Necromancer's Whisper

Chapter One-5

CABAL NOTICED SARAH the moment she stepped onto the deck. Her long red hair flowed about her in the wind. He adjusted his stance as his pants tightened at the mere sight of her tight fitting tunic pulled over her athletic form. It had been nearly two weeks since they had spent any time alone and his body ached for her touch. Cabal quickly tightened the bowline onto the bitt to keep the weathered edge of the sail taut in the strong wind, and then walked quickly to greet Sarah.

“I’m glad you took my advice.” He said with a smile. “I know Nicole is miserable, but she has no choice. You shouldn’t force yourself to suffer along with her.” Pulling her against him, Cabal kissed her quickly adding, “I can’t talk long. The wind is rising. The captain is concerned there’s a storm building behind us. If we maintain speed, we might outrun it.”

Sarah’s heart raced from his kiss. It felt as if he hadn’t touched her in months. She took a deep cleansing breath and said, “I’ve got a plan to help Nicole.”

Cabal’s smile vanished and he quickly pulled her aside. “We don’t want any trouble. Nicole will be fine. It’s not worth the risk, Sarah. You don’t know what these men might do if they discover she's... it’s not safe.”

Sarah frowned at him. This was the first time he’d refused to even listen to her idea. “What happened?”

Cabal glanced around noting the eyes of the crewmen were upon them. “It’s nothing, tell me your plan.”

Sarah followed his gaze to the nearest sailor. He was a pot-bellied man with no front teeth, his clothes looked like they hadn’t been washed in years. She shook off the shudder that threatened, turned back to Cabal and whispered, “It’s nothing elaborate. I’m going to cast a sleeping spell on the crews wine and once everyone is asleep Nicole can come out on the deck for a little while.”

“No,” Cabal said quickly.

“They won’t even realize they fell asleep.” Sarah insisted. “They will fall where they stand. They’ll wake up a few hours later as if nothing happened. I’ll toss one on the officer’s rum and everyone will pass out. You can watch over us and the helm and Nicole will get the breath of fresh air she needs.”

“I don’t like it.” Cabal snapped quietly, “Sarah you don’t understand. Magic is... not favored here. We can’t risk it. I’d rather we break decorum and bring her on the deck as a grieving widow, then risk using magic.”

A sick feeling grew in the pit of Sarah’s stomach. Her eyes opened wide as she gazed at him in horror. He wasn’t worried about Nicole. He wasn’t worried about being discovered as Elves. He was worried about her being taken for a witch. “The humans burn witches in this world don’t they?”

Cabal’s blue eyes turned to steel. “I won’t let anything happen to you. On my honor, I will guard your safety with my life.”