Chapter 18: The Old Sloop - How the Stars Fall

Ryker traced the collection of footsteps all the way to the shoreline of the Veridian sea. Crouching down, he picked up a handful of sand and let the tiny grains trickle through his fingers.

Pirates.

He knew exactly who it would be. Sable. How dare she think she could take from him?

As he stood, Ryker began to plan a course of action. First, he’d head towards the closest village. He needed a boat, and he needed one fast.

Once he reached the town, Ryker handed Charlie over to a stable for safekeeping. The stable master, a grizzled man with a weathered face, looked up from his work and gave Ryker a nod of acknowledgment.

“Good horse you got there,” the man said, running a hand along Charlie’s flank.

“I need to house him for a short while. Do you have room?”

The stable master nodded. “I’ll take good care of him.”

Ryker offered him a decent amount of coin, pressing the gold pieces into his calloused palm. “See that you do,” he replied. “I’ll be back for him on the morrow.”

The stable master pocketed the coins with a satisfied grunt and led Charlie into one of the stalls, murmuring soothing words to the horse. Ryker watched for a moment, making sure his loyal companion was in good hands before turning on his heel and heading towards the docks.

He was careful to keep an eye out for unwanted trouble as he made his way through town. Guards, pickpockets, fellow bounty hunters—the Twins. Thankfully, he found none.

As he approached the shoreline, the sound of waves crashing against the pier grew louder, accompanied by the calls of seagulls circling overhead. Ships of various sizes bobbed in the water, their sails billowing in the breeze. Sailors shouted to one another, hauling crates and barrels onto the decks, while others repaired nets or mended sails.

He spotted a man by some boats and approached. “How much for that sloop?” Ryker pointed to the small vessel with a single sail. It wasn’t in the best shape. The wood was weathered, and Ryker could see the sail had been patched more than once. It would, however, have to do.

“Do ye’ plan on returning it?” the man asked, squinting up at Ryker.

“I do. I just need to make a trip to Corsair and then I’ll be back.”

The sailor turned his head to look out towards the setting sun before his heedful gaze returned to Ryker. “You’re mad to sail at this time of night?”

Ryker shrugged. “How so?”

The sailor looked at him in disbelief. “I don’t know, maybe there’s leviathan’s out there that would devour you like a snack?”

It’s true. He’d be a tasty treat for a gigantic sea creature. But he hadn’t heard of a leviathan in these waters for years. He wasn’t going to let the possibility of a creature eating him stop him from reaching Nova.

“It’s a chance I have to take,” he murmured.

“Well, in that case, because I might lose me boat. It’ll be forty silver coins.” The man stood with folded arms.

“Fifteen.” Ryker flipped his coat, displaying his sword as a threat. “And I’ll spare you the steel.”

The man eyed him warily. “Thirty. Fifteen gold for me, fifteen gold deposit that you’ll get back when the boat makes it back to shore.”

Ryker had no time to argue, so he nodded and fished coins from a small pouch in his trouser pocket, paying the man before reaching for the rope tied to the dock.

“I’ll have it back to you by the morning.”

The sailor tipped his hat back and scratched the top of his head. “I’ll believe it when I see it.”

Ryker grinned and proceeded to push the boat out into the water.

This was the last thing he felt like doing today. He’d hoped to awaken to a sleepy and satisfied Nova. Possibly explored her body more—should she have wanted that.

Yet here he was, chasing after Sable to fetch her back.

How could he have let this happen? How did he not hear a hoard of pirates trumping through the bush? Was he so indulged with his bathing in the stream that he didn’t sense trouble? Did Nova have such an effect on him that all his usual sharpness had left his body?

This was exactly why he shouldn’t have got involved with her, yet every part of him ached for her. Needed her. There was no point in denying it anymore. From the moment he first saw her, his heart had flipped in his chest, and now that she was gone, the truth was undeniable. He wanted more time—time to know her completely. Mind, body, and soul.

Ryker grit his teeth. He was determined to fetch her back. He’d made her a promise to return her to where she belongs—he wouldn’t break it, not today, not ever. Nova would get back to Ara . . . if that’s still what she wanted.

His arms burned with the drag of oars against the swirling waters. The setting sun was certainly a slight issue. Once it was set, he’d only have the glow of the moon to guide his way. Then there was the leviathan. Perhaps it was all a myth to keep humans from the waters, Ryker couldn’t be sure. Either way, he’d stay on high alert.

There was no real way of knowing how far ahead Sable and her crew of misfits were. Their ship was undeniably bigger than the vessel he’d just acquired, but by his better judgement, it was going to take him all night to reach the island.

Corsair’s Haven—home of Captain Sable Bloodfin.

It had to be her that took Nova. She made it a point to meddle in his affairs, usually freeing the prisoners he’d captured. He’d caught her attention one too many times—turns out pirates don’t appreciate their crew or contacts being turned in. Now, she made his life more difficult for sport, no matter who he happened to capture.

He rolled his eyes and carried on. This time, he was really going to give her a piece of his mind. If she had so much as touched a single hair on Nova’s head, there would be hell to pay.

* * *

Ryker reached the island by nightfall. He carefully navigated the small boat through the calm waters, keeping to the darker, unlit areas to avoid detection. The moon cast a silvery glow over the waves, creating an almost ethereal pathway that guided him to the shore. He was pleased she was so bright tonight.

He silently anchored the boat in a secluded cove, its hull barely making a sound as it kissed the sandy beach.

Ryker stuck to the shadows as he moved with the practised ease of a seasoned hunter. His footsteps were silent against the rough terrain. He moved carefully by the houses and taverns, his dark clothing blending seamlessly with the night. Occasionally, a drunk pirate would stumble onto his path, but Ryker would swiftly and silently slip past to avoid detection.

Most likely, he’d find Sable in her palace of worn leather and canvas held together by large rope stitching. The captain was the self-appointed leader of her lair, with many under her charge, be they human, fae, goblin, or any manner of creatures.

Ryker noted a few half-orcs staggering home from the tavern to his left. The sounds of laughter and music drifted across the street. A male elf with long, golden-wheat hair and a female with copper waves strolled along hand in hand. The female’s bright green eyes lit up with joy as the male pulled her closer to his side, both looking adoringly in love.

If only it was he and Nova.

Ryker inched closer as he approached the back of the tent, but halted when he spied a pirate guard. Of course, there would be more guards. Unfortunately, he seemed to find them wherever he went.

Ryker pondered for a moment before he pursed his lips and whistled. The call of a nightingale. A sound that blended naturally into the night, but it caught the guard’s attention.

The man’s head snapped towards the source of the noise, curiosity and caution evident in his posture. He began to move towards Ryker, his steps slow and measured.

Ryker took the opportunity and pulled a dart gun from his pocket, loaded it with a dreamroot dart, and aimed for the small patch of skin exposed on the guard’s neck. He was down to his last few, so he knew it better hit its target.

His aim was true. Within seconds, the guard crumpled unconscious to the ground with muffled sounds.

Ryker waited to make sure no one heard before he slunk from his hidden position and dragged the guard into the concealing shadows, his movements swift and efficient despite his tired arms and the pain that still throbbed from the wound on his leg. Luckily, the night swallowed the fallen pirate as if he were never there.

As the moon climbed higher into the sky, Ryker moved, making his way to the back of the enormous tent. The sounds of laughter and music grew louder as he approached. The heart of the pirate revelry was just beyond the canvas walls.

With a last glance around, Ryker slipped into the tent.

He was pleased to find that he’d emerged right behind the throne.

It was so loud and chaotic that no one noticed as he reached for the dagger in his boot—Ryker crept forward.

“There will be many more nights like this to come!” Sable cried as she lifted her glass to salute her crew.

“That’s if you live to see tomorrow . . .”

Sable sucked in her breath as Ryker’s swift motion brought his hand around the side of the chair and trapped Sable against it—blade to skin.

Nova squealed; her eyes wide as she first saw the blade on the Captain’s throat.

The tent fell silent as he emerged from the shadows behind the throne.

Sable swallow against the blade. “Hound. Always good to see you.”

“You’ve taken something that was mine . . . now I want it back,” Ryker growled.

In a flurry of movement, a large half-orc, his skin the colour of algae, roughly pulled a shaking Nova from her chair and held her against his bulking chest—a blade to her throat.

Fuck.

This was not how Ryker planned the rescue would go.

Get in, tell Sable to stop meddling in his affairs, take Nova, head back to the mainland—not put Nova in the middle of it all.

“I see we’re at an impasse . . .” Sable murmured.

Ryker’s eyes narrowed as he stared Sable down. “Let her go.”

Sable hissed as Ryker dug the blade deeper against her skin. “Maybe we could strike a deal?”

“Why would I want to do that?”

“Because I have something you want, and you have skills that I need?”

Ryker pulled the blade even closer and dipped his head to whisper in Sable’s ear. “Why don’t I end you right here?”

Sable swallowed. “Because if I die . . . she dies.”

With a glance towards Nova, Ryker could see the plea in her eyes as the half-orc gripped her body tighter. If he drew crimson from Nova, Sable would quickly find herself with little to no crew—or without a head.

The air was thick with anticipation as the crew watched on, weapons already in hand.

“Tell me the deal,” Ryker grunted.

With a nod, Sable spoke. “My brother, Captain Ratchet has something of mine and I want it back.”

Ryker lifted a brow at her words. “Funny . . . seems as if we have the same problem?”

“I know, I know. Trust me, I stole her with this in mind, but let me go and we can talk about it.” Ryker could hear the woman’s grin in her tone. “Or I could always have her delivered back to Branoc. She mentioned there was a ‘large sum of money’ involved?”

Ryker hesitated for only a moment. There was no way he would allow Nova anywhere near the king again. He shoved Sable forward and stepped towards the half-orc. “Let her go . . .”

The green male glanced at Sable, who gave him a nod. In turn, the half orc released Nova. She didn’t hesitate to stumble into Ryker’s side. He hooked an arm around her with his blade still held out in defence in the other.

Sable straightened her jacket and motioned to her crew to resume the festivities before gesturing to Ryker to sit at the table. “Shall we discuss the finer details?”

Eyeing those who were slow to sheath their weapons, Ryker offered a curt nod, helping Nova sit before placing himself between the captain and his star. The sooner he got this conversation over, the better he would feel.

He turned to face Nova, reaching for her hand. “Are you alright? Did they harm you?”

Nova’s body responded to his touch, a dull blue light emitting from her skin. Ryker pulled his hand away quickly. The last thing he needed was for Sable to find out—if she didn’t know already—that Nova was a star.

Nova flashed him a gentle smile. “I’m perfectly alright.”

He searched her sea-green eyes for a moment before he dipped his head and turned back towards Sable.

“So, what is it you need from me?” Ryker asked as he took a tankard of ale that a fae looking female offered him.

Sable settled in her chair with an ale in hand. Now that there was no blade to her throat, the cocky grin that usually adorned her face had returned. “My brother took something valuable that I need.”

Ryker’s brow knitted. “So why don’t you just ask for it back?”

“Because we aren’t on speaking terms.”

“And why aren’t you on speaking terms?” Ryker asked, not that he cared. Sable was always meddling in people’s affairs and there were probably quite a few people who she wasn’t on speaking terms with.

Sable’s face turned a slight shade of red. “I may have taken something from him.”

Ryker took a swig of ale before answering. “Why does that not surprise me?”

Sable flashed him a lopsided grin. “You know how it is, Hound. Anything is fair game for the right reasons.”

Of course she would say that. It was her trademark. Sable liked to think of herself as the Robin Hood of the seas—just a little more . . . morally grey.

Ryker leaned back in his chair. “So, how is your brother my problem?”

Sable flicked her gaze to Nova, who sat quietly behind him. “You want Nova, and I want my treasure.”

Ryker took a swig of ale before replying. “And where is this treasure?”

“Temple’s Lair.”

Great.

Another island. Hours away.

Temple’s Lair was smaller than Corsair’s Haven in size, but it was just as crowded with creatures of all kinds. Humans, half-orcs, elves and the odd faery—though those were few and far between. Ryker had never been to Temples Lair, but he’d heard the tales of scoundrels who lived there, and it certainly wasn’t on his list of dream destinations.

“So, if I help you retrieve this item. You swear to me that you will let us go unharmed and you will cease to meddle in my affairs?” Ryker asked.

Sable nodded. “I swear on my life.”

“I have requirements.”

“What are they?”

Ryker shifted in his chair. “I’ll need a disguise. You will come with me and so will Nova.”

There was no way he was letting Nova out of his sight again. And if anything was to go wrong on Temple’s Lair, Ryker would have Sable as a bargaining piece—or so he hoped.

Sable hesitated before holding out her hand. “Deal.”

Ryker reached for it, and they shook. “We leave at first light.”

As the crew got louder and Sable returned to her meal, Ryker glanced at Nova. He was reluctant to touch her again for fear of her glowing, so he gently brushed the fabric of her skirt under the table, hoping she might see his concern written on his face. “Are you alright?”

“I am fine. And though the circumstances are odd, I kind of like it here.”

Ryker glanced around the room at the merrymaking. He too could admit that this particular lot of pirates were fun when they weren’t being a giant pain in his ass.

Sea-green eyes found him once again. Nova was safe and unharmed. That’s all that mattered to him right now.

A long-haired human woman with shark’s teeth through the holes in her ears approached the table where they sat and placed a large plate of assorted food before him. Grunting his thanks, Ryker picked up a fork and chanced a bite. He wasn’t too stubborn to admit he was starving. As the rest of the evening drew on, he became more and more aware of how much he needed some peace and quiet. Here, there was no resting easy. He couldn’t trust that none of them might attempt to harm him.

Before long, bodies were collapsing on the floor in groggy sleep and people were stumbling from the tent, still singing their sea shanties.

Ryker turned towards Sable. “Do you have somewhere Nova, and I can retire, too? I will need time to form a plan for tomorrow.”

Sable nodded and ushered to a pirate guard. “Toadie will show you where.”

Ryker rose from the table and took Nova’s hand. “Try anything funny in the night and you’ll be sorry Sable.”

The captain grinned before lifting her ale in salute. “Pirate’s honour.”

Ryker scoffed as he followed the guard from the room with a very sleepy-looking Nova gripped tight at his side. He wasn’t taking any chances.

The guard led them down a rocky path, their footsteps sounding softly in the cool night air. Moonlight spilled across the sandy ground, lighting the way. As they descended further, the sounds of the village celebrations grew faint, replaced by the whispering of leaves and the distant calls of nocturnal creatures. The rocky path was uneven, and Ryker kept a watchful eye on Nova, making sure she didn’t stumble or fall.

They stopped outside a small hut made from bamboo, canvas, and dried straw. Toadie’s torch casting flickering light that danced across the hut’s surface. “This is it.”

“Thank you,” Ryker murmured as he pushed the door open for Nova.

She stepped inside, with Ryker close on her heels. As soon as they were inside, he secured the door behind them. There was a good chance he wouldn’t sleep tonight—or ever. Not until Nova was returned safely to Ara.

He turned to see Nova walking around the small room, taking in all the sights. A few shelves were adorned with books and sea shells. There was a large bowl of brightly coloured fruits that sat on a table to the left of the room, right under the window. He watched as she ran her fingers over the spine of the books, reading their titles silently to herself.

He’d had all these thoughts of what he’d do if he found her harmed, but hadn’t thought of what he’d do if he found her completely well.

Should he take her in his arms? Should they talk about their time by the fire? Perhaps he should just tell her he was glad she was safe and then leave her be?

It was the first quiet moment they’d had together since Ryker found the star amongst the merry pirates. Too many thoughts swam around in his mind, so he opted for the last option.

“I’ll guard the door all night while you sleep. We’ll leave early.” He motioned towards the small bed on the right of the room.

Ryker caught the brief flicker in Nova’s eyes, the way her lips pressed together, the subtle drop of her shoulders. It was quick, just a moment, but enough to show the disappointment she tried to hide. He saw it, but said nothing, his gaze lingering on her a moment longer. Only her hands and face were visible beneath her clothing, yet he could see the familiar hum of light that radiated off her body any time her eyes beheld something that brought her joy.

He looked away. Too much had happened in the last twelve hours, he needed to give himself some time to sort through his thoughts.

“Will you not join me in sleep?” Nova asked.

Ryker shook his head as he moved to the door. “I’d feel better if I took watch outside.”

Nova looked at him with a gleam in her eyes. “I think you should come here.”

“Nova . . .” Ryker murmured.

“I want you in my bed tonight . . . Please.”

How could he refuse her? She was glowing, illuminating the room . . . just for him. He didn’t deserve to have any of her, but by the stars, he wanted all of it.

Ryker took a step towards Nova, her smile growing bigger each time his boot sounded on the wooden floor. “Are you sure?”

Nova nodded. “I am sure,” she said as she reached for his hand.

Perhaps he could lie beside her until she lost herself to sleep. Then he would take watch. Either way, he wasn’t sleeping tonight.

Together, they stripped their attire until they only stood in their undergarments before sliding beneath the cool sheets. Nova didn’t waste any time cuddling up to his side. He smiled softly as she made herself comfortable. Maybe just for tonight, they could pretend the world was their oyster and that all of tomorrow’s problems didn’t exist.

The sound of the gentle waves lapping at the shore reminded Ryker of the long journey that awaited them in the morning.

They would never reach the mysterious woman in the Twin Peaks at this rate.

Ryker quietly sighed as he pulled Nova against his chest, tucking her close. The scent of her hair tickled his nose, filling him with a peace his body longed for. With closed eyes, he allowed his body to rest, though his ears did not.

He would not be caught off guard again.