She glanced toward Sinclair again as she continued. “I grabbed my stuff and snuck from the house prior to first light. Since I’m marked with a Nauticus rune, I decided to head for the docks to find a ship. I picked one that looked good and shimmied up the line tied to the dock. Once onboard, I hid in an empty barrel in the cargo hold.”
“It was later that day when I was found. The sailors brought me to the captain, declaring me a stowaway.” She paused, thinking. “I knew that a captain is the king of his ship and that his own rules apply. I also knew that stowaways were often killed or worse. I told Sinclair that it was a chance I had been willing to take. I explained that I had no other place to go, no family or home to claim. He decided to wait to kill me, instead putting me to work scrubbing the deck. Days and weeks went by; ports and cities came and went. Still, he said that he would wait just a bit longer. As the months passed, my jobs changed and soon he no longer mentioned having me killed. Over the course of years, sailors came and went. Five years after my flight, I had become the most senior crewmember of Star Dancer, earning the right to be first mate and steer the ship. That was two years ago.”
Parker listened intently, feeling sympathetic to Tenzi’s situation. “So, Sinclair has become a bit of a father to you, then?”
Tenzi shrugged. “I guess so. He’s definitely treated me far better than my father ever did. He relies on me and values my skills and opinion. I guess I found a home aboard his ship.”
Parker nodded. “I get it. You’re quite skilled at sailing, so I can see how he values you.”
Tenzi smiled. “Thanks.”
Parker stepped closer. “He’s not alone. I can also see that you’re an incredible woman.”
The smile slid from her face, her eyes gazing up into Parker’s. He felt a twinge of trepidation, fearing that his advance might be unwanted. Ignoring caution, he pulled her close and bent for a kiss. The warmth and softness of her lips intertwining with his gave him a rush, causing his heart to quicken. As their lips parted, his eyes opened to look into hers. His arms were around her back, hers around his.
“You make me feel so alive,” Parker said in awe.
She smiled. “It will take a few days to reach the garrison at Hipoint. That gives us some time to get to know each other.”
A grin spread wide across Parker’s face. “I’d like that.”
. . .
Three marvelous days later, their destination was in view. While Parker was aware that time was critical, he found himself dreaming of sailing on endlessly. His time with Tenzi had been special, and he had relished every moment.
There had been just enough cabins on New Spirit for each of the four couples to share one and still leave one for Benny to use alone. Of course, Sinclair had claimed the captain’s quarters, taking it at night while Tenzi and Parker manned the deck.
Somehow, Wraith was able to wiggle down the hall and into the small cabin that Brock and Ashland shared. Parker expected that it was difficult to move about when the huge dog was in their quarters.
The practical side of him was aware of their food running low. They had made the most of the stores found upon the ship, having to toss less than a quarter due to spoilage. What remained was just enough for the three-day voyage.
Parker stood at the rail of the quarterdeck beside Tenzi, waiting for Sinclair’s signal to climb the mast. As they sailed up the wide bay toward Hipoint, he looked on in curiosity since it had been a more than a year when he had last sailed into an unfamiliar port.
The city was built upon a steep grade that overlooked the sea. The result was a long set of stairs running up the center, connecting a series of tiers occupied by houses and shops. A single ship currently occupied a mooring beside the long pier dividing the harbor. Unlike the other coastal cities he had seen, this one had no wall surrounding it. Thankfully, Hipoint appeared safe and healthy. There had been an unspoken fear that they might arrive and find it also destroyed by the Horde.
“It’s strange seeing a port city without a wall,” Parker noted.
Sinclair turned toward Parker. “She’s a new city. Can’t be more than a hundred years old. They didn’t build a wall because she has no enemies. At least, none who would come from the sea.” His eyes flicked to Puri, standing below with Cam, Brock, and Ashland.
Parker nodded. The Tantarri were considered the only Empire enemy these days. That is, until the Horde appeared.
As they drew closer, he was able to identify the walled palisades of the garrison atop the plateau above the city. The garrison was the reason they chose this destination. The visual realization of their goal made it seem more real, leaving him sad that their sea voyage was ending.
Sinclair turned toward them. “Get to your marks. We’ve got a ship to dock.”
Tenzi nodded and stepped away from Parker to grab ahold of the rigging.
Sinclair called out. “To your marks. Let’s get those sails drawn!”
Brock and Cam scrambled to the foremast rigging, scaling it with ease. Parker grabbed onto the rigging and glanced up at Tenzi as she raced up the mast. He released a sigh began to climb after her.
. . .
Parker glanced back toward the ship and found Tenzi at the bow rail, staring back as the ocean breeze teased her blonde hair. Their eyes locked one last time as he waved before turning to follow the others through town. While crossing the dock toward the stairs, he reflected on their last conversation.
“Please come with me. We belong together,” he had pleaded.
Her hand had reached up to cup his cheek. “Dear, Parker. I’m sorry, but Sinclair needs me.” She glanced toward the captain. “We have a mission of our own. For now at least, I belong on this ship.”
“But what about love?” he asked. “What about me?”
She smiled sadly. “I do think I love you. However, your friends need you. We have a war to fight; one we dare not lose.”
He leaned in to kiss her, sending every bit of sweet emotion he could muster into the kiss. It was urgent, yet tender, lingering for a time. He pulled his lips away and opened his eyes.
“What of the future?” he asked.
“If there is a future, come find me.” She shrugged. “We’ll make something of it.”
He nodded. “That’s a promise. If I live, I’ll find you. Don’t give up on me.”
Tenzi smiled. “I don’t give up so easily.”
He stepped away, the last to leave the ship. Waving goodbye to Sinclair, he crossed the planks and left her behind. He would hold the image of her at the rail in his mind. That, along with the three days they had shared on the voyage, would have to suffice until this war was over.
Breaking from his reverie, he began climbing the stairs up into the city. People ahead cried out in amazement and fear as Wraith hopped up the stairs ahead of Brock. Parker couldn’t help but smile. He expected that anyone seeing the huge dog would be startled. His eyes returned to Wraith, and he realized that he had begun to think of her as a dog, not as a bacabra.
Reaching the first tier of the city, they crossed the street past two rows of buildings and began ascending the next set of stairs. It wasn’t long before Parker’s thighs began to burn from the seemingly endless steps rising from the docks to the plateau. Pausing for a breath, he looked down to view the three tiers below. Swinging his gaze upward, he counted three more to reach the top. Resigned to the task, he continued upward.
When they reached the top, he looked down to find a crowd gathered on each tier, pointing up toward them as they discussed what they had witnessed. Parker guessed each conversation began with Wraith. Her presence made it difficult for their party to pass unnoticed.
“Parker,” Brock said. “I think it best if you and Cam approach the garrison. You both have parents with recognizable names. It’ll give you a better chance to convince them of the truth.”
Parker nodded. “Okay. We’ll see what we can do.” He looked at Cam. “Are you ready, big guy?”
Cam nodded, “Let’s
do it.”
They crossed the road and angled toward the garrison gate. As they approached, the two guards outside the gate stood tall, trying to look as imposing as possible. Parker sighed inwardly, expecting the worst. He knew how these types tended to make themselves seem important, attempting to show that they were above you.
“Hello, Master Paladins.” Parker smiled as he and Cam stepped close to the gate.
“Hold there,” a big guard with clean-shaven scalp replied. His Order rune seemed lonely on the bare expanse of his forehead. “State your business.”
Parker nodded, looking serious. “We have some urgent news for your captain. News from Sol Polis.”
The man glanced at the other guard, a tall woman with short clipped dark hair. The bald guard looked at Parker.
“Where’s your message, then?”
Parker held his hands out, shrugging. “Given the urgency of the situation, there was no way for an official to craft one. Instead, my message is verbal. Therefore, I must speak with your captain.”
The man’s face clouded. “If you think I’m going to go bothering the captain because some young whelp wants to tell him a story, you’re crazy.”
Cam spoke. “Sir, do you know of Cassius DeSanus?”
The man shrugged. “Of course we know who Captain DeSanus is. Why?”
Cam thumbed at his chest. “I’m Cameron DeSanus. Cassius is my father. Like him, I’ve been training to become a Master Paladin. The urgent message we have is related to the reason I had to leave the Academy before my training was complete.”
The man looked Cam up and down, examining him. “So you say. Do you have any proof?”
Cam reached for his hilt. “I do.” He pulled the sword free.
Both guards stepped back, drawing their weapons.
“Easy,” Cam said. “I’m merely showing you the rune on this sword, which was my Father’s until he gave it to me this past summer.”
He held the blade flat before the two guards as they cautiously stepped closer for a look. After seeing the rune, they stepped back.
“How do we know you didn’t steal it?” the woman asked.
Cam’s face darkened, apparently close to losing his patience. Parker stepped in to take over.
“I also have a father who you will know. His name is Cedric Thanes, Chief Advisor to Archon Ringholdt.” Parker reached into his pack, digging out a folded piece of paper. He held it out to the bald guard.
The man read it before showing it to the woman. After receiving a nod, he handed it back to Parker.
“You two wait here. I’ll be right back.” The male guard turned and disappeared through the small service door in the palisade wall.
As Parker pocketed the writ he had been given when raised to Academy Apprentice, Cam sheathed his sword. Two minutes later, the door opened as a third Paladin stepped through.
This man had short brown hair and a well-kept short beard. His silver-plated gray leather armor marked him as a captain.
“I’m Captain Torreco. What’s this all about?”
Parker stepped closer and gave the man a short bow. “Captain. We’ve just arrived at the docks, coming from Sol Polis.” Pausing for a breath, he prepared himself for a poor response. “I have grave news. The city has fallen, completely overrun. If there were any survivors, it is but a few. I seriously doubt Archon Ringholdt is among them.”
The man’s face clouded. “What? Are you daft? Who would attack Sol Polis? We have eyes on the Tantarri and would know if they attempted to leave their lands, especially if they brought an army.”
“This might sound a bit outlandish, sir. However, it’s true.” Parker swallowed hard, glancing at Cam. “The Banished Horde has returned.”
CHAPTER 54
Brock watched the exchange while standing with the others, just down the road from the garrison. When the Paladin captain began to shout and wave his arms about, Brock decided to intervene.
With staff in hand, he jogged toward where Parker and Cam were standing. As he drew close, he could hear the captain accusing them of thinking him daft. He then shouted for them to stop wasting his time. The female guard glanced toward Brock, her eyes growing wide. In a flash, her sword was out.
“Captain! Look out!”
The captain paused his rant to look toward Brock, his eyes growing as wide as well. His weapon was out in a flash.
“Bacabra!” the captain shouted.
Brock stopped and looked back at Wraith, who was following him. He held his hand up and Wraith stopped to sit on the road, tilting her head in curiosity. He turned toward the Paladins and smiled.
“You men are mistaken,” he shouted. “This is just my dog, not some vicious bacabra.”
He glanced back and waved her forward. Excited, she ran up alongside him as he continued walking. Brock glanced at Wraith, who was matching his pace, before again addressing the Paladins.
“However, if you try to harm me, she’ll certainly not be so friendly.”
The two guards warily backed against the wall, but the captain held firm. His eyes narrowed, and he eased his sword back into its scabbard.
“I guess she doesn’t look to be vicious like a bacabra. Her eyes aren’t red, either,” the captain noted. “Still, I’ve never seen a dog that big.” The man’s eyes remained fixed on Wraith.
Brock came to a stop a stride away from the man. “I bet if I came here yesterday and told you I had a dog this big, you’d think I was lying.”
The man scratched his head, nodding. “Yeah. Probably.”
Brock smiled. “But now that you see it, you believe it?”
The man nodded again. “How could I not?”
Brock looked at Wraith, reaching up to scratch between her pointed ears that were level with his own. Her tongue was hanging out, eyes squinting as she enjoyed the attention.
Brock turned back to the man. “So, when my friends tell you that the Banished Horde is back and has decimated Sol Polis, you call them idiots who are wasting your time. You don’t believe it because you’ve never seen the Horde in your lifetime.”
The captain stared at Brock, the gears turning in his head. “I get your point.”
Parker pleaded with the man. “Please, sir. Just send someone on a horse to Sol Polis. If what I’m telling you is false, it will cost you nothing but one man for a week. However, if it’s true and you do nothing, it could cost thousands of lives.”
The captain stared hard at Parker. His eyes shifted toward Wraith and then back toward Parker.
“Very well,” the captain nodded. “I’ll send a man. If it checks out, we’ll have to act. If not, I will find you, and you’ll wish you’d never met me.”
“Fair enough.” Brock nodded. “I’ll also tell you that this isn’t our only stop. By the time you catch up to the Horde, they’ll probably have overrun most or all of the eastern provinces. As our forefathers did two hundred years ago, I plan to gather whomever I can and face them on the Tantarri plains. They will have to cross the plains at some point. Expecting them to arrive there in early spring, we’ll be there and we’ll be ready.”
The captain stared at Brock for a moment before bursting into laughter. “You had me for a moment there, boy.”
Brock glanced toward Parker and Cam, both shrugging. He addressed the Paladin Captain. “Captain...what’s your name?”
The man calmed his laughter. “Torreco. Gavin Torreco.”
“Captain Torreco. I urge to you to take this seriously until proven otherwise. I plan to amass an army who will face the Horde on the Tantarri plains when that object…” Brock pointed up at the white sphere in the sky. The three Paladins looked up to where he pointed. “Appears in the evening sky. Whether the Holy Army joins us is up to you. I’m afraid this fight is too big for any force you can muster on your own. We must band together, or we will all die.”
Brock turned and walked away. Wraith caught up to him, loping along calmly, mirroring the resolute mood he felt inside.
CHAPTE
R 55
Left with just enough coin to pay for supplies, they opted to restock and head west rather than stay at an inn in Hipoint. Brock wasn’t sure how an innkeeper would handle Wraith anyway. Though he was quite fond of her, she presented a challenge in numerous practical ways.
As the town and the garrison shrank into the distance behind them, Brock slowed to allow Puri to catch up. He drifted closer to her, addressing the Tantarri woman when her attention turned toward him.
“I need your help, Puri.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Interesting. You have done quite a capable job with very little of my help thus far.”
Brock smiled. “Thanks. However, I do need it now.”
She nodded. “Very well. What can I do for you?”
He glanced at Cam and then back to Puri. “Can you find the mine we saw a few weeks back?”
She looked at him, her confusion apparent. “Mine?”
He nodded. “Yes. The place with the big wall, where the men chased after us on horseback.”
Recognition lit upon her face. “Oh, that. Yes, of course I can.”
Brock nodded. “Good. Can you find another route to it? I’m looking for a way coming in from the south.”
She squinted as she considered what he proposed. “I believe so. There must be a way for they had set men to wait for us along this road, east of our position.” She nodded, seemingly convinced. “The western mouth to the valley cannot be the only way.”
Brock stopped, looking her in the eye. “I need you to figure it out. I know you can do this. It will help because that’s where we are heading next.”
Cam looked at Brock, curiosity on his face. “Why should we go back there?”
Brock smiled and he resumed walking. “I’ll tell you tonight, once we set camp. I’m sure everyone will want to know what’s next and why.”
An awareness in the depths of his mind tingled. Wraith was returning, a sense of pride coming through their connection. Brock’s eyes scanned the road ahead as he searched for her.
The Emblem Throne (The Runes of Issalia Book 2) Page 26