Page 8 of Beasts of Briar
A wave rammed against the ship. I curled into myself and wrapped my arms around my legs, my stomach heaving with the motion. I’d already vomited more times than I could count on this journey. The sea and I did not agree with each other, and I was more than ready to depart this vessel and get my feet on solid ground.
I’d thought a lot about the upcoming obstacles I’d have to face, which would be far greater than any the sea could provide, but even so, I could not wait to get off this blasted thing.
A scream split the air from somewhere above. My head snapped up right as the door burst open, feet pounding on the stairs. A few of the crew members emerged from the shadows.
“We’re readying the cannons,” one of them said, tugging at the blue bandana on his head. “Hope you’re happy.”
I’d received snide comments like this over the last four weeks. Any hope I’d had that I could win over the crew had been sorely miscalculated after encountering rough storms, spoiled food, and a run-in with a giant sea squid. No amount of visiting their dreams at night, weaving stories of adventure and heroics could make the crew forget all the trouble I’d brought with me. I’d been able to make them subservient to Matthew, to go along with his plan—but not to like it. So I’d given up trying to win them over and focused on visiting Matthew’s dreams, on keeping his resolve steady as he brought me closer to my destination.
The swans ruffled their feathers, wings flapping as they waddled with a nervous energy. I ran up the narrow stairs and opened the hatch door.
Crew members lined the railings, a few at the top of the tall masts. Mary steered the ship while Matthew shouted orders.
“Swords at the ready!”
I rushed over to Matthew, then stopped before I reached him, shading my eyes against the blazing sun and realizing what I was seeing.
Land. Tall palm trees swayed in the breeze, thick foliage and jungle lining the black-sand beaches, stark and green. We’d arrived.
“Ready yourselves for a fight!” Matthew yelled.
My gaze trailed to the sea, where another larger ship with three tall masts and a crew of at least thirty barreled toward us.
My mouth dropped open. At the helm stood Driscoll and that woman.
Driscoll pointed. “We found her! That’s the ship!”
I glared at him from afar. Evening was upon us, the sun melting into the horizon, but it wasn’t enough. The stars weren’tout, and without the stars, I couldn’t use my magic to put Driscoll and his entire crew to sleep. If we fought them, we’d lose. We were outnumbered three to one. I glanced behind me again at the island. So close now. I just needed to get to shore, and this would all be over. Matthew’s crew wouldn’t be at risk any longer. Wouldn’t have to fight my battles for me.
I weighed my options as the enemy ship drew closer, the sapphire blue ocean frothing in its wake.
“Ready the cannons!” Matthew screamed over the sound of rushing waves and billowing sails.
If they fired at us, if one of their cannons hit our ship, they could hurt one of the swans. One of my brothers. Mind made up, I lifted the skirt of my red dress and raced toward Arno. He stood at the railing, sword pointed, at the ready.
I tapped him on the shoulder and held out my hands to signal stop. Stop this.
He glanced around at the small crew, everyone now in position and ready. “I don’t think we have much choice. A pirate ship. They’re out for our goods.”
No they weren’t. I needed to make him understand. I pointed at the ship, then at myself.
His eyes widened. “They’re here for you?”
I nodded and gestured to the island in the distance, then pointed to a rowboat propped up against the banister.
He didn’t look sure, but I gripped fistfuls of his tunic and gave him a hard shake, widening my eyes at him.
“Okay,” he said. “You want to take the boat?”
I nodded eagerly.
Arno eyed me, then let out a heavy sigh. “Get your birds ready. I’ll lower the boat on the other side of the ship. You’re going to have to work fast to escape.”
I threw my arms around him and squeezed him tight.
He scratched his head. “You’re one of the strangest women I’ve ever met, and it’s clear you have secrets, but for some reason, I’m rooting for you and those damn birds, for whoever you’re trying to rescue on this island.”
His words made my eyes go teary, but I quickly swiped at the tears before they could fall. The ship was barreling closer, and soon I’d be out of time. If they captured me, it would be over. I ran belowdecks, snapping my fingers to get the swans’ attention. They all stood, beady black eyes on me.
