Rising Thunder (Dynasty of Storms Book 1)

by Brandon Cornwell

  He smiled back. “I am tired. It has definitely been a day.”

  She went back to brushing her hair. “It has.”

  The sight of her made his heart ache. I wanted so badly not to hurt her, no matter what he decided he felt. The pale white light made her blue skin look even lighter and her black hair even darker, with the red light of the small fire from the hearth adding a certain warmth to the otherwise cold light. Her full breasts cast perfect shadows across her chest and onto the bed, her skin smooth and alabaster. He wished he had been taught in the art of painting, so that he could save this image forever onto a canvas.

  She paused what she was doing to look up at him again. “What is it?”

  He crossed the room, kneeling on the ground in front of her, setting his hands on her knees and running them up her thighs to her buttocks and back, not gripping her, just caressing her skin. Even as he sat on his knees, he dwarfed her. She looked up at him, slightly confused. “Is something wrong?”

  He shook his head. “No. Not right now.“ He leaned forward, leaning her back onto the bed. She let him, spreading her legs to make room for him. He kissed her on the forehead, then gently on the lips. Pushing himself back on his hands, he looked down at her and sighed. “You make me feel so lucky.“

  She giggled, running her fingertips over his chest, her knees rubbing lightly over his sides. “You say strange things at strange times, Elias. I don't understand you, but you make me laugh.”

  He smiled and kissed her again. “That makes two of us.” He leaned back, taking her hand and lifting her upright again, then sat on the bed behind her. He took the teasel and brushed out her hair while she sat on the edge of the bed. They chatted more, about the port, their companions, the forests of the mainland, each other, so on and so forth, as he brushed her hair and braided it. When he reached the end, he took a red ribbon from on the bed and tied it in place. She patted it down, then examined the end.

  “Elias, this is excellent! Where did you learn to braid this tight?”

  He reclined on the bed, resting his head on the pillows. “The men in the north braid the hair of their women, in the same way they braid their bowstrings. It was presumed that even if none of the women would wed me, it was something I should know.”

  She lay down next to him, playing with the end of her braid and pillowing her head on his arm. “Were the women of the north fair?”

  He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. She rolled to her side to accommodate him, drawing one knee up to rest on his stomach. He chuckled. “There were some women who were beautiful in the manner of the men of the north, tall, strong, and fair skinned, golden of hair and blue of eye. But their lives are very short in the north. Their beauty fades in the blink of an eye, and the years line their faces with the hardship of winters, wolves, trolls and other beasts of the mountains.”

  She played her fingers through his hair as she snuggled against him. “Did you ever love any of them?”

  He was quiet for a moment. “No. I never loved any of them. I don't know if I know what it is to love. I don't know what it feels like, so I can't say yes. I was fond of many of them, but in a very distant way.”

  She nuzzled against his chest, her breath warm against his skin. “Then I shall show you what it is to be loved, so that you can learn. My poor giant, nobody ever taught you how to be a person, they just made you be a man.”

  He reached over and pulled the linen quilt over the top of them, and soon her breathing became long and deep, her arm heavy against his chest as she slept. He closed his eyes, feeling every inch of her against his skin, her warmth comforting, her touch soothing. If this is what it was like to have someone, he could get used to this.

  ~ ~ ~

  He woke to Coral crying out and leaping away. He sat up as she fell off the bed, scrambling. Immediately he rolled to her, catching her flailing arms.

  “Coral! Coral, what's wrong?”

  She gasped, looking directly at him, her eyes wide and terrified. As soon as her eyes met his, she burst into tears and collapsed into his arms. He held her close, rubbing her shoulder as she cried. He had absolutely no idea what to do, so he just held her.

  Through her sobs, she tried to explain what happened, but she was stammering so much that he couldn't understand her well enough. He lifted her back onto the bed, and poured her a cup of water from the pitcher on the table in the corner.

  After she got a drink and calmed down, she tried again to explain what happened. She had woken from a nightmare, in which she was back on the beach, and the three men were attacking them again. Every time they swung their weapons at Elias, they cut him more and more, until they had cut him entirely to pieces, then they turned on her. She had woken up screaming as the second man was taking his turn.

  Elias rubbed her back. “That will never happen, I promise you.”

  She wrapped her arms around him. “I know. It was just a dream. But it was so real... I think I'm going to be up for a while.”

  He sat next to her on the edge of the bed. “Would you like me to stay up with you?”

  “No, you get some rest. You need it.“

  He nodded, then kissed his fingers, and pressed them to her cheek. “Please come back to sleep when you can? I'll keep the blankets warm for you.”

  She smiled, and set her hand on top of his, pressing it her cheek. “I will.”

  He lay back down, on his side, and covered up. It took him a while to get back to sleep, but he did end up drifting off.

  ~ ~ ~

  When he woke in the morning, Coral was snuggled up next to him, under his arm, her smooth skin warm against his front. Early sunlight filtered through the window shutters, which she had closed in the night, tracing paths through the dust motes hanging in the air. Gently, he moved out from under her and sat up. She murmured in her sleep, shifting to lay on her stomach, hugging her pillow to her chest. He smiled, watching her for a moment, then covered her up with the blanket. As much as he enjoyed the view, he didn't want her to be cold, and the stone walls of the tall building held off the heat of the day for a long time.

  He got up to revive the fire, stirring the coals and adding kindling. Soon, he was able to coax flame out of the slumbering embers, warmth pushing out into the room. He slipped on his trousers, boots and tunic, and headed down to the commons room to fetch food for breakfast.

  When he returned, he set the platter of sliced meats and cheeses on the table, with a fresh, still warm loaf of bread next to a small serrated knife, and a small plate with a dollop of butter. Coral stirred, sitting up as she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes.

  “Good morning, Elias.”

  He smiled, slicing the bread. “Good morning. Did you sleep better?”

  She stretched, the blanket falling to her waist. “In your arms, I slept like I was floating on the ocean.”

  She smiled, bringing her a sandwich and cup of water. “Good, I'm glad for that. You didn't eat much last night, you're probably hungry.”

  She set it aside. “Let me wake up first, silly!” she teased. She took a drink of water, then flopped back down on the bed., burying herself under the blankets. “These stone houses are always so cold!”

  “Then come sit by the fire!” he said, tickling her through the blankets, making her squeal and flail about. She threw off the blanket and leapt at him, bowling him over onto the bed. She hauled the blanket over the top of them.

  “I've got a better idea. Why don't you warm me up?” She planted a long kiss on his lips as she ran her hands down to his waistband, tugging at the ties holding it in place.

  ~ ~ ~

  They sat naked on a sheepskin rug in front of the crackling fire, the platter of meats and cheeses in front of them, the quilt across their shoulders protecting them from any lingering cold in the room. They broke their fast in front of the hearth, roast ham and cheese between slices of still warm buttered bread.

  They chatted about this and that, enjoying their time with each other. A
s they finished their meal, Coral grew quiet.

  “Is something the matter?” Elias asked, spreading butter on a slice of bread.

  She shook her head. “Not precisely. I have made a decision, though, and I don't know how you're going to like it.”

  He paused, glancing back at her. “Okay? I'm sure whatever it is, it won't be that bad. What is it?”

  She turned her cup in her hands, fidgeting, not looking back at him. “I'm going to go back to my village at the cove.”

  He nodded, layering cheese and meat on the bread. “I totally understand. We can head out as soon as you're ready.”

  She shifted uncomfortably. “There's a bit more. I don't think we should lie with each other anymore.”

  He paused, a sudden twist in the pit of his stomach. “Did... did I do something I shouldn't have?”

  “No, that's not it at all!”

  He sat down, his back to the fire, nodding slowly. “That is, of course, your choice.”

  She moved forward, setting her hands on his shoulders, kissing his cheek. “Oh, Elias, don't be upset! I still want to be with you, but I fear that if you put a son in me, then you won't have the protection of the prophecy that Jenna mentioned last night! I don't want anything to happen to you, and I know you have many more battles to face!”

  He nodded, his stomach unclenching. “I understand. It makes perfect sense, really.”

  She clung to him then, wrapping her arms around him. “Oh, please don't be upset! It's not that I don't want to, I just don't want you to get hurt!“

  He wrapped his hands around her waist and set her on his lap. He was sitting cross-legged, and she wrapped her legs around his waist. “I am not upset at you, not at all. I totally and completely understand, I really do. If I said I wasn't a bit disappointed, then I'd be lying to you, and I'm not going to do that. But you are right. If we keep this up, it won't be long before you carry my child, and then all guarantees are gone.“ He honestly wasn't sure if he believed the prophecies, but at this point, he was dedicated, and she very obviously did.

  She looked up at him. “You're not upset?”

  He huffed a sigh and rolled his eyes to the side. “Well, I might be. Crushed, even. Heartbroken. I don't know if I can get through the day without the promise of your body to slake my thirst. After all, an elf lives not off of bread alone...“

  She shoved him, giggling. “You just had your 'drink,' you great glutton!”

  He wrapped his arms around her, burying his face in her neck, growling and nipping her neck while she squealed and struggled. They wrestled for a moment before they disengaged. Having lightened the mood, they got dressed and packed their few belongings, quickly straightening up the room before they left, locking the door behind them.

  Elias returned the key to the innkeeper and stepped out into the city streets with Coral. The day was already warming up, and people bustled here and there, pushing carts, carrying baskets, and going about their business. They made their way to the pier, and to the Iron Oar.

  As usual, Delain was already up, directing repairs and modifications, transfer of cargo, and the general goings-on. Elias waved as he saw them, and he waved back. “Good morning, m'boy!“ the old man called out. “What are you up to this morning?“

  Elias shouldered a small pack, closing the distance between the two of them. “Good morning! I'm here to get my sword. I don't want to make the walk to the cove without it, this time. Coral would like to go back to her village.”

  Delain nodded. “Seems wise! The repairs should be done by tomorrow night, so we'd need you back by then to go over our next plan of attack, but you're free until then.”

  Elias nodded. “I'll stay there tonight, then come back tomorrow morning.”

  Delain looked about. “Do you want to take some of Marl's warriors with you? It's better to travel in force, if you're worried about an ambush.“

  Elias started to decline, but Coral's hand on his arm made him reconsider. “While I think I could handle anything that came my way, I'd rather be safe than sorry. I'll take five warriors with me.”

  Delain gestured at a group of elves that were transferring goods from crates into barrels, beckoning them over. “Take ten. Marl sent a detachment of fifty more over last night, to crew the new ship. They arrived by canoe this morning, and I've had trouble figuring out what to do with them all.” He spread his hands. “I only have enough work for half of what I've got already, and a pack of war-hungry sea elves wandering through Port Greenreef won't really set anyone's nerves at rest.”

  Coral grinned, and Elias chuckled. “I'd imagine not. Alright then, I'll take these fine warriors with me. I'm going to get my sword from the hold.”

  Delain set his hand on Elias's shoulder. “It might not be a bad idea to keep that weapon with you, son. If there was one ambush, there's almost sure to be another. Stay wary.”

  Elias nodded and descended the stairs. The weapon locker was unlocked, and full of spears, bows, and hundreds of arrows. The flights were mostly white, but every arrow had a distinctly colored feather. He had asked about this once, and one of the warriors had explained that it was for distinguishing which arrow belonged to which warrior, so they could tally up their victories appropriately.

  As he came back on deck, he saw Jenna and Coral embracing, smiling and bidding each other goodbye. The women had grown close in the weeks since Coral had come to the port to stay with Elias, and the parting would be melancholy for them both. As Elias approached, Jenna broke away from Coral, and turned to face him.

  “Travel safely, Elias. Take care of this young woman until she is safely back with her own people.”

  Elias nodded, still somewhat irritated with her for their conversation last night. “Of course. I will return tomorrow afternoon.”

  She nodded and clapped him on the shoulder. “See that you do. I will see you then. I've got some ideas that Delain and Jonas are fond of, and I'd like to share them with you.”

  The two elves left the ship, heading toward the western side of town, ten elven warriors ranging about them, chatting and telling stories as the sun rose higher in the sky behind them.

  Chapter Sixteen

  11h Waxing Flower Moon, Year 4369

  Elias stood at the bow of the single decked war galley. He had personally led the party to capture it, and preferred the speed and maneuverability over the larger ships. He didn't need nearly as large of a crew to sail it, and the single bank of oars allowed for speed and reversal of motion that was impossible with sails.

  That is what they were doing right now. Three ships had been spotted off of the coast of Wahine Rapa, the closest of the islands controlled by the sea elves, and were identified as pirate raiding parties. Elias and his companions had harried them with exceptional vigor for the last six months, and had them on the defensive. Rarely did single ships venture forth from the westernmost islands, and when they did, they were armed to the teeth.

  The armada that had formed from captured vessels was getting much larger. Around one out of three ships were lost during the battle, but the sea elves were getting better at capturing ships rather than sinking them; there was now almost a score of ships anchored offshore at Port Greenreef, more than the port was equipped to handle at the harbor.

  This voyage, though, was almost entirely for the strike. The target was an over-sized galleon, larger even than the Iron Oar, with three rowing decks and four masts, and ports for cannons between every few oars. The ship, along with two or three galleys, had sailed around the island, attacking coastal villages and driving the tribes inland, away from their livelihoods and food sources. Hundreds of villagers were displaced, maybe even a thousand, into the mountains.

  They had received word from the largest village on the island, situated on the north coast of the narrowest section of land, between two mountains, that the small fleet had been spotted sailing west along the coast towards one of the other islands. Elias had immediately outfitted this ship and the two fastest in the fleet, and
set sail. Accompanying him was the Iron Oar, captained by Delain, and the first ship they had captured, which Jonas had renamed 'Papaya's Vengeance.'

  These two ships were close to Elias's stern, but his ship, which he had named 'Slingstone,' was smaller, faster, and shallower, so skimmed across the waves, making little wake as they fairly flew along the southern coast of Rapa Matomato, the island that Port Greenreef was on, otherwise known as the Green Giant.

  They had passed Marl's village earlier in the mid-morning, the Seagate easily visible during low tide. The villagers had hung ropes of tropical flowers from the rock barrier, perhaps during some festival or other, perhaps as an encouragement to the warriors who were aboard the ships. He was too far out to be sure, be he could have almost sworn that he saw a blue-skinned figure waving from the top of the archway.

  It had been a year since he had first landed on the tropical island, and he was getting used to being here. As often as he could, he spent his days at the village with Coral, and she came to visit him as well. However, since the night after they had been ambushed, they had not lain together. While he was definitely feeling the effects of their physical separation, he didn't bring it up, which was exceedingly difficult with how flirtatious Coral was whenever they were together.

  Instead, he focused his energy and aggression on the task at hand. They were getting ready to cross a stretch of open water, deeper than the shallows around the island, with fast and rough currents that could sneak up on an unsuspecting vessel and throw it off course. He stepped down off the bow, wet with sea spray, and took a seat next to one of the warriors. Grabbing the oar, he lent his considerable strength to the rowing, which was being used in tandem with the sails for additional speed.

  The chop of the water in the channel slowed them ever so slightly, and the oarsmen redoubled their efforts. Before long, the westernmost tip of the big island faded behind them, and Wahine Rapa grew larger, its eastern mountain rising green in the afternoon sun.

  The Iron Oar overtook them, cruising past at a comfortable speed. He could see the warriors standing on the deck, laughing and pointing as they sailed past. Elias kept rowing doggedly, his bronzed skin glistening from sweat and sea spray.