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Chapter Forty-Seven
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Dark Water Chapter Forty-Eight
Lloyd didn't remember going back to Nathaniel's room. Nor did he remember falling asleep. But the sights that greeted him could only be dreams. Figures blurred about the edges like smudged paintings, voices that were clear but hollow.He was standing on a cluster of rocks overlooking a shale-covered beach. Weed clung to the jagged edges under his feet, and the waves lashed cruelly.But he didn't feel any danger. Not from the elements.There was a child on the beach. The only figure who was clear enough to make out. It was too far to make out the gender, and the unisex cut of the fair hair made it more challenging, taunted the sea, jumping back before the wash could tickle its feet.Laughter bounced and echoed, but Lloyd felt no joy at the scene.Amid the boulders were shadows. Human? Creature? It was hard to tell. But they watched the young child, inching closer like snakes stalking prey.The sun radiated down and illuminated the shapes as they emerged. One was human. The others only
Dark Water Chapter Forty-Nine
The very deep did rot: O Christ!That ever this should be!Yea, slimy things did crawl with legs,Upon the slimy sea.About, about, in reel and routThe death-fires danced at night;The water, like a witch's oils,Burnt green, and blue and white.And some in dreams assurèd wereOf the Spirit that plagued us so;Nine fathom deep, he had followed usFrom the land of mist and snow.The words swirled like a winter storm around Lloyd's mind as he took up a worn book that Nathaniel had left out.He had left soon after placing them on the deck. They had shared a lingering look, holding just a second too long and revealing more emotion than either wanted.He muttered something, a few garbled words that probably made as little sense to him as they did to Lloyd before he left more slowly than normal. The only thing that had been clear was he would be back shortly. Lloyd assumed he wanted to clear his head, and he could understand why.There was a strange warmth in the room, and it penetrated in
Dark Water Chapter Fifty
'We are our own devils; we drive ourselves out of our Edens...to roam without purpose in the chaos we were born within. Using nature, so pure and perfect, to fulfil our darkest lust and desires.'Nathaniel's hands clamped on the rail as he watched the tide swell and the waves curl and claw at the sand and shale.The air was fresh. The salty scent pulled away the stagnancy that stillness sometimes brought.That voice. That damning, cherubic voice...it took all the beauty from the scenery. Stripped it away as if it had been doused in acid.'We play the pipe, and the mortals dance...even God despairs.'"Be silent," Nathaniel hissed through gritted teeth, two of his nails snapping as they unconsciously clawed the wood. A splinter pierced his fingers, and crimson blood bubbled to the surface. When it fell, the mist swirled, clamouring for the bitter taste."A heart once made of pure stone, now sees that life is Hell alone...but still the eyes refuse to see, the pain and woe coming to thee
Dark Water Chapter Fifty One
When had night fallen?Lloyd hadn't a clue. Locked in a state of coma, occasionally able to open his eyes and see the blurred surroundings.If they were familiar, his brain couldn't place them.In fact, Blake had stowed him in the storage room. Going about his day with trepidation. Every time someone went below, his heart seized. Night could not come soon enough,As soon as the moon rose, Blake signalled for his closest allies. They dragged the limp figure across the deck, concealed by shadows and the blessing of whatever beast watched them.The cave wasn't far. The musty air was stagnant with the smell of rotted seaweed and brine, and the gloom was barely broken by a single, dying candle.But it was enough to make the engraved dagger, lying on a ragged rock, glimmer menacingly."I know the words..." Blake whispered. "He speaks to me. Good job, too. I ain't book smart, and I don't know these strange languages. But I hope you all have strong stomachs. This ritual is gruesome, but," he
Dark Water Chapter Fifty-Two
Lloyd pulled violently against the ropes that seemed to bite deeper into his wrists, like the jaws of sharks thirsty for blood. His desperate efforts only served to chafe his skin. And amuse Blake more, or whatever it was that inhabited him.A low mist oozed from the damp floor, surrounding their feet and hiding the ruby droplets that stained them.Smirking, Blake grabbed Lloyd's legs and pulled him forward, bending them roughly up to his chest and pressing his weight down.His intent was clear, and the men behind turned their heads, mouths dry and minds whirling. "Get off me!" Lloyd kicked his bound feet, hitting Blake squarely in the chin and making him drop his legs. With a low snarl, Blake reached out and struck him across the face, his nails ripping into his cheek and splitting his lip."Just be good and take everything I'm giving..." He breathed harshly, pressing the knife to the trembling throat. "Consider yourself a martyr to a better cause. You know Hemlock ain't goin' to
Dark Water Chapter Fifty-Three
Lloyd stared in awed silence. Watching the blood form a large pool around the fallen figure. Something black and oily seeped from the open flesh, sliding away into the shadows. Something that a sword couldn't defeat.His own cuts weren't that deep, but blood still flowed freely from the wounds that marked his skin in a grim mosaic. He barely felt them. He was totally captured by the scene that had played out, and to see Nathaniel almost slice the man's head off... He didn't know what to do. He could only blink when he heard Nathaniel speak to him. The words were unable to be registered."You... Killed a man...For me.." He was still wrapping his head around it. "Thank you...For coming after me. I thought...well, I guess it doesn't matter..."He swallowed, shifting onto his knees and reaching out. He felt like a child. Weak and feeble, needing a hand to find his feet.But his emotions were anything but childish. A deep need he never thought he possessed, having felt only primal urges
Dark Water Chapter Fifty-Four
The men spoke lowly about the repercussions of the actions. A handful wanted nothing more to do with it. Their hearts were not frozen enough to commit the atrocities that the beast demanded.They could still feel its presence, dark and foreboding, even in the light of day. The rest were torn. Only three were full of enough resentment to be adamant in their resolve.As the crew drifted away to begin their duties, those three remained. Richards, Abraham and Davis. Three unassuming men, each filthy in mind and body but hard-working for the most part. They had been with Nathaniel since their former ships had been ransacked, unwilling to fall victim to the bloody sword wielded before them.Cowardice had its benefits sometimes, but it served to heighten the bitterness when the blade fell."We'll need support. Silent support," Abraham rubbed his chin, the stubble stinging the rough fingers. "He ain't gonna resist. I know a few things you don't, and none of 'em are good. If he wants his se
Dark Water Chapter Fifty-Five
Lloyd held Nathaniel's eyes as he slid his hand under the linen shirt and pushed it from the broad shoulders.His skin was badly marked with scars from old fights, although a snaking tattoo cleverly disguised the longest on his side.Dropping the fabric to the floor, he ran his fingers through the man's hair before dropping his hand to knead his crotch through his pants gently; a shudder of delight pulsated through him at the feeling beneath.Nathaniel shifted to grab his wrist, amused by the plaintive complaint he received, Lloyd's lips curving into an annoyed pout."Problem, lad?""You're the cause of it." "I'm the cause of many things..." Nathaniel said quietly, "Although this is possibly the first time, I don't have to feel guilty about it..."Lloyd's sulk melted into a smile as he drew the man into a deep kiss, the heat rising like an inferno in his own body. If he had any doubts about his actions, they had melted away like snow in summer."I want you to forget your guilt; I wan
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Dark Water Chapter Sixty-Four
A dark aura, thick and foreboding, rolled with the mist over the deck, the two merging into a sinister shroud that enveloped the ship.Even the broad and beaming moon in the sky seemed to shrink back as it watched over the ship, pulling the tide away with it.Lloyd stepped out into the fresh air, briefly closing his eyes to savour the breeze's saltiness. After what he'd been through, this felt like Heaven.He was still weak, his legs aching and protesting as he tried to use them, and he slowly hobbled over to the rails.His mind was awash with what he had read, and he was trying to process the information that was slowly forming an intricate mosaic, a mosaic of fear, determination, and a growing understanding of the perilous situation he was in, with each piece falling into place. He looked at the churning mist, hovering like sea foam on the undulating waves."You won't feel so calm and confident soon," he whispered, a bitter edge to his voice. "All the harm you've done, all the inju
Dark Water Chapter Sixty-Three
The repairs on the ship were slow and methodical.Despite Nathaniel's impatience, he understood the necessity of the slow pace of repairs and the potential consequences of haste. His legendary leadership became evident in his acceptance of the situation. Hasty repairs made for shoddy workmanship and usually led to a worse situation later. It was a bitter pill to accept. The whole aura of the island was not just unwelcoming, but hostile, as if the very air wanted to throw them back out to sea.It didn't dampen his temper, either. The slowness tore at his nerves, and the effort to conceal his impatience was a constant struggle.In stark contrast, Lloyd seemed unperturbed by the chaos around him. The clatter and grumbles were a mere whisper compared to the bustling restaurant he was used to. His mind was fixed on the text, and he concentrated so hard that his head throbbed as he tried to decipher the archaic script and faded lettering.'Pain is good for the soul,' he thought as he too
Dark Water Chapter Sixty-Two
As soon as Higgins saw Nathaniel leave, he headed for Nathaniel's cabin. He came bearing gifts if one could call bread and dried meat gifts. He knocked once, then entered before Lloyd could respond. The sight of the drawn-looking form made him pause, his unease growing like a storm on the horizon.He quickly swallowed when Lloyd looked quizzically at him. He hurried to the desk, placed the chipped plate down, and scribbled a note.'Thought you might be hungry. It ain't much; I haven't cooked for ages.'"Thanks," Lloyd read the note. His stomach grumbled at the sight of the food, but he wasn't sure whether it was with need or revulsion. "And don't worry about it; food is food," he said, the lack of choice in his tone unmistakable.Higgins nodded, offering him the plate. He tried not to stare as he picked idly at the stale crust, his fingers hesitating over the harder parts, a process that seemed to stretch on uncomfortably.Even though their cupboards were never bare, that didn't prom
Dark Water Chapter Sixty-One
Alcohol.The scourge of the earth and the source of all its joy!Lloyd had a discerning taste or liked to think he did and was always particular about what he drank. Despite his modest income, he prioritised quality, saving for a decent brand. The thought of stale beer and plonk for wine was enough to make him shudder.In some ways, it was a blessing. He hadn't wanted to go down the route of drinking cheap booze to knock himself out. There were other ways to deal with day-to-day stress. Getting drunk now and then was good enough.The rum Nathaniel had was of a strength seldom found on the streets. In fact, one probably needed a special licence to brew it that strong. It was bitter and burned his throat as it practically evaporated on the way down. But at that moment, it tasted like the sweetest honey after the hideous journey of his dreams. "Shit...how do...you stay sober?" He asked between hurried but tiny swallows, each drop making his body shudder with delight and disgust and sha
Dark Water Chapter Sixty
Nathaniel returned to his desk. He was visibly shaken and glad Lloyd couldn't see it. Despite the younger male's belief that emotion didn't make him weak, it was hard to conquer.Emotion, whatever it was, had always been an enemy to fight.He seized three books, practically tearing the pages as he searched the lengthy paragraphs. It seemed like hours before he finally caught sight of something that could help.It was a long shot, and it was dangerous, but time was running out.'I ain't got a choice. And I ain't wasting any more time. If this works, I'll have time later to see if there's anything else to ease things.' He looked over at the bed, biting his lip.Lloyd clutched at the air, desperate for anything to help him sit up. Lying down, he felt as if a chain was wrapped tight around his chest, and someone, or something, had its hands around his throat. "Nathaniel, it's getting hard to swallow, and it hurts when I take too deep a breath." His voice sounded far away, an echo in his
Dark Water Chapter Fifty-Nine
Thus, he loved. Thus, he lostLife was cruel, and he paid the cost.Oh, illness and death was sharp and strongHe cursed the Gods of new and old.Above in Heaven, he doth hear. He felt, he sensed, the mortal fear Thy mortal soul, you'll suffer still But blessed you'll be when you slay evil.Lloyd tossed in his sleep as pain and infection coursed through his limp body. His dreams moved freely, each more unpleasant than the last.He sat, his body slack and covered in clammy sweat, in the damp, dark cave where Blake had trapped him. Like towering spectres, the shadows seemed to mock him as unseen creatures stirred within them.A grotesque figure, human in form but radiating a foul stench, stood at the mouth of the cave, blocking the light.'I hunger. Death is unkind. The master will not allow me to feed except on my own body. I ate my heart. It broke my teeth...but I crave soft flesh.'Blake's mouth dripped with desperation and grim desire as it reached Lloyd's ears. He could almos
Dark Water Chapter Fifty-Eight
Lloyd proceeded cautiously towards Nathaniel's room. His pride slowed his step, but the odd feeling that the others were talking about him slowed it even more.The way the amulet pulsated, like a frantic heartbeat, made him believe that his ordeal was not yet over. He took a breath when he reached the door, bolstering his nerves before throwing it open without even a by-your-leave, smiling brightly as Nathaniel span around, the look of shock a novelty in the usually irritated eyes. "What on earth do you..." The question remained unfinished as Lloyd stalked boldly over and slid into his lap, curling his arms around his neck. "I know we're going to leave land...But how long have we got? Or when do we reach land again?" He asked, "I have a surprise for you." He winked, his lips curling in a sly, seductive grin. "And I think it's one you'll appreciate." Nathaniel was silent for a moment, his eyes flitting from Lloyd to the chart on his desk. Lloyd could almost see his thoughts shatte
Dark Water Chapter Fifty-Seven
Lloyd gazed over the open water, closing his eyes as the salt stung them, blown in from the soft waves that caressed the lonely shore."Just tell me what you need, and I'll do it," he smiled at Nathaniel tiredly, rubbing the back of his neck. The etching of a deep scar still lay there, concealed by his hair. It wasn't the first time he'd nearly lost his life. But that was a story for another day; he just wanted the man to know he wasn't ignorant of violence. Nathaniel reached out, his finger ghosting the red mark and sending tingles through Lloyd's body."I can always take what comes at me," he whispered, turning to kiss the man's hand. "And I have the marks to prove it."Nathaniel gave a sad smile and withdrew his hand with a shake of his head."I have plenty of stories for all my scars. Each of 'em fairly gruesome..." He remembered all of them. They weren't events one could forget. "They ain't important." He turned away abruptly. "Come to my room whenever you're ready, and I'll sho
Dark Water Chapter Fifty-Six
The cabin seemed to glow with warmth as Nathaniel cradled Lloyd in his arms, trying to avoid putting too much pressure on the bandage, however close he wanted him.A red hue had already seeped through the thick material, unseen in the throes of desire, but something that now irritated him.He should have known better. He should have resisted him as he had resisted people for centuries, as well as morals."I'm going to need to redo your bandages..." He whispered, his voice flat and pragmatic. "I don't want you getting ill..."Lloyd glanced down. He hadn't been aware that his wounds had opened again, but now the sting was beginning to tease his nerves.It had been worth it, though, to feel wanted and desirable. Not just a one-night stand that would be forgotten like yesterday's trash."Well, let me get my bearings a bit before you do. I hate moving when I'm settled," he said, shifting slightly to ease the pressure on his torn skin. "It's not too bad. Just a little sensitive. My own faul
