Pirates of Cevaria

Chapter Sixteen: Hoist The Anchor - Make Way!

We separated ourselves from everyone and found a rocky path leading to another beach, where we stopped.

I had a feeling as I looked over to Kivyein that he already knew.

Blast it.

What was Tairan thinking?

There's no way that creature would have granted us safe passage had he not offered something of great value in exchange.

And that value being his life.

"Tairan," Kivyein began before I could form the words myself. "What did you two agree upon with that exchange?"

Tairan's eyes passed between the both of us, grimly.

"What is it?" I asked. Already knowing.

"You know what it is."

"Why?" I demanded for an explanation that I knew wouldn't satisfy me either way.

"Because Zyrena, the Pirate Queen nearly destroyed our ship and things could've ended up much worse. We're lucky we're alive now but there's no guarantee we'll make it when we're out there again." He fell into deep thought.

"I can't let you not live your dream." He added.

Kivyein's eyes grew in sudden realization. As did mine.

"You're feeling guilty? As if facing the Queen was your fault? As if us not being in the northern sea right now is your fault?"

For once, I was truly taken aback.

How dare he think so foolishly?

Blast this idiot.

Aye, it was all me. Every single bit of it. Not his.

The danger, the recklessness, everything.

Was me.

Before I could rip him to shreds with my mindless lecture, Kivyein stepped in.

"Tairan. You said it yourself, that you've heard great stories about your sister. And I'm sure lately she's slipped up a few times -" He winked at me, teasingly.

I shot him a look with my eyes half open.

"But," Kivyein continued. "She lives how she chooses. Despite where it all started. You don't owe her your life in return."
"Aye that's right. Kivyein is right. Tairan. You need to take back that deal. And if she so much as comes near you, I'll kill her myself."

The look on Tairan's face was oddly satisfying.

It was something in between pure astonishment and pride.

Either way, I was glad to see it.

"Captain, you know better than anyone else, that you cannot break a deal sealed by magic without serious repercussions." Came a voice in the dark.

We three turned around to see her forming through the shadow of the night.

"I'll take my chances."

This time, she said nothing in response.

I drew out my cutlass.

Tairan took a step forward.

"Zyrena!"

I stared at the creature straight in the eye.

She looked fearful when seeing my reaction.

Good. The little shit.

"What's this deal between you two?"

At this point, I needed to hear him say it.