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Chapter Thirty-Nine
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Dark Water Chapter Forty
The ship rocked slowly with the receding tides, the moon casting a silver glow over the damp decks and over the sapphire sea.The sails were down and rustling tranquilly like the sound of leaves on a breezy fall day. It had been like that for almost a week. And the passing natives were both curious and cautious. Not a soul had been seen, day or night. They had become used to seeing the mill of activity on the deck, or the men scavenging in the undergrowth.Once or twice, they noticed a shadow but that only heightened their concern. As did a low mist that embraced the hull and would not dissipate.It was the picture of eerie peace; normally, the crew would have been lulled to sleep below the deck by the undulating waves. They were downstairs. The noise indicated that, but it was the sound of bitter talk and empty threats rather than snoring and tossing blankets.In normal times, one would be worried about leaving a bottle unattended in case of poison being added. But Nathaniel, as th
Dark Water Chapter Forty-One
Nathaniel was silent for some time. It wasn't as if he hadn't anything else to say. It was because he had too much. The floodgates in his mind had broken and all manner of memories had cascaded forward. Lloyd was stronger than he looked but even so, Nathaniel was still reticent to speak. And not just because of Lloyd, but because of his own feelings of weakness and failure. Admitting them aloud...that wasn't done. A man did not admit to failing, or to those irksome emotions that plagued so many others."The beast was as good as his word," he said eventually, swirling the copper-coloured rum in the base of the bottle. The small vortexes were nothing spectacular but anything was better than meeting the depths of Lloyd's eyes. "We found the hidden caches that had been hidden long before our ancestors were born. The crew were elated. Who wouldn't be? Gold and cold metal...they could buy the warmth of a courtesan and not just a disease-ridden whore. It stilled their bitterness for a whil
Dark Water Chapter Forty-Two
Lloyd kept his ideas to himself when he left Nathaniel's room and joined the others on the deck. Even Thomas would remain ignorant of his plans.He took a deep breath of the fresh air and looked up at the heavy sails rattled irritably as they caught the wind blowing in from the east."Looks like it's good sailing weather," Lloyd said to the first man who passed him. "Not that I'm an expert. I assume when the sails move then you're OK."The man paused and his eyes darted about him, looking for anyone who would take umbrage with him speaking to their interloper. Seeing no one, he relaxed slightly, even daring a thin smile that tightened his jaw unpleasantly."You ain't far wrong there, boy. The wind blows and the boat moves. That's the basic way of puttin' in. It don't mean that's all there is to it though. But I ain't got time to jabber."He darted around Lloyd almost spryly and was out of earshot, or selectively deaf, by the time Lloyd opened his mouth to add something.He shrugged an
Dark Water Chapter Forty-Three
Damaging the boat was easier said than done. The helmsman had a decent view of the hazards around them and most of the rocks were protruding from the surf and too prominent to hit. It wasn't a matter of simply driving into one like the living did on their roads to file fake insurance claims. They weren't under the thumb of someone who would happily take the skin from their flesh. Nathaniel wasn't foolish and would assume he was up to something if he was that careless. No. This had to be furtive, and that was not going to be easy. 'The land has changed,' he thought to himself, wiping away a fleck of blood from his lip. Alas, the curse had condemned him to eternal tuberculosis. It wouldn't worsen, but it never got any better either. 'I can use that as an easy excuse. He has not shown me updated charts of the area. I can say I missed the signs of underlying dangers as I was concentrating on those I could see. Rocks that I was not expecting.' Whether Nathaniel would believe that
Dark Water Chapter Forty-Four
The helmsman was standing stiffly near the wheel when Lloyd emerged. His back was badly lacerated and his shirt was soaked with blood.The strong scent of alcohol permeated the air and made the pain even more unbearable. But that was the point. And if they didn't die, it fought off the infection.Not that it mattered anymore.Much of the blood made been cleared but Lloyd could still sense it and see speckles lacing the boards as he made his way over to where Nathaniel stood gazing out at the island.His eyes were glazed and Lloyd knew he wasn't seeing the present but viewing the stagnant images of the past."Used to hang the heads of the dead from the bow," he said when Lloyd neared him. "Sent to warning to both friend and enemy.""They did that with Blackbeard," Lloyd answered quietly. "They said his body swam around the ship three times before sinking." He paused and frowned. "You think that's true?""Didn't see it, lad. But I ain't saying it isn't possible." He gave him a sideways
Dark Water Chapter Forty-Five
The sand under his feet. The shade of the trees and the scent of the plants. Such simple things and yet to Lloyd they felt like manna from heaven after being stuck on the confines of the ship. He paused on the cusp of the forest, turning to look over the sea and breath in the salty air, filling his lungs with fresh air that was free from the smell of body odour.Nathaniel used perfume. At least, he certainly had a fragrance of musk about him, his personal hygiene far superior to that of his crew. Lloyd supposed he'd given up on keeping his crew in half-decent order. What was the point? Even if some of them smelled as if they were rotting from the inside out, there was little he could now.He didn't notice Blake standing in the shadows of the rocks and glaring at him, a strange smile tilting his lips. Nathaniel had. And he frowned. Blake was dangerous. He knew that. Out of all his crew, Blake had been the one who gave him the most trouble. He had never dared mutiny, he knew how far h
Dark Water Chapter Forty-Six
Lloyd felt himself drawn deeper into the heart of the island. Pulled by an unseen force. The amulet on his neck glowed, providing a comforting warmth and light and, Lloyd believed, it was his guide.'Just go with it.' He thought, nervously looking to the bushed as something stirred unseen, 'It'll keep me safe. I know that...I hope...'There were others here. Nestled in tumbledown dwellings in their overgrown villages. Lost to nature and modern times. And they were who he assumed he was being pulled to.Even though he knew better, it was hard to chase away images of violent, feral humans, craving the flesh of their defeated enemies and driving back anyone who dared tread their land.'Stop it,' Lloyd stepped carefully over the knotted mess of roots and weeds. 'Freaking yourself out isn't helpful. As far as science knows, cannibalism faded out. And most tribes sound far more civilised than we are in the so-called developed world.'The trees leaned in like a grim canopy as his eyes were
Dark Water Chapter Forty-Seven
Blake had noticed Lloyd wandering off but, whilst curious, was not in the position to have anyone follow him. There was something about the amulet that set his nerves on edge and that was only heightened by the determined look in the boy's eyes. "Ask Thomas, he's friendly with the boy,' one of the others suggested when he mentioned it."Ain't any point," Blake snapped as he pushed away a tangled branch that reached down from the darkness. "He won't say anything. And there's the chance he'll go and blab to Hemlock."His hand drifted to a sliver blade at his side. The metal was tarnished from age but it remained lethally sharp. Perfect for a blood offering. 'Do not spare suffering on the human,' a voice whispered to him alone. He paused briefly in midstep. 'The token dies swiftly. The victim must linger. So long have I waited for one who seeks agony. Such boons I can give if my needs are met.'The voice concerned him but the smooth guttural tone had an oddly soothing effect and stirre
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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
