Page 79 of Crownless Heirs

Sorcha closed her eyes and inhaled slowly. Droplets of water formed at her fingertips, circling with graceful intent before crashing forward. A clean wave surged from her hands, dousing the flames and hissing against the scorched earth.

She stood still as steam lifted from the ground, the rest of the group watching in silence.

Niall’s eyes were locked on Sorcha, watching her as she examined the path ahead. Kyron and Maelan brushed past him to take position behind her. Noctis stood beside her before she flickered out of existence again.

Maelan glanced at Niall. “That’s my wife. It’s a lot to explain.”

Niall didn’t miss a beat. “No need to explain. I’m just glad to be on her side.” He clapped Maelan on the shoulder as he passed.

Maelan smirked, falling into step beside Sorcha. Niall strode to the front, leading the way once more as the little coastal town came into view.

“There’s a merchant here who owes me for saving his arse in a brawl.” Niall said, flashing Sorcha a smile. Sorcha couldn’t help but smile back, his roguish charm was annoyingly disarming.

34

Strangers

The little town was a mix of jagged mountain and rocky terrain. The taste of salt clung to the air while the bite of coal and iron spun in the coastal breeze. Small terracotta-colored rooftops scattered along the ocean’s edge. Clay tiles and sea glass littered the walls of the homes, perfectly blending together to create beautiful mosaics, in their own right, works of art.

As the group walked closer into the heart of the city, Sorcha could hear the crashing waves as merchants and boaters shouted to one another in morning greetings, others calling out directions as their workday began. A large net was being pulled up from the ocean floor. She could see seaweed tangled in the ropes and black ooze leaking from the cross sections. Dead crabs and fish slapped onto the boat deck. She took it all in, watching closely the dead Sea life and familiar darkness that dripped out of the netting.

“Damn it,” a man said aloud as he pulled off his cap and wiped his brow with the back of his hand. “It’s the same thing, every damn time.” He looked at the others on his boat. “We have to go further out next time.” He turned and yelled over his shoulder, “Boys, clean this mess up. I want it off my ship.”

The large man shoved his cap back on and started up the dock.

Niall stepped into his path, smiling as he opened his arms.

“Fergal!”

The man stopped, muttered “Shit” under his breath, then grinned.

“Niall! Old friend, what can I do for ye?”

Niall wrapped an arm around the man’s shoulder and pulled him close.

“Let’s start with some lunch.”

Sorcha scanned over Fergal. She took notice of his large stature; he was about 6’2” with sandy blonde hair that draped over his shoulders. His features seemed carved from stone, from his jawline to every muscle she could see. He wasn’t overly muscular, but she noticed his eyes mirrored the clouds. He walked with confidence and an uneasy grace, the weathered planks of the dock creaking under his boots as he neared.

“What’ll it be then, folks?” Fergal looked the group over before his eyes settled on Niall.

Niall smiled. “Let’s head to the Clover. I’ve missed the food and songs dearly.”

Fergal groaned, rolling his eyes. “You mean you miss Leighis?” He eyed Niall. “Anyway, she’s long gone.” Niall shrugged. “She headed for Dunmara.”

Niall looked surprised for a moment before smiling wide. “Of course she did.”

Niall turned to Sorcha and spoke low. “She’s different. Like us.”

Fergal’s eyebrow raised as he tried to make sense of the conversation. “Is there something I should know?”

Sorcha caught the silver glimmer in Fergal’s gaze. The cloudy white swirled gently with molten silver. She grabbed Niall’s arm and pulled him aside, her boots thudding softly against the dock. Whispering low, “What do you know of Fergal?”

Niall looked at her hand still on his arm and spoke low. “That he’s… he can be an arrogant prick.” He looked at Kyron and Maelan, who were standing awkwardly in front of Fergal as they stared at them. He sighed. “But he’s always trying to save everyone, which is why he’s always getting into fights. Why?”

She shook her head. “Fergal is also one of us.”

Niall stepped back and laughed. Not a normal laugh, but a full belly, absolutely hysterical laugh. The kind that made onlookers wonder if that person was unwell. He nearly doubled over, bracing one hand on a salt-stained post, his laughter echoing across the water. Tears formed in his eyes from laughing so hard.