by Casey Knight
Having made an impressive landing I helped Zane unload our supplies. It didn’t take us long to stow our things on the boat. We chatted with General Wingo about our planned route. He gave us a few words of caution about the reefs and currents in the area before leaving. After the general and his men departed, I hugged my coat tightly around me. Finally, we were going after Traygen. I’m coming my love, hang in there. Don’t give up my love, not now. Tokem landed lightly on my shoulder.
“Don’t worry Lauren, we’ll bring him home.”
“If you two would lend a hand, we can get under sail.”
Tokem and I exchanged glances and then got to work. It took us about an hour to carry all the supplies below decks and secure them. Then we sat down and studied the maps. Our course was set and so were our sails. The boat tacked efficiently out to sea. Zane appeared to be a seasoned sailor, which is a good thing. My experience sailing was limited to cocktail cruises. Even I questioned my sea worthiness.
We fell into an easy silence. There wasn’t any need for conversation. Chores were assigned and duties accomplished. Sometime around midday, we ate our lunch. This was not a gourmet cruise. Lunch consisted of dried meat, stale bread and water. A weight watcher’s dream, I wouldn’t have any trouble fitting into my wedding gown when we returned.
“How long do you think it will be before we reach one of the Paradise Islands?”
Zane finished tying off the cleat before he answered. “Depending on the tides, I’d say a day or two. The islands are not ease to find. They are enchanted to protect their occupants.”
“What enchantments?”
“Lauren, they use the mists to try to disguise their presence. More often than not, they are successful. It took Jason and me nearly a week the last time we tried to find these islands.”
“Then you’ve been there before. Hopefully, that should improve our chances. What are the islands like?”
“I haven’t been to all of them, just the island of the Red Court vampires. I am guessing it is the closest of the islands but, I’ve never been to the others. It is shrouded in mist and shadow. The enchantments give all the islands features a fluid quality. They shimmer almost like an oasis. It is hard to know what is real and what is enchanted. The Mists make everything look like an illusion.”
“It sounds like a dangerous place and an excellent place to hide someone. Is there anything in particular you want me to keep a look out for?”
“Just keep your senses open. I hope we will see the island in time to avoid any traps that have been set. You may as well rest. We can send Tokem out at intervals to scout. Given his stature he might go unnoticed.”
“Hey, now. I’m little, but I’m deadly and don’t you forget it.” Tokem sputtered.
“Tokem, Zane meant no offense. He merely meant that you might fly undetected through their defenses.”
“Well, if that is what he meant, he should have said so. I’ll try not to let the team down.”
“Tokem, I meant no offense. It would be helpful to the team if you would fly reconnaissance for us.” Zane offered as he tacked hard a lee.
Tokem puffed out his chest and cracked his knuckles. He nodded to Zane and flew up and landed in the rigging. I turned and headed below decks. I needed to rest before it was my turn to take the helm. Thankfully, all I’d need to do was follow the compass reading. I threw myself onto the nearest bunk and tried to sleep. Unfortunately, ten minutes below decks and I was ready to lose my lunch. I grabbed a blanket and pillow and staggered above deck. The wind in my face saved my lunch. I found an area out of the wind and threw myself down on the deck. I sure hoped we found Traygen sooner rather than later. My sea worthiness was limited.
Zane roused me some time after dark and handed me the wheel. He pointed out our bearings and went below deck. Tokem was nowhere to be seen. The ocean was calm with a steady breeze. We could have been the only human beings for a hundred miles and for all I could tell we were. The quarter moon provided some light, but visibility was limited. Waves slapped against the hull as the boat cut its way through the water. Rising and falling rhythmically, we slogged on through the night. Zane took my place just after dawn. The sky was turning pink and orange as the sun announced its arrival. I went below decks and grabbed some food. I brought my dried fruits and nuts up on deck to eat. There was no need to tempt fate. Coffee would have been nice but, I couldn’t stay below deck long enough to brew it. Tokem streaked down from the rigging and landed lightly on my shoulder.
“What did you bring me for breakfast? Pancakes, toast, eggs, and bacon.”
“No such luck my friend, I have dry cereal and fruit.”
“This is a new low. No take out, no Price Is Right, and no TIVO. I’m going to give Traygen a piece of my mind when we find him.”
“I hope not too big a piece.” I ducked to evade his dive. Tokem flew past my head and landed on the mast in front of me.
“You got lucky this time, but watch your back. I’ll get even.”
“If I could interrupt you two, we need to do some surveillance. Tokem, could you please scan the area and let me know if you spot any islands.”
“Aye, aye Captain Zane, I’ll get right on it.” He saluted and flew out of sight.
I chuckled and kept my attention on my breakfast. When I finished eating, I asked Zane if I could get him anything. That is, anything that needed thirty seconds or less below deck. Smiling slightly he offered to make coffee, if I took the helm. I nearly ran him down in my eagerness for a cup of hot coffee. He was back in ten minutes or so with two steaming cups of heavenly smelling coffee. He had just handed me my cup when Tokem streaked by and landed on my shoulder. He startled me and I spilled hot coffee on my hand.
“Tokem, what in the devil are you doing. You nearly got me scalded.”
“Sorry, but I thought you’d want to know that I’ve spotted land. And it is inhabited.”
“And? Out with it or I’ll make finger food out of you.”
“Touchy, touchy. I spotted smoke when I flew over the treetops. I thought I’d better come and let you know before, I risked giving our approach away.”
“Good thinking. How far is it to the island?”
Zane pointed to the west, and I squinted to see what he was pointing at. I could just make out an island in the distance. He swung the boat around and started tacking toward the island.
“Do you know what island that is?”
“No and it doesn’t seem likely that vampires would be that obvious. Who knows, perhaps it is a trick? It will take us a couple of hours to reach the island. I suggest you arm yourself and then I’ll give you the helm while I do the same. Tokem, if it isn’t too much to ask would you fly around the island and see if you can find a safe place for us to drop anchor.”
“I’m on it.”
I went below deck and put on my bracelet, picked up my staff, and strapped on my ammo belt along with my Smith and Wesson. I wanted to make sure I was prepared for all eventualities. These islands could only be harboring traders, pirates or vampires. Better to be over prepared than to get caught unprepared. Satisfied I had everything I’d need I went up on deck to relieve Zane.
Zane nodded his approval and headed below deck. I scanned the horizon and couldn’t see anything except the island. There weren’t any boats that I could find on this side of the island. Worried I might need to do something besides hold the wheel I yelled for Zane. He popped up a moment later and took control of the boat. We sailed on in silence until Tokem sped back into view. He landed lightly on the spar.
“I found a ship anchored on the other side of the island. There didn’t seem to be anyone on board. However, there was a dingy pulled up on the beach. I think we should try to anchor on this side and row in. There isn’t any cover on the other side. It is too open and I don’t like it.”
“I agree. Did you see any place that looked safe enough to lay anchor?” Zane asked as he tacked back toward the island.
“The shoreline is rocky. But, there
are several places on this side that looked shallow enough to drop anchor. We wouldn’t have to row more than a quarter mile or so. And the tree line is close to the water. It should give us some protection.”
“Good. I’ll head us in. Lauren, when we get closer I’ll need you to stand on the bow and look for rocks.”
“No problem, but I have to warn you the only rocks I’m good at spotting are measured in carats.”
Zane arched an eyebrow, but he said nothing. We kept zigzagging, closer and closer to shore. I kept my eyes on the water. I yelled out when I could see the bottom. When it looked like we were getting too close to the rocks below us, I yelled. Zane let the main sail down, yelling for me to grab it, easier said than done. The damned thing was flapping around like it was possessed. I finally pinned it to the mast. He tied off the wheel and jumped to the back of the boat, hauling out the stern anchor, he tossed it overboard. Together we rolled up the main sail and tied it off. Then Zane moved to the front of the boat and threw out another anchor.
“That should keep us off the rocks. Do you want to take a look around? I think we can get across to the shore without being too vulnerable.”
“I’m ready, and so far I don’t detect any magic. It is early enough in the day for us to check out the island and return before dark. I’ll put a shield around the boat. If anyone tries to come on board we’ll know.”
“Good idea. While you see to that, I’ll get the dingy into the water.”
Twenty minutes later, we had the dingy pulled up onto the beach and hidden under some brush. This side of the island didn’t look inhabited. The only tracks I saw were from birds. So we decided to head up to higher ground to get a better view. The vegetation was dense in places, but Zane hacked his way through it. Tokem flew off to scout. I’d gladly change places with the little guy. Hacking through brush, filled with God only knew what, was not my idea of a good time. I had bits of twigs and leaves in my hair. What I wouldn’t give for a long hot shower. Zane seemed to be in his element. He was hacking away like Indiana Jones. We made it to the top about the time Tokem flew in to report.
“There is a large camp on the north side of the island. I don’t know how many men, but my guess is a dozen or so. They don’t look like traders to me.”
“What makes you say that?” Zane asked.
“Mainly, because they are all heavily armed and I think they are guarding something or someone.”
“Tokem, why don’t you go and try to get a better look while, we make our way to that side of the island? We’ll follow the ridge line as closely as we can. Report as soon as you know something.”
“Lauren, I’ll see to it and report as soon as I find anything.”
Tokem sped off in the direction of the camp. I pulled out my water and drank until I was full. Zane drank some and ate a few bites of something. Then we started down the hill. Zane took more care going down. So we wouldn’t attract any unwanted attention. It was pretty much hacking, crawling, and swatting bugs all the way down. I was primed, pissed and prepared to kill anyone I found, after this slog through the dense brush. I was hot, dirty, and cranky.
We had been at it about an hour when a whirring noise announced Tokem’s return. He landed lightly on the branch near me.
“You two look hot.”
“You think?” I said as I glared menacingly at him, before he continued.
“It took me a little time, but I was able to fly in undetected. Those men are pirates or hired killers. They have two rooms at the back of a cave that are heavily guarded. One room I couldn’t get close enough, to see into. However, one of the guards asked the other if they’d had any water. So, I’m assuming they have prisoners. The other room has chests and arms. I couldn’t tell what was in the chests, but my guess is gold or gems.”
“How many men are guarding the cave?”
“Zane, I counted two in front of each door and four around the mouth of the cave.”
I listened although my heart was beating so loudly I could barely hear Tokem. What if Traygen was one of the prisoners? They could be holding him there for ransom. I didn’t know how long I’d been quiet but, when I looked up Zane and Tokem were staring at me.
“What?”
“You were talking to yourself, not that anyone who knows you would be surprised.”
“Lauren, if you are all right I think we should wait until the cover of darkness to get inside the caves. It will take us nearly that long to get down there. What do you think?”
I didn’t like the idea of spending one minute longer than necessary in this bug invested woods. Still there was no need to be reckless. “I agree. Even if I used magic it would be dangerous to take on those numbers. There is no need to risk anyone’s life.”
Zane and I returned to the backbreaking challenge of cutting our way through the brush. I nearly gave our approach away when something slithered over my boot. If Zane hadn’t reached over and clamped his hand over my mouth all of Ireland would have known we were coming. One quick slice with his other hand and the snake was dispatched. When I got my heart back inside my rib cage, I thanked him and also the Gods I hadn’t wet my pants.
The sun had set by the time we reached the area a hundred yards or so from the caves entrance. Fires burned in several places and the scent of grilled meat permeated the air. I think I drooled on myself. Thankfully, it was too dark to tell. Whatever that was, I was going to acquire some on our way out. I could only stand just so much dried fruits and nuts.
We hunched down to observe the area. It took us a while to be sure we hadn’t been spotted by any of the guards or sentries. Zane motioned for me to take the two sentries on the right and he would take out the two on the left. I hefted my staff, removed the safety from my gun and crawled toward the first of the two men. I inched up behind him, hit him hard on the head and caught him from behind. I didn’t let him hit the ground. I clamped my hand over his mouth and pulled him into the brush. Then I gaged and tied him, just in case he regained consciousness. Unlikely, I hit him hard enough I doubted he would regain consciousness any time soon. Then I turned my attention to the second man. I wriggled my way along the ground until I was even with him. I checked to make sure there was no one nearby and blasted him with my bracelet. I repeated what I did with the first man. Catching him before he hit the ground, I stopped just long enough to make sure he was out. Satisfied, I headed toward the mouth of the cave.
I waited for Zane to appear. He came from the left and gave me the thumbs up sign. Now all we had to do was take out the two men in front and the four inside. Whispering, I suggested to him we drug the two guarding the entrance. I had my wizard’s recipe for chloroform. He nodded his agreement and I started to soak two small rags with the formula. That’s when I felt a chill go through me, just about the same time that Tokem’s streaking form nearly gave me a heart attack. Tokem was pointing toward our left. I froze and looked to see if Zane felt it too. None of us moved as our senses strained to find the reason for the alert. I cupped the rag in my hand and held it inside my shirt. I motioned for Zane to cover his. Then we waited. We spotted him at the same time. The fluid gait and the silence of his approach meant only one thing. He was a vampire. I sure as hell hoped he didn’t smell the rags.
The vampire walked up to the men guarding the caves entrance and said something. I couldn’t hear it from where I stood and then he went inside. I slowly let out my breath and sank down to the ground. Zane crawled down beside me and we waited. There was no sense in trying to get inside with the vampire in residence. I’m sure we could subdue him, but not without a fight, which might bring the camp down on us.
Whatever he was after, he took care of it in a timely manner. He was in and out in a little more than half an hour. I motioned for Tokem to follow him. He nodded and sped after the receding form of the vampire. Zane and I waited for Tokem to return. Since, neither of us wanted to get halfway into the cave only to have the vampire reappear. Tokem was gone for what seemed like an eternity, but was clos
er to twenty minutes. A minor stirring of the air over my head signaled his return. Tokem whispered that the vampire had entered a large tent in the center of the clearing. He had waited to see if the vampire was coming back out before he risked a peek into the tent. It was a mess hall. The vampire and about twenty men were eating and lounging around.
I motioned to Zane the coast was clear. We edged our way toward the sentries from opposite directions. When Zane got within striking distance, I threw some pebbles his way. The nearest guard sauntered over to take a look. Zane grabbed him from behind and dragged him back into the brush. A few minutes later Zane reappeared wearing the man’s coat. He walked up to the other sentry and hit him hard before he could utter a sound and pulled the man over with the other sentry. Zane removed the second man’s coat and tossed it to me. While I donned the man’s jacket, he gagged and tied the two. Satisfied they wouldn’t alert any of their comrades we entered the cave. Once inside, we stopped and listened.
Tokem flew ahead and checked the area. He quickly returned and indicated that there were two men guarding the next door. We inched along trying not to make a sound. When we heard voices we stopped and removed our drug soaked rags. Peeking around the corner, I was relieved to see the men were playing cards. They didn’t have time to make a sound. Zane and I had the rags clamped over their mouths. We lowered them to the floor. They were out cold. I couldn’t be sure for how long because the rags had been stuffed in our jackets for twenty minutes or more. We would need to hurry. Zane frisked the men, taking a large set of keys from one of them.
He walked to the nearest door and started trying the keys. I kept an eye on the two guards and Tokem slipped further down into the cave. Zane managed to open the door on the fourth try. He pulled the door open and looked inside. I had just come to stand beside him when Tokem zoomed back into view, frantically motioning that we had company. He barely had time to tell us before a man came round the corner. I raised my bracelet and sent a blast of energy into his chest. He died. Unfortunately, not before he alerted whoever was in the other room. Footsteps echoed down the cave from the direction the man had come. I raised my arm and prepared to fire. However, before I got off my shot, Zane tackled the man. He subdued him before he could utter a sound. I lowered my arm and went to check the other room. There were no other guards in the room. I turned to let Zane know but, he had already dragged our captive into the room.