Salt Storm: The Salted Series: Episodes #31-35 Galvin, Aaron (classic fiction txt) 📖

in and save him. All that Garrett could recall thereafter was swimming for the first time and the confusion to wonder as to why the change had occurred. What it all might mean. I thought Kellen was the one who did this to me, he admitted to Cursion. The one to make me change.

Cursion laughed at that. If you would seek to blame someone for your life, my son, I fear you are looking at him now.

His mirth made Garrett chuckle too, then.

Cursion studied him further. If I might ask, if you and this Sancul were rivals in your life before, why then did you reach out to him earlier this night?

I don’t know, said Garrett, even as he thought back on the encounter with his high school classmate, the lone true, familiar face from his shore life that he had seen since his mother was killed in New Pearlaya. Shrinking under the friendly, if still questioning stare of Cursion White Shadow, Garrett searched his mind for a better answer. You said that you see something in me when you look into my eyes, he replied. I guess that I went to Kellen tonight because I saw something in his too.

And what did you see there, my son?

Pain, said Garrett. And fear too . . . I saw that he was afraid. Garrett shook his head, trying to rid his memory of Kellen Winstel swimming off without answering the question he had asked. I’ve never seen Kellen afraid before.

Perhaps the Salt has taught him differently, said Cursion. Just as the Salt has done for you . . . just as the Salt continues to shape you still, my son.

How do you mean? Garrett asked.

When last you left me, you swam for the shore and your former life as any child seeking the past and familiar comforts would do, said Cursion. You returned with a different light in your eyes. An understanding that there is no way back. Only forward. I recognized the change in you when you returned to me this night with Atsidi Darksnout. You have proved yourself twice over now, too. Once with your outreach to the Sancul, Kellen. Then, again with your former podmate, Arsen, also. A craven will look at their foe and fear them for an enemy who comes to take all that they hold dear. A warrior seeks the reason and understanding as to why they must fight at all. Only when there is no other way will the warrior take up his blade in defense, or else to avenge their lost loved ones.

Garrett nodded. And that’s why you gave Arsen over to the Hammers? For them to avenge the boy’s murder . . . or because you saw something in Arsen too?

In the Orcinian’s eyes, I saw that he was long dead already, said Cursion. I do not doubt he will fear the end when it comes for him, but his choices led him to such a loathsome place over and again. If Silent Hammer will end his pain, it will be a release the Orcinian has long sought after.

You think Arsen wants to die? Garrett asked.

I think he does not know how to live, said Cursion. Not truly. Some would say we are all of us trapped by circumstance. Aye, caged by what we do not know, or rather, have no way of ever knowing if another will not show us the way. He shook his head. I do not doubt that most believe such things, your former pod-mate included. Still, one deceives themselves to hold to such blameful ways, rather than they take account of themselves and the actions that led them there and beyond. If one will not seek guidance from others, or else look inward and heed that which they hear within, they cannot hope to survive without. You need look no further than your former pod-mate for the truth in that.

I don’t understand, said Garrett.

Cursion nodded. For all that Arsen said, most of what I heard was blame. Whether the Blackfin for brutal guidance, Makeda for rightful discipline, or even you, for providing testimony in account of his actions. Arsen would lay excuse and blame upon others, rather than he look inward and choose a better way.

But sometimes there is no better choice, said Garrett, reflecting on all the harsh choices forced upon him since coming into the Salt. Whether in Crayfish Cavern with August Collins, or Sergeant Luther threatening his mother, Cristina, if Garrett would not serve the Painted Guard, even the Blackfin and Ishmael bidding him to kill a captive in signal of his loyalties, Garrett wrestled with the reality of all such outcomes.

Aye, Cursion agreed with his initial assessment. Oft times, one decision is no better than the other. And yet, in refusal to choose, you are deciding all the same by your inaction.

Garrett sagged at that. So, you’re saying I screwed up when I didn’t kill Arsen . . .

Cursion placed his fingers beneath Garrett’s chin, forcing him to look the high chieftain in the eye. No, my son. I am saying such choices should never have been put to you at all . . . and when hard decisions are forced upon you, you must then question the intent of the one who placed you there. Aye, and what outcome they hope to win for themselves.

Garrett’s brow furrowed. What do you mean?

My father once taught me that a creature snared is the most fearsome sort. If left without a choice to flee, they will fight to the bitter end. And why not? They have nothing but hate or fear of the one who trapped them. Nothing but death or the unknown awaiting them. Why then should a trapped creature not lash out against any and all approaching them? Aye, even if the hand that reaches for them comes in earnest to open the cage and set them free again.

Garrett frowned. Ishmael wasn’t doing that for me tonight.

No, said Cursion. He placed you in