Delphos: House Trajan Book 2 by Petra J. Knox

Author:Petra J. Knox [Knox, Petra J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-09-14T16:00:00+00:00

Part Two

Ordelpho

Chapter 22

Sierra

I swallowed, taking in the scene before me. This was the Ongahri that I had always imagined—primal, raw, other.

As the Freedom slowly made its way into the harbor, the drums on shore beat out a rhythm that spoke to ancient fears. The night was lit by the Ongahri standing in wait, torches in hand, standing sentinel for our arrival. Two tall watchtowers, red and black banners streaming, cast dancing shadows from the burning braziers within. The Ordelpho residents, more than I could count, seemed to stare at us, their eerie silence causing the hairs on the back of my neck to rise.

I stood at the ship’s railing, Demos and Fadon on either side of me. It was almost dinner time, but the winter sun had set hours ago, leaving the air without any heat. I pulled my wool shawl closer around me and watched as Ordelpho’s shores and land beyond came into clearer view.

From what I could see, the island was enormous, and the harbor we were moving through looked so narrow comparatively. I suddenly felt small, as if the island’s size had stolen my own from me.

Even though we had been on board for a whole two—scant—days, I wasn’t in a hurry to set foot on land, to say goodbye to the familiar shelter of the ship just yet. Out there, the unknown waited.

Whether it was the darkness, the depth of the forest that crept closer, or the beat of those unnerving drums, I felt a sense of dread, and wondered, not for the first time, if I had been too hasty in making a decision to come here.

This was Lucius Dega’s land, his House, his people. And it mirrored him perfectly. Dark, foreboding, and overwhelming.

I felt a hand on my back and jumped.

“I won’t let anything happen to you, Sierra,” Fadon said, looking down at me. “Breathe.”

Gods, even in the open air he could smell the change in my scent, my fear. And indeed, I was afraid, very afraid.

My chest rose as I inhaled slowly, and I got a whiff of smoked hickory and pine—Fadon and Demos, respectively. After a few minutes, I felt a little more in control. I had to admit, his advice helped. But not enough.

A call went out from behind us, orders shouted near the helm. The drums beat faster now, echoing across the black, inky water. A horn sounded, long and chilling.

The ship groaned as it docked, dropping anchor, and the sounds of the gangway being mounted clanged like a death knell in my ears.

“Welcome to Ordelpho, Princess.”

I turned around at the announcement and watched as Lucius strutted his way toward us. He seemed taller, wider, his expression more lupine than ever, as if being here had removed his cloak of civility and he could now be himself.

“Come,” Lucius said, offering me his tattooed hand.

“What are you doing?” Fadon practically snarled.

“She is my guest, Captain. I’m escorting her off the ship.” Lucius grinned, as if knowing exactly how much his actions affected Fadon.

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