Chapter Six
LOCH
I search the shoreline one last time before signaling to the crew to pull in the gangplank. We’ve stayed much longer than I anticipated. I could blame the crewmates, still half-drunk, who couldn’t find their way back to the ship on time.
In reality, I was hoping for one more glance of Keres.
She slipped out before dawn and left me with a pillow and a hard-on, neither of which was very satisfying.
I’d hoped to send her off with one more orgasm.
Perhaps she thought she’d be tempted to stay.
I might have been persuaded after last night. At least she told me her name.
I shake my head. Too dangerous. Spending even one more night with her would leave me in treacherous waters. Even if I told myself it was for her body and the pleasure I found with her, I’d risk triggering the curse. No, it’s better to walk away now with mere memories.
“Searching for someone?” Smitty croons, and I turn away from the railing.
“Just making sure we’re not leaving anyone behind,” I growl, and he holds up his hands.
“You’re in a foul mood. Usually, you’re better going out than going in.” He snickers at his innuendo.
I cross my arms and lean against the wood as I survey the organized chaos on board.
I should be going up top and navigating us out of this mess of a harbor.
With the festival over, everyone’s attempting to leave this morning.
I’m guessing everyone else knew there was a festival, though.
Instead, I plant my feet as the deck sways beneath me.
It takes longer than normal for us to hit the open ocean.
More than a few sailors have spent the time hanging over the side and puking.
This crew hasn’t been here as long. They’ll learn.
And if they don’t, I’m sure the fates will move them along.
If they can’t pay their penance on board the Black Maiden, they sink to the bottom of the ocean.
I don’t know what’s down there. That trip isn’t my destiny so I don’t concern myself with it much.
A flash of bright pink skips along the waves, gone between one blink and the next.
I narrow my gaze, searching the water for whatever it was.
Perhaps a fish or other sea creature. I can’t tell if it’s the same animal following us out to sea or different ones.
I’ve never seen these particular colors unless the sun is rising or setting.
Doesn’t matter as long as it leaves us alone.
“Anyone asking questions yet?” I ask, pushing thoughts of what’s after this life behind me.
“A couple. I’ve been able to dissuade them for now. They want to know why we’re not pillaging.”
“Perhaps because we’re not at war. We plunder, not pillage. Next they’re going to ask why we’re not looting.”
He snorts as Arnin runs by. “I’ll be sure to inform them. Do we have a plan this trip, or are we just sailing?”
I had a plan. Now, I’m not so sure. A thread yanked me toward this village. I thought once I got there, I’d find what I needed. Instead, I bedded Keres. The feeling vanished by the time dawn came. It’s returned, though I can’t seem to figure out where it’s leading me. I need more time.
“For now, just sailing. Follow the shore until we find an inlet far enough away from this place and with no other ships. I’d rather we not get in a skirmish before we’re ready.”
“As if anyone would take us on. Rumor in town was we’re the ghost ship. Mott was almost stabbed to prove he wasn’t some type of evil spirit.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Almost?”
“Just got nicked. He bled, but it was dark so they didn’t notice the color was off.” He mumbles under his breath, and I give him a side-eye.
“Ask it.”
“Does their blood turn red when they die? When they’re released? When they sink?”
“How long you been keeping that in?” I ask with a raised eyebrow.
“Awhile.”
I exhale heavily, scrubbing my hand down my face. “Black while they pay their penance. Red when they die or released. No idea when they sink. I’d suppose black since they’re being punished. Maybe they’re drained.”
“How long have you been doing this?” He blanches when he sees my face.
“When you came to me, you said you were fine not knowing my past, Smitty.”
“I’m not digging, Loch. Been ’round a long time, though.”
It’s only been ten years since Smitty showed up, saying he was told to report to the Black Maiden. I never asked what he did to be subjected to this brand of punishment. He never confessed his crimes. The only thing he’s ever told me is he’ll probably never leave. He’s stuck, just like me.
“I was here long before you and I’ll be here long after. That’s all you need to know.”
“There’s been some rumblings,” he mutters.
My shoulders drop at the change of subject. “About what?”
“Couple of them think you’re the one keeping them here.”
I chuckle, shaking my head. “As if I’d ever be on the level of the gods. I’m just a pirate.”
“Just a pirate? Doubt that.”
“A cursed pirate is still a pirate, Smitty.”
I walk away before he can comment. I don’t need his opinions, and I sure as hell don’t want his thoughts on the matter.
Mott lifts a hand off the wheel, and it almost gets away from him.
He gives me a sheepish grin. He’s one of the better ones on the ship right now.
I doubt he’ll be here long. I should go relieve him. Instead, I head for my quarters.
Just before I duck into the hallway, I catch a glimpse of a shimmer on the waves. Soft purple and wholly unexpected in the midmorning light. I squint, but it’s gone.
Whatever it was, I doubt I’ll see it again.