Page 49 of The Sea of Zemira (The Zemiran Chronicles 1)

“Kala,” Lincoln called, heedfully, realizing how broken Mazie must have felt at that moment, and stepped between the two women.

Raven turned from her mother and folded her arms defiantly, then began to mumble obscenities under her breath.

“We have quite the voyage ahead of us, but my crew and I are lackin’ the amount of water to get us to where we need to go,” Lincoln said, looking at his crew, “In fact, we are all feelin’ a bit parched. So, any food and water you can offer would be deeply appreciated. Also, I would be much obliged if we could fill our barrels. We only need enough to get us to where we are sailin’ to. If you may,” he asked, gesturing out his hand and giving her a slight gentleman bow. “Do you have room here for at least a night? We won’t stay long?—”

Kala nodded to Lincoln. “Of course, handsome,” she replied. “I’ll always have room for you, and please, our well has been plentiful these past few years. You’ll find enough water for your needs.”

The pirates’ faces lit up when the woman said they could stock up on the water.

Oh, thank goodness,Nola thought, letting out a breath of relief.

“Follow me,” the woman said. Kala walked out of the tent, and the crew followed, looking on to the festivities. “You can use our carriages to transport the barrels.” She looked over her shoulder at Lincoln, “However, we are using them for our festivities for the time being.” She smiled, but it faded quickly as she eyed Harry running their way. “Harry, get back to your post.”

The fat little man stopped next to Lincoln, smiling with eagerness. “And miss out on the party. Get out of here!”

Kala laughed. “Fine,” she said. “At least go bring our guests some water. Make yourself useful.”

“And grab us some food too, ye fool!” Hill shouted as Harry dashed towards the stage.

Kitten quickly swatted at his head. Tipsy sure did not see that coming and staggered back in surprise.

Kala caressed her dreadlocks as her eyes scanned Nola. “So many new faces this time visiting us, Lincoln.” Her eyes were still glued on the siren. “Are you going to introduce me to everyone?”

Lincoln gestured to Boots. “Sorry. Right. These two here are Boots and Kitten—” he posted to his right.

The golden-eyed pirate grabbed at her dress and bowed, while Dyson gave the woman a curt nod.

“?—and over there is Ardley,” he finished.

Ardley hunched forward, placing his hat to his chest, and gesturing a bow. “Ma’am.” He tipped his hat, then put it back on his head.

“And that there, near your tent, touching your skulls lanterns, is Hill.”

Kitten raised her hand to her face at the shameful appearance of her drunken comrade. The lanky pirate looked like they had just scooped him up from a random dock.

Lincoln smirked, “?—and this here is Nola. She’s new to our ship.” As he said her name, a smile lit up his face, and he ran a hand through his chestnut hair.

The siren girl felt a blush rise on her cheeks. She found it interesting how flustered he looked, especially having treated her like an enemy a few days ago.

“Well, hello dear,” Kala’s voice drew Nola’s eyes back to her. “You are—” The woman reached out and took her right hand.

Oh, no!Nola froze.

The woman’s touch shot a bizarre energy through her skin, and she knew, in that moment of fear, her eyes had changed for Kala.

“?—quite different looking,” the woman finished.

Nola’s shoulders relaxed, and she flashed a tiny smile. “I will take that as a compliment. I know my hair is a bit strange, but—”

“Yes,” Kala hummed, “it must be the hair.”

The comment held a hidden meaning. The nomad woman was not talking about the siren’s hair—she was referring to her eyes. Kala knew what she was.

Nola cleared her throat, bowing her head slightly. “It’s very nice meeting you.” She looked around. “This place is breathtaking.”

Kala smirked. “And you are welcomed here, any time,” she said.

Nola, quietly and slowly, let out the breath she held in, then shimmied her hand from hers. She did not want Kala to know her secret, but it was too late. However, given how the woman kept her lips sealed, Nola allowed herself to relax.

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