The sun was high over head when Cape Simling came into view. From the crow six ships could be seen at dock and another four waited at anchor. Three of those where Blake, Reaper, and the Al’Ri Hunter in Mer skin. Kraken and Kor passed the spyglass and talked strategy. Blake and Reaper’s crews more than doubled theirs, and they had sworn to sink Haven, intent on enslaving any remaining crew.
“We should sink them at a distance,” Kor said. “While we have surprise on our side.”
“I’m sure Cousin could. If she did, would it give her away to the Hunter?”
Kor shook his head. “Are we pirates? Don’t we have cannons?” Kor snorted and left the crow.
Kraken shouted, “Aye,” and bounded after Kor.
Three cannons were aimed and loaded with rune inscribed cannon balls. Cousin stood on the bow, a grim smile on her face. She waited for the Al’Ri Hunter to notice them. The tendrils of power she expected didn’t come, though Haven was in clear sight lines. With changed eyes, she saw no signs that their enemy was aware.
Kraken’s energy danced next to her as he stood still. Like all predators, Kraken loved a good hunt. Especially, when the prey thinks they are the hunter. He held his hand up ready to give the signal. “Think we’re close enough?” Kraken asked.
“With the runes I used we could be twice as far.”
Kraken’s hand dropped. Three simultaneous blasts reported. Three cannon balls speed with the whistle of a meteor. Two ships burst into splinters. The Al’Ri ship sank.
A bolt of power shot at Haven, and evaporated twenty feet from the ship.
“With your leave, Captain,” Cousin said.
“See what you can learn.”
“Aye.” Cousin dove into the ocean. She gripped onto a large fish and directed it to take her to the Al’Ri. Thirty-six power signatures came from near where the ship had been. Cousin surfaced to face water woven life boats, and near eighty people. She changed her mass and stood.
An orb of fire and air came at her. The charm hummed in its work. Cousin held up her hand. “Parley?”
“Parley,” said the Hunter in Mer skin. “You are the one called Cousin?”
“Yes.”
“You are Al’Ri?”
“Yes.”
“Aberration.”
Cousin smiled a Death Smile. “Yes.”
The Hunter nodded. “I am sent by the Masters to bring you home for conditioning. Your time is long past. Your Depth must be tested.” The Hunter cocked her head to one side. “I feel nothing from you.”
“I am home,” Cousin said. “I tell the Masters the same as Protector. Leave me to the life I chose. Leave me and mine be, and I will have no reason to cause harm.”
The Hunter chuckled. “The Masters are at war with Protector. They call all to them. Those who refuse are sacrifice.”
As soon as the words left her lips, the Hunter in Mer skin evaporated. She didn’t have time to be surprised or scream before she was no more. The other Al’Ri spent long minutes looking for the Hunter.
Cousin stood and waited. She watched carefully. Her charm absorbed six more spells before she held up her hand. “Parley?”
“Why should we,” a male wielder said.
“Because she unmade Gor’Giana as easy as breathing,” said another female wielder. “Who is next in command?”
“I am,” said a woman with yellow hair. “Cousin, we are bound to bring you to the Masters. We can do no other. Your power will aid the Masters in their goals. It is your duty.”
Cousin sighed. “What you say means only that I must kill you all. It is not my wish.” Serpent Shadows moved in Cousin’s eyes and a tear glistened at the corner. She felt the gathering power of the Al’Ri wielders. Cousin sifted through the signatures learning as much as she could. Broad elemental, specific focus, mental influence, magical technique, and powered object were all present. Cousin’s mind and spirit absorbed the information in great gulps. Each new way of using power informed her abilities.
A silent communication moved through the wielders. Power hurtled outward, half at Cousin, half at Haven. All were absorbed.
Cousin didn’t know why she waited. She got no pleasure in the wide eyes and frightened faces, the impotent anger and empty threatening glares. Weariness settled around her. “Parley concluded,” she said. She sunk slowly into the water. The last Al’Ri wielder turned to ash as her eyes went below. Cousin saw the non-wielders floundering in the waves. She turned and started toward haven
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