Bound by Fire by Ronald Craft

Chapter 30

  The atmosphere around Ilian was tense. The dock workers had stopped what they were doing, their gazes flicking between Karena and Amaren. Even the seabirds perched on the ships shifted nervously. The only noise in the harbor was the sounds of the ships rocking in the ocean current.

  Ilian backed up another step. How did she recover from her wounds this fast? The last I saw Karena, she was nearly dead. Will I never be free of her?

  Omus pushed between Ilian and Amaren. He walked up to Karena and looked down at her. The sailor stood several hand spans above Karena. “Now, the deal was that I'd provide you passage. I'll not have you picking a fight with my friends, and customers.” Omus motioned towards Karena's daggers. “You so much as loosen one of those in its sheath, and you're off my boat.”

  Karena raised an eyebrow. “You can't remove me from your boat if you're dead.”

  Omus shook his head and laughed. “Big words for such a small woman. Let me tell you, if you were to cut me down, you'd be facing my entire crew. Even if you killed every single one of them, do you really think you could sail a boat such as this by yourself?” He pointed towards the Death Dealer.

  Karena frowned. “You make a valid point.”

  Omus leaned down towards Karena. “So, how about dropping by my quarters later on tonight?”

  Karena shoved past Omus. “Don't push it, Captain.”

  Omus grinned. “Such a shame.”

  There was a chorus of laughter as the dock workers pointed and whistled at Omus.

  “Get back to work, before I dock your pay ya' louts,” Omus shouted.

  The laughter was cut off, and the dock resumed its previous hustle and bustle as more goods were loaded onto the ship.

  Saved... somehow.

  Karena walked over, and stood in front of him and Amaren. “You two, come with me.” Her gaze locked on Amaren's. “Now.” She strode onto the boat, nearly knocking a sailor off the plank on her way up.

  Amaren shrugged. “Seems she's got some common sense, at least.” He patted Ilian on the shoulder. “You can relax now. She'll be the least of our problems from here on out, I fear.”

  Ilian looked up at that. “The least of our problems? What could be worse than Karena?”

  “Better we talk in private.” Amaren motioned towards the boat.

  Ilian nodded. “I'd like to see what she has to say, as well.”

  I can't imagine what could be worse than a cold, heartless woman like Karena. She's wreaked so much havoc in the short time I've been around her.

  He followed Amaren onto the ship. It rocked and swayed with the tide under his feet, but the ship felt strong. The wood was firm, and despite the amount of people on board, the planks seemed to sparkle in the sunlight. It was his first time on a ship, but Ilian felt nothing except awe at the craftsmanship that enabled this vessel to hold itself together in the harsh oceanic tides.

  They ducked through a door into the upper cabin area. Men busy with last minute tasks before the ship sailed hurried past them. Amaren led him down to the lower cabins where they'd be staying.

  As they descended closer to the sea, the sound of it grew in Ilian's ears. Images of the hull cracking open, and sea water pouring in from every direction floated through Ilian's mind. Despite the strength of the ship, he couldn't help but imagine the worst.

  Karena leaned against the wall waiting for them when they reached the room. Her face was grim, and her body was tense. She looked like a feline poised to strike at its prey.

  “Took you long enough.” Karena opened the door to her room, and motioned them inside.

  “So sorry to keep you waiting, Princess,” Amaren jeered.

  The two shared a look that made the winter in the Crystal Mountains seem warm.

  Amaren walked into the room, and took a seat on the cot against the wall. His large stature made everything within appear smaller.

  Ilian entered the room, and Karena followed close behind him. She slammed the door shut and spun him around. Her hand gripped his chin as she forced him to look her in the eyes.

  Her voice was low, but harsh. “Where the hell did you go? What were you thinking leaving without me?”

  “I—” His voice wouldn't come to him.

  Her eyes blazed into his own with an anger he'd never seen before.

  “Karena, what right do you have to talk to me that way? After everything you've done to me, you actually thought I'd sit there and wait for you to recover? The gods' take you, woman.”

  Anger he had held inside of him all this time flared up. All those nights he wanted to pummel her to death, to take his blade and run it through her flashed into his mind.

  Ilian gritted his teeth, and pushed her away from him. She fell into the door with a loud thud. He swung his fist, and smashed it into her cheek. Karena's head whipped to the side. Instead of retaliating, she just stood there, her eyes fixed on the wall.

  Amaren grabbed him, and held him back. “That's enough, Ilian. You've made your point.”

  Karena slumped against the door, her head still turned away from him. Her cheek was already beginning to swell.

  “You have no idea what she's taken from me, Amaren.” Ilian shook his head, tears welling up in his eyes. “It's not nearly enough. I have to make her feel the same pain that I've felt.”

  Amaren smacked him across the side of the head. “And you think that beating her is going to accomplish anything? Look at her, Ilian.” He pointed at Karena. “She let you hit her. Karena could have avoided you with ease. I fought this woman and believe me, if she wanted to, she could have put you on the floor with little effort.”

  Amaren's right. Why didn't she avoid it and beat me to a pulp like she usually does? I've never been able to land a hit on her in the past. Could it be that she feels guilty? Ilian shook his head. Impossible. There's no way this woman feels guilt over anything she's done.

  Karena met his gaze.

  His eyes widened at what he saw.

  A single tear rolled down Karena's cheek. She blinked her eyes, took a deep breath, and turned away from him. Karena opened the door, and clicked it shut behind her.

  Ilian faced Amaren. “What was that? I didn't even think her capable of producing tears.”

  “I've been alive over three hundred years, and I still don't understand women.” Amaren grinned.

  “I'll tell you this. Every woman, no matter how much she might try to deny it, has emotions. A woman like her was taught to seal them away, and throw out the key, but short of cutting your heart out, you'll never truly be rid of them.”

  So, what am I to do with two hearts? Ilian glanced back at the door. Could she really feel guilt?

  Amaren pulled up a chair. “For now, it's best if you two keep your distance.”

  He took a seat, and leaned back into it. Ilian closed his eyes, and sighed. Things have gotten far too complicated as of late. I just want things to go back to how they used to be. Instead, I'm on a ship going to an island I've never heard of.

  A thought wormed its way into his mind. “You mentioned something more dangerous than Karena, earlier. What exactly were you talking about?”

  Amaren sat back down on the cot, and crossed his legs. “Once you go to sea it's a whole different world, Ilian. There's everything from pirates, to sea monsters capable of swallowing an entire ship whole.” He cracked his neck. “What you encounter depends more on your luck, or lack of it, than anything else.”

  “That's reassuring.”

  Amaren chuckled. “That's not even the worst of it. Monsters and pirates you can fight. You can't fight nature, though. Storms have taken more sailors than any monster.”

  Ilian didn't see the humor in it. “So, what's your point?”

  “Well,” Amaren leaned closer, “expect the worst, and hope for the best. That's all you can do in a sea voyage such as this.” He winked at Ilian.

  Ilian shook his head. “Such encouraging words. What wo
uld I ever do without you?” Sarcasm dripped from his voice.

  “I think we both know the answer to that, eh?”

  Images from his time in Thal's torture chamber came back. The wounds on Ilian's body seemed to throb in conjunction with his thoughts.

  He nodded his head. “You'll always have my gratitude for that, Amaren. I'd not be alive if it weren't for you.”

  “No need to thank me.” Amaren's eyes were distant. “I had my own reasons for keeping you alive.”

  The room was silent as each of them were lost in their own thoughts.

  After a time, Amaren stood up. “Let's get some rest. The ship will be off soon, and you're still not fully recovered yet.”

  Ilian yawned. “Sleep sounds good right about now. I could use a bit of rest after all the stress from today.”

  He opened the door, and they walked across the hallway and entered into their room. There was no sign of Karena anywhere, but he knew she wouldn't be far.

  Ilian laid down on his cot, and closed his eyes. I can deal with her tomorrow.

  —

  Karena curled up in a corner and wrapped her arms around her knees. She rested her chin on her chest. Her cheek had swollen up from Ilian's punch. The pain was a constant reminder of her failure.

  What's wrong with me? Tears? Why would I cry? Why did I let him hit me? I don't want these feelings. I never wanted to feel anything again. Emotions only bring weakness. They cause people to make mistakes. I can't afford to make mistakes.

  She grabbed her hair, and pulled it. The pain helped her focus.

  Something hasn't been right inside of me ever since the bridge at Waterford. These feelings inside of me... I can't stop them. Just looking at him brings forth a well of emotion. I need to clear my mind.

  Karena rose to her feet, and slowly walked down the hallway. She followed the corridors until she arrived at the door she was looking for. It was nicer than the rest, and the handle was made of solid gold. She wrapped her fingers around the handle, pushed down and swung the door open.

  Omus turned at the sound. “Well, what brings you here?”

  “Is your offer from earlier still available?” She walked up to Omus and stared him in the eyes. Karena parted her lips and placed a hand on his broad shoulders. He smelled of the sea, and was quite good looking for a man in his line of work.

  Truth be told, she genuinely found herself attracted to him.

  He eyed the swelling on her face. “Looks like you mouthed off to the wrong person, eh?”

  Karena shrugged. “Nothing I couldn't handle.”

  “Well,” Omus's eyes traced the curves of her body, “why should I oblige you now, after you embarrassed me in front of my mates?”

  Karena undid her belt, and let it drop to the floor. “I think I can make it up to you.”

  Omus pulled her close, and squeezed her behind. “You'd better.” He pressed his lips against hers, and ran his hands across her body.

  Karena moaned against his lips.

  She could play the part when she wanted to. Men are so easy to manipulate.

  A night with this man, and her body would be sated. She'd be able to lock away her emotions again, and continue with her mission.

  I have to lock these feelings away forever. My master would be ashamed of me if she had ever seen me like this.

  Omus's hand slid between her legs, and his fingers rubbed against her.

  She pulled his tunic over his back, and kissed his chest.

  I must reach Valnoth and deliver Ilian before I lose myself. Only then can I be sure that I'll never succumb to such disgusting feelings ever again.

  Omus swung the door to the room shut, and pushed her against it. He undid her leggings and let them drop to the floor.

  That's right, captain. Be desperate. Desire me.

  Karena laughed lightly, and Omus laughed in return, oblivious to her true thoughts.