“Roxie, if you can drop the shields for a few seconds, I’ve got a clear shot” I looked over at Sam, who now had the revolver trained on the cloaked figure.
It was too late. The figure looked right at us, as if she’d heard Sam’s words, then hurried around the corner, out of sight. I waved at Rand to move. He took one last look at the body, then ran for the front of the ship. Since it was higher than the back of the vessel, my anxiety rose when I could no longer see him. I heard a roar and more screams. Sebastian.
Sebastian! Rand is on board. He’s coming to help! I knew Danai’s familiar would watch out for him if he could.
I see him. You don’t have to shout. A shot fired out, then he snarled, Your mate just stole my kill.
Relief outweighed the need to correct the big cat. Then I realized what he’d said. We need them left alive!
These men who call themselves pirates know nothing of who hired them. They are terrified of the one they call a witch that oversees them.
So the cloaked figure was a witch. Is she one of the Turned? Would he even be able to tell?
Of course I can tell! She is not. She’s not even a first witch or even a lesser witch. She feels human and smells of the others we battled. Her magick is powered by blood.
The blood magick witches? Shocked, I almost dropped my shield and had to focus to keep it in place.
A few men on this boat have weapons crafted by her magick. The others have shot two of the water fae. One is dying and the other is injured but he still fights.
I looked down at the water, searching for Arella. Was Olen one of those who was injured . . . or worse? I hated not being over there, able to protect them.
Zara spoke and I felt a pang as I realized once again how much I missed having her by my side. It is not the king who lays dying. His second is injured, though as Sebastian said, he still fights. You cannot be everywhere, protecting everyone, at all times, Roxanne. You do what you can and accept it or the guilt will tear you apart.
She was right, I knew that. But it was still a hard pill to swallow. I had all this magick—I should be able to do more.
There was another smatter of gunfire and I tensed. Those sounded like automatic weapons, not the handgun Rand carried. I looked over at the coven and had an idea. “Ladies?” They turned away from the other ship, their eyes wide. “A little help, if you would?” I waved them over to me. They gave one another confused glances, then moved over to stand in a half circle around me.
“Do you think you could hold this shield in place? As a group?”
Even Rayna looked uncertain. “I don’t think our magick works like yours.”
Chewing my lip, my gaze fell to their crystal pendants. Would they be able to join their own shields and expand them? “Join hands and reach for the magick in the crystals. We’re going to try something. Gryff? Think you can protect all of them?”
The lone pixie had stuck close to Tess’s side, as I’d requested, but he’d been watching the other ship with a look that said he’d rather be over there fighting with his flight. At my words, he sprang to attention. “Yes, Madame Witch. I will allow no harm to befall any of your people.” With a smart salute, he drew his sword and took up his position on Tess’s shoulder.
“Just remember, I count you as my people, too, Gryff.” I didn’t think it was possible for the little fae to sit up any straighter, but he proved me wrong.
It took several attempts before they were able to put up a respectable-sized shield. It didn’t cover the entire boat, but it should be enough. I would send Sam in to shield Cappy, just in case. She started for the cockpit, then paused. “What are you up to, Roxanne?” she asked in a low voice.
“I’m going over there. There’s someone using blood magick on board and the pirates have magickal weapons. I think two of the king’s people are dead and Dorn is injured. I’ve got to help.” I pulled the Power ring off and placed it in her palm, curling her fingers around it. “This should give you enough of a boost if you need it.” I hoped. I wasn’t positive the ring would work for her.
Her eyes bored into mine, filled with worry. But she knew I had to do this. She reached out and gave my arm a squeeze and went to join Cappy.
I made sure she would have enough magick, Trixie said. Let’s go, we have children to save.
Chapter 15
The battle for the children
I had no idea how I was going to get over to the other ship. My swimming skills were subpar and my mind balked at the thought of what was likely freezing cold, shark-infested water.
The water fae have warned any of the sharks off, Roxie. They have several dolphin shifters with them, as well as that black and white behemoth. I believe all of the selkies and seal shifters are on the other boat-thing, Trixie said helpfully. The water isn’t even that cold in this area.
Vaguely, I wondered about the distinction between seal shifters and selkies, then shook my head, pushing that and the question of how she could possibly know how cold the water was out of my mind. I needed to get over there. Would that orca give me a ride if I asked?
You don’t need a ride. You can walk over there.
She seriously could have pushed me over with a feather and I would have fallen. If she’d had hands. Or a body.
Care to explain?
Use your shields. Her tone made it sound like it was the most obvious thing in the world. It is. Layer your shields over the water between this boat-thing and that one.
Could I do that? My shields were pretty solid, I knew that, since they’d stopped everything from bullets to a small bomb. But would I trust them enough to walk over the ocean? Even if it were only twenty or so feet of it?
I will not let you fall.
Zara had said something similar once. And I was pretty sure Trixie didn’t want to end up at the bottom of the ocean for who knew how many decades. Or longer.
Okay, how do I do this?
Turn your shield flat. You angled it over the boat when you needed to—this will be much the same.
Hesitantly, I formed a shield and turned it, making sure it was flat. I could feel where it began and where it ended.
Good. Now put it out over the water.
Rotating it over the boat, I pushed it out over the water. My arms shook with the effort, but I could see the shimmer of the magick a few feet above the surface.
Now anchor it to the boat, like you did the glamour.
That took a bit of thought, because I didn’t understand exactly how I’d done that. I took what felt like a single strand of magick and attached one end to the rail of the Sea Witch, the other to the edge of the shield.
Now walk out onto it and repeat each step until you make it over there.
Easy for her to say. I started to close my eyes as I stepped out, then decided I’d better keep them open. I knew Sam, Tess, and the coven were all watching me. I hoped they remembered to keep their own shields up. I scanned the upper deck of the other ship, looking for the cloaked figure or anyone with a gun. If someone shot at me while I was doing this, I didn’t know if I could maintain shields under me and in front of me at the same time.
The shield felt solid as I carefully placed one foot in front of the other. I couldn’t look down at the dark water beneath me or I would lose my concentration and end up in said water.
I formed another shield and attached it to the edge of this one. There was a small gap between them, but I was able to step over it. The last shield was smaller and carried me over the final few feet until I was able to step onto the rear platform. It was all I could do not to fall to my shaking knees and hug the deck. I seriously considered doing so, until the smell hit me and I began to gag. Searching the deck ahead of me, I saw the still-smoldering husk of a body. The water fae that the cloaked figure had burned. Covering my nose and mouth with my sleeve, I ran past the body and several big metal cargo containers, heading for the front of the vessel. The ship was several times the size of mine and all of the screams and sounds of fighting now came f
rom somewhere near the front and up the stairs. I glanced over and saw Sam watching the decking above and around me, gun at the ready. She waved me on. I hoped that meant it was all clear. Hunching down as low as I could, I ran for the stairs that led to the upper decks. My back started to ache from the hunched position I was in, but I ignored it, knowing I’d pay for it later. I stopped just short of the top of the stairs. It sounded as though there was a scuffle right around the corner.
Sebastian? I’m on the ship, um, second level, I think. Where are you and Rand?
Why are you whispering? He sounded annoyed. He has shot two kills that should have been mine, then tied them up before I could finish them off.
What part of ‘leave some of them alive’ did you not understand?
His disgusted chuff sounded in my mind. I told you these humans know nothing. With what they’ve seen of our world, none can be left alive. We only need the balding human and the one the humans believe to be a witch.
He must be referring to Harris. I flattened myself against the wall beside me as a body flew past, hitting the rail with a sickening crunch before falling to a crumpled heap on the deck. Dorn appeared at the top of the stairs. I watched in horror as he reached down, picked the body up, and threw it over the side. His trident was gone and one arm hung limply at his side, blood trailing down from a wound in his shoulder. He looked down and saw me at that moment. Before either of us had a chance to speak, his eyes slid past me and I whirled around, instinctively throwing a shield up. I ducked automatically as a bullet ricocheted off. A roar sounded and a black form bigger than that of most panthers leapt at the man’s back. The gun clattered away as Sebastian rode the man to the ground, his claws sunk deep into his shoulders and his jaws clamped around the man’s neck. The big cat bit down with a sickening crunch and I averted my eyes. Sebastian lifted his head and roared defiantly.
Tell your mate this kill is mine!
“Tell him yourself. I don’t even know where he is right now!” I hissed. Were the two having some kind of contest to see who could kill the most pirates?
He has only killed one. The reproach in the big cat’s voice would have been amusing if it weren’t for the fact he was referring to killing men.
I turned back to Dorn only to find him gone. Peeking around the corner, I only saw bodies. Where was everyone? I could still hear the sounds of fighting, but the way sound carried on the water made it difficult to tell exactly where it was coming from. I saw a large bird, probably Shay, dive at something on the upper deck. There was a thud, as if someone dropped to the deck, and then she swooped up again.
“Sebastian, where are the children?”
They are inside the belly of this thing. Come. He bounded past me, his paws silent, whereas I had to work to try to keep my steps quiet, placing each foot carefully as I hurried after him. We passed five prone bodies as Sebastian led me around what looked like a helicopter landing pad and then down a level on the other side. With the man he’d just killed and the one I’d watch Dorn toss over the side, that was seven. Rand had at least two tied up somewhere, so that made nine. How many freaking pirates were there?
There are still several more, plus the cloaked one and the balding human. She hides at the top, where the bird shifters attack. Come. The hole that leads into the belly is just ahead. The injured water fae is already there.
I spotted Dorn before I could question Sebastian further. He had recovered his trident and was using it to try to pry open a hatch door in the deck.
“Where is everyone?” I whispered, trying to keep an eye in all directions at once.
“My king and your knight went after those who killed two of our people. They are inside the central structure of the ship. The king ordered me to retrieve the children just before I was injured.”
I scanned the multiple levels of cabins he’d indicated, debating on whether to send Sebastian after them. Then I realized I hadn’t seen any of the pixies since I’d come on board.
The pixies were giving chase to several of the enemy. I can sense them within the inner structure, but they are not near the king and your mate. Danai wants me here—these children are very ill. He may have sounded a little miffed over not being able to chase down more pirates, but he sounded far more concerned for the children.
How could he tell that they were sick?
I can smell their sickness. We must hurry.
Dorn was still trying to pry open the heavy lock on the hatch. Who had the key? I looked back the way we’d come. Maybe there was a key on one of the bodies?
Pfft! Tell the injured one to move aside. You do not need a key.
“Dorn, I think I can open that. With her.” I held up my wrist.
He moved away without hesitation. “You named it?”
“Yeah, I got tired of calling her ‘the bracelet,’” I said, managing to keep any snark out of my voice. Silently, I asked, Trixie, what do I do?
Just touch it. I’ll do the rest.
You take too long, Sebastian growled. The lock popped open with a loud snick.
Hey! I had that, Trixie protested.
Reaching out, I grasped the heavy lock and worked it out of the latch. Dorn was lifting the hatch door before I could move away. The sickly stench that slammed into us from the darkness below was almost unbearable. I pulled on my magick and formed a ball of light. There was a ladder leading straight down, but I couldn’t see much beyond that.
With a dubious glance at Dorn’s arm, I said, “I’ll go down and bring the children up one at a time.” He looked distressed, but he nodded.
Sebastian pushed his way between us. I will go with you.
You can use ladders?
With a chuff, he perched on the edge of the opening then jumped. The thud of his landing reverberated and I looked around to see if it had drawn any attention.
Hurry! he urged.
Mustering my courage and my constitution, I took a deep breath and started down the ladder. I hadn’t practiced much with the light balls, but if I could form one, I should be able to do two, shouldn’t I? I pushed the first one down far enough that I could see the floor. It was about fifteen feet down. Focusing, I pulled on my magick again, forming a second ball of light. Between the two, I was able to see further into the hold or whatever this was. As soon as my feet hit the bottom, I looked around. There were two small cages against one wall and two more against another. At the very back, there was a larger cage—large enough to fit an adult human. It was empty. I could see small forms huddled in filth on the bottoms of three of the small cages. The fourth was unoccupied. Sebastian had already opened two of the cage doors and had moved on to the third. I ran to the first of the two and knelt down to pull the small, unconscious child out. Her tiny face was dirty and pale, with dark circles beneath her eyes, and her breath was so shallow I had to check twice to make sure she was breathing. Lifting her as carefully as possible, I gathered her to me and ran back to the ladder. How would I climb it with her in my arms?
Just climb. I will keep her from falling.
Can you heal her? I asked, as I made my way up the ladder as quickly as I could. She had stopped me from choking once, maybe she could heal, too.
I don’t believe so. I’m sorry. Trixie sounded genuinely distressed.
The child didn’t so much as shift on my way up. How was Trixie doing this? Dorn reached down with his uninjured arm and looped it around the little girl. As soon as he pulled her away from me, I made my way back down, running for the other cage as soon as my feet left the ladder. Climbing in, I pulled the little boy out, not stopping to check his pallor or his breathing—I just focused on getting him up to Dorn. I was covered in muck from the cage, which smelled like a disgusting mixture of dead fish, vomit, and other refuse, but I ignored it, trying to breathe through my mouth. Trixie did whatever it was she did to keep the child’s body tight to me as I climbed up once again. My arms were shaking—I wasn’t used to this kind of physical activity. I passed the child to Dorn at the top and went
down for the third and hopefully last time. I’d managed to control my gag reflex so far, but I could taste the stench now, especially since I was wearing so much of it. Sebastian waited by the third cage, his tail lashing anxiously. This little boy’s eyes were open. Well, one of them was. The other was bruised and swollen shut. Bruises covered his thin arms. His curls were so filthy and matted, it was hard to tell what color they were. My heart stuttered at the sight of him. Despite his condition, he lifted his head to stare at me.
“The big cat says you will take me home,” he rasped through lips that were cracked and dry.
Not able to speak, I simply nodded, trying not to cry. He looked over to the now empty cages on the other side of the room, then back at me, the question clear in his eyes. Swallowing hard, I tried to speak, failed, then tried again. “They’re already with Dorn,” I managed, my voice sounding rough.
He looked from me to Sebastian. The cat rumbled deep in his chest, the sound somewhere between worry and a growl of impatience. Finally, the boy relaxed and held out his arms to me. I lifted him out as carefully as I could, trying not to hurt him and wondering if anything was broken.
I do not think he has broken bones, but the bruising pains him. I will do what I can as you take him up the ladder. Trixie’s words were subdued.
“Does this hurt?” I asked.
He stayed silent, but laid his head on my shoulder, his arms wrapped tightly around my neck. I climbed as carefully as I could, trying not to jar him. “What’s your name?”
MAKING MAGICKAL ALLIANCES: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel Page 19