Siren

Siren - Chapter 31

Reginald was sent to look for firewood in a place he felt was so desolate there was no point. There were a few patches of trees, but they were sparsely laden with branches. He had been right about the girl; it was her fault The Fish had acted so strangely. She was a Siren. Reginald was glad to be uninterested to her, at least he could see to it to get Pontus to come to his senses.

Grumbling as he searched, he suddenly felt he was not alone. He had gone higher up the mountain. The air was beginning to thin. He felt lightheaded and cursed Pontus for asking such a hard task of him. It only made it worse that there may be a bitterly horrible fate than dying of cold awaiting him. He heard a rustling and was abruptly lifted off the ground. He felt the air being squeezed from his lungs and struggled wildly.

“You're here for the eggs, aren't you?”

“Yes!” Wheezed Reginald without hesitation. He madly tried to breathe.

“The prince. Is he here?”

“Yes… ‘n the Siren whore... All her fault!” He choked. He was suddenly dropped.

“What did you say?”

“The prince…”

“About the girl!”

“Th’... Th’ Siren whore. She is with him.”

As Reginald looked up his blood ran cold. A giant stood before him, at least three times Reginald's own height. He was built of pure muscle and his eyes were a blistering red. His black hair was pulled back tightly from his face, and his teeth were bared in hatred.

“It seems I may have need for you after all. Tell me, why do you call her a whore?”

“I don't like her. Seems every’ne else does but... She put all o’ us ‘n danger ‘n now my beloved captain...”

“Stop your sniveling. Hissed sterling. Your life will be spared … if you bring me the girl.

Reginald had to think for a moment. Would he really betray his captain? But then, he wasn't betraying Pontus.

“Well?”

“I’ll meet ye ‘ere again af’er everyone’s gone asleep. With the girl.”

“I want her alive. She is mine, you hear me?”

“Yes.”

“Good.” Reginald scurried away after Sterling produced adequate firewood.

Reginald had been gone an awfully long time. Clara was beginning to worry he had gotten lost, but he returned shortly thereafter with firewood. He paid her no mind as he went about setting the kindling up.

“Would you like some he...”

“Sod off.” He muttered, almost knocking her over by pushing her aside. Pontus had been setting up tents nearby with Jupiter and Hazari, and Mallach, Octavious and Gannon were keeping watch of the flatland before them. Raven was nowhere to be seen, again.

Clara decided against niceties and began to prepare dinner for everyone. She started peeling potatoes, having to rub them wildly to warm them up. She gave up after a few moments, it was fire she needed in order to take care of everyone.

“Sir Reginald, how much longer?” she asked.

“It'll start when it starts!” He snapped, and Clara flinched. She went to Pontus and confided in him she didn't think Reginald liked her very much.