Because of the strong winds, Adalhard looked up to the cockpit’s interior trap door. Outside, on the open deck, there was another hatch, but at their current speed, it was too risky to walk in the open air. Adalhard put his hand on a rung and paused.

He briefly wondered about Camellia and how she was handling her new style of ship. She definitely couldn’t take a stroll outside. Adalhard frowned. He worried about her and her safety. He worried that he might have driven her to the very edge of Iruedim and beyond. Or, at least, he contributed. Adalhard sighed and began his climb.

As Adalhard pushed the trap door open, he climbed up towards the nook. From below, Inez and Eder argued about their bathroom schedule. Their voices drifted closer, and Adalhard suspected they would follow him up.

When his head cleared the upper deck, Adalhard looked around. He spotted Cernunnos and narrowed his eyes.

Cernunnos drank from a mug, his other arm around Ginger. Adalhard already grew tired of Cernunnos and his enjoyment of their pilots.

Adalhard hid his disapproval and pulled himself above deck. He paused and let his eyes adjust to the morning’s glow. The Salacious Maiden’s ample cockpit windows let in more light than the portholes below. Light glinted off the red seats, and the white walls gave the cockpit an open, cheery feel.

“How did you sleep?” Ginger asked.

“Well. Thank you.” Adalhard slid into a seat. In reality, Adalhard had lost an hour, worrying about Camellia. It wasn’t like him.

Through the still open hatch, Inez and Eder climbed into the cockpit. Eder waved a greeting. Inez looked miserable, and her damp hair had hastily been pulled into a braid. The Ferrans settled themselves beside Adalhard.

“How’d you two sleep?” Cernunnos asked.

“Fine,” Inez growled.

“Okay.” Eder’s answer lacked heart.

“Come on you two,” Cernunnos said. “This ship is much better than the one Groaza offered. We could have been sharing tiny bunks and one bathroom between the four of us – probably eight if you count the Groazan soldiers who would have flown the thing.”

Inez and Eder looked a little guilty.

“I know,” Eder apologized. “It’s just...the artwork.”

Adalhard knew what bothered Eder. Still, Cernunnos was right. Below decks, the Salacious Maiden was open and comfortable, especially the berths. Adalhard’s small room housed a neat bed, walls of ocean art, and a small window. Inez and Eder shared an equally beautiful room, with nude but tasteful scenes of mermaids. The more Adalhard got to know Eder, the more he realized just how much the young man adored mermaids, but not the realistic kind. Sylvia and Ginger preferred the realistic kind. Therein, lay the problem.

Cernunnos seemed to catch Eder’s meaning too. His eyes filled with understanding, and he assured a confused Ginger about her choice of decor. “Eder loves mermaids, but he’s recently discovered the reality.”

Ginger nodded. “There are lots of beautiful qualities about real mermaids.” Ginger continued to speak.

Adalhard tuned out her words. He thought back to when he was a younger man. He’d never had a dream woman or a fetish. What he did have was a fairytale book. In fact, he still had it, somewhere in his huge, empty house. The book contained beautiful illustrations, including some fairies, mermaids, maidens, and various divine beings. No dhampirs. Though, Camellia would make a fair match for the book’s moon goddess: a white-faced woman, with the night in her hair.

Adalhard wondered if he was entirely truthful with himself about the whole fetish thing. He pushed the thought out of his mind as well as the fantasy. He could save it for later, when next he slept.

“I’m afraid we’re still a long way off,” Sylvia said, from her place at the wheel. “The latest reading is putting us almost two days out.”

Inez huffed. “This goes on forever.”

Ginger made a noise of agreement. “But, let’s make the best of it. Inez?” Ginger asked.

Inez looked up from the table.

“I’ve been wanting to say that I think the work your guild does is beautiful. Many years ago, I had a Textiler client. When we parted, he gave me a golden robe, enchanted so that the wearer would only hear natural sounds, like birds and wind. I have loved that robe ever since.” After a short pause, Ginger asked the young Textilers, “Actually, I’m not quite sure how you two got chosen to work with archaeologists? Why do you have to come along? I thought you made cloth.”

Inez froze. “You do know what’s going on in Tagtrum, right?”

“There’s a lot of military activity having to do with that cult,” Ginger said. “Cernunnos said they chased you, but he won’t say why.” Ginger playfully swatted Cernunnos.

The man looked distinctly uncomfortable as he awaited the reveal.

Good.

“Uh...” Eder glanced around the cockpit, reluctant to break the news.

Inez leaned forward. “That bad cult you’ve been hearing about worships a Lurrien monster. And, the Textilers, our guild…” Inez gestured to herself and her brother. “We’re really an opposing group that studies the Lurrien creature. We’ve had one of those monsters and kept it a secret for three-thousand years, and now we have to be punished.”

Ginger’s mouth dropped open. “Punishment?” Ginger gave Cernunnos a wide-eyed look. “Why is archaeology considered a punishment for these two?”

“The Volanter site is awful and dangerous.” Cernunnos picked at one of his fingernails, as if the information was casual. “Were you around when we discussed the killer crabs?” Cernunnos paused. “I can’t remember, but I guess not.”

Ginger stared in surprise. She tried to catch Sylvia’s eyes, but the other woman focused on her flying, looking less calm and equipped to handle the task.

Cernunnos continued, “We also have to get magic from the Volanter site to help fight the Lurrien creature. By the way, it proclaims itself a god and goes by the name Ah’nee’thit.”

“Oh my God, Sylvia? Are you hearing this?”

“Yes, and I’m trying to focus on flying this thing through some strong wind, which has suddenly become more difficult, given the knowledge that Cernunnos withheld.”

Cernunnos shrugged. “I didn’t want to ruin last night.”

Adalhard crossed his arms. He tried not to smile, but he took some pleasure in Cernunnos’ discomfort and his failing arrangement with their pilots. It served him right. Unfortunately, Adalhard, Inez, and Eder depended on this arrangement, and two angry pilots could harm their cause and their health, more so than Cernunnos’ pleasure and pride. Adalhard would have to help Cernunnos out of this one.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Ginger turned angry eyes to Adalhard. “Will the Salacious Maiden be in danger? Will we?”

Adalhard shook his head. “No. No, I think we left the cult’s influence behind. And, we would never intentionally put you or your ship in danger. Cernunnos wouldn’t do that.”

“Since when has this Volanter site been dangerous?” Ginger addressed Cernunnos. “You’ve been there before, and you never mentioned it was dangerous.”

“I didn’t want to brag.”

Adalhard resisted the urge to put a hand on his forehead. How could Cernunnos be so antagonistic?

From the wheel, Sylvia grumbled, “That hasn’t stopped you any other time.”

The Salacious Maiden bobbed as strong wind created turbulence around the ship.

Ginger stood and headed below. “I need a few minutes. Are you alright Sylvia?”

“I’m fine. Just come back when it’s your turn to pilot.”

Ginger nodded. “You know I will.”

Ginger disappeared below, and Sylvia refused to look at her passengers.

Cernunnos spoke loud enough for all to hear. “I only brag about somewhat dangerous places, not downright scary ones.”

“Cernunnos, enough,” Adalhard scolded. “You owe them both an apology, and I expect you to give it for the sake of this trip and common decency. Now, I am also going below. You probably should too and stay out of everyone’s hair.”

Cernunnos frowned. He glowered at Adalhard, but lowered his gaze. “Yeah, you’re right.”

He rose, glancing briefly at Slyvia. She avoided his eyes. Cernunnos sighed and climbed down. Inez and Eder followed.

Adalhard went last, but before he went below he offered his own apology. “I’m sorry you weren’t fully informed.”

“It’s alright,” Sylvia said. “I have nothing against you and the Ferrans. And, I’ll probably forgive Cernunnos, but his apology had better be good.”

“Indeed.” Relief washed over Adalhard.

It seemed Cernunnos’ blunder might be limited to personal repercussions after all. Unlike my blunder, Adalhard thought, suddenly thinking of Camellia.

When Adalhard got below, he saw only Eder waiting in the lounge.

“Hi.” Eder waved. “Ginger went to her room. Inez went to our bunk, and Cernunnos went to yours. They’re all in kind of bad moods, so I’m staying out here.”

“Me too.” Adalhard sat beside Eder.

Eder gave him a smile. His hand rested on a paper, with pencil in his grasp. Eder drew an embroidery plan, and Adalhard glanced at the intricate design. A magic circle rested in the middle and a patterned chain rimmed the edges of the rectangular page.

“What will that be?” Adalhard asked.

Eder’s eyes lit up. “It’s going to be a doorway between two unconnected rooms. I’m going to hang it on the wall like a tapestry, and then I’ll just be able to lift it and walk through…” Eder began to explain the logistics. His words continued on.

Adalhard struggled to listen, not because he didn’t find Eder’s words interesting. His mind kept straying to Camellia. Adalhard wanted to hear Eder’s description of all the pranks he planned to pull. Adalhard felt he might want to caution the young man, but Camellia just wouldn’t get out of his head.

With his elbow, Eder nudged Adalhard.

“I’m sorry.” Adalhard rubbed his forehead. “I was just thinking…”

Adalhard checked to see that Cernunnos was not nearby. He felt foolish. Cernunnos wouldn’t come out so soon.

Still, Adalhard spoke low, “Let me ask you...did Inez have anything to say about Camellia’s group after she encountered them?”

Eder shook his head. “No, she was pretty upset. She really just wanted to talk about the creature and what she learned about it and the cult. Also, the spell. It’s really something.”

“Right. That makes sense.” Adalhard bowed his head.

“Why? What’s wrong?”

“I’m desperate for some news of Camellia,” Adalhard said. “Don’t let it slip to Cernunnos.”

Eder nodded. He whispered, “Do you...like her or something?”

“That’s exactly it.” Adalhard clasped his hands between his knees. “I’ve stayed in Groaza for a couple of years now, and I would like to find a spouse. I briefly considered her, but...at the time...I decided against it.” Adalhard glanced around and watched for their companions to return.

No one yet.

“Oh. Why did you change your mind?”

Adalhard sighed. “She suffers from a kind of…” Adalhard struggled to find the right words. He should just say she was depressed, but it felt like more than that. “She’s depressed. She’s anxious. She’s...not doing well. Years ago, when I first met her that wasn’t the case. Now, I don’t know if I should approach her. I have concerns about taking advantage, and I believe she has self-destructive behaviors.” Adalhard paused. He frowned. “I also don’t want to marry into her family.”

“Uh...don’t take this the wrong way, but I think you should have at least tried.” Eder turned in his seat. “I think...you should have given her a chance.”

Adalhard turned to view Eder just as the young man viewed him.

Eder bowed his head. “I’m...kind of anxious. I’d really want someone to give me a chance.”

Adalhard regarded Eder. Though Eder was different from Camellia in many ways, there were some similarities too.

“You’re right. I’ve made a mistake. I really liked her, and I told myself I didn’t. I told myself it was too difficult.” Adalhard stared straight ahead. “I sent her away. I gave her time off. I gave her entirely the wrong message, and I lied to myself too.”

Eder shifted. “What do you think she's doing now? Where do you think they ended up?”

“I don’t know. Maybe, somewhere similar to the places our ancestors came from. Maybe, someplace entirely different.” Adalhard sighed. Again, he turned to face Eder. He saw a new emotion in Eder but couldn’t decide what it was.

“Do you think I’d be cut out for that kind of a trip? I keep just wanting to go home.”

Adalhard smiled. “Eder, if you want to live a quiet life, there’s nothing wrong with that. I’m doing that now. I’ve done both. Assuming we get the chance to see outside the wormhole, why don’t you try it? You can always change your mind.”

Eder nodded. “Yeah. I could. I could always change my mind, and it would be okay.” It seemed a kind of mantra for him.

Adalhard thought it was a good way to cope with the uncertainty.

“How come you don’t want Cernunnos to know?” Eder nodded back at the room that Adalhard shared with Cernunnos.

Adalhard shook his head. “He knows about the situation and lately he’s been...I don’t know. He’s been a bit nasty about it. He thinks I didn’t do right by Camellia, and honestly, he’s right. I don’t think he’s ready to forgive me yet.”

Eder remained quiet for a few moments.

During the silence, Adalhard promised himself, I won’t talk to Cernunnos. Well, I will, just not like this.

Unfortunately, Adalhard couldn’t think of a role model – an older man – that he could talk to about Camellia. His father was long gone, and no one in the AAH filled that role. If he wanted to convince Camellia to give him another chance, he might need advice.

It’ll be difficult to convince her to consider me after I looked at her private things, sent her away for poor emotional health, and treated her like someone who can’t make rational decisions. Did I miss anything? Probably.

“I think Cerunnos is okay,” Eder declared. “He’s not perfect, but I like him.”

Adalhard nodded. “He’s certainly not perfect, but there are things to like about him.”

After all, Camellia liked him.

By early evening, almost everyone prepared to sleep. They would fly through one more night and day and reach the Volanter site by sundown. Ginger flew the ship, giving Sylvia her break. A break she apparently planned to spend with Cernunnos.

If he hadn’t witnessed it, Adalhard wouldn’t have believed it. Cernunnos had smoothed the whole thing over.

“Cernunnos. Before you disappear to your lover’s den, we need to have a short conversation about Camellia.” Adalhard beckoned from his berth.

“Oh, what about her? She’s off planet, Adalhard. Gone where no Iruedian has been in millennia.”

“Go right ahead and ham it up. You might as well get it out of your system. I want to know. What did she write to you in that letter?”

Cernunnos narrowed his eyes, but he entered the room and closed the door. “I’m not sure if I should tell you with this attitude.”

Adalhard sighed. He took a deep breath. “Cernunnos, did she tell you about...my involvement in her leave?”

“As a matter of fact, yes.” Cernunnos crossed his arms. “Do you always unlock the private rooms of female AAH members?”

“No,” Adalhard said. “Just Camellia’s. Obviously.”

Cernunnos glared. He seemed to hold back a smile. With his arms still crossed, he asked, “Do you try, or do you achieve this level of creepiness unintentionally?”

“It is unintentional. I assure you. Is that all that was in the letter?” Adalhard stepped closer.

“Cernunnos!” Sylvia called. “Are you coming?”

“Yes!” he called back. He faced Adalhard and looked into his eyes. “Florian, I don’t have time to get into this now. She said a lot of things in that letter, and most of them had nothing to do with you. Granted, she did mention you, and yes, she told me about what you did. Now, I was willing to let it slide because I know you were trying to help.” Cernunnos advanced. “But, don’t make comments about my love-life and how I manage it.”

“I was trying to help you. You lied to them...”

“Don’t start with me again. You’re nowhere near perfect.” Cernunnos turned to go, but quickly turned back. “You know. I always wondered when you were coming for Camellia. Back when she was my student, you were always eyeing her, and I could tell you were exactly the kind of man she would like – probably needs. But, I didn’t want you to grab one of my favorite traveling companions and turn her mind to thoughts of museums and family.” Now, Cernunnos did turn away. Before he left, he hissed, “I’m trying to be alright with it. Don’t make me smack you, boy.”

Cernunnos stormed off.

Adalhard blew out a breath. There goes any chance of talking to an older, wiser man.