“You call that a punch?!” Sacae yelled as he punched Jael in the stomach, dropping her to the ground. “That’s a punch!” He turned to me as she coughed and dry heaved on the ground. “Your turn.” His leg shot out to his side and into my stomach. I’d gotten particularly good at flexing before taking hits to dampen the impact, so it didn’t hurt nearly as much as intended. This angered Sacae and he kicked my legs out from under me and slammed me to the floor, kicking me in the stomach and punching me in the face. Then he turned to the others. “Time to spar.”

The last three days of our week had been like this. Out of control chaos, sometimes it was nothing but sparring. I vomited several times from particularly nasty strikes to my stomach. The others would try to fight back, but I didn’t see much point. I could occasionally land a glancing blow, but it would be returned by several vicious strikes. He would spare Klintock and Jael more often than not, taking out his rage on me instead. We would often keep training through our breaks, instead sparring till the dinner bell rang, or if people started to notice us.

Jael and Klintock would compare bruises, small but painful ones. I would refrain, claiming that mine were just like theirs and I didn’t like being immodest. My bruising, when I would check, was much more severe than it had previously been. Covering nearly all the areas that I could conceal with my shirt and pants, though my feet, hands, and face didn’t inspire health either. Even more than before, I was craving sleep, exhausted all the time and waking up later and later in the morning.

When it finally came time for the tournament, Jael and Klintock were given half the day off, whereas I was trained for an extra two to three hours, then left lying on the floor curled up in pain. “If you don’t win your match, I’ll consider teaching you a waste of time. I won’t even touch you, the other two will receive my full attention.” Sacae snarled angrily.

I stayed on the floor until the tournament was called, forcing myself to stand and hobble my way up the stairs, and urging my muscles to work in a somewhat normal fashion.

Edorin started the tournament in much the same way as he had the last one, having us draw out names, only this time Klintock, Céírde, Jael, Lánn, and I were the ones standing to the side. When Edorin told everyone to line up, I was disappointed to see William step in front of me. Fantastic. Looks like I’m going to find out what it’s like to break an arm. Keokin lined up with Klintock, Jael with Flint, Céírde with Leola, and Sable with Lánn.

“The first match will be between Croí and William. Combatants in the center.” The circle of crewmen was formed, and William eagerly rocked back and forth, smiling in the center.

“I told you it’d end up like this.” He said under his breath.

“Go.” I was barely able to react to William as he stepped in, grabbed onto my wrist, and twisted, throwing me over his back onto the ground. I was unable to breathe for a few seconds as he got me into an arm bar.

“I’m disappointed Croí.” He said, glaring at me angrily. I thought about tapping out. Just letting this all go. Then I saw Sacae, arms folded, behind Jael and Klintock.

I can’t give up. I mustered all my strength, pulling myself up and onto my feet. William abandoned the hold. I took hold of his hand, as soon as we squared off and pulled him towards me and at the last second tripped him, tumbling him across the deck. My legs gave out and I fell to my hands and knees.

I was stunned by how exhausted I felt. I took deep breaths, trying to regain what stamina I could as I prepared for William’s next advance. I didn’t have to wait long. He was back on his feet before he had stopped moving, lunging towards me. I saw him about to dive high, so I ducked, he missed and tripped over me. He came at me slower the next time, snatching my hand. I fought to release it, but he was too strong. He yanked me in towards him and slammed his left shoulder into my chest, knocking the wind out of me. I didn’t notice, but he’d looped his leg behind mine, so I tripped and fell. He let go of my hand and wrapped my leg up.

I struggled and writhed against him, but he got the hold, putting pressure on my ankle and knee, but I was used to this one. I was facedown. He was on his back with my right foot in his armpit. He twisted it. Working through the pain, I half stood and threw my knee to my chest, trying to yank it from him, it half worked, so I did it again and got free. Before I could finish standing, he tackled me from behind. We struggled for what felt like hours, getting close but never landing anything solid until William tired of this, deciding to just pick me up and throw me in one smooth motion. As soon as I landed, he was on me, pulling and throwing me again and again until I found it too difficult to get up. The compounding pain of all my injuries, inflamed by being rag dolled around, I felt too much pain to be able to move or defend myself. It was all I could do not to scream, cry, or puke.

He slipped his arms around my neck and clamped his legs around my torso locking his ankles in front of me. I could feel my heartbeat in my ribs as he squeezed them, the pain and pressure making it hard to breathe or think.

I felt something in my left ribs crack, then my right as I searched in vain for a way out. The pain was immense. My eyes were fogged with tears, and even as I tried to scream, only whimpers came out. Pressure crushing my ribs and William’s choke hold helped with that.

“You’re weak Croí. Just give up.” He clamped down harder on my neck. I couldn’t think or react. I just sat there on my back, like a beetle and tried to scream again. My vision went dark, and I could feel my arms fall to my sides.

“That’s it. He’s done.” It was Lanaea, but her voice sounded faded, like it was behind a door. William’s grip released and he shoved me face first onto the deck. I just laid there; the floor felt comfortable, welcoming. The stillness helped with my pain, as long as I didn’t take deep breaths. I felt hands pull me up to a sitting position. Lanaea and one of the crewmen. She was holding my face and looking me over. It was strange having my eyes open but, at the same time, being able to watch my vision return from black.

She smiled at me, then nodded to the crewman who picked me up, planting me on my feet. I struggled to stand for a second, breathing had become incredibly difficult and painful. Lanaea helped me wobble out of the circle, and I barely made it past the main mast before my legs started giving out. I stood still for a minute, leaning against the mast, breathing long, shallow slow breaths, trying not to upset my ribs.

“That’s good Croí; long slow breaths will help you recover. Are you alright? Do you feel any pain anywhere?” Lanaea asked, looking worried. I shook my head, lying.

“Aside from a little...” My ribs twinged as I made a small cough. “Pain in my throat. I’m fine thank you.” I smiled.

“Nothing else?” I shook my head. She looked at me skeptically. “I don’t believe you. What is it Croí? Where does it hurt?” I wanted to tell her; I wanted the help. I brought my hand up to where the pain in my ribs was, then I remembered Sacae, and brought it up to my heart.

“Just… really disappointed.” I said. “I’m trying…” I winced. “Trying to keep it in. I need to be alone right now.” She squinted at me and sighed.

“Ok, let me know if you feel anything else, ok?” I nodded. “Are you sure there’s nothing else Croí?” I nodded again, head down. She went to watch over the next match. Off to my left I saw Cairen. I headed over to him.

“Cairen?” It hurt to speak.

“Yes Croí?”

“Would it be alright if I went down and ate some dinner now? I’m tired from training and the fight. I just want to sleep.” He looked around.

“Are you alright Croí? You look worse off than only tired.” I nodded.

“I’m fine. Just really tired is all.” My voice was small, it hurt too much to force air out.

“I don’t believe you. Your eyes, face, posture. Something’s off, let me get Lanaea.” I sighed. No matter how I try, I can’t hide my weakness.

“I’m just weak. Forget I asked Cairen, just enjoy the tournament. I just need some sleep.” I started past him.

“Croí come on. You fought well, stay and watch the others.” I shook my head and waved to him with a smile and passed through the door. I supported my weight against the walls of the stairwell and stumbled through the galley, flopping into bed, exhausted, angry, sad, and sobbing with pain, which only served to provide more pain.

* * * * *

* * * * *

“Croí? Croí. Hey Croí.” I opened my eyes to see Keokin nudging me. “Hey there you are. Come on it’s time to wake up. Training awaits.” I groaned. Training. I failed. Jael and Klintock will be pummeled because of me. “Come on, everybody’s about to eat breakfast.” I nodded. I felt worse than I did before I went to sleep. Like I hadn’t slept at all, just blinked and now it was morning.

“Thanks, Keokin.” I responded.

“It’s what I’m here for.” He smiled and walked out into the galley. I looked around to see everybody talking and waking up. Leola waved to me, and I waved back. The boys left the room.

“Croí, you know the drill, roll over and look away or go with the boys.” Jael said. I nodded and rolled over, pausing, and gasping from the pain for a moment, then finally gave a thumbs up. I listened to them giggle for a second, then talk about how sore they were from training and the tournament. I wondered about who beat who, and if anybody got injured or anything like that. Then I couldn’t hear them anymore.

“Hello?” I said quietly. No response. I slowly sat up, gasping at a sharp stabbing pain in my ribs as I tried to turn around. I moved even more carefully. There was nobody else in the room. I slept in. I could hear them just finishing up breakfast. I sighed and grabbed a clean shirt and pants. As soon as I began taking my shirt off, I was met with severe pain. Ow. Maybe I should just stay in the clothes I’m already in. No. I wore these yesterday and slept in them. I need to change. I tried taking my shirt off again. As I was pulling it up, the door opened, and I was immediately embarrassed.

“Oh I’m sor…” Leola started. I pulled my shirt on as quick as I could, closing my eyes for a moment and controlling my breathing.

“Sorry about that. I woke up late an…” I started. She interrupted me.

“Croí!” I looked over to see her hands on her mouth, her eyes wide with shock and horror.

“What?” I asked looking down at myself, worried that ‘it’ had returned, and I hadn’t noticed. No, not that thankfully. I looked behind me slowly. Nothing there either.

“Sable, go get Lanaea.” Leola said sternly. Sable looked at Leola with her head cocked to the side and eyebrows high.

“Why what’s wrong?” She asked. Leola looked back at me then motioned for Sable to come in and closed the door.

“It’s Croí.” Leola looked at me. I was starting to get uncomfortable, so I stood up unsteadily and started walking towards the door. Leola put her hands up.

“Not a chance Croí!” Her voice cracked just a little, and her eyes were wet with tears, but bright with anger.

“What did I do?” I asked softly, trying to avoid breathing as much as possible. She scoffed.

“Take off your shirt.” She ordered. Sable smiled nervously.

“Ooh Leola, taking charge. That’s against the rules ya know.” I shook my head.

“It’s not a big deal, I need to…” Leola cut me off again.

“Bullshite! If it’s not a big deal, then take it off!” Sable and I recoiled in surprise. The door opened and Keokin poked his head in.

“Everything alright in here?” Leola shook her head in frustration.

“No! Get in here but keep everybody else out.” Keokin nodded and turned to the others.

“We need the room for a minute. Nobody in or out.” Then he came in and closed the door. “What’s this about Leola?” She pointed at me.

“Take off your shirt. I won’t ask again Croí.” I sighed and looked at the ground, nodding. It was bound to happen sooner or later, I guess. I was never going to be able to hide this forever. I grabbed the top of my shirt and started pulling, gasping in pain multiple times, but pushing through it. Sable’s expression was nervous, and a little confused, Leola’s shock, concern, and anger, and Keokin’s confusion. I heard them gasp as soon as the shirt came up, blocking my vision. I groaned through the intense pain. When I finally had it off, all their expressions were that of shock, jaws dropped and eyes wide. Sable’s eyes teared up.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

“Oh Croí.” Sable started, bringing her hand to her mouth as her brow creased. Keokin grabbed Sable’s shoulder.

“Get Lanaea.” She nodded and ran out of the room.

“It’s really not that…” I started, but Leola cut me off.

“If you say, ‘it’s not that bad.’ Or ‘I’m fine.’ I’m going to scream. What in the great wide Saol happened?!” Keokin nodded agreement to her question.

“It’s just training.” I said simply, still wanting to take the attention off myself.

“Training?! You call that training?! Do Jael and Klintock look like that? Or any of us?!” I shrugged and she scoffed, anger and concern still holding her face.

“Who did this Croí?” I shook my head. I can’t tell them it was Sacae. He’ll ruin Jael and Klintock. “Croí this is serious. This isn’t training, it looks like torture. Someone’s been doing this. Who is it?” I shook my head again.

“So Sacae did this to you? Or is it Klintock and Jael?” Leola questioned. I shook my head.

“Not them. It’s...” I stopped myself. The door opened and Sable came in, followed by Lanaea, who gasped in shock. Lanaea came over and examined me, urging Leola to do the same. I held back pained groans and winces as they pushed at the bruises. She sighed, looking around at my injuries then shook her head.

“I knew something was wrong, but I never guessed it was this…” She inhaled sharply and grabbed my face. “Who did this?” I pulled my chin from her hands and put my head down. “Name Croí. Who did it?” She insisted. I didn’t want to tell them, but I knew they would persist until I gave it up.

“Sacae. But don’t tell him, if he finds out...” Her expression turned to rage as she interrupted.

“Get him to the infirmary you three. Keep him there and keep him safe. Leola, you know what to do. Have them help you. Keep Sacae away from him. I’m getting Edorin.” She stormed out of the room. “Droch take that vile son of a…” The door slammed and they turned to me.

“Come on Croí. Let’s go.” Leola said.

“But my shirt.” I protested. She sighed.

“Fine.” She grabbed my blanket and wrapped it gently around my shoulders. All three of them hurried me through the galley towards the infirmary.

“What’s going on? Is Croí alright?” Klintock asked. Keokin shook his head.

“No, he’s not.” Klintock got out of his chair and followed us, along with Jael, Lánn, and Céírde. William sat back in his seat.

“What happened?” Jael asked. Leola shook her head angrily as we rushed into the infirmary. Leola told them to close the door then pulled off my blanket. They recoiled in horror.

“That’s what happened! How the Saol did you two not notice? You’re there the whole time just like him, and somehow you didn’t notice him taking the hits that caused this? You had to have noticed. Lift your shirts. I’m inspecting you two.” Jael had tears in her eyes. Klintock lifted his shirt up, looking down in disgrace. Leola checked them, satisfied they had no serious bruising, then turned back to me.

“I’m so sorry.” Jael said as she started sobbing. Lánn comforted her.

“No. Don’t be sorry. It wasn’t your fault!” I said, then gasped in pain. Leola hushed me and pointed to a bed in frustration. I sat down on it.

“Dían (Dee-an), Goddess of Healing, give me strength. I don’t even know where to start.” Leola remarked. She brushed tears from her cheeks, then, with a determined look, took out several dried plants and herbs from a cabinet and tossed them into the mortar and pestle to grind.

She looked at Sable. “Check his legs. I need to know how much ointment and oil to make.” Sable nodded and looked to me. I pulled my pant legs up to mid-thigh, feeling incredibly embarrassed, revealing more damage, especially on my knees and thighs.

“You’re gonna need a bucket.” Sable said, shaking her head, tears still in her eyes. Leola glanced over, then sighed, looking intensely back at the herbs she was supposed to be grinding.

“Ok. Jael.” Jael looked up, wiping tears away. “If you are sorry and want to help, take Lánn and go see Cairen. Tell him we need protein rich meats and some fruits, citrus fruits if possible, then come back and watch the door. Sable, get in that chest for me.” Jael and Lánn left the room and Sable opened the chest. “Take out a handful of Arnica (Ar-neeka), and a handful of Calendula (Caw-len-doo-la) and hand them to me. Céírde, get in the dresser over there and take out the bottle labeled Anáil Fhuar (Un-all Oar). You and Sable can start applying it but be gentle. Klintock, watch the door. Don’t let Sacae in here.”

Everybody got to work quickly, Klintock staring at the door, fists clenched and ready. Céírde and Sable took the bottle to me, pouring out some of the strange oil like substance on large areas. At first it didn’t feel like much, but then it felt cold, almost to the point of being uncomfortable. Its smell was strong, but pleasant. I breathed slowly. It felt nice, the cool of the oil and the gentle touch of Céírde and Sable. Even though this was all my fault, my failings for being weak, I felt a small pang of happiness to see that the group really did care for me. Then Céírde brushed over my left ribcage. I recoiled in pain, flexing the left side of my body as I yelped, making it much worse.

“Sorry.” Her tone wasn’t its usual cool and calculated tone, but one much softer.

“No problem.” I gasped. I looked down at the ribs. The bruising was nearly black in a line across them, darker than the rest and mixed with purple, blue, red, and yellow. “It just hurts a lot more there for some reason.” I explained. Leola looked over.

“Where?” She came and inspected the area. Poking gently at it and gauging my reactions then nodding. “I think your ribs are fractured, maybe broken right there. I’ll have to ask Lanaea to make sure though.” She addressed Céírde as she went back to the mortar and pestle. “Just be brief and gentle with that area and then steer clear of it.” Céírde nodded and got back to work. Jael came back into the room.

“I saw Sacae. He was looking for us and I told him that Edorin wanted to see him up on the bow of the ship. He looked mad.” Leola nodded.

“Good work Jael, what about the food?”

“We explained everything to Cairen, and he was more than willing to help. William and Lánn are with him now.”

“Good. Guard the door with Klintock please.” She turned to stand side by side with Klintock, staring at the door. I felt horrible seeing her and Klintock so sad. I couldn’t help but feel responsible. I was responsible, if I wasn’t so weak, I wouldn’t have been found out.

“Jael, Klintock.” I said. I saw their heads slightly tilt towards me, then angle down, seeming ashamed. “It’s not your fault. None of it, it’s all my...” Leola held up a hand.

“Croí, I know you feel bad, but we need to make sure you’re taken care of. Please just sit back and let us help.” I nodded and stayed quiet. A knock came from the door. Klintock and Jael tensed. Leola came to the door and tapped lightly on it two times, then paused and tapped one more time. Three slow taps came in reply, and she nodded to the Guardians as she opened the door. Lanaea entered with Edorin, Keokin, and Zanataz. Edorin’s left eye squinted and Zanataz’s lips pursed.

“It’s like I said.” Lanaea said motioning to me. Zanataz shook his head.

“Worse. You said badly beaten. I call that brutalized.” Edorin nodded to him then looked to me.

“I had my suspicions that something was going on, but I didn’t think it would be this bad.” Said Edorin. Leola pointed to me as she addressed Lanaea.

“I believe his fourth to seventh ribs on his left side may be fractured or broken.” I flinched in pain from Sable on the back of my right ribs.

“And these ones.” Sable said. “Sorry Croí.” She added. Lanaea came close to inspect me, poking the ribs as Leola had done on either side, then my right arm around my bicep.

“Agreed. Fourth through seventh on the left. Sixth to eighth on the right. And a small fracture on his right humerus.” She turned to Edorin. “This is grotesque Edorin. If Sacae did this, especially to such an innocent Ager, then this is a severe betrayal and calls for something equally severe.”

“I agree with you. I’ll determine his motives as soon as he arrives, and we’ll proceed from there.” He said.

“I told him you were waiting for him on the bow of the ship Captain.” Jael said, still remaining statue like next to Klintock.

“Thank you, Jael. Zanataz, if you wouldn’t mind redirecting him.” Zanataz nodded to Edorin and left the room at a run. “You two can stand down now. Help with whatever Leola and Lanaea need.” Edorin added. Jael and Klintock nodded to him then slowly turned and looked to the healers. Leola handed Jael another mortar and pestle and two of the dried flowers.

“Grind these two plants in there until they’re a fine powder, like I’m doing.” Lanaea reached into the chest and pulled out two more.

“This in your mix as well Jael. As for you Klintock, we will need some fresh rags and water from the kitchen.” Klintock nodded and rushed to the door. Sacae was standing there as soon as he opened it. At first he had a smile, but it faded quickly to surprise and anger.

“Captain on deck.” Said Zanataz from behind him. Sacae and several others saluted.

“At attention Sacae, the rest of you about your business.” Edorin said. Sacae assumed the position, glaring at me. Klintock pushed past him with a glare, slowly moving towards the galley but keeping his attention on Sacae. Leola looked over and noticed his glare.

“Keep your eyes off him beast born! Are you not satisfied with the damage you’ve already dealt?” She yelled angrily. Edorin snapped his fingers and Sacae’s eyes snapped over to him. Edorin’s eyes flashed purple for a moment, and Sacae squinted, grunting in pain, his hand moving up towards his head.

“You meant for him to die then?” Edorin questioned. Sacae stammered, reeling from the question, trying to think of a defense.

“You demented fecker!” Klintock yelled, rushing back in. Him and Jael tackled Sacae to the ground, striking him in the face and neck. Edorin pulled Jael off, and Zanataz pulled Klintock off towards the galley. “Jael, back to your duties. Klintock same to you.” Edorin ordered.

“You stupid poxshites!” Sacae started.

“At attention!” Edorin yelled. Sacae stood back up and focused on Edorin. “You were planning for him to arrive at the Island bruised, broken, and untrained as well as the others. You wanted to kill him, and by extension the rest of the group. Explain.” He what?! He… How?... I thought, dumbfounded. But he’s an Aged, a mentor. He wouldn’t do that. Right?

“Kill me? He wanted to kill me?” I blurted out. Edorin nodded to me. But he’s a mentor! An Aged! He wouldn’t! “Why?!” I asked forcefully, immediately regretting it as my ribs contracted and brought me considerable pain.

“To hurt your family.” Sacae growled.

“My family?” I gasped through pain. “Why?”

“Because feck them!” Sacae yelled. Edorin cleared his throat.

“Language Sacae, there are Agers present.” Sacae glared at Edorin. Edorin’s arms slowly fell to his sides as he glared back, eyes flashing purple. Again, Sacae seemed to be in pain for a moment. “I would explain yourself to the lad. Amicably.” Edorin urged. Fear quickly overtook Sacae as he cowered to Edorin and spoke through his teeth in defeat.

“Yes Captain.” He looked to me. “Your sister Sealí killed my little sister Anlea (Awn-lee-uh).” I shook my head in disbelief.

“What?!” My ribs sent a jolt of pain again. “Sealí wouldn’t do that.” I said, nearly in a sob.

“Agreed. Explain yourself.” Edorin said, folding his arms back behind him, staring down at Sacae.

“My sister was on the same Island as Sealí. Sealí was the Aid, and my sister was the Provider. My sister Anlea was attacked by some beast. Instead of healing her, Sealí killed her. Then there’s Ríger. Cocky little ballwaxer! He was always on my arse about something. Always challenging me and using me like a practice dummy.” When Sacae finished, Edorin turned to Zanataz.

“Get me Danith.” Zanataz left. “So. You say your sister was murdered by Croí’s older sister, and that his brother Ríger treated you like you have been treating Croí and that justifies your actions?”

“Absolutely. The Geal’s are dirty backstabbers!” Sacae yelled. Edorin’s eyes flashed, then he sighed in disapproval and turned to Lanaea.

“Lanaea, how’s Croí?” She sighed as she started rubbing the salve that Leola had prepared.

“He’ll need time to recover, but with proper care and special medical supplies he should make a full physical recovery rather quickly. Of course, once it’s more private, I can examine the rest of his injuries. If this continued at this rate, there’s a good chance, no… a certainty he would have died from internal bleeding or improperly treated breaks and fractures before he ever made it to the Island.” Edorin’s eyes squinted, taking in the information.

“Lanaea, please let us know if there is anything at all we can do to help. We all feel… tremendous guilt for not noticing this earlier. We want to make amends.” Keokin said.

“Good. That means you’re not like him.” Lanaea pointed at Sacae.

“You wanted me Captain?” Danith said, saluting Edorin. Edorin turned.

“At ease. Danith, you went through your Aging with Sealí Geal, did you not?”

“Yes Captain.” Danith said, smiling.

“Explain to me what happened between Anlea and Sealí.” He nodded and looked over, glancing across all those in the room, stopping on me.

“What?...”

“Danith.” Edorin interrupted.

“Captain. Anlea was our Provider. Durlácke (Der-lock-eh), our Leader, ordered her to scout a particular area. She came back telling him that it seemed dangerous, advised strongly against us taking that route, but that she saw some cave. Our leader had apparently heard that there was loose gold in the cave, and he led us there, disregarding her warning. He was wrong. It was guarded by a Golden Gorrick (Go-rick). Durlácke knew about it but didn’t warn us. We killed it, but Anlea was gravely injured, and wasn’t going to make it.”

“She could’ve made it! If Sealí had done her job…” Sacae interrupted. Edorin slapped Sacae with the back of his hand. A swift nearly imperceptible movement.

“Do not interrupt again.” He warned, then turned to Danith. “Go on.” Danith continued.

“She was done for. We argued over it, wanted to help her but it was still early on. Durlácke ordered we leave her. We wanted to ignore him, but Anlea didn’t want us to. She understood the situation. Either we help her and risk having no healing implements and a maimed group member, or we put her out of her misery and save someone else later. She wanted Sealí to do it. We tied Durlácke up and left him in the cave with broken legs for when the Gorrick’s eggs hatched, or whatever else wanted him. Some argued against it, they wanted Durlácke to face Flunác’s (Fluh-nock) justice with the Elders, but the need for retribution regarding Anlea’s death was carried out in the end. By Sealí.” Edorin’s eyes flashed purple as Danith finished his story and he sighed.

“I’m sorry for your loss Danith. Thank you for your testimony, you may take some time before returning to your duties.” Danith made a slight bow, then saluted Edorin as he backed away and left. Edorin turned to Sacae.

“You lied. Your sister was not murdered, it was a mercy killing. Sealí was innocent, supremely so, and her group took vengeance for Anlea. As for your claims on Ríger, I know Ríger very well. If he were to attack you or bully you for any reason, it was because you were the one doing the bullying. For these perceived wrongdoings, you endeavored to punish someone who had done absolutely nothing wrong.”

Edorin took a short breath, glaring at Sacae. Pure rage filling his eyes for a moment. “Attempted murder, torture, and mutilation. Horrid enough on its own but made completely unforgiveable by the fact that your target was an Ager, possibly the entire group if this had continued. The severity of these crimes is enough that I would execute you on the spot and feed your wretched corpse to Machlír. However, we have laws, and as Captain, I am bound to follow them.”

He took a breath, calming himself. “As such I have decided what is to happen to you. You will be taken above deck where the crew will be called and notified of your crimes. Then you will receive two hundred lashes and be confined to the brig awaiting trial.”

Sacae glared at Edorin, then at me, then seemed to look around like he was planning something. “Try it.” Edorin said. His voice cold and inviting as ice. Sacae gritted his teeth for a moment, flexing his body in rage, then exhaled and put his head down. “Good. I’ll follow you.” Edorin said, holding his arm out, inviting Sacae to move. Sacae started walking. “Who do you need with you?” Edorin asked Lanaea.

“Leola should do just fine.” She said.

“The rest of you, above deck.” Edorin ordered. They all filed out of the room after Edorin, Jael and Klintock still with their heads down. Lanaea locked the door and pulled out a curtain that was near the bed.

“Leola, keep mixing that salve, and please stay on that side of the curtain if you would.” Leola nodded. Lanaea turned to me with a sigh and sat near the bed. “Right. Take off your pants.”