Staring Into Open Flame
A/N: I've been a bit MIA due to me entering a writing contest and generally feeling like my writing wasn't great. Hope y'all are staying safe. Thanks again to Jedi for doing the cover, it means so much to me.
Sandy awoke to noise, she didn't remember falling asleep until Thorhall slapped a meaty hand against her back, startling her awake.
The bear looked down at her, gesturing to the way she gripped the oar hard enough to make her hands cramp. "Sea's got us now," he rumbled, the dark water sloshing as he pulled his oar beside him.
Sandy glanced over the edge, the sea reflecting her tired, wild green eyes and mouth set into a frown. This is what her brother wanted? To be aboard a Knarr in the freezing cold with nothing but the sea and people that killed without a second thought. Most mercenaries were working for someone with money, especially in such a trying time as encroaching war against the English.
"Don't stare," Thorhall grit out, pulling her away from the edge. "at night, sea'll pull you in."
She nodded, looking over at Shadow. His back was to his crew and he knew who she was. Knew what she was here for. Sandy decided that when they first got to land, she'd kill Einar first. Randy trusted him; they had practically grown up together. So why? Why would he—.
"Randy,"
Sandy's gaze snapped up from her trembling hands to Shadow as he called her brother's name. Called her. She stood, body wavering for a moment as the sea pushed and pulled the boat as she made her way to Shadow's side.
"You're to stay in my cabin until we reach land. I don't want anyone finding out you aren't your brother." He said, glancing down at her. "Especially since your targets are either on this ship or on the next one."
"Thank you," she breathed, the cold air stealing her voice away. She followed his gaze forward, swallowing at the vast sea before them. "Is this what he wanted? Truly? Ain't much appeal in this."
Shadow scoffed, turning to face his crew as the fog rolled in. "Nobody wants this. You'll get used to it, though, trust me," he said to her before gesturing back to her position on deck.
Sandy grabbed her oar as the sun peaked over the horizon. Maybe Randy wanted to join for a different reason. Sandy hoped by the time they reached land and started their march she'd figure it out.