An impish smile decorated her perfectly round face. “Is that all you’ve got, you bilge rat?”
The brute’s face turned bright red as he lunged at her yet again. This time he was not even close. She agilely twirled out of the way as he slammed into the bar.
Crack!
He hit the bar with such force that the wood split all the way down to its base. The huge man groaned, then slumped to the floor, unmoving.
The feisty young woman laughed again, then took another swig from her bottle. She lowered it, her deep brown eyes fixing on Seishin. A warm smile crossed her lips as she sheathed her blade. “Thanks for the assist.”
Seishin swept his eyes around the tavern. The brawl had come to an end, so he shrugged and joined the woman at the bar. “You’re welcome.”
The corner of her mouth quirked upward as she smoothed out her shirt and pants. “That move you used was quite spectacular. Tell me, where did you learn it?”
A slight blush rose to Seishin’s cheeks. “Oh, that was just a little something my uncle taught me.”
The woman leaned back against the bar and tapped her chin with a slender pair of fingers. “Your uncle, huh? He must be an amazing warrior. Shin Tauri, I assume?”
Seishin gave her a quick nod. “It runs in the family.”
She twirled a strand of long raven hair as she gazed at him. “Well, you’re not so bad yourself. You seem quite adept with that little rod of yours…” She trailed off with a lilting laugh.
Seishin didn’t know quite how to respond to that. Thankfully, he was saved from having to by Tobin.
“Alright, alright, show’s over folks!” His lean friend stepped in and shooed away any remaining spectators. At the same time, the town guardsmen dragged away the downed sailors.
Tobin glanced from Seishin to the swordswoman and then back again. “We’ll take care of the rest. Why don’t you escort your new ‘friend’ out of here?” He leaned in and whispered in Seishin’s ear, “You two make a cute couple.”
Tobin gave him a sly wink before leaving to help the remaining town guards. Seishin shifted his weight uncomfortably as he returned his gaze to the intriguing young woman.
She was impressive, yet there was more to her than her good looks and dry wit. He could sense a power within her. She did a marvelous job of masking it, but Seishin had noticed it flare up during her battle with the large sailor.
The woman took another sip from her bottle, then she, too, gave him a sly wink. “Well, since we’re ‘friends’ now, I’ll let you escort me out of here.” She stood and laced her arms through his.
This time, Seishin’s cheeks burned with embarrassment. He waited as she took another sip from her bottle. She tilted her head, a dazzling smile lighting her entire face. “Lead the way, escort.”
That look practically melted Seishin’s insides. He didn’t trust himself to speak again until they made it outside. The tangy smell of salt water filled the cool night air. Seishin took a deep breath to calm himself, then asked a careful question. “Um… if you don’t mind… ma’am… what led to the drawing of blades?”
The young woman pushed him away, her jaw set and her hands on her hips. What little remained of her rum jostled around in the bottle. “Do I look like a ma’am to you?”
Seishin was caught off guard by her abrupt change in temperament. He sputtered until her expression relaxed, replaced with a mischievous grin. “It’s Korti—and you can have all your questions answered while you escort me home.”
Before Seishin could utter another word, Korti laced her arm through his again and dragged him down the street. “You know, you’re really not good at this whole escort thing, but that’s okay”—she winked at him again— “I’ll show you the ropes.”
Seishin didn’t know what to make of this vibrant young woman. As quick to anger as she was to laughter, she posed an intriguing mystery to him. He listened with rapt attention as she retold the story of what started the barfight.
“That huge lug thought his size entitled him to anything he wanted, including my posterior.” She laughed gaily as she slapped herself on the rump.
Seishin’s eyes followed her motion, but immediately shifted away, his cheeks turning warm again.
Korti must have noticed his discomfort. An impish smile played across her lips. “Why, Mr. Shin Tauri, I do believe I’ve embarrassed you.”
Seishin felt himself flush even further. He dropped his gaze and replied in a soft voice, “It’s Seishin—my name is Seishin.”
“Say—shin.” Korti rolled the name around on her tongue. After a moment she gave him a firm nod. “I like it.”
Seishin gazed up in time to catch her sizing him up. She smiled again, but there was a strange intensity in her eyes. She gently bit her lower lip, then peered away and returned to her story.
“Anyway, I told the big oaf he had two seconds to remove his hand from my backside or I would cut it off. When he didn’t, I threw my drink in his face.”
A thin smile crossed Seishin’s lips. “I guess that didn’t deter him.”
Korti shook her head. “No, not at all. He tried to grab me, so I hit him on the head with the empty glass. It didn’t seem to faze him much, but it gave me time to put some distance between us—and liberate the bottle of course.”
Seishin’s brow creased. “The bottle of rum?”
Korti cocked her head to one side. “Well you didn’t expect me to waste it now, did you?”
Seishin shook his head. This Korti had an interesting set of priorities.
“Anyway, the big oaf pulled out a knife, so I drew my blade. You saw the rest from there…”
Seishin nodded thoughtfully. The way she handled herself during that battle spoke volumes to her proficiency with a blade. He also found it quite interesting that she fought without drawing any blood. “You could have easily run him through at least three times by my count.”
Korti’s face darkened. “Trust me, I was sorely tempted. You have no idea how difficult it is to be a woman sailor. Half the men I sail with don’t take me seriously.”
Seishin felt a keen sense of sympathy for her plight. “I think I understand. Because of my family name, no one took me seriously at first, either. I was constantly challenged, having to prove my skill at every turn.”
Korti eyed him for a moment, but then her expression relaxed. “Maybe you do, at that.” She lowered her eyes. “Still, my mentor would have my head if I used my blade so callously.”
“I think our mentors are very similar,” Seishin noted wryly. He cleared his throat and recited in a stiff tone, “The Shin Tauri code demands that blood only be drawn in defense of king, country, or matters of life and death.”
Korti let out a long whistle. “And you live by that standard?”
Seishin sighed. “I try to, but the truth is, it’s not an easy code to live by. I’ve found myself tempted as well, especially with the politics in Isandor as of late.”
A frown crossed Korti’s brow as she continued to hold his gaze. “So, does this mean you don’t think any less of me?”
She appeared to be hanging on his approval. Seishin couldn’t fathom why his opinion mattered to her at all. Still, her apparent need for his support engendered a feeling of closeness within him. “Not in the slightest. I think it’s remarkable that you showed so much restraint.”
Korti’s face lit up with that same dazzling smile. She laced her arm through his again and snuggled her head against his shoulder.
A warm glow surged throughout Seishin’s body. He felt elated. They walked on like that in silence until Korti turned them down a side street.
“So then, Seishin, you mentioned something about politics. Is that why you’re here in this backwater part of Isandor?”
Seishin winced at the sudden question. He had been so content just moments ago. Now all his inner turmoil came rushing back to the surface.
Korti read the expression on his face perfectly. “It is, isn’t it? This has to do with the fall of
the Kazari.”
Seishin let out a deep sigh. “It’s a long story…”
Korti tilted her head to one side, her lips spreading into a winsome smile. “I’ve got time.”
Seishin’s heart thumped in his chest. There was just no denying this woman when she looked at him like that. Knowing he had already lost the battle, he proceeded to tell her his tale.
“You’re right. The Kazari have fallen out of favor thanks to the schemes of the priesthood. They’ve been trying to take over the country ever since the King was assassinated. That’s why the Queen created a council in the first place—not only to help run things, but also to keep the priesthood in check.”
Korti’s face took on a faraway expression. “Hmm, it definitely sounds like there’s dissension in the ranks.”
Seishin eyed her with curiosity. “That sounds like the voice of experience.”
Korti swung her gaze back to him, a thin smile on her lips. “You could say that. Not everyone gets along—aboard ship.”
Seishin felt there was more behind her words than she let on. Still, she seemed reluctant to talk about it, so he decided to go on with his tale. “Anyway, a couple of months ago, a member of the Isandor council was assassinated. They blamed my father for the death.”
Korti’s eyes narrowed. “Let me guess—your father is a high-ranking Kazari official.”
“Another council member, and the head of our clan.” Seishin nodded, again impressed with her keen mind. “Not only did they throw him in prison, but they used it as an excuse to kick every Kazari out of the military.” Seishin’s gut wrenched as he said those words. He knew he sounded bitter, but his wounds were still fresh from being discharged from the service.
Thankfully, Korti didn’t seem to mind. She squeezed his arm and gave him a knowing look. “Politics at its finest. Trust me, Seishin, I more than understand.”
Somehow her words made him feel better. He gave her a small smile. She returned the expression, biting her lower lip once more. The heat rose to Seishin’s cheeks as they continued to stare at each other. Korti flushed as well, then broke off her gaze. “So, your father’s in prison and you’re all the way out here in Islen.”
The corner of Seishin’s mouth lifted slightly. There was no getting anything past her. Still, this part was a sensitive subject, so he kept his response necessarily vague. “I’m looking for my uncle.”
Korti gave him a curt nod as they turned another corner. “I see. You think he can help with your father’s current situation.”
“I hope so,” Seishin answered with a short sigh. “He had a lot of influence in the capital before he left.”
Korti arched a single eyebrow. “It sounds like you have a lot of faith in him.”
“I do,” Seishin admitted with a wan smile. “He taught me more than just the blade. Everything I know about truth, honor, and the way of the Shin Tauri, I owe to him.”
“Those are rare commodities these days,” Korti murmured. Her mood grew pensive. She let go of his arm and folded her own across her chest.
Seishin cast a puzzled stare at the distant young woman. “Did I say something wrong?”
She slowly spun her gaze around. “What? No.” She shook her head and smiled. “I’m envious is all. He sounds like quite the mentor.”
A sheepish smile spread across his face as he grasped the back of his neck. “He would always tell me, ‘Being a Shin Tauri is about more than just using your body. It’s what is in your mind and heart that counts.’” He intoned the last in a perfect imitation of his uncle’s deep, rumbling voice.
Korti cocked her head to one side, her eyes widening ever so slightly. “That’s funny. Our gardener would say almost the same exact thing—except about swordplay in general, of course.”
Seishin chuckled at the thought of a gardener giving advice on the use of the sword. The corner of his mouth quirked upward. “Well then, your gardener is very wise.”
Korti seemed to be half-listening, her attention far away once more.
Seishin cleared his throat. “So, Korti, what’s your story? Sailing run in the family?”
She started as if being woken from a dream, then peered at him and laughed. “Oh, you could say that. It goes back quite a few generations, in fact. My father was a sailor, as was his father, and his father’s father before him. In fact, both my uncles are sailors.”
“Your father is deceased?” Seishin asked softly.
A rueful smile adorned Korti’s face. “It happened before I was born, so I never actually met him”—her expression turned wistful— “but he loved the sea as much as I do. The salt air, the wind in your face, the freedom to go wherever you want—that’s what sailing is truly about.”
The passion with which she described the sea took his breath away. “I’ve never heard anyone explain it quite like that. It sounds wonderful.”
Korti grinned, her smile lighting up the night around them. “Oh, it is. There is nothing quite like the sea. She can be difficult at times, but her beauty is undeniable.”
“I can see that,” Seishin said, staring directly into her bright dark eyes.
Korti stopped and held his stare, her hands going to her hips. “Can you now?”
“Most definitely,” Seishin nodded, absolutely mesmerized by this vibrant young woman.
They held each other’s gaze until the side of Korti’s mouth twisted upward. “Well now, didn’t you turn out to be the charmer.”
She laced her arm back through his and leaned in close as she led him around another corner. They walked quietly arm-in-arm for the next few blocks, until Korti drew to a sudden halt. She had stopped in front of a large dwelling with a wide porch. A sign over the entrance read the Inn of the Swan.
Korti let go of his arm and gazed up at him. “Well, Seishin, this is where I’m staying.”
She moved in closer and placed her hands on his chest. “You know, you didn’t turn out to be such a bad escort after all.”
A warm feeling rose in Seishin’s chest. Something had passed between them this night, an implicit understanding of one another. Seishin found it both comforting and enticing.
Korti’s eyes glinted as she reached up and pulled his head down toward hers. Their lips met. It was soft and warm, and sent sparks throughout his entire being.
A long kiss ensued, ending when she pulled back and gazed up into his eyes. “Mmm, that was nice. We should do this more.”
She pulled him down again and their lips intertwined.
2
Captive Heart
Seishin spent much of the next few weeks in Islen with Korti. She was bold and carefree, the complete opposite of how he had been raised. He had never felt quite so alive as when he was with her. Yet her past remained a mystery. She would only say she had grown tired of sailing and intended to stay on dry land for a while.
Seishin hadn’t completely forgotten about his mission. However, finding information on his missing uncle proved difficult. It had been nearly ten years since Draigo had left the capital in search of the King’s assassins. Seishin’s only lead was that he had headed for the Pirate Coast.
A thousand-mile stretch of land just north of Isandor, the Pirate Coast was the home of the thirteen clans of the pirate nation. Without some clue as to Draigo’s specific destination, seeking him out would be like looking for a needle in a haystack. After three weeks, they finally found a veteran who had seen Draigo. He remembered the ex-general passing through Islen on his way north, toward the small port of Korsol.
When Seishin told Korti he had to leave, she insisted on coming with him. “It’s not like I’m doing anything around here. Plus, it sounds like it might be fun.”
Unfortunately, it turned out to be anything but fun. When they arrived at Korsol, they found it under attack. Screams and shouts echoed across the small town from the direction of the docks. As they drew closer, they could hear the ring of steel on steel.
The village had one long pier. A battle raged up and down its l
ength, between a platoon of Isandor soldiers and a band of rough-looking pirates. A tall vessel stood at the other end of the dock—a three-masted galleon, its long hull sitting low in the water. Numerous gun ports lined its length. He could just make out the ominous name that decorated its bow from here—Midnight Manta.
Korti rushed into the fray before he could stop her. “I’ve got to end this before someone gets hurt!”
Seishin took off after her, drawing his blades as he went. Still a few strides behind Korti, all he could do was watch as she barreled into the frantic melee.
Without warning, Korti leapt the last few feet and brought the butt of her sword down on the back of a soldier’s neck. The unsuspecting man slumped to the dock, out cold.
Seishin froze in place, not believing what he had just seen. The soldier’s opponent seemed equally confused. Yet as his gaze fixed on Korti, the color drained from his face.
“Leave this town alone!” Korti growled in a fierce voice.
“Y-yes, ma’am!” the pirate stuttered. He backed away two steps, then spun on his heel and bolted down the docks.
Seishin stared blankly after the pirate as he dashed toward the vessel at the end of the pier. When he returned his gaze to Korti, she was no longer there. Seishin swept his eyes around the dock. He finally spied her in the midst of it all, attacking both soldiers and pirates alike.
Still confused, Seishin launched himself into the fray to intercept her. A pirate got in his way, but he easily caught the man’s blade with a counter-parry. He swept it out of the way and ran the pirate through with his other blade.
A second pirate blocked his path, but Seishin out-maneuvered him with a swift feint. He followed it with a parry and a backspin slice. The pirate went down.
A pair of combatants now stood in his path, but moments later the soldier fell. A slim figure stood over the man, a long-curved blade in either hand.
Seishin froze. Aside from the mane of light-brown hair that spilled over her bright red bandana, the slender pirate looked remarkably like Korti. She had a similar complexion, with deep brown eyes and even the same round-shaped face.
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