Despairing Tides (Fate's Intent Book 12) (9 page)

Lamar’s eyes got wide as Naomi took out her other fan and opened it. She spun around and slit his throat. Lamar’s head dropped down and he was dead but remained sitting in my throne.

Naomi closed her fan and turned to us. “Well, I think we’re done here.”

“Good work.” Cadence smiled. “But how are you going to get out of there?”

“Same way I got in, of course.”

She turned herself invisible and walked through the energy shield. “See.” She reappeared. “Simple.”

“Okay, but it’s still there.” Lana said as she pointed at it.

“That’s strange.” Ruby said. “How do you get rid of it?”

“Maybe it has to be done from the inside.” Adele thought.

Everyone turned to Naomi. “What?”

“Try it.” Troy suggested.

“All right.” She turned herself invisible again and walked back through the energy shield then reappeared. “Now what?”

“Find a way to bring it down.” Seth said.

“Oh yeah, like how?”

“I don’t know. You figure it out.”

Naomi sighed. “All right. Then let me think but I won’t object to help!” Naomi paced as she took one of her fans and started fanning herself. “I don’t know!” She threw her hand up at the same time and her fan came out of it. She noticed when it didn’t come back down and looked up above her. It was sticking out of the top of the energy shield like it was just stuck there. “Huh. That’s interesting. Maybe if I—”

“Don’t touch it!” Adele shouted but not soon enough.

Naomi leaped into the air and grabbed her fan. At that moment, she pulled it out and part of the energy shield came down with it like a sticky substance.

Adele sighed.  “I told you not to touch it.”

“Sorry.” Naomi said, holding completely still.

Sparks began to circle at the top above her and she slowly looked up.

“That can’t be good.” Lana muttered.

“Naomi!” Bryce shouted, taking an urgent step forward.

“No.” Dirk said, stopping him.

“Naomi, get out of there.” Cadence said calmly.

Naomi took a deep breath in and let it back out. “This is probably going to hurt. If I die in here, I blame all of you.”

“Naomi! Get out of there!” Cadence shouted.

“I’m sorry.” Naomi said quietly. She closed her eyes and turned her head away from us.

We didn’t know what was going to happen but something was.

“No!” Bryce shouted as Dirk continued to hold him back.

The spiraling motion of the sparks intensified as the energy shield was being sucked up into the vortex and completely disappeared in one last burst of lightening, taking Naomi along with it.

I had to turn my head away from the brightness but when I turned back Naomi was gone.

“Naomi?” Jaylyn called.

Bryce stepped up to where she was standing and turned back, holding out his arms. “She’s gone.”

A portal opened above him and Naomi fell down, landing in his open arms. He was almost knocked back by the surprise but managed to keep his feet.

“Naomi!” Cadence said as she went to Bryce.

Naomi was unconscious in Bryce’s arms and he gently set her on the floor. The rest of us went over and stood over her.

“Is she okay?” Seth asked.

“Yeah. She’s just unconscious.”

Bryce put his hand on her chest and his eyes only had to glow for a moment before Naomi woke up and quickly got to her feet. “Did you see that?! That was incredible!”

“I’m glad you think so.” Bryce muttered. “What happened?”

“I’m not entirely sure.”

“Are you okay though?” I asked. “No physical damage?”

“No, I’m fine but it was weird.”

“As long as you’re okay.” We stood through the silence and glanced around. “Well, welcome home everyone.”

“It’s good to be back.” Darius replied.

“Less the unplanned hostile takeover.” Troy added. “It is good to be back.”

Everyone laughed and the General entered the palace. “Your majesty. The rebel force has been destroyed and the city is secure.”

“Very good. Arrange for the repairs and get the mess cleaned up.”

“Yes, sir.” The General nodded and turned away.

“So, what about the mess in here?” Ruby asked, looking at Lamar still in my throne.

“Get rid of it.” I said in disgust. “He was never welcome here.”

“We should have killed him years ago.” Darius said. “Can someone tell me why we didn’t?”

“Maybe it was because we didn’t think he would come back after our last conversation when he said he lost all respects for this country.” Troy answered.

Darius had a look of astonishment on his face. “How do you always remember shit like that?”

“I don’t know. If I hear it, I’ll remember it.”

“Huh.”

“All right.” I interrupted. “Could we please just forget about it and would someone do something with him.” I turned away from looking at Lamar and started walking the other way. “I’m taking some personal time.”

It was quiet while I walked away but even my mind wouldn’t let me be. It’s been eight years since my parents’ death and through that time I never knew what happened. He never even came here to give me any kind of peace. I just had to live with it but it was freshly in my mind again and I didn’t like any of these answers.

Adele caught up to me in our room. I was out on the balcony looking over the damaged city and I felt her with me when she gently touched my back. “Zayden.”

I didn’t turn around to her but responded. “I’m fine, Love.”

“You know this wasn’t your fault. There was no way to know this would happen.”

“I should have never left. If I was only here, I wouldn’t allow this to happen.”

“And so you won’t again. You have no further reason to leave.”

“And yet acts of the past managed to breach the walls and send the city into chaos.”

“We got here in time. The damage is minimal and can be repaired.”

“And my past? Can it ever be repaired? My parents were murdered. How could I not have seen that?”

“None of us would have wanted to see it that way, Zayden but you stepped up the way they expected you would and you’ve given this country hope.”

“What if things happened differently? If we did kill Lamar back then, none of this would have happened and my parents would still be alive.”

“Don’t live on ifs. You know Fate intended for all of this to happen, giving you the chance to prove yourself and you have time and time again. I couldn’t be more proud of you and you should never doubt your place.” She made me look at her. “I love you, Zayden and I don’t want you to feel like anything you ever did was wrong. We’ll make it through this. We always do.”

A part of me knew she was right and it was that part that made me smile. “I know. I couldn’t ask for a better life for us.”

“And I couldn’t want one. You’ve fulfilled your destiny and have become the most powerful leader of the world and I’m honored to be at your side through it all.”

We leaned into each other and shared a kiss. She was right. It is who I have become and the world couldn’t have asked for anything different from me. I perfected it and would again through this trying time as long as she was here with me.

Chapter 20

Seth

Two months have passed since Lamar’s demise. We got to hear a more in depth story about who he really was from our fathers and I was glad he was gone.

Randal was once again whole when the rebuilding projects were completed and the wounds of the past left no scars. The people too forgot the hardships that were faced during those dreadful hours and were back on the right track to living happy lives in the world’s greatest city.

The girls received their first mission from Trever and we were on our way to the Silver Gates at northern docks in Seni to catch a ship. This was also their strangest mission. We were headed to Hintus to find someone named Rory but instead if killing him as an Assassin would, Trever wants them to bring him to him. It’s usually something that’s not done but I was glad we were going. I wouldn’t want them to transport a possible dangerous prisoner back to Kalu with just the animal abilities and invisibility to work with. They would need much more than that.

Our travel was swift and we made it there just as the sun went down and the dock fires were lit.

“So, which ship is it?” I asked.

“I’m guessing that one.” Cadence answered as she pointed to a ship.

She seemed happy about it but it really didn’t seem that special to me. “Who’s our captain this time?”

“Only the coolest person you’ll ever meet.” Naomi said. “We actually haven’t seen him for a couple years.”

“Him?” Bryce asked.

“Yo, Jinx!” Cadence shouted when we approached the ship.

A man sitting up in the rigging of the main mast looked down. “You came!” He stood up and leaned out over the edge. “I’ll be right down!”

He grabbed a loose rope to his left and used it to slide down to the deck of the ship. Dirk, Bryce and I looked at each other.

He was young, maybe our age. I suddenly didn’t like how excited the girls became to see him.

He approached the top of the gangplank and looked down. “I would have hoped you’d come this way. I’ve missed you.”

Cadence, Lana and Naomi immediately got down off their horses and ran half way up the gangplank to him.

“Jinx!” Naomi said excitedly as she jumped into his arms.

He picked her up to embrace her. “Naomi! Good to see you.” Naomi smiled then stepped aside. “Lana.”

Lana returned the smile and quickly went into his arms. “You don’t know how much I missed seeing you though I know I haven’t know you as long.”

Jinx smiled. “Oh, I have an idea. I have that effect on people.”

Jinx looked over at Cadence next and they both stood there for a moment, looking at each other. “I was glad to hear you’d take us. It’s been a long time.”

“That it has.” Jinx said as he moved closer to her. “So, are you going to make me beg? I won’t have it, you know?”

Cadence smiled as she stepped closer to him for a hug.

“Oh, you brought guests.” He finally noticed us while looking over her shoulder.

“Yes.” Cadence said. “I hope that’s not a problem.”

“No. No problem. Are they—”

“There with us.” Lana cut in.

Jinx smiled and nodded. “I see. Good for you. So, are you going to introduce us or shall I do it myself?”

“Don’t you even.” Cadence smiled as she held him back. “We’ll do it.” She turned back and waved us to come over. We only looked at each other first before getting off our horses to walk over with them. “Jinx this is—”

“I know who they are.” Jinx smiled. “I was just kidding. The Great Seni Fighters are well known by us sea travelers.”

“Well, then everyone else, this is Jinx.” Cadence said. “He’s—ah—unique.”

“Hey!” Jinx cut in. “Don’t be down playing me in front of company. As I recall, I’m the one that made those days of torture worth going through so call me what you will but always know that you wouldn’t have survived without me.”

“He’s got a point.” Naomi smiled as she hung her arm around his neck.

“Of course I do. I’m proud of that!”

Cadence sighed. “Okay but you’re still out there.”

“It’s the only place I’d want to be. So, if we’re done standing out here, talking nonsense, let’s get on board so I can give you the grand tour before we go.”

“All right.” Cadence said as she took the reins of her horse from me. “But let’s settle the horses in the stables first.”

“No need.” Jinx replied. “Take them with us.”

“Really?” Naomi asked.

“Look at this.” Jinx said as he turned around and looked at the ship. “Are you seeing this?”

“Yes.” Cadence answered.

“This isn’t like any ship you’ve ever been on, I bet. I designed and built it myself so it has everything the typical ship would not. Let me show you what I mean and bring the horses.” He started walking up the gangplank and we followed like requested.

The crew members were going about their duties when they all stopped and looked toward their captain and us when we boarded.

“At ease, gentlemen. They’re not for you.” Jinx said. “Ready the sails. We leave momentarily.” The crew immediately got back to work and Jinx started to show us around. “Well, welcome to my humble abode. The greatest floating paradise any sea has had the pleasure of sailing. Now, let’s get those horses below deck to their quarters.” Jinx turned from them and looked around. “Maverick! Sparks!”

Two men hurried to Jinx and stood in front of him. “Captain.”

“Take these horses down to the stables and be sure they are taken care of.”

“Right away, captain.” They walked to the horses and took the reins from us.

“Don’t worry.” Jinx said. “They’ll be fine. Now, back to the tour. The upper deck, where we are currently standing, has the on board galley just to your right with fabulous panoramic views of wherever we happen to be and to your left you’ll find the captain’s office and quarters which are mine.”

“Obviously.” Cadence muttered.

Jinx smiled as he continued. “And again to your left, at the stern, is the helm and to your right, at the bow, is the pool.”

“A pool?” Lana wondered. “You have a pool on this thing?”

Jinx smiled. “Yeah. You want to see it?”

“Yeah, I do!”

“All right, follow me.” Jinx turned and started walking toward the bow. We followed behind him and I looked into the galley as we passed. It was very elegant with the tables in neat rows and chairs perfectly spaced apart. We walked up the stairs to the bow.

“Wow.” Naomi said.

It was a very large ‘U’ shape pool with step down stairs going down into the cool clear tranquil waters. The surrounding areas were set for lounging with various sleigh style beds with side tables, designed for basking in the open sun.

“I know, it is amazing.” Jinx said. “I see many great times happening out here. Now come, I’ll show you to the room you’ll be staying in.”

“Wait a second.” Cadence interrupted stopping him from turning away. “This is unbelievable. You built this?”

“Yeah.”

“You? The one labeled least likely to amount to anything?”

Jinx laughed. “Oh, now you’re just getting your information from the wrong source. That old witch had it out for me the moment I walked through her door but I never let her get to me. It was actually quite funny to watch her try.”

Naomi laughed to herself. “I remember. You always were persistent in reminding her why she hated you.”

“And that, my friend, has carried me far since I left. I’m sure she’d turn in her grave to know what has become of me. Now, we’re running a little behind schedule due to this unexpected stop.” Jinx turned and started leading us back down the stairs. “So let’s get you settled in because I have to get this thing out into open water in oh, about five minutes.” Jinx led us below deck, through the narrow corridors. “Here we are.” He opened a door and we entered. “I’ve saved this one especially for you, in hopes you were coming. So, just throw your stuff anywhere and ah, please excuse me while I tend to my station. You’re all welcome to come topside and witness our departure if you’d like.”

Jinx hurried off before anyone got the chance to reply and we set our stuff down to take a breath.

“Well, should we go watch?” Cadence asked. I didn’t say anything and I think she’s just noticed that I haven’t in a while. “What’s wrong with you? None of you have said a word since we’ve been here.”

“Nothing is wrong.” I replied. “There’s just not much we could or want to say.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah. We’re fine.”

“Well, okay. Let’s go then.” She turned around and we followed her out. I was kind of glad when she didn’t drag it out. I wouldn’t really know how to tell her what I really thought. She may have saw him as her friend but I didn’t.

We reached the upper deck with the intentions to keep our thoughts to ourselves and the crew was rushing around getting things prepared to leave port. I looked up at the helm where we were headed to see Jinx at the wheel barking out orders. “Hoist the starboard and port anchors! We’re ready to make way! Release the sails on the ready!” He saw us. “Marvelous! So, you decided to observe and you’re just in time. You’d better hang on.”

All at the same time, the crew members let loose the sails and the wind immediately caught them, pushing the ship forward in a single jolt. Jinx stood firm but the rest of us fell forward.

He laughed. “Haven’t gained your sea legs yet, I see. Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it soon enough.”

“I was not prepared for that.” Naomi said.

Jinx laughed again. “Hence why I said, hang on. You’re lucky you weren’t thrown farther. I’ve seen it happen.”

“So, how long will it take us to reach the docks in Hintus?” Cadence asked.

“Well, I’ve managed to arrange for us to dock in the trading port so we’re closer to the city but it really depends on the weather.” Jinx answered as he handed the wheel off to his helmsmen through conversation. “If it’s in our favor, three days. If not, then longer, who knows? Steady as she goes, Miles. It’s going to be a long night. I want a firm hand holding at all times.”

“As always, captain.”

Jinx smiled and put his focus back on us. “Well, there it is.” He looked back to the shore and we did too. “The last land you’ll see for a few days at least.”

Lana groaned. “Don’t say that.”

Jinx laughed as he started down the stairs to the upper deck. “Come. You all must be famished from your journey. I’m sure we have something to satisfy your appetite prepared in the galley.”

We walked in and all sat down at a table together. Some other crew members came out and gave us all something to eat. He was right. We traveled all day to get here and we were hungry. I wouldn’t think that he’d find it odd to see us start to eat right away but he leaned into Cadence anyway.

“Are your guys always this talkative or do you just bring them along for the mere joy to look at?” Cadence held her breath for a moment as Lana and Naomi tried to hold back from laughing. “What? It sounds like something you’d do.”

“Well, why don’t you ask them?” Cadence said, looking over at me. “I’m sure they’ll give you a respectable response.”

“So, they are capable of speaking.” Jinx smiled. “That’s good to know I wouldn’t be talking to myself all the time but I must say, I’m a bit disappointed. I half expected more from ones so great.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” Dirk wondered as he put his fork down and sat back in his chair, crossing his arms and showing off his tense muscles.

“Dirk!” Lana cut in.

“Ooh, we have a feisty one among us.” Jinx smiled. “That’s always fun but I meant no disrespect. I merely noticed that you three have been unresponsive since you arrived as I anticipated more.”

“See!” Cadence said as she turned to me. “Didn’t I say that to you earlier? What has gotten into you?”

“Nothing. Like I said, we’re fine.”

“Really?” Naomi wondered. “Because you do seem a little not like yourselves.”

“What?” Bryce reacted. “What would make you say that? Everything is fine.”

“Honestly?” Lana wondered. “You don’t have a problem being here?”

“No. No problem unless you want to make this a problem.” Dirk said. “Then that’s when we could definitely have a problem with it.”

There was a pause as everyone looked at Dirk due to his long response. I think a simple no would have been good enough.

“Oh, hold that thought.” Jinx said as he looked out the window. He got up from his chair and stood on the outside of the galley door. “That’s enough northing, Miles! Set our course direct west!”

“Aye, captain! Direct west!”

Jinx nodded and walked back to his chair and was about to sit down when another member of the crew came to the door. “Captain.”

Jinx remained standing as he looked up and the man held up a scroll. “Oh, yes. If you’ll excuse me, I have some other business to attend to.”