The Bones of Broken Songs_A Historical Mystery Romance (Mortalsong Trilogy Book 2) by J.M. Stredwick

Author:J.M. Stredwick [Stredwick, J.M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-01-17T05:00:00+00:00

Benjamin

A few days have passed since the last celebration. Claire and Alphonse have been wandering in the jungle for a week. But now, duty calls.

I told my men to fall back. To wait for me at the outer ring that marks the boundary line. I cannot risk losing more men who are loyal to me. Reki and Idalgo watch me with frustrated expressions. Reki’s machete rests on his shoulder, and Idalgo watches me with pinched lips; blatant impatience. My friends. It must be hard to watch their leader enter into the jungle and fear for his life. But I know that she will not kill me. I am too important to her. I give her everything. If I had not returned to this Island so many years back she would be in a disaster state, bones settled to dust in the ground, waiting for a stray soul to stumble past.

I shoulder past giant leaves and duck under the foliage, sweat beading on my brow. The jungle is quiet today. Oddly quiet.

Gia waits in my chambers, and the thought of her thrills me. Awakens those desirous memories that once were real. Her long dark hair, the archaic depth of her eyes. They ream me. Disturb me. She shares only small similarities with Giselle, but that does not matter. I enjoy her fire. I imagine that Giselle would have been more like Gia if she’d had time to experience life. Gia is a refined version, a darker person.

I work my way towards the cave entrance, following a path I have taken far too many times. Enough to know that the familiarity is all too familiar, and these things can never be undone. But this is what it is. I can’t hate myself for the things I have chosen.

Stepping forth I hop down the steps, listening for her. I can hear the rolling ocean, the spray on the rocks, the trill of colorful birds and angry insects. I have only ever seen a storm here five times, and almost always there is sun beating down. I feel anxious on solid ground. It is freeing to be at sea, thinking only of my men and getting them their spoils. There are many acquaintances I’ve been working with who want me at sea as well. A few Dutchmen across the ocean, waiting for my go ahead. They offered me loaded coffers for assisting them safely along the coast of Africa. A few pirates who want to join up and take down the empowered colonies in the Caribbean, to defend what is ours. Some of the great Buccaneers who were once powerful influencers were stripped of their titles and forced to work simple jobs. I’ve gathered many of them and brought them here to serve my purpose. Now, we have to maintain our place. If I lose my position, I lose everything, and if I lose everything, I cannot protect Gia.

Entering the dark cool space of the cavern, I go forth. Her cave is laid out in a way that is comfortable for a person.

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