By Erin Janko
Tad’s gut knotted. He’s all I have… Images of his brother’s ashen face flooded his mind. If this doesn’t work, he’ll die by the end of the week. “Dust and specter, shadow and…” Blast it if I get killed from reciting this password wrong to the witch. He sidestepped oily puddles along Gidras’s docks. “Shadow and… shifter?” How did Gratia say it again?
Gratia’s voice erupted in his head. Genius, I can hear you. Just ask me.
He stumbled into a tower of crates, letting loose a yelp. Splashes in the harbor followed. “Gratia, I hate when you do that.”
Three fishermen eyed him as they mended their nets by lantern light. Tad raised his hand to them, then jogged away. “Have you found the witch?” he whispered.
Origin’s breath—talk to me through your mind.
“It’s unnerving. If I’d known about this telepathy business, I’d have thought twice before giving you five years of my life force.”
Except you’d be dead by now without me to guide you this far.
“I’d rather have taken my chances.”
Try, “thank you”.
“Cut the sass. My brother’s dying as we speak.” Gagging on the greasy stench from the fishery, he pressed his hand over his nose. “Where are you?”
If you don’t stop talking aloud, someone’s going to mistake you for a lunatic and throw you in the asylum. Keep walking. You’ll find me.
He mimicked her words with scrunched features and flipped his coat collar up with a flick of his thumbs. Ships in the harbor swayed, lulling his mind into forgetfulness of his connection to Gratia. She’s leading me into a trap so she can get free of my mind. Probably gave me the wrong password so the witch hexes me. He shuddered. Once the witch drains my blood, she’ll—
“Can you stop panicking?” Ahead, a shadow stirred beside a barrel.
Tad jerked backward, nearly colliding with a docking post.
Ribbons of moonlight danced off the water and over Gratia’s ice-blue eyes as she ambled over. “You’re awfully jumpy.”
“Because you keep scaring me!”
Gratia tossed her inky braid over her shoulder. “Chop-chop. Gather your wits, and let’s go.”
Tad set a brisk pace as they walked away from the harbor. “When we get to the witch, you’re speaking the password first.”
“Certainly.”
“Swear.”
“Corsair’s honor.” She spat into her fist.
Sand buried the boardwalk midway down the beach. Gratia veered toward a cluster of boulders and shrubs along the city wall. Firelight glowed through the foliage. His mouth parched. “That’s her?”
She nodded. Heartbeat hammering, Tad gripped his knife. Gratia broke into a sprint.
“Stop!” He raced after her. Blast it—I knew she’d cross me. Darting through the boulders like a frightened jackrabbit, he burst into a clearing. At the same moment that he glimpsed the witch sitting beside her canvas tent, he barreled into Gratia. They toppled. Gravel bit his cheek. Her knee jabbed into his side.
Glass beads clinked in the witch’s peppered hair as her head jerked toward the commotion. “Who’s there?” Her milky eyes stared ahead.
Tad panted. You swore.
Gratia scrambled to her feet. She bowed, then walked around the fire to the witch. “Hello, Aunt Margaret.”
Aunt? Tad gaped.
“Gratia?” Margaret stretched out her arms. Gratia knelt and leaned into them. “I’d know this tiny frame anywhere. Except it’s hardened now.”
“Becoming a corsair does that.”
Margaret’s fingertips brushed Gratia’s face. “My stars, you’ve changed. But now’s not the moment for your story. I heard another guest.”
Wiping his hands on his trousers, Tad stood and strode forward. Here’s where I die. “Dust and specter, shadow and shifter, I beseech thee.” He dropped to one knee, slid his shaking hand under Margaret’s palm, and kissed her knuckles. “Give of your magic, for great is my need.”
Chortling, Margaret withdrew her hand. “How darling of you to teach him that nursery rhyme of ours, Gratia.”
Nursery rhyme! Heat blazed in Tad’s face, and he glared at Gratia. What was that for?
Gratia smirked. Making a point.
“So, my sweets,” Margaret said as she clapped, “how can I help?”
“We need a seeing spell strong enough to find the Remnant,” said Gratia.
Margaret sniffed. “Such a dangerous group.”
“Tad knows how to bargain with them. He needs their magic to save his brother’s life, and I need it to save my own.” Gratia squeezed her aunt’s hand. “Out of compassion, Tad gave me five years of his life after I was killed in a skirmish. Once those five years are up, I’m a corpse again. But the Remnant can restore my life in full.”
Margaret patted Gratia’s arm. “We do indeed have much to discuss. I’ll fetch you my spell, then we’ll chat.”
“Here’s payment.” Tad reached into his coat.
“Time with my niece is all I need.”
After Margaret ducked into her tent, Tad glowered at Gratia. Acid roiled in his gut. What’s your game?
Proving I’m on your side and that I won’t lead you into harm. Sorry, I might’ve gone too far…Exhaling, she poked the fire. You believe I’ll cross you. Why?
You’re a corsair!
No other reason besides the life I was forced into? She scowled. I’m trying to help you.
Tad snorted. Only because you need me to bargain with the Remnant.
Did it ever cross your mind that maybe I wanted to save your brother too? Not just find the Remnant for myself?
Words snagged in Tad’s mind. He rubbed the back of his neck.
Gratia folded her arms. I know what it’s like to lose someone. And to be alone. I wanted to help you avoid both.
Silence hovered. Sighing, Tad ran a hand through his hair. I didn’t realize.
Just trust me from now on. She extended her hand.
Giving a lopsided grin, Tad approached her and they shook. Deal.
Margaret pushed the tent flap aside. “You two are quieter than gravestones.”
“We’re just thinking,” he said.
Gratia winked at him.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I love the character interactions, hints at a larger world, and the truth about Gratia’s relation with the witch. This would work well as a scene from a longer story as well as flash fiction.
Fascinating story and world building. Very complex and enjoyable!
Aww, that was sweet, and I loved the end! Fantastic line. This was a very developed story for something so short – I wish I knew more of it!
Lovely character development.
Erin, really enjoyed this story! There’s so much hinted at a larger story, and yet this piece stands well alone. The characters are fun, and their interactions are great. I’m a sucker for telepathy, and I like that there seems to be a complicated situation around theirs.
AHH I NEED TO KNOW THE REST OF THE STORY!!!! This was awesome! I loved getting to know the characters and seeing them interact. They make a priceless duo XD.