Island Confederation

Chapter 20

Ghosts

I looked at the burning ship, the smell of singed hair and skin filled the air as Josheire's body was engulfed in flames. It's been a good time, Josheire. Sleep well. I looked up at the sun, dipping below the western side of the Great Band. The rest of the fleet began to slowly coalesce around my ship. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the cool breeze, trying to gleam as much enjoyment from this moment as I could. We won the day. I'm alive. It's the first battle I've been in without getting any severe stab wounds. Good job me. I heard footsteps walking towards me, rushed. A few booted, and a few clawed. I flicked open my eyes to see Itrust, Falemneil, and a few others. A pleasantly warm sensation washed over me as my leg twisted back into place.

"Thank you," I said. To my shock, the one healing me was neither human, nor elf, but a raptor; it's eyes a dull crimson. It nodded lazily and walked away towards a group of injured raptors on another boat. "Itrust," I said rubbing his leg, "I'm glad you're ok."

"I'm glad you're ok too," he replied, holding out his hand. I took his hand in mine and pulled myself to my feet.

"Falemneil," I said turning towards her, "I've been wondering about you. Is everything alright with you? I haven't seen you in a good bit." She looked at me impassively, blankly. Vozka stood behind her, eyes filled with fury.

"I've just been thinking is all," she said as she cut off one of her dreads.

"Don't you dare, Falemneil," I warned. "You won't live to regret this."

"Ndanhelbare!" she shouted as she threw her dread in my face. All the Islanders, and several of the Venkí in earshot collectively snapped their heads in our direction. Vozka handed her a war hammer and took a few steps back.

"Barrékél, do not!" Tarhívé shouted as she ran over to Falemneil. 'Who do you think you are, calling him that?!"

"Move," Falemneil said. I unsheathed my sword, but decided to watch what would happen first.

"Falemneil," Itrust said nervously, "I thought you just wanted to talk."

"By what cruel fate do I need to hear this beast butcher my mother and my aunt's language?" Itrust's head dropped in anguish, briefly, but he looked at her. "I will cut your tongue out," she said before he could speak. Tarhívé grabbed Falemneil by the waist and threw her onto the side of the boat, knocking the war hammer out of her hands.

"Enough," I said when Tarhívé picked her up again. "While I'm happy you two decided to get involved," I said in Rasti'jara as I cut off one of my dreads, "I, Barrékél Telíma-Gátoháq Skárhen-Rhoskeil Bázhtishin-Kségpet, accept Princess Falemneil Walenta's declaration." Nervous eyes flickered about while more judgemental eyes glared.

"Damn you and your mother's line," Tarhívé sighed. "Don't die on me."

I smiled, "may the Queen of War and the Grand General protect me then."

Tarhívé rolled her eyes, "they both died you know."

"I know," I said as I stripped off my armor and threw it aside. Falemneil did the same. "Tarhívé, you need to move." I said as I walked over and picked up another sword. I spun the swords in my left and right hands.

"No, I'm not moving," she said as she was walking towards the deck. "The fuck?!" We glanced over at Falemneil, her eyes bloodred.

"Time to get her out of the way," she said as Tarhívé, presumably, threw herself overboard.

"She can swim," I said coolly as I looked at the circle that formed around us, "but someone, get her back onboard."

She gripped her warhammer tightly in her hands, muscles taunt under her skin. "Ndanhelbare, huh?" I asked. "Last time I checked I'm not dead."