Fire Weaver (Fall of the Fey #1)

Chapter 32

Faux was surprised when they stopped again, this time at a town, it's dangling sign proclaiming Port Proctor. The town was rickety with old one-level buildings, the boats, however, were large and new. From the back of his mind, Faux recalled that this was the only port that went to Ghaulfo.

The children looked around groggily while their guards went to do what ever it was they stopped to do.

'Why did we stop?' Tobi asked.

'Probably to stock up for the trip over the Moving Mountains.' Ferra answered, barely glancing at her brother. She was sitting up as straight as she could, trying see everything she could.

She shrank back suddenly and Faux turned to see it was a man that had caught her attention, his shirt was open at the chest and he wore boots that came to his knees. He looked like a poet pirate  with his shoulder length dark hair and light blue eyes. He was covered in black tattoos, Faux's eyes narrowed on the sharp, swirling patterns.

How the hell did a human get the Iclican language on his skin. His father's language was all over the man, words of power that seemed to ripple in the light. Deadly had forced Faux to learn it when he was young just in case his father called him to his world.

'I will take the three boys and the halfling.' The man said. He met Faux's eyes briefly before he turned and walked away. Dazzen opened their cage and pulled out the three boys Tobi started screaming as soon as he was pulled from his sister. Revard knocked Ferra out to stop her from trying to get out of the cage with her brother.

'Come out willingly or get the same treatment as her.' Revard said to Faux.

Faux stepped out of the cage and the door clanged shut behind him. Gregor had watched passively while this happened.

They were taken to a boat, the guards handled the boys roughly until they were silent and compliant. The boat was small compared to the others. There were ten men moving back and forth along the deck.

Rather than being led below deck, the guards shoved them to the planks at the front of the ship and were warned not to move. The man with Iclican stood beside another with a large gut and hairy arms who was gesturing emphatically while he spoke. The man nodded silently before he went to his prisoners, his mouth set in a grim line.

'Hi, kids.' The man said and the three boys cringed away. 'I am general Reginald. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. Please stay here so you are out of the way of the workers. Understood?'

The kids in question nodded silently.

'Faux, how have you been? I must say I am surprised to see you here.' Reginald gestured for Faux to follow him to the back of the boat where the captains chambers were. Faux noticed the stained glass windows of the back of the ship as soon as he was shown in. He hated to admit that they were amazing to look at.

'I am well.' Faux said he wasn't entirely sure what he imagined Reginald to be in his own body but this wasn't it. He was actually a good looking guy if he wasn't covered in the demon tongue. Reginald nodded at his response. 'So that is how you can summon them.'

'Hmm?' Reginald looked down at his tattooed skin. 'Yes. A small price to pay.'

'You do know your king will destroy the world.'

Reginald snorted derisively.

'Don't you care?'

'I have my own problems.' Reginald responded dismissively. 'I need something from you.'

'What?'

'Tell me everything you can about Deadly.'

Faux frowned.