A Viking's Rage

Chapter 22

The chaos on deck froze as James’s order echoed through the ship. His men scrambled, turning barrels, yanking open storage compartments, and tearing through supplies in search of the so-called "other." Aiya’s heart raced as she stood helpless, clutching her torn shirt. She had to protect Esma, but her options were limited.

James turned back to her, his piercing blue eyes narrowing. “Where is the other one?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Aiya replied, forcing steel into her voice. She lifted her chin, defiance burning in her gaze.

James chuckled, his amusement only fueling her anger. “Oh, don’t play coy with me, love. You and your accomplice have caused quite the stir, and I intend to meet the mastermind behind your clever little ploy.”

A crashing sound from below deck silenced everyone. Moments later, two of James’s men emerged, dragging a struggling Esma between them. Her disguise was askew, and her face was smeared with soot from her hiding place in the barrel.

“No!” Aiya shouted, stepping forward. One of James’s men blocked her path with a raised blade.

“Well, well,” James said, sauntering over to Esma. “What have we here? A pair of impostors. And what’s this?” He gestured mockingly to Esma’s shorn hair. “Trying to pass for men? Admirable effort, truly.”

Esma glared at him, her lips pressed into a tight line. Aiya’s mind raced, searching for a way out.

James stepped back, addressing his men. “Bind them both. We’ll see if their tongues loosen once we reach the shore.”

“Wait!” Aiya blurted. “Let her go. She had nothing to do with this—it was my idea.”

Esma’s eyes widened, and she opened her mouth to protest, but Aiya shot her a sharp look, silently pleading for her to stay quiet.

James tilted his head, intrigued. “Sacrificing yourself for her, are we? How noble. And yet, so predictable.”

“I mean it!” Aiya said, her voice rising. “She’s just a farmhand I hired for the journey. I’m the one you want.”

James stroked his chin thoughtfully. “And what’s to stop her from spinning the same tale about you once you’re out of sight?”

“Because I have what you’re looking for!” Aiya declared, pulling the strap of her sword from her chest and tossing it to the ground. The gleaming hilt caught the sunlight, and James’s expression shifted.

“The sword of Aiyowind,” he murmured, recognition flickering in his eyes. His men exchanged hushed whispers.

“Where did you get this?” James demanded, stepping closer to Aiya.

“It belonged to my mother,” she said, meeting his gaze. “And if you know what it is, then you know who I am.”

James studied her, his face unreadable. Then he threw his head back and laughed—a deep, resonant sound that sent chills down her spine.

“Einar’s lost daughter,” he said finally, his grin widening. “What a prize you are.”

Aiya clenched her fists, her breath quickening. “If you know who I am, then you know I’m worth more to you alive.”

James leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper only she could hear. “Oh, I know exactly how valuable you are. But the question is—how much are you worth to the men chasing you?”

Aiya stiffened. He knew about the forces hunting her.

“You have two options,” James continued, stepping back and addressing the entire deck. “Submit to my custody and prove your worth, or...” He trailed off, glancing meaningfully at the icy waters surrounding the ship.

Aiya swallowed hard. She could feel Esma’s desperate gaze boring into her. She had no choice.

“Fine,” Aiya said, her voice steady. “But let her go.”

James smirked. “Generous of you to bargain from such a weak position. She stays—for now. Bind them both.”

Aiya and Esma were forced to their knees as James’s men tied their hands behind their backs. The rope bit into Aiya’s skin, but she kept her expression neutral, refusing to give James the satisfaction of seeing her discomfort.

As the ropes were secured, James leaned close to Aiya, his voice low and dangerous. “Let’s see how much fight is left in the daughter of Einar. You’ll find there are far worse fates than death, love.”

Aiya’s jaw tightened. “You’ll regret this.”

James chuckled, standing tall as his men hoisted the women to their feet. “Perhaps, but not today.”

As the phantom ship began to pull away from the Bitter Dragon, Aiya glanced back at Jaril. His expression was a mix of regret and resignation. He raised a hand in a silent farewell before disappearing from view.

The real battle, Aiya knew, was only beginning.