He released the arrow with practiced accuracy only a shield could deflect. And it did, dropping the arrow a foot from his neck. He spared a glance towards Caleb and the amulet around Caleb’s neck burned. Knowing an amulet could only offer so much protection, he raced towards the man before he could get off any other spells.
Halfway there, Caleb dropped on his knees, a blinding pain in his head. The radiating agony made him incapable of moving. The bastard didn’t even have the decency to fight him man to man. He bit his lip, the taste of blood flooding his mouth. Like Alex, he wouldn’t last long.
Andre could take these men down, though Caleb wasn’t sure if he could do it without drowning everyone on the docks. Frozen in place, he couldn’t scream out when Nikki stepped into view. Her back to Caleb, she attacked the magician. He couldn’t see much between the two, except Nikki continuing to slowly step closer towards his man. It hurt to see her approach the very evil that he couldn’t protect her from.
Then, in an instant, the spell was lifted, and he collapsed on the ground. He didn’t stay down for more than a breath as he rolled up, grabbing his weapons. He didn’t hesitate but stepped to the side for a clean shot. Then with a single swipe, an arrow flew towards the magician and found home in his chest.
“Wondered when you were going to finish him off.” Nikki gave him a sideways glance, her lips curling into a nervous smile.
“Are you hurt?” He looked he over. Her thin frame stronger than it looked.
She appeared fine though sweat gathered on her temples. “I’m okay. Those men were strong though. I wouldn’t have been able to defeat him if he wasn’t already drained from fighting my father and holding you and Alex.”
“You did great.”
She rubbed her hands. Hands that were used to assisting Doc in the med tent, not fighting. This new life on the road was a change for everyone. She pushed back a loose hair that had escaped its tie at the nape of her neck.
The dock had calmed down. People were slowly emerging from their shops or hiding places. Caleb couldn’t see Andre anywhere.
“Can you sense your father?” Caleb asked Nikki while offering Alex a hand up.
“I hope he fed those men to the sharks.” Now standing, Alex rubbed his shoulder.
Nikki paused for a moment. “Things have settled. I don’t know if they are fish food, but probably. Help me grab the supplies I bought, and we’ll go to the meeting place.”
They made their way back to the shop where Nikki had a pile of medical supplies to purchase. She finished the transaction, and they headed away from the docks. They had a good half-mile to the meeting spot, but the recent attack kept them on edge. Weaving in and out of buildings, they moved fast, even with heavy bags on their back, watching for a possible attack. They met with the others on the edge of a market where they parked the old suburban. They packed supplies in the back and climbed into the big car.
“Why didn’t Elizabeth see the attack?” Caleb asked once on the road. He’d been turning it over on the walk back. Liz’s powers were spotty, but she usually knew when Becca would be in danger.
“Not sure,” Andre shrugged in the front seat. “Maybe they didn’t plan on finding us there. Seers are rare, and their powers are just as mysterious at times.”
“We need to move camp right away,” Nikki said, sitting next to Caleb.
“We’re packed, and I radioed ahead to let them know we’ve moved up the evacuation.” Andre watched the road ahead, and they bounced along the old dirt road. “With Lazaro getting closer, that also means we need to secure our allies.”
“I hope that list is longer than I think it is.” Worry gnawed on Caleb’s mind.
“You and me both,” Nikki said.
Andre quelled them with a look. “Once we get our new camp settled, I’ll need both of you to come with me to visit an old friend or two.”
“You know we’d do anything.” This was the first time Caleb had found anything like a home since his parents were killed and fighting the magicians that hurt him, made it even better.
“I’m counting on that.”
“What the hell are you doing here?” Becca was never one to mince words, even with a ten-year-old girl. She stormed towards Navina, wanting to shake her silly.
Navina stood strong, though her chin trembled slightly. “I’m not weak. I can do more than just babysitting.”
“Your mother is going to be scared to death. We have to turn the boat around.” She grabbed the girl’s arm. “I don’t know who or where the captain is, but we have to fix this.”
“I don’t think the captain is going to be obliging,” Darion’s brow creased in a worried look.
“It doesn’t matter if he is obliging. She has to go back.” Her raised voice echoed in the large corridor filled with large containers.
A young man in a tan jumpsuit appeared, a clipboard in his hands. “Is there a problem?”
Darion stepped forward. “No problem.”
“Just one little question,” Becca interrupted. “Is it possible to get the captain to go back to shore? It’s important.”
The young man chuckled, actually laughed at her. “No. Nothing’s that important. If he’s in a good mood, he’ll offer you a rowboat for a price. If he’s in a bad mood, he’ll throw you over.”
I’d like to see him try. Biting her lip, Becca struggled not to throw this scrawny kid over herself. With the chaos on the dock, she couldn’t trust Navina to get herself back to the others safely but didn’t want to think of the repercussions if she stayed. Becca stepped towards the young man, thinking of her options. “Who are you?”
“I’m Kai and am responsible for checking people in. Then you can head to your supervisor for your assignment.” His tall, thin frame and large eyes gave a youthful appearance, though he had to be old enough to work here. “You are?”
“Darion and Becca,” she replied.
“You must be the witch,” he said to Becca, then glanced down to Navina. “But there is only supposed to be two, not three.
“Typo, I guess.” From their previous conversation, it was obvious she was lying, but she didn’t back down. Staring at him, she was tempted to use her magic. Between the fight on the dock and Navina showing up, her temper was balanced on a very thin wire.
He looked inexperienced, which Becca was hoping for, so he relented. “Not my problem. Go see Bastian on the second deck.”
Darion headed off in the direction the young man pointed in. Becca hurried to catch up and grabbed his arm. He was pissed and reasonably so, but what were they going to do about Navina?
“We can’t keep her with us,” Becca said once out of Kai’s hearing.
He threw his hands up. “They obviously won’t turn around, and it would be safer for all of us to keep a low profile on board. Many of these sailors are loyal to Lazaro and if they find we aren’t, Lazaro will know where to find us. They may keep us until they no longer need us, then toss us over.” He ran a hand through his hair. “And given what Andre is trying to accomplish, Navina will be just as safe with us if not more so.”
Thinking of her sister’s safety with the rebels, Becca didn’t like that sentiment, even if it was true. “I guess I can have Elizabeth tell her mom we have her.”
“I can help you,” Navina added, her voice eager.
Turning, Becca silenced her with a look. “I’m not ready to forgive you just yet. What you did was reckless and stupid, especially with the trouble on the dock.”
“What trouble?” Navina must have been on the boat by then.
“Nothing,” Darion huffed. “Let’s go get checked in and figure out how to spin this tale.”
They found Bastian, a tough man with short hair, and scars on his hands that stuck out on his dark skin. He had an accent, probably from the islands. Also checking his clipboard, he repeatedly glared at Navina.
“I don’t buy the supposed typo.” He told Darion. “We don’t let kids on board, especially females. Not to mention witches can be
bad luck.”
“But you asked for magicians.” Becca pointed out.
“We wanted males, and now we have two females.”
She bit her tongue. How out of date was this guy? Obviously arguing with logic wouldn’t work. She sent Darion a look of exasperation, but he shook his head as well.
Bastian pulled out a cigarette, didn’t light it, but smelled it and tucked it behind his ear. “If we didn’t need your power, I’d throw all three of you overboard. But as it is, we have some repairs that are needed and protections against other vessels.” Then he turned his angry gaze at Becca and Navina. “I don’t want to hear any complaint from you about accommodations or treatment from the other men. You take care of yourself, and I hope we don’t have to talk to each other again.”
Navina rolled her eyes, the disdain evident on her face.
Becca couldn’t blame the girl, ready to push this sexist over herself, but they had bigger things to do than punish this man. So instead, she grabbed Navina’s arm, silencing her. Becca could feel the tension and power building inside the young girl.
“Thank you for your help. We’ll drop our things off.” Becca started off but Bastian coughed and pointed the other way.
“Yeah, thanks,” Navina mumbled, sarcasm heavy in her voice.
They found their small quarters. Small didn’t even start to describe the two sets of tiny bunk beds. She could barely turn around between the beds.
“I never thought the cot I had camping was luxurious until now.” Darion picked up the thin mattress and dropped it with a slap. “At least it’s only three days. Guess I don’t have to truly straighten out my legs for three days.”
Navina had already strewn out on the top bunk. “It’s not that bad.”
“For a midget,” Becca said, then turned to Darion. “You can have the other top bunk. I’ll bunk under Navina. If we have another crewmate in here, I want him as far as possible from her.”
“I agree.”
Navina jumped off the bunk and headed inside the tiny bathroom on the other side of the room. Darion took advantage of the minute of freedom and pulled Becca close. She laid her head on his chest. The last hour had a fair share of ups and downs and breathing in his smoky smell with a hint of pine relaxed her.
“There goes our time alone.” Darion rubbed her neck, untangling the knots.
“We’re on a boat. We didn’t really have time alone, but I know what you mean.” Closing her eyes, all the things that could happen with Navina flashed through her mind. “I’ve never been the maternal type. Can we really handle a ten-year-old?”
“She’s pretty good as far as kids go, I think.” Darion said. “At least she’s potty trained.”
“Hey, I’m not a dog, dude. I can take care of myself,” Navina huffed as she came out of the bathroom. “You know I can hear everything in there.”
“Great.” Becca stepped back, pushing back the stray hairs that escaped her braid. “I guess we better go get to work. Bastian didn’t seem like the forgiving type.”
“Did you work him over at all earlier?” Darion asked, referring to her magic. “I didn’t feel anything from you.”
“No, I didn’t think it worth it.”
“You may be right,” Darion watched her closely. “Don’t be afraid to if needs be.”
“I won’t.” Even though she thought her magic came from a dark place, a place she’d never feel good about, she would use her magic however she had to in order to protect those she loved. Something Bastian would learn if he pushed her too far.
Chapter Seventy-Nine
Staring at the empty glass in front of him, Peter raised his hand for another. The ache deep in his shoulder begged to be lessened. The bartender slid the glass down the bar. Peter squinted against the morning light peeking through the blinds but caught the glass in his good hand. In one swift motion, he downed the drink, welcoming the fire traveling down his throat. The numbing heat helped block out the pain, the anger, and the hell that was his life.
With Ryma’s death, Peter had no desire to go back to the coven. He had backed the wrong horse and had no desire to maneuver the political web to claim his way to power. And sitting at the bottom of the totem pole held no desire either. He lost his demons during the battle and was prepared to drink the last of his money away. Why worry about tomorrow, when it’s still today? When he thought about tomorrow, his thoughts turned to Darion. The traitor who now jumped on the coattails of someone bigger and better than anyone can imagine.
And that bitch, Darion’s girlfriend or something? How could she ever have taken down someone of Ryma’s ability? Something was off. He couldn’t figure out what happened and that infuriated him. He lifted his hand again for another drink.
“Hold off on that one, Peter.” A man in a long trench coat threw a bill on the bar and took the seat next to Peter. “Two coffees, black.”
His temper boiled. “What the hell, man? I don’t know who you are.”
The man cut him off with a power that rolled off his body. “That’s right. You don’t know who I am. So, I suggest you shut up, unless you want to be my new toy.”
Peter pulled back slightly, knowing he was in no position for a fight. Upon closer inspection, Peter wondered if he recognized the man. His tall thin frame stood out, much like his narrow face, ending in a sharp nose. His tan skin said he was from the South American countries or maybe Europe. What would he want with Peter?
The barkeep set down the two cups of steaming coffee. With a wave of his hand, the stranger moved the cup towards Peter. “I’m not asking.”
Pushy. Peter knew he was outpowered and took the man’s threat seriously. And with no coven to back him, Peter would be up for grabs. He swallowed the hot liquid, bitter in his mouth, much like this man.
Setting down the cup, he turned to the man. “Who are you?”
“Joseph. I work for Lazaro.”
Peter picked up the cup of coffee again. Oh, hell. He needed to be thinking somewhat straight for this conversation. After the battle, everyone had scattered. When Ryma had died, the protection and power of the coven died too. Knowing Lazaro would find out one way or another, Peter had been in no hurry to share the failure of the battle with him. Taking out Darion and the other rebels had ended up a disaster. It didn’t matter that Peter had warned Ryma. The coven had failed and that included every member.
“Feeling better?” Joseph asked, then pushed the other cup towards him. “They are both for you. Lazaro has requested your presence.”
“Me? I have a lot on my plate today.” He had no desire to meet Lazaro. He really could end up someone’s demon pet at the end of that.
“Doesn’t matter. You’ll finish that cup. I will even escort you to the bathroom. Then I’ll take you to Lazaro.”
“Why?”
“You know why.”
“There must be a good fifty accounts of what happened.” A lot of people made it away, only because the rebels didn’t have the backbone to finish a fight.
“There were several accounts, but you had the most contact with the rebels. You actually knew one quite well from when you were adolescents, they say.”
Damn, Darion. “We weren’t close.”
“Close enough for Lazaro. Hurry up, I don’t want this smell of piss and liquor to stick.”
Chapter Eighty
After a long day of magically reinforcing the ship’s hull, Becca didn’t even complain about the cold shower she took. Without any shampoo, she didn’t bother washing her hair, but wrapped it on top of her head. She did bring a small bar of soap, which would have to work for all of them. Navina had showered first, borrowed some clothes of Becca’s to sleep in, and fell asleep fast while Darion showered. The bathroom had a very open floor plan. No one could shower or use the sink without talking to the person on the toilet. So, they each took their turn in the bathroom. At least they didn’t have to share their room with strangers.
No one else had showed up to claim the other bunk. Given t
he looks from the other crew and distance they got over dinner, Becca assumed no one wanted to bunk with magicians. Not that she blamed them. She used to have the same mistrust of magicians, and still did if she didn’t know them. An intrinsic power over others tended to bring out the worst in humanity.
Shivering and finally clean, she flipped off the water and wrapped up in a towel she brought. Grumpy that it was damp since she had to share with Navina, it reminded Becca again why she wasn’t ready for kids. Especially ones that didn’t listen and snuck off onto random boats. She hadn’t been around kids enough but figured none of them really listened. It’s not like she had.
Turning to the sink, she brushed her teeth as best she could when Darion approached from behind. “I thought you could use some warming up.”
“Depends. Are you going to repeat the scene on the dock? ‘Cause I really don’t want to swim with the fishes.” She struggled to keep her smile small as she turned into his arms.
“Ha ha. If you don’t want me to use magic, I won’t.” His hair was still damp from the shower, which made Becca want to run her hand through it.
“Between the child in the bunk and the bathroom with nothing to hide, we have a lot of options.”
“Sarcasm suits you well.”
“I know.” She flashed him a smile, not ready to move away from him.
He trailed a finger across her collarbone and over her bare shoulder. A hot zing followed the path, warming Becca all the way down to her toes. No, he didn’t need to use magic.
“No fair, teasing.”
“Who says I’m teasing?” His voice low due to the sleeping child, he stayed close. “Maybe I’m just doing a neighborly service trying to warm you up.” Leaning forward, he gently kissed her. His lips soft and, yes, teasing. She kissed him hard, showing him just how much she wanted him. The heat grew between them, not just physically connected, but magically. It melted her to her core, opening them up in ways neither could explain. They held each other tight, savoring every second they had together.
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