The Star of Morcyth_ Book Five of the Morcyth Saga - Brian S. Pratt [66]
“Let’s hope so,” Paul says.
“Never did thank you for what you did for us back there,” Illan tells him.
“Didn’t do it for you guys,” he admits. “I figured you were the only hope Gwynne and Daria had.”
“Still, I appreciate it,” he says as he pats him on the shoulder.
“Where are Jiron and Fifer?” Miko asks.
Nodding his head to the rear of the ship, he says, “In the captain’s cabin, asleep. The Parvati is in there with them.”
“How can they sleep at a time like this?” questions Miko.
“It’s times like these when you get your sleep,” he explains. “So you’ll be rested when you need to be.”
“Maybe,” says Miko.
From the mid section, a bell begins ringing. “Dinner’s ready,” Illan tells them. Leaving their post at the bow, Miko and Paul follow Illan as he goes to get some food. A wooden bowl full of fish and vegetables along with a single cup of ale is all that’s allotted them.
They take their food from the cook and find a place near the stern where they have some shelter from the wind and spray while they eat. Jiron, Fifer, and Qyrll make their appearance as does Meliana and her father. Dave on the other hand takes his food and goes off to eat by himself on the other side of the ship.
When Meliana joins them with her food, she asks, “Have we gained on them any?”
“Not yet,” Miko informs her.
“We don’t exactly want to be noticed by them,” her father says. “It wouldn’t be good.”
“I know,” she says. Ever since they explained to her about the circumstances of James’ arrest and being given to the Empire, she’s held a deep fear for him. She understands her father’s logic, but her heart doesn’t care. She glances toward the fleeing ship and is thankful she can still see it in the fading light of dusk.
They sit there, quiet as each dwells silently on what the future may hold while they finish their meal.
“Captain!” a sailor hollers down from his position up in the rigging. “Vessel aflame!”
“Where away?” the captain hollers back.
“Dead ahead,” he replies.
“James!” Meliana cries as she drops her bowl and rushes to the bow. The others follow quickly. In the darkening gloom ahead of them, a bright orange light can be seen. “Full sails!” they hear the captain yell. The sailors in the rigging above begin unfurling the last of the sails.
“Mr. Bessin!” the captain hollers.
“Aye sir,” his second in command answers.
“Prepare to rescue survivors,” he says.
“Aye, aye sir,” Mr. Bessin replies and then begins barking orders as sailors prepare their dinghy should the need arise.
Their ship quickly gains upon the other and they can see where the sails have all but been consumed by the flames. It’s listing to the side and appears to be taking on water.
“She’s not going to last too much longer,” Meliana’s father says behind them.
“Oh, James,” she breathes as she looks for any sign of him.
A massive explosion from within the hold blasts the deck outward, debris sails through the air and splashes into the sea many yards away.
Bodies can be seen floating in the water among the flotsam, none appear to be alive.
“James!” Dave cries out from his position near the bow.
“Daria! Gwynne!” Paul cries as his voice joins Dave’s.
“Furl the sails!” the captain cries to those in the rigging and the sails begin to be taken in. Slowing down, the ship draws near the wreckage though the captain still maintains a safe distance so as not to suffer the same fate.
A rattle of chains and the anchor drops into the water with a splash. “Mr. Bessin, lower the boat and search for survivors.”
“Aye captain,” he replies.
“Incinerate!” James yells as another seaman erupts in flames. The sphere in his hand is now the size of a softball, a deep glow wells from within due to all the power it has stored.
All across the deck are charred remnants of the crew as well as withered husks from whom James drew the power necessary