Page 4 of Buoy
Soren went back to watching Rhys eat. Didn’t want to think of Bellani. Or Kane. Or his parents. Or anything other than to breathe in the briny sea air. He needed to swim, but he hadn’t yet earned the privilege, and Vex only let him swim in certain places. Places no one would be able to find them. He pulled his knees to his chest and watched the seabirds dive into the soft waves to catch fish. His body ached, and it made him less chatty.
“Are you okay?” Rhys side eyed him while taking another apple from his basket and sinking his teeth into the red flesh with a crunch. “You’re not usually so quiet.”
“We leave tomorrow.” Soren couldn’t very well tell him he was physically drained and needed the sea to revive him. That would get him punished by Bellani.
“Oh. Can I write to you?”
“Can’t read.” Soren shrugged. “Besides, Vex wouldn’t let me have letters, anyway. He’d say it was a breach of protection.”
They sat in awkward silence. At least Rhys hadn’t made a big deal about Soren not being able to read. A few of the crew had tried to teach him, but always ended up with both of them being frustrated. He knew his letters individually. But together, they never made sense.
“I’ve been wanting to ask.” Rhys looked away and chewed on his apple core. “But it’s probably rude.”
Soren swallowed. He could anticipate the question, but let Rhys ask it, anyway.
Rhys made eye contact. “How did you end up on a pirate ship?”
It was Soren’s turn to look away. Ashamed. Heat flamed up his neck and over his face. “My parents sold me to Vex two years ago.” Bitterness choked his thoughts. He didn’t know what he’d done, but he hated them for it.
“Why did they…”
Soren pushed to his feet. “I have a few duties I have to finish.” Thinking about his parents only broke his heart. What had he done to deserve his fate?
Rhys scrambled to stand, too. “Can I see you again before you leave?”
“We’ll be gone before sunset.” Soren hated how raw his voice sounded.
“Then I’ll be here before the morning birds sing.”
Soren waved as he walked the short distance back to the ship. He really did have a few chores to do before they shipped off the next day, but he’d seen Vex on deck and didn’t want him noticing Rhys.
Soren sat on the rail and watched the dark, early dawn horizon, waiting for Rhys to show up. Hoping he would. Hoping he wouldn’t. Then he heard soft bare feet and jumped to the dock to meet him. Rhys hauled a canvas bag that he plopped onto the dock. A smile lit his face.
“Dad insisted I bring you supplies. The clothes might be too big, but you’ll grow into them… probably. Eventually. Probably.” He scratched at the back of his neck like he did when he was nervous. “And there are a few snacks that should last in case you need them. I spelled them not to spoil.”
Soren cocked his head. “Why’d you bring me all this?”
“We’re friends.” Rhys smiled, showing his small fangs, and Soren couldn’t help following suit.
“Friends.” He could use all the friends he could get. “Thank you.” He pulled the bag open and rummaged through. “There’s a coat!” Excitement bubbled up, and he pulled it on despite the stifling heat of the summer. It pooled on the planks below and the sleeves went to his feet. They both laughed at the ridiculousness, but he wrapped his arms around himself and squeezed. He could use it as another blanket until he hopefully grew into it.
Rhys stepped back, inspecting him. “Mom packed sweets, but I told her not to do too many because your stomach gets upset.”
“Thank you.” Soren blinked. Wetness welled in his eyes and he had to make it stop. He couldn’t let Rhys see what his tears became once they rolled off his cheeks. Vex would know, and Soren would be punished. He rubbed his face in the coat sleeves to dry his eyes before the pearls could fall.
“It’s what friends do. They help each other.” Rhys grinned again.
Soren could only nod. The coat was soft and if not for the heat, he’d want to lay around in it. He’d have to find a place to stash it all so no one could steal the gift. He had a few places no one knew about that only he could reach.
“Don’t forget about me in your fancy school.” Soren packed the coat, then pulled the bag over his shoulder. He couldn’t help the broad smile.
“I don’t think I ever could.” Rhys stared into his eyes. “But I won’t be here for another year.” His shoulders dropped. “Not until next summer.”
“I’ll see you then.” With that, Soren turned and marched back to The Golden Drake with his goods to hide before the rest of the crew woke. He had a friend. A real, true friend.
Chapter 2
RHYS(AGE13)
