The Vessels by Anna Elias

Author:Anna Elias
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Vesuvian Books
Published: 2020-06-15T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

TAL

Flames licked higher and higher as the Anaho danced and chanted around the fire. A narrow door slid open on the ship’s side, and a grated walkway extended toward shore with a hiss. Tiny lights lined its metal surface on either side. Somewhere in the mountains above, an owl screeched.

Tal’s whole body trembled and tendons turned to rods in her neck. She sensed the same from Link, Avani, and Doc, but seeing the surprise on Sam’s face came as a shock. He must not have all the answers after all, like Doc had said. Maybe guarding this secret required him to keep his name off the books. Perhaps he’d hidden behind Diego Ruiz to run this crazy Program without getting bogged down in bureaucracy, restraints, or discovery. Her stomach lurched at the phone call she’d made. What if contacting the State Department had aroused suspicion? What if it brought authorities snooping around the shelter and they discovered this Program? She vowed to tell Sam about it right after this. Whatever this was going to be.

Chief Black stepped on the lighted plank and crossed the foaming waves toward the ship. Tal shuddered, wondering who or what would greet him at the other end.

Sam shifted side to side as he watched Chief Black from shore. They shared an obvious, palpable bond—a partnership in this Program not unlike the one Tal had shared with Jake in their job. Sam’s apparent trust and faith eased her fears. She peeked around; he seemed to be calming the others, as well.

A hatch spun open and a bright light burst forth from within the ship. Jasmine scented the air and a man emerged. His thick, shoulder-length black mane was pulled back in a band and his eighteenth-century Royal Navy coat hung long on his tall, broad frame.

The captain stepped onto the plank and greeted Chief Black. The two men clasped arms in the old-world style, with the captain’s wool uniform pressed against the fringed and beaded deerskin tunic.

“Nem hau.” The chief spoke in his native tongue. The wind tousled the feathers of his headdress.

“Greetings to you, as well, Chief Black. I am Captain Hugh Benham. Welcome to the Vessels.”

Jasmine mixed with more potent smells of smoking fire, black earth, fresh water, and crisp mountain air. Tal took several breaths, holding each until it burned and refocused her nerves. Sam stood tall and straight, bravely clasping the captain’s arm with assurance once the men came ashore. Tal stood taller, too, mimicking Sam’s movement and trusting smile while her heart pounded an assault on her ribs.

Chief Black led the captain to Avani first. He joined hands with her and the captain, and a blast of white light pulsed around them. The tattoo brightened under Avani’s pant leg while Chief Black whispered something to her. The whole thing lasted less than a minute, and Tal could see no visible difference, but Avani moved lighter, easier, and with more confidence. When she lifted her pant leg, the tattoo’s circular, ancient-looking symbol glowed brighter, and the dove shimmered, barely visible inside the dense vines.

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