Evocation

Chapter 27- Evil

The two weeks travel back to Parmenia was uneventful. Lorcan stayed in my room away from the other people for most of it. We talked at night with Hadrien. It was very friendly and comfortable, feeling more like old times than ever. Captain Bradley had been cranky, likely stressed by holding onto the gem and anxious to get back to his family. I don't blame him, so I gave him his space and supported him when needed. The rest of his crew were anxious to get back as well. Some are excited to be paying off their debt, some excited for a big payout. There's a few crewmates who still owe Alastair, so I have every intention of haggling with him for the Skull Gem.

Lorcan had independently volunteered to go see Christopher's family to break the news and offer condolences. I doubt he's going to reveal that he had the Skull Gem all along, but he's wanting to make things right and connect with his family. I would be terrified to do so if I were in his shoes, so I'm proud of him.

I've spoken to Captain Bradley's crew about what is to come after their debts are paid to Alastair. I've offered them each a spot as a crewmate aboard The Evocation. A few people said they'd like to, mostly the single people. The others have asked if they could bring their families on board and be dropped off on the same island Captain Bradley is wanting to take his family to. I happily agreed, but I'm a little nervous to have so many people aboard. It's only temporary though, so I'm trying not to worry.

We arrived at the Parmenian ports earlier in the day. My crew split up to run errands. Hadrien took a few men to the market to stock up on dried meats and other foods. Arlo revisited Jean's Custom Word Works with some of the men to buy more beds. Most of the crew went to go visit their families.

My job was hiding the Skull Gem. I went alone, so nobody knows of the location aside from me. It's safer that way. I had went to the mouth of a river an hour away and weighed down the double-locked cage with heavy rocks so it doesn't float down the river. Then I changed into dry clothes and took a long way back so there is no evidence that I've been that way.

Now we're all back together in a tavern, the same one we stayed in last time. My anxiety is high as I sit at a heavy wooden table, waiting for one of Alastair's men to show up and signal me to go to his home. Captain Bradley will be coming with me this time, and I've told Lorcan he's not allowed to make any surprise visits. I stare down at my drink, tuning out the chatter from all the familiar voices around me. When Captain Bradley nudges my arm, I look to the corner of the room and see a very familiar goon. 

I stand slowly. Everyone knows that we'll be meeting with Alastair, but I try to keep it subtle anyways. I walk out the tavern door and round the corner. Captain Bradley is out a few seconds after me, so we start walking.

We don't speak as we walk. I don't know if he's nervous too, or if he just doesn't want to talk, but I'm fine with it either way. I glance behind us several times, making sure nobody is following. Typically I wouldn't care, but this meeting has a high chance of going wrong and I don't need Alastair any more annoyed or pissed off than usual.

When we get to the hut, Captain Bradley knocks. A moment later, a large tattooed man answers the door with a frown. He steps aside. We enter the dingy room and sit on some scratchy chairs by the wall.

A few seconds later, Alastair is walking up the stairs in a dark blue suit. His hair is greasy and slicked back.

"Captain Echo," he says with an impressed expression. "I'm inclined to believe you have the Skull Gem, seeing as you're alive."

"I've hidden it," I tell him immediately, holding my body still as it wants to shake from nerves.

Alastair's face drops, turning angry and annoyed. "Are you going to tell me where it is, or do I need to blow up your ship to get some answers."