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Chapter Twelve
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2024-10-29 19:42:56And straight the Sun was flecked with bars,
(Heaven's Mother send us grace!)As if through a dungeon-grate he peeredWith broad and burning face.Nathaniel brought the chart to the helmsman, silently holding it out as the sun faded the ink even more. Even after all these years, the knowledge ingrained in the mans' mind, he still repeated this routine, adapting the map himself as time dictated.
"Aye, captain." The voice was cracked, the vocal cords dried from the lack of fluid. The alcohol did little to quench it but water tasted like filth to him and the tang of the grape or distilled molasses was all his palate craved.
"Any change, inform me," Nathaniel mumbled as he trudged away, his footfalls causing the crew to work harder as his eye looked over them.
Any flaw was swiftly picked up, and although he neglected to use the cat-o-nine-tails now, slicing the back to the point where skin hung in flayed
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Dark Water Chapter Thirteen
Lloyd was less than happy to be sent below. It was dark and his imagination was already alive with thoughts of devils and demons. Quite frankly, he would rather have been up on the deck, regardless of what sights he might see.It was hard to keep his footing as he cautiously felt for each step. Every heave of the ship pushed him off balance. All around him the shadows twisted and rolled, giving him a nauseous feeling of vertigo.All around him, he imagined eyes watching him, narrow and animalistic, their maws open or grinning, waiting for one slip that would hurtle him into their claws.The ship gave a violet jerk and Lloyd tripped down the remaining stairs, crashing through the door into the storage room. His foot twisted, embedding itself through one of the weaker boards. A torrent of colourful language followed as he sought to free it, dulled by the roar of the sea and shouts from outside.Splinters dug into his ankle as he wrenched his foot free
Dark Water Chapter Fourteen
Lloyd debated speaking to Thomas about the strange voice that still sang airily in his mind. Like the sweet song of a rising bird on a summer morning.Yet, when venturing up onto the deck, he saw the boy looking harried. All the crew was looking rattled, cleaning up the debris that had washed up from below and strange substances that the mist, or those within its folds, had thrown.He offered a small smile and took up a mop without being asked, pushing the brine back over the side. The smell burned his nose, salt clinging to him as though he bathed in the sea for hours."Hope you didn't get seasick," Thomas's voice finally broke the awkward quiet. "And if you did, I hope you cleaned it up. Captain Hemlock isn't the only one who hates bad smells."Lloyd laughed grudgingly. Seasickness would have been preferable to what he had experienced but it was better to leave that for later. He shook his head, pausing the wipe the sheen from his brow
Dark Water Chapter Fifteen
The lag of time was made worse by the unchanging sight of the sea. Even the waves seemed identical, smooth and stable after the agitation of earlier. Sometimes, if he peered very closely, Lloyd could spot a fish, drawn by the shadow of the ship, rising closer to the surface before sinking back to safety.The mist had settled, but strange shapes still rose and fell and soft sounds, dulled wails and groans, could be heard emanating from within it."Souls of the damned," one of the crew muttered as he passed. "Those ripped from the decks. Aye, lad," he smiled cruelly, revealing split and yellow teeth. "Watch ya' back! That's a warnin' to ya! They’d like an offering, be a nice treat! Might even save us some grief.”"I'm running out of room in my head to store warnings," Lloyd retorted bitterly. "That's all I've heard since I've got here. Maybe I ought to turn to stone, then I won't do anything."The man guffawed, his eyes bulging from the too big
Dark Water Chapter Sixteen
March; 1745 Could anything compare to the majesty of the seas? So many stories travelled the crests of blue, heroes were made and the unfortunate languished. Some sent to the grave of the sea earlier than they should, a single mistake ending their life in a trice. Mistakes were not to be tolerated. Nathaniel had made that clear each time one of his crew erred. Blood had stained the boards he walked on, ally and enemy, and still his conscious never bothered him, despite the words of the former naval commodore he had slaughtered some months prior. 'It will haunt you, worthless cur,' the man had spat, his voice garbled with his own blood. 'Your sins will be your ending.' 'I'm sure,'Nath
Dark Water Chapter Seventeen
Present DayLloyd listened as Nathaniel spoke. Able to picture the scenery he describes. Thoughts of the adventure novels and comics he used to read as a teenager sprang to mind. Plump, lush jungles, curious natives that were either friend or foe. And intrepid, mainly pompous, explorers, looking for their next chapter in life."The crew scouted out a wide area," Nathaniel leaned back against the rails, ignoring the uneven surface that dug into his back.The open air was more pleasant than the stuffy cabin, and now the sun was setting it was safer, the beasts that lurked beneath the ship often ventured off, diving deep below the surface in search of prey.Sometimes, if one looked over, bloody scales and blubber floated idly on the surface."What happened?" He pressed, feeling like a rapt schoolboy. "You obviously found stuff.""Aye," Nathaniel sighed, looking up to the clouds that billowed over the darkening sky.
Dark Water Chapter Eighteen
The crew had made themselves at home on the sandy shore, using spare sails to create a decent shelter and were busy fishing and building a fire.They had already caught three green turtles that the cook was busy slicing, putting the shell aside to sell later. Even polished up and clean, it surprised him what some people would part with their money for.The presence of the drums was still eerie, but had become less of an issue. Clearly, the natives were not interested in their visitors or they would have besieged them already. The pattern rarely differed. If they were not welcome, they knew about it."Reckon we might get lucky with some of the women here?" A scrawny man asked as he unhooked a writhing fish, casting it back after deeming it too small. "We've got a few things from the last plunder that we can offer, normally means a fair time!""Aye, they're normally open to a trade," the helmsman chuckled, his mind drifting to more interes
Dark Water Chapter Nineteen
1745Nathaniel passed on joining his crew, who were merrily falling into drunkenness. The cook was a marvel at brewing his own alcohol and the strong liquor would flow freely. It ever failed to bemuse him, that men so hardened to drink became intoxicated so quickly.Like himself, many had been drinking since they were children, lulled to sleep by parents dousing milk with brandy. Consequently, Nathaniel's tolerance to the heady brew had started early, and he could indulge in well beyond the realms of healthy without even getting a sway in his step."Make sure we don't lose any in the sea, lad," he muttered to Thomas as he swept past towards the dark of the rocks. "If we do, don't bother fishin' them out. I ain't go time for idiots on board."Thomas mustered a smile. "Aye, Sir," he answered to the departing back. "If they'll listen."Putting a task like that on him was hardly wise. The crew were older and unlikely to listen to
Dark Water Chapter Twenty
Modern Day"So that's how you made that deal?" Lloyd toyed with his sleeve, trying not to appear judgemental. "Sounds to me as if it jumped on something you said without meaning it.""Aye," Nathaniel nodded, his eyes devoid of any emotion. "But that's what they do. And before you ask, that doesn't mean the bargain isn't lawful. All your legal tommyrot doesn't stand up to infernal contracts. There ain't any clauses or loopholes.""You found one."Nathaniel stiffened at the frank statement, hanging his head. "I don't think you'd call it a loophole, lad. More a clause to benefit that beast."Blood. Death. And too much of it. The actions simply damned his soul more. Yet, if he didn't do it, his entire crew would be damned as well. Including Thomas. The demon had reneged on that loose promise when he found that route."How did it happen?" Lloyd pressed, swallowing the lump in his throat as he added. "I mean, if you wanna tell me. You don't have to, obviously."Nathaniel bit his tongue, gaz
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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
