“Bob? You named them?” Seth asked.
“Why not? They’re not just animals, right? They deserve names of their own. This is Bob and that’s Sally,” Rogue replied, scratching Bob with her free hand.
He repaid her kindness by lifting his tail and dropping a steaming pile of dung onto the ground. Seth wrinkled his nose when the wagon wheel squelched through the stinking heap. “Yeah, I can see that.”
Rogue rolled her eyes. “Bob is a free spirit unbound by human conventions.”
Seth snorted, and she shoved him with a good-natured grin. The banter was part of their relationship. That and a hefty dose of humor.
A rustle in a nearby tree caused her to sober, and she gripped her spear with caution. The area was mostly free of predators. It was too rocky and filled with thorny brush to support abundant prey. That didn’t mean it was a walk in the park, however, and she was careful not to let her guard down.
Rogue smelled the river before she saw it, the scent of rich damp mud thick in her nostrils. The track veered down a steep slope toward the wooden dock where the boat waited. It was a simple craft that sat high in the water, powered by a single motor. Its shallow draft enabled it to navigate most canals, but it wasn’t very fast. Even so, their trip wouldn’t take more than two or three days. Or so they hoped.
In the middle of the deck stood a single cabin equipped with bunk beds and hammocks. A tiny kitchen abutted the sleeping quarters while supplies were stored below. The journey would be cramped and uncomfortable, but Rogue didn’t care. A whole world awaited them on the horizon, and that was all that mattered.
The wagon rolled to a stop, and a tall man with a deeply tanned complexion strode out to meet them. He surveyed the group with suspicion. “How can I help you, folks? And where are Ric and Olivia?”
Seth stepped forward and handed him a note. “This is from Ric, and it should explain everything you need to know.”
The man read the note, his eyes creasing at the corners. Afterward, he tucked the paper into his pocket and favored Seth with a brisk nod. “It seems you need my services.”
“Indeed, we do,” Seth agreed, reaching out to shake his hand.
“I’m Tony Daniel, the captain of this fine vessel. She’s called the Water Lily, and I won’t brook any trouble on board.”
“Captain?” Seth said with a hint of amusement.
Tony shrugged, his smile sardonic. “I used to sail much bigger craft, but beggars can’t be choosers. This little beauty is all I’ve got now, and she’s my pride and joy.”
“Understood,” Seth said, waving his hand at the group. “This is Rogue, David, Brittany, Bear, Jessica, and Paul.”
Tony inclined his head. “It’s a pleasure to meet you all.”
“We brought supplies and extra fuel for the trip,” Seth said, waving a hand at the wagon.
“Excellent. You can store it below deck,” Tony said, beckoning to them. “I’ll show you the way.”
Everyone grabbed a box or pallet and loaded the rations onto the riverboat. The members of the Watch stepped in to help, and they accomplished the task within minutes. After seeing the soldiers and the wagon off, Rogue and the others climbed on board.
With her backpack in hand, she surveyed her new home. It felt strange to stand on the deck. It rocked with the ebb and flow of the river, and her legs felt weird at first. She got used to it quickly enough, and a smile tugged at her lips. While the Water Lily wasn’t at all like Seth’s boat, it reminded her of it. “This will do just fine.”
“Yeah?” Seth asked. “You like it?”
“Of course, I do. I love it,” she replied.
“Glad to hear it, because we’re spending the next few days on it,” Seth said before turning to Tony. “What now, Captain?”
“Call me Tony. I’m more of a pilot now than a captain,” Tony replied.
“Alright,” Seth said.
“You can each grab a bunk or a hammock,” Tony said. “The Water Lily is small, so no fighting. If anyone complains, they go overboard. Got it?”
Rogue saluted Tony with a grin. “Got it, Captain.”
“Tony,” he insisted. “Also, no one touches either the engine or the wheel but me. Unless you want to sleep with the fishes.”
Rogue walked toward the cabin and picked a hammock in the corner. She stowed her backpack underneath it before touring the deck. Once they cast off, she chose a spot at the front and sat down.
“Comfy?” Seth asked, joining her at the bow.
“I’m good,” she acknowledged.
“Do you mind if I talk to Tony for a while? I’ve got a few questions for him,” Seth said.
“Go ahead,” Rogue said, waving him off.
Truth be told, she relished the chance to be alone. The slow chug of the boat on the river coupled with the sound of the water slapping against the hull was oddly soothing. Once Seth was gone, she leaned over the side of the boat and gazed into the river. Fish darted about in search of food, and weeds reached up from the murky depths to strangle the unwary.
Her mind drifted back to her encounter with the Clidastis, and it swept her along on a tide of memories. It now seemed so long ago, as if it happened to a different person. Still, she remembered each moment with painful clarity, even tasting the water that choked her lungs.
***
Rogue was swept along by the river, the strong current tumbling her around like a rag doll. Her consciousness faded in and out, and she longed to give in to the darkness. But her will to survive was stronger than the urge to submit, and she fought to stay awake. A couple of times, her head broke the surface, allowing her to suck in a quick lungful of air.
