Wilder

"Wilder, come have a look at this," Captain Isla said.

Wilder hurried up the steps to the aft deck and took the spot beside the captain, accepting the eyeglass. He raised it, peering through to the shoreline in the distance. The final rays of the sun illuminated the small harbor. Half a dozen ships were docked but that's not what Wilder focused on. He picked out the men in military uniforms that marched down the harbor.

Slowly, he lowered the glass, mind spinning. From this distance, he couldn't determine whether the soldiers were ones his father trained or imposters. If they docked, would the men seize them or simply tell them the port was closed? Would their presence draw attention from whoever was currently in charge at the palace? Was the North Isles King at the palace?

Wilder turned away from the port, surveying the ship full of sailors. He'd planned that they all, minus a few to watch the ship, would go through the forest and find out what was going on. But now in light of the new information, he reformulated his plan. Too many and they would be more likely noticed.

"We won't dock there," Wilder said. "Cut South. There is a lagoon that some of us can row to. We'll enter the forest from there."

Isla gave orders to Sparrow and the Lorian guided the ship away from the harbor. Wilder stayed at the railing, watching it gradually fade. What were they walking into? Images of the city in chaos swirled in his mind. If the city was still closed off, what state were the people in? How much food did they have? How many had already died?

The questions tore at Wilder's heart. He might not be the one to rule the West Isles, but this was his home, his people. He thought of Lydia. What would she come home to? Would there be a Kingdom to rule?

He gripped the railing as the memory of her arms desperately holding him filled him. Everything inside him had wanted to wrap to kiss her. He wanted to run his hands through her hair. He wanted to remain with her, holding her like he knew he never would.

But that had been the problem. She wasn't his to hold, to kiss.

Zavier was a good man. One that would help Lydia when she took the throne. Part of Wilder wished Zavier was an ass. It would give Wilder an excuse to hate him, to want to find a way of stealing Lydia and making a new life. But unfortunately, Zavier had a good heart.

He thought having space from Lydia would make her betrothal easier. But it wasn't, she wandered through his mind and plagued his dreams. Questions of how she was doing, if she was okay tormented him. Even knowing how well protected she was at the palace, he feared for her. He feared that his leaving her alone was the worst kind of mistake.

But there was no going back. He was here now.

By the time they found the lagoon, the sun had vanished and a blue moon rose overhead. Wilder scanned the lagoon. A smugglers lagoon. It was usually watched but with the attack, Wilder didn't think guards would be stationed there. Even if some were they would be his father's men, they might know something. With the eyeglass, Wilder searched the edge of the forest, looking for signs of soldiers but saw none.

"Captain Isla," Wilder said, facing away from the lagoon. "Gather your crew together."

Isla eyed him and he detected an amused gleam in her eyes though nothing showed on her face. It was a contrast to Alwyn, who stood on the other side of the deck, arms crossed, brow pinched together in disbelief.

Wilder understood Alwyn's astonishment at talking to Isla in such a way, but the captain and he had an understanding. This was her ship, but that was his home.

"Little Duchess," Isla said. "Tell the men to come on deck."

After a last glance at Wilder, Alwyn did as she was told. Isla surveyed the lagoon. She didn't say anything and Wilder didn't offer up his thoughts. It would be pointless to repeat himself. Once the crew had collected on deck, Wilder descended to meet them. Lanterns dotting the ship lit the gathering well enough.

Wilder silently regarded them. The Talvin members were too pale, they would stand out. The same went for the Seau. Though Lorians had a lighter complexion than those in the West Isles, the sun had darkened their skin enough they could pass. At least Wilder had two members who were from the West Isles. Simon, the sailor who Lydia knew, and Ky, a thirty-year-old sailor with a knack for knives that Wilder had gotten to know.

"We're going to change tactics," Wilder said. "With Captain Isla's say so I will take a small number of you through the forest. The rest should go back to the port. There is information to be learned there, whether the port is still closed and you can't dock. Or you can stay and find out what's going on."

Wilder looked to Isla and she nodded her approval.

"Those of you coming with me will be Simon, Ky, Sparrow, Alwyn, Cyrus, and Captain Isla."

No one murmured disappointment at not joining them. Wilder didn't know if that was because they knew the danger they faced or were trained to accept their roles. Either way, it made Wilder's job easier.

"We will meet back at this lagoon in a week's time," Wilder said.

He didn't go on to say what it would mean if their group didn't return. They all knew the risks they faced.

"Get what you need," Isla said. "We leave in five minutes. Harlow, Mikkel get one of the rowboats ready."

The members dispersed and Raif moved over to Isla. In a single glance between them, Wilder could read Raif's desire to go with his wife and her reassurance that she would be fine. Not wanting to intrude on the moment, Wilder went to get his things.

As he did, he wondered if deep connections like that were easy for everyone to see. Had anyone seen the quiet moments that passed between him and Lydia? Well, Zavier had.

As Wilder slung his quiver onto his back, followed by his bow, Alwyn approached him. He cast his eyes to her but went back to packing.

"I almost didn't think you'd want me on this expedition," she said. "I thought you didn't like me all that much."

Wilder straightened, forcing Alwyn to tilt her chin up to meet his eyes. For one so expressive and volatile, it felt odd to be reminded how small she was compared to him. Somehow her personality always made him think she'd be taller.

"My feelings have no bearing on the matter. You know how to handle yourself in a fight," Wilder said. "And with your skin tone and dark blonde hair, you could pass for one of us. You were a natural choice."

Turning his back to her, Wilder grabbed his pack and strode out of the crew's quarters. On deck, two men were helping Wilder's group into the rowboat. Across the way, Cyrus spoke to Yasmine in a low urgent tone.

Wilder stopped himself from walking over and dragging the lovesick young man away from her. He didn't need to, Yasmine gave Cyrus's cheek a quick kiss and spun away. Cyrus looked bright red as he joined the others in the boat. His face only got redder as Sparrow grinned at him and Isla fought a smile.

"You going to survive the separation?" Alwyn asked, tossing her pack into the boat then clambering in.

Cyrus shot Alwyn a glare which she only smirked at. The boat drifted downward and Wilder raised his head to see the crew watching them. Raif stared intently at them and Wilder had the feeling he was saying a silent wish for safety. When the boat hit the water, Simon and Ky unknotted the ropes, and Cyrus and Wilder took the oars. They glided through the water, each stroke taking them from the safety of the ship and into the unknown of the shore.

Close enough to the beach, Wilder and Simon leapt over the side and began to haul the boat towards the sand. Water sloshed around Wilder's legs, a million memories of playing in the surf rushing around him. When the boat hit the shore, the rest of the party jumped out. They all helped hoist the boat and carry it just inside the tree line, hiding it beneath broken branches.

"There is enough moonlight to see by," Wilder said. "If you're willing there is a clearing in the forest about an hour's walk from here, we can camp there."

Everyone nodded.

"Keep your eyes open for more than strangers, the forest is full of creatures who would more likely bite you than run from you."

Everyone unsheathed weapons and they set off. Wilder led the way, keeping an arrow notched in his bow. The path heading away from the lagoon was easy to follow, years of smugglers wearing down the foliage.

Not that they made it far, the King's men were always quick to seize them once they got away from the water and felt safe within the shadow of the forest. But there were no soldiers waiting for Wilder and the crew now.

Even though they moved in silence, Wilder could feel the tension in all of them. Except for Simon and Ky, this land was unfamiliar. To Wilder, it was all he'd known growing up. He'd never traveled beyond the West Isles and so he'd decided to know everything around him. His father had encouraged this, telling him that a Commander should always know the strengths and weaknesses of the land around him.

I know it all, father. Thank you for this.

By the time they reached the clearing, they'd managed to do it without any attacks, strangers or animal wise. Though there was talk of setting a fire, it was ruled unwise, they didn't want to draw attention.

After Simon and Wilder checked the surrounding forest, Wilder claimed the first watch. In minutes most everyone was tucked into their bed rolls and passed out. That's what life on a ship taught you, sleep while you can. 

Wilder leaned against a tree, scanning the clearing, trying to penetrate the darker patches in the forest beyond. Blueish light fell over the clearing, making the trees give strange shadows that moved and swayed in the night wind. The rustle of life filled Wilder's ears, keeping him alert. It all reminded him of that first night, fleeing the palace, the fear he'd felt but always the iron-hard determination to see Lydia safe.

When Alwyn climbed from her bedding and joined Wilder, he glanced at her but said nothing.

"You know," Alwyn said, "that first night on the ship when we were pursued and you started ordering around my crew. I wanted to kill you for that."

He knew. But at seeing a fast approaching ship his thoughts weren't for her pride but for Lydia's safety. He did what he had to do.

"I am aware," Wilder said. "You're not subtle about your emotions."

Alwyn narrowed her eyes.

"Like now," he said.

She shook her head then gazed at where her mother slept. "I know. My mother could face an entire fleet of ships and you'd never know if she were scared, intimidated, or annoyed."

"Your mother had to take on a lot when she took over her father's ship, it makes sense she'd learn how to conceal her true feelings."

Shocked, Alwyn stared at Wilder. He raised his eyebrows.

"Your father loves to talk, you do know that, don't you?"

Alwyn snorted. "Of course." She shook her head again, exasperated. "And there's no one he loves to talk about more than mum."

Wilder heard the undertone in her voice, shame. He'd seen her stung reaction when he talked about her not having what her mother had. It was the truth, but that didn't mean truth didn't hurt.

"I want to apologize for how I treated you that first night," Wilder said. "I knew you didn't know how to handle the situation and felt the need to take over before we all got killed."

Alwyn cocked her head. "Was there supposed to be an apology in there?"

Wilder almost smiled. "Forgive me for treating you so harshly."

Instead of looking satisfied, Alwyn let out a breath, turning her head away.

"You were right for taking over," she said. "I wouldn't have been able to deal with the other ship as well as you did. You did it to protect her." She studied Wilder and he could sense a shift. "You love her?"

With all of his being. He would do anything for her. Felt as if he'd done everything for her. His life was hers, he gave it freely. Like he'd given his heart.

But it was like his father said, nearby but never by her side.

"You should get some sleep," Wilder said. "We have a lot of ground to cover tomorrow."

Alwyn left him without another word, tucking herself into her bedroll. Wilder focused on the forest around them, trying to let that be all he thought about.

But it wasn't. Back in this forest, in a smell that was so familiar, all he could think about was the night he'd escaped with Lydia. How'd they slept curled together. Holding onto each other like they were both drowning.

********

Wilder appreciated that the group understood the importance of their task and the need for swiftness. Instead of taking roughly three days as Wilder had predicted, the time got cut down with traveling through the night and only taking short breaks. They arrived at the ruins of the former palace by early evening a day and a half later.

Wilder walked through a broken archway, the same one he'd sprinted through at hearing Windchaser's whiny of alarm. He looked to the corner where'd they'd slept.

He crouched down, fingering the ashes of their long burned-out fire. Among the mess, he found a scrap of silk, the remains of Lydia's dress. He raised his head, gazing over the crumbling walls and the evening shadows that played across their ragged faces. If not for the scrap of fabric, the Kingdom could feel as it always had. This place didn't appear any different. But Wilder knew nothing was the same. It hadn't been since that night.

He rose, tossing aside the cloth and wiping his hand off on his pant leg.

"This is where we split," Wilder said. The group didn't look too haggard and even if they did, they would blend in with other workers. "Simon, take Cyrus with you to your home, get what information you can from your family. Ky, you know where to take Captain Isla and Sparrow to hear the latest news. Leave swords here, carrying only the weapons you can conceal, you don't want to draw attention."

As they began to unbuckle swords, Alwyn put her hands on her hips.

"What about me?" she asked.

"You'll come with me to the palace."

Alwyn blinked at him, taken aback. But Wilder moved to Simon and Ky, ignoring her surprise.

"It will be safe to assume all the soldiers you pass are not the King's men. Don't trust them and avoid them as much as you can." Both men nodded. "After two days, return here, whether you've learned enough or not."

Wilder watched as they hid their swords among the tangled vines that broke through the cracks, then headed off. Once they were out of sight, he gestured for Alwyn to follow him. Moving deeper into the ruins, he stopped in a room that looked more foliage than stone. Wilder felt Alwyn's eyes on him as he made a slow circuit of the room, searching. He didn't offer up an explanation and strangely enough, she didn't ask for one.

When he found a lattice band scratched into a stone low to the ground, he halted. Gently, he nudged aside a cluster of vines until he got to the stone underneath. With more effort, he found the patch of stone that was adhered to a trap door. Wilder grunted as he lifted the door open. It had been years since the escape tunnel had been used.

"This is our way in," Wilder said, pointing to the black hole.

Alwyn crept forward and peering inside, squinting as if she could see beyond the darkness.

"After you," Wilder said. Alwyn hesitated. "I have to close the door behind us. It's not a big drop."

Pressing her lips together, Alwyn dangled her feet into the hole, took a breath, and jumped in. Wilder heard a soft thump.

"Move aside," he said.

Feet shuffled. Taking hold of one edge of the door, Wilder lowered himself in, letting the door fall shut above him. He hit the hard stone floor. The air smelled stale and dusty. Not a single sliver of light cut through the darkness. Wilder stretched out his hands until he found one side of the tunnel.

"What are you doing?" Alwyn whispered as if ghosts were listening to them.

"Finding a torch."

Wilder patted the wall until he hit a bracket and found a torch nestled in it. He used flint and was able to light the torch. The warm glow revealed the stone ceiling, walls, and floor. Spiderwebs coated the walls but the creatures shied away from the fire. Wilder lifted the torch free and with a glance back at Alwyn, headed into the tunnel.

For a long while, all that existed was the sound of their breathing and the patter of their boots. Alwyn stayed close, the torch's reach was not more than a few feet ahead and behind. Time seemed to stop inside the tunnel, no sunlight to track.

Eventually, Alwyn spoke, still keeping her voice quiet.

"Why did you choose me to come with you?" she asked.

"In the palace, if we were caught, I could reasonably pass you off as a maid who was trying to make a run for it and I stopped you."

Alwyn's footsteps faltered. "You choose me because I look like some weak girl?"

Wilder heard the indignation in her tone as he heard her cease walking. He faced her, lighting her annoyed features.

"You're mad because I am using the fact that you are a girl to avoid a possible capture situation?"

"Yeah, I am?"

Wilder turned away and kept walking. "I don't understand why? Your appearance is an advantage." He heard as Alwyn hurried a few steps to stay within the torches beam. "People will underestimate you and we can use that. Because others might regard you as weak, doesn't mean you are. I thought I made it clear I choose you because you can take care of yourself."

Alwyn didn't say anything. Wilder wondered how many times Alwyn had had to fight to be seen as strong simply because she was a girl. From the stories Raif had shared with Wilder, it seemed Isla used that to her advantage on many occasions.

As if Alwyn had been thinking of her mother as well, she said. "I never thought I'd see the day where my mum takes orders from someone else."

"I don't give orders," Wilder said. "I assign tasks. There is a difference."

"Not from where I was standing."

"Your mother and I understand each other. She is the captain of her ship, but I am the Commander's son. This is where I grew up, I have a knowledge she doesn't. Therefore for this part of the mission, I take lead. That's all it is."

Alwyn fell silent.

"Did you always know you were a leader?" she asked after a while.

Wilder didn't respond right away. Did he know? He wasn't sure. For most of his life, he'd been set apart from the boys around him because of who his father was, how he'd been raised, how he'd been trained. When he did interact they showed deference to him that he'd assumed came from his father's position. If they'd played a game, he'd taken charge. Was that because they let him or because they sensed he was a leader?

His father would say they sensed he was a leader. But Wilder wasn't sure anymore. He led because that's what needed to be done, not because he wanted it.

"My father trained me with the goal in mind that I would one day take his place."

"So you've always planned to be Commander?"

He'd planned to travel with Lydia as a guard. That's the only goal he'd wanted in his life. Now his goal was seeing her Kingdom returned to her. What role he planned after that...he didn't know.

"It doesn't matter what I planned to be," Wilder answered. "It's all changed now."

The light finally showed the end of the tunnel, a wall of stone. Giving Alwyn the torch, Wilder ran his hands over the stone, searching for the gaps that would reveal the door. When he found it, he gave it a small push, the stones shifted. Painstakingly, he widened the gap. Sweat clung to his forehead and trickled down his back by the time he managed to create a hole big enough to slip through.

Wilder dropped his pack to the ground, followed by his sword, bow, and quiver. Without needing him to tell her, Alwyn did the same. Wilder whispered for Alwyn to remain there and poked his head around the door. More darkness greeted him. Along with it was the smell of unwashed bodies and urine. He listened but heard nothing but the heavy breathing of sleeping men. He motioned to Alwyn and she joined him.

They stood in a cell in the dungeons. The door to this particular cell hung broken on its hinges, a marker that this cell was useless. Wilder shut the escape door.

As they walked along the aisle, Wilder peered into each cell. He didn't know what he was looking for or who he was expecting to find. Most likely the snores were from men who'd gotten on the wrong side of the North Isles King. But still, inspected each one.

When he came to one of the last cells, he stopped. Something tugged at him. He edged forward, straining to see more of the huddled form. Alwyn moved with him, bringing the light. She shifted the torch, illuminating the prisoner's battered face.

Wilder stopped breathing, and his heart quit beating.

Even the world seemed to freeze.

"Father?"

**********************************************************************

WHAT THE WHALE?!

Ahhh!!! Wilder's father is alive!! Did you know he was alive!!! *shakes you* did you know and not tell me!!! How could you keep this from me!

*lets go of you* You didn't know, why didn't you say so! So you're freaking out just like me?? Then we'll freak out together!! 🏹⚔️🛡

Oh Jeez, well this is a surprise. Wilder's  father being alive, not me leaving you on a cliff hanger 😏 that's completely in character for me. You're welcome for that.

I have a question for you dear reader: what book has your favorite parent and child relationship?

I mean *brushes off shoulder smugly* I'm partial to Steve and Carter but I did write them after all.

*burst out laughing* Oh dearie dear like I can take credit for those two, they would have found someway to make the world know them. They just decided I was the weakest target.

☝️ Oh look! Joy looks crazy again! Who knew that could happen...I mean besides anyone who has ever read a chapter of any book I've ever written!

Well guess what you fluffy muffin 🤪🙃 I'm completely happy with my insanity thank you very much kindly you're welcome best regards! 😌

Vote, comment, follow but only if you've read the chapter, I don't want those cheaters who just skip to the end to seen what mental break down I'll be having in the author's note you don't deserve to the pleasure of supporting my oddness! Only those who bear through the pain! So ha!

Is this is the logic of a Disney villain I feel like I've found my calling.