Traveler, page 24
Unconsciously she leaned into his touch, a hand briefly gripping his forearm. Perhaps one day she would get the chance to truly explore this place without the fear of being caught. But for now, she would have to be happy that Darius was indulging her for the moment. She only hoped that this mysterious prince would come this way soon.
Rahim took the stairs a few at a time, trying to move as quickly as his feet allowed without getting caught. He had really landed in the viper’s nest this time, it seemed. Now he needed to figure out how to get out of it. At the top of this set of stairs was a root cellar; his eyes narrowed. This may be a good place to hide. On this train of thought, Rahim continued just a little further, peering into the shadows to ensure it wasn’t a trap.
Darius watched this mysterious prince’s every move. He looked suspicious, like someone who had his life on the line quite more often than he should. He moved away from his sister, not wanting her to get injured when he grabbed the fugitive. He gave her a reassuring smile as he disentangled herself from her, placing a finger to his lips to indicate she needed to be as quiet as a fieldmouse.
Arielle nodded slowly, giving her brother a faint smile. She pressed further back in the corner, the dark heavy folds of her cloak hiding her quite well. Her eyes remained upon her brother, just watching silently.
Darius reached around and, with a swift move of his arms, grabbed the prince from behind, pulling him back against his chest, his voice soft and urgent. “Stay silent, if you value your life,” he hissed. “We are here to help you, not to hurt you.”
Rahim struggled for a moment, his dark eyes blazing and then just as suddenly he stopped his struggles. He glanced back at the other man, staying silent for the moment. Darius froze, too, hearing footsteps running above and then beyond them, delving into other parts of the castle. With a satisfied smile on his face, Darius stepped out of the shadows, his prize in tow, moving towards Arielle. “There, Ari...I told you I’d save him,” he whispered.
Rahim watched him like he was mad. “You said you could get me out of here...how can you do that?” he demanded.
“Easy,” Darius grinned. “You just have to be smarter than the castle. Ari and I...we have a special ability to sneak about, don’t we, Ari?”
The slender girl stepped forward from the shadows, a bright smile curving her lips. She happily approached her brother and leaned up on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek lightly. “Thank you, Darius.” Then she glanced over towards Rahim, her green eyes sweeping over him curiously. “We certainly can and will help you. But if you don’t mind me asking, why are they pursuing you so fiercely?”
Darius smiled at his sister indulgently, wrapping an arm around her waist. “Anything for you, Ari,” he murmured before watching the other man as well, just as curious. “I’d be interested to find that out as well...”
Rahim ran a hand through his messy black hair, a soft sigh escaping him. “It’s much too much of a story to tell right now,” he murmured. “Can I tell it when we escape? Please? I need to find the girl that was taken as quickly as possible.”
“The man you were talking to...he disappeared with her. I wonder how he did that.” She murmured softly, a curious look briefly crossing her face.
Darius shook his head. “We don’t have time to reminisce, Ari,” he said gently. “Let’s get him out of here, hmm?” Darius pulled Rahim along with him, gesturing for him to follow. He would use the sewer exit to get out, and bring Ari with them to keep an eye on their rear.
The underbelly of the castle was a dangerous thing, secret passages for servants and their masters both to use. Darius knew these well, having snuck through them to see many a woman, many a night. It had been his pride, and his shame, to sneak through them so easily. Now, though, it was to save a life. His steps took him hurriedly towards the sewer exit. No surprises so far.
Her slippered feet made no sound as she hurried behind her brother and the mysterious man they were helping. She silently wondered just how her brother knew so much about these parts of the castle. It was something she would have to ask when they were away from here. As they passed a doorway, she paused for a moment, her green eyes sweeping over it critically. Arielle shook her head at her own paranoia and took a step forward, only for hands to come out of the shadows and grab her. Her eyes widened fearfully as the hand on her mouth muffled the cry that escaped her, the other hand pulling her back into the shadows.
Darius heard his sister’s cry and swore softly. Shit. He moved around the mysterious man they were helping, diving into the shadows. His sister had been grabbed by one of the guards, incompetent bastard that he was. With a bloodthirsty smile on his face, Darius stalked closer. “Let go of my sister, cur,” he growled. The answer was a tightening of the grip the man had on Ari’s mouth. Darius growled low in his throat and then moved, as if the wind were at his heels, not waiting for a reply before he had darted in and snapped the other man’s neck, the foolish man who had thought to follow them. He spit on the man’s corpse and then turned to his sister, worriedly placing his hands on either side of her face. “Are you all right, Ari?” he asked softly.
Pale and shaking visibly, the girl stared at the dead guard for a moment before she finally tore her gaze away to look up at her brother. “I...I...no...Darius...I want to leave here...please...” She didn’t say any more or care to elaborate, just wanting to get away from the body on the floor.
Darius nodded and wrapped an arm around her shoulder, ignoring the surprised and impressed glance Rahim sent his way. “Let’s go, prince,” he grumbled. Daylight was visible. He kicked out the loose stones, the ones that blocked their way, and gestured Rahim forward. “There you are, traveler...your freedom. The body we left behind they will think was just you...so there are no worries there. I wish you’d tell us who you were, now, so we could help you find your woman.”
Rahim looked at the sunlight like a man starved. Now, he just needed Brileia. “My name is Dragon,” he murmured. “But most people call me Captain. I am, was, the captain of a pirate ship, the Maiden’s Voyage. But, I am much more than that. An enemy of the state, you might say...but more detail I can’t give you, for the sake of your lives. That woman...she was my wife.” Better to be out with it now. “And I don’t know where he took her...only that she’s safe.”
Delicate fingers curled tightly in the fabric of Darius’ shirt as Arielle remained silent at his side, trembling still from her experience. She frowned slightly, her curiosity dampened for the moment. It was sad and disheartening that their father would be part of something like taking a man’s wife from him.
Darius nodded. “I see....well. If you don’t mind traveling with us for a time...we can get you to a safe place, and maybe hear some information about your wife then. We don’t have any magic per se between the two of us, so unfortunately we will be of little help. But if you’d like answers...I think we’re the people to help you. What say you?”
Really, what choice did Rahim have? He needed to find Brileia. “I will go with you,” he said somberly. “If only to get her back. And who are you...my new found travel companions?”
“My name is Darius, and this is my companion, Arielle. We are mischief makers, you see. Common folk, but lovers of a good thrill.” He glanced at his sister significantly. “Do you think he could travel with us, Ari? Would it be safe?”
She gave Rahim a searching look before nodding in agreement. “I think so, Darius. He would never expect it...” She murmured softly, still leaning against his side.
Darius nodded. “Then that settles it, traveler. You’ll come with us...and we’ll find your bride.”
***’
“Rahim!” With a startled cry of her beloved’s name, Brileia came awake, dark curls flying wildly as she sat straight up. Cerulean eyes darted around wildly, searching for the man she had claimed as her husband. Her hand landed up the clean sheets of the bed she had been laid upon, the long sleeve of the worn shirt sliding down to cover her hand. She bit her bottom lip nervously, uncertain of where she was or if she had simply been dreaming.
Her eyes landed upon a wooden chair, a dress of dark blue silk laying across it. Scrambling out of the bed, she grabbed the dress. If she was still in the grips of Cedric and Silvertongue, she wanted to be dressed in something more substantial than an old shirt. As she pulled the shirt off and dropped it to the floor, something small swung against her bare chest. She blinked in surprise, glancing down to see the silver dragon pendant around her neck. It was the one Rahim had given her so long ago, the same one she had returned in a fit of anger not so long ago.
A sense of hope filled Brileia as she remembered the promise he had made...the promise to find her. Feeling revitalized, she hurriedly wriggled into the dress that had been left for her., tugging the corset laces as tight as she could manage by herself. She slipped her feet in the matching slippers that had been left as well, glancing around for anything useful.
There was a knock on the door, which soon opened to reveal a tall, dark-haired man, similar to her beloved in height and looks. She blinked in surprise, staring for several moments before she recognized him. “You! You’re the man who saved me on the Island! Who are you? Where am I? Where is Rahim?” She asked quickly, barely breathing between each sentence.
The man lifted a hand to silence her, his blue eyes resting upon her. He gave Brileia a kind smile. “You may call me Ghost, little bird. As for where you are...we are currently in one of my old hideouts. I brought you here to find you some clothes before I find a safe place to leave you.” He walked over to a cabinet, opening a door and pulling out a brush and a leather thong for her hair. Handing them to her, he continued speaking calmly. “Rahim is...taking a different route. But he will find us...once we’re safe.”
Blindly she took the brush and thong from Ghost, her thoughts racing wildly. “Where are you going to take me? I can’t go to my family...they will just give me to Cedric...” Just the thought of that happening made her shudder visibly. “And I don’t know anyone else...other than Luc...”
Ghost thought for a moment before nodding slowly. “I can bring you to Luc. I know he cares for you...and he would lay down his life for Rahim. He’s loyal. Yes...that will be the best place for you.” Seeing she was a bit distracted, he took the brush back and deftly pulled her long dark curls into a ponytail. “Come now...the sooner we set out, the sooner we will find Luc, and the sooner you will be reunited with Rahim”
Brileia started in surprise before simply allowing him to do as he wished. She had no problem staying in Luc’s care until Rahim found her. But she really wished that this man would just bring her back to her husband.
***
After Rahim had been taken, and after Bri had been killed, Luc had taken command of the ship. Someone had to do it, and if Rahim wasn’t there to run his own crew, Luc would do it for him. They had sailed and sailed, though Luc had one particular destination in mind. He needed to get to the pirate lord...he needed to acquire pardon and protection for Rahim and Bri...if they were still alive. He hoped they were alive. They had to be, didn’t they?
Four days later, they pulled into port in the island sity of Dabricci. The pirate lord’s court was rumored to be here. Rumored, of course, to anyone who didn’t know where to look. Thankfully for Luc, being a pirate had its advantages. As he got into the port and his crew were given leave to explore the city, disturbing news hit his ears. Rahim, they said, was dead. Killed by Silvertongue himself, and that he had the cutlass of the pirate to prove it. Bullshit, in Luc’s opinion. With a scowl on his face, he pushed open the swinging doors to the inn called the Gilded Lily, his green eyes scanning the crowd for a face who would know how to get him an audience with the pirate lord.
Amidst the riotous laughter and gambling, there was one table set back in the corner that was occupied by only one person, sitting halfway in the shadows. Booted feet were propped up on the table as the figure took a long drink from the wine glass held in slender delicate fingers. Firelight reflected off eyes the color of rich amethysts before being obscured by the brim of a hat.
Luc walked towards the bar, his solid booted feet making muffled sounds on the wooden floor. The bartender was a hard man, with one eye and an eyepatch over the one he’d lost. He had gray hair tied back into a braid. “Barkeep!” Luc called. “I need to see....a man about a meeting,” he winked. “If you know what I mean.” He slid a gold piece across the bar. “Please.”
The barkeep took the gold piece and slipped it away into his pockets faster than most men could blink. “That woman in the back, there....she’s the one you’re looking for.”
Luc glanced back to the bar proper and saw the lone table with its occupant. “As you say. Thank you much.” He walked away, his eyes bright, set and determined on the woman in the corner.
It didn’t take much intelligence to realize that the barkeep had sent yet another petitioner in her direction. A faint smile was briefly seen before being hidden by the half-empty wine glass in her hand. She would wait and see just what this man wanted before she made a decision on whether to grant his request or not.
Luc sat down in the seat across from her, sitting down with a mug of ale at her table. He couldn’t distinguish much from what she was wearing, but if she was a representative of the man he sought then a good impression was key. He touched his forelock to her lightly before jumping straight into his request. “I need an audience with the pirate lord. It’s a matter of life or death.”
Letting her feet fall to the floor with a muffled thump, the woman leaned forward from the shadows, resting her elbows on the table. Now fully in the firelight, she was revealed to be a young woman with the most stunning jewel-colored eyes and silvery-blonde hair tucked securely beneath her hat. She peered at Luc for several moments before speaking in a soft, musical voice. “Why exactly are you seeking our lord? Many people seek him out for matters they claim are life or death. Speak and I will know if you are truthful or not. Convince me...and I will help you to gain an audience with our lord.”
Luc nodded, gritting his teeth a little. He had expected nothing less. This was going to be difficult. “I need shelter and succor for two enemies of the state. These two would fetch a hefty ransom if Silvertongue ever got a hold of them. They also may be the key to his destruction. My Captain, one of the few who need the protection....they call him Captain.” His green eyes were solemn, but then he winked at her. “And I’m sure you’ll find I can be very...persuasive.”
“I see...and who is the second person?” She asked curiously, peering at him from beneath full lashes. “Long has our lord desired the end of Silvertongue...but not at the cost of everything we hold dear. Should the benefits outweigh the risks, I am certain that your request may be granted. But then again, I cannot claim to know our lord’s mind. However I think he would wish to hear your news at the very least.”
Luc smiled a little. He had won, already. “The second person is a young woman. She goes by Bird, here. She is the wife of this Captain. They are...shall we say, Bonded to each other. If one falls, so does the other. And if she falls...so does the resistance against Silvertongue.”
She nodded slowly in understanding, a faint frown gracing her face for a moment. “Hm...I see. A Captain and his wife...obviously there is more to this story than you are sharing. But I applaud your restraint in holding your tongue in such an open forum. One never knows when there are spies of the snake slithering about. I will see about arranging an audience for you...tomorrow at the earliest.”
“There are spies everywhere,” he said somberly. “Even on my own ship, I fear...but thank you, for the audience. Now...what is it that you are doing for the rest of the night?” He smiled roguishly at her.
A delicate eyebrow arched as she observed for a moment, an amused look on her beautiful face. “My only plans for the evening involved having a drink...and I’ve already done that. Why do you ask?”
“Curious,” he said mildly. “It’s my first night in town...and I think I’d like some company to allow me to get to know it better.” His eyes were laughing. “Of course, if you think you’re too busy....then I’ll just have to find a companion elsewhere.”
Amused laughter spilled from her lips as she lifted her glass towards him. “You are quite...interesting. I suppose that I could spare some of my evening showing you the town.” Setting her empty glass down on the table, she rose gracefully to her feet. In the light, her clothing became more much obvious, the white silk of her shirt and the tight-fitting leather of her breeches clinging to every curve like a second skin. “Provided that you can keep up with me...should you be too slow, I will leave you behind.” She remarked cheerfully before walking towards the door, her hips swaying with a seductive grace.
Luc laughed and watched her hips appreciatively for a moment, letting out a low whistle. She was spectacular. This was going to be a fun chase. Even if nothing became of it, he would at least have fun with the chase. “Oh, I think you’ll find I can keep up with you just fine,” he remarked with a smile, swiftly moving up behind her. “On all things, I move...very quickly.” Light but he wanted to properly acknowledge her presence. It would help him distract himself over Bri, too. Bri was Rahim’s now. There was no use dwelling on something he could never have.
“Do you now? Forgive me if I require proof of such a claim. I do not trust another’s words on blind faith.” She glanced back at him over her shoulder, obviously amused by the entire situation. Stepping out into the night, she languidly wandered down the street, easily making her way around the people still wandering around. If he truly wished to follow her home, she didn’t mind too much. After all he was rather handsome, in her opinion.
Luc grinned a little wider at her comments, finding that he was beginning to enjoy chasing this woman. And if she put in a good word with the pirate lord for him, so much the better. He kept to her side, winding through the groups of people in the streets. “Then I’ll just have to show you the truth of my words, won’t I?” he asked, winking at her with a grin as they walked. “So. Where are we going?”
