The men spoke lowly about the repercussions of the actions. A handful wanted nothing more to do with it. Their hearts were not frozen enough to commit the atrocities that the beast demanded.They could still feel its presence, dark and foreboding, even in the light of day. The rest were torn. Only three were full of enough resentment to be adamant in their resolve.As the crew drifted away to begin their duties, those three remained. Richards, Abraham and Davis. Three unassuming men, each filthy in mind and body but hard-working for the most part. They had been with Nathaniel since their former ships had been ransacked, unwilling to fall victim to the bloody sword wielded before them.Cowardice had its benefits sometimes, but it served to heighten the bitterness when the blade fell."We'll need support. Silent support," Abraham rubbed his chin, the stubble stinging the rough fingers. "He ain't gonna resist. I know a few things you don't, and none of 'em are good. If he wants his se
Lloyd held Nathaniel's eyes as he slid his hand under the linen shirt and pushed it from the broad shoulders.His skin was badly marked with scars from old fights, although a snaking tattoo cleverly disguised the longest on his side.Dropping the fabric to the floor, he ran his fingers through the man's hair before dropping his hand to knead his crotch through his pants gently; a shudder of delight pulsated through him at the feeling beneath.Nathaniel shifted to grab his wrist, amused by the plaintive complaint he received, Lloyd's lips curving into an annoyed pout."Problem, lad?""You're the cause of it." "I'm the cause of many things..." Nathaniel said quietly, "Although this is possibly the first time, I don't have to feel guilty about it..."Lloyd's sulk melted into a smile as he drew the man into a deep kiss, the heat rising like an inferno in his own body. If he had any doubts about his actions, they had melted away like snow in summer."I want you to forget your guilt; I wan
The cabin seemed to glow with warmth as Nathaniel cradled Lloyd in his arms, trying to avoid putting too much pressure on the bandage, however close he wanted him.A red hue had already seeped through the thick material, unseen in the throes of desire, but something that now irritated him.He should have known better. He should have resisted him as he had resisted people for centuries, as well as morals."I'm going to need to redo your bandages..." He whispered, his voice flat and pragmatic. "I don't want you getting ill..."Lloyd glanced down. He hadn't been aware that his wounds had opened again, but now the sting was beginning to tease his nerves.It had been worth it, though, to feel wanted and desirable. Not just a one-night stand that would be forgotten like yesterday's trash."Well, let me get my bearings a bit before you do. I hate moving when I'm settled," he said, shifting slightly to ease the pressure on his torn skin. "It's not too bad. Just a little sensitive. My own faul
Lloyd gazed over the open water, closing his eyes as the salt stung them, blown in from the soft waves that caressed the lonely shore."Just tell me what you need, and I'll do it," he smiled at Nathaniel tiredly, rubbing the back of his neck. The etching of a deep scar still lay there, concealed by his hair. It wasn't the first time he'd nearly lost his life. But that was a story for another day; he just wanted the man to know he wasn't ignorant of violence. Nathaniel reached out, his finger ghosting the red mark and sending tingles through Lloyd's body."I can always take what comes at me," he whispered, turning to kiss the man's hand. "And I have the marks to prove it."Nathaniel gave a sad smile and withdrew his hand with a shake of his head."I have plenty of stories for all my scars. Each of 'em fairly gruesome..." He remembered all of them. They weren't events one could forget. "They ain't important." He turned away abruptly. "Come to my room whenever you're ready, and I'll sho
Lloyd proceeded cautiously towards Nathaniel's room. His pride slowed his step, but the odd feeling that the others were talking about him slowed it even more.The way the amulet pulsated, like a frantic heartbeat, made him believe that his ordeal was not yet over. He took a breath when he reached the door, bolstering his nerves before throwing it open without even a by-your-leave, smiling brightly as Nathaniel span around, the look of shock a novelty in the usually irritated eyes. "What on earth do you..." The question remained unfinished as Lloyd stalked boldly over and slid into his lap, curling his arms around his neck. "I know we're going to leave land...But how long have we got? Or when do we reach land again?" He asked, "I have a surprise for you." He winked, his lips curling in a sly, seductive grin. "And I think it's one you'll appreciate." Nathaniel was silent for a moment, his eyes flitting from Lloyd to the chart on his desk. Lloyd could almost see his thoughts shatte
The moon was full, clouds trailing over the silver orb like ivy about a tree, and a soft rain was in the air, made salty by the sea breeze over the docks.The docks had been abandoned long ago, but as the moonlight seeped through the cloudy curtain, the sheen illuminated the shape of a ship mast and the dark figure standing at its prow.Nathaniel Hemlock gazed emotionlessly over what seemed to be an endless sea, endless like his voyage clasping the rail with gloved fingers.He despised having to come ashore for no purpose, but it was the least he could do for his crew; unlike himself, they enjoyed the feeling of humanity about them even though they encountered no one. He owed them that, at least.He did, however, wander the lonely shores sometimes, brooding over things and wallowing in his own bitterness.Once he had owned these seas, his very name caused the bravest to pale, for he had shown no mercy when challenged. A skilled navigator of all waters and a competent tactician. He had
Lloyd fell the sudden pull from his collar, he stumbled backwards until he was roughly pushed against the wall. It all was too fast to let him react, and now he was cornered with a knife pressing on his neck. In a normal situation Lloyd would have been terrified, mixed with the desperation to free himself, but he still believed it was all an act for the tourists.He laughed a little, somewhat nervously, and raised his hands "alrightcaptain, no need to be so harsh, good acting though!" He said with a wink and looked around before stopping his gaze on the other's face. "Aren't you too attractive to be playing an old legend?" he asked arching a brow still having a smile on his face, he would be lying if he wasn't flirting a little, he seldom got the chance with the clientele they had in the restaurant.Lloy
Lloyd accepted the help and wrapped his arm around the man for support and slowly got up resting most of his weight on the other "Thomas... right?" he confirmed, he was unsure if he heard the name right or not. He could feel his stomach groan quietly, demanding food, it must had been dinner time back in his house, he felt terrible about his friends. "That's right," Thomas nodded, clearing away the coagulating blood, relieved the flow was finally quelling. "I don't know my second name though. I forgot ages ago." "Uh huh." Lloyd muttered without really hearing as he took out his cell phone, feeling like an idiot for forgetting he had it with him. The screen offered a comforting light as he punched his password in, but as he tried to make the call to his colleague, the line was dead; he again, but with the same result, a sharp hiss like the waves surrounding them. Dead energy. "Why aren't you working?" he asked his phone in a whisper,