by Marcy Lynn
Elanor raised her brows.
He walked to the barrel though clearly he didn’t believe there would be any reason to. The surprise on his face swiftly changed. “Over ‘ere Captain. We must have missed this one.”
“Aye, bring it over” Derek said to his men. She didn’t dare look at him; not needing to as she could feel the heat of his eyes more intense than the sun. He couldn’t hold it against her long if this would finally get this awful ordeal over with.
“Excellent. You may show me the map now.” The pirate Captain’s pompus hand lifted to signal the men on her Father’s ship. They started to leave like rats deserting. Derek didn’t take the baiting this time. He began explaining the position of the course the Corsair would need to take to get to where ever he’d had in mind. She couldn’t hear the instructions or the conversation but when Caspin suddenly looked- impressed? Excited? She guessed where Derek would be sending them. While it would clearly give Leelah and her husband some solace she knew this would still be eating at Derek. All he believed in, working to free people of all cultures from that sort of life. He was sending a pirate to do exactly what he hated.
The one good thing the young Barbary pirate did was not linger after everything. He and his crew were prompt to leave Derek’s ship, dropping sail and starting off in whatever directions that had been given. No one was foolish enough to count it over until the sails were a blur on the horizon and then disappearing completely from telescope sight.
When the word came from both ships all were clear, Elanor raced to the rail nearest to the other ship. Her Father and Grandmother had already gotten off their knees and were standing haggardly in the shade they found.
“Are you alright!” She shouted over. “Are you hurt?”
“We are not hurt!” Her Father shouted back helping her Grandmother walk towards the cabin of the ship.
Behind her Derek gave orders as did the other ship’s Captain. It was decided with precision that the only way they could survive the ordeal was to turn back towards the Islands. From across the way she could see her family recovering as best they could. They clearly needed to get out of the sun, giving her a long look before haggardly before disappearing into the cabin.
Elanor approached Derek cautiously.
“We’ll re-supply and wait for word whether any have escaped.” Derek was telling his men. “It was a calculated risk but I hope each of you understands why I did it. To keep us safe and take care of that bloody bastard for Caspin.” There was a rippling murmur from the men. “If any of you wants to stay at the Port we’re supplying at, you won’t be held. We’re all free men.” The murmuring grew louder with pride and agreement. Elanor felt her own sense of pride well up from the tail end of the speech. Admiration for how great Captain and a good man he had become swelled inside her.
“Get to your stations and set the sails.” He started toward his own station before tossing over his shoulder to his men, “Someone get her over to her Father’s ship before we sail.” Elanor wanted to protest. Didn’t he want to talk to her before she left? He walked away without so much as a glance in her direction. Didn’t he want her to help get them there quicker? And did he just say ‘her’ instead of her name?
She was tempted to follow him but the crew had followed his orders quickly. There was a plank between the ships, secured and ready for her passing from one ship to the other. She took one more moment to look in his direction before letting one of the men give her a hand up. It was still a horrible height for her to be doing this but she’d finally trusted the crew to get her across.
One of her Father’s sailors helped her down and the plank was withdrawn. Elanor watched them set the sails; reluctantly walking towards her Father’s cabin. She didn’t know how to feel. This is what she wanted. What she’d been badgering him to let her do for months now. But there was no sense of relief or anything. She just felt numb. How could he just send her off without at least saying good bye or she’d even settle for him telling her off for using magic when he said not to.
Was this it? Would she ever see him again? They were married in this realm and spiritually connected for life. It had been so hard to leave him years ago but at least she’d explained and talked to him. Yes, it was a stretch of the truth but she still gave him a reason! When she reached the door, a crushing fact of reality settled into her.
He’d really completely given up on her.
Chapter twenty-eight
“I did tell you it wouldn’t be wise to just go looking for Maegan.”
Her Father said sitting across from her at the table. He seemed to have aged ten years in the short time she’d been away. Her Grandmother nodded in agreement, her cheeks burned like painfully red shiney apples.
“As did I, Elanor,” Her tired drawn eyes were not unkind but reproaching. “It was rash to act on a vision.”
“I am sorry.” Elanor said again. “I didn’t realize leaving would create such a big… reaction. I genuinely thought I was doing the right thing.”
“It’s good that Derek found you when he did,” Her Father interjected, his eyes leveling with her own. “Did I hear him call you his wife? Are you lawfully married now?” Her father didn’t seem upset by this prospect.
A sheepish smile crept over her face feeling a little shy when answering. Everyone in her family knew from the time they were young that the two of them would marry.
“Yes- we had a common law marriage just recently.”
“As I suspected. Your mother always said the two of you were soul mates, we agreed on that.” He gave her an approving nod and a genuine smile. Her Grandmother didn’t feel the same though. Her red cheeks pulled towards her nose as a pursed frown and furrowed brow showed.
“Do you think that wise? Did either of you learn the lesson we experienced not very long ago? It’s not safe for you to be in this realm so openly.” Her Nain’s elder hand clasped into the other atop the table trembling. “I lost a daughter to such thinking. And you lost a mother and sister. Seekers generally are violently fearful. They’re afraid of you most of all, Elanor.”
“We lived a beautiful life until that man took it upon himself to-” Her Father spoke up but an aged hand lifted in protest.
“Only because my daughter knew to keep her ways quiet and allow the girls to learn but not practice. In the country, our starlight veil keeps us all safe. They are all better off there.”
“That’s not true either. Araminta and Teagan are at the town house in NewLlynn because of the trouble you were having in the country. Your coven didn’t want them to return until you did if you recall.” Her father said.
“We’re not welcome there without you?” Elanor imposed into the conversation.
It didn’t actually surprise her if she thought on it.
The coven seemed to resent them being there. She’d always felt out of place but had assumed it had been because of her own reluctance to socialize. “The coven is afraid of us too. They find Teagan annoying with her brash antics and they bully poor Constance around. They only leave Araminta and I alone because we keep to ourselves. The truth is,” Elanor said remembering Derek’s words with a tightening of her chest. “No matter where we are, there’s going to be trouble. Those who follow the craft may either envy or fear us for having elemental powers when they have to call onto the guardians of the towers and we don’t. We are close enough to being guardians ourselves. We’re keepers of the earth, Nain. That scares them. And if we live in this realm or even in the veiled countryside of Sweetlace, there are people who will do us harm simply because they are scared. Fear makes all people act irrationally.” She reached over to grasp her Father’s hand squeezing. “ I am so sorry for leaving you after the carriage accident. I realize now how much you were hurting too.” She’d never seen her Father cry before and when tears sparkled in his warm brown eyes; she felt her own well up too. He lifted her hand to kiss. Patting it with the other hand after unable to say words.
“And Nain,” Elanor smiled kindly. S
he felt as though a weight of a thousand pounds were being lifted off shoulders with the release of fear and anxiety she’d been holding for so long. And it was time to let it all go. “I know you meant well taking us to where you thought we were protected. But while I was here… I found myself again. I might not be able to help the world like the generations of five before me did. But I can help those around me. And I’ve learned so much about my magic!” She released her Father’s hand to stand up reaching to cup both hands against her Grandmother’s cheeks channeling water to heal the burnt skin. She sat back into her chair once the skin healed.
“Simple acts- can add up to very large benefits.” Elanor said.
“What a wonderful healing spell! You taught yourself that?” Her Grandmother asked with surprise and pride as she touched the newly healed aged ivory skin.
“Yes with a few other larger spells.” Her own cheeks raised in the knowing grin. “Perhaps done a little impulsively- but to help others.” She assured them. Each thing that had happened she wanted to share but she knew it would take some time for both of them to accept and absorb all she said. After all, they had their own fears to face now.
It had taken her months. No, years.
There was one thing though that she felt pushing to the front of the other thoughts. The whole reason she’d come on the trip in the first place.
“I mind casted and spoke to Meagan, directly. She told me she is safe but- the volcano has forced her and a group through a star veil.” She held for a moment realizing what she was about to say. “I think she’s with the Dragonborn.”
“That’s impossible!” Her Grandmother gasped. “They haven’t been seen in-”
“I know. But Nain, who else would have the ability to make that volcano erupt? I saw dark shadowed figures and their banners. The mark on them, I swear, I saw in an old book of shadows in your collections. It’s the Dragonborn clan.”
“Why would this,” Her father waved his hand searching for the right words of reaction. “clan take Maegan? What would be the purpose?”
“I don’t know. No, that’s not true. I think,” Wincing slightly she glanced to each. “Maybe they meant to take Teagan? She is a fire elemental witch and they are twins so they look alike. Maybe the man, the witch hunter, wasn’t acting for the seekers. What if he was there to take one of the twins and Meagan was mistakenly taken. How many tales have we been told about the previous generations and those who wanted to harness the power of fire to bring the red dragons back?” Elanor said out loud.
“But they can’t make her. Your Mother always said all casters have free will, it’s your magic. And when they found out she wasn’t the fire element witch, why didn’t they return her or set her free? She didn’t tell you?” Her father had gone through all his own thoughts and some of the questions she had as well. Elanor didn’t know why they hadn’t set her free and shook her head to answer his question of Meagan telling her. She hadn’t really gotten to talk to her sister that long. He had a few more questions to add.
“How do we find her, if they’re an elusive group? No one can find the realms unless you have permission. How do we get to Maegan?”
Elanor had a dreadful feeling in the pit of her stomach. She’d left this part out and knew they would have to be told or else another fool’s errand would be made.
“The veil uses starlight that won’t be aligned again for two years. She said we can’t reach her until then.” Elanor explained.
“We can’t reach her now?” Her father asked.
“No, they were passing the crossroad into the portal when I talked to her.”
“When we return home we’ll ask for help from those who know the Dragonborn. I can only hope that there is still those around who have that knowledge.” Her Grandmother said firmly.
“I’m not coming back with you. I’ll keep trying to connect with her but I’m staying here… with my husband.” Time seemed to speed up and slow down, realizing she’d come to this conclusion long before she just said it. She wouldn’t leave him again. Never again.
“He seemed to be determined to get back to this Port to go after those pirates. I don’t like you purposely putting yourself in danger. Really Elanor, this impulsive behavior has got to stop.” Her Father said firmly.
“I thought you would come back with us and perhaps he could join you there.” Her Grandmother’s statement passive, yet heavily laced with directive. This time it wasn’t impulse that brought her to this decision. This had been recovery of her self and healing from something she’d let hurt her for too long. She loved Derek with all her heart and wanted to be with him. And he’d done nothing to wrong for her to not want that. Quite the opposite. For the first time in the last two years, her eyes had been opened to what she’d done.
“He’s built something here. I’ve become part of it rather quickly. I never would have braved trying to do any of what I accomplished here if he hadn’t helped me. I’ve found my light again. He is part of my light.” She glanced between them and said what was in her heart. “I’m home.”
Her heart raced so face it sounded like the ocean roared within her ears.
She still had to face that iron expression of his. He had reasons to resent her. She could only hope he’d listen to her before tossing her into the water. Her sight had been so tunneled by guilt and grief. Anxiety and what ifs. All dark things that can consume people if they let it. He’d been the light to show her the way towards her self healing.
“But,” She said looking to them both. “I want to find Maegan still of course. I think we should at least keep trying. And above all, find out what happened to her that night? Why would they want to take her or did they want Teagan? And did they hire that hunter? We need answers.”
They could all agree on finding those answers at least.
“Yes, we should know for Teagan’s sake as well. She may be acting out so much because she misses her twin.”
The mention of her sisters from her Grandmother brought a curious tilt to Elanor’s head. “I should have perhaps asked this sooner but are they doing well? Ara? Teagan? Were they happy to return to the Port?”
“ Araminta is keeping the house for me while we came looking for you. She seems well enough. Teagan-” He hesitated as though measuring the right word usage to describe her younger sister’s actions.
“Oh dear, poor Araminta. Teagan is frightfully obstinate the moment she is told to do anything. Which means she’s creating chaos of course.” Elanor said almost laughing. “Ara’s got her hands full trying to keep appearances with Teagan.” A not so amused nod from her father. He glanced to her Grandmother and Elanor knew there has been more to it. She didn’t press, quite used to her little sister’s behavior growing worse when Meagan disappeared.
“And Constance? Is she adjusting to marriage well?”
“I’m afraid, her husband died just before we came here. His lungs couldn’t manage the odd air that the volcano has spread. Many are feeling it’s effects. She is dealing with the everyday responsibilities of running his…. Estate now.”
Life had a way of going in so many directions and paths.
A sudden thought of her mother sprang up then remembering what Meagan had said about staying her own path. There would have to be one more question asked.
“I have a request from you, Father.” She sat up in her chair a little considering that this could in fact anger Derek even more but she had to try. “You need another Captain don’t you? Would you consider hiring Derek and his crew?”
Surprise lifted his brows. “I asked Derek before you girls left for the country side and he said he’d never work for me.” Elanor winced realizing her father kept the salty conversation to himself knowing Derek’s robust ways.
“Yes, I know. I wouldn’t normally speak for Derek, then or even now,” She said softly. “But I am responsible for that. I made him believe that you supported me leaving for the countryside. For leaving him.” A regretful tone laced the words. “I’m sorry for that
as well.” Her father stared for a long time before speaking again.
“It’s in the past. We’ll focus on the future.” His business like attitude replacing the fatherly one. “When we dock, I will talk with him myself. I have been looking for a replacement for Richardson. And by his actions today, I believe he’d still be a good choice.” Relief washed over her. Even if Derek didn’t forgive her for how she’d acted; at least there could potentially be a safer way for the Island to make money to support themselves. They couldn’t smuggle tea for the rest of their days safely.
And if he didn’t want to forgive her, she’d go back to Inglid with her Father.
No, that wasn’t true at all.
This time, she would be the one to fight for Derek. She won’t be taking no for an answer.
***
Her father had insisted that she wear proper attire he’d brought with him when they docked. The cursed stay crushed her ribs. Elanor had tried to tell him the latest French fashion here was a simple dress but he would have none of that. She followed her Father along the dock towards him with apprehension battering against the tightness of the binding garment.
“Really Father this dress-”
“Elanor.” He warned. She held the rest of her complaint as they joined Derek with Caspin, and Stepp who didn’t stand with them but close enough within ear shot. Elanor considered standing with Stepp near Derek’s ship but if she were honest; she didn’t feel a real sense of welcoming from any of the men. Not even Stepp.
“Derek,” Her Father greeted, offering a hand to shake. “It’s good to see you. You have my gratitude for today.”
“It’s good to see you too, Sir.” Derek said shaking her father’s hand firmly. “This area can be dangerous still even with the treaties.”