Unspoken

Chapter Eleven

“Get outta bed already, you lazy sod!”
I groaned, shoved my face into my pillow, and ignored Casper as he attempted to force me awake.
How many days of sailing have gone by...? I hate the ocean with a passion.
To be specific, this would be our fifth day of sailing, and let’s just say my stomach didn’t exactly agree with the waves. But I’d expected this, since I’d been susceptible to seasickness my entire life.
“No, leave me alone.”
“Kaine… Wants you… To come out and see something!” Casper insisted, grunting with effort as he tried to pry my blanket away from me.
“Right now?” I groaned.
“Well yea, Red, pretty sure I got a ‘now’ vibe from him,” Casper replied, a sense of urgency breaking through his usually carefree tone.
There’s that nickname again… ‘Red’. Is he really set on calling me that?
“Fine, fine...” I muttered, reluctantly sitting up.
I instantly regretted that, now greeted by the sunlight piercing my vision from the porthole window in my room. In pure reaction I rushed to shut the curtains, then glared at Casper. All he did was laugh, as if I posed little threat.
Oh, just forget it…
As I quickly got my boots on, I was grateful I still stuck to my old habits of sleeping in day clothes. If Casper had seen me in a nightgown, or worse… Something revealing, that would have been rather embarrassing.
Then again… What sort of man drags a sleeping woman out of bed, anyway?
“Please, I don’t wanna keep him waiting, Red,” Casper insisted, yet again using that nickname.
How do I feel about it? Neutral, I suppose, since I know there’s no way to make him call me anything different… Plus, anything is better than ‘Miss Phoenix’.
I gave him a look, wanting to say something about how I didn’t like being rushed so early in the morning. I decided against it, mostly because I realized that due to my sleepiness, I’d only tied one of my boots. Besides, he saw Kaine as a superior and I was sure that it was natural that Casper didn’t want to disappoint him. I also knew didn’t help that Kaine was a clan leader, and nobody—not even the boldest army general you could find—would dare let down their clan leader. Although it did interest me that Casper wasn’t even a member of Amarin yet seemed to show a good deal of loyalty to Kaine.
Well, there was no point in dwelling on it, I supposed, because it was time to see what I was needed for. I grabbed my jacket from the hook on the wall beside the door and began following Casper up the steps that would lead to the deck. When we arrived, I immediately stretched my arms above my head—as if greeting the morning sky—and earned a few pops and clicks from my joints. Ah, as horrible as the waves were, it’d been a pleasant change to see a clear blue sky so often.
“Why did you wake me up?” I asked, staring at Kaine, who was leaning against the railing across the deck from me.
“There you are, Phoenix,” Kaine replied. “Good morning.”
“Not really,” I muttered, my stomach already feeling iffy.
“Well maybe this will make you feel better,” he said, nodding towards the water.
I looked forward, seeing a boat a decent distance away from us. It didn’t look like much, just an average fisherman’s rowboat.
“Why? What’s going on?”
“Well Phoenix,” he said, pausing to look in the direction of the rowboat. “It may not seem it, but there’s a very important person on that boat… Clan Leader River of Cogitare.”
I studied him for a few moments, seeing his eyes dancing with an uplifted emotion I rarely saw him have. Clearly, he was in a good mood, did he know Clan Leader River well?
“Really?” I asked, genuinely surprised. “Any particular reason why she’d be there?”
Kaine nodded. “Indeed, there is, I mailed her a letter before we’d even left Extorris and asked her to meet us.”
What? Things were getting just a bit too impressive for even Kaine. Showing up at just the right time, bringing a ship for us, sending informants to ‘help’ us… Just how long had he been planning all of this?
Probably ever since Fray first ran, let’s be honest… Kaine thinks ten moves ahead.
“But why?” I asked. “Why ask her to meet us?”
“So that she wouldn’t blow our ship to pieces the moment we enter her waters uninvited,” he said, scoffing a laugh.
What? Are you hinting I should have known that? Hmph.
Cogitare was known for their tranquility and a standard for peace above war at all costs, so of course I’d never expect such a violent reaction from them. As I understood it, Cogitare was a clan one with nature. Many had power over water; some could control plants from their natural environment or make them grow. I’d even heard of some Cogitarians being able to summon rain, the same way Amarinians could snow.
Kaine saying that sounds wrong… Cogitarians are pacifists.
“Having a hard time imagining Cogitarians to be warriors, are you?” Kaine asked. “Ah, trust me… That woman would blow both our clan’s forces all the way to Aeon if need be.”
I gave him a rather alarmed look, switching from surprised to shocked. If anyone knew who the top dogs in war were—at least, in the past—it was Kaine. Our clans had started wars over bar fights, for Aeon’s sake!
“If that’s true… If Cogitare is that strong, then why—?”
“Because,” Kaine cautioned. “Just because you have power, doesn’t mean you have to use it. That is why I have utmost respect for River and her clan.”
I could only look forward, feeling at a loss for words, and watched as the Clan Leader’s boat reached ever closer. River… I’d met her once when my parents had visited Cogitare for diplomatic reasons, but that had been years ago.
I remember her so clearly. She was strong, she gave the presence of someone who could change the world… I’d like to say it was just the imagination of a child, but after hearing everything Kaine just said?
I exhaled a deep breath, then joined Kaine at the railing so I could get a better look at the boat. I wanted to see if I could see River, so I strained and squinted my eyes in the attempt to do just that.
“Not at all”, as Fray would say. Absolutely not one bit. What I can see, though, is that she has four bodyguards with her.
Scolding myself for picking up the Amarinian dialect of all things, I couldn’t help but dislike the silence which had taken over. Particularly I wondered why the others were being so…
“Hey, Snowy!” Casper called. “C’mere!”
Nevermind.
“Y-yes?” Fray asked, curiously looking at Casper. “What is it?”
I watched, if only to bide time until River arrived, as Casper whispered something to Fray. To me this could only mean trouble, considering Casper’s devilish grin.
Those two… I’m not sure how I feel about the sort of influence Casper has on Fray. Ever since they met, they’ve gotten along, but I’m not sure if that’s such a good thing…
“What?” I heard Fray whisper, as if shocked. “N-not at all, no way I can...”
“Aw, come on, Snowy…” Casper replied, giving him an almost pout-like look. “It would be wicked!”
Fray seemed unsure, but listened as Casper explained the details of this clearly mischievous plan… Dramatic hand gestures, sound effects, the works.
I shook my head lightly, glancing at Kaine. “Do they know we can hear almost everything they’re saying?”
“Doubtful,” he chuckled.
I turned and looked back to the boat again, noticing how far it’d come since my distraction. It was so close! How could I have let my focus slip for so long…
“Get ready, all of you, she’s just about here,” Kaine announced.
“And behave, you two,” Adara chided, looking right at Casper and Fray.
It was only a few minutes until Kaine set up a ladder to connect the Jörmungandr and her boat. First two of her guards boarded and then River herself, leaving the rest to watch the boat. At that moment, as the Clan Leader of Cogitare stood only a few feet away from me, my first reaction was to feel self-aware of my appearance.
I really should have made myself more presentable... Dear Aeon, why am I so dull?
I set my worry aside and focused on getting a good look at her. I found that for the most part she looked as I remembered, if not a more powerful presence. River was tall for a woman, her body having the slim build most Cogitarian women did. Her skin was light and without a single imperfection, no surprise there. But her hair was the brightest shade of white I’d ever seen… So long it reached a little past her waistline, straight but with a slight flow to it. Like a river.
I can see it’s a fitting name for her now.
Briefly I met her eyes, though I glanced away. Her irises were turquoise fading into a vivid emerald, like gemstones. I’d found peace residing in her expression, calm and steady… The embodiment of fair leadership. Her attire was rather interesting, though, light armor crafted from fine brown leather. Everything—from the cuirass to the pauldrons—was etched with silver stitching. Not to mention the belt, which held all sorts of things such as tonics, pockets to store herbs and food, and tools.
I expected a dress, but she looks more prepared to venture into Avartia’s territory than any of us.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Clan Leader River.” I said, bowing my head with utmost respect.
“Yes, and I am happy to meet you as well, Phoenix, First Heiress of Aridor,” she replied, her voice cool and calm. “For the second time.”
I shamelessly gawked at River, surprised to hear her address me so formally. Nobody—apart from Kaine—had addressed me by title with such respect in years.
For someone like her to address me like this when my clan no longer exists in most people’s eyes…
Before I could say anything more or form another thought, a certain Avidian’s yell sounded from behind us. I spun to see what was going on, only to see a rather sizable ball of water floating high above us…
“Watch out!”
“We’re s... S-sorry!”
And with that we were all drenched in water. In fact, the entire deck was now flooded. Why?
Oh, I don’t know…
I honed a glare in the direction of two particular mischief makers. Casper and Fray—who’d once been in the crow’s nest but had fallen—were rightfully just as soaked as we were. They were staring at Kaine River, mouths agape, like this’d been their last day to take breath. I couldn’t blame them, and if anything, I could agree with that notion, since out of anything they could have done… Drenching two esteemed clan leaders (at the same time at that), probably topped the ‘disrespectful’ list. But to my surprise, River began laughing. Just how was any of this funny?
I quickly turned to her, wanting to apologize. “Clan Leader River, I’m—”
“Don’t worry,” she chuckled as she tried to shake the water off her hands. “You boys look terrified… Just what were you trying to do?”
“Aheh…” Casper said as he ran a hand through his spiky wet hair. “Tryna make it snow as a greeting for you, miss.”
Fray nodded. “C-Casper accidentally picked up too much water, it… I-it all went wrong.”
River shared an amused look with Kaine, then looked back at the two of them. “Just go change your clothes before you catch cold.”
“Actually...” Casper said, seeming surprisingly submissive—probably caused by the presence of two clan leaders. “Permission to dry you lot off?”
I’ll be surprised if you don’t get thrown off the ship just for referring to them as ‘you lot’.
After an exchange of somewhat concerned glances, River was the one to give approval. “Go ahead.”
Moments later we found ourselves blasted by salty ocean winds. In a way the feeling was pleasant, though they were so powerful I nearly lost my balance. When the winds subsided, I was surprised to find my clothing perfectly dry again.
“Casper,” Adara praised. “That was amazing!”
“Indeed, it was impressive,” River agreed. “Thank you… Casper, was it?”
I looked, seeing the humble look Casper wore as he nodded his head to her. “Yeppers! We’ll be going now… Right, Snowy?”
And with that, he quickly headed down to the lower deck, pulling Fray along by his arm. I could still hear their chit-chat, though, even as they disappeared out of view.
“W-what’s wrong, Casper?”
“What’s wrong? What’s wrong, mate, is the plan completely bombed!”
“But it’s… It’s okay, we didn’t get into trouble!”
“Not yet, you faffin’ idiot! What do you think’s coming later? A party?”
Once they were gone, River quietly sighed. “That was certainly something, wasn’t it?”
I nodded, feeling more than a little exasperated. “I need to pay better attention to their schemes when I overhear them.”
Adara merely shook her head in dismay. “I’ll go and throw some breakfast together to warm us up.”
“Good idea,” I agreed.
“In the meantime,” Kaine said, looking directly at River. “We have some matters to discuss, do we not?”
River nodded, and before I knew it the two leaders—and River’s guards—had disappeared into the captain’s quarters. This left me completely alone on the deck.
That was certainly fast… I wonder what they don’t want me to hear.
I moved forward, making sure to keep my footsteps silent as I approached the door, crouching beside it. I began listening to their voices, feeling only slightly guilty for eavesdropping, although it wasn’t the first time I’d done something like this. I’d used the same tactic with my parents all the time, even when it was an important business meeting... How else would I have become so knowledgeable about politics at such a young age?
“...received a letter from Diron. Yes, him of all people. It was a request for food and supplies,” River said, her voice slightly muffled from the door. “The letter also stated that if I were to agree, an alliance between our clans could potentially be formed. I denied him without a second thought.”
She paused as if thinking something over, then continued.
“That letter arrived only a few days before you contacted me. I can’t help but think it can’t be a coincidence. The timing of his letter, Avartian soldiers going after the Heiresses and your son...”
Wait, I thought, Diron… Where do I…
Before I could finish the thought, Kaine's response distracted me.
“Thank you for sharing this with me…” He quietly said. “I don’t like this. He would never reach out to you, nor any other clan, for that matter. He’s planning something, and I have a feeling it’s because he knows she’s heading his way. I feel like I should go with them, River.”
“No, Kaine, you can’t do that,” River sternly replied.” I know that for you, war comes as naturally as breathing… But you need to sit this one out. This isn’t your fight, it’s hers. Not just that, it’s Aaron’s and Isabel’s. She needs to do this herself.”
“Yes, I know, but it’s not just that… Fray is going with them as well.”
“Ah, knowing Phoenix and Adara, I doubt they're going to let him endanger himself as much as you think. Besides, I could bet Fray is probably too afraid to do anything reckless around Phoenix… Such as get himself killed.”
Well, she isn’t wrong about that one. I’d kill him before I let that happen.
“That is a good point, you know him well,” Kaine chuckled, but then heaved a sigh. “We should go back to them, but thank you for speaking with me, and thank you for welcoming us into your land as well, it’s what we appreciate most of all.”
“Oh, Kaine… You should know by now, shouldn’t you?”
The way she’d spoken almost sounded wistful, and I didn’t understand why. What further confused me was when Kaine’s tone matched hers.
“I know, River, but thank you nonetheless.”
Know what?
Their footsteps alerted me, so I quickly slipped away, swiftly moving back to the edge of the deck. When they walked out, they would simply find me leaning against the railing, gazing at the horizon. However, my current state of mind was far from relaxed. It was practically on fire from hearing their conversation. For the moment, it was the part where Kaine said he’d felt compelled to go with us to Avartia. It made my emotions stir—a feeling worse than seasickness—to think of how guilty Kaine felt for my parents’ deaths. I knew how close they’d been as friends and fellow leaders, and I knew he feared losing Adara and I as well, so the idea of him shouldering even more weight from not being able to help us fight this battle? It was heart-wrenching.
And then there’s that name.... Diron. I really do feel like I know it...
“It looks lovely, doesn’t it?” A gentle voice from my left spoke, nearly making me jump.
I calmed down when I turned my head to see River approaching me, though. She walked to the railing and rested her arms on it.
“The ocean? Yes, it is.” I replied, though deep down my stomach was feeling rather unpleasant, both from the rocking of the ship and everything I’d heard.
“I think you’ll find Cogitare a pleasant stay for the next few days while you plan your next route.”
“I’m sure I will," I replied, hesitantly smiling. “I expect it will be a luxury, considering I’ve spent the last several years of my life in Extorris.”
She looked at me for a moment and then frowned. “I’m sorry, I’d forgotten…”
I hesitated, realizing I’d said something so depressing in such a casual manner, and to a highly respected clan leader who didn’t know me very well, nonetheless. Why was I such a fool?
“No, no, it’s my apologies, I swear!” I objected. “I said something careless... Really, I’m looking forward to my stay, and I’ve been wanting to thank you for letting us in. I was a bit worried to be honest, you’re sort of known to be strict when it comes to your borders.”
I definitely didn’t only just learn that today…
An amused gleam came to her eyes. “Yes, well, that’s a little inaccurate… I’m strict with those who shouldn’t be allowed to cross our borders. You on the other hand have nothing but good intentions, so I have nothing but good reason to let you in.”
I smiled slightly again, but more comfortably this time. “Thank you, I appreciate it. I must say, however… I’ve begun to worry this mission might not go as planned.”
I realized how relaxed I felt. River was, in my opinion, a very reasonable and intelligent person, so it was easy to feel comfortable around her. It came to mind that River’s demeanor and personality reminded me of my mother, whom I’d been able to confide all my worries and fears to. Isabel’d tended to be very poetic, though, and the way she’d spoken often reminded others of song lyrics. The way River spoke was nothing like this at all, so clearly there were strong differences between them, but I still enjoyed the feeling…
The feeling of speaking with someone who reminds me of my mother. It’s a similar sensation to the one I get every time I talk to Kaine, since he reminds me so much of Aaron.
“Why? Your group is strong, you are strong…” She paused and pointed in my general direction. “Tamashii. Your soul is strong. You are an heiress gifted with incredible power, and I know your sister is no stranger to battle, either. You also have Fray, and though he may seem weak on the outside, he tends to surprise you, doesn’t he? You’ll be fine.”
Though her words laid heavy, they did little to lift my doubt. Worry squirmed inside me like a swarm of angry wasps.
“Yes, I know, but we’re going against the clan which not only attacked but succeeded in destroying Aridor. That fact is always there to remind me we might not win.”
“Confidence is key,” she replied, her turquoise-green eyes going serious. “The moment an enemy spies weakness, they will utilize it against you.”
I nodded slowly, thinking her words over carefully.” So, you never let your weaknesses show?”
She glanced at me. “Not to your enemies, or rather… Not unless it’s the right thing to do.”
I felt utterly confused at her response. How could revealing weak points to my enemies ever be the right thing to do?
“Ah, you certainly seem to be struggling with that one,” she mused. “Don’t worry, you’ll figure it out with time.”
I went quiet for a while after that and simply gazed at the horizon. I could just barely make it out, Cogitare’s glittering shoreline… We were so close!
I’m so excited my heart is racing… How long has it been since I’ve felt this way?
The thought of exploring Cogitare’s capital had pretty much melted my anxiety away, and now all I could think about was when the ship would dock. The capital city ‘Anzuru’…
From what I could remember the city was like a brilliant, glimmering beacon by day, serene candlelit lantern by night. Tall buildings, exclusive dining, and of course the many, many people.
Not to mention…
The Harvest Festival had begun just a week or so ago, hadn’t it? Cogitare’s autumn festival to celebrate the gathering of crops. I had been permitted to go only once, for a very special reason… My eighth birthday.
“What?” River warily asked, noticing the way I’d tensed. “What is it?”
I looked at her, genuinely surprised with myself. “I’m sorry, I just can’t believe I've forgotten so easily... My birthday is in two days, and I’m turning twenty.”
Her eyes lit up considerably with delight. “Your birthday is during Shūkakusai?”
Is that what you call it? Odd…
I didn’t really see much point in it, or why she seemed so cheery all of a sudden, but I nodded. “Yes, why?”
“We have a saying that children born during Shūkakusai are destined for greatness,” she replied, grinning slightly. “Some say Lady Kyomi herself was born during it, though it’s merely folklore.”
Ah, Kyomi, their clan’s founder… Exactly what Niome is to Aridor.
“Really?” I asked. “I never knew, I simply wanted to attend the festival more than anything… My parents always insisted that I needed to be at least ten, preferably twelve. They took me when I was eight, though, because I wouldn’t stop begging.”
“Yes, I remember that year. Isabel and Aaron brought you here, but they never mentioned it was your birthday!” She complained, an almost childish way of speaking, oddly enough.
Should a clan leader really act such a way?
“I’m sorry, maybe they just didn’t want to make a big deal about it,” I offered, but what I said was completely lost on her.
“That was one of our best harvests…” She said, her eyes filled with wonder as she looked off to the side.
A small smile tugged at my lips as well. “I’m glad. Perhaps I’ll bring you luck again this time?”
I expected another excited response, but no. As if flipping a switch, River’s childlike wonder vanished, almost like she’d realized she’d gotten away from herself. And just like that, she returned right back to her normal self.
“I hope so, we’ve had surprisingly bad weather this year.”
That’s strange, I thought, Cogitare’s lands are plentiful, I’ve seldom heard of them having bad weather…
“That doesn’t happen very often, what do you think caused it?” I asked.
“I’m not sure, the only thing that I can think of is that Avartia is spreading their bad luck to us.”
“Sounds like something they’d do,” I muttered, only somewhat joking.
There was a stretch of silence, so I took the time to think about what I’d overheard them say, and of course that name came to my mind yet again. Diron. It brought on an eerie feeling, and I hated it. Almost like…
Like that snake from the dream, the Avartian who—
“Phoenix, Clan Leader River!” A certain energetic girl’s voice called. “I’ve made us all some breakfast if you’re hungry!”
I looked to see Adara just standing by the stairs, waving at us eagerly. Her apron was smudged with food from cooking, which was normal for her.
“Well, I suppose we should go see what she’s made,” River said. “It smells good, doesn’t it?”
I nodded my head in agreement, though admittedly felt a little disappointed that our time for private conversation was over. Nevertheless, I followed her as she joined Adara, and we headed down into the ship’s hull. Apart from our footsteps it was silent as we walked, heading to the dining area. But of course, we only needed to step foot into the room for a single moment before any sign of quiet was thrown out the proverbial window.
“Ah, hello!” Fray said as he nervously bowed his head respectfully to greet River, but...
His hasty greeting was followed by a loud clatter as he accidentally knocked a cooking utensil onto the floor. This meant he started to get all bent out of shape with his nerves—for not only doing something foolish earlier, but now making a mistake again—so let’s just say there was a lot of stuttering. I could only sigh, seeing Adara shake her head at Fray’s current state. Then she quickly walked over to him.
“Oh, Fray, what am I going to do with you?” She mused as she picked up the utensil and put it away.
“Is… Is that a s-serious… Question?” He asked, as if worried by Adara’s joke.
“Of course not, you dolt!” She exclaimed, laughing as if she couldn’t believe he could take it seriously.
I looked over at Casper, wondering why he was being so quiet, and saw him casually standing in one of the corners of the small room.
“Casper,” I said, catching his attention. “You seem awfully… Bored?”
“Yeah, about as bored as a bird with no wings, Red,” he joked, almost sounding serious for once.
His statement made me sympathize with him. He probably really did feel that way, I realized, considering that Avidians were so at one with the sky. I wondered, for a moment, how long it had been since he’d gotten a good flight in.
Probably too long.
“Well, the food is done, so let’s get to eating, shall we?” Adara suggested.
“Yes, please,” I replied. “What did you make, exactly?”
“Beef stew.”
I exhaled a deep breath to show my protest, considering that I still really didn’t like stews that much, but nodded anyway. “I suppose I’ll take some, since it’s cold out today.”
I watched for a moment as scooped several servings of stew for us. While she did so, the others and I seated ourselves at the dining room table. The small size of not only the room but also the table certainly made for a cozy seating arrangement, but we managed. Four nights of dining with our drinks sloshing and plates spilling due to the waves tossing the ship had been... Interesting, to say the least. But I had to admit, it was pleasant to dine at a table with so many people. It was like having a family, and that wasn’t a feeling I thought I’d ever know again. Adara, Fray, Kaine, and even Casper the ever-capricious Avidian.
Not just that, but Clan Leader River herself is seated at our dining table today. If that isn’t something special, I don’t know what is.
Even as the thought crossed my mind, I couldn’t help but wonder why Kaine hadn’t joined us yet. I supposed he was just taking some time to himself, but still...
“Adara, did you ask Kaine to join us yet?” I asked, breaking the bout of silence.
“No, he’s been in his room, so I didn’t want to bother him.”
I nodded my head response, but it still felt off. I continued eating like the rest of them and went quiet, but the thought still lingered in my mind.
I hope everything is okay…
Just as I’d begun to let the subject go, I heard footsteps sounding from the stairs and Kaine’s warm greeting. Honestly, what sort of timing was that?
“Sorry everyone, am I too late to join you?”
I looked as he entered the room, now dressed in a change of clothes greatly dissimilar from his formal attire earlier. His current outfit consisted of a basic long-sleeved shirt, casual men’s pants, boots of course… And finally, the dark brown leather coat which he’d worn nearly every day while we’d been sailing. Although, the most startling difference was the fact he’d let his hair free. I’d never, not once in my entire life, seen Kaine do such a thing.
From battle-scarred clan leader to… Gentleman?
“Of course not, do you want me to get you a bowl?” Adara offered.
He shook his head lightly, his freed silver hair following the motion. “Thank you for the offer, but I can get my own, Adara.”
Now that the only sound in the room was idle chitchat between River and the others, I found my mind slipping into the abyss of everything that had happened today. I wasn’t used to everything being so intense, so busy… I didn’t know how to process it.
“Something on your mind, Red?”
Honestly, my first instinct was to give him a scoff and tell him that no, how could there possibly be anything on my mind? But instead, I gave a casual response, if only to avoid further prying.
“I’m fine, Casper. It’s just the waves, as usual.”
At least that isn’t a lie, the lunch Adara made lunch probably won’t last more than half an hour.
“Do you want to go and lay down, Phoenix?” Adara asked.
In all honesty, I couldn’t say no. Not with how I was feeling, with all these thoughts tugging at my mind.
“Sure,” I quietly replied.
“Go on, you look like you could use some rest,” River urged.
I wanted to tell her that what I could really use was her guidance, but I didn’t say anything. Instead, I merely nodded and thanked Adara for the food before heading for the exit.
Just a couple more nights on this ship and then we’ll get to enjoy the harvest festival… A break from the waves will do me good.