Forgetful Thieves

Chapter 2 - Forgetful Thieves

Damon

Everyone we talked to have the same answer. As if their minds had been wiped clean of any encounters they had with the pirates.

And it was no different for the tavern owner we spoke to now. He spoke as if his mind was stuck in a haze. First so sure he could retrace his steps of the last few days only to have him wrinkle his brow in confusion as he tried so hard to remember what happened.

"It's the oddest thing; I just can't remember," He murmured to himself, rubbing the back of his neck. His brown eyes held a dullness to them.

"It's okay, Lloyd. If you remember anything, let us know," Apollo said once again, placing his hand on the tavern keeper's shoulder, giving it a tight squeeze.

The male was a Bear shifter. In his prime, he would have been someone I hoped I never crossed paths with. He still held his head high and radiated a power that made most fae watch carefully. The energy that demanded respect and compliance. No one that wanted to keep their heads would dare mess with him.

Llyod nodded as we took our leave. The steps creaked as we made our way down to the cobblestoned pathway.

As if the mothers sensed the trouble, they had graved us with gray skies. It was keeping the streets empty as its people prepared for rain. It made it easier to move through the village. It allowed us, more Lir and Apollo, to speak to the targeted business owners without drawing too much attention.

"This is pointless," Lir broke the silence between us.

"Maybe we just aren't asking the right people. Whoever is doing this is clearly wiping out the owner's memories. Maybe we should ask some of the townspeople. See if they noticed anything," Apollo suggested. My jaw tensed as we continued towards the docks—our last stop of the day.

Confronting the Captains and their crew was always the worst part. Most of the seamen held little regard for customs. Though I suppose being out on the sea for so long did. Most turned their noses up at the guards. Annoyed with all the questions, most just wanted to either get wasted and meet some nice female or make looking to have a good time or sleep in a bed that didn't sway.

"Whoever is wiping their memories is swift, decisive. Whatever spell of glamour they're using is strong enough to keep them hidden. Maybe we can get a feel for any unusual magic at the docks," I said, confirming what we already knew.

"I hate pirates," Apollo muttered Lir, and I agreed.

We walked the rest of the way in silence. The three large ships towered over us as we approached the port. Big enough to hide stolen goods in all sorts of places. We all paused, looking up at the ships.

"Three ships, three of us," Lir muttered.

"If anyone finds anything, remember to signal to the others," Apollo commanded. It would take a while to adjust to being the one who took orders on our secret outings instead of giving them.

"Meet back here when we're finished,"

"Got it," I muttered before turning away and heading for the ship at the first dock. The closer I got, the better I could see all the intricate carvings on the vessel's sides. A mix of swirls and stars, I swore I saw them actually move. I blinked at them before shaking my head and looking up at the statue of a siren that was mounted to the front of the boat. A hum of magic radiating off of it, something ancient. Its presence brushed up against my own.

"Strange," Helix muttered, making his presence known.

"Strange indeed," I made my way to the ramp walking up the deck. At first, I thought the ship was empty. As I was about to turn around, I spotted a woman mopping the deck. It was odd seeing a female on the deck cleaning; most ships had only male occupants on deck.

I cleared my throat as I took a step onto the deck.

"Excuse m-" The female started, spinning around, knocking the bucket of water all over the deck. I cursed under my breath as I approached her.

"I didn't mean to startle you. I am part of the Royal guard from the Captial. I am looking for your Captain," She furrowed her brow.

"Are we in trouble?" She asked, her voice holding a thick accent. I shook my head.

"Nothing to worry about, routine check-up. We have had some issues as of late. If I could speak with your captain, then I will be on my way,"

"Is he here?"

"A little rude to assume that the Captain of this ship is a male. Don't you think, Helga?" A smooth feminine voice said beside me, a slight trill to her words. Not as thick as the other females, Helga's. It was more musical. I turned to see a female sitting on the edge of the railing.

It was as if she appeared out of thin air. I hadn't detected her at all when I approached the ship.

She wore black leggings and knee-high boots. Her jacket was forest green, with no fancy embellishments on it. Simple but clean, enough to show who was in charge. She sat with her leg dangling off the side, swinging back and forth as she looked at her nails.

Her hair was as orange like a flame reaching past her waist, her skin fair despite the days spent out on the sea. Her cheeks were kissed with freckles. But it was her eyes that held me as if I was in a trance. It was as if the stars had fallen from the sky and found refuge in her gaze. They twinkled, the blue-grey colour swirling with golden flecks.

"I didn't mean to assume, Captain." I paused, not knowing her name.

"Lady Captain," She responded.

"Lady Captain, no name. Just Lady Captain?" She jumped from the railing, landing on the deck. She stood at least a foot under me, but she didn't falter as she approached. Her chin held high, showing off her shape cheekbones.

"I figure since you haven't given yours, I don't need to give you mine," She took another step towards me, Helix perking up at the silent challenge.

"Now, why are you aboard my ship, Guard?" The corner of her lip tipped up a mischievous glint danced in her starlight eyes. Something about her was different; I couldn't place it, but something about her magic felt odd.

I stared down at her, her eyes finding mine even in the shadows of my hood. My jaw ticked in annoyance.

"Very well, Lady Captain," I drawled out.

"I have some matters to discuss about an incident that occurred in the village a couple of days ago," She stepped back then, nodding to Helga. Her fire orange hair shifted with the movement revealing her pointed ears.

"Fae, interesting," Helix mused.

Her mood shifted the magic around her shifted too. The ring on my finger felt oddly warm against my skin. I resisted the urge to look down at my hand. But I swire her eyes darted to my gloved hand as if she could sense it.

"This way," She ordered before turning away, not bothering to see if I was following. I gritted my teeth, biting back a retort to her order as I reluctantly followed the entitled Captain of this ship.