“Oh! I should have thought of that,” Veratha said. “The house is small, but it’s quite newly built. Right near the river. Perfect for you!” She patted Ceto on the knee.

  Ceto tried to stand, but his legs shook beneath him. A wave of dizziness washed over him.

  “Are you all right?” Veratha asked.

  Levrith stepped forward, wrapping an arm around his waist to steady him. He leaned against Levrith, torn between enjoying the feel of his solid body against him and mortification that he couldn’t even stand on his own.

  “We could make a stretcher,” Veratha said. “Carry him to the house.”

  Ceto gritted his teeth.

  “We’ll be fine, Mum. I can take it from here,” Levrith said.

  “Are you sure?” she asked, concern in her voice.

  “I’m sure,” he said, his voice firm. Some sort of silent conversation passed between them.

  “All right,” she said reluctantly. “I’ll see you boys later.”

  “Bye and thank you.” Ceto smiled.

  She looked him over as if not wanting to leave him, but finally she turned and left.

  “Want…want me to carry you?” Levrith asked, his voice soft.

  Ceto squeezed his eyes shut. He shook his head as he tried to stay on his feet. He didn’t want to be carried through the village. Everyone would see.

  “You’re sick,” Levrith said. “It’s reasonable to need help. You can think of me as your servant or something like that, carrying you around as you please.” He laughed, but Ceto didn’t join in.

  “Fine,” Ceto said. He knew he didn’t have any other option. He didn’t want to be carried on a stretcher. If he could just get to the house, then he could be out of sight.

  “Should we say goodbye to the crew?” Levrith asked.

  Ceto shook his head. He’d already said goodbye when he’d gotten out of the rowboat. And he couldn’t bear to be carried around in front of them.

  Levrith lifted him. “It’s not too far. Promise.”

  Chapter

  Nine

  Ceto closed his eyes, not wanting to see the looks on people’s faces as they passed. He could hear them talking to one another, but he didn’t look at them. Levrith continued walking, and gradually the sounds shifted. The voices faded, replaced by wind, birdsong, and rustling leaves.

  Then he heard it: babbling, gurgling, rushing water. A river. Ceto opened his eyes and turned his head, searching. There it was! The river! His chest swelled at the sight of it, his body relaxing. From here he could see it was different from the ones around where he’d lived, but still, it felt familiar, like a taste of home.

  “Maybe we’ll stop here for a second,” Levrith said.

  Ceto didn’t take his eyes off the river glinting in the sunlight. He just nodded. Levrith set him down gingerly on the pebbly riverbank. Ceto sat, removed his boots, and stretched his feet forward so the cool water lapped at his ankles.

  Ceto sighed. The water rippled and glistened as it moved. Not particularly wide or deep. He thought he could walk across it without his chest getting wet, but it looked like he would be able to swim along it. He felt a sudden urge to go in. To float and see where the water took him. But the exhaustion was heavy in his body, keeping him still. On the other side of the river stood a thicket of trees.

  “The river runs through the whole island, from coast to coast. It’s narrowest here.” Levrith sat down beside him. “Is it so different? The river and the ocean? It’s just, you changed when we got near the river.”

  “It’s all water, but it’s so different. The movement, the sounds.” Ceto shook his head. “The ocean always seemed foreign. The way it moved and the way the weather changes it. It’s familiar but not quite right. It was enough for me to stay healthy and strong. But this. This is perfect. I don’t think I realised just how much I missed it.” He looked at Levrith and smiled. “Thank you for bringing me here.”

  Levrith returned the smile. “And we’re staying just there.” Levrith pointed a little further down the river, towards one of the stilt houses.

  “I’ll still be able to hear the river from there.”

  Several other stilt houses were scattered around amongst the trees, but not as many as by the beach. Drying clothes hung from the balconies. Dirt paths wound between the houses. He spotted a few people moving around the stilt house that Levrith had pointed out, preparing it for them. He spotted Levrith’s mother amongst them.

  Ceto wondered what it would be like to grow up in a place like this. To stay in one place for years. To have a mother. A father. A family. It was so different from the life he’d known.

  “Your mother is…” Ceto searched his mind for the right word.

  “Pushy? Bossy? A force of nature?” Levrith laughed.

  “Well, that,” he laughed, “but she’s also kind.”

  “Aye. She’s that too.”

  Ceto got lost in the flowing movements of the river. Despite the darkness of the water, he could see the seagrass dancing beneath the surface. He couldn’t wait to be strong enough to swim it. “It’s beautiful.”

  “I’m glad you like it.”

  “I’m surprised you could bring yourself to leave.”

  Levrith laughed, leaning back on his elbows.

  “Why did you?” Ceto was surprised he didn’t know. They’d been friends for years, but coming here and seeing his home, it made him realise there was so much he didn’t know about Levrith.

  “I wanted a change of scenery,” Levrith said slowly as if trying to find the words. “At the time, I wasn’t really enjoying living here. I felt like everyone saw me as pathetic. I thought if I joined the pirates, people in the village would respect me. And maybe I’d stop feeling like what people saw was true.” He gave a soft laugh. “It’s stupid.”

  “I don’t think it’s stupid.”

  Levrith looked at him, vulnerability in his deep-brown eyes.

  “You’re not pathetic. You’re one of the best people I know. But I’m glad you joined the Naiad’s Revenge. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have met.”

  Levrith smiled at that. “That’s true.”

  They sat by the river for a while. And for the first time since the drunken kiss, the silence between them felt completely comfortable.

  “Does the river have a name?”

  “Only one river on the island. It’s just the river.”

  “Guess that makes sense.”

  “You ready to get to the house?”

  At Levrith’s words, Ceto realised just how tired he was. It was funny how Levrith always seemed to know what Ceto needed, sometimes even before he did. “Aye.”

  Levrith jumped to his feet and reached down, assisting Ceto as he stood. Then, without asking, he hoisted Ceto into his arms and started walking towards the house. Thankfully everyone seemed to have left.

  When they approached the house, Ceto realised he’d need to climb a ladder to get inside.

  “You climb up. Slowly. I’ll climb behind you,” Levrith said. “That way you won’t be able to fall.”

  Ceto grabbed hold of the ladder. Levrith stepped in behind him. His legs shook as he stepped up onto the first rung, but thankfully they didn’t give out on him. As he climbed, he felt Levrith at his back, and even though his pride chafed, Levrith’s presence behind him felt comforting. Solid and strong. They climbed the ladder, which led onto a balcony. A couple of wicker chairs sat on the balcony, facing the river and the trees beyond.

  “Here we are. Our home for the next while.” Levrith wrapped his arm around Ceto’s shoulder, squeezing.

  “It’s nice.”

  The balcony led into a small room. Two mats made of woven grass lay on the floor. Pillows sat on folded sheets at the end of the mats whilst a light breeze stirred the sheer curtains hanging in front of two windows.

  “Sorry, it’s not very big. And it’s pretty basic. My cousin lives all alone. Still eats at home every night with his parents. So it’s just the one room. No stove or anything.” He scratched at his beard.

  “It’s great, Levrith. And there is a view of the river. What more could I want?” The sight of the bed reminded him how tired he was, and Ceto yawned.

  “Let’s get you to bed,” Levrith placed his hand on Ceto’s shoulder.

  “Sounds good.” He was too tired to pretend he didn’t want to lie down and sleep.

  He unbuttoned his boots and placed them by the bed, then pulled his shirt over his head. Too tired to fold it, he dropped it on the floor. He grabbed the pillow from the end of the mat as he lay down, then pulled the light sheet over him.

  “Do you need anything? I can get it whilst you sleep. Maybe some food? Mum is probably cooking a banquet for you.” Levrith chuckled.

  “I’m fine,” Ceto said, closing his eyes.

  “I think I have some belongings at my parents’ place. I’ll grab them and be back soon.”

  Ceto nodded but didn’t open his eyes, letting sleep pull him under.

  “We can go out there if you like,” Levrith said. “We could wade out into the river.” They sat on wicker chairs on the balcony. The heat hung heavy in the air, and the idea of bathing in the river appealed.

  And perhaps going down to the river would improve Ceto’s mood. Since this morning, Ceto had been in a foul state. They’d cleaned the wound, and although the wound had mostly healed already, green web-like lines still framed the cut. Ceto had glared at it as Levrith rebandaged it.

  “Why?” Ceto scowled. “So I can struggle down the ladder. Struggle back up. Then everyone can see how weak and useless I am.” He slumped in the chair.

  “Sorry,” Levrith murmured. He rubbed a hand at the back of his neck. “I should have thought about that.” Ceto had been moody the last few days, and nothing Levrith did seemed to help. “Maybe my village wasn’t a good idea after all, what with all the stilt houses and ladders. It’s not ideal.”

  Silence stretched between them.

  Ceto groaned in frustration, dropping his head against the back of the chair and staring up at the almost cloudless sky. “No. It’s great, Levrith. I’m just being an arse. You’ve been nothing but good to me, and I’m complaining and whingeing.” He paused. “It’s just… It’s been days, and I’m still so tired. The wound doesn’t look right. What if I never get better?”

  “Give it time. Everett and the captain didn’t think you’d get better overnight.” Levrith didn’t know if he was trying to convince himself or Ceto.

  “You’re right.” Ceto ran a hand over his face. “Sorry. I don’t know why you put up with me.”

  “You’re my friend. I’ll always put up with you, even if you are an arse.”

  Ceto chuckled. “Thanks.”

  Levrith gazed out at the river. “And…and when you were lying there, so still…” He swallowed. “I was so scared I was going to lose you…” He looked at Ceto. “I’m just glad you’re alive. And here.”

  “I’m glad I’m here too.” Ceto slapped his hands on the armrests. “Fine. Let’s go down to the river. I promise to try and stop being a moody jerk.”

  It wasn’t too hard to get down the ladder, despite Ceto’s earlier protests.

  “Do you feel strong enough to go in?” Levrith asked. He had a hand wrapped around Ceto’s waist, steadying him as they walked through the dense grass towards the river. They paused at the riverbank. Grey-and-brown pebbles dug into his feet.

  “Think so. The river doesn’t seem too strong.” Ceto took a few steps on his own and reached for the hem of his shirt. “Will people mind if I strip off?”

  “I don’t think anyone will.” Levrith pulled his own shirt and breeches off but left his drawers on. They’d dry quickly in this heat, and he wasn’t so comfortable being completely naked.

  “I usually try and wear clothes when I’m around humans.” Ceto dropped his shirt on the riverbank. “But there is something wrong about being in the water clothed.” He unbuttoned his breeches.

  Levrith looked quickly away as Ceto’s naked body was revealed. He hadn’t thought this through. Not that he hadn’t seen Ceto naked plenty of times. He always swam naked. But watching Ceto’s lithe, naked body always stirred his desire. His plump arse had filled Levrith’s dreams more than once. Even the thought of it was enough to cause his cock to thicken. And wet drawers didn’t hide a lot.

  “What are you waiting for?” Ceto called as he entered the water. “Hurry up! The water’s lovely.” Ceto splashed water in his direction, but it failed to reach him. Ceto ducked his head under the water.

  Levrith smiled, glad to see Ceto’s mood so dramatically changing. He followed Ceto in. Ceto’s head surfaced. The water glistened on his skin, droplets clinging to his hair that he had left loose today.

  Seroth! He is gorgeous.

  The memory of the drunken kiss invaded his mind. What would happen if Ceto kissed him again? Pressed his naked, wet body against Levrith’s?

  No. Not going to think about that. It was just one drunken kiss. A drunken mistake. Ceto doesn’t actually want me. So there is no chance of a repeat.

  Levrith took a deep breath. “Is this river anything like the rivers you remember from your childhood?” Levrith asked, trying to focus on anything other than Ceto naked and wet.

  “Yes and no.” Ceto sunk into the water. A contented groan fell from his lips. He closed his eyes, and a look of pleasure crossed his face as the water flowed around him. Levrith’s cock twitched. Thankfully, the waist-high water hid his errant cock.

  “The scenery is different,” Ceto continued. “No mountains here, and the water smells different. It’s much warmer. But the flowing of the water, the way it moves and sounds, it reminds me a lot of them.”

  “Levrith!” a voice from the riverbank said. “Welcome home, boy.”

  A woman wearing a long blue dress stood, leaning on a cane, by the river. She wore no shoes and had stones of blue and white woven into her grey hair.

  “Grandma,” Levrith called out as he walked towards her. “I was wondering when you’d return home.” Levrith wrapped his arms around her small body, and she smiled up at him.

  This was Levrith’s grandmother, then, the healer. Ceto tried not to be nervous. Levrith would have warned him if she was a threat. But he regretted not asking Levrith about her sooner, to try to find out if she was in any way similar to the Order’s sorcerers, who were often healers.

  Levrith’s grandmother’s dark gaze turned to Ceto, travelling up and down his body. “And this must be Ceto.” She gave a slight bow, and the necklaces around her neck swung back and forth. “Welcome to our village, Ceto. It has been years since we have had a river naiad amongst us. I hope you will find healing and peace during your stay. It is an honour to host one of Seroth’s children.”

  “Thank you,” Ceto said.

  She smiled and held out a wrinkled hand towards him. Ceto realised she expected him to approach and take her hand. Nervous, he exited the river. She didn’t bat an eye at his nudity as some humans did.

  He took her hand. She placed her other hand on top of his, then froze, smile dropping. Her hand tightened with surprising strength on his, and she closed her eyes. She inhaled a long, deep breath through her mouth. A strange sensation, a tingling whisper, travelled from where she touched, up his arm, spreading through his body.

  He’d felt such a sensation before when he had been a prisoner of the Order, during their rituals. He snatched his hand away, taking a step back. The tingling immediately stopped.

  Ceto stared at the tiny, old woman before him. “What are you doing?”

  “Ceto?” Levrith’s voice sounded concerned.

  “I apologise… I hadn’t expected...” Her brows furrowed. “They told me you were injured. But I didn’t realise how.” Her eyes travelled to the bandaged wound on his arm. “They did something to you. Something wrong. Something evil.”

  “You can sense it?” Ceto asked.

  She nodded, eyes still on the wound. She lifted her hand as if she wanted to touch, then stopped. “Can I touch it?”

  Ceto didn’t respond. The sensation had unnerved him. Scared him.

  “I won’t harm you,” she said gently. “I give you my word.”

  “Grandma?” Levrith sounded confused, but Ceto’s focus was on the woman in front of him.

  She peered up at him, waiting for his answer.

  “Will it help?”

  “I’m not sure, but I would like to try.” She waited for his response. “I first need to see what they did.”

  He felt torn. He didn’t know if he could trust her. But what if she knew something? What if she knew how to help?

  Wondering if he was making a mistake, he nodded.

  His heart pounded as she stepped closer. Slowly, she laid her hand on the bandage. She sucked in a breath through her teeth, eyes falling shut. For several moments, she just touched the wound, breathing slowly.

  “They took it. Stole it. Your strength. Your energy.” She shook her head. “Leaving the stain of their wicked magic behind, like a poisonous taint.”

  Her hand pressed more firmly against the bandage. She rocked back and forth, chanting words he didn’t understand. A strange trickling sensation moved through his limbs as if water flowed into his body. It felt cool and soft, filling him from his head to his toes. The sound of rushing water filled his ears, growing louder and louder until he couldn’t hear her chanting or anything but the sound of rushing water.

  Then all of a sudden, the sensation pulled back. The sound of rushing water stopped, leaving him empty.

  Levrith’s grandma pulled her hand back. Ceto wobbled.

  “Ceto?” Levrith’s voice sounded close to panicked. He wrapped a hand around Ceto’s waist, keeping him on his feet. “Grandma! What did you do?”

  Ceto blinked, trying to ground himself.

  “I just needed to see what they did. Don’t worry. He should recover after resting.” Levrith’s grandma studied him. “But to heal him, to heal what they did, I’ll need some supplies. Perhaps in a couple of days, at sunrise.”