Siren's Silence

Chapter 12: Swim

Siren

  I stared out over the open ocean, my mind wandering. The sun had long since set and I was sitting in the open mouth of the Griffin, just like the night of the raid. I kept finding myself reliving that night, and it bothered me. I folded my legs up, curling my knees into my chest and set my head on them. I sighed, frowning at the ocean, trying to control the images in my mind, to stop the endless flow of memories.

  I tucked my chin, resting my forehead on my knees and squeezed my eyes shut, trying hard to fight this powerful cascade of emotions and images. Closing my eyes only made it worse. I could feel his body behind me, having to use all of my willpower not to succumb to the temptation to lean back into his chest. The occasional brush of his hand across my shoulder or light accidental touch when he would adjust his position would drive me crazy and every time he whispered in my ear, my heartbeat rose.

  My head whipped up and I shook it rapidly. "This is the last thing I should be doing," I thought, "I'm a ship's captain, not some dewey-eyed damsel seeking a prince! He doesn't even know who I am and it's safer for him if it stays that way."

  I heard the subtle slide of the wooden trap door and knew I wasn't alone. I slipped my dagger from its sheath quietly, holding it tightly against my thigh.

  "At ease, my lady, it's just me," said Parker as he approached.

  He sat behind me as I stowed the blade. "My apologies," I signed. "These trips always make me edgy. Too many unknowns with frightened people."

  "You're worse this time. How much have you slept in the last couple of days?" He asked aloud so that I didn't have to try to turn around.

  "Not much," I answered. "My mind won't quiet enough to permit me to rest. It is rather frustrating. I keep coming up here to calm my mind, but it only does so much."

  "What thoughts trouble you?"

  "There are too many to begin listing them."

  Conversation ceased for a moment, but Parker broke the silence, "I do not believe I have ever seen so many Wolf Ships in one place before."

  "Alvah has noticed us, I think. This is one of those thoughts that are keeping me awake."

  "We always knew he would, as soon as we started destroying his precious Wolf Ships, he was bound to notice."

  "I know. Now it is only a matter of time before I'll have to face him again, and when I do, I will be taking the crown off of his head. Whether or not his head will still be attached to his neck at the time is still up for debate." I ran my fingers over the wolf-shaped hilt of my sword.

  "That will be a day worthy of the history books." Parker rested his hand on my shoulder. "But are you sure you want to strike the killing blow? Would you rather keep your hands clean?"

  I looked at him over my shoulder, pain etched in my every move. "I have been unclean since the moment he touched me. This mess started with me, it'll end with me. I will not be dissuaded."

  Parker sighed, "No, you won't be. I gave up trying years ago."

  I smiled slightly and rested my head against him. Parker hugged me gently, lightly kissing the top of my head like my father used to. "You are a strong young woman, Ariselle, and I will stand by you, no matter what you choose to do."