Speak

Speak

Raven's POV

The wide boat rocks gently as we step into it.
I blink against the wind… the smell of salty water has never brought me so much anxiety as now.
My stomach twists as I stare at the dry land far away from us.
Please be safe, Solan.
It hasn't been up to forty-eight hours, yet it feels like I've been separated from my child for ages.
This is not something I wish on any parent.

“Well, well,” the old man escorting the boat says cheerfully. He grins crookedly even when it's obvious that no one else on the boat shares his joy.

“What a fine-looking group. The gods themselves must’ve carved you all.” He claps, his eyes brightening even more when they land on me. “And you,” he gasps dramatically and I drop my gaze, unable to look even a little bit cheerful.
“You're so beautiful you could draw the fishes to you without a net. And if you were a fish, men would leap into the sea just to see your smile again.”

“Take your compliments elsewhere.” Saviour mutters, not bothering to hide the annoyance in his tone.
“No offense,” the old man smiles, sitting down right in front of us. “I completely understand you, ay. My wife, when she was here, I couldn't stand another looking at her for too long. But I must tell you that you indeed are a lucky man.” The man says only managing to piss Saviour off even more.
“Ah, little master.” The man wiggles his brow at Jace who's sitting between his parents. You've got the eyes of a heartbreaker. Girls will line up at your door someday, better prepare your parents for the heartbreak.”

“Goddess, does he have a damn filter?” Victor mutters under his breath, glancing out at the water.
But Jace doesn't seem to mind at all, in fact his lip tilts in a shy smile.

“And you,” the old man nods at Throne, his wrinkled face managing to look young. “You look like a work of art. I could bet those muscles are made of iron, huh.”

Victor's jaw ticks as he sends the man a glare.
“Might want to talk about someone else. I'm reserved for my baby…” Throne leans in, nodding at Victor. “He gets pretty jealous easily.” His teasing tone earns a laugh from the old man.

“I see. Forgive me sir. It's been so long since I saw such noble people. I tend to say a lot when I'm excited.”

No shit.
“Why did it have to be this man?” Saviour mutters, glaring at the sea like it offended him.
“Because the island loves me,” Our escort declares, spreading his arms proudly. “This place, it’s paradise! No war, no hunger, no sadness…” he winks at me and I shake my head.
It will take more than a couple of teases to wash away the deep sorrow in my heart. It will take having my baby back in my arms.
That's what I want.

“That’s why people come here,” The man continues. “That’s why they never want to leave. We keep secrets safe. You come broken? You are sure to leave healed.”

Saviour leans forward, his gaze harsh. “Then maybe you’ve heard about a boy… found in this river.”

The man freezes, his smile faltering as his brows pinch together in suspicion. “Strange,” he mutters, scratching his rough stubble. “Why’s everyone asking me about that same boy? He must be special.”

I lean forward, my heart pounding.
The old man's eyes widen when he sees the sudden expectation in all our gazes. Standing up in an attempt to step away, he says, “Well I know nothing about him… HEY!” The man exclaims as Saviour grabs his collar, yanking him so fast the man crashes into him, wide-eyed.

“Who else came?” Saviour snarls. “Who else looked for him?”
The men paddling the boat stop, their attention drawn to us.
But none of the young scrawny men attempt to step in.

“Easy, you’re tearing my best shirt… My wife gave it to me.”

“Answer me!” Saviour roars.

I step forward, tears filling my eyes as I step closer to them. “Please, we need to know where he is. He’s my son. Tell us what you know.”

The old man stares at me. His mouth twists but he lets out nothing. Then his gaze drops to my trembling hands.

“Some people came a night ago,” he starts slowly, brushing off his shirt as Saviour lets go of it. “They asked about the boy… Shady group. Three of them were bald, their coats looked expensive… like yours.” He frowns, his gaze turning suspicious again.

"Did you say bald?" I mutter and he nods again.
When I glance at Saviour, he's breathing just as hard as I am. Fucking Knightgale.
How did they get here before us? Why send us a message if they were going to come looking themselves?

“Look, that poor boy was broken so badly. He had deep cuts and a broken bone… so much blood.”

My hands tremble as I cover my mouth, barely holding in the cry of pain that tears out of me.

Jace’s sobs break through the silence and Throne pulls him into a hug, his smaller body shaking.

“Shh,” Throne murmurs, his arms holding tightly. But his eyes dim with pain too.

I wipe my face, my stomach feeling cold. “You… you rescued him? Please tell me he's alright”

The man nods, but his tone turns careful. “We did. He was unconscious but…” His gaze shifts around at all of us. “I can’t say where he is. I don't know if you’re trustworthy.”

Before he finishes, Saviour slams him down hard against the side of the boat. The man grimaces in pain.

“Sav, let him go!” Victor rushes at Saviour as the man groans in pain.

“Tell me where he is!” Saviour growls, unbothered by the water when it sloshes up over the edge of the boat.

The man raises his hand. “You'll drown us all! I'll tell you… I'll tell you where he is, fuck!”

“Speak!” Saviour commands, his chest heaving, his eyes red in rage.