Devoted to The Tide

CHAPTER SEVEN

PERSEUS

I looked around the large interior of the barn, taking in the comfortable surroundings. The ceilings were tall, nearly three stories tall. It had a balcony wrapping around the edges of the barn, several doors to bedrooms I guessed. “This looks like an inn.” I muttered. Charlie didn’t say anything, she just walked in while the other thirty men followed behind her. “You know the drill, lads. Pick a room but don’t get too comfortable. We have stocking to do tomorrow and then we leave at dawn the next day.” The group of us scattered and walked up the stairs as they went into their own rooms. Some lingered down on the first floor and sat in the living space that was nicely decorated. You can definitely tell it was decorated by an elderly woman. Warm and welcoming.

I walked up the stairs to the balcony, peering over the edge to see how far I was up. I scanned the living space for a moment before stopping in front of a vacant room. Opening it up, my eyes looked at a real full size bed. I never thought I would miss sleeping on a bed so much until I saw this one. Dressed with quilts of colorful designs. There was a small desk and dresser in the corner, candles lighting up the room. It was quaint. And a million times better than the bloody lower deck on the ship, with old makeshift cots in a shared room with thirty men.

I collapsed on the bed, unintentionally groaning under my breath when my head hit the pillow. My moments of peace were quickly ruined though when Caspian peered through the room. “Nope. Get out.” He hisses. I sit back up and glare at him. “What? No?” “This is the only room in the barn that has a single bed. And I claim it every time. So get out.” I shake my head, chuckling to myself. “Gods be good, Caspian. Are you still so damn spoiled and entitled, you’re bitching over a bed?” Caspian takes a step into the room, closing the space between us. “I don’t even know why you are here. The veterans take shelter at the ranch, not bottom feeders like yourself.” I roll my eyes, struggling to take him seriously. “Bottom feeder? Seriously? You pirates sound like f*****g idiots.” Caspian grabs me by the collar and shoves me against the wall. His nose flared as he gripped my shirt, holding me against the wall. “Were not f*****g pirates. Do you see us theiving and raping? Nah, we are warriors on the water. And Charlie might think you’re this great sword fighter, but I can beat you bloody any day.” His voice was spiteful and threatening as he spoke. “Last time I checked, I mopped the floor with your blood last time. Do you want to stain the floors of Mrs. Tinley’s barn as well?” He shoves me further, my head knocking against the wooden wall. “Shut your damn mouth- nothing is stopping me from cutting your damn throat right now.” “Do it then. Kill me right now- you’ve been wanting me dead since we were boys. You might as well own up to your bloody threats.” His knuckles turn white as he grips onto my shirt. “Me? You’ve been praying to the Gods on my downfall since we were wee lads! You think you are so much better living your cozy life in Irongarde, while you watched me get dragged away to the f*****g docks!?” “What? Don't act like you wanted to please our fathers so badly that you willingly got on that ship!” He finally releases his grip and steps back, his face in surprise. “You think I wanted to get on that ship? You think I wanted to join the crew and be shipped off across the world, away from my family? While you stayed back and lived your little life with your mother? You think I wanted that?!” I looked at him as his face dropped ever so slightly, fury still forcing a vein pop out of his head. Before anything else was said, Charlie then comes into the room, her bright blue eyes scanning the both of us. “What the hell is going on here?” I looked at Caspian who still glared at me. He then looks away, his expression giving off hurt. Something I haven’t really seen on him before. “I wanted this room but Percy claimed it.” Charlie looks between us, unamused. “Will you two quit acting like f*****g children? You both can go bunk elsewhere. I’m taking this room.” Caspian storms out the room, past Charlie, his strides quick to leave the room. She then looks at me, still unamused and rather disappointed. “Caspian is your First Mate first. I don’t give a damn what kind of relative rivalry you two share. He is second in command when I’m not around.” I roll my eyes. “He's an entitled brat is what he is.” She takes a step closer to me. “He is your second in command.” She hisses again. “Show some f*****g respect.” I simply look at her, captivated by her presence so close to me. Something about her was so empowering and inspiring. But I couldn’t stand how she was able to defend him so quickly. “Caspian threatened to kill me just a few seconds ago!” “I don’t care! One of these days, I hope he does it.” She goes to turn but I was quick to grab her by the shoulder to pull her back in. “Really. You want me dead too? That’s why you cleaned up my wound? Why you watch me closely all the time? Why you brought me here to the barn when you know damn well my place is at the tavern with the others?” She pulls her shoulder away, clearly offended I touched her. “If you want to go back to the f*****g tavern, then be my guest! But you will mind your tongue when you speak to Caspian and me. I am your captain. And he is second in command. You treat him how you would treat me.” “I just want you to admit that you actually care for me!” “Care for you? Gods be good- you are just another soul serving my ship. You can drown tomorrow and I wouldn’t think twice!” I raised an eyebrow and grabbed a dagger that was strapped to my belt. “Really! I could die, and you’ll be just fine?” She glances at the small blade in my hand and then back up at me. “What are you doing.” I hold the blade up to my neck and hold it there up to my throat. “I don’t have anything else to live for, Charlie! So if you want me to die then I’ll f*****g die!” I still hold the blade up my throat, pressing down. I hoped she called my bluff. It was a bit of a sadistic way to prove a point but I was determined for some kind of reaction. “You’re not going to kill youself right now…” She mutters. I took this as an opportunity, locking my gaze on hers. I then slowly pressed down further and slowly cut down, a bead of blood dripping down. “STOP!” She shouts, knocking the blade out of my hand. My point was now proven. The dagger fell to the ground, sliding across the wooden floor. She just looked at it, a million thoughts seemingly running through her mind. Her expression was hard to read but her breath was deep. She said nothing. She just walked away, disappearing out of the room.