He nods, aware I am watching and judging everything.
I do not want a mate who will happily lie and cheat the men he calls brothers.
I take a few mouthfuls of the porridge. It’s bland, except for the bits of fruit scattered through it. However, it’s probably a filling and nutrient rich staple of their diet.
“I would like to wash my hair today.” Since I can’t swim, I know this is not something I want to tackle on my own. I study each of them in turn. If Orik was here, I’d ask him, but he’s not. Why is he not here? Is he not interested? I thought he was from the way he looked at me and talked about his tribe. If I get this wrong then, I will be stuck with my bad choice for the rest of my life. I need to get to know Orik’s mate…lover. I don’t know what to call him. “Vari, are you able to assist or do you have other things to do?”
He glances at the other two.
“I will spend time with each of you today. Perhaps you could share the whisperer, Hrad?”
Since I have to choose, I am going to make up the rules as I go. But I will try to be fair. And while I trust Orik, he and Vari have a thing, and I don’t know if I want to slide between them. Or worse, hover around the edge watching them be cozy.
Hrad hands over the whisperer to Vari. I know there is something else said from their facial expressions.
It’s Vari who speaks. “Would you like a change of clothes after bathing…if so, whose shirt would you like to wear?”
That seems like a trick question. If I’m wearing one of their shirts, will that mean something? I take a few more mouthfuls as I think through the possibilities. As I do, Sunif jumps off the ship and then catches Mia. I hope there is enough breakfast for them.
But watching them wade to shore gives me an idea. Two of the warriors are missing. “Do Tiril or Aldit keep spare shirts and pants on the ship?”
Vari laughs. “Yes. Would you like to come to the ship and select before you bathe? Now might be the only chance.”
If Sunif and Mia are planning on doing nothing but eat and fuck today, he is correct.
I scoop up the last couple of bites. “Thank you. That was very good.”
Much better than the gol which I will avoid drinking for the moment.
Vari translates for them and Yva grins. I have no doubt he was the cook this morning. Maybe I will ask him about the edible plants when I spend some time with him.
Hrad…I’m not sure about him. There is an edge and something that I need to watch.
I stand. “Ready, Vari?”
He gives me a curious smile and nods.
6
VARI
Ileave my boots on the bank and wade out to the ship, keeping hold of Bridget’s hand. She doesn’t seem to be afraid of the water, but I’m not sure that is a good thing because she needs to respect it. Even on a calm day, it can kill.
The water doesn’t trouble me. I’m consumed with the reasons she asked me to assist her to bathe.
If it’s to ask after Orik, I have nothing to say. I left him sleeping, knowing that if I woke up with him, it would be much harder to leave in daylight. I remind myself that I’m doing the right thing, clearing the path for him.
But it hurt to leave the blanket we shared. I miss him already.
We formed our attachment because there were no other options. The desire between us was instant. And while I didn’t lie to him, leaving sits badly in my heart.
“I’ll help you into the boat.” The whisperer in my ear also feels odd. I hear her speaking in the strange words, then it speaks in my language.
I liked it when she held my hand and communicated that way. Without kam, she has no way of making a charge. The humans can’t communicate silently or protect themselves.
I lift her up and she scrambles in. The ship rocks and she yelps.
I hoist myself over the side and land neatly. She’s sitting on the deck, fingers pressing against the wood, as though she isn’t sure if she can stand.
