Page 23 of A Warrior's Heart
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Hours had passed since we’d set sail. Strange how I was a creature of the sea, yet the constant rocking of the ship along the swell had made my stomach roll a few times. I held my composure well, though, and the nausea eventually faded.
The same couldn’t be said for Troy, who lurched over the railing for the third time, emptying what little he had left in his stomach.
“Make it stop, Mal,” he whined.
I rubbed small circles on his back. “It will pass, young one.”
“When?” he asked before gagging and bending back over the railing.
I sighed and continued rubbing his back, wishing I could help.
Over the years, my perception of Troy had shifted. I no longer saw him as the young boy he used to be. I saw his beauty and his kind heart. I saw the amazing man he’d grown to be. He might appear weak to those who didn’t know him, but he was the best archer I had ever met. Yet, it was more than just his skills as an archer that gave him strength. He also had strength of spirit.
Something about him called to me.
But each time I caught myself admiring him—desiring him—I shoved it aside. I hadn’t given my heart to anyone in many years. Not since Aeon died so long ago. Troy needed someone who would love him fully and without reserves, someone who would cherish him.
“I think that’s it for now,” Troy said, wiping his mouth with the back of his shaking hand.
“You should sit.” I guided him to the stairs that led to the upper deck.
Once he was seated on the steps, I leaned against the post and watched the flurry of activity on the ship.
Nereus climbed up to the crow’s nest and peered through a spyglass. I doubt he knew what he was searching for, but he was a young male who had discovered a shiny new toy to play with. One I was sure would occupy him for hours.
Fletcher stood beside Kellan at the helm, while Alek climbed the main mast to mind the rigging. Eva stood below him, holding a hand to her eyes as she squinted up at him.
Lorcan smiled as Alek moved swiftly along the mast and swung down off the ropes. Alek then motioned for Lorcan to help him tie off the rigging.
For years, Alek had been part of Kellan’s crew. He was no stranger to this life. Then, his destiny had led him to Avalontis—to the prince.
“Look at them,” Troy whispered, his gaze pinned on the assassins. The six of them stood near the middle of the ship, motionless. The only movement was the wind ruffling the material of their clothes. “They don’t move or speak. The sun blazes down on us, and yet they keep their faces covered and their hoods up. It’s as if they aren’t even men at all.”
“I can assure you, they bleed when cut just like any other,” Reif said in his deep, raspy tone, leaning against the post opposite mine. He touched the jagged scar on his left cheek before dropping his hand.
“Will you ever tell us what happened?” Troy asked him. “Why did you leave the force? How did you get that scar?”
Reif met my gaze. “How you deal with his rambling mouth, I will never know, my friend.”
I cracked a smile.
The leader of the assassin force looked our way, his blue eyes vibrant even from the distance. His was the only hood that was lowered, and once again, his black hair reminded me of raven feathers.
“His name is Ervin, correct?” I asked Reif. He nodded. “He’s a bit young to be second in command.”
“Young, yes, but his skills are superior,” Reif said. “I’ve heard many tales of his exploits. His nickname among the force is Shadow Blade because he moves so fast that a shadow is all a man sees before his life ends.”
“How does someone know that for sure without any survivors to tell the tale?” Troy asked, putting a hand to his stomach when the ship jolted to the left before righting itself.
“Do you wish to test the claim, boy?” Reif asked.
Troy paled even more before hopping up from the step and rushing over to the side of the ship. With nothing in his stomach, he dry heaved.
“A seasick merman,” Eva said in disbelief, putting her hands on her hips as she looked at her brother. She then went over and looped her arm through his. “Come on.”
“No, let me die,” Troy murmured, resting his cheek on the railing.
