Page 34 of Pregnant With Their Babes

“Why? The witch was lying,” Dagr replied.

Oz took a deep breath. “I’d rather go home and her be wrong than the alternative.”

Dagr cocked his head toward Llyr. “And him?”

Llyr lifted his chin. “I detest being talked about as if I’m not standing right here.”

Oz regarded Dagr, ignoring Llyr. “Him we bring. Just in case.”

Llyr crossed his arms over his chest. “What if I decline to come?”

They both turned to eye him silently.

He saw the lingering lust still there, hidden among the anguish and doubt. Their wounds were deep. Lost parents. Lost siblings. A hard life filled with pain. He wished to be the one to soothe those wounds. He sought to give them his heart and hold theirs close. He desired to protect them and prevent more pain in their lives.

Llyr barely knew them, true, but it seemed as if his soul did. They were his.

Their pain was his.

He rejected the idea of them leaving without him at their sides.

After a moment of trying to look strong, Llyr sighed and dropped his arms. He was weak. There was no way he could walk away from the pair. He refused to let go, even if it meant he’d end up returning home without what he needed. “Fine. Not as if I had anywhere else to go.”

6

“Can ya tell me why tha rush ta leave?” their quartermaster, Mr. Tyler, asked once they’d given orders to set sail a day early.

Dagr shook his head. “Our captain has decided it’s finally time for his homecoming. He wants to see his father. He’s eager to leave.”

“Tha men are quite ready ta be home, too. It’s been forever since I’ve seen me family.” Mr. Tyler took off his hat and scratched at his balding pate. “And what happ’ns after? Any news there?”

“I have more news on that account after our captain has attended to his family matters.”And my own.

Mr. Tyler replaced his hat. “I hope ye be comin’ back ta cap’n us back out ta sea, sir.” He winced. “Not that I don’t love our cap’n. I do, mind ya. But if he can’ return, it should be ye, sir.”

Dagr smiled at the man. They’d sailed with Mr. Tyler for a good eight years, if not a bit longer. The man kept the others in line and did a good job of procuring goods and selling their freight, as needed. If he and Oz were unable to resume their travels, the ship would likely be sold and the crew might not be asked to remain. “And if we’re incapable to continuing our journeys, do you think you might be ready to step in and become her captain?”

“Me?” Mr. Tyler’s eyes widened for a moment before his chest rose and a smile came to his lips. “Ye’d trust me wiff tha cap’ncy?”

“The captain and I have discussed it previously. We both think you’ve proven yourself most loyal and trustworthy. The men we have are, too. I would hate to see them lose an income.”

“Aye, that,” Mr. Tyler said. “I’m up fer tha job, if ye be seein’ fit ta give her ta me. We can work this ship an’ keep her profitable fer ye.”

Dagr clasped the man on the shoulder. “Let me discuss it with the captain again and I’ll get back with you. For now, we need to get loaded and set sail.”

Mr. Tyler nodded. “Yes, sir!”

Dagr left the quartermaster to his work. He could soon hear Mr. Tyler’s cries to the crew behind him as he climbed to the upper deck where Oz stood surveying the labor going on around them. Once he was near Oz, he could see the man was blind to the preparations. He concentrated on Llyr—who stood on the lower deck. Dagr paused a moment, watching as Llyr observed the men with utter fascination. It was almost like watching a child seeing something for the first time.Can it truly be an act?

He was unsure. “We’re nearly ready to leave port.”

“Good,” Oz murmured.

“Are you truly ready to face home?”

Oz shrugged. “No readier than I’d be tomorrow.”

Dagr’s stare fell on Llyr once more. “Are you sure you wish to bring him?”

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