* * *

  There were no bodies to be found, no sounds of alarm to be heard as they walked toward the center of the island. Seneka led the way with Mithras by his side as he scoured the path the scouts had taken the day before. After a few hours and a few stops, they stood before a waterfall the height of a full-grown palm tree. It fed a fresh pool below. Mithras looked back at Bêlit, and she nodded her head. Bêlit walked toward the waterfall.

  Mithras turned toward her. “Me captain, ’tis where we stopped once we noticed the others gone. Nothing is all right here. Methinks there is something behind the waterfall. See the edge of the pool? Didn’t catch it yesterday, but it looks too perfect to be natural. Maybe a path?”

  Standing in the shallow water, she scanned the waterfall and surrounding jungle. The undergrowth was thick. Anything could be lurking. There could also be traps like the one on the beach. They would go further, but with caution.

  Seneka had dropped back in the direction from which they had come and squatted in the dirt. Bêlit noticed him inspecting something in his hand. She stopped splashing water on her face and joined him.

  “Tell me. What is it?”

  He opened his palm. “This. Small remnants of fish scales and skin that was shed by a serpent.”

  “What does that mean?” Bêlit touched the translucent patches.

  “I’m not sure yet.” He tossed them to the ground. “Just a story I once heard, tales for children, really.”

  The trees rustled.

  Bêlit and Seneka jumped to their feet. She unsheathed her sword and he unclasped the hand ax hanging from across his chest. Mithras, Sufi, and Zeke gripped their swords and stood at the water’s edge.

  A group of strange beings stared at them from the jungle’s edge, six of them holding wooden spears made from bone and large shark teeth. Long swords in leather scabbards hung from leather belts around their waists. They had appeared without being seen or heard, as if from secret doorways in the trees. Larger than the average man or woman, their bodies were covered with a mix of fish and reptile scales, shimmering in the sunlight like diamonds. Behind them, long tails whipped in the air. They all grinned to show thick, jagged teeth.

  Sufi raised her sword and one of the creatures flung a spear. In an instant the spear pierced Sufi’s thigh. Her scream echoed above the sound of the waterfall. The creatures shrieked in return and raised their spears.

  “I hope you are ready to die!” Bêlit bellowed and waved her hand toward the creatures to give the signal for her crew to move forward and attack.

  Her fighters shouted their frenzied war cries as the creatures bared their teeth, saliva webbed in their hungry mouths. Both rushed toward each other in blood lust. The creatures used their large, calloused fists to punch and backhand the humans to the ground before trying to plunge their spears into them. One dropped its spear when a fighter caught its hand with a dagger. In return, the creature grabbed the fighter by the neck and took a chunk of flesh from his shoulder. While the crew member was incapacitated, the creature held him between both palms and squeezed until his skull crushed open and brain oozed out like sap.

  Bêlit and her warriors didn’t back down. Sufi dragged herself away from the fight with sword in hand, ready to kill anything that attacked. Bêlit ran toward a creature stomping toward her. She sliced her sword across its belly. The anger that had swelled like the storm could be released as she spilled their blood. The creature shrieked and looked down to see slimy black strings of intestines falling out of the wound. Safe from its claws, she took this opportunity to behead the creature with one swoop of her sword. The head thudded to the ground and rolled away. Shouts and shrieks of battle filled the air. Then a voice that had the sound of ruffled scales boomed over it all. Every word stood on its own as the speaker took its time.

  “Ssssssoooo. What do we have here? What sssstorm brought you my way? It hasss been too long ssssince I have laid eyes on ssssuch a fair beauty.”

  * * *

  The sea captain froze as, from behind the waterfall, another creature emerged.

  Larger than the others, he touched a jade pendant in the shape of a coiled two-headed serpent eating a fish. It glowed green, causing the ones who looked like him to stop their shrieking. They still held their weapons poised to attack, but didn’t move.

  As with his followers, the commanding creature’s face and skull were humanoid, with shimmering fish scales and thick crocodile plates protecting his skull. His teeth were also pointed, and he had yellow eyes with a narrow slits for pupils. The fish scales extended to his waist, where they turned to thick crocodile plates. The front of his chest was also covered with thick ridges. It appeared as if he wore a suit of crocodile armor, as well as a leather loincloth.

  Bêlit’s eyes jerked from side to side.

  Then her gaze rested on the newcomer. She couldn’t believe what she saw and heard. However, even the most hardened of men, or creatures, couldn’t resist her will in the end. This one would not either. Her chest heaving, she stepped forward out of the shadows so he could see who he addressed.

  “I demand you tell me who you are,” she said with sword still raised.

  “I am called Cipactli,” he replied in a hiss. Clicks escaped his mouth; however, despite this, his diction was perfect. He spoke clearly as if he belonged in a great hall with nobility.

  “It is real,” Seneka whispered.

  Cipactli walked in slow, confident steps toward Bêlit, his yellow eyes gliding across her body. He looked at no one else. “And who are you?” he asked.

  She remained silent and moved away from him. He followed slowly. Both their fighters watched this dance, their bodies and weapons ready to clash and slice into flesh.

  “I am the storm. Tell your creatures to lower their weapons this instant.”

  “Why should I?” he asked. His thick tongue licked his lips as he gazed at her.

  “Because I command it and we have done nothing but land here by chance. We are missing men. I assume you have something to do with that. I will be compensated for that. And you have blocked the beach.”

  He stopped. “Very true. But that was before I was blessed with your presence.” Cipactli bowed his head and touched his pendant again. His creatures lowered their weapons. Seeing this, she lowered her sword and gave him a slight smile as he approached. Their eyes locked and she held his gaze. When directly in front of her, he extended a hand capped with pointed nails stained red. “May I apologize?”

  Bêlit allowed him to kiss her hand. His lips were surprisingly soft on her skin.

  “Why the charm?” she asked, still suspicious.

  “Yessss. You remind me of my previous lover and queen, who sadly died in childbirth,” he replied. “Our child passssed on, as well.” He paused, and then continued. “Other females have found their way to our island, yet they were only fit for sssomething else…” He let the words trail off, then said, “But you…” He reached out to touch her cheek. “You are flushed from exertion, such a blossom on your delicate skin.”

  Bêlit jerked her face away. “You must earn your right to touch me. Many have tried and many have died for less.”

  His eyes twinkled as he continued to gaze at her. “And you know your worth. How enticing and… intriguing. A true queen.” He gestured toward the falling water. “Would you like to ssssee my kingdom?”

  Bêlit raised her chin slightly. “I will tell you now, I expect nothing less than to be treated like a queen, but I need no king.”

  He hissed and smiled. “Perhapssss I can change your mind.”

  “And my crew?” Bêlit said. Her group was outnumbered, and there likely were more of the creatures hidden from sight. “Four more are missing.”

  “I promisssse.” Cipactli bowed his head. “These and the rest of your remaining crew will be sssafe, as long as they do not seek trouble.”

  She glanced toward her second-in-command and nodded her head. “Seneka and Mithras, mend Sufi. Return to the ship and tell the others to continue the repairs. Do nothing to incite violence. Anyone causing a fight will be executed.”

  “Your orders are my wish, my captain,” Seneka said. For a moment he looked as if he might object, but a firm gaze quelled any protest, and they turned to comply.

  “Your people’s obedience is impressive,” Cipactli said. “I would like to hear more about you, and where you come from. My sssscouts said you struggled to pull down enough trees for repairsss. I will send two of mine, who can do the work of five humans. And I shall remove the barriers.”

  “I expect nothing less.”

  “Consider it a peace offering.”

  “I accept,” she said. “Now show me your kingdom.”

  Cipactli bowed his head and extended his hand. Bêlit took it and offered a sly smile. Before setting off, he turned to his silent warriors. He let out a series of hisses and clicks. Two moved out of formation and stepped to Seneka’s side. The first mate flinched almost imperceptibly but stood firm.

  “They will go back with you,” Cipactli said, “and ensure the treesss are taken down and also the barrier. Another will sssee to the wounded one, who will remain by the water until we return.” Then he led Bêlit behind the waterfall.

  It was a path. They walked through a short tunnel of rock glistening with exposed quartz crystals that opened to a clearing in the jungle. Straight ahead, about fifty steps, stood a rock temple, rising to the sky, covered in thick vines and exotic giant flora of various colors. Both sides had carved serpents with fish in their mouths, like the pendant he wore. Bêlit noticed the eyes of the serpents were made of glistening jade globes. To the right there were paths leading through the thick jungle to more caves and cenotes. She wanted all he had and would get it by any means necessary.

  “How did my people miss this yesterday?” Bêlit said.

  “We have created screenssss from the natural elementssss of the jungle, and these result in an invisible fence. None enter save those we allow. It is for our protection.”

  “That explains the beach?”

  “Yes.”

  Bêlit spied pits filled with bones, both human and animal.

  “I assume the missing men from my crew are no longer alive.”

  Again he took her hand in his. “I am very sorry, but yessss, the missing are gone. Human flesssh is a delicacy for my people. We didn’t attack the rest of you because it was a whim of sssstormy fate that you landed here, and not a clumsy landing party sssstomping the beach in search of treasure. Indeed, we hoped the missing crew would provide a warning that there were inhabitants, sssso you would know you could easily be taken.”

  Treasure. From the way he spoke the word, the pendant on his neck, and the eyes in the stone, Bêlit became certain there were riches to be had. Even so, she remained silent, stoic. Her new goal, however, would be to get the ship seaworthy, avoid losing any more of her crew, and take what treasure might lie in wait.

  This would be a game of flesh and blood.

  “Your kingdom is impressive,” she said as the tour came to a close, “but I must return to my crew for now. Their loyalty exists because I demand it at all times. If I see them slacking, heads roll.” He studied her face, and she knew he was looking for any sign of deception.

  “Of coursssse,” he said finally, “on the condition you dine later with me, and enjoy the beautiful waters here at the temple.” He gestured toward the nearest cenote and the pool it held.

  Bêlit touched his shoulder. “It would be my pleasure and honor.” She ran her fingers down his bare chest and across the pendant. Cipactli took her back through the waterfall, where they found that Sufi’s leg had been treated.

  “Captain! I am sorry about this. I let you down,” the sailor said.

  “Get better. I need all of you fighting fit,” she replied. “We go now.”

  “Let one of mine carry that one to the beach, then escort you back to me,” Cipactli said. “The other two of mine sssshall accompany you, too. I’m sure their labor is finished. I will meet you next to the pool by the temple.”

  Bêlit had to bite her tongue, but this would be the opportunity for her to find where treasure might be hidden. While these creatures were indeed maneaters, had he wished her harm, more than likely she already would be dead. A tasty midday meal. As it was, she would be more of a hostage.

  Or so he likely assumed.

  Cipactli clicked and hissed at the creature who tended to Sufi. Showing no sign of exertion, it lifted the woman and moved to Bêlit’s side. She gave Cipactli a charming smile and began to walk toward the beach.

  When she could hear the sound of calm waves, she quickened her step. Seneka needed to know the plan that was formulating in her mind. As they passed beyond the tree line, her first mate stood in front of the ship, overseeing the repairs and the creatures who were commanded to knock down the thick trees and cut them into usable strips.

  The creature trotted at her side and the sound of Sufi moaning in pain made Seneka turn. Bêlit motioned for Seneka to come forward.

  “Yes, Captain? What are your orders?”

  She glanced back again to see how close the creatures stood to them.

  “I have been… invited back. Well, not so much an invitation as a command. He knows we are helpless here and is taking advantage.” She and her first mate moved away from the lizard men, and she told him of her plans. “You get the Tigress ready to set sail, and prepare the crew for any eventuality. Leave Cipactli and the treasure to me.”

  He cocked his head toward the creatures, who continued to work.

  “With their help, we now should have enough wood for the repairs,” he said. “Will you take those two with you? I won’t lie, they are indeed strong—but dangerous, too, I suspect.”

  “The one who came with me is to bring me back,” she said. “Work with haste. Tell the others to move swiftly and stay close together. I believe Cipactli wants me and me alone, for now.” She looked straight into Seneka’s eyes. “I will have his treasure for my own.”

  “Aye, my captain, and I trust your judgment.”

  Bêlit turned to leave, and the three creatures accompanied her.

  * * *

  The walk back to the temple was done in silence as she followed the creatures in the dimming light. Her mind drew different scenarios how this should play out. This evening would tell her more of what she needed to know about Cipactli’s intentions.

  When they passed through the tunnel, the creatures left her. She continued toward the large pool, which now was illuminated with a single torch. On a wooden table was a feast of lobster, fish, various fruits, and opened shellfish. A rotting crate of dusty bottles of wine stood on one end. A ruby- and emerald-crusted goblet had been placed next to the torch. It was full. Bêlit took the wine and drank deeply. It was rich and full of flavor. Definitely taken from some other poor shipwrecked soul.

  In the darkness, Bêlit looked to the sky. She had a vague idea where they might be. Seneka and Hassan would be hard at work crafting a course of escape.

  Though still alone, she let the tunic slip off her body to expose her alabaster flesh to gleam in the moonlight. Then she unlaced her red silk girdle and removed the rest of her clothing. Her onyx hair was tied in a long braid. She let it loose and allowed it to fall to just above her hips. Gold chains with coins criss-crossed her chest. She knew the power her curves, determination, and touch possessed. Like the light from the heavens, she would draw him out.

  Anyone who ever underestimated her didn’t last long.

  The water felt like a warm bath as she walked deeper into the pool. From the inside she had a better look. The edges were rock and piles of bones stacked in various designs. Human and animal. As macabre as it was, there was a beauty to it. Death did not frighten her the way living without freedom did.

  Fireflies dimmed and brightened around her. For a moment, as she floated on her back, she forgot the wrecked Tigress and the situation only she could solve with blood and sex.

  “You are as majestic as the heavens, Bêlit.”

  Bêlit swung her body upright and around with her breasts exposed and hair slicked back from the water. He stood at the cenote’s edge. She tried to not make it obvious that her intention was to inspect the jewel around his neck so it could be snatched off—even if it had to be done with his head removed.

  “It is my wish you join me.”

  Cipactli waded into the pool, his scales shimmering in the light. “I am pleassssed that you feel comfortable making yourself at home in my temple. It is a placccce of magic. This pool represents the universe, and the vassst waters of creation.” He stepped closer to her, so close she could touch him. Her fingertips grazed his protruding collarbones and his necklace.

  “Tell me about this.”

  He took her right hand into his and kissed it. “As you know, every leader has a ssssource of power. Both internal and external. This is the external display, but it is not a casual tale. Many were slaughtered for me to attain it.” He released her hand, keeping it away from the necklace. “Now I want to know more about you. The gods must have brought you here for a reason.”

  “Perhaps.” Bêlit’s lips curved to a sly smile. “This is the only way of life I have ever known. Blood and gold. Never staying in a single port for long. My name and reputation are known across the sea. I don’t care about the bodies and fire in my wake. When I want something, it is mine.” She leaned into his arms and kissed his lips. As far as men went, she had tricked—and killed—worse.

 

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