Advent of Eternity - Chapter 77 (Patreon)

The shadows sank back into the ship, taking the Boon with it. Dread rose to her feet, her legs phasing straight through Cyll’s hands, and stalked over to Maya. She reached into a pocket on her coat and slipped a band made of blue stone onto Maya’s wrist.

“I’ll need a drop of blood.”

Stix offered Knell one of her daggers and he pricked his thumb. At Dread’s direction, he pressed it to the band on the unconscious pirate’s wrist. It constricted, not stopping until it was pressed against her skin.

“What is that?” Stix asked.

“A Geas,” Dread replied. “It’s a binding spell that stops the target from attacking whoever put it on them. They’re usually used for high profile prisoners. I trust you’ll make sure Maya remains alive until I tell you her life is no longer necessary.”

“She’ll live,” Knell said. “Is there anything else I can help you with, Captain?”

“I don’t suppose you want to use that favor now?” Dread pursed her lips.

“No chance,” Knell replied. “Have a safe trip back.”

Dread shook her head, but Knell saw through her anger to the amusement beneath. She felt that she’d gotten the better of him in their deal. That Boon must have been seriously important to her, but Knell didn’t care.

A favor would be a lot more useful than a Boon that didn’t even function properly. She had some predetermined purpose for it, and it was unlikely he would have been able to get his hands on that. This outcome was perfect, even if he did have to deal with Maya.

Dread sank into the deck, vanishing in a pool of black ripples.

“I’m sorry,” Stix rushed. “I tried to warn you, but–”

“I got your warning, but she was a superior opponent,” Knell said, stopping Stix. “Relax. You and Cyll did well, although I’d like to know why he was sitting around below deck for so long. Were you planning that leg grabbing attack all this time?”

Cyll climbed out from below deck. “Nah. I was trying to clean my mouth out. That Boon tasted like shit,” Cyll said, gagging. “Stix had the idea for the trap while you were asleep, but I didn’t think we’d get to use it so soon. Not like it did much.”

“It would have worked against someone else,” Stix said defensively.

“It probably would have,” Knell agreed. “Although it does seem a bit – ah, never mind. How did Dread get on our ship?”

“She just showed up,” Stix replied. “Popped up right next to me and I nearly had a heart attack.”

“How long after Maya was apprehended?”

“An hour or so,” Stix replied. “She tended to her wounds when she realized what happened. I guess we know why now.”

Knell rubbed his forehead. “Well, you did what you could. I wouldn’t have dared be this bold with Dread if we didn’t have something she wanted so badly.”

“Wonder what she’ll use that thing for,” Cyll said, scratching his chin. “Maybe some color for her wardrobe. The only shade that woman knows is black.”

“Are you really lecturing Captain Dread about her stylistic choices?” Stix asked. “She’s like… one of the strongest pirates.”

“Been there, seen that. She also tasted about normal,” Cyll said, grimacing. “Aside from her turning into shadows midway through me ripping out her neck. That was lame.”

Knell rubbed his forehead. “I – never mind. No more resting. I’ve had my fill of it for the next week at the minimum. We’ve gained a lot of information today.”

“And a favor,” Stix said.

“And an extra passenger,” Cyll added. “Unfortunately.”

“Speaking of, we should probably make sure she doesn’t die swinging up there.” Knell pressed his lips together. “Could you get her down? And wake her up.”

Stix and Cyll cut Maya down and untied her. Her right arm was completely severed at the shoulder, but there was almost no sign of the wound anymore. It was just a nub. Dread had some serious healing abilities if she’d patched the wound so well.

Cyll poked Maya in the face. She groaned. He poked her again. Her eyes fluttered open, staring up into the sky uncomprehendingly. Slowly, awareness returned to them.

“Hello,” Knell said. “What a coincidence. I can’t say I expected to see you again.”

Of all the reactions Knell expected from the brash woman, the defeat in her eyes was not one of them. She just closed her eyes.

“I don’t care. Just kill me.”

“Unfortunately, that’s no longer an option,” Knell said. “Nor can you act against me. I’ve got a Geas on you. You’ve got a mysterious benefactor that wants you alive.”

“Sorfina?” Maya asked, opening her eyes again. There was fury in them, Knell realized. But, strangely, it didn’t feel like it was directed at them.

“She won’t be doing any benefactoring again,” Knell said. “Aside from to the fish, I suppose. She’s dead.”

Maya’s hand clenched. She raised her head slightly to look up at them. “I see. And my Boon?”

“Ruined and gone,” Knell said. “Cyll ate it.”

Her head thumped against the deck and she let out a miserable sigh. “Figures. And I can’t convince you to kill me?”

“Afraid not. I quite need you alive now,” Knell said. “You’re far more amiable to this than I expected.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Maya said. “Just throw me in the brig or whatever it is you plan to do. I don’t care anymore. It doesn’t matter.”

Something happened on that boat. She looked pretty displeased when we were on Mount Bloodwater as well. Sorfina must have done something, this woman barely resembles the one I met on Blackfoot Bay.

Knell studied Maya for a moment, then shrugged. They had a fair amount of time to figure it out, and he wouldn’t put it past her to fake the change in attitude to try and escape.

“Do we have a brig?”

“No,” Cyll said.”

“I see. Stix, can you get me a broom from below deck? I’m hoping we have one,” Knell said.

Stix blinked, then nodded. She headed down, returning a minute later. “We actually did. What do you need it for?”

Knell tossed the broom to the ground beside Maya, where it landed with a clatter. “We have a new cabin girl, at least until I figure out what to do with her.”