Traveler (35 page)

Without pause, Meliora grabbed Luc by the hand and led him through one of the doorways, giving the guards a smile as they passed.  Within the room, there was a large richly carved table surrounded by matching chairs.  At the head of the table, surrounded by various maps and reports was an older man, his thick blonde hair tinged with streaks of white.  He glanced up when they entered, his brown eyes lighting up in surprise.  “Ah Siren, good morning.  I see you’ve come to visit, and brought someone with you as well.”

Letting go of Luc’s hand, she immediately approached the man who rose and wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug.  “Good morning, my lord.  I’ve brought you someone who would like to request a favor.”

An exasperated look crossed the Pirate Lord’s face as he let go of her.  “Really, Siren, would it kill you to refer to me as father occasionally? I’ve told you many times you don’t need to stand on formality with your own flesh and blood.”

Luc stood silently as the exchanges were made, waiting for something to be said about his audience.  What caught his ear, though, was a particular set of words.  His heart stopped in his chest.  
Father?
Gods help him...he’d just slept with the Pirate Lord’s daughter.  A muscle twitched in his cheek.  Gods help him...

A sigh escaped Meliora as she stared up at her father, her hands on her hips.  “Must you always bring that up?  You are supposed to be listening to Rogue here while he asks for your assistance in a most important matter.  I think it would behoove you to agree.”  She gave him a pointed look, a slippered foot tapping a slow tempo on the stone floor.

The man blinked in surprise, staring at his headstrong daughter apprehensively for a moment before looking over at the man who had accompanied her this morning.  He cleared his throat before addressing the man, his gaze sweeping over him critically.  “And what is this important matter that you bring before me, Rogue?”

“
Father?”
He asked her, his strangled look at Meliora speaking volumes, but only to her and him.  “Yes, my Lord...I have a request for you. My Captain is an enemy of the state; someone who, if Silvertongue got his hands on him, would bring about catastrophic events.  His wife is also one I need shelter for.  They are Bonded.  If he dies, so does she, and vice versa.  I just...I need to find them shelter...before the snake does.”

The Pirate Lord frowned slightly at the mention of Silvertongue, his gaze drifting back to his daughter who was still giving him a pointed look.  “I see...and you think because I am against Silvertongue that I will aid your captain and his wife.  It would be a blow against the bastard, and Dragon has been a loyal subject since he joined my people.”  He fell silent for a moment, pondering the ramifications of helping these people.  His daughter obviously wanted him to do so...and as stubborn as she was, she would do it herself if he said no.  Looking back at Luc, he nodded slowly.  “Very well...bring Dragon and his bride to me and I will give them sanctuary.  Or rather...my daughter shall be your contact.”

Meliora suddenly gave her father a beaming smile, happy that he had made the right decision.  She looked over at Luc, hoping that her father hadn’t ruined things by revealing their relationship.

Luc twisted his face.  “That...might be a little more complicated than that.  Bri...Bird, was taken.  And Dragon, too.  I need a place that will be protected from all things...what about the rebels?  Would they shelter them?  Keep them safe?”  He didn’t look at Mel.  They would have words later.

“If their safety would irk that snake, then my guess is that the rebels would keep them safe.  The offer of sanctuary will remain open.  Find them and bring them to me...and I will see that they are safe.”  He replied, settling down in his seat at the table.

Luc bowed low, his eyes downcast.  “Thank you, my Lord.  You are truly too generous to listen to a lowly pirate like me...but my Captain and his wife thank you.”

“I always have time for loyal pirates, Rogue.” He chuckled softly, waving a hand.  “Now go and find your Captain and his wife.  The sooner they are safe, the better.”

Luc nodded and turned on his heel.  He glanced at Mel, to see if she was coming.  He needed to find his Captain, and fast.  
Dammit, Rahim,
he thought,
where in the Gods’ names are you?  

Meliora gave her father a faint smile before silently following Luc as he left.  Her eyes were lowered as she bit back a sigh, wanting to smack the man for once more running his mouth and telling people they were related.  She knew what was most likely going to happen now...and she wasn’t looking forward to it.  But...she could handle it.  She always did.

Chapter 18

Cool blue eyes swept over the bustling port town of Dabricci as Alex carefully guided his traveling companion through the crowds of people milling about, a hand firmly holding onto the girl’s shoulder.  After all that they had been through just to get her back from Silvertongue, he was not about to allow her to be swept away by pirates.  For what seemed like the thousandth time in the past hour, he silently cursed himself for not taking the time to give Dragon’s first mate something to make it easier to find the man.  Trust a pirate to seek refuge in a town populated completely by pirates!

                A flash of red in the distance caught his eye, making him take a second look.  He blinked in surprise before arching a brow.  Well, that had been simpler than he had expected it to be.  For there walking next to a beautiful blonde dressed in red was the man he had been seeking.  Leave it to the man to find a woman to occupy his time while his captain was missing.  Shaking his head, he began guiding Brileia in that direction.

                The change in direction drew the despondent girl out of her thoughts, her cerulean eyes sweeping curiously in the direction they were heading. A soft gasp escaped her when she caught sight of Luc, a relieved smile briefly curving her lips.  Pulling away from Alex, she hurried over towards Luc.  “Rogue!”

                Luc walked down the roadway, pointedly not looking at Mel.  He didn’t want to talk to her, much less discuss what had happened with her father.  Gods, her
father
!  They were close to her home, and Luc was about to part ways for a moment, to gather his thoughts, when a familiar voice caught his attention.  His gaze swung around and he gathered her up into a hug, holding her close to him in relief.  “Bird!  Light, you’re alive.  Thank the Gods,” he gasped, squeezing her as if she were fit to burst.

                Alex watched in amusement as a relieved laugh escaped Brileia, the slender girl throwing her arms around the pirate and hugging him tightly.  It was pure luck that they had even seen the man in the first place.  The sooner the girl was safely with Dragon’s first mate, the sooner he could return to Aislin’s side.  He came to a halt a few steps away from the two, a faint smile playing on his lips.  “I’m glad we found you, Rogue.  I’m afraid that the little bird here will need to stay in your protection until Dragon is able to find the two of you.  Do you think that you can manage that?”

                Watching the whole encounter in silence, Meliora stayed several steps back, not wanting to intrude.  It had been plainly obvious to her that Luc had wanted nothing to do with her, and now just seeing him with this girl made it even more obvious to her.  She bit back a sigh before quietly leaving without listening to any more, disappearing inside her house.  She couldn’t bear to watch this any longer.

                “I think we can manage that just fine,” Luc commented with a smile.  He knew that between the two of them, he and Meliora could keep her safe.  Luc glanced over to see Mel, and frowned when he found she was gone.
 Shit.
 He let Bri go gently.  “Come on,” he said softly.  “Let’s go inside and get you rested.  We need to find Dragon before we go to our final destination.”  He nodded in thanks to Ghost.  “Thank you...for returning her.”  He paused at the doorway. “How is Traveler?  Still as cute as ever?” He winked and grinned, then turned to walk away.

                “You still have no chance with her, Rogue.” Alex quipped with an amused laugh.  Shaking his head, he turned and began walking away.  He needed to get back soon before Aislin began to panic at his absence.

                Brileia glanced back towards Alex, giving him a thankful smile before allowing Luc to lead her inside the unfamiliar house.  She was tired...surprisingly, even after the brief bout of unconsciousness in Ghost’s hideout.  She shook her head, a small smile briefly curving her lips at Luc’s silly teasing.  Cerulean eyes swept over the hall curiously, taking note of the feminine touches in the abode.  She looked up at Luc.  “So where is this?  Your girlfriend’s home?”

                Luc laughed a little, glancing down at her.  “Something like that...well, I don’t know what she is to me, honestly.  But I know she’s something special to me--just like Dragon is to you.”  He closed the door softly.  “I need to go talk to her, though....I think I may have made her angry.”

                Bri peered up at him, searching his face.  “What makes you think that, Rogue?  What did you do?”

                “Hugged you,” he said sheepishly.  “And...met her father.  She kept that a secret from me...and i may...
may
, have overreacted.”

                She crossed her arms over her chest, staring at him.  “You overreacted because you met her father? Why? Was he mean and nasty to you?”

                “No...he’s the Pirate Lord...”  he looked sheepish.

                “The Pirate Lord? The man who is rumored to rival Silvertongue in power? That Pirate Lord?” Dark curls spilled over her shoulder as she tilted her head a bit, frowning slightly.  “And you overreacted because he’s the Pirate Lord or because she didn’t tell you?”

                “Because she didn’t tell me,” he admitted.  “I just..I wish I had some notice that I woman I spent the night with was the daughter of the man i was supposed to be meeting.  Things would have gone...much differently.”

                Bri was quiet for a moment before commenting in a soft voice.  “Well, perhaps she wasn’t supposed to tell people.  Or perhaps she was afraid you would react badly.  I doubt many people would treat her like a person if they knew.”

                His eyes widened.  “Shit...Bri, you’re right...I could kiss you.”  He smiled at her and ran up the stairs.  He needed to fix things...before Mel thought too badly of him.  He paused outside her door, his hand raised to knock on the doorjam.  “Mel...?  Please let me in...”

                Meliora glanced towards the door, sighing softly at the sound of his voice.  She grabbed her robe and slipped it on, tightening the belt to keep it closed.  The dress she had previously worn was laying across a chair, her slippers on the floor beneath it.  She took a deep breath before gathering her courage and clearing her face before opening the door.  “What is it, Luc?”

                He walked up to her, grabbing her and kissing her softly.  “Mel....I’m sorry.”  He held her close, not wanting to let her go.

                A gasp escaped her as his hands suddenly grabbed her, her eyes growing wide.  Any protest she would have made was swiftly silenced by his lips against hers.  She trembled lightly in his arms, biting her bottom lip.  “Luc...you should be with your friend.  I understand why you were mad at me...”

                He shook his head, pressing her closer.  “Bri is fine downstairs.  All she wants to do is find her husband, Mel.  But I...I need to fix things with you, with
us
, before we do anything. I’m sorry I overreacted about your father...I was just shellshocked, is all.”

                “It’s fine. I’m used to it, Luc.” She whispered softly, letting him hold her close.  For a moment, she just let herself enjoy being so close to him, enjoying the feel of his arms around her.  Reluctantly pulling away from him, she walked over to the window and rested her head against the glass, her voice very soft. “What is there with us?  We spent one night together.  I’m sure you will find someone whose body you enjoy more.”

                Luc snorted.  “I doubt that, very much....” He walked over to her, turning her around to face him.  “I told you, you are like a drug to me...and I don’t think I will ever have my fill.”  He tilted her chin up to face him.  “And that one night?  Was the best night of my life.”

                “Hasn’t anyone ever told you that drugs were bad for you?” Meliora replied quietly, meeting his gaze seriously.  She wasn’t quite certain what game he was playing with her at the moment.

                “Only if they go out of control,” he murmured.  “Light, Mel...I don’t want to doom whatever it is we have before it’s even started...I want to be with you...regardless of who your father is.”

                There was a hint of fear and indecision in her violet eyes as she stared up at him, wrapping her arms around herself.  “I don’t know what to say...”

                He cocked his head to the side.  “You don’t believe me...?  You don’t believe me...”  He turned running a hand through his hair.  “Light...”

                “Give me one good reason why I should let you back in.  I let you...get further with me than anyone...and the first sign of possible trouble...you ignore me.” She shook her head, mentally cursing herself for the hurt she could hear in her own voice.  “I don’t know if I could open myself up to such things again.”

                Luc sighed and looked back at her.  “It wasn’t trouble, Meliora.  It was just...surprise, that’s all.  I like honesty, in what I do.  And with who I’m with.  That’s all it is...I promise.”  He sat down on her bed, head down.  “I have never felt this...heart-wrenching feeling before.  Knowing you’re mad at me, possibly leaving...Gods help me.”

                “I’m not mad at you,” She replied immediately, taking a deep breath.  “I didn’t mention my father because I knew what would happen if I did.  Either you would have been kissing my ass in order to get his approval quicker...or you would have avoided me like the plague.  I had hoped that knowing me before knowing about him...it would be different.  But it never is.  so no...I’m not angry or mad...just hurt.”