off their targets. The ones that hit his chest must’ve hurt, it sounded like a rib had broken. She wasn’t letting him have the wooden armour like he used to.

  “Don’t forget,” Carilyo taunted, “If you fall off, you’re not coming back aboard. No pressure.” The string creaked as it tightened. The rest of the crew laughed; they formed a semi-circle around the plank. Cassi prepared herself, her eyes narrowed at their target.

  Leon stepped on the plank, making it vibrate. Luco nearly lost his footing.