Souls of the Dark Sea

by A F Stewart

  “I, and one of my men, stay aboard. The rest of my men return to our navy ship with word of your submission. Then you allow the three waiting ships to escort you to Black Shoals and the King’s Rock Fort to stand trial. Word has been sent by spellcaster to Commander Pelham that we were initiating the arrest. He will have things prepared when we arrive.”

  “I’m sure he will. Very well, lieutenant. Carry out your duty.”

  “Thank you, sir.” The young man straightened his posture to stand tall and declared in full voice, “Under orders from the Navy of the Royal Court, I, Lieutenant Hughes declare this ship, the Celestial Jewel, seized, and its captain and crew under arrest.”

  Suddenly the deck rumbled, and the ship violently rocked in its berth. Rafe laid a hand on the gunwale and whispered, “Easy, girl. Everything will be all right. Don’t fight.” He nodded at the lieutenant, the man still ramrod straight despite the fear written on his drawn, pale-as-sea-foam face. “Continue.”

  Hughes swallowed and turned to the other Navy sailors. “Rollins, you will remain here with me. The rest of you return to the ships and inform them that Captain Morrow will go quietly. As soon as we sail out of port they can unblock the harbour and fall into formation for escort to Black Shoals.” He turned back to Rafe. “Is that acceptable, Captain?”

  “It is, though we’ll need to finish repairs before we sail anywhere. Blackthorne. How long?”

  “Half the hour, sir.”

  “Good. Will that be satisfactory, Lieutenant?”

  He nodded and addressed his men. “Inform the ship we will depart upon completion of repairs.” He nodded and barked, “Dismissed!” The four men saluted and hurried down the gangplank, back to their jolly boat.

  Rafe watched their hasty departure without amusement. He turned to his first mate. “See to the repairs, Blackthorne, and take the ship out of port. You have command until Black Shoals. I have no stomach for this farce.” He sighed. “Unless the Navy gives you trouble, I’ll keep to my quarters for the trip under the watch of these two.” He flicked a hand at the navy sailors. “Come along, Lieutenant Hughes, and...Rollins, is it?” The frightened midshipman vigorously nodded. “You can stand guard outside my quarters for the duration of this trip.”

  RAFE EMERGED FROM HIS quarters at Black Shoals harbour, his bad mood and anger more under control. His guards trailed him like meek puppies as they disembarked in silence from the Jewel. To Rafe’s surprise, Lord Merrill was waiting on the dock when he was escorted off the ship.

  “Milord, what are you doing here?” Rafe tossed out the question as he and his guards walked past. The nobleman scowled at his escort but fell in step with their march to the fort.

  “Shameful business, Captain. Shameful. I’m sorry if I played any part in provoking this disgraceful Pelham.”

  “No need to apologize, milord. It would have come to a head with or without you.”

  “Still, I offer my support and have taken the liberty of bringing in a witness to help refute these scurrilous charges. From the Abersythe Harbourmaster Guild.”

  “Did you? How kind. I have my own proof in that regard.” He patted his coat’s breast pocket.

  “Excellent! I can help as well, as I am privy to your agreement with the Seven Kingdoms.”

  Rafe smiled. “Then I think the two of us shall put Pelham in his well-deserved place.”

  COMMODORE MORRIS BRAYBURN, naval magistrate, sat in the makeshift trial room of the King’s Rock Fort across the table from Pelham who smiled in smug contentment. “This had better be worth my time and all this secrecy, Commander. I am not used to having trials for unknown accused and last-minute arrangements.”

  “You’ll see the reasons, sir, when he arrives. He is a dangerous man. I needed to apprehend him and put him on trial with all haste to protect our citizens.”

  “Still, this is most irregular—” The Commodore was interrupted by a knock and the opening of the far door. He frowned as Rafe entered the room under the escort of two midshipmen and Lord Merrill. “Lord Merrill. Captain Morrow. What are you doing here?”

  Rafe smiled. “Weren’t you informed, sir? I’m the accused.”

  “You’re the...” Commodore Brayburn turned on Pelham in a fury. “What is the meaning of this, Commander? You’ve brought the God of Souls to trial? Are you mad?”

  “I—I—sir. I mean...” Flustered by the commodore’s reaction, Pelham fumbled his words, the smug look on his face dissolving in sudden fear. But his uncertainty lasted only a moment. “What has that to do with it, sir, respectfully? No matter who he is or claims to be, he is not above the law.” He turned to Rafe as the captain and Lord Merrill were escorted to the table and took a seat. With the smug look firmly back in place, Pelham added, “I charge his actions are of a criminal nature. They must be curtailed.”

  “Ridiculous!” Lord Merrill’s voice boomed out, cutting off any reply from Rafe or Commodore Brayburn. “These trumped-up accusations are fraudulent and the ploy of a man with a personal grudge against Captain Morrow. Commander Pelham is a disgrace to the Navy of the Royal Court uniform!”

  “Lord Merrill? You’re involved in this matter as well?” Commodore Brayburn cast a dark glare at Pelham.

  “Yes, sir. I engaged Captain Morrow to look into matters concerning the recent wreck of the Coral Rose, an action that may have precipitated this show of injustice. I could not, in good conscience, fail to support him today at this unwarranted trial.”

  “I appreciate your candour, Lord Merrill, and events may bear the truth in your words, but I will be the one to decide if the trial is unwarranted.” Commodore Brayburn turned to Rafe. “Have you been served with the charges?”

  “I have, and, if you allow me, Commodore, I can clear up the legalities of those accusations in a few moments.”

  Pelham snorted. “Impossible, I—”

  “Be quiet, Commander!” Brayburn snapped. “Captain Morrow has the floor.”

  “I’ll start with the charges of ‘the improper command of an uncatalogued vessel and the illicit business of transporting unsanctioned cargo’. I’m assuming both charges stem from your lack of finding a copy of my papers in the Navy of the Royal Court records of operating ships?”

  Pelham nodded. “You can’t squirm your way out of this one. There are no records cataloguing and authorizing your ship as a legal vessel. There’s not even a record of it at a shipyard.”

  “You are correct. There are no records of the Jewel.” Rafe smiled. “In the Navy archives, at least.” He reached into his coat pocket and withdrew a document. He unfolded it and handed it to the Commodore. “As you can see this is the original charter and authorization for the Celestial Jewel as a lawful vessel, sanctioned to ply trade in the Outer Islands.”

  “Impossible!” Pelham went red in the face. “It’s a forgery! There’s no such record!”

  “Incorrect. If you will note the date, you will see it states the Jewel was registered with the Sea Guild out of Abersythe four centuries ago and given its charter. A charter to last in perpetuity.”

  “Ridiculous!” Pelham gave a snort. “You expect the court to believe that nonsense. I’ve never even heard of this Sea Guild.”

  “The Sea Guild was an independent ship and traders guild and one of the founding members of what is now the Outer Islands Harbourmaster Guild, Commander.” Commodore Brayburn rolled his eyes. “Learn some history.”

  Pelham pouted. “That’s still doesn’t mean he’s telling the truth.”

  Lord Merrill piped up, “We have a clerk from Abersythe in the hall, Commodore, to verify that there is indeed a copy of the Jewel’s charter on file with the Harbourmaster’s Guild as part of the old Sea Guild’s records.” He chuckled at Pelham’s astonished look. “And he’s a mite miffed. He’s of the opinion the Navy of the Royal Court has contravened its designated mandate and impugned his office.”

  “He may be right, but his presence won’t be necessary. I accept this document as authentic.” The Commodore hande
d the charter back to Rafe who tucked it in his pocket.

  “What! How—how—that’s—”

  “Shut your mouth, Commander.” The commodore glared. “The charges of improper command of an uncatalogued vessel have been laid to rest and answered to my satisfaction. They hold no merit and are dismissed.” He turned his attention back to Rafe. “Can you answer the remaining charge, of...” He glanced down at the papers in front of him. “‘The unlawful commandeering and interference of Royal Naval duties as laid out by the Seven Kingdoms charter.’ What? You can’t be serious? For Captain Morrow?” The Commodore wore a look of amazement. “Commander Pelham! This is a nonsensical charge!”

  “Why? His continued interference in matters of threats and protection is an intolerable affront to the Navy of the Royal Court.”

  The commodore groaned. “You are a fool, Pelham. Should I inform him, Captain, or would you like the pleasure?”

  “You are aware of my charter, then?”

  “I am. As is Lord Merrill, I believe. Everyone at this table seems to be aware, with the exception of the commander.”

  “Then please, educate him.” Rafe smiled as Pelham’s arrogance crumbled to alarm, and the Commodore’s voice boomed across the table.

  “Commander Pelham. The charge of unlawful commandeering and interference of Royal Naval duties cannot be laid against Captain Morrow or any of his crew as they are exempt from heeding the authority of the Navy of the Royal Court charter. In fact, they have their own charter granted by the Seven Kingdoms that supersedes the Navy of the Royal Court jurisdiction in matters pertaining to magical or otherworldly threats. In addition, they have the right to investigate any incidents where suspicion of magic is involved.” The commodore paused, letting the weight of his words wash over Pelham. “Do you have any evidence that the captain has violated those boundaries as I have laid out?”

  Pelham ground his teeth and spit out, “No.”

  “Then I dismiss the second charge. You are free to go, Captain Morrow, with my apologies.”

  Lord Merrill let out an undignified whoop and clapped Rafe on the back. As the pair rose to leave, Pelham hissed, “This isn’t over, Captain.”

  “Oh, but it is!” Commodore Brayburn slammed his hand on the table with a bang. “You misused naval resources and wasted my time! We are going to have a very long chat over your reprehensible conduct, Commander!”

  Pelham’s stricken face gave Rafe a taste of haughty glee as he and Lord Merrill departed.

  Chapter Ten

  Lull

  “SO, WHAT EXACTLY DO you want from me, Lord Merrill?” Rafe smiled at his guest over a glass of port. After the trial, the captain agreed to ferry Lord Merrill back to Abersythe on the way to Outcast Key, and the pair had withdrawn to his quarters for a long overdue talk. “I gathered from my visit to Red Bay that you know something about this looming threat? Are you keeping secrets?”

  “No. I’ll admit I was mildly acquainted with the old myths, having briefly studied the books I donated, but never gave them credence until recently...not until odd stories began floating around Abersythe from sailors and fishermen. And, I admit, I was practicing a bit of a deception when I hired you with an ulterior motive to discuss the issue. The Coral Rose only brought matters to a head.” Merrill sipped his port. “I’m on your side, Captain. Originally, I thought prudence would be the best course in my dealings with you as your reputation can be mercurial. My apologies if it seemed otherwise.”

  “You knew something was wrong before you hired me?”

  “Not knew. Suspected. Had I any proof, I would not have been so circumspect. Until the Coral Rose, I only had rumours and tall tales, which could have easily been false.”

  Rafe nodded, satisfied with Merrill’s answers, if somewhat suspicious the man still harboured secrets. “What of Pelham? You seemed to be well informed on his actions.”

  “I am, but again, that had nothing to do with you until recently. Pelham has the patronage of a fellow nobleman, Lord Varson. Varson, a retired member of the Seven Kingdoms Navy elite, advocates stricter control of the Outer Islands by the Navy of the Royal Court. I am not in favour of that plan. Bad for business. As such, I keep a discreet eye on our arrogant commander.”

  “Ah. After today, I may have to keep a closer watch on him myself. No doubt he’ll be gunning for me again after he licks his wounds. He doesn’t seem the type to give up.”

  “No. Our Commander Pelham hasn’t the sense to retreat and I fear he may see you as the biggest obstacle to increase the Navy of the Royal Court’s influence here in the Islands. But enough of him. I believe more pressing things are at hand.” Lord Merrill held out his empty glass, and Rafe refilled it with more port. “What of this new threat? Does this Ashetus creature truly exist? Miss Ainslie was kind enough to fill me in on your visit to Red Bay.”

  “I believe so. And his power is growing stronger. There are very dangerous forces at work.” Rafe frowned, his fingers tightening around his glass. “But, I believe we’ve found a way to stop him. Unfortunately, it will take time. Time we may not have.”

  “Is there anything I can do to assist?”

  “As much as it pains me to say, we could use the Navy of the Royal Court’s help. Could you use your influence to have them step up patrols and strengthen defence of the coastal posts? It may not help, but it’s something.”

  “I believe they’d be more than willing, considering they just brought false accusations against you.” Lord Merrill chuckled. “You are more than within your rights to take legal action against them, and I think it would not take much to enlist their cooperation with your efforts. In exchange for you overlooking their transgressions.”

  “Since I had no intention of pursuing the matter, by all means, trade my lack of reprisal for favours.” Rafe grinned and gave a salute with his glass. “I do appreciate your assistance in all this.”

  “I’m the one who should be thanking you. We all should. Know that you have my prayers in this, a fervent wish of good fortune.” Lord Merrill raised his glass and returned the salute. “Is there anything else I should know or assist you with?”

  Rafe hesitated, unsure how the nobleman would answer if he would answer at all, but then asked, “What do you know of the Society of the Shadow Guard?”

  “They’re involved?” Lord Merrill nearly sputtered out a mouthful of port and then took a breath. “Not surprising though. They do seem to have an extraordinary amount of knowledge of all things magical.”

  “So you know of them? Who or what are they?”

  “I’ve heard of them. They influence a great many circles I travel in, Captain, but not in a malevolent manner. As to who they are or what motivates them, I know little. I do know they have always protected the Kingdoms and the Islands, if from behind closed doors. But if they are involved, this matter may run far deeper and be far older than we suspected.” Lord Merrill took another sip of port before finishing. “The Society of the Shadow Guard play the long game, Captain. Always the long game.”

  “I see. You think it best to accept their involvement, then?”

  Lord Merrill nodded and a look passed between the two men. “You have little choice in that, I suspect, but you will receive no hindrance from them, only help.”

  Rafe smiled and raised his glass. “To help then, theirs and yours.” He sipped his port, toasting his guest and all accords. He hoped it would be the forging of an alliance, borne on mutual understanding and a fine port.

  A WORLD AWAY FROM WINE and men, the darkness grew. Below the water, the dead stirred. Bones, picked clean by the fishes, twitched. Rotting corpses turned their ravaged faces towards the deeper depths. A beat drummed through the sea, ‘Rise, Rise, Rise,’ shimmering against the remains of those drowned and claimed by the ocean. An answering moan sounded, ripped across the After World and through the water, a low wail of sacrilege and acquiescence, of new life thrust unwillingly on the dead. Disturbances rippled as they obeyed, crawling, swimming, drifting, sucked
down, down into the maw of their new master.

  The Terrible One watched, waiting for its offerings, its red eyes flickering raw with hunger, with salivating need. Its tentacles squirmed, crunching against the bones that made its bed, caressing the skeletons of the submissive slaves surrounding it. Its body moved in breath and power. Its mind alive in anticipated death.

  Soon, soon. I grow stronger. Come to me, my legions, come. Feed me. Serve me. I am all. I will pick clean your bones, use you, destroy you! You are nothing. Your existence is nothing. You are mine. Mine! You are all mine! Come to me. Come to my eternal embrace.

  Echoes of its thoughts snaked through the sea, seeping into the dark corners and the shadows of the worlds. Her shadows. Alone within her sanctuary, Bevire heard the bleak summoning and shivered. She clutched a black feather in her hand and took a deep breath. Bevire remembered the words of the Crow at their last meeting, the refrain of ‘naughty, naughty’ taunting her like she was a child. She heard the Crow’s cruel laughter, felt the satisfaction of its scream when she yanked a feather from its wing and remembered the joy as she banished the creature from her realm.

  “You think you are so clever, Crow, so clever. But I know a few tricks too. I have a name now, and this.” She twirled a black feather against her fingers. “My fear started this, I will end it.” She blew on the feather she held, whispering ‘Ashetus’ as she puffed swirls of night and magic into the strand of plumage. The feather wriggled and writhed, separating, duplicating until three feathers lay upon her palm. She smiled and reached into the air with her other hand. She plucked a filament of gloom from the shade of existence around her and bound it to the feathers. One breath, two breaths, her magic cascaded outward, stretching, forming the feathers and shadows into her will, into a weapon bonded to a whispered name. Within the space of worlds and ten heartbeats, she held salvation in her palm. She held one arrow, black as pitch and powerful enough to kill a beast as old as time.