Devoted to The Tide

CHAPTER SIX

CHARLIE

I couldn’t tell you why I felt the need to watch Perseus all week. I hated to admit it but something about him was intriguing. Despite his ignorant comments, I still found him interesting in a way. Maybe because I did see Vlad in him. And I hated that. When I looked at him I saw Vlad. And when I spoke to him, I heard Vlad too. He reminded me so much of him and it sends fury coursing through my veins. But however I feel about him, he was talented with a sword. I guess that's all that matters. At least he was good for something.

“We're about a few hours from Shia, Captain.” One of my veterans notified me. I nod, not saying much. “Ready the novices for port.”

Shia was a beautiful city. A hidden gem in this forsaken world. It was a small country, owned by the kingdom of Estorra. They were peaceful and the people were kind. My fleet had stopped here numerous times over the years, and we were always welcomed without fail. Several people would line up at the docks to greet us and volunteer to stock my ships. Hospitality was always expected and never underappreciated. But the one thing I came here for the most was that sweet little girl who waved to me from the docks as she stood beside Dalia and Jude. I smiled wide as I waved back to that little girl, eager to dock the Gallient.

“Mama!” She shouts. “Amora! Look at you!” I ran to her side, picking her up and spinning her around in my arms. I held her tightly, afraid to let her go. “You are so big! What is your grandmother feeding you!?” She laughs as he wraps her small arms around my neck again. “Don’t let her fool you, she’s been refusing to eat anything we give her!” Dalia exclaims. “Hi Dalia. It’s nice to see you again.” “You too Charlie. You’re back in Shia so soon?” “Aye. Had to make a pit stop to see this little girl!” Amora laughs. Her attention is quickly grabbed at the sight of Caspian. “Daddy!” I set her down to her feet, watching her run into Caspian’s arms. “Look at you little lamb! Ooh I’ve missed you so much!” “Are you two staying long?” Jude asks, wrapping his hand around Dalia’s shoulders. “I’m afraid not. Shia is just a pit stop for restock.” “Well it's good to see you on another mission. First one without Vladimir?” I nodded. “Aye. He would feed me to the sirens if he knew I was still sulking.” Jude winced a bit at the thought of his brother. Jude never really got to grieve Vlad’s passing given that his funeral was held in Ironegard, Vasgatan. “I brought you guys something though.” I reached into my bag that was wrapped over my shoulder and pulled out a jacket and a pin. “This was Vlad’s. I wanted to give it to you guys.” Jude carefully took the neatly folded shirt and pin from my hands, holding it gently in his hands. He stared at it for a moment, his eyes glossing over. “Thank you, Charlie. This means a lot.” “Mama! Are you and daddy staying super long this time?” I felt a pang of guilt pierce my heart. I looked at Caspian, choked up on a response. “Not this time little lamb. Mama and I have to go on one more adventure. And then…” He lowered his voice in her ear. “We're going to come back and stay for a super SUPER long time!” Amora giggled in Caspian’s arms and hugged him tightly. “Amora, why don’t you go home with daddy and he will tuck you in for bed. I'll stop by and give you hugs and kisses, okay?” She nods with a small smile and gets set down to her feet, walking away hand in hand with Caspian. “Percy? Is that you?” Dalia exclaims. I turn around to find Perseus approaching us on the dock. He gave a small wave and a gentle smile. “Hi Aunt Dalia. Uncle Jude.” “Gods be good! What are you doing here? I didn't know you joined the crew!” He runs his fingers through his curly brown hair and gives a nervous chuckle. “Yeah, I just recently joined.” “Ahh. Well I’m sure your father would be quite proud to see you take after him.” Perseus and I exchanged glances as the awkward tension grew after Dalia said that. “Well then. I’m going to get the men situated at Duke’s Tavern and I think I’ll take my veterans and myself to Mrs. Tinley’s ranch for the night.” I say, taking a few steps back to create some distance. “Alright then! Well it was good to see you again, Charlie. And you too, Percy! We will see you tomorrow.”

Perseus followed me up the beach as we made our way to town. “Is Duke’s tavern nice? I haven’t been to Shia since I was a child.” I shake my head. “Nah. Duke’s could use some work. But that doesn’t matter. Because you’re not going to Duke’s.” He looks at me as we tread through the sand of the beach. “Where am I going then?” “You’re coming with me to Mrs. Tinley’s ranch with the others.” “I’m not a veteran though-?” “You want to makeshift cot at the tavern with fifty-nine other men? Or would you like a real bed?” He scans my face a bit, flashing a small smile. “Mrs. Tinley’s it is then.”

…

I cracked open the front door to a small cottage, Perseus following close behind. “Mrs. Tinley? It’s Charlie!” I called out. A small scruffy dog then approached us, yipping and yapping at us. “Charlotte! What a surprise!” This short elderly lady came waddling toward us from the living room of her cottage, her arms spread out for a warm embrace. I hug her back gently, softly rubbing her back. “It’s good to see you again, Mrs. Tinley. My crew and I are in town for a couple days. Do you mind if my veterans crash here?” “Ooh you know you don’t need to ask such things, Charlotte. You know you and your men are always welcomed here. Is Shia just a quick visit for supplies?” “Aye. Then we are on our way to Zadavi.” Mrs. Tinley slowly wanders to the kitchen. “How exciting! Well, here are the keys to the barn. Just lock up when you leave.” I nod and give her a warm smile. “You’re the best.” She then turns her attention to Perseus who stood behind me. “Hello dear! I’ve never seen you before. Who might you be?” Perseus steps forward a bit.”Perseus Thorn, ma’am. I’m a new recruit. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Mrs. Tinley smiles. “Thorn! Another Thorn. Ahh, Charlotte,you just can’t seem to shake them off can ya?” she laughs. I chuckle to myself as I shake my head. “I’m afraid not.” I take the keys from her and head out to meet up with my men who stood in the field. “Thanks, Mrs. Tinley!” “Anytime dear!”

My men follow me through the grass field, our steps taking us closer and closer to the large barn in the middle of the property. “So, what is this place?” Perseus asks. “What does it look like? It’s a barn.” “I see that but what is-“ “Do you always ask so many damn questions?” With that, he held his tongue as I approached the large barn door, carefully unlocking the deadbolt. I swung open the door, revealing the familiar, extravagant scenery.