The Sea Devil's Eye - Mel Odom [89]
Finally, after hammering away at Jherek's defenses for almost an hour, Tarnar called for a break. They drank sweet water the Aglarondans brought in wooden casks, and poured some over their heads to cool down in the murky summer heat.
"Never," the captain stated, "have I seen someone adjust so quickly to a new weapon."
"My teacher, Malorrie," Jherek explained, "schooled me in all manner of weapons."
Tarnar shook his head, spraying droplets to the wooden deck. "It's more than that, my friend. You are a true, natural born warrior."
Embarrassment flamed Jherek's cheeks and the back of his neck. He willed the bracer away, feeling only a tingle as it sank back inside his arm. "Perhaps I have an advantage with the bracer that we hadn't counted on."
"You mean that it enhances your skill?" Tarnar shook his head. "Even if that were so, it would perhaps only guide your arm, it wouldn't move the rest of your body or make you a better swordsman. I've seen people fight with magical-"
Jherek.
Responding to the quiet call inside his mind, the young sailor walked to the railing and peered down to find Swims Truly, the sapphire whale, in the water beside the caravel. Tarnar studied him intently, aware that Jherek could hear a voice he himself could not.
You will be leaving with the tide, Jherek Whalefriend, Swims Truly told him. The wind will be with you then.
"Where am I supposed to go?" Jherek asked.
Where you are supposed to go, of course.
"I want to rejoin my friends," Jherek said. "I still have to find the disk of Lathander that I caused to be lost."
Then, should you find your way there, that is where you should be.
Irritation stung Jherek. The whales' cryptic announcements contained truth, but what truth wasn't always apparent.
"How do I find them?"
As you may, Jherek Whalefriend.
"I don't know how."
Yes you do. Listen with your heart, just as you listened with it when you found Song Who Brings Bright Rains. Search inside yourself. The bond between you and your love is the most constant thing in your life. The ability to love and seek out love is your most whalelike trait, Jherek.
Jherek was suddenly glad Tarnar couldn't hear the whale's thoughts.
"I don't think I can do that."
Swims Truly twitched a fin in a gesture Jherek had come to learn signaled irritation. You have not yet tried. How can you know what you can do and not do?
Chastened, Jherek remained silent.
Close your eyes and let me guide your thoughts.
The young sailor closed his eyes, ignoring the inquiring look Tarnar gave him.
You have a gift, Jherek Whalefriend, Swims Truly said, that comes from what you are, what you will be. Born upon the seas of Toril, destined to spend your life there, it has been seen to that you will always have a sense of where you are and in what direction people or objects lie from you.
Jherek waited, trying to understand, trying simply to believe.
Paint the picture of your beloved in your mind. Open it to the special tie that will forever bind you to her.
Doubt clouded the young sailor's mind that such a thing existed.
You think too much, Swims Truly chided. Build her face in your mind, remember her scent, then reach for her.
Tentatively, afraid of failing, Jherek did as the whale suggested. He imagined Sabyna as he'd first met her, the wind blowing through her copper-colored hair. He imagined the lilac scent that she favored, then felt a familiar tugging within his breast. Another image of Sabyna, when she'd come to him in Black Champion's rigging and dug her fingers in his shirt, filled his mind. It hurt him, remembering how he'd told her he couldn't give her his love. The feeling in his chest dimmed.
No. Do not doubt your love for this female, Jherek Whalefriend. Your doubts are in truth your greatest enemy. Try again.
Forcing himself to remain