He wished he hadn’t upset her—it wasn’t his intention to do so. While he had enjoyed goading her, he didn’t mean to cause her any distress. “I’m sorry.” Running his hand under his chin, he watched Harley gain control over her emotions.
Her eyes cleared, her body stopped shaking, and she lifted her chin with an air of confidence. Without uttering a word, she turned and hurried after Ledger and Gytha, who’d reached the end of the alleyway.
Following behind her at a safe distance, Ackley remembered when his sister had been abducted from the castle. He’d intended to murder—slowly, painfully, and quite thoroughly—the men who’d taken her. Owen had been the one to accompany him to retrieve Idina. Thankfully, she hadn’t been harmed. If she had, Ackley didn’t think he would have ever recovered. Banishing those thoughts, he scanned the area, checking for anything out of place. He had a job to do.
The four of them regrouped, heading toward the cove. Gytha and Ledger were speaking to one another in hushed whispers, Gytha repeatedly glancing over her shoulder at Ackley, making him wonder what the two of them were up to.
They came to the end of a street, the ocean straight ahead of them.
Ledger peered around the corner. “Everything looks normal.”
Harley hovered close behind Ledger, her arms folded across her chest, the wind tossing her long blonde hair. Even wearing the drab brown clothing, she was quite stunning.
“The cave we need to reach is to the north of here,” Ackley said.
“I’ve been explaining to Gytha that there’s an easier way out of here,” Ledger said.
“Great. Lead the way.” Ackley assumed there had to be more than one route in and out of a city this large.
Gytha snorted. “You won’t like it. The three of us can go the easier way. You can go back the way we came in.”
Ackley narrowed his eyes, considering her remarks.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Harley said, blowing warmth into her hands. “He’ll go with us. There’s enough room.”
Dread coursed through Ackley. “Room in what?”
“The boat we have stashed,” Harley answered. “It’s just over there. A lot of the locals own one for sea transportation. We made sure to acquire a small boat when we arrived so we could leave quickly if the need arose.”
“How is taking a small boat out into the open ocean late at night any safer?” Ackley tried hiding his rising panic. If he stepped foot in a boat, he would be useless. And he had no desire to feel that way—especially in front of other people. It would make Ledger’s embarrassing fall look like nothing if Ackley was heaving up his insides.
“The tide is in,” Ledger explained. “The waves are calm. We’ll head straight out past the cove, then turn and go north, parallel to the cliffs. When we reach the waterfall, there’s a cave big enough for the boat to dock in. From there, all we have to do is climb up a small rise. Even a child can do it.”
Ackley wanted to punch Ledger. Instead, he shrugged, trying to act nonchalant. “I’ll meet the three of you at the top of the waterfall.” Without waiting for a response, he stepped out of the alley and headed away from them. He’d sworn to never get in a boat until his trip home. Just the thought of being out on the water made his stomach queasy.
“We need you,” Ledger called out after him. “I can’t row the boat by myself.”
Gytha snorted. “I can row. How hard can it be?”
“But you’re a woman.”
Now things were getting interesting. Chuckling, Ackley turned, hoping to catch Gytha’s fist smashing into Ledger’s stubby nose. While her hands were balled into fists, they still remained at her sides. She wouldn’t last more than a minute.
“I have two arms just like you.” She took a step closer to Ledger. She was an inch taller than the man and probably weighed about the same. “Are you implying that my arms do not function simply because I am a woman?”
“Well, no,” Ledger stuttered. “But rowing requires strength which you don’t have since you’re a woman.”
“Since I’m a weak woman, this shouldn’t hurt.” She swung her fist, punching him in the stomach.
He grunted and hunched forward, trying to catch his breath, his face turning a deep shade of red. It was a beautiful sight to see.
“Why are you bent over? I’m a woman and, according to you, not very strong.” Gytha folded her arms, waiting for his response.
“Stop,” Harley demanded. “The both of you are acting like children.” She wrapped her arm around Ledger, comforting him like a mother would.
Ackley snorted at the irony. Before he had a chance to come up with a snarky reply, movement to his left caught his attention. Three stories up, a group of people carrying torches were shouting and climbing down the ladders to the lower levels.
“We’re about to get company. Move. Now.” He turned and started jogging toward the cave.
“We’ll never make it without you,” Ledger said, his voice a little higher pitched than previously.
Judging by how quickly the mob was descending, Ackley estimated they had less than five minutes to make their escape. While he could easily reach the cave in time, navigating through the dark water during high tide would be difficult. And even if he could accomplish such a feat, he doubted Gytha would fare so easily with Harley and Ledger.
“I’ll manage,” Gytha said, as if reading his thoughts.
He knew she’d manage. But would that be good enough? Probably not. He squeezed his eyes together and cursed. Once the decision was made, there was no point in second guessing it. “Let’s go.” Grabbing Ledger by the shoulder, he hurried him along.
Without questioning him, Gytha took Harley’s arm and followed close behind.
“Where to?” Ackley demanded, scanning the area for potential threats.
“Sharp right.” Ledger was walking straighter now. “The boats are in the northern cliffside.”
When they got closer, Ackley saw hundreds of boats stashed in the actual cliff. It appeared as if someone had taken a shovel and carved out spaces for each boat in the rocks. Some spaces had two boats jammed in.
Ledger jogged along the cliffside, counting.
At this point, Ackley didn’t care which boat they used so long as they took one and got the heck out of there.
“Here.” Climbing up to the third row, Ledger yanked on the end of a boat, sliding it out of its space.
Ackley helped him, grabbing hold of the other side. The two men carried the boat toward the water. Examining it, unease filled Ackley. The rickety thing didn’t look like it would float. Had Ledger built it himself? The wood boards appeared hastily slapped together. This was a bad idea. They reached the water just as the mob descended to the ground level.
“Lower the boat into the ocean,” Ledger commanded as he rushed into the water. “Help the two ladies in.”
Ackley almost asked who the second lady was when he realized Ledger was referring to Gytha. Gytha wasn’t a lady, but he knew better than to say anything. He didn’t need the warrior woman’s wrath right now.
Gytha deftly jumped in, then reached out to help Harley. While no waves crashed against them, the water—which was now up to Ackley’s knees—did have a strong pull to it. Harley fell in the boat, unable to climb in with her heavy wet dress clinging to her legs. Ledger swung in next, grabbing one of the two oars.
Voices rang out not far behind Ackley. Gritting his teeth, he jumped in the boat and grabbed the other oar. He and Ledger began rowing in sync. No one spoke as they headed west, trying to get out of sight from the mob that had reached the shoreline.
“As soon as we’re out of the cove,” Ledger said, “turn north.”
Ackley didn’t want to look back. He suspected people were already getting into boats and heading out after them. Thankfully it was nighttime, and they could hide easier in the dark than in the daylight. “Do you think those people know what direction we’re headed?” If they did, perhaps they should take a different route.
&
nbsp; “Yes,” Ledger said between strokes. “But there’s no other way.”
“It’s fine,” Gytha said. “We’ll outpace them. Row faster.” She reached into the water and started paddling with her hands. She whacked Harley. “Help. You row over there.”
With shaking arms, Harley stuck her hands in the water and paddled, though it didn’t help much.
They rounded the cliff, out of sight of the city and prying eyes. Ackley kept his feet planted against the bench seat in front of him as he rowed. Now that they were traveling north, he felt the rocking of the water as it tilted the boat from side to side. Vomit rose in his mouth.
“Keep it steady,” Ledger barked.
Sweat dripped down Ackley’s forehead and cheeks—not from exertion but from the back and forth, the up and down. “Where’s the blasted cave?” he said through gritted teeth.
“Not much farther,” Ledger huffed. “Let’s move in closer to the cliff so we don’t miss it.”
In the dark, it was difficult to see how quickly they were approaching the cliff, and Ackley had no desire to smash into it.
“I hear the waterfall,” Gytha said, still paddling with her hands.
“Head straight for it,” Ledger commanded. “The cave is just past it.”
Nausea rolled through Ackley. Leaning over the side of the boat, he vomited. The oar slipped through his hand. Not wanting to lose it, he grabbed it before it disappeared under the water. Knowing that all three people in the boat were staring at him, he refused to face them. Instead, he reached down, splashing water on his forehead and neck. He needed to pull it together. Otherwise, he’d lose all credibility with his companions.
“Are you okay?” Harley asked gently.
“I’m fine,” he snapped, not liking that she saw this side of him. Something that made him vulnerable. Weak.
“I see the cave,” Gytha said, capturing everyone’s attention. “It’s to the left of the waterfall.”
Situating himself back on the bench seat, Ackley clutched the oar and began rowing again. The faster he rowed, the sooner they’d reach the cave and he could get out of this blasted boat.
Since Ledger had his back to the cliff, Ackley made sure to steer them toward the cave’s entrance. The closer they got, the more concerned he became. “So this cave,” he said, already suspecting the answer but not quite believing it, “are we just going to…row into it?” In the dead of night? Without a torch?
“Yes,” Ledger answered. “When we go in, the boat will hit bottom. Once it’s secure, we’ll climb out. We should have no trouble even at night.”
Ackley sincerely doubted that.
“A light is rounding the cove,” Gytha said, panic laced in her voice. “We need to get in that cave. Fast.”
“Almost there,” Ackley said, huffing.
While he steered the boat, the strong swell made it difficult to stay on course. Fighting the water, he used his strength to row hard and fast, aiming for the dark entrance to the cave. As they neared it, the water became even more turbulent.
Shoving his oar forward, he pulled it back, again and again. His shoulders burned. The swell increased, sending the boat up and down. His head pounded, and his stomach cramped. He wouldn’t last much longer. They were just about to reach the entrance.
“Steady,” Ledger said.
Ackley lifted his oar, reached forward with it, and accidentally clipped Harley’s outstretched arm when the boat dipped down.
She yelped and tumbled out of the boat and into the dark ocean below.
Harley
Frigid water and sheer darkness enveloped Harley. The heaviness of her wet dress weighed her down, making it difficult to kick her legs. Unable to resurface, panic consumed her. She was going to die. No, she chided herself, she would not die here tonight. After surviving the takeover and witnessing her brother’s murder, she would find a way to survive. She needed to avenge Hollis’s death and make Russek pay for what they did. She had too much to accomplish to drown now.
Frantically reaching out, she sought the boat. If she could find it, she could hang on. If that didn’t work, she’d attempt to remove her dress, freeing herself from it.
Strong fingers gripped her right wrist, yanking her head above water. She heaved in large gulps of air, her lungs stinging. Ackley and Gytha hauled her over the side and into the boat. Voices shouted around her, but she couldn’t focus on any of them as she collapsed on the floor of the boat, coughing. She rolled over and expelled some of the water she’d inadvertently consumed during her near drowning. Gytha hit her back, yelling something in her ear. Harley clutched the bench seat, trying to calm her shaking body, stinging lungs, and ragged breathing. She was alive.
The boat slammed into something, startling her. Complete darkness—similar to underwater—surrounded her.
“I’ll get out first,” Ledger said, his voice somewhat panicked. “Ackley, use your oar to keep us from being pulled back out.” The boat shifted. “It’s only knee deep.” There were some splashing noises. “I’ve got a hold on the boat. Everyone out.”
“I can’t see a thing,” Gytha muttered. “Where do we go?” The boat shifted again.
“I don’t know,” Ledger snapped. “Figure it out.”
“Well now,” Gytha said, her voice singsong. “I’m just a frail little woman. I don’t know if I can do anything without a man.”
“You’re right,” Ledger said. “I’m sorry I was curt with you. I will escort you from the cave momentarily.”
“Oh bloody hell,” Ackley muttered, the boat shifting again. “She was joking.” Slim fingers curled around Harley’s waist. “Come on,” he said, his voice close to her ear. He lifted her out of the boat, then swung her up into his arms, carrying her onto the shore.
Unable to see in the dark cave, Harley clung to Ackley’s shirt, feeling his solid strength beneath. She was alive.
“The stairs are narrow,” Ledger said. “Go slowly.”
“I can see a faint light from the moon and stars,” Gytha said. “There must be an exit at the top.”
“There is,” Ledger replied.
Ackley carried Harley out of the cave. She didn’t protest because she wasn’t sure she could climb the stairs in her heavy, wet dress.
“Are you okay?” Ackley asked softly.
He probably felt guilty for almost drowning her. “I’m alive.” And right now, that was all that mattered.
“I’m sorry I knocked you in the water. It was an accident.”
“Since you saved me, I forgive you.” They exited the cave. The cool night chilled Harley’s dress, making her shiver.
“Can you walk?” Ackley asked.
Before Harley could answer, Gytha approached them. “I can carry her if you’re still seasick.”
She’d forgotten Ackley had vomited during the boat ride. “I can walk,” she insisted. There was no need for other people to coddle her.
Ackley gently set her on her feet. Her wet dress clung to her legs.
“I know you’re cold,” Gytha said, “but we must keep moving. It’s not safe to stay here tonight.”
Harley understood; however, exhaustion consumed her. She could barely feel her fingers, toes, and ears.
“There’s a village not far from here,” Ackley said. “It’s mostly destroyed. If we can make it there, it’ll provide enough cover for us to have a fire.”
Harley liked the sound of that. She almost sighed at the mere mention of warmth. “Will you be able to make it there?” she asked Ackley, wondering if he was still ill. Although she didn’t know him well, she could have sworn his eyes flashed with annoyance.
“Now that we’re on land, I can assure you, I’m fine.” He walked away from her, heading toward the river.
“What are you doing?” He was going the wrong direction.
“I left my bag on the other side of the river. I’m going to retrieve it. The three of you can head north. I’ll catch up with you in a bit.” He sat on the ground, removing his boots and
socks.
“You’re going to cross the river in the dark?” Harley asked.
“It can’t be any worse than rowing a boat in the ocean at night.” He stood and untied his pants. “I suggest you hurry along unless you want to see me naked.”
She turned away from him, most definitely not wanting to see him without his clothes on. Regardless, she didn’t think crossing the river at night was a smart idea. However, Ackley clearly didn’t care what she thought.
“I’ll lead the way,” Ledger said. “I know where we are and where we’re going.”
Harley followed him, Gytha behind her. If Gytha wasn’t worried about her friend, then Harley shouldn’t be concerned about him, either.
The three of them headed north. After a mile or so, Ackley caught up to them. He handed Gytha her bag. She opened it and pulled out a tunic, giving it to Harley.
Harley took the blessedly dry material and slid it over her head and onto her body.
No one spoke as they made their way north.
A few times, Ackley broke away from their group and doubled back, making sure they weren’t being followed. After another mile, Harley started shivering so badly, her teeth chattered. She wished she could remove her soaking wet dress that clung to her legs. And maybe if her hair wasn’t dripping down the sides of her face, she wouldn’t be quite so chilly. Even if they managed to get a fire going, it would take a good amount of time before she was fully dry. Wrapping her arms around her torso, she glanced at the moon. It had to be after midnight. What she wouldn’t give for a warm bed right now.
Ledger stopped. “The village should be right around here.” He put his hands on his hips, turning in a slow circle.
Sword of Rage: Reigning Kingdoms, Book 1 Page 9