Isla gripped the handle of her sword, needing to pace but unable to do so. Beside her, Hawk was a pillar of calm while Isla wanted to tear the world around her to shreds.

The tailor's shop smelled sweetly of pipe smoke. Spaced about were mannequins dressed in the latest fashions. Along the walls were bolts of fabric. Water soft silk, shimmering satin, heavy wool, supple leather, crushed velvet. Behind the counter, a boy about Sparrow's age busied himself with mending and cutting.

Isla stared at his bent head and the mop of blonde hair. It was too easy to see the boy as Jakks and how his life would have been different if he hadn't joined her father's crew. She squeezed the handle, trying to bury her memories. All they produced were a riot of doubts.

Jakks had offered to pay her debt, to save her from Lord Sutherland and she refused. Only now she was in Talvin putting her trust in a man that she hardly knew and trusted far less. Growling in frustration, Isla spun towards the door, drawing Hawk's attention.

"I'll be at the tavern when you're finished," she said, storming out of the shop.

On the street outside, she released a tense breath. Though in the heart of summer the sun barely warmed the city. It's pale light reflected off the sides of buildings, the white harsh to look at.

Around her, Talvin was washed out. The people with their light skin, light eyes, and light hair looked like they were bleached. The only bit of color was the peach, lavender, butter yellow, dusty pink, and tan that they wore. Isla cut her way through the crowded roads towards the tavern. With her sun-darkened skin, she was the only flame of life in a current of ghosts.

The smell of ale and a simmering fish stew wrapped around her as she stepped into the establishment. Except for the barman, and two grizzled patrons it was empty, the day not yet into the afternoon. Tek paused in his wiping of the counter, to nod at her in greeting.

"What can I do for you?" he asked.

"Mead," she said.

Whipping away the cloth, he grabbed a glass and uncorked a bottle, pouring a good measure. Isla laid a coin on the counter and accepted the drink. Taking a table halfway to the door, she sat. After a single sip, she set the drink down, knowing she needed all her wits about her.

There was a silence in the tavern that spoke of the morning. The two men in the corner murmured to each other, as if afraid to be overheard. The pattered of the barman's steps filled the room with a soft tap tap as he bustled about, cleaning glasses, polishing bottles, and stirring the stew.

Isla looked to the empty chair beside her. For a breath, she imagined her father sat there, his strong countenance staring back at her with warmth. She stared, waiting to hear his voice in her head, telling her what to do. Telling her she wasn't damming herself and the crew with their presence in Talvin. But all she heard was the low rumble of voices and the soft tap tap.

The drink remained before her untouched. It had taken them four days to repair the ship and for the crew to be back in a place where they could climb the rigging and man the sails. It was four days that plagued Isla with indecision. Raif had not repeated his offer but she knew that it still stood. When she told Hawk that they would accept, she felt as if she were signing a death warrant. But still, they had come to Talvin.

The door to the tavern opened and Hawk strode in followed by Raif. On docking, he had explained that clothes and a cut would be needed. To show up at Lord Sutherland's looking like a ragged sailor would not work.

So there he stood with his hair trimmed, jaw clean-shaven, and wearing a fresh shirt and trousers. He was the embodiment of all Isla hated. Noblemen with wealth and power. They held the livelihoods of men in their hands but held no regard for their lives.

Right then between Raif and the unforgiving sea, Isla felt more comfortable putting her life into the sea.

Tek straightened and dipped his head towards Raif.

"Your grace," he said. "It's an honor. How may I serve you?"

Isla clutched the handle of her glass, looking to Hawk. He met her gaze with unwavering certainty. She could hear his unspoken words. "Trust me."

Raif smiled at the barman, a quick action that put the man at ease in a second.

"We'll need three horses for two hours time," he said.

Tek bowed his head again then whistled sharply. Flick rushed in from the back, eyebrows raised in question. When he noticed Raif, his eyes widened.

"Three horses, quick," Tek said.

Flick scampered away to do as he was told. Tek swiveled his attention back to Raif.

"Is there anything I can offer you while you wait, your grace?"

Raif waved his hand. "No, I'm fine."

There was control in every motion and word of Raif's. This was the man she was trusting. She couldn't do it. When she looked at Hawk, she saw him already staring at her, reading where her mind was taking her. He shook his head in warning.

"What do we owe?" Raif asked.

Tek brushed the question aside. "There is no need to pay, your grace."

"You're too generous," Raif said.

Though the words seemed genuine, Isla had no doubt that this offer was one he was accustomed to. The world catered to the ones in power. At the clopping of hooves on the stone, Isla stood. She left her drink, the knot in her stomach unable to bear anything else.

Waiting for them outside was a trio of saddled mares, all with a creamy coat. Isla and Hawk took the two on the sides, pinning Raif between them. Even for Hawk, his trust only went so far. Hawk tossed a coin to the boy as they trotted off.

The clack of the horses' hooves was swallowed up by the rattle of wheels and the hum of voices around them. They kept their gait slow, the streets overflowing with the city's inhabitants soaking in what sun was offered. As they made their way out towards the outskirts of the city, Isla gripped the reins, everything in her telling her this was a bad decision.

"This is foolish," she said, as they left the rumble of the city behind.

"Foolish to trust me?" Raif asked. "It seems I'm the one who shouldn't ever trust you."

Isla gritted her teeth. "It is for the reasons you shouldn't trust us that I don't trust you."

Anger and fear flared inside Isla. She drove her horse forward then yanked it to a stop, cutting off Raif's path. His horse started and skittered back a couple of steps.

"One reason," she said. "Give me one reason I shouldn't knock you out and return to the ship."

The idea to do just that and sail to Oxley in hopes of finding the Emerald was too strong. After a drawn-out moment, where Raif never turned away from Isla, he spoke.

"Sparrow," he said. "He is only a boy. He doesn't deserve to be put in prison for what you've done."

Isla tightened her hold on the thick leather, trying to guard herself against his words though they were true. Her horse shifted under her, ready to move on, but she held firm, staring at Raif.

Passed the truth of his stab at her was another truth she couldn't ignore. If he had said anything else, a statement about how he no longer harbored resentment towards her or the crew, she would have taken them back in an instant. But he hadn't. Instead, he mentioned Sparrow.

Over the trip to Talvin Isla had watched how Raif acted with Sparrow, encouraging him as he dealt with the immobility of his wound and with the slow process of recovery. In their interactions, she saw how Raif cared for the boy like an older brother.

Impatient, her horse tossed her head, flipping her mane. Without responding, Isla kicked the mare's sides and turned her towards the road again. Raif and Hawk quickly joined her, neither of them speaking.

As they crossed the arching bridge, clouds of mist billowing around them. The roar of the waterfall was deafening. In the sunlight, it was a wall of glistening crystals. As they approached the manor, Isla steeled herself. The guards at the gate eyed her with apprehension, but when they noticed Raif among the group, they snapped to attention.

"Your grace," one of them said.

The pair swung open the gate without a seconds hesitation. Raif acknowledged the men with a tilt of his head. They returned the gesture with deep bows. As they crossed the threshold and the gate clanged shut behind them, Isla had the distinct feeling they were locked into the jaws of the lion.

"As much as it may kill you," Raif said. "Let me do the talking."

Isla locked eyes with him. "As long as you say what I like, then I won't kill you."

Her gaze never wavered, willing him to see that she meant every word, for right then she did. If taking his life meant that the crew was safe then she would take his heart without thinking. Despite the hardness he undoubtedly saw, Raif did not flinch. He nodded as if accepting her decision.

A soft breeze rustled over the ground, fluttering the silver and pearl leaves, making them glitter. The snow-white grass stirred, the wind's fingers brushing around them in gentle waves. The peace of the grounds was a contradiction to the man who ruled them. A man who would crush a soul in his hands if the notion pleased him.

As the horses trotted into the courtyard, a pair of stablehands rushed forward but slowed as they saw Isla. When they noticed Raif, they hurried forward, eager to please. The reaction Raif brought about grated on Isla, but she showed none of it. She swung herself down from the horse and tossed her reins to one of the boys.

As they ascended the steps to the manor, Isla strangled the handle of her sword, every inch of her yelling at her to run. Hawk brushed his arm against hers, a silent reassurance. It had no impact on her. The doors were pulled open and the Steward strode forward. Though he wore his customary mask of control and impassivity, there was a bright glint of smugness in his eyes.

Even riding the ocean's current from the Seau Island's to Talvin they were behind in the deadline by six days. The Steward knew this and relished the failure. When his eyes strayed away from Isla to Raif, his countenance faltered. This time Isla savored the effect Raif's presence caused.

"Your grace," the Steward said, bowing his head. "I was not expecting you."

"Of course not. But please let Regis know we are here," Raif said.

The lack of formality made the Steward stiffen with offense, but he didn't comment on it.

"As you wish, follow me," he said.

They were led to the same study that Isla had always been taken to. It was the only part of Lord Sutherland's manor she seemed deemed worthy to see. As they were shut inside, she paced to one end of the room, ready to bear the prolonged wait.

The study held the scent of pipe smoke and leather. A clock tucked into one corner ticked out the seconds. Raif settled on the edge of the desk, arms crossed, completely at his leisure. Barely a minute had passed when the doors opened again and Lord Sutherland appeared. Isla tensed, knowing that Raif's name was the reason for the quick reception.

Ignoring Isla and Hawk, Lord Sutherland crossed the room as Raif stood. The two men grasped hands, a long history tied into the action. Isla's stomach twisted as she watched the silent acceptance exchanged.

"Raif," Lord Sutherland said, with more warmth in his tone than Isla had ever heard the man contain.

"Regis," Raif said. "It has been a while."

Hawk edged his way to Isla's side, his arm brushing her shoulder, acting as sentinel and jailor. Without a word, he said it all. Patience. Control. Trust me.

"It has." Lord Sutherland clapped a hand on Raif's shoulder, inspecting Raif's trimmed hair, clean-shaven face, and impeccable attire. "The last I heard you were taken from your ship against your will."

Heart pounding, Isla teased the dagger out of the sheath strapped to her forearm. She never tore her gaze away from Raif, his chest in her line of sight. Lord Sutherland had offered an opening and if he were to betray them, she would make sure it was the last thing he said.

From there she would aim for the window, trusting Hawk to stay on her tail. They would need to fight their way to their horses, but if they were fast enough they could be out of Talvin before Lord Sutherland could capture them. They would forever be chased...

"You know how rumors are," Raif said, donning a careless smile. "They are often blow out of proportion." He cocked an eyebrow. "Or am I to believe what passed between you and Lady Celeste to be true?"

Lord Sutherland chuckled and Isla let out a shaky breath, concealing the knife once more. Beside her, Hawk relaxed, even his trust in Raif had been tentative. Lord Sutherland moved to the side table and the decanter on it.

"Tell me what brings you to my manor," he said, pouring out two measures. "And why it is in such a company as these?"

He flicked his eyes to Isla and Hawk, the camaraderie in his face vanishing as he did. Isla felt the distaste he held for them like a stab to the chest. For his part, Raif acted as if there were no tension thickening around them. He accepted the offered glass and drank half the contains.

"Captain Zev has retained my services in helping her find the Serpent's Eye," he said. "That's what brings me here. I had the pleasure of accompanying them to Isha in order to retrieve a collection of gems I believed you desired."

Lord Sutherland lifted his glass to his lips, staring at Isla with cold, calculating eyes.

"Yes, a collection that is overdue," he said, sipping from his glass.

Isla clenched her fist, biting her tongue.

Nodding, Raif laid the drink aside. "Yes, that was unfortunate. Captain's Zev's ship was attacked and damage to the rigging made it impossible for us to get here in time."

Isla didn't miss how Raif grouped himself with the crew. It was a smooth tactic that now shielded the crew. Though Isla would never admit to Raif, she was impressed with his handle of the matter. Lord Sutherland stared into the amber liquid, his mouth a tight line.

"That is unfortunate, but it still remains that Captain Zev was late. I will decide where I stand on her father's debt and what she now owes."

Hawk went rigid as cold seeped into Isla's bones, freezing her in place. The Emerald had been a challenging enough debt to pay. What he could ask of them now could leave them locked into his hold until they were taken by death. All joviality was stripped from Raif's expression. He straightened, the command in his posture unmistakable.

"I believe you had a deal already in place. The Emerald as payment. These collections you send them on are a needless distraction. Either you stick to the terms set up in your original agreement or change the guidelines on what they owe."

Lord Sutherland set the glass on the desk, each movement tight with control. "They failed to meet the deadline."

Isla took a step forward, but Hawk pressed his elbow into her side, stilling her. She wanted to rage at this man. Her ship had been attacked, if not for that they would have made it. Six days would cost him nothing, but he would make it cost them everything.

"How has their failure to meet the deadline affected you?" Raif asked, arms crossed.

When Lord Sutherland didn't answer, Raif went on.

"I know the games you play, Regis. You either accept the gems they got for you and let them return to their hunt for the Emerald unhindered by these collections, or you rewrite the debt they need to pay."

Isla hated the authority in which Raif spoke. It was not his place to save the ship and the crew, it was hers and yet she was powerless. More than powerless, she had given what power she had to him. A part of her hated herself for the need to do so. And a small part of her was grateful that even where she failed someone else could succeed.

Lord Sutherland dropped his hands behind his back and walked to the window. He stared out, wielding the disquiet like a weapon. When Isla was about to explode from the wait, he spun around. When he spoke, it was only to Raif.

"Very well," he said. "I will honor the original debt." He finally looked at Isla. "Bring me the Serpent's Eye in two months' time and your debt will be paid."

Isla bit back her fury. Two months' time was nothing. It had taken her over eight months to get where she was now, and that was barely any closer to the Emerald than when she first started. One noose had been removed to only be replaced by another one. Hawk laid a hand on her arm, sensing the turmoil of her mind. Lord Sutherland regarded her with dispassion, knowing far too well the allotted time was nothing. Raif, however, seemed satisfied with the arrangement as his easy manner returned.

"Excellent," he said. He waved a hand to Isla. "We'll leave you with the gems you wanted and be on our way."

Lord Sutherland softened a fraction as he turned his attention to Raif.

"No need to dash off, have lunch with me," he said.

Raif smiled but shook his head. "Another time, Regis."

When he held out his hand, Lord Sutherland shook it. Isla ground her teeth at the effortless way in which Raif handled the older man. Though superior in rank, Raif treated him as if they were equals. He looked over at Isla and Hawk, a prompting to leave. Pulling out the soft leather pouch from her pocket, Isla laid it on the desk.

"What you requested," she said.

Lord Sutherland barely acknowledged this. They would never be equals, she was the refuse the sea washed up. As she headed for the door, Lord Sutherland spoke in a low voice.

"Two months' time."

The words chased after her, nipping at her heels. Even as they passed back into the sunlight and open air, the threat was still echoing in her head. The stablehands came forward, the mares trailing behind. Clouded by her thoughts, Isla paid no mind whether Raif was secured on the horse between her and Hawk. For the moment, he had earned a piece of her trust.

They trotted away from the manor, feeling the lingering gaze of Lord Sutherland on their backs. Their silence was broken as Hawk inclined his head to Raif.

"Thank you," he said.

It was a statement that Isla's pride would not have allowed her to say. Raif's still animated face morphed to something more genuine.

"It was my pleasure."

She didn't know if she believed that it was, but for the time being, she didn't question it. When the gates closed behind them, she let out a breath. Though the freedom was tinged with looming danger, she still savored it. For now, the crew was safe.

The rest of the journey back to the tavern was silent, except for the buzz of the city around them. When Isla dismounted, Hawk stepped up to her side.

"Should I get the men ready to sail?" he asked.

She shook her head. "No, we'll give them the day to enjoy themselves. I know Orin didn't get enough time with his family when we were last here. I don't want to take that from him."

"All right," Hawk said.

Flick appeared from the tavern's interior and collected the horses, guiding them away. As Hawk left to spread the news to the crew, Isla stood on the street. She lifted her head and closed her eyes, letting what little warmth the sun offered bath her face. She prayed that this was the second to last time she would set a foot on Talvin land.

"Do you trust me now?"

Opening her eyes, Isla pivoted to find Raif leaning against the wall, his hands shoved into the pockets of his trousers. Though the wall was far from spotless, he had no concern over the newly bought shirt. She contemplated the question, never taking her gaze from his. The gray of his eyes was the same gathering storm that she had first noticed.

"No," she said. "But I no longer feel like throwing you overboard."

Raif tossed his head back and laughed. The purity of the sound startled Isla. When Raif meet her eyes again, his were still brimming with mirth.

"From you, I believe that's the equivalent to friendship."

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

We're catching up!

Progress people! Holy sails we have progress!! *grabs banner with Raila printed on it and marches in a circle, hoisting it aloft* It's a little progress but it's progress! I'll take what I can get!

Tell me you're with me! Tell me you have faith that they will make it! I mean he did help them out after all! *throws confetti into the air* Tell me all your thoughts! 💭💬🗯🏴‍☠️

*sighs and sits down next to Raif*

No, Joy. It's not happening.

But Raif you're friends with her now. All she needs is one hug.

Hawk is her friend and he hasn't even hugged her, what makes you think I will survive trying to hug her?

Because you're hot and we all know that in fiction hot guys get away with anything they want to! It's a proven fact.

*Raif get up and walks away*

Raif! I'm serious! Just look what happened with Jakks! He was hot so she let him kiss her!

*hears from far off* No! It's because they've been friend since they were little.

*Frowns* Dang, you have a point. I still believe you can do it!

*Silence*

Whatever! I still believe that this love can grow! Even if it's just a little baby love, it will make it! I have hope!

Kapitlets spørsmål (Norwegian): In the movie of your life what actress or actor would you want to play you?

I would totally love for Emma Watson to play me! I feel like we have the same round face! Also she's just so cool!

Vote for the stars, comment on the turning tide, and follow the song of the ocean