Chasing Blue- The Final Saga (Book 4)

Chapter 39: Landfall

What we did was bold. Even unlawful. But what we were about to do next was utter madness. Stealing a whole ship was child's play compared with planning to overthrow an entire kingdom. This was suicidal. I may not remember everything about my father but I knew enough to realize he would not easily be swayed to relinquish his kingship...not without dire consequences. He would fight tooth and nail to protect a system he helped create. Although we all like to assume the best, none of us were certain that this plan would even work. But Maximus had confidence we could do this. I wanted to trust him just as much as the next fellow.

It was hard to forget our brutal encounter a few months back. It was difficult to forgive him for torturing me. I never fully did. I thought for certain he would have me sliced open on the table and let me die an agonizing death. But he spared me. He had every opportunity to destroy me, but he gave me a second chance to live. That was a debt I could never repay. It made me think of Hyros and how at times I assumed the worst about his character only to realize he looked after me like his brother Leo. Hyros was neither my enemy nor Maximus. Perhaps Maximus was never the real enemy all along.

"How are you doing?" Spurius asked. He bent down, lowering the sack of bread he slung over his shoulder.

"I am doing much better," I said propping myself upright. "A little hungry though." Without a word he handed me a slab of bread. I bit in, letting my teeth shatter the outer shell of the bread. Then another bite into the yeasty center.

"Eat up. Maximus says you need your strength. We cannot afford to have a weakling on the crew. Everyone must pull their weight in this crew," he said. As much as the comment would normally offend me, I looked up and said, "Thank you," and continued filling my face with bread. Not knowing what to say next he took a step back. He was not expecting those words. Not after the way I treated him earlier when I must have been delirious. But even when it was not in his nature to be kind he still looked after me and ensured the medicine was delivered. He at least deserved a 'thank you.' Just when he turned around ready to leave my side—

"Wait," I blurted. He turned around. His pupils widened.

"More bread? At this rate you will be in fighting shape," he said with a smirk.

"Who said I was fighting a war?" I asked teasingly.

"Nobody. I just mean that we have to expect resistance. You, Maximus, and Caius have a better idea of what we are up against. Do you think we can manipulate your father into giving up his power, grab the loot, and free the prisoners?" His tone was serious.

I should know the answer to this question. I knew that the island was far too small to have an official army, just sentinels to guard the ports and personal guards for my father, but there was no telling if that was still the case. In order for this plan to work it had to be quick and efficient, so my father and the ruling class would have no time to prepare a counterattack. The success of this plan depended less on manpower and more on timing.

"It may take a little more intimidation to achieve what we are planning to do."

"But what if intimidation does not work? The only option left is to take him out," he said simply. As much as I hated that choice what other options were available? I scratched my matted hair.

"You really thought this was going to end blood-free? I know the thought of killing your father sounds horrible..." his voice trailed.

"Would you not be apprehensive in killing your own father?" I questioned.

"No. He wishes I never existed!" I raised my brows. This was not at all what I expected. "Look. You are staring at the 'mistake' child. I was not supposed to be born. He denied my mother who he called the town 'whore' and pretended I was not his child. So I promised myself if I ever saw him again I would make him pay. So yes, blood means nothing to me," he said wiping his hands on his tunic before storming off. Woe. I had no idea I would strike such a sensitive cord.