Chapter 31
I t’s dusk, the sunset is almost gone and the sounds of night start to creep in. The wind is picking up creating the ambiance of what is to come. The waves are building, smacking into each other more and more violently. Tonight the clouds will rumble in the storm and blood will spill into the Islands soil.
We all sit in the boat in silence, each of us steadying our mind for this battle. Jasper hums an old pirate tune, the same song my entire crew used to sing to whenever there was conflict on the ocean. The song has a slow and sad sounding rhythm reminding us that the battle is only for survival, there is no true victory in taking another's soul. Arielle stretches her muscles in preparation, though she may be the only one to find real joy in this night. Being reunited with her love after traveling with the reason he has been captured in the first place.
Caspian sits there with his eyes closed, lost in the vision of tonight's plan. His breaths are slow but powerful. I sit here replaying the horrible things that have happened in the past 4 days. A single tear runs down my cheek as I remember every detail of the friends and family I have lost. All the lies I had believed and the betrayal that still feels like a twisting dagger to my chest. I have to remember it all so when the time comes I don't falter. I will not give in, Ace’s destiny is now set in the stars. If it's not his destiny, it's mine but either way I will be free of the shackles I have spent my life in unknowingly.
Caspian opens his eyes and lets out a deep exhale, grabs the paddles and pushes us towards the beach of the island. Everything has to happen carefully for the plan to execute properly. As we are almost to the beach we take a sharp turn towards the very edge where the sand meets the rocks stacked into a cliff side. We will need to keep the boat out of sight but ready for us to fall back on in the chance of the worst case scenario.
We quietly step out of the boat and onto the sand. We keep close to the shadows and move hesitantly up the hill, leaving the beach. I yank onto the ground, pulling myself up on the hillside and scout the Island. Even from the very edge you can smell a mix of tobacco, alcohol and death. You never truly know if the death is animal or human, after awhile in the sun it all starts to smell the same. ??
They say the black market never sleeps, a rumor confirmed by the loud sounds of laughter, talking, threats, screaming, and the banging noises in every direction. The night's sounds are more lively than the day but it’s also all the more dangerous. This Island is not made for women. Certainly not for ones with a bounty from The Royals themselves.
Arielle moves ahead of us all and looks around. She grabs out her sword and grips the handle fiercely. Focus overwhelms her face as she prepares for the next part of the plan .
“We will need to go into the market to find the alley that leads to the tunnels. Once we enter the alley, we will need to move swiftly and be prepared for anything. Those who creep in the dark are hiding for a reason.” Arielle and Caspian know this Island well. Though in their line of work, you tend to stay close to the most dangerous areas .
You can feel Arielles determination to get back to Russell radiating off of her like a flame. This need is the feeling I had when I was saving Caspian. Her bravery is inspiring and all I need to see, to want to follow her into this battle regardless of our outcome. I pull out my sword and wrap my hand around the grip like my life depends on it.
Caspian hunkers down in a low crouch and waves at us to get us to follow him. We all get low, taking quiet steps as we move towards the entry of the market. Looking into the market street there are many crowds of men of all kinds. Rich, poor, salesmen, addicts, and all are full of secrets on why they are here at night. Some are trying to find a way to release some steam, while others are fighting for another day and have nowhere else to go.
We start to walk into the market all keeping our heads down to prevent provoking a single soul. Each building we pass gives off a different vibe. The only other women down the market are standing out front of the brothel. The women are dirty and covered in scrapes and bruises.As you pass it by you can hear yelling and giggling as the women inside are experiencing a horny man, a demented one, or both.
The stale smell of tobacco wraps and smoke escape the mouths of every coughing man. Smoke and dirt clouds fill the air causing a slight fog making it harder to see clearly. I’ve always thought this was purposeful, a way to confuse people or hide them. Caspian looks back every couple of minutes just to make sure we are still all following close behind.
“Abigail, I need you directly behind me. I don’t need you to be distant the moment the wrong man identifies you.” Caspian anxiously demands. I know he just wants to protect me regardless of how it comes out. I move forward to get as close to him as I can without practically riding on his back. His hand reaches back and grabs mine tightly and I can't help but to look up. Several men in the midst of chaos are standing perfectly still and are staring right at me. I gulp at the sight of them and tighten my grip.
“Just keep moving forward. They wont start anything in the middle of the market risking alerting others of your whereabouts, they’ll want less competition. They will follow us into the alley and try to catch us off guard. Stay vigilant.” Caspian speaks low so nobody else will hear but loud enough for us all to hear it clearly. Nobody says anything in response but the silence speaks loud. We are all focusing and mentally preparing for our battle to start soon and there’s no way around it.