Chapter Eleven
A few days passed and the guys were finally talking to me again. The first two days, they completely ignored me with distrust—until Bastian talked me up. He wouldn’t stop praising me for saving all of the men. I was embarrassed at first, but he convinced the others of my honesty, so I owed him big time.
Those lonely days had been rough and I almost wanted to hide out in my room like Gregor was. He kept saying he was ill and didn’t want to see me or anyone else. I hoped things weren’t as bad as he was leading on. Either way, I was going to see him today.
Steel was currently at the Captain’s Wheel. They’d found a treasure map and he was making sure it was being read correctly. With him busy with that, I’d been left alone with my thoughts once again. I should be numb to the loneliness by now, but I wasn't. Steel would talk to me at dinner, but that was about it. The rest of his time was spent on the deck.
The idea of following a treasure map was pretty cool and a lot better than killing people. I didn’t believe in buried treasure, but what did I know? At least they have something to distract them from murdering any more innocent merchants.
It was getting harder and harder to think of Steel as a killer. Weren’t murderers supposed to be crueler? Even Steel’s dark moments were few and far between and it wasn’t like they were something he could control either.
I internally groaned. It sounded like I was trying to convince myself of Steel’s innocence which was nonexistent. I shook my head to try to clear it before knocking on Gregor’s door.
“Go away.” His voice was muffled by the wood.
“It’s me,” I said and hoped that would spark his curiosity enough to open up.
It worked, but the Gregor that opened the door sent a bolt of terror through me. His eyes were totally black—even the whites. I jumped back in fright, but Gregor’s fingers wrapped around my arm and yanked me back into the room. The force of it sent me flying in the direction of a chair. My head nearly missed the leg of it and I swiftly turned back towards Gregor.
He was looking down at me like he was a ferocious beast and I was some meek prey. Drool dribbled from the side of his mouth that was currently curled up into a snarl. He took a step closer to me, but I swallowed the fear that came on instinct. This was Gregor. He wouldn’t hurt me. This knowledge gave me the courage to meet his stare without backing down.
After what felt like forever, he grinned. “Were you even the slightest bit afraid?”
“You had me at first, especially with the eyes and all. Care to explain why you were attempting to make me pee myself—oh, and what’s with the eyes.”
“The eyes are part of my curse. Supposed to stand for how black and tainted our hearts are. As for scaring you, I thought it would be fun, but you ruined it by not playing along. You couldn’t at least pretend to be afraid?”
“And give you that satisfaction? No, thanks.”
“So, what brought you to my door this afternoon?”
“I came to talk, but I have to admit that it’s hard to focus when your eyes are like that. Steel doesn’t know about this?”
“Steel only knows what he chooses to see. All I have to do is say I’m sick and the others stay away as if I have the plague—including Steel. So, no, he’s never seen them like this.”
I sighed and tried to focus on his nose instead. “Does it hurt?”
“The curse? No. These eyes don’t feel any different. I just do. To be honest, I’ve wanted to kill you from the moment you knocked on that door.”
“Hades… should I be worried then?”
“No, because I’ve learned to control the thirst for blood.”
“You mean you drink blood?”
I’d heard of vampires, but they were only myth. Not even sirens believed creatures like that walked this earth. If they did, it would be a frightening world where a person would have to watch their back constantly.
Gregor chortled. “That’s nonsense. Vampires aren’t real. I was referring to the desire to kill—to draw blood with my blade.”
“That’s what I assumed, but thought it would be safer to ask.”
“Do you really think I would tell you if I was a vampire?”
“As my friend, I would hope so. And since you’re my friend, I need to talk to you. The men are finally starting to become comfortable with me again but some are still hesitant.”
Gregor sat on his bed, but I remained standing. This small room was more stifling than Steel’s. It needed to be aired out more, but that was probably hard when you were trying to avoid everyone else.
“Is it because of the storm or did something else happen?”
I shook my head. “The storm was all that happened and that’s more than enough. I don’t think I could handle something else happening. Steel’s been too busy to entertain me, so here I am. Did you know we’re following a treasure map?”
“I didn’t know that. I’ve been cooped up in here, remember?”
“Oh, right. Want me to get you something to eat?”
“The doc has been bringing me some stuff. He’s the only one who knows about our curse for obvious reasons.”
“I was surprised when I heard there was a doctor on this ship. I didn't think pirates cared enough to heal the wounded.”
“That’s a pretty cold assumption. It may be every man for himself, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to speed up other crew members’ deaths by not getting them treatment.”
“Then, why hasn’t Steel or anyone else come to see you?”
“He’s been busy. You said it yourself.”
“More like self-preservation.”
“I was expecting you to visit sooner, yet it took you some time.”
“I was locked in my room to avoid the harsh glares everyone was throwing in my direction the first day.”
“The doc told me you saved everyone who’d fallen into the water. Seems like you’re getting a grasp on the whole siren thing.”
“It comes to me when I need it. Using it for little things have been impossible, but at least it’s been there during the important times.”
“I’m glad you’re coming to terms with what you are.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m simply saying that you’ve chosen to keep the best assets from each race, rather than the worst. You choose kindness over greed and you save people from drowning instead of pushing them deeper. No matter what anyone says, you aren’t a bad person and there is nothing wrong with you. Just so you know, Steel’s been different with you around.”
“What do you mean by different?”
“He isn’t as cruel or demanding. It’s a nice change.”
Steel had told me he’d had a ruthless reputation, but I had yet to see it. Sure, he was meaner with his curse active, but it wasn’t what I would determine as evil.
As I met Gregor’s eyes, I asked, “Why don’t Steel’s eyes turn as black as yours? They only get a shade darker and his whites stay white.”
Gregor looked away from me and all of the teasing left his face. “Because I was that captain’s first mate too—the one on Poseidon’s Whore—, but I was given a second chance to be better. I deserve a worse punishment than this.”
“I think you both have your downs. Steel can’t even remember being cursed. You at least get a heads up.”
“Could you imagine if I didn’t?”
“You would probably be getting the same looks as me.”
“This will pass. Don’t worry.”
* * *
Gregor had been correct. Another three days went by and the whole storm fiasco was almost forgotten. Gregor finally came out of his room this morning and it was perfect timing because we arrived at the island that was supposedly hiding buried treasure.
Steel was standing next to me with a big smile on his face as the men were preparing the jolly boats to take us to shore. He said we couldn’t dock The Sea Nymph’s Revenge because it was too shallow so we were taking the littler boats. I was curious to see what I sent Stan on and whether or not it would be tolerable.
“Shall we?” Steel asked with a mischievous glint in his eyes and gestured towards Bastian, Gregor, and Barty who were waiting for us to hop on the jolly boat.
“I’m a little nervous. I’ve never been on a treasure hunt before,” I said, but moved towards the guys anyway.
“You’ll be fine. I trust that you can protect yourself and if not, then that’s why we’re here.”
Bastian helped me step over the side of the ship. The jolly boat rocked as my foot hit the bottom of it. It was slightly unstable and my heart lurched when it dropped slightly.
“Sorry, that was my bad,” Gregor admitted with a guilty smile. “I wasn’t holding the rope tight enough.”
“It’s okay,” I said, but still held onto the edge tightly as the others climbed aboard.
It was a lot more cramped than I’d anticipated it would be and I was currently smushed between Bastian and Steel. Steel had an arm around my shoulder and squeezed it lightly as we descended. My breath hitched when we hit the water. The downward motion didn’t sit well with my stomach, but it eased as Barty began to paddle us towards the shore. Glancing behind us, I saw that five other men were in a separate boat following us. They were squished together too and I understood why Steel didn’t want to lose any of the boats to Stan.
Oops…
Nobody said anything as we went, but the excitement was palpable. It was also contagious and had me ready for this adventure. I wondered what would be waiting for us on the island and for once wasn’t afraid. Looking beyond the ups and downs with Steel, that comfort and security he filled me with was still present.
The white sand was soft under my feet as I climbed out. I didn’t want to ruin my shoes again, so I chose to remain barefoot. The sand was a little warm and was making me regret my decision quickly. Steel’s chuckle didn’t help either.
“We need to get you more pairs of shoes,” he said and I stuck my tongue out at him in response.
“How about you give me a piggyback ride and we call it even?”
Steel let out an exasperated sigh. “Only for you, but you’ll have to read the map for me.”
“Deal.”
Steel handed me the tattered map and squatted down so I could hop on his back. The others were staring in awe, but Steel and I both ignored them. He walked us in the direction I pointed and the adventure had officially begun.
The terrain was rough and several branches blocked our path. Steel even tripped over a few roots that were sticking up from the ground.
“I think I should walk on my own,” I said after he tripped for the fourth time.
“That might be a good idea before the both of us get hurt,” he agreed and set me back on my feet.
He accepted the map from my outstretched hand and we continued our forward trek. The air was thick with humidity and I had to tie my hair up to keep it from sticking to the back of my neck. My eyes were cast downward to watch my footing while I kept a hand on Steel to guide me.
The island buzzed with noises and movement of wildlife, but was otherwise quiet. There were no signs of humans inhabiting this area. No man-made structures within sight or shouts within earshot. It reminded me of my home with my parents and I understood I’d rather live somewhere like here rather than a place like Tortuga.
Bugs swarmed around our heads and bit at our exposed skin. It was a nagging sensation that was difficult to brush off. Various fruits hung from the trees, including bananas, and my mouth watered. They were teasing as they hung out of reach and there was no way I was climbing anything around here. The terrain was unfamiliar to me, so I was unsure which trees were sturdy enough to hold my weight and which weren’t. I wasn’t going to embarrass myself by falling from a tree.
“Do you really think there’s treasure ahead?” I asked not being able to withstand the silence of our group anymore.
“That’s why we’re here,” Gregor said with a smirk.
“But it doesn’t look like anyone’s been here for a while. No human at least.”
“Exactly,” Steel piped in. “That means there’s a better chance the gold hasn’t been discovered yet.”
“How do you know there’s gold?” I asked.
“Because where there’s treasure, there’s gold,” Bastian answered.
“But what if this pirate only liked jewels?” I teased as I attempted to keep a conversation going.
“I’ll take any jewels ye don’t want,” Barty said seriously.
The other men chuckled behind us, but then, the unexpected happened. One second, Steel was in front of me. The next, he was tumbling into a hole. The ground had just collapsed underneath him.
My fingers was still clinging to his shirt, so I went with him when he fell. A hand grabbed my ankle to catch us and I held onto Steel with all of my strength.
Looking down, I saw what appeared to be sharp spears sticking up from the bottom of the hole. If I let go of Steel, he’d die. But Steel’s yells and flailing legs made it harder to hold on. My fingers were slipping as the men began pulling us up.
“Grab ahold of my wrist,” I grunted.
Steel momentarily stopped his panicking to do as I said. His eyes were wild and wide with fear. My arm and shoulder burned in protest at the strain from his weight. When I thought he was going to drop, arms reached around me and took ahold of Steel. They lugged him up right after me. He and I stared at each other breathing heavily and at a complete loss for words.
“We must be gettin’ close.” Barty grinned.
“What makes you think that?” I asked between breaths.
How the Hades could he be smiling after Steel and I just almost died? My heart was still in my throat as I realized the new danger in our situation.
“That was a booby trap and that means someone’s protectin’ somethin’. Somethin’ like treasure.”
A booby trap? I wondered who would do something like this. Something so deadly.
“He’s got a point,” Bastian said. “This is exciting.”
“Glad to know me almost getting killed has been a blast for you.” I narrowed my eyes, but the seriousness was lost by my teasing smile.
“O-oh, no, I’m not excited about that,” Bastian exclaimed with heated cheeks. “Only that we’re getting closer.”
“Well, then, what are we waiting for? Let’s pick up the pace.” Steel’s eyes had darkened and I was surprised to see Bloody Steel in front of me.
The curse had come on so quickly that I would’ve missed it if I hadn’t been looking. His men cheered in response and didn’t seem to notice his change in demeanor. Well, all but one. Gregor saw and raised his eyebrows at me.
Steel pulled me to my feet and wrapped an arm tightly around my waist. His smile was blinding as he glanced up and down at me. “If anyone was thinking about making a move, this is my girl and I’ll kill anyone who tries.”
A chorus of “yes, captain” sounded and I nearly choked on my spit at his declaration. The shock of it forced me to lean away from him. The notion of us officially being a “thing” was new to me, but apparently it wasn’t to this version of Steel. This one was possessive and clingy. The complete opposite of the other who avoided kissing me.
To prove my point, Steel claimed my lips with his and smacked my bottom as we walked around the hole. I yelped and it drew a laugh from him. Yep, he was on a whole other level when the curse was active and I liked it, even though it made me blush. His Cheshire grin was back and it warmed my body.
“Will you keep your eyes forward before you fall into another hole?” I snapped.
I changed my mind. I didn’t like the extra attention as much. It was a little too creepy.
Gregor laughed at that and Steel narrowed his eyes at him. Gregor stopped quickly and shifted his gaze to the front again. I moved so Steel was back in the lead instead of beside me.
Steel held the map up as he studied it with a bold smirk twisting his lips. “It has to be around here somewhere. There’s supposed to be a small waterfall coming up, but I don’t hear it.”
“I do,” I whispered as the sound of the trickling water called to me.
I pushed Steel aside and followed the pull of the running water. It was singing to me… calling my name ever so sweetly like velvet. I came to a stop in front of a pool of water. It was small, but there was a waterfall that was probably around twenty feet high. I kneeled next to the pool and reached my fingers towards it.
The ripples in the water looked like magic and my submerged fingers zinged with energy. All I wanted to do was dive right in. It was a beautiful crystal blue and shells and rocks underneath the surface were completely visible. A few fish swam around my fingers and it brought a smile to my face.
“Is there treasure in there?” Steel asked as he came up to my side.
I shook my head and he let out a curse, but I continued grinning at the water. There might not be treasure, but there was definitely something special about this water. I couldn’t explain with words the energy and happiness the ripples sent through me. It was intoxicating… enthralling… it was the most incredible feeling I’d ever experienced, and I leaned forward, ready to slice through the surface.
“What’s that?” Bastian shouted.
He broke me from my trance and forced me to pull my body back up. Fear flared in his eyes and made my muscles tense in response. I glanced in the direction he was looking and saw people running down the hill with spears in their hands. They were heading straight for us.
“They’re coming from behind us too,” a voice I didn’t recognize exclaimed.
“And to the other side,” Steel boomed.
“What do we do?” Gregor asked as he drew his sword.
The natives stopped when they reached us and the men and women formed a half-circle around us. We were blocked with no way out unless we wanted to ram into their spears. They all wore white face paint and each had their own design. Their clothes were made of animal hide and left little to the imagination. There was a variation of dark and light skin among them, but they all held predatory expressions. The majority of them wore some shape of bone around their neck and some had it going through their ears and noses.
One guy pushed his way to the front and held an air of superiority. He was the only one not holding a spear and he wore a golden crown on his head with glittering jewels. It was so out of place compared to their primitive attire and mannerism. The man’s eyes skimmed us and came to a halt on me. They widened and his mouth fell slightly ajar. He beckoned me forward with a wave of his hand and inclined his head.
Steel moved in front of me in a defensive manner. “You can’t have her. Who are you?”
“This human capture you?” The native’s accent was thick, but he spoke slowly enough that I could understand.
“What? No. What are you going to do to us?” I grabbed onto Steel’s arm to peer around at the man as I spoke.
“I am Heiji. I have foreseen your arrival Daughter of Poseidon.” He bowed low.
“Daughter of Poseidon? Don’t you mean siren?”
He shook his head. “You are much more than that. The treasure you seek is under the waterfall. You must swim to get there.”
“How do you know we’re here for treasure?” Steel narrowed his eyebrows.
“And why are you telling us where it is without being prompted to?” I added.
“You are our princess and savior, so it is yours to take.” The man bowed again. “Only you can retrieve it from its hidden cavern as it is your birthright. It is too far for any mortal to make it without drowning. We will take these men as our prisoners while you go for your swim, my lady.”
Their princess? I was no princess, but I wasn’t going to tell them that. Their belief that I was royalty might be the only thing that could save us.
“Princess? I don’t know what you’re spewing, but we aren’t here to be prisoners,” Steel growled. “We’re here for the treasure and will take it by force if we have to.”
The leader scoffed. “Humans are such vile creatures. This is my home. You cannot force anything here. We hold the advantage on this island. Nothing is yours for the taking.”
The guy waved his hand in the air and the others closed in on us. Their spears looked sharper the closer they came and I pushed myself to stand in front of Steel—much to his displeasure.
“These men are my allies. If you mistreat them, then you mistreat me.” I figured I might as well try to use this royalty status to our advantage. “You must swear to me that they will not be harmed if I go check out the treasure.”
“My lady, we eat humans. We have been cast aside by Zeus, but Poseidon feeds us as he feels obligated to.”
“How does he feed you and why would he feel obligated to?” I wasn’t sure if I wanted to hear the answer or not.
“He makes certain that our maps find their way into sailors’ hands in hopes that it would eventually lead one of his heirs to us. We’ve been protecting his treasure for years waiting for his heir to come and claim it.”
“His heir?”
“Yes, an heir like you.”
“I’m a siren. I was created by Poseidon’s power, but not born from him.”
“You do not know who you are.”
“Enough of this nonsense. We want the treasure and we want it now,” Steel said aggressively.
“You are in no place to make demands, human,” the native hissed. “You are simply food and food doesn’t get a say.”
“You can’t eat these humans,” I snapped.
“We’ve been far too long without the taste of human flesh. Many of us are rotting in our skin. You can’t deny us these humans. They will extend our lives.”
The man’s mouth opened impossibly wide to reveal multiple sets of sharp teeth. The spears started to close in on us and I tried to call out to the weather to create a storm. Nothing happened and I didn’t even feel the presence of my power.
When the crew around me realized they were going to have to fight their way out, they unsheathed their swords like Gregor had. As they fought off the incoming spears, I attempted to sing to the people, but it had no affect on them. That shouldn’t be such a surprise considering they were monsters instead of human beings.
An idea struck me as I ran to the back of the group. The oncoming attacks of the spears paused and I held my hands outstretched in front of them.
“I call upon the power of Poseidon to strike down any opponent in front of me or curse them until their death if they continue to attack,” I shouted as loudly as I could.
Power thrummed beneath my skin and I was shocked to actually get a response. The creatures were gaping at me. The animalistic glares that had previously been on their faces were replaced with uncertainty and fear.
“My people and I will take our leave. Anyone who stands in our way or attempts to stop us will pay the price with their own heads.”
I kept my hands out wide and the monsters moved out of the way as I walked. Steel was close behind me as he and his crew followed my lead. The fiends cocked their heads but made no more attempts to attack. Their weapons were held at the ready, but I didn’t back down. I no longer felt afraid as the power zinged within me like a current flowing through my blood.
Once we cleared the outer row of them, I stopped to face them until the last pirate was out of harm’s way. The leader now stood before me with his needle-like teeth still bared. He looked uncertain, but the resolve hardened his face.
“You are no friend to us, Daughter of Poseidon.” He spat in our direction. “You will pay for betraying our trust.”
“Run,” I hollered as I turned to escape with my men.
The demons were on our heels and it only made us pick up our speed. The boats were finally in sight. Steel and I were behind everyone else and as the men dove onto the boats, I sent a wave to push them off the shore and closer to The Sea Nymph’s Revenge.
“Hold your breath,” I told Steel as we plunged into the water.
I kicked my legs swiftly as the siren took over. I took us back up to the surface to see we were almost to The Sea Nymph’s Revenge. The jolly boats were a foot behind us and Gregor hauled Steel into his.
I lingered in the ocean to glance back at the island. The monsters were at the edge of the water and were thrusting their spears into the air. They must not be able to swim or knew it would be impossible to beat me once I was in my element. Either way, I was glad they didn’t continue their pursuit.