Chapter 18

"What’s this?"

"Remember the zittacs we saw?"

At the affirmative nod, the man continued.

"Well, the Terayanu captured some and decided to roast them in oil for us!"

"Ewwww! NICK!"

"AJ!"

"What? You mean I’m wrong?"

AJ looked almost genuinely shocked.

Almost.

"Stop scaring Cole or we’ll see what exotic dish Jayden can come up with to keep you busy. Heard him saying something about steamed squid with jellyfish guts the other day."

That shut AJ up and Cole happily munched away after Howie informed him they were eating good old-fashioned chicken cooked with a special sauce made from a Terayanu recipe.

They were enjoying a great feast being held to celebrate the successful repairs done to their village and also a good bye to the people of Khiranirn who would be leaving the next day. Situated by the beach, they could barely hear the waves splashing above the merry din made by the guests. Cole sat between Nick and AJ, with Kevin and Howie on either side. Brian sat by Myaku next to Kevin. Turning towards the head of the Terayanu, Brian thanked him for all the help they’d received.

"It’s the least we could do, Prince of Khiranirn. Long have we feared the fulfillment of the prophecy, but all worked out for the better in the end, although, Jakati’s soldiers still roam the land."

"There is nothing we can do for now. They are scattered and without a leader shall fall into ruin."

"Such is the cycle of things that they may unite once again. That is why, I would pledge allegiance to you and your kingdom. Return to your father, the King, secure in the knowledge that Daisanu will guard the western borders of your kingdom, and should danger approach, we will warn you of it."

Brian, surprised by the generous offer gave his thanks and promised trade with them in return. Also free access granted to the city for all Terayanu were to be treated as equals to the people of Khiranirn. Word was passed and soon all present knew of the circumstances surrounding them and found new purpose to celebrate tonight. So intent were they, many failed to notice two figures slip away from the festivities, and those who did hid their knowledge but not their smiles as Kevin and Nick made their way in the darkness.

Walking hand in hand, Nick looked towards the splashing waves, inches from his feet. So long had he marveled at the sea but tonight they provided no comfort. He had been putting off this discussion for a while now, but sensed Kevin would delay no longer.

They walked till they came across a secluded cove. The waves were gentler here, and the trees swayed softly in the breeze. There was a large tree trunk laying on the ground and some large rocks along it. One such spot looked like it was made for sitting and Kevin pulled Nick towards it where they settled on the sand. Kevin leaning against the large trunk, Nick against him, both with their faces towards the sea. For a few moments they sat in silence, just enjoying the music made by the crash of waves a few feet away from them. Kevin pressed a kiss to Nick’s nape, a shiver running down Nick’s spine at the soft contact.

"Tell me, Nezadi."

So Nick did. All that had happened between the time of his capture to the point he was in Kevin’s arms once again. The pain he felt every time he thought he was in Kevin’s embrace only to see Luke before him instead. His fear when Jakati had him alone, and his terror in Modezarran’s maze. He scarcely noticed the tears that had begun to fall. All the while Kevin held him close radiating waves of comfort and healing.

When Nick finally fell silent, he sighed tiredly, totally spent as if he’d relived the entire experience. Closing his eyes, he concentrated on the feel of Kevin’s hands on him.

"It’s all over now, Nick. You’re safely back with us."

"Back with you."

Kevin smiled as Nick turned to say this last to his face and they shared a kiss. Kevin, pressing deeper, moaned appreciatively as Nick’s mouth opened beneath his, granting him access. Laying him down on the sand, Kevin worked his way to Nick’s neck, both in need of reassurance. Nick’s arms came around him, his body shifting to accommodate Kevin over him and both groaned at the contact.

"Kevin."

Hearing the whispered call, Kevin looked up to see Nick’s eyes shining with the light off the stars. Moving up once more, he captured the younger man’s lips, so in love he could hardly believe it.

//Nezadi//

Stirring to the sound of waves crashing against their ship, Nick gently caressed the soft skin of the man whose strong chest his head rested on. They would be reaching Khiranirn today according to their Captain, and Nick could feel his nervousness grow with every passing minute. He was glad to be home, but was wary at the King and Queen’s reaction to his news. What would he do if they objected? He owed everything to them. They had cared for him and he had pledged his life to their service and Brian’s rule to follow.

//Isn’t it too early for such heavy thoughts, love?//

//I’m afraid//

//Don’t be. They will understand and approve//

//Trying to convince me or yourself?//

//Myself. My words have most definitely erased all your doubts//

//Of course they have//

Nick turned to give Kevin a smile and a kiss.

"Thanks. I needed that."

"I live to serve."

At that, a wicked gleam entered Nick’s eyes and Kevin never knew what hit him as Nick pounced.

Emerging some time later, both wore identical satiated expressions on their faces, a fact AJ couldn’t help but comment on.

"Cole, hold this."

Handing Cole his daggers, AJ pointedly looked upon Nick and Kevin. Cole, confused at the request turned towards AJ.

"Why?"

"Because I don’t want them to rust from sea water when I throw myself overboard."

Cole was still confused, but Brian and Howie broke out into soft laughter. They settled comfortably around the deck to discuss the day’s plans, never noticing eyes that had watched the entire scene turn away.

Me, I’ve been sailing the sea practically me whole life. Ever since I was a boy, I’ve been serving aboard the Blue Dragon, first as her cabin boy till now as her first mate, and I’ve never seen anything like I’ve seen on this voyage.

Captain Greyson, a finer man there never was, so when he ordered for the ship to be ready to leave weeks back, I set to it. There was mutterings about what was going on among the crew but their training’s been good and they shut it when I told ‘em to.

Never been so antsy ‘bout anything in me life then when I saw General Richardson step on to the ship. Always made sure to steer clear of trouble when he was about. Always looking so somber with those sharp green eyes of his. Feels like his looking into me soul when he aims those damnable eyes at me. But I know, a braver and honest man would never be found. Talk about the town, and boy was there talk, was that he once hunted down and cut a man in half for speaking ill of the King. Course, I think that’s just a load of bull but still- They say he can take on a squad of trolls all by himself and looking at that devil he calls a sword I believe ‘em, whoever ‘they’ are.

Came in that morning looking like he always did with the dark cloak of the King’s Guard wrapped around him. The kind of person who could walk into a room and demand everyone’s attention without even having to say a single word, but that morning, could feel me hair rising at the coldness in his eyes. He was a man on a mission and Khira help anyone who stood in his way. Walked straight up to the Captain, Prince Brian by his side.

Prince Brian, now there’s a man I’m proud to call my prince. The King’s been mighty blessed to have an heir such as he. The people love ‘im, off that there was no doubt. The Prince been known to ride the streets and visit the common folk, get to know the people and really understand how he could help them. If that ain’t true nobility, then I’m a sea parrot with tobacco for feathers. He wasn’t looking too well that day either. There was an angry look to him, a wrong done that he couldn’t stand for. Now, listening to the Captain explain things like the tide and such to him and the General, it was like he was barely restraining himself from pacing the deck. Something’s got them both riled up and where there was two there was always-

And there they are, as predictable as the direction the sun would rise. The rogue and the gentleman. Never could figure out how the friendship worked with them, as different as night and day but I suppose just like that, you couldn’t have one without the other. Played a few games at the taverns with the rogue myself. Decent man with an eye for the ladies that’s for sure but his eyes weren’t glinting that day. Menace radiated from him, and for a moment there, he seemed just as dangerous as the general, that is till ya noticed the sadness shading the anger. There weren’t no difference in the trade master whose hand was clasped around a pint sized boy, no more than maybe ten looking like as determined as the rest of ‘em. Behind them were three more soldiers from the King’s Guard and then before ya knew it we was off, but wait- Where was-? And then I saw it. The little boy was clutching it. A cloak of the King’s Guard with a small golden sigil attached to it. The cloak of the Dragon Prince.

The Dragon Prince.

That’s what most called him. Captain Carter, Prince Nickolas, the half-breed were others. So many names with as many stories. I’ll never admit it to me dying day, at least out loud anyway, but I is never seen anyone as beautiful as ‘im. Not for the likes of me, or for common people that one, though he’d never accept that from ya. Walks around on patrol just like the other guards, purposely letting the sweat and grime fool ya into thinking he’s just another soldier and most would be till ya look into his eyes. Took me breath away, and don’t forget I’ve been sailin’ the sea for almost a lifetime but I’d never encountered blue like that before.

Got the voice of an angel too, all soft and soothing. Keeps his distance though. Can’t blame ‘im, what with all the whisperings about. Reminds me of the general, can’t for the life of me think why. Like two sides of the same coin maybe. When Captain Carter looks at ya, ya can’t help but want to make yourself worthy of the gaze. Seen him around the docks looking out to the sea, a heart after me own it would seem. Caught me watching ‘im once from me ship. Looked straight at me and gave me one of them secretive smiles like we was sharing a secret about the waves. He stayed till General Richardson came riding up with his horse and together they made their way to the palace. The general looked my way, and I met the famous piercing gaze as he studied me, but instead of a glare I got a nod after the Captain spoke something to ‘im. The both of them joined the others on patrol then.

Blessed, that’s what we’ve been to have these folks taking care of Khiranirn. As we made our way out to sea, finally understood the anger and pain I’ve been seeing on their faces. One of our own’s been taken and by me mother’s blessed heart, we’re gonna get ‘im back.

Never saw anything like it in my life. Vicious storm coming literally out of nowhere, darkness surrounding the world, a dragon’s shadow upon the moon. Horrifying creatures coming upon us on the beach only to turn back at an unholy roar from deep within the island. Them natives been putting up helluva a fight, but deep down me knows it’s them five everything’s going to come to depend on, and that’s why I’m not worried.

Told ya didn’t I. Knew them fellows could do it. Heard a lot of bellowing, thunder and all that from where I was on the beach with the rest of the natives but eventually there was silence and then the rain fell. Almost felt me heart stop when the rogue walked out eventually followed by the others, and knew the moment I saw the boy, Cole was his name, run to embrace Captain Carter, everything was going to be alright.

Helped ‘em fixed up the village and met some very appreciative ladies if I do say so myself, but finally came the time we had to leave. Captain Carter’s definitely looking better and I’m no longer feeling like the general wants to kill someone just for breathing wrong so I’m guessing he’s doing better too. Always seem to work out like that. The general more calm somehow in the presence of the captain. There’s something there I’m not seeing-

Speechless. Who would have thought? Been able to curse up a storm ever since I can remember, just like every other self respecting sailor and here I am, speechless. Well, it’s not everyday ya see what I just did so I guess I’m excused, but damn! Who woulda thought? I was just minding me own business, what with us having set sail from Daisanu just yesterday when I noticed Captain Carter moving to the back. Thinking I’d give him some privacy, I was moving away when I looked ahead to see the general moving down the same path I was using. Not wanting to get in his way, I moved back thinking I’d used the other side but darn it! The damn isle was blocked by crates. I’d done told Mikel to clear ‘em out yesterday! Anyway, I then headed back seeing I had no choice only to come face to face with the general doing some serious mouth to mouth with none other than the captain. Looked like they were devouring each other. Who knew the general had that much passion in ‘im? Must have made a sound because next thing I knew, them claws (nearly passed out the first time I saw ‘em) of the general were at my throat, and I was close to passing out from lack of air, me being too afraid to breathe and all. Heard the soothing voice of the captain then, a hand on the general’s arm as he smiled my way, and finally felt the claws move back. Me breath came back in a rush and so did me words.

"Beggin your pardon, sirs. Meant no harm. Was just moving off and the crates, told Mikel-, I would never- I mean not that-"

Damn it I was babbling, but there wasn’t a thing I could do about it. Was just about to fall to my knees when the captain silenced me with just a wave of his hand. Had a kind smile on his face and assured me, he knew I meant no harm. Then, he asked if I would keep this to myself. Even apologized, saying they shoulda known better. Course I told ‘im, I’d do what he asked and it were understandable. I mean who in their right mind could keep their hands off of ‘im. Felt me heart stop once I’d realized what I said and quickly my gaze traveled to the general already picturing him slicing me head off but was surprised to see him with a slight smile too.

"I’ll attempt to restrain myself."

He said it as if it was the most difficult task ever asked of him and catching the look they shared, I guess it was. Deciding I’d better leave now before I caused anymore trouble, I gave a slight nod and moved away. Turning back I saw the two of them at the rails, shoulders touching as they looked out into the ocean before them, and felt the smile grow on me face. I’d keep an eye out for ‘em.

And here we were, almost home, and the captain and the general just appearing on deck, the rogue playfully poking fun at their expense. By now the crew knew. Hard to keep a secret on a ship this size, but they were all good men and the secret would stay on board at least till they were ready for the kingdom to know, and so I watch, making sure as long as they’re aboard me ship, they’ll be safe.

Nick smiled as he felt Kevin’s arms come around him as he leaned on the rail. He hadn’t missed Kizmet, the first mate’s gaze on them and felt Kevin silently acknowledge the thought.

//Captain Greyson plans to retire once we finally reach Khiranirn. Anyone you know that could replace him?//

//A name does come to mind//

Turning to face Kevin, they shared a tender kiss. Hearing AJ make a gagging sound they broke apart, laughing softly before turning back towards the waters, just in time to catch their first glimpse of the gleaming towers of Khiranirn.