Page 26 of Journey to the Elderoak
They remained there, holding hands, Casimir’s thumb brushing the top of hers. She wanted to stay there forever. Just the two of them. No war. No fighting. Only peace and comfort.
His presence steadied her as she watched the ocean, taking in the reflection of the stars, like thousands of crystals dancing along the sea. She knew she had to focus on her preparations for the Elderoak journey. It was foolish to get distracted by the man with golden eyes who was always watching her. The man who was supposed to be her teacher. But in this moment, she didn’t care. She’d let herself enjoy it and get back to business when they returned.
Her eyes continued to take in the magnificence of the ocean, her heart at peace.
“It’s beautiful,” she whispered.
Casimir hummed beside her, leaned in, and said into her ear, “Absolutely breathtaking.”
She cleared her throat and almost turned to look at him when her eyes caught on something strange on the water. Dark areas where there was no reflection; no moonlight or stars.
She squinted, trying to look closer. Shapes on the water.
“What is that?” she whispered.
“Where?”
She pointed. “There. Do you see?”
Casimir scanned the horizon, his eyesight much sharper than hers. He tensed beside her and his grip tightened on her hand.
“What is it?” she asked again.
“Ships.”
10
The emergency bell rang as a sailor shouted from the crow’s nest, “Enemy ships ahead!”
Fear dug its claws into Ava’s gut. They had found them. In the middle of the ocean. How did they even have ships? They must have taken them from one of their conquered kingdoms. She turned around to face Casimir, eyes wide.
“Get down below.”
“Please don’t make me hide,” she pleaded. “I have to fight. I don’t want to be helpless anymore.”
He ran a hand through his hair, warring emotions on his face.
“If I’m hiding below deck, I’m a sitting duck. They already know I’m here. If any of them get wind of me hiding, I won’t be able to fight my way out. I’ll be cornered.”
A long pause, then he relented. “You’re right. Go get your armor on. Hurry. I’ll be right behind you.”
She sprinted across the deck to their sleeping quarters, darting in between crew members. The ship was a flurry of activity, Gisela shouting orders as they prepared for battle.
She threw open the door and dug through the wardrobe for her leathers. Raine burst in as she was securing the belt.
“Do you need help?" he asked, already dressed and armed.
“Make sure I did it right.”
She couldn’t get her heart to slow down as Raine adjusted the straps. He yanked on the armor, ensuring its fit.
“It’s okay to be scared,” he said, putting his hands on her shoulders. “Channel your fear into anger. Be angry they tried to take you. Protect your kingdom.”
She nodded.
“You’ll be with me and the other archers since that’s your best skill. Listen to my instructions. Focus on what you’re good at, which is not daggers. No offense.”
“I know. Thanks.”
