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Chapter Twenty Eight
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Dark Water Chapter Twenty-Nine
Lloyd lay where he was for a while. His eyes closed and his focus was solely on the soft sway of the ship. If he tried hard enough he could imagine himself swinging on the hammock in the garden on one of those lazy summer days that were few and far between.Normally he would be rudely disturbed by the cat next door. Jumping on him with a sly look in its eyes and a smug expression.Now he was disturbed by the general hubbub from above. The sound of dragging ropes and muffled shouts."I guess I ought to go up," Lloyd mumbled. "They don't like me as it is. If I start looking idling then they'll like me even less. And I don't think they'll be like the kids at school and just make digs at me."He wasn't expecting to be struck dumb by the sight that greeted him as he came to the deck. It was like he had stepped back in time. To the golden age of the sail and the time when the world was in its infancy discovering new countries.The island looked broody, like the illustrations in his books or
Dark Water Chapter Thirty
Lloyd spent the remainder of the daylight hours observing the work done on deck. Ropes and brooms were all well and good but he wasn't about to spend his time just doing the mundane tasks.Although, as he watched someone mount the mast, he made a vow never to do that. Heights didn't bother him, but it would never happen without a foothold or anything to fasten him.One slip and he could break every bone in his body. And he did not doubt that it had occurred more than once before his arrival.The air grew cooler as night drew in and the crew grew slower. Their desperation to leave the ship was evident. Blake was first to leave. The gangplank had barely touched the sands and he was gone, calling back that he would keep an eye out for anything.Nathaniel rolled his eyes. He had already organised two parties to scout things. And Blake hasn't in either. He'd been having doubts about the man for years, even before this. He had become colder and the vehement dereliction of duty had become w
Dark Water Chapter Thirty-One
My darkness is the chain that binds youMy seduction is the mist that hides you.Mortality and death combineAnd we will come to thee and thine.Nathaniel was silent as they made their way across the barren ground, interspersed by flurries of lush green and copses of trees that had once been mighty forests. There was still quite a lot of green; to most people, the woods would be large. But by the standards of old, they were small and a lot of the ancient trees were long gone to firewood.Even though it was vastly different, the memories still lingered and clawed at him as he moved.Lloyd watched his step carefully. Ivy weaved over and among the exposed roots, like snakes squeezing the life from them and making a hazard for anyone who walked there. The shadows seemed to loom in, fearing the rays of the sun but making him feel as if they were trying to box him in. As if they were alive and envious of his ability to love the daylight."It's so warm here, yet I'm cold," Lloyd said aloud,
Dark Water Chapter Thirty-Two
The scenery was tranquil, but an unease tickled the back of Nathaniel's neck as he wandered deeper into what was left of the forest.The reminders of the past were everywhere. The nicks in the trees that had marked their way, the symbols he himself had carved as personal markers. Even the rock that marked the grave of one they had lost was still there, even if the body would be long decayed. He shifted awkwardly, looking down at the muddy tracks and glancing furtively up to see if he could catch a glimpse of the herbs needed. In the darkness, it was even harder, even with the light of the moon. Tiredness weighed him down. That was something novel. Tiredness had not been a part of his existence for so many years now.It grew as he ventured further until he admitted defeat, sitting down under the shade of an aged tree, the bark chipped and diseased. "I can't do this much longer," he whispered, allowing weakness to flood forward. "It ain't worth fighting and gettin' nowhere. But what
Dark Water Chapter Thirty-Three
The bubbling water turned from cloudy to a sickly green. It brought to Lloyd's mind the phlegm his late grandmother had coughed up when her lungs were slowly filling with fluid and infection. The only difference was it lacked streaks of red.The woman stirred it carefully, not phased by the colour, or by the harsh smell that stung Lloyd's nostrils as he breathed. He glanced at Nathaniel who was looking away, a slight frown of discomfort blighting his features. Whether that was the smell or the entire situation, Lloyd didn't know."You must allow this to ferment. Do not open it until the colours separate, even then, do not open it until you need." The woman said solemnly. "Something will be attracted to this and will be sealed inside. You will know when you must free it.""Something?" Lloyd peered closer, seeing only foul-looking water."A spirit. One of air and fire. It dwells in the dampness of the trees. Right now, they are weak. The damage to the earth has been great but now humans
Dark Water Chapter Thirty-Four
"Tell me more about these voices." The woman wound a strand of her wiry hair about her finger. The moonlight fell in streaks on her face and made the contours of the sunken features seem all akimbo. "Ain't much to say. The ones I hear lately are like hissing snakes," Nathaniel said frankly. "They taunt, they remind and they just make a nuisance of themselves. I know all too well they ain't friendly, just extensions of the brute that lives beneath." "Mine was different," Lloyd's voice was low. He swallowed, bolstering himself. The voice had seemed innocent until now ad the thought of that cherubic voice chilled him. "Childish. It almost sings. It also said I'd know who it was eventually. I kinda thought it might be a lost crew member." It was a logical thought. Or maybe a simple, lost soul who had taken pity on the cursed men. Yet that might be too much like a fairy tale. "The youngest before Thomas wouldn't have lingered," Nathaniel said grimly. "Lad suffered all the pains of He
Dark Water Chapter Thirty-Five
"Get the sail down unless you want your guts tying the masts!"The sun was peeking from the ocean when Lloyd and Nathaniel returned. The first bloody lines trailed across the water like ivy, bleeding into the water and penetrating as deep as they could into the depths.The mist rose silently as soon as Lloyd's feet hit the deck and the gangplank was pulled in. He let out a sigh of relief, his eyes making out twisted fingers, the claws itching for the feel of flesh.He swore he heard a hiss of irritation as it sank down to embrace the hull, glowing eerily."I guess we got back just in time," Lloyd said to Nathaniel's retreating form after giving his orders. "I get the feeling it was looking forward to blood.""Aye," Nathaniel muttered something inaudible and headed down to his cabin. Lloyd paused before deciding to follow. He felt the crew staring at him, the eyes cold and cruel like those of a shark as it glided through the sea.God help him, he'd have preferred the quicker fate of t
Dark Water Chapter Thirty-Six
As soon as the sails were hoisted and the helmsman had begun to guide the ship from its current resting place to another around the island, Blake beckoned several of the others over to him."Down below," he hissed, keeping one eye out for Thomas. "I've got something to discuss with you lot. But only those of you who have always been willing to risk your hides. And I want those who are willing to lose it all if we don't succeed, and also be able to stab or deal captain in the back once and for all.""I wouldn't baulk at that," the nearest replied. A weasel of a man with more hair in his eyebrows than on his head. "If I'm fated for Hell then let's make it worth it. If I ain't, then send him there. Maybe that could also wash a few past sins away.""With blood?" "If that's what it takes. And you know it does. I don't bloody care anymore. He took our lives even before all this. Treating us worse than dogs and we've all got scars to prove that."No one replied as they made their way into t
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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
