If the idea is that Bluff will distract them and make them turn their attentions towards him, we should wait until he’s able to do that. The longer we wait, the easier it will be to get past the sirens still watching for me in the harbor.
Rosemera helped me find cloth to cover my ears so their songs wouldn’t haunt me.
Finally, as the sun is setting we get into our little longboat and row slowly out to the harbor. I pull the cotton from my ears just long enough to tell if the songs have receded. They’re dimmed, several of them distant, but they’re still there.
I put them back. I may leave the fabric there the rest of my life.
The dark clouds give us just enough cover not to be overly noticeable out on the open water, and I can only hope that’s enough.
We find the smallest ship within reach and row quickly towards it.
As we reach the side of the ship, ready to board, the crew is already alert and weapons ready.
“We’ll need all of your help with this one,” Knick tells us. “Our usual cover is blown.” I’m not sure if I know what he means by that, but I’m also unsure how I can help. I’m not exactly proficient with a sword. Then I realize I have other useful abilities.
I’m the last to climb aboard. I watch Rosemera swinging and twisting her sword beautifully, and I’m mesmerized by her skill. But then one of the sailors shoves a blade towards her that she only barely twists away from. It slices through the sleeve of her dress, sending a trickle of blood to the wooden planks.
I won’t let this go on. They shouldn’t be gambling with their lives for me, not when I can do something about it.
It’s a small risk, I realize, as I begin to sing, the melody lofting over main deck of the ship. But with so many sirens around, I’m hoping my small song won’t be noticed.
The shouts stop quickly, and the sailors drop their weapons.
Rosemera grabs her opponent and dumps his dumfounded body overboard, and the others follow suit.
“Well, that was easier than I expected.” Knick smiles.
I shrug.
Rosemera and Knick shout orders at Robert and I, and we follow as well as we can. Rosemera ensures we have a fishing net cast off to the side of the ship so we won’t get too much attention as we approach the harbor in our little ship.
Finally, the sails catch the wind, billowing out and pushing us forward.
“Are you guys coming with us?” I ask Knick, realizing they aren’t heading back out yet. Our new vessel is small and will only require three men to sail, according to Rosemera. But I know it would be much easier with a few more to help out.
“Only until we reach the edge of the harbor, then we’ll take the longboat back in.”
“That’s a long way to row,” Rosemera says.
“I have big arms.” Knick winks and she rolls her eyes.
She approaches me, eyes cast to her heeled boots. Her skirt billows in the wind, and she moves to grab it. “Man, that’s annoying,” she says. “How do you deal with it all the time?” she asks.
I laugh. “You get used to it.”
“Are we friends again, or what?” she asks suddenly.
“Were we not?” I frown.
“Last we met, you hissed at me and refused to help Bluff.”
“Oh,” I say, not remembering that at all. “Sorry about that.”
She nods. “Don’t worry about it. We’re on the same side, right?”
I nod.
“So I hope you’ll understand when I suggest a change of clothing.”
I look down at the ragged silk dress, still bright red but with streaks of black and brown and frayed edges.
“We’ll both want to blend in as much as possible.” She nods towards the captain’s quarters. “Let’s see if we can find something more suitable to sailors, yeah?”
“Very well,” I whisper and follow her inside the little room under the helm. Inside we find a desk, a small bed and several trunks. She moves quickly to the trunks and in a few moments she’s unfolding a man’s cotton shirt, followed by a set of leather pants. She sets them on the bed and nods to them.
“I hope they fit, but no promises.”
“Are there some for you?” I ask.
She nods. “There’s plenty to go around.” She doesn’t hesitate to pull the pants up under her dress. “Care to help?” she asks as she shifts the top portion.
I pull at the strings, struggling with them. “Never mind,” she mumbles, chuckling. She pulls a knife from her boot and hands it to me. I push the blade under the strings and pull back. They fall freely, loosening the dress, and Rosemera lets it fall straight to the floor, leaving her back entirely bare.
I blink at her lack of modesty but then shrug. I suppose I am a siren. What do I care?
I turn away and follow suit. I step into the thick pants, which feel very awkward over my thighs. Then, I pull the tunic over my head. The fabric is foreign and itchy against my skin.
I pull my hair up, wrapping it around and pulling on a dinky little hat to hide my hair.
Now, dressed thoroughly as sailors, we head back out onto the deck. We pass through the harbor quietly, everyone holding our breaths.
When Knick finally begins to ready the longboat, Bingo joins in.
“You’re all welcome to stay with us, you know?” I tell them. “Piracy may be better to you than those canals.”
Knick gives a sad smile as he looks past me at the open water before us. “I’m not sure I can leave the boys behind.”
“You know you’re not going to stay forever,” Bingo says. “The mob has already been wooing you. You can only avoid them for so long.”
He pursues his lips.
“Come.” I say to him.
He sighs, looking out over the glistening sea. Does he see freedom the way I do?
“The boys will be fine,” Bingo says. “Emory will take care of ‘em. He love you but he’s been itching to lead.”
“You think we should?” Knick’s eyes are sad, but hopeful as he looks down at the little boy.
Bingo nods. “Worst thing, we can head back there one day, eh?”
Knick sucks in a long breath. “Fine, I suppose we can give it a shot.”
I smile, and walk towards the bow, happy they’re coming with us. If only so they’re out of those living conditions. A ship at sea isn’t always better, but the air is certainly much fresher and the hope is much brighter.
I stand at the bow, missing the feeling of wind in my long hair, but instead relishing the feeling of freedom. I only wish he were here to enjoy it with me.
We only win if we’re together.
I wince at the memory and swallow. There’s still a chance.
I’ll see you soon, Bluff.
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Author Note
Thank you so much for reading Bound by the Depths! I’d love it if you’d leave a review on this book! It really helps!
This is my first sequel ever and there is still one more to come! Treacherous Love is due to release SOON but even after that this story doesn’t have to be totally over! I have plans for spin offs and bonus stories galore! If you have any ideas on what you’d love to see next (other than the third book
Bound by the Depths Page 21