Chapter Text
Prologue
Sturmhond warns the crew, of course, about the unusual passengers they were taking on. Speak to them as little as possible. Keep an eye on the girl. And be prepared to mutiny, whenever the need might arise.
But Tolya still isn’t prepared, as he watches surreptitiously from halfway up the mainsail, for the sight of the strange little group coming aboard. The slim man in the black kefta cradling a still form - presumably the unconscious girl - in his arms. The sullen young man, his hands tied together, being dragged along by a man almost as large as Tolya himself is. The air something foul, and dark, that surrounds the group.
So Tolya follows his captain’s orders. He keeps his head down, avoids notice as much as someone as tall as he is can. He and Tamar keep an eye on the girl, and do what they can to keep the grim Heartrender from doing permanent damage.
And when the time comes, he’s ready to strike.
***
Ivan’s first thought is mild surprise. He’s never met a Heartrender as powerful as he is. His rational thoughts recognize that it’s crazy, but he’s excited. Even as he’s fighting for his life, he’s excited to match strength with this large, silent, utterly unexpected man.
The feeling lessens somewhat when he realizes he’s actually losing. This man is actually stronger than he is. His vision begins to fade around the edges, and the last thing he sees before everything blacks out is a pair of deep brown eyes suddenly widening in horror.