A Woman's World

by Lynne Hill-Clark

  Vicaroy studied his surroundings. “I don’t think so.” He pointed to the south. “I think the storm last night pushed us north.”

  Baya looked to the south and her mouth fell open. The last sun was setting behind a rolling wall of clouds. The sky was an array of every color Baya could possibly name. The purple sky faded to a blue, then to a pink which faded into red and then a yellow. The clouds themselves were a bright orange trimmed with a golden light.

  “I don’t recall sunsets that beautiful on Pathins,” Vicaroy said.

  Lovely, Doba added in Baya’s head.

  She had barely noticed that he had wrapped himself around her. “Unfortunately what makes this sunset so spectacular is the massive clouds headed our way.” Baya continued to shovel food in. She would need the fuel to make it through the night.

  In no time her plate of the fresh flatbread Vicaroy had made that day and the dried fish were gone, all except some breadcrumbs, which she fed to Doba.

  “Yes, let’s get the rest of the supplies below deck. As I was saying, if the storms continue coming from the south then we will be pushed farther north each night.”

  Baya helped unfasten the bedding from the bow. It took them both, one shoving and one pulling to get the dried mattress back in the cabin. The last thing to be brought in was the sail and mast.

  “What are the buckets for?”

  Vicaroy had tied several of them to the bottom of the boat. “I hope to catch rain in them. We weren’t able to collect any dew last night and our supply of fresh water is low. We lost a lot of dried cakes. Your parchments were turned to complete mush. I threw them overboard. Luckily most of the grains, nuts and dried fish survived. The corked jars saved them.”

  “We had secured the belongings against the back and forth motion but not for being upside down.”

  Vicaroy chuckled. “Hopefully, I took care of that. I pray we can stay dry through this storm and not lose any more supplies.”

  “And not sustain any more bruises.” Baya examined a fist-sized black mark on her arm. She didn’t remember hitting her arm — or something banging into her — that violently last night. She’d been too focused on staying upright, keeping her fire lit and trying to figure out a way to stop the cabin from flooding.

  All three companions watched as the storm approached. No one was eager to spend another sleepless night cramped in the cabin.

  When night had fallen and the rain reached them, Baya forced herself to go inside. Vicaroy had cleaned the cabin well. The jars of food were tightly packed in the cargo holds under the benches. He had nailed wooden slats across the storage areas under the benches to keep the jars from flying around the cabin.

  He closed the hatch and their tiny world went black.

  Chapter 42

  Baya lit a candle with her mind. She studied the hatch. “We need the air to enter the cabin but not the water.” She cocked her head to the side in deep thought. “You said the food that was sealed in jars didn’t get wet?”

  “Yes.” Vicaroy didn’t know where she was going with this.

  “Do we have any extra corks?”

  “We have plenty from empty water and food jars.”

  “I need the biggest one.”

  Vicaroy went right to them. Rummaging through a bag he handed a cork to Baya.

  “Perfect.” It was the size of the palm of her hand. She raised her arms to perform the transformation spell.

  “Wait!” There was panic in Vicaroy’s voice. “Not yet. The waves are barely rolling. We will suffocate if you seal us in too soon.”

  “I know.” She raised her hands to the door again and chanted under her breath. The door became a solid waterproof and air-proof wall.

  “Baya?” Vicaroy had never been confined before the previous night and he knew he didn’t enjoy it. It felt like he was already short of breath as his chest tightened.

  “Trust me.” Baya gave him a sly smile.

  It was his favorite expression of hers and it helped to calm him.

  Placing her hand on the now-transformed door, Baya closed her eyes and chanted again, drawing a circle with her index finger. A hole appeared in the wall. “That should be about the right size.” She forced the cork into the hole. It fit tight. It took all her strength to wiggle the cork out again. She tossed the cork to Vicaroy and crawled onto the bed. “Now all we have to do is plug the hole if we capsize. Otherwise, we should have plenty of air.”

  Vicaroy had not been aware that he was holding his breath, already trying to conserve the air in the cabin. He exhaled with relief, followed by a deep breath. “That’s … brilliant.”

  Baya smiled with pride. It was the first time she had done so on this journey. It was funny how life or death situations could lessen one’s anger. She was no longer as mad at Vicaroy as she had been. The terrors of the previous night changed things — made her appreciate him. She looked at him, really studied him. She had largely been ignoring him which was difficult on such a small vessel.

  Baya cocked her head to the side again. Vicaroy looked tired. There were dark circles under his eyes, ones she had never seen before. He was slimmer than he had been in Pathins as well. This voyage was taking its toll on both of them and it wasn’t over yet. She patted the bed next to her. “Come. Get some rest before the storm will make it impossible to sleep.”

  Vicaroy didn’t hesitate. Crawling into the bed, barely made for two, was what he wanted more than anything. The grueling night — the long day of work — it all hit him at once. They were safe … enough … for now. Sleep was his only thought as he lay next to her.

  Doba hissed and clicked in protest of Vicaroy’s closeness. He moved to Baya’s other shoulder in order to put some distance between himself and the man.

  It took no time for Vicaroy’s breathing to grow heavy with sleep.

  “Poor thing. He’s been working so hard,” Baya whispered.

  Good. He’s asleep. Now we can throw him off the boat.

  “Doba!” Baya chastised.

  That’s what he wants to do to me.

  “Don’t be silly. Vicaroy would never do that.”

  Then how come he thinks it all the time.

  “He doesn’t …” Baya’s face fell. “Does he?”

  Doba nodded vigorously.

  Baya smiled at Vicaroy. “He needs to get used to you, that’s all. Like I did.”

  Well, I won’t ever like him, Doba huffed.

  “Wait a minute. How can you read his thoughts? I thought you had only learned to understand our speech when we talk out loud. Not to mention men can’t communicate with animals.”

  Men can’t, but I can. It’s easy once a connection is made, like the one I have with you. Usually, all I have to do is look them in the eyes. Then … I’m in. I had to learn how to convey the images I get from others.

  Doba bobbed side to side on her shoulder. Usually all I get are emotions, which I can sense. Fear is the most obvious one to recognize. All animals, no matter how primitive, can read that emotion with ease. But I have learned to interpret many other emotions and thoughts over the years.

  “This’s great. This means no one can lie to you.”

  I guess not.

  Baya frowned. But she had to know. “What does he think about me?”

  Oh, no I don’t want to … get in the middle of that mess.

  “Please!” Baya rubbed his chin.

  Doba melted in her arms and the soft guttural purr escaped from him even though he didn’t want it to. Okay, okay. He conceded. I don’t like the way he thinks about you.

  A knot formed in Baya’s throat. What did she expect? Vicaroy had tried to leave her behind. He didn’t even want her here. So, of course, he didn’t want her at all.

  No. It’s not that. Doba replied, as he had read her mind. It’s quite the opposite actually. He thinks … nasty things about you.

  Baya furrowed her brow. “What do you mean, nasty?”

  Like how it felt when he put his lips to yours and how he wo
uld like to touch you … everywhere. He stares at you all the time with these thoughts running through his mind. I’ve noticed this over the years, human men tend to have only one thing on their minds. Doba’s large eyes blinked at Baya. Like I said, nasty. Human men are disgusting.

  Her heart leaped. He did want her! Baya, with her skinny body. She frowned at her toothpick legs. Like Vicaroy, she too had lost weight this past month and Baya hadn’t had much to lose to begin with. No. She sighed. No man would want her. Especially, one as handsome and strong as Vicaroy. She watched him sleep. His face looked younger while he was at rest — relaxed and carefree.

  I don’t know what makes a human attractive. You are all very ugly to me but I do know that he fancies you. Doba mused.

  “Then why did he try so hard to leave me behind?”

  That … I don’t know. It’s like his brain shuts down when he thinks about why he left early. He doesn’t have the words. He is really quite dense.

  “He’s not dense!” Baya snapped.

  Vicaroy stirred beside her.

  “Shhh,” she said. The boat was only gently rocking. Vicaroy could still get some much-needed sleep.

  I’m not making any noise. You are, so shush yourself.

  Baya stifled a chuckle. She continued to watch Vicaroy. He was lovely. Could it be that he wanted her? He had taken the initiative to kiss her first. It took guts for a man to make the first move. So maybe, just maybe, he did desire her.

  Her gaze settled on his full lips. Memories of what it had done to her body when he kissed her overwhelmed her. She resisted the urge to run her finger along his lips.

  Okay, now you’re as bad as the boy. I’ve had enough of you sick humans for one day. I’m going to find a safe place to sleep. Doba scurried off the bed and buried himself in the cargo hold.

  She hoped Doba was right. If Vicaroy did indeed love her, then she must find out. And she needed to understand why he had tried to leave her.

  The waves grew larger as the night wore on. Baya knew this because it took longer and longer for the boat to top each wave.

  Chapter 43

  When the rain stopped Baya reformed the hatch of the cabin. The night’s storm had been gentle compared to the previous one. Thankfully, the boat had stayed upright. They emerged on deck dry and unharmed to greet the early morning darkness. Vicaroy had managed to sleep most of the night. He set the sail at once and steered the boat eastward.

  Baya had dozed some as well. She was ready to take on the world. Or at least the sea and even Vicaroy. It was time she figured out what was going on with him. Even if he broke her heart again. She had to know.

  Baya cleared her throat. “Vicaroy. Why did you leave without me?”

  His shoulders visibly sank. He looked out at the sea. “I don’t know …”

  “You mean you won’t tell, because of course you know why you do the things you do, and I’m finally ready to listen.”

  He swallowed hard.

  “Damn you, Vicaroy. I deserve to know. Would you at least look at me?”

  He looked toward Baya but was distracted by four solid black eyes. Doba was perched on her shoulder, staring intently at him, as if he was just as interested in what Vicaroy had to say as Baya was. Vicaroy shrank away and adjusted the rope on the sail, even though it didn’t need to be done.

  “Vicaroy.” Baya demanded.

  “Yes. You have every right to know why I left. I regret it every day. If I could do it over again I never would have left without you. You being mad at me is the worst thing in the world and I thank the Great Goddess every day that you’re here … with me.” Once he started talking it all came out fast.

  Baya narrowed her eyes at him. “Of course you’re glad I’m here. I’ve saved your life, how many times now? You’d be dead if it wasn’t for me.”

  “It’s not that —”

  “You honestly think that you’d be alive without me?” Baya’s voice was louder than she’d meant it to be.

  “Of course not and I thought you were ready to listen?” He finally met her intense stare and didn’t shy away.

  She crossed her arms in front of her chest and waited, challenging him to go on.

  “I don’t want you here because of your powers. … Well, they are incredibly helpful. But I want you here because I …” love you. He was too afraid to say the words.

  He says he loves you or he thought it, Doba whispered in Baya’s mind.

  Baya’s expression softened and her arms fell to her sides. “Say it … finish your sentence.” She desperately wanted him to speak those few, yet precious words and she wanted them to be true.

  Vicaroy shook his head. “I can’t because you don’t feel the same way about me.”

  “I do love you and you broke my heart when you left without me. You still have not answered my question. Why did you leave?”

  She loved him! Vicaroy felt a shift inside himself — a glimmer of hope. “I left because … well … you had everything in Pathins. I couldn’t take that from you just because I had nothing.”

  “I didn’t have everything. Not without you. Don’t you get it? I chose this.” She gestured to the boat around them. “I didn’t want my life in Pathins. I want you. That’s why I’m here.” Baya said.

  “And I’ve put you in mortal danger. I didn’t want to risk your life. My life is worthless but yours — you had a good future, a life as a wealthy ruler. I wanted that for you — not this.” It was his turn to gesture to the boat.

  “Well, it’s my life and you should have let me make that decision.” Baya’s heart was heavy — it was something he had said. He felt like his life was meaningless. “Your life is worth everything … to me.”

  He wanted to take her in his arms, press his lips to hers. The love was back in her eyes — he had missed that even more than he had realized. He would do anything to keep that light in her color-filled eyes.

  “If we survive this journey then I promise to never make decisions for you again.” He took her hands in his. “Every day I’m grateful that you are with me and not only for your powers but for your company. Even with you angry at me, it’s been better than being without you.”

  He was drawn to her lips but the beady stare of the insect on her shoulder stopped his advance. Baya hadn’t looked this full of life since they started the journey.

  “I’m starving. I’ll find us something to eat,” she said.

  “That’s my job. And I’ll get your morning tea for you as well. We don’t want you to have a baby when we don’t know what the future holds.”

  Baya sighed and took the tiller, making a minor adjustment to steer the vessel eastward. One thing at a time. They would work on the gender-segregated chores another time.

  Vicaroy lit the small brazier with his stones. He liked it that he didn’t have to bother Baya with something as simple as lighting a fire for him. At least it was one thing he could do for himself.

  He set a steaming hot cup of the women’s brew next to Baya on the bench.

  When Baya reached for the plate of food that Vicaroy held out for her, he didn’t let go of it until he had her full attention. He waited until their eyes met. “I do love you.”

  Baya smiled playfully. “I know. Doba told me.” She ran a finger along the insect’s chin. Doba appeared to be more interested in the food than anything else.

  “He can tell you my thoughts?”

  Baya chuckled. “Yep. So be careful. You can’t lie to me.”

  “That’s … creepy and I have no intention of lying to you.”

  “Good.” Baya shoveled some food into her mouth.

  Vicaroy smiled warmly. It was a relief to see her happy. Leaving her had been the stupidest thing he had ever done. It wouldn’t happen again.

  Baya snickered as Doba relayed Vicaroy’s latest thoughts to her. She fed him from her plate as a reward.

  That creature, however, was going to be annoying. Vicaroy didn’t like it that Baya knew what he was thinking at all times.


  Chapter 44

  The rains came early that day. Just after mid-day Vicaroy and Baya had to quickly pack everything inside before it got too wet. The storm came quickly and it grew fierce. This time Baya’s hole in the wall was put to the test. The cork did its job to keep the water out even when they were turned upside down. By nightfall the storm had passed.

  Baya used her light to assess the boat for any damage. “Thankfully she’s sturdy. You built her well.”

  Vicaroy hoisted the sail but when he moved the tiller something was wrong. It was too easy, there was no resistance. He unfastened the tiller and let out a curse.

  “What’s wrong?” Baya asked.

  “The rudder must have broken off in the storm.” He looked around frantically. “I don’t have any spare wood to fix it.”

  Baya laid the tiller and what was left of the rudder out on the bench in front of her. “I got this.” She gave him a playful wink and held her arms out. Faint golden wisps, like clouds, came from her hands. In no time, the missing part of the rudder had been replaced with a hard, amber-like substance that sparkled under the moons’ light.

  Vicaroy rapped his knuckles against the strange substance. “What is it?”

  “Just a nifty little trick.”

  “I’d say so. Where does it come from?”

  “I don’t know, Mother said it’s like a spiders web, or something. It comes from inside us.”

  He shook his head in amazement. “How come you never showed me before?”

  “There was never a need and it takes … a lot of practice to acquire the ability.” Baya lowered her head. “It’s very similar to transformation spells, which were the hardest skills for me to master. I still mess that up sometimes.”

  “Well, this looks perfect.”

  “Not to mention it requires a ton of energy. Speaking of that…” Baya headed into the cabin for some food. Making the new rudder had made her so hungry that she felt queasy.