Page 60 of Folds
“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 theBlack 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.
chapter seven
KERES
I’m exhausted by the time the ship moors for the night. It’s early, though, so perhaps they have intentions to move under the moonlight. It’ll fuck up my plans, but I can’t make them stay unless I disable their ship. It would be a lot of work. And I don’t know how much these men need to be punished.
I have yet to find the captain. I thought I saw him earlier at the helm, but he seemed a bit too…jovial. He kept waving to the others. Most captains, particularly of the pirate variety, are stoic assholes. Some of them are downright nasty. I have no problem using my curse to its fullest potential when it comes to them.
When theBlack Maidenfirst left the harbor, I thought I caught a glimpse of my captain. I was too far away to be sure, though, and chalked it up to wishful thinking. Then again, I’d rather he not be the one to employ bastards like the one who tried to catch me. The best thing would be if he’s long gone, sailing to the other side of the world.
I find a small alcove to rest in and wait for the sun to set. Last night’s activities catch up to me quickly, and I doze for several hours. When shadows spread across the cliffs, reaching for the sea, I shake off my sleepiness. It’s not as easy to cut through the waves with feet and I’d rather get to the ship before my tail disappears.
Hiding within a pocket of darkness, I cling to the rungs of a ladder. I doubt anyone’s coming down to the dinghy any time soon. My limbs tingle the longer I wait. Thankfully, I don’t lose the ability to keep myself warm in the water. I suppose I would have a hard time fulfilling my curse if I lost all my powers.
