C B Samet [Samet - Conquest

C. B. Samet

A BIGAIL

The outline of a massive ship broke through the fog. I watched the gray mist swirl around the great bow, with its bronze horse head. The fog and smoke around the volcano island coated the air so densely that the ship appeared to be floating on a sea of mist. It stilled on the ocean surface, presumably dropping anchor. My children followed my gaze to see the big vessel.

Thats not from Crithos, Baird commented. His blue cloak billowed around him as he stood to get a better view of the ship.

My long-standing friend and mentor, Baird Fox, was right. We had a port on Crithos at Waterton, but it serviced mostly fishing boats. This horse-headed beast had been built to sail the open oceanto bridge continents.

But why come to Mulanthe barren island of the serpent volcano? The captain mustve been lost. Mulan was a small, volcano island devoid of lifeexcept for the sea serpent dwelling in the caverns below. Most people knew the island as a place of death. Many terrible shipwrecks had occurred on these shores. Individuals whod survived to reach the black and rocky beach found a desolate island without so much as a tree or shrub.

I squinted to watch as a small boat was lowered to the ocean surface. Figures aboard began rowing their way toward shore.

Toward the resting place of evil.

This island had once terrified me. It had separated my parents from me and taken the life of my father. It had sheltered the powerful scepter belonging to my greatest enemywho had subsequently become an ally and then disappeared from my life. This place of so many memories and so many mixed emotions was now an island I enjoyed visiting with my children. Here, we could picnic, and I could share their heritage with them.

Baird knelt back down on the blanket where the children sat by the food. Well, theyll be a while making it ashore. Might as well finish lunch.

I nodded uneasily. My children took their cue and resumed eating. Rebekah, the youngest at five, found it difficult to sit still as she watched the small boat approach.

Its getting close, she declared. Her unruly black hair, not unlike my own, whipped around her small face as she bobbed up and down with excitement.

Settle down, snapped Natalie, obviously annoyed at Rebekah disrupting the meal.

Paul sat calmly, always drifting in a sea of his own thoughtsmuch like his namesake, my brother, had done. Abruptly, he stood. Im going to warn Andi to stay hidden, since we dont know these strangers intentions.

Ever the protector, just like his father.

When lunch was finished, I packed up the blanket and basket. Paul returned from the island cave as Natalie and Rebecca watched the small boat row ever closer.

Lets get everyone back to the house. Anxiety swelled and clawed at my stomach.

I want to stay and meet them, Natalie said.

If shes staying, Im staying. Paul straightened and tensed slightlyas though showing he wasnt afraid. Although he had strength and courage at the tender age of seven, I didnt think hed ever been in a fight. The physical contact of the rough-housing on the farm wasnt equivalent to fighting with sharp, penetrating objects.

Everyone is leaving. Baird and I will meet the sailors with all of you safely at home. Until I knew these travelers intentions, I wasnt exposing my children to them.

My familys safety was my priority.

I took Pauls hand and gave him an arched eyebrow of warning. He frowned but took Natalies hand, and Natalie then took Rebekahs. They knew my Travelers Star worked by contact.

Although our home was an ocean away, I didnt use conventional means of travel. Many years ago, Id been gifted with the Travelers Star. A large, blue tattoo on my palm enabled me to transport anywhere I could see or had been before. As such, I brought my family several times a year to picnic on the island of the serpent volcano. Other days, wed travel to the beach of Misty Isles, or to Karnelik to climb mountains, or to Marrin Beach to cliff dive.

Baird was the only other person I knew of with the Travelers Star. Years ago, wed made the mistake of holding hands, stars touching, while attempting to transport a large army together. That interaction had created a permanent connection between us. We could communicate covertly and sense where the other was if we concentrated.

Ill be back, I told Baird.

He nodded.

Using my Travelers Star, I shifted, taking the children and myself home.

But Baird! Paul protested.

I released his hand once we stood safely inside the lounge of our estate.

Im going back to help him. Ill return as soon as I can. I handed the blanket to Natalie and the picnic basket to Paul. I bent down and kissed Rebekah on the cheek, but it didnt remove the worry on her face.

In an instant, I stood back on the beach.

Baird had his arms crossed, watching the men row through the surf before pulling the boat ashore. Twelve men arrivedall human. Their attire was as foreign as their ship. Their pants consisted of leather hide, laced along the outside of their legs the way we laced our boots. Their tunics were a thin, light material that probably dried quickly, providing an advantage on a ship. Short blades hung at their sides, along with small iron clubs that I didnt recognize.

By all appearances, and the scowls on their faces, they dont appear friendly, Baird said silently.

Twelve against two. Weve had worse odds, I replied.

Im Abigail Cross and this is my friend, Baird Fox.

Baird, with his salt and pepper gray hair, probably looked old enough to be my father or an uncle. Wed been friends long enough for me to consider him family.

The lead sailor appraised my blue cotton dress and casual, comfortable attire. Perhaps he was surprised to encounter two people on Mulan, especially if he knew anything about the history of the island.

Im Porter Stout, son of King Artemis Stout. His accent betrayed that Crithian was not his native tongue.

His men began maneuvering around us. Porter glanced around as though looking for a ship, or any hidden threat. Hed find no tangible means of transportation.

Youre from Bellos, Baird said, stepping closer to my side. He held his wooden baton vertically, like a walking stick rather than the weapon I knew it to be.

I was told this is an evil island, desolate and deserted, Porter said.

Most days, hed have been correct about the deserted part. His statement betrayed his knowledge of the island and suggested he had intentionally come here. But why?

As you can see, its neither deserted nor evil, I said.

Prince Stouts lip curled as his shifty eyes glared at me. His long, dark hair ringed his shoulders. His high cheekbones accentuated a long, crooked nose.

Insolent woman! Bow before the Prince of Bellos, one of the men commanded.

I turned my gaze on what was presumably Prince Stouts second in commanda stocky man with an abundance of facial hair. A hand rested on his iron club, ready to attack.

I bow to those who earn my respect through their actions. So far, you have only demonstrated your ability to attempt intimidation.

Porters first mate drew his club and pointed one end at my chest. I inspected the iron contraption. It had a hollow barrel like the Hunju blow darts Id seen, but an odd, closed handle. It was obviously capable of launching some type of projectile. I was evidently supposed to cower in its presence and do its owners biddingbut, for better or for worse, Id never been one to yield when confronted with danger. Nevertheless, I did recognize the contraption as a dangeran unknown weapon. The Hunju blow darts contained a paralytic neurotoxin. If this were anything similar, a conflict with these men would be challenging.