The crystal heart, p.7
The Crystal Heart, page 7
She reached up with her unfrozen hand and touched the side of his face. He could already feel tears coming to his eyes. They’d only just reunited, but he knew she wouldn’t survive this. There was no way to save her.
“Dusk,” she said softly, pulling him down by the back of the neck so they were close together. “It won’t be able to freeze anyone now, but the tail is still toxic.” She smiled at him, a brief moment of silence hovering between them. “Stop living in the past and embrace who you are. This moment is all that matters.”
“Don’t worry about me Juniper,” Dusk muttered, fighting back the tears. “You’re the one who’s hurt.” His words caught in his throat. “You can’t leave me.”
She just smiled, reaching up to wipe a tear from his cheek. “You’re stronger than you think. You don’t need me anymore. Besides, I’m going to see my wife again. My beautiful Alula. I’ve missed her so much.” She paused for a moment, staring deep into his eyes. “May the Crystal Moon shine upon you, Dusk.”
He turned back to Sky who was watching from a couple feet away. It was hard to speak. “Sky? Can you watch after her please? Keep her comfortable.”
“Of course,” Sky replied, shuffling over and taking Juniper gently in their arms. “I’ll make sure she’s safe.”
“Thank you,” he nodded, pushing himself to his feet.
He lifted a hand, using the back of it to wipe the tears away from his eyes. With one last glance at Juniper he forced himself around the corner. The bellowing screams had stopped, but the deck was now covered in a thick layer of sharp ice that sprouted up from every possible surface. Most of the crew had managed to find shelter and Tara was still leaning with her back against the mast. She caught Dusk’s eye as he came around the corner, his bow drawn with two arrows nocked at once. He knew Juniper had sacrificed herself to give them a fighting chance and he wasn’t going to waste it.
“Aim for the wings and watch the tail!” Dusk shouted to Tara and got the creature’s attention at the same time.
It had managed to break the arrow shaft jammed in its gullet. Instead of the freezing liquid, only blood dripped from its nightmarish mouth full of teeth. Dusk pulled his arrows back, but instead of aiming at the head or the body, he turned to the wings. If he could keep it on the deck, they would stand a chance of killing it. But if it got into the air, most of the people aboard the ship would be useless. He thought of using magic, but he could feel the panic, fear, and anger surging through his veins. Without Tephyss recovered, the emotionally charged spell would surely kill him. This time they were going to have to do it the hard way.
Dusk let his arrows fly. True to his aim they both pierced through its left wing, tearing large holes through the thin fleshy membrane. The creature cried out again, reaching out to claw its way in his direction. As it began to move, Tara slipped around the other side of the mast. With her sword held high over her head she thrust it downward, slicing through a large portion of the right side wing. In a flash the tail whipped around and swept Tara’s feet out from underneath her. She crashed down, ice cracking under her weight. Before Dusk could cry out, the sword-like tip of the tail stabbed downward towards her. Tara rolled from side to side deftly, dodging the strikes one after another. Using her sword she parried another as she got back to her feet. The creature still had its eyes trained on Dusk and coming towards him while the tail seemed to act of its own accord.
He pulled up another two arrows, this time aiming for the throat since Tara’s blade had now grounded the creature permanently. They flew straight and buried themselves an inch or two into the flesh, but were easily swept away by its claws. The hide was too thick for his arrows. He’d have to follow Juniper’s lead if he wanted to do any real damage.
Looking about he called out to the other sailors, “He’s grounded! Don’t let him leave the ship alive!”
The sailors glanced about, most of them turning their heads towards the captain who was stationed near the helm. She drew her sword and raised it in the air.
“You heard the man! Fight for your lives!” she cried, jumping over the railing and landing in a crouched position next to Dusk.
Quickly she pulled a sword from a fallen sailor nearby and tossed it to Dusk. He gave her a stiff nod as they both stood to face the creature. Seeing the other ship's hands rush in, it had come to a stop. It’s tail was still striking out at Tara, but Lex was helping her parry the attacks with this agile rapier, giving her a moment to catch her breath. For a brief moment they both stood, swords ready, waiting for the creature to strike first.
At last Captain Benbow let out a cry and dove forward, lunging her blade forwards into the side of the beast's face. The metal cut through the scales and sliced the cheek clean open giving the creature a lopsided gory smile. Then everyone ran forward. The monster clawed, snapped, and flailed anything it could trying to keep the sailors away, but there were too many of them. In a matter of seconds one wing had been pinned down to the deck, driven through with swords to stop it from going anywhere. More were being plunged into its body from all sides spilling hot blood across the ice-coated boards. One or two sailors fell, stabbed through by the spear-like tail before Tara severed it from the monster’s body with a wild howl of rage.
Dusk watched as the beast looked about helplessly, unable to move or escape from the onslaught that filled it’s body with a hundred bleeding holes. A small part of him felt bad for the creature that had been disfigured by the Circle and then forced to come after them. He could take it no longer and stepped forward to the creature's toothy maw. He looked deep into the eyes of the monster and lifted his sword. With one last attempt it snapped out at him, gnashing the needle-like teeth together. But Dusk simply sidestepped the attempt and thrust the blade forward like Lex had taught him. It sunk cleanly into the eye socket. Quickly he drew it back out and watched as the creature slumped to the ground dead, blood draining from its pierced brain.
They all stood about, staring at the unmoving body for a moment before the deck erupted into cheers. Dusk dropped his still dripping blade to the ground with a clatter, the ice cracking beneath it. The warm sea breeze was already melting the ice as he turned around and headed back towards where he’d left Juniper. The captain followed close behind having seen the old woman’s valiant display before the fight broke out. When Dusk rounded the corner and saw Sky look up at him, he already knew it was too late. Juniper’s frail form was still held in their arms, but unmoving, the chest no longer rising and falling. Her eyes were closed and she looked peaceful, as if she were only asleep. Captain Benbow knelt down beside her, setting her bloody blade off to the side. She took Juniper in her arms and bent her head down so that their foreheads touched.
“Tell Grandma Alula I love her,” she whispered, barely loud enough for the others to hear. “May the Crystal Moon shine upon you on your journey.”
That evening, after the deck had been cleared of ice and blood and the monster’s body had been pushed overboard, the crew found themselves gathered on one side of the ship. Lanterns had been lit in the gathering darkness giving the ship a ghostly glow as it sailed across the shimmering but still waters. The captain was standing in front of everyone, her back against the railing. At her side there were a few crates that had been pulled out and draped with cloth. Atop them lay Juniper’s body, her clothing billowing in the breeze.
“Juniper Benbow was one of the greatest women that ever lived,” the captain began. “She was a wonderful wife and mother... and a wonderful grandmother to me especially. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.” She paused for a moment, her voice hitching. “Her memory will live on all across the continent in the memories of the countless people she saved over the decades. She stood for what was right and never backed away from it, no matter how hard it was. As you saw today, she was always willing to sacrifice for the good of the many. She is the only reason we are all standing here after the wyvern decided to attack this ship.”
Dusk kept his head bowed, hearing all the captain’s words, but still feeling lost amongst the crowd. Tara stood to his left, but he’d seen Lex hanging at the far back of the group, still keeping his distance. Dusk lifted his head as he heard the squeaking of pulleys. Juniper's body was lifted high on a plank and swung overboard before being gently lowered into the sea. Dusk had never seen a burial at sea before, or any burial for that matter. It seemed eerily similar to the dead slave’s bodies being taken to the woods to be eaten by the wildlife. It made him sick to his stomach, but there were no other options this far out to sea.
Captain Benbow lifted her hand to her lips before casting her last kiss off to her grandmother. Slowly she turned back to the group, tears staining her cheeks.
In a wavering voice she said, “Don’t forget her sacrifice.” Her gaze turned to Dusk, zeroing in on him. “And remember all the wisdom she left behind.”
Nine
The next few days were somber aboard the ship as it continued to sail north. After the attack of the wyvern, Captain Benbow had decided to put the ship into port a bit earlier than originally planned.
“I know the original plan was to take you at least a month north and get you as close to Birchwood as possible, but we no longer have the supplies or the manpower to make that kind of journey. Not to mention the mast is now permanently damaged.” A sigh escaped her lips, her hands laced on the surface of her desk. She sat perfectly straight in the wingback chair that was upholstered in a blood-red fabric with gold accents, looking at them all apologetically. “The furthest I can take you is Jirath Harbor, just past the northern tip of the big island. From there you’ll need to follow the coast until you reach Birchwood.”
“Any idea how long that will take?” Tara asked, trying to keep her tone even. It was obvious she wasn’t happy about this new development.
“I’m not sure. Obviously, it’s a bit longer than going by ship,” the captain replied. “But, I have some coin set aside that I’m going to send with you. Buy yourself a cart and some horses, that should make the journey easier at the very least. Again, I apologize for not fulfilling my end of the bargain.”
“It can’t be helped,” Tara sighed, letting the upset look melt from her face.
“We can find our way there,” Dusk added, forcing a smile. “We’ve been all across Ditania without getting lost. I can’t imagine Inahan is much different.”
“The northern country can be a bit odd, but as long as you follow the coast, it should be fine.” The captain pushed herself up from her desk. “I’ll let the helmsman know our course has changed. We should be docked by tomorrow morning. Get some rest, you’ll need it for the journey.”
The captain slipped past them both, nodding to Lex as she stepped through the doorway. The three followed her out onto the deck, Tara taking the center, acting as a human shield between Dusk and Lex. Without hardly a word between them, they all made their way down to the cabin. Dusk crawled into his hammock, making sure to turn his back to Lex as he settled in. Juniper’s words still rang in his head as sleep eluded him. That boy loves you, she’d said. This moment is all that matters.
Dusk squeezed his eyes shut, trying to drive the voice away. For the past few nights, it had been all he heard in the dark of the cabin. He didn’t want to think about her anymore or how much she wanted him to forgive Lex. The anger was still too fresh in his chest, clawing at his insides. Instead, he strained his ears listening for the slightest creak of wood or splash of water in the distance. Anything to stop thinking about the man sleeping only a few feet from him that he so desperately wanted to hold.
The next morning they found themselves docked in Jirath Harbor, just like Captain Benbow had promised. Dusk saw that Maribel had already been taken ashore as he walked down the gangplank to the dock. The captain stood at the end of the dock, her feet mere inches from the sand as if she were afraid to step foot on dry land. The three of them with their packs shouldered, stepped up to her, Dusk leading the way.
“Here,” she said, handing him a full bag of coins. “Stash that away so nobody sees it.” Dusk did what he was told as she continued. “There should be a horse trader in town and a cart won’t be hard to find. We’re setting sail back south in a few days once we get the mast repaired. Now that the warm winds are whipping up, there’s sure to be trouble on the open ocean. Best we get back to Calendia before it’s too late.” She pulled a scroll out of her jacket and handed it over to him. “Best to distance yourself from the ship and crew in case word of what happened in Calendia makes it here. It could stir up trouble. And take this, it will ensure you’re able to get a ferry to Anthurium Mountain.”
“Thank you for all your help,” Dusk replied, pushing his pack back to his shoulder with the coins stored between his spare shirts and the scroll tucked inside. “Please thank Mirinda for us once more when you see her. We couldn’t have gotten this far without her.”
“I’ll be sure to pass the word along,” she nodded with a smile. Her brows furrowed as she looked to Maribel, then back to Dusk. “Also, you might want to see someone about your horse. She smells strange.”
“We’re aware,” Tara muttered, casting a sideways glance at Maribel.
“She’s been putting on weight as well,” Captain Benbow added. “I’m concerned she might be ill. Maybe a stomach issue?”
“Pretty sure she’s just a goddamn slut,” Tara huffed.
A smile broke across the captain's face and she actually laughed, quickly covering her mouth with her hand. “Well, if that’s the case, make sure you don’t let her pull the cart. And get her some good food for the road, she’ll need it if she’s carrying a little one.”
“Well be sure to do that,” Dusk replied, keeping a glare fixed on Tara who merely shrugged, unaffected by his looks.
“A safe journey to you. May the Crystal Moon shine upon you.”
“And you as well.”
With a slight bow, Captain Benbow turned on her heel and clacked her way back down the dock. She crossed the gangplank, ordered her men to get to work unloading empty barrels, making repairs, and bringing fresh supplies aboard. Dusk lifted a hand as they walked away down the dock. From the deck, he saw Sky wave back to him as they leaned over the railing.
Turning back to Tara he asked, “Do we want to buy everything today and get going or set off immediately?”
“Hmm, I’m not sure,” she replied, her hand on her chin. “What do you think Lex?”
Lex’s face dropped and Dusk glared at Tara. He knew what she was doing.
“Whatever you think is best will be fine,” he answered, nodding to Dusk without looking at him.
Tara clicked her tongue, glancing between the two of them. “Well, I think we should get the cart and horses today, then spend the night here. It will be nice to get a good night’s rest before we start trekking across the fucking country again.”
“Then I guess we should do that.”
“Why don’t you two go find horses and I’ll search for a cart?”
“Tara,” Dusk said calmly, but firmly, knowing exactly what she was trying to do. “Stop.”
She rolled her eyes, sighing as she did so. “Fine, we’ll go find the horses and the cart together.”
Tara led the way as the other two followed with Maribel in tow. Dusk made sure to put her between him and Lex so he didn’t have to look at him. He was getting annoyed with Tara always trying to force them together. She knew how he felt and that he didn’t want to forgive Lex just yet, but it didn’t matter to her. In fact, it didn’t seem to matter to anyone how betrayed Dusk felt, only that he needed to forgive Lex and get on with life. Even Juniper had said something similar, which still echoed through his mind any moment there wasn’t a thought immediately occupying it.
He felt himself growing angry and took a deep breath. Letting it out slowly he leaned against Maribel as he walked beside her, careful to keep out of the way of her hooves. The flowery smell had grown stronger in her fur, almost like she had been drenched in a perfume of some kind. It was strange, but somehow it eased the tension in his jaw. It was a soothing smell akin to lying in a field of wildflowers in high summer. He thought back to the stormy night on the rolling hills when he’d smelled it again, coming from a strange white creature in the distance. It had been weeks since then, but he still had no idea what it could have been. At first, he thought it’d been following them, but now that they had sailed halfway across the continent, it would never find them again even if it was looking.
Dusk let his thoughts drift for a while as he looked around the city, keeping on Tara’s heels the entire time. The buildings in Jirath Harbor were low and functional, a far cry from the beautiful white stonework of Calendia. Their wooden sides were weathered and gray, the thatched roofs showing signs of significant wear. It was easily five times the size of Watersedge, but it had a similar feel about it. The people were in no rush to do anything, but simply content with going about their everyday lives as if nothing would ever change. A few turned their heads as the group passed by, obviously strangers in these parts as they were the only ones armed. Most of the citizens wore simple linen clothing, stained and worn just like the buildings. Along the harbor side were a few businesses dedicated to incoming ships that needed restocking, but beyond that, it was nothing more than a simple fishing village.
