Chereads / A Crown of Silver Stars / Chapter 23 - chapter 20

Chapter 23 - chapter 20

Morwen caught a whiff of Eira's unwashed body as she stepped closer, the pungent odors almost overwhelming. She leaned her head in further, observing the dark haired woman, listening to the conversation as Zack spoke in a firm tone, demanding answers.

The ship's hull rocked slowly against the waves and as the conversation went on, Eira's face took on an expression of agony. After a while, she could take no more. She knew that in order to live, she would have to say something.

Her thoughts raced, trying to come up with an answer to the man's question. Suddenly she turned her gaze and looked the woman in the eye. "Please" Eira pleaded with her gaze. "Forgive me for attacking you. I assure you that I had no wish to hurt anyone. My mother's sister was kind enough to arrange a trip on this ship."

Morwen's face furrowed in a questioning manner.

Eira continued, "She said she didn't have enough money to have me travel any other way, especially in times such as these." Her breath heaved as she paused, trying to catch her breath, to tell her story to her newfound captors. "My country has been destroyed by the war."

Her green eyes misted as she turned towards them. Her face changed, losing all emotion, becoming stoic.

Morwen could sense she wasn't telling them everything.

"It seems we are going to be stuck together on this ship for a time yet," Morwen said scrunching her nose, "Let draw you a bath and then we can talk more after

Together they proceeded towards the kitchen. The heavy boot falls reverberated as the two women walk. Morwen guided the woman towards the stools beside the kitchen counter, guiding her to sit. "Please, have a seat, you must be tired"

Morwen sat beside the Eira while she boiled water and filled the tub for the bath. Eira stripped out of her soiled clothes, climbing into the warm water, as Morwen dumped the bucket over her back to clean her. Steam wafted out from the tub of hot water.

Eira sat bare before her, the steam rising.

"This is terrible." Eira admitted shaking her head slightly and turned to face Morwen. She wiped a streak of filth from her face. The water looked almost black as it engulfed her. Morwen handed her a scrubbing brush, but she shook her head.

"You won't die, you know, as disgusting as you look right now." Morwen teased.

"This will do just fine for me," Eira responded as she held the scrubbing brush above her head in a defensive manner. "I'll use it as a weapon if I have to."

"Let's get that filthy hair of yours clean before we get to what's in your undergarments." She heard her make a noise in response.

The lukewarm water mixed with the fresh and hot water, forcing streams of gray liquid to ooze down Eira's forehead. "Not sure how I could bathe in such filthy conditions. I can feel the layers of dirt coming off in waves." Eira complained as she washed her hair. Morwen ran her hands under the stream of water, rinsing the suds from the dark strands of hair.

After she had finished washing her hair, Morwen laid a few extra logs onto the flames of the furnace. The windows had fogged, and water dripped down onto the floor, only adding to the filthy atmosphere of the ship's kitchen.

Once she was satisfied that Eira was clean enough, Morwen helped her dry off. She sat with a towel draped around her naked form while Morwen went to look for some clothes.

Eira slipped the clothes over her body and let her hands travel down her stomach. She closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation for a moment.

"I'm Morwen by the way" Morwen smiled and held out her hand.

"It's my pleasure" Eira grabbed Morwen's hand. Her eyes creased as she held it gently. A momentary smile crossed her features before she released it quickly.

Morwen walked out of the kitchen as the black kettle she had placed on the burner began to whistle. The steam shot out, hitting Morwen in the face. She flinched, the skin on her chin burnt, yet the rest of her face was unaffected by the steam.

Her long, thin braid hung over her shoulder. She peered down at the mug in her hand.

The warm liquid scorched her tongue, but it eased some of her anxiety. She looked around at her surroundings, realizing it would take some getting used to. She had never been in such a confined place before.

The ship shook violently, knocking Morwen off balance. Her mouth became dry. She felt nauseated. Her vision started to become blurred. No, that wasn't right.

The room spun; she heard her name called. She suddenly felt helpless. Numbness crept through her fingers. The wind seemed to rush from her lungs as blackness swallowed her.

Zack rushed into the kitchen at the sound of breaking glass. He knelt beside Morwen, his brow furrowed in concern. He snapped his fingers in her face, trying to bring her out of the stupor she was in.Morwen looked around the room, her vision still blurred. Eira rose from her stool, stepping through the scattered glass shards.

She bent down to Morwen, her hair falling in sheets in front of her green eyes. She brushed the darkk strands of Morwen's hair out of her face, letting them fall on her shoulder. "You probably just fell unconscious due to lack of food."

Morwen turned away and moved closer to Zack.

Zack stood in silence for several moments.

Suddenly he held out his arm. "The ship takes its toll on us novices." he proclaimed.

Her shoulder ached as he wrapped his arm around it, guiding her to stand.

"I'll bring you something to eat go rest." Zack offered.

Eira stood, turning her gaze to meet his. She stared at him. His posture was straight, his nose long and narrow. His skin was tanned. However his hair was dull and unkempt.

His boots were shiny. Overall, she found his attire extremely interesting.

Morwen placed a gentle hand on Zack's broad shoulder. She took a moment to regroup herself and nodded. "Thank you."

Morwen turned to leave, her eyes scanning the wooden walls as she followed Zack out of the room. He led her to the captain's quarters. The massive bed was covered with sheets. There were two trunks at the foot of the bed and one to the right. The contents of the dresser lay neatly on top, while the contents of the trunk remained secret. There was a small rug by the window, which held a chair. The rest of the room was well lit and spacious.As soon as she was inside, she made a beeline for the bed. Exhaustion overcame her. Morwen removed her outer clothing and threw them on the floor.She crawled under the covers, pulling them tightly around her.

Before long her eyelids began to feel heavy, the world fading into darkness.

Morwen dreamed, but it felt different than any other dream she had ever had. A vision.

In the vision Morwen arrived on a massive platform with a set of stairs leading up to it. Her breathing was labored, the effort of carrying the sack too much. Her body shook, her muscles cramped, the fatigue taking over. Her feet flew up the stairs. She climbed quickly. Finally, her journey came to an end.

The platform had been built to resemble the helm of the ship. The structure was massive. It spanned ten feet. The platform was covered in vines and plants that spilled down the sides, covering them completely.

Upon it she saw a tall, lean figure.

Morwen pushed her hair back from her face, squinting. "Who are you?" she asked cautiously.

The figure looked up, his expression cold, void of emotion. "I've come to help," he replied, his voice hoarse and deep.

Morwen shook her head. "That's it? No name, no indication of why you are here."

"Morwen..."

Morwen woke with a start, the name he spoke swimming in her mind.

How did he know who I was? she asked herself.

She took a deep breath. His voice sounded so familiar...

"Morwen?" Malachi was sitting on the edge of the bed leaning over her, he repeated her name again, shaking her to awareness. "Are you ok?"

"I'm fine" Morwen stammered. "It was just a dream."

He nodded.

"Malachi..." she began.

Morwen explained her vision to him as he examined the clothing she was wearing. Her necklace dangled from her neck. The beaded pearl dance on its chain .

"You're okay," Malachi replied as he sat on the edge of the bed and stared into space. "Just a dream."

Morwen looked at him, letting out a ragged breath. His jaw was clenched, and his fists were clenched.

Morwen rubbed her hand over his knuckles until they relaxed.

After several moments she lifted the blankets and turned on her side. "I think I'll try to get a little more sleep."

Malachi's gaze connected with hers. His jaw was tense, his brows pinched in worry.

"That's a good idea," she heard him say.

Morwen snuggled under the warm blankets and listened to the rain that pounded against the windows.

She felt a hand gently caress her arm. She kept her eyes closed.

"I'll protect you." The words were hushed, spoken with deep sincerity.

Morwen felt the weight of him leave the bed, the door quietly click as it closed. She opened her eyes and searched the dim light for the man who had just declared his loyalty.

It was silent as a prayer, quiet enough for her to wonder if she had heard him correctly.

Perhaps she had dreamt it, it seemed impossible, but he had confessed his devotion to protecting her, the same way she felt about him. Perhaps she would wait until morning to decide if it was reality or dream. Maybe neither. Morwen turned over and closed her eyes, hoping the nightmares would leave her alone.

All around her she saw unfamiliar faces and hear whispers that made her skin prickle.

Morwen slept and was filled with memories. They came and went, like clouds upon a mountain peak, flowing effortlessly before her. But it was the whispers of a man that infiltrated her thoughts. He stood next to the ocean and looked out over the foamy white surf that covered the sandy shore. His hood was up, his features barely distinguishable.

The clothes he wore were ragged and thin.

Morwen drew in a deep breath and gazed upon his features. A shock of white hair hung down around his pale blue eyes and hooked nose. His cheeks were lined with wrinkles, his skin cracked in places, and he smelled of age and loneliness. His skin was a color most would call gray and his fingernails were like hooks. As he spoke, the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. His voice was soft, yet powerful. His words were a warning that hung on each gust of wind.

"Beware." the withered stranger said

Suddenly, her eyes fluttered open and her nostrils flared. She stared at the dark blue curtains that were drawn shut.

Suddenly, her eyes fluttered open and her nostrils flared. She stared at the dark blue curtains that were drawn shut. A large form filled up the bed beside her. He turned away from her, his muscular back rose and fell with each breath. Morwen twisted and wriggled her way off the bed and tried to rise, only to hear the sound of a clatter and glass breaking. she knocked into a table that held a lamp, knocking it to the floor. The glass crashed to the floor in front of her. She cringed as the sound echoed loudly throughout the room.Anxiously she glanced around the room. Malachi rolled over in the bed and faced her. He was either very comfortable and used to waking up with other people in his bed, or he was not who she thought he was. The blanket was pulled up to his chin, covering every inch of him. Except for his neck and head.

"Morwen?" He questioned "What are you doing here?"

Morwen didn't reply. She continued to study him. He had the beginnings of five o'clock shadow on his face. The facial hair was sprinkled around his chin and up his neck.

Morwen frowned. "Malachi... why were you sleeping in the bed with me?"

The captain's eyes grew wide. "I forgot you were sleeping in my cabin, it was dark when I got in!"

Morwen pulled the necklace from around her neck and held the beaded chain between her thump an finger.

She flipped the pearl that dangled from the center, watching it twirl.

The pendant hung from the silver chain, swinging in circles.

"If I find out you tried anything while I was asleep I will use those fancy sword skills you taught me, on you."

Malachi arched a dark eyebrow, running his eyes over her chest. He shook his head. "I would never hurt you, you should know that."

Her shift was partiallyopened in the front. Morwen wrapped her arms around herself. "Where are my clothes?"

Morwen breathed deeply and folded her arms across her chest. Her shoulders were exposed to the cool air, the night making them tingle, even through the material of her gown.

He looked her up and down with a speculative gaze.

Morwen peered into his eyes, and immediately his gaze dropped down, only to be caught by her mouth.

She shivered and stepped back.

"Please, don't leave." Malachi's tone was gentle. His eyes, dark in the lamplight.

Morwen grabbed her coat and belt. She threw on her vest over her top and pulled it tightly around herself. Her clothes smelled like the sea. She couldn't remember the last time they'd been washed. Or by whom. She glanced back at Malachi, her hands trembling.

She touched her hair, smoothing it away from her face.

"I..." He began, his brows furrowing as he studied her face.

Morwen glanced behind her at Malachi, searching for a sign in his expression, something to show that he wasn't lying. But she found none. Instead, she backed away from him. Awareness prickled along her skin. She shook her head. "You slept in the same bed as me and expected that to be ok." Morwen wasn't even sure how she managed to voice that sentence.

Morwen grabbed the handle of the cabin door and wrenched it open, storming out and shutting the door loudly behind her.

Malachi followed her out a moment later.

"I didn't do anything untoward, or dishonorable." He protested, confusion crossing his face.

A shiver crawled up her spine and she wondered how such an attractive face could exude so much betrayal.

She blinked the fog from her eyes. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her growing anger, before replying: "You should have left!"Malachi opened his mouth to speak, but decided against it. They descended the wooden stairwell towards the main deck of the ship, surrounded by wooden beams and gunwale.

She walked over to the hatch that led to the hold. "Why would I leave? Morwen, it was my bed and I forgot you were in my cabin in the first place." He said softly, glancing behind her, then turning his eyes back on Morwen's.

"It's not okay." Morwen asked incredulously, her words flying past her lips. She stood and stared at the hatch above her, not turning around.

Morwen leaned forward until her forehead rested against the wooden railing and took a deep breath, closing her eyes. She wanted to let her anger and frustration drain away, but it was coursing through her veins, creating a red fog that swallowed her thoughts.

She glanced back at him, the wind tangling her hair. "I think I'll get myself some air." She glanced back at him, "Just make sure Zack doesn't find out how much of a pervert you are, he would definitely try to kill you."

She went to step through the hatch but turned and collided with Zack's frame. Their green eyes bore into hers, their gaze hardening when their eyes glanced to Malachi behind her.

Morwen ran a trembling hand over her unruly hair. The breeze made her teeth chatter.

"Tell me what?" He questioned, his eyes boring into hers. His voice was deep and clear, cutting through her. His jaw was set in a stony line.

She hesitated for a moment before deciding to go. She pushed passed him without a word.

"Morwen?!" He called after her.

Her cheeks burned. How could she be so stupid?

She looked up and scanned the deck for the most inconspicuous place.

Malachi, She quickly found, had disappeared, probably grateful he did not have to deal with the situation.

Zack still was focused on finding out what Morwen had been muttering to the captain. However, she was busy avoiding him.