Take Me

30ALDRIC

“That seercertainly knew what she was talking about.”

If only this Gilvath would stop talking. His tongue had not stopped wagging since he'd picked me up on the beach after delivering Dawn. He had his uses, certainly, but conversation was not one of them.

When I offered nothing in way of reply, he took my silence as an invitation to continue speaking. “I mean, she told me I would find you. Exactly where I would, as well.”

“Yes, how interesting.” I kept my gaze fixed on the horizon, hoping he would receive the message.

He still had to deliver me to my destination, which meant I could not afford to alienate him yet. Not until we reached the shore. After that, he could drown for all it mattered.

The boat cut through the choppy sea, every dip sending water splashing over the sides and threatening to unseat me. I checked the parcel lying at my feet, making sure it was safe.

“Is it true, what she said?” Gilvath asked.

I gritted my teeth and wished the boat would move faster. The island was up ahead, barely a speck in the middle of the sea. How much longer would this torture go on?

“And what would that be?” I asked.

“That girl. The one I left on the beach. The seer told me to look for the girl at the port. That she was only the means to the real prize. And then, wouldn’t you know it, the girl came wandering my way.”

I knew the look of a man scheming to get what he believed would be his, and the captain of the boat might as well have worn a sign about his neck. I was sure the only reason he’d been able to fool Dawn was her addled state of mind. The sharp, clever maiden I used to know might have seen through him, but that was long ago. Before she'd become little more than a wasted, used-up thing.

“That she is,” I agreed.

He wanted more, but he would not receive it from me.

“And that's why I'm taking you back to the island?”

“It is,” I said.

“With him?” He nudged the tarp-covered lump with one toe, and the lump moved.

“Yes. With him.”

He snorted, eyeing the lump while wearing a smirk. “Good thing you found him when you did. Doubt he had much time left.”

I looked back over my shoulder at the receding beach, now barely visible. Yes, the captain had been warned of that, as well. How the battle would progress, and how it would end. Hence my being able to react in time.

“Doubt he'll be very grateful once he comes to,” he chuckled before turning his attention back to his work.

Yes, I was certain Jett would wish I had left him to die, but his time had not yet come. Not when there was so much work left to be done.

Not when we were on our way to meet the Queen of Wyrd.

And then?

Then, we would begin the real work of setting things to right.

Then, I would have everything that belonged to me.

I gazed down at the still unconscious Jett. “Soon, you will see the entire plan, and the role you’ve played.”