The constant heel of the ship had put him to sleep. And dreams were full of fierce and bloodthirsty monsters. They accompanied the followers of the Order of Light. No sorcerer had decided to intervene. And as for Cassie...
Richard woke up bathed in sweat.
Everything had gone miserably wrong. The sound of the woman's scream echoed wildly in her ears. He opened his heavy eyelids, unable to locate himself at first. That was Gaia. Alone in the ship's main cabin, he watched the silvery moonlight illuminate the night.
He stretched out his legs, stretching and stretching muscles like a cat would have done. Cautious and attentive. The steady gaze of a dark blue hue—every male in the family except Michael had eyes that hue—seemed like the belt left at the head. The long silver-barreled pistols were loaded.
It felt strange to be back there. It was as if time had erased the unfortunate two years that had passed. His eyes fell on the furniture, immaculately arranged except for the clothes lying on the floor. Under the table were still the astrolabe, nautical charts, squares and rulers. His muscles were stiff and sore. It had been a long time since he had taken care of a ship's rigging.
It was in vain that he fought the flood of memories.
He always knew there would be no place for a woman in the Corsair Armada. The Brotherhood Court decided to remove him.
You risk yourself needlessly. Did you stop to think about what Garro would have done if he had gotten his hands on you?
She was the daughter of an Armada commander. It was an easy target. He had enemies. He feared for the woman's safety.
Cassie was moody, resolute, and willful. Richard was convinced that he was going through hell. He had made deals and bargains, everything in his power to protect the woman. She was also reckless. An inconsequential one. She handled guns and pistols. She intended to take over the Revenge helm. He hated independent women.
Ah, that's not true, man. You always enjoyed it.
Richard shook his head. The deep voice of the old man and gipsy reached her ears. He had never doubted what they said about the old fellow. His father was a Gypsy, but the blood of magic still ran in his veins. His mother was a sorceress. The child's birth had cost the mother's life. The man was a seer. He read thoughts.
Horrible scenes invaded his mind. Cassie was hurt and injured. Violated. There were Garro and James.
-Is she still alive? Can you feel it? – He managed to ask with a dry throat.
Silence fell heavy. Ever since Gaia had set anchors, he and the Gypsy had argued. The old man had never approved of his relationship with Blackwill's eldest daughter.
-Now I became an oracle? What I am? - The man muttered, shrugging.
Richard remained silent. He felt the air charged with electricity; the start of a storm. And that never boded well.
-Is my friend. - He contradicted very seriously.
The old Gypsy watched the boy. His stubborn gaze made him shake his head.
- You know as well as I do. The transformation process is painful. When you are lucky and manage to survive, there are always sequels.
No one ever escaped the Order. His followers were fanatical warriors. They were once again going to try to restore the forbidden power.
-Oh, she's alive, yes. - the answer was too reluctant.
It was a sigh of relief that escaped Richard. That she was okay, no matter what it took. He would find her. This time everything would be different. He would return with her to the castle. No more fighting.
- Are you going after her?
-But of course. - His voice was irritated. - Even if I have to face Jackwill.
The gipsy sighed ruefully.
Gaia was preparing for a battle. The man had a strong temper. And he was going to have the support of the Black Coral. He wasn't going to tolerate the violence the woman had suffered. And it wasn't just that. A few days ago he noticed. There was a concentration of energy. A concentration is so strong that he would be able to restore the Pieces of Four.
-Are you going to abandon the Armada again after that?
-And risk Cassie's life again? - Richard could not understand the reluctance of the old man.
-Is it a life away from combat and challenges that you want?
Oh, sure. No more of those damned Cursed Pieces. All he cared about was Cassie's safety. Maybe children...
-Do you know what the hell those months were?
The gipsy did not listen. He watched the slow change in the man's temper. Rick had never demonstrated the gift of transformation. His control was ironclad in refusing the old traditions. However, his control was very precarious. Natural fury spurred base instincts on him. That could turn out to be promising. He would be a strong ally in battle.
-Then I suggest you hurry.
-What...
She is still alive. The shadow of death is still strong in her path. She has nothing to lose in her fights. This can sometimes be a problem.
Richard looked at the old incredulous man. Visions of him were wrong. As always, that irresponsible one was going to risk her life. Did he doubt he wouldn't start a battle to rescue her? What else had happened to her?
-What do you mean she has nothing left to lose?
The old man preferred not to explain. There was the child problem.
-In a way, you won't find the woman you knew. She has suffered and has a strong temper. She is lost and without ties to sustain her in our world.
-Then call Jackwill. Can summon the Duke's Revenge.
-He won't bargain with you, Rick.
Richard stared at the furious gipsy. He wasn't interested in cursed treasures, but Cassie was under murderous power. Courtesy of James de Macgrover. The situation burned like acid in his gut.
It was my fault.
-It was not your fault.
- I should never have let her go. What did I do? What have I done with our lives? - he complained as he ran his hands through his hair.
You will never believe I would go after her.
- Lamentations won't help.
-This is a nightmare. The Order of Light has Cassie.
-You never gave up easy. It's wolf blood running through your veins.
-Listen to my words. This time I will destroy Chabone. I have Michael and the Black Coral.
The old man took a deep breath. There was something terrible that disturbed the alpha. Even from a distance, he could capture the whirlwind of emotions that swept through him. Richard had problems. And it wasn't just the girl.
-Go find her.
Richard nodded. This time he would be unyielding and severe. It would be… The memory of the glittering eyes that had stared back at him the last time… The held-back tears had been worse than endless accusations.