“Nathan! What happened?”
The captain spun around in surprise and quickly covered his chest with the fresh tunic, turning as red as his hair. “Blaze! I...um...could you...well...”
His discomfort caused her to smile as she quickly turned her back to him. “I’m sorry, Nathan. I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”
The ruffle of fabric intensified as he fumbled to put the tunic on. “Well, I just...I know you’re healer-trained,” his voice muffled from behind the shirt then returned to it’s normal volume. “But I’d rather keep the discreteness of clothes alive until such healer skills’re needed. Now, we’ll be upon Lebril shortly, so...you don’t have ta stand with your nose in the corner any more.”
“Aye aye, Captain,” she said with a smirk. “Just wanted to let all the embarrassment flush out.”
Nathan sarcastically smiled but also regained a shade of pink at her suggestion. He turned and started ruffling through the cabinet as he continued. “Yes, well, Lebril. I plan on getting there just before nightfall. Just toss the whole ‘let you out and capture you’ idea; we haven’t time, and I don’t think it would help. Ah! Here it is.” He tossed a blue, fist-sized clay jar at her.
Catching it with both hands, she furrowed her eyebrows. As she started to untie the string securing the lid to the jar, she asked, “what is it?”
“It’s the dye. Since the jar’s small, it’s very potent stuff. One pea-size should cover one arm,” he grabbed a tattered brown dress, matching shirt, and blue towel, tossing each her way. “Cover your arms, face, and legs with the dye, let it sit until you finish covering everything, then wipe the excess off with the towel. You’ll be a Blueskin before we tie up in port.”
Blaze loosed the lid and looked inside, an earthy scent emanating from a midnight sky substance. Running her finger over the soft wax, she rubbed her fingers together. “And you’re sure it’s safe? It won’t turn me permanently blue or make me swell up like well-fed toad?” The pad of her finger immediately turned a deep blue.
Nathan chuckled as he put on a grey hooded cloak. “Well, both would definitely disguise you and may actually be an improvement.” Blaze threatened to throw the jar at him as he rushed through the carpet with a boyish laugh.
Putting her old clothes back in the saddle bag, she wrinkled her nose at the older, worn dress Nathan had given her. She supposed that slaves wouldn’t wear new clothing, but the state of the garment was substantially wanting. Down to her underdress, Blaze dipped her finger into the dye. It felt like a mix of beeswax and lanolin, soft but sticky. “Well, here’s to freedom,” she saluted Lily and smeared the dye down her right arm.
Nathan was right about the dye’s potency. After spreading a thin film over her arms, face, neck, and lower legs, she had barely made a crevice in the jar’s contents. Her dyed skin looked like a blend of summer-ripe blueberries and earth. She proceeded to wipe the dye off with the colored towel, but her skin only lightened from a brown-hued berry to a bronze blue. The dye left her skin soft, and the scent of earth warmed the air. She didn’t feel swollen or itchy, so perhaps the dye was safe. Donning the pathetic shirt and dress, she went out to get the captain’s opinion.
“How do I look?” she asked while standing under the lantern.
Nathan turned and looked at her with an appraising eye. “Not bad. It turned out a nice hue, and you’re not any more toad-like than before.”
Blaze punched him in the arm.
The captain chuckled while rubbing his arm. “I should have you flogged for touching me, slave.” He winked. “Although, you really do need ta get in the slave’s mindset or else people’ll see right through your skin and demand your death. Now, their original names were the Etanimulli people, but I think the Roving Historians are the only ones who know that now.”
“So, are you a Roving Historian?” Blaze suddenly asked. “You certainly seem to know all that they know.”
“Are you calling me a know it all?” He challenged.
“No, but I might consider...well, yes. I guess ‘know it all’ is an appropriate name,” she teased.
“Another flogging for you!” Nathan exclaimed and tapped her arm with a fist.
“Ouch! You’re a horrid master!”
“I wouldn’t be so horrid if you’d only obey,” he retorted, then smiled. “Back on the subject, the Etanimulli are now called ‘slave,’ ‘blueskin,’ or, more offensively, ‘blung’.”
“Blung?” Blaze asked.
“Aye, short for ‘blue dung’. Tis the Urlificans’ personal favorite. So, you must answer ta all of these names and anything else the superior scum may call you. The Etanimulli have been diminished ta creatures. Never look anyone in the eye, never speak unless directed ta, and never, ever stand up or react ta anything.”
He paused and gave her a warning glare to emphasize the last point. “I think that’s going ta be your biggest problem since you can’t stand the slightest scent of dung about ta be smeared.” Blaze crossed her arms and opened her mouth, but Nathan held up his hand to continue. “An admirable trait, but one that will get a slave killed. Ta show humanity’s ta sentence yourself ta death. So, I think it best that you stay in the cabin, away from people. Lebril’s just on the other side of that bend. I’ll dock, unload the cargo, and then we’ll be out as fast as a fish splashes back inta water. It’s mainly our two day docking in Eclamai I’m concerned about.”
“Do we have to stay for two days?”
Nathan nodded his head. “This quick trip through Lebril might raise suspicion itself, so a shipper sailing through the capitol would be incriminating. Plus, it’s required by law for all vessels ta port for two nights in Eclamai as a tax on shippers, seeing as each night costs an urlic. That’s why I want ta get there just before sundown tomorrow; any later and we’ll have ta stay three nights.”
The river ran swift, despite being five times wider than its birth from the lake. The bend Nathan had pointed out raced toward them, and in no time, the Wisp turned to reveal the cove town of Lebril in the dim evening light. The cove curved inland from the main river like the belly of a drunkard, causing a large, gentle, but insistent whirlpool to pull them toward the docks. All of Srift could have fit inside of the cove with room to spare, and every bit of the waterfront was dressed with the wooden structures of Lebril. Flickering lanterns danced every few feet, and twice the population of Srift milled along the docks and river walks.
Soon, the chatter of the Lebril competed with the swish of the river. The fishy, damp stench of a river town twisted the air, but the scent Blaze’s hunger picked out was the hearty, warm aroma of meat pies and grilled fish along with the salivating wafts of kettle corn and sweet cakes. Blaze forcefully crossed her arms, muffling the wail of her awakened stomach. As if they were having a conversation, Nathan’s stomach also gurgled in complaint. He snickered, “I’ll be sure ta get us a good dinner while in market. Now, I suggest you hide yourself.” He stepped to hide her as he waved to the two oncoming row boats.
“Just make sure there’s some left when you get back,” she teased while sliding into the cabin.
“Ahoy, Cap’in. Might ye be in need ofa tow?” a nasal, wet voice called out, as if the mouth it escaped from lacked a few teeth.
“Aye, if you could find me a dock close ta Quizzy’s, I’d be pleased.”
“Twill cost a torr extra.”
“I’ve coin.”
The plunk of hollow wood sounded as the rowboats came to the sides of the Wisp. “Then Finn at your service,” came the rowman. “Kin I come aboard?”
“Certainly, Finn, welcome aboard the Wisp.”
Finn grunted and heaved as he struggled to board. Blaze heard Nathan walk over to help the man. “Thank’ee, Cap’in. Now, twill be two kins and five torrs.”
“Two and five! Waves take me, Finn, when did the docking become so pricey?” Nathan exclaimed while money clanked in his purse.
“Tis been two weeks. Alrigh, boys. Tie ‘er up and put yer backs into it! But,
aye, Cap’in. Been the scandal alright. Some say twill send all the business to the capitol; cause shippers to skip Lebril. Hehe, some are even saying that twas the capitol that put the mayor up to it. Them folk have pig tails for brains, me thinks. Capitol don’t need more business, what with the two night tax an’ all. Naw, Mayor’s seen a little bit of gold and fancies he needs a little more, me thinks. But, what does a simple rower with horse teeth know, eh?”
“I’m sure that simple rower knows more than he lets on,” Nathan replied. “Like how the market is for karn tonight?”
“‘Scuse me, Cap’in. Kaff, Hooknose! If ye don’t keep yer kaffing boat pointed toward shore, we’re gonna ride Madam Swirls until dawn, and yer gonna pay me to smack yer nose straight! Any who, karn. Market’s pretty full of the steak now. You familiar with Karntooth?”
“Aye”
“Well, Cap’in. Had an extra plentiful harvest and left a lot of steaks in market.”
“If he keeps fishing like that, karn’ll soon be a myth.”
“Hehe, I believe it, Cap’in. Alright, lads, dock her third from Quizzy’s, keep her straight!”
“Well, Finn, it’s been a pleasure.”
“Thankee, Cap’in. I’ve enjoyed this short ride on the Wisp. Ye know I once rode with yer father?”
“Really? And when was this?” Nathan’s voice gained curiosity.
“Oh, maybe fifteen cycles ago. I hitched a ride with him from Beccrah to Lebril. An honest man. Ye have the same eyes as him.”
There was a slight bump as the Wisp docked.
“Well, thank you for the news, Finn.” The minute clink of coin sounded.
“Oh, yer definitely an honest man, Cap’in. I thankee. Safe waters under yer bow and strong winds at yer stern.”
“And a steady stream of shippers for you,” called Nathan.
The river market’s cacophony took the place of all other distinct conversations. Fishermen called out the capture of a lifetime; bakers offered freshly made treats. Wax workers offered candle lights, and merchants offered many luxuries of trade. A group of minstrels played somewhere amongst the crowd. Laughter, shouts, music, and conversations mixed and clashed into the single melody of a river market.
Blaze desperately wanted to leave the vessel and explore Lebril. With a cloak and her new, shadowy skin, she felt that she could be more stealthy than was ever possible. Nathan walked upon those ideas a moment later. “So, don’t know how much of that you heard, but good ol’ Finn basically told us that the market is flooded with Makavel’s Urlificans.” He heaved a box the size of a large cat onto his shoulders with a little effort.
“Is that what the karn question was all about?” Blaze asked.
“Haha, aye, and clever Finn gave us a good warning. I’ll sell these rocks ta Quizzy up a little ways, grab us some dinner, then we’ll be off. I’d actually bury myself in these crates, just in case someone decides ta snoop while I’m gone.”
“Isn’t there a way to protect your wares?!” Blaze asked in alarm.
“Not from those clad in red. No worries though. You’re Blaina Karnsbane; they won’t know what hit them.” He winked and disappeared behind the carpet.
Chapter 15
True to his word, Nathan returned laden with meat pies and a stalk of celery. Before the giant whirlpool carried them back into the main river, Blaze devoured one fish and gravy-filled pie and was making good work on her half of the celery.
“I didn’t know a living thing could inhale solids like that,” Nathan teased with a chuckle while grabbing a pie.
“And for my next trick, I’ll make my master’s food disappear,” and she snatched the pie just before he could bite into its flaky crust.
The warmth and flavor of the meal, combined with her exhaustion from a long and emotional day, lulled Blaze into a near stupor. Not wanting to relive the nightmares that too often plagued her, Blaze went to the front of the Wisp and began to stretch. After loosening up, she placed one foot behind and gently bent her knees. She closed her eyes with a deep inhale and checked the readiness of every muscle. A subtle breeze chilled through the worn dress. She exhaled.
In a burst of motion, Blaze rapidly preformed her fighting exercises. Fists, elbows, knees, and feet, one by one she practiced the usefulness of each weapon. The exercises both calmed and excited her, and a smile lifted the corners of her lips.
“I’ll give it a go,” Nathan said.
She stopped and looked at him. Stepping in front of her with a challenging grin, he held his hands up in fists. Blaze smiled back and got in the ready position. With a bounce of his eyebrows, Nathan signaled for her to attack. In two moves, he tripped and fell to the deck.
“You won’t be able to defend anything with a shaky foundation,” she advised while helping him up.
“Oh, are you a philosopher now?” he mused while centering the Wisp.
“No, just a fighter,” she answered with a smile. He readied himself again and indicated for her to attack.
Blaze flew forward to punch his throat, but on the last step, pulled the throw and moved to his right. Nathan turned to follow her, keeping his feet spaced but wobbly. She flew forward again, and repeated the move, helping him get used to keeping his feet. On the third run, she moved to his left. He was caught with his right foot in midair, confused as to which direction to go.
Stepping forward, she rammed her shoulder and hip toward him. He started to fall; however, his right foot stepped ahead of him, and he turned to defend himself with steady footing. Blaze moved to sweep his front leg from beneath him, and Nathan pulled back, running solidly into the wheel. Surprised, he bounced forward and into Blaze. She twirled around to his back, tapping her fist lightly on the side of his neck in victory as he fell to the ground again.
“That footwork was much better, but don’t forget about your surroundings or your opponent,” she coached with a smile. Training harkened back to happier, simpler times.
Nathan laughed as he got up again, not showing an ounce of embarrassment at being beaten by a girl. “And here I thought throwing a good punch and not passing out was the secret.”
Blaze chuckled, “Well, as my mentor says, ‘you can have all of the strength in the kingdom, but it won’t do you a spit of good without cleverness’.”
“Sounds like a wise and dangerous man,” he commented while heading back to the wheel.
“He is,” she said with pride.
Talking about Obrae was like removing the dressing from a deep wound: the fresh air felt good on the unconstrained skin, but the nerves were still dangerously exposed. Those nerves were plucked by her answer. “Was,” she squeezed out as the pain of her loss crushed her chest. Leaning against the port railing, Blaze forced herself to breath steadily and think of how much she would make Urlifec and his kind pay, binding her pain to the vendetta.
“Are you alright?” Nathan asked in concern.
“Of course!” she spat, glaring at him in all of her anger. Then, she caught herself and softened her clinched fists. Her hot pain became dull and icy as she pushed it away from her attention. “I’m sorry. I’m...” She didn’t know what to say. Nathan remained silent as her anger threatened to flare in frustration of her poor situation, her malicious fortune, and her worsening condition. But, she forced it down by facing the shimmering water. That water, the mighty Thundrum, would never be stopped. The river would always continue forward on its course, no matter who thought otherwise. It was free and without fears or a need to fight.
“You asked what I am fighting,” she started. “I’m fighting servitude. I will not have my life controlled by heartless monsters.”
“So, you would be queen?” Nathan asked in a quiet but serious voice.
“No!” Blaze retorted in disgust. “I just want the freedom to live my life without threat.”
“But, was your life threatened in Srift?”
“What?” Blaze was stunned by the question.
He stared at her and repeated. “Was your life thre
atened in Srift?”
She crossed her arms. “Of course it was threatened. Urlificans were there.”
“But, you’re not a Traitor.”
A snide smile stretched up her face in warning. “No, I am not.” She didn’t want to go down this road with him. Why couldn’t they all just mind their own kaffing loyalties?
Nathan opened his mouth to keep her walking down his path of enlightenment, but Blaze cut him off. “Look, Nathan, it’s been a long day. I’m sure you’re tired, and I had a nice long nap this afternoon, so why don’t you get some sleep. I’ll wake you when I can’t keep the Wisp straight anymore.”
He looked as if he were about to argue, but after studying her, he sighed and released the wheel, running his hands through his hair. “Very well, but don’t forget that while you may try ta avoid some things, sleep isn’t one of them.” With that, he retired to the cabin.
Blaze smiled deepened at his need to give an impacting last word. Taking the helm, she sighed in relief of being alone. Her thoughts could be dangerous company, but at least she controlled them. For another night among a dozen, her thoughts swirled and fleeted, gathered and buffeted, exhausting her with circles of uncertainty and fear. Staring intently ahead, she fought those circles with plans and goals. She would find a safe haven. She would make Urlifec pay for his murders. She would teach that vile, kaffing cretin king the true meaning of pain.
As the moon came and went, Blaze fought to stay awake by nursing her pain with the dreams of avenging its cause. She didn’t want to return to her nightmares; she didn’t want to lose control over her mind. In the dark hours of pre-dawn, she folded her arms on top of the wheel and rested her head, just for a moment, upon the arm-nest to give her neck a little relief.
A slight wind blew, but it changed directions all of the time. That was the only thing that changed. She wandered in a golden field where the waist-high grass was dead and the relentless sun remained suspended at the crest of the sky. The only living thing around was her, and her company was the twisted, black sword, Pain. She despised the weapon fuzed to her hand, but she cradled it in her arms as she wandered aimlessly through the endless field. The wind whispered things to her, and the field gave her no place to hide.
Traitors (The Traitor King Saga Book 1) Page 23