More Than You Know (34 page)

Tiare studied Claire, her features impassive. “You do well not to look at me,” she said. “You shame yourself by returning to this sacred place. You shame all of us by bringing them with you."

Claire continued to keep her eyes averted. It was not terribly difficult. She felt as if she were going to be sick; her stomach was in her throat and there was a weight pressing against her chest. Stepping out to the tiki to reveal herself to Tiare was the hardest thing she had ever done, yet she had never once considered
not
doing it. Whittier's description of what was happening on shore convinced her that she had no choice. Somehow she knew that she was at the heart of the standoff. She could not let the doctor drown or Rand think he could hold off the armada by taking Tiare hostage.

"Can you not recognize what we have here?” Tiare demanded. “Or has the treasure blinded you as it did your father?"

Recoiling as if she'd been struck, Claire's head snapped up and her knees buckled. The darkness that consumed her vision remained as it was. She had the sensation of vertigo. Her stomach lurched again, and then she was weightless and falling, falling through the void that was her sight.

"Claire?” Rand touched her shoulder lightly as she stirred. With Tiare's permission he had been allowed to take her to
Cerberus
and place her in their cabin. He had not been able to rouse her to consciousness during the trip to the clipper or when he carried her below. It occurred to him initially that Claire had faked her swoon. It was this thought that kept him calm until they reached the ship. When she failed to respond to him after they were alone, the truth was borne home to him. Cursing himself for not demanding that Stuart attend her, Rand knelt at her bedside and bathed her face with cool water.

The clipper's sails had been taken in. She was being towed like a wrecked scow toward a destination determined by Tiare. His men, bound hand and foot on deck, could do nothing to stop
Cerberus'
s progress over the water. Tiare's armada rowed on into the late afternoon sun.

Claire would have sat up if not for Rand's palm on her shoulder.

"Slowly,” he cautioned. “You've been sleeping deeply."

"Did I faint?"

He nodded. “Yes. I thought you planned it."

"I wish I had. I don't have a plan. Do you?"

"No.” He watched her take this information in stride. He let his hand fall from her shoulder and helped her up. Rising from his knees, he sat beside her. “I was allowed to return you to
Cerberus."

Claire had recognized the familiar fragrance of her own pillow as soon as she woke. “We're moving,” she said. “Has Tiare given you command of your ship?"

"Not at all. Cutch is at the wheel, but only to guide her. Tiare's men are towing
Cerberus."

"Towing her? But where?"

"She hasn't made me privy to her plans."

Claire closed her eyes and rubbed the bridge of her nose. “What can she be thinking?” She rested her elbows on her knees. “What did Tiare say to you while I was still in hiding?"

Rand repeated their brief conversation for Claire. “Until your name was mentioned, it seemed that we would only be escorted off the island. Stuart brought Tiare's wrath on him when he lied to her."

"It's a grievous offense,” Claire said. “He should not have tried to protect me."

"He shouldn't have used your name in the first place."

"I don't think Tiare would have had him drowned."

"Is that right?” asked Rand dryly. “Then why did you show yourself?"

"Because Whittier told me you had Tiare by the throat. I considered my intervention timely."

"It was."

Claire sat up straight, a slight smile softening her worried expression. Rand's admission was offered rather reluctantly, as if it pained him that she was correct. Other than her smile, Claire let it pass.

"What did Tiare say to you?” Rand asked.

"She was angry with me for bringing you to Pulotu."

"Why? Why isn't she rejoicing? She said she'd been waiting for me for three hundred years."

"She said that?"

Rand realized it was the first time he'd mentioned it. “I'm sorry. Yes, it's what she said in response to learning my name."

Claire frowned. “But what does it mean? In all the time I knew Tiare, I never once heard her mention the treasure until today. Why would she say that to you?"

"I suppose because I'm a Hamilton. She seemed disappointed to discover there were no Waterstones among my men."

"I don't understand this at all. Is she taking you away from the treasure or toward it?"

Rand had wondered the same thing himself. “I don't know.” He stood up and went to the small writing desk. Since their marriage he had moved many of his belongings into Claire's cabin. There was no good reason that she should have to learn his own cabin's layout when she was so comfortable in hers. He reached under the desk to pull out the navigation charts he had rolled and secured there.

"What are you doing?” asked Claire.

"Looking for a chart. Perhaps I can get a fix on our position."

Claire nodded. Pushing herself farther back on the bed, she crossed her legs tailor-fashion and folded her hands in her lap.

Rand glanced at her and smiled. “You've struck a thoughtful pose. Is it helping?"

"Not yet.” She hesitated. “I was afraid to face her."

Rand stopped rummaging for a moment. “I know."

"There were so many times I thought I would be sick. Mr. Whittier was very kind and patient. He tried to dissuade me. I know he was trying to follow your orders, but I think he was worried about me."

"I'm sure he was."

"And then nothing happened."

Rand's fingers curled around the chart he wanted. He placed it on top of the desk. His attention, though, was for Claire. “I'm not certain what you mean. You fainted, remember? That's hardly nothing."

Claire's voice was not much more than a whisper. “I can't see."

Rand's chair toppled behind him as he pushed away from the desk and jumped to his feet. He went to Claire's side and pulled her into his arms. His fingers threaded in her hair and he stroked her back. Her small shudders tore through him. She pressed her face in the curve of his neck. Her tears slipped between her cheek and his throat. He did not bother to wipe them away. He would have absorbed them if he could.

"She asked me if I was blinded by the treasure as my father had been.” Claire's words were offered somewhat shakily, but Rand had no difficulty understanding them.

"And that's when you fainted?"

She nodded. “I don't even know why. What word was I reacting to? Blinded? Treasure? Father?"

"All of it."

"Then why does it mean so little to me?” She lifted her head and impatiently brushed away tears. “Why am I not sick with fear now?"

"Perhaps because you've faced your worst fear."

"Tiare?"

Rand lifted Claire's palm to his cheek. He shook his head and let her feel the motion. His voice was gentle. “Your
worst
fear, Claire."

She sucked in her breath as the truth came to her. She spoke on a thread of sound. “I'm never going to see again."

Rand pressed his mouth to the heart of Claire's palm, then let her circle his neck again. She held him tightly, but she did not cry. He felt her breathing grow soft and even, and in time he became aware that she had fallen into a healing sleep.

Rand laid Claire back on the bed and covered her with a blanket. He bent over her and kissed her temple. He breathed deeply of the fragrance of her hair. “You will always see things I cannot,” he whispered.

Rand rose slowly then and returned to his chart.

The island was called Tarahiki and they reached it at dusk. At first Rand thought Tiare meant to run
Cerberus
aground, but at the last moment the outriggers shifted their direction and the men towed the clipper past the dangerous shoals and into the island's secluded natural harbor. Rand saw immediately that
Cerberus
was no longer easily visible to any other ship passing Tarahiki. She was protected, or hidden, on three sides by towering coconut trees and volcanic rock. A waterfall split the horseshoe-shaped lagoon in two. The shoreline was narrow. Less than ten yards of white sand separated the water from the forest, and the rock at the sides of the inlet rose steeply.

Rand described it all to Claire as they stood at the rail of the clipper and awaited Tiare's arrival on board. None of her surroundings were familiar to Claire.

"Perhaps my description is poor,” Rand said.

"No. You've said it all beautifully. I've never been here before. The name means nothing to me either.” She repeated it to herself softly now. “Tarahiki.” Claire shook her head. “No, I don't know it."

"I may have it wrong. It's difficult to be certain."

Cutch joined them at the rail. He was uncomfortable being able to enjoy some freedom on the deck while the crew remained bound. At the capstan their Solonesian guards were lowering the anchor. “It seems Tiare intends us to stay."

"That's what I was thinking,” said Rand. He put his back to the rail and his chin lifted in the direction of his men crowded around the mainmast. “Have you considered how we might free them and take back the ship?"

"I find the presence of three hundred Solonesian warriors does not make for clear thinking."

Rand understood. The outriggers surrounded the clipper. The harbor was so crowded with the canoes, it was possible to reach the shore without getting one's feet wet. Even with the oars raised, there was little room for maneuvering. “I can't make out if we're going to be set free or getting our first glimpse of our prison."

Cutch had the same concerns. “How are you feeling, Claire?"

"I'm fine."

"The crew was relieved when Rand brought you topside. To a man they were worried about you."

Faint color touched Claire's cheeks. Everyone had been witness to her collapse. It embarrassed her to think about it. “Where is Tiare?"

"She's never been on
Cerberus,"
said Cutch. “She's on one of the outriggers with the other priests. I suspect she'll come aboard soon. What did she say about your father and brother?"

Claire shook her head. “Nothing. There was never a moment to ask."

There was some commotion at the starboard side. Rand turned and looked over the rail. A moment later Cutch joined him.

"What is it?” asked Claire.

"Tiare,” Rand said succinctly. “Right on schedule.” Arms folded across his chest, Rand watched the warriors on board throw out the rope ladder for her ascent. She was lifted above the canoe by the other priests until she could grasp the ladder. Rather than climbing it, it was hauled aboard by her men. His tone was dry. “That's a variation on getting aboard that I hadn't seen before."

Cutch watched as Tiare was set gently on the deck. She didn't falter as she walked toward them. She had a long, elegant stride. Cutch's heavy lids lowered to half-mast. He watched the pale yellow material of her lava-lava split along the length of her thigh. Every inch of her was sun-kissed. He stepped back as she approached Claire.

Tiare lifted her hand toward Claire and saw for herself that Claire's eyes did not follow the movement. “I didn't know,” she told Claire. “Standing on the beach at Pulotu, I didn't know.” She took Claire's hand and raised it to her own heart. “I was angry, but I did not mean to be cruel. We have never been friends, you and I, but we have not always been enemies. I do not want to be your enemy now."

Claire nodded, her eyes closing momentarily. She felt Tiare's hand loosen around her own. She withdrew it carefully and let it fall to her side. “I didn't want you to know then,” Claire said when she could trust her voice. “But I'm not sorry Captain Hamilton told you."

Tiare glanced at Rand. His features remained impassive, but his posture was protective. His hands rested lightly on Claire's shoulders. She addressed Claire again. “He is your husband?"

"Yes."

Pointing to Cutch, Tiare asked, “And this black man?"

"A friend,” Claire said.

Tiare nodded, satisfied with the answer. “Why have you come back, Claire? Is it really for the treasure? I've never heard you express interest in it before."

"I could say the same of you."

Tiare's slight smile could be heard in her voice. “Then we've both had our secrets. But you haven't properly answered my question. Is it only the treasure?"

"No,” said Claire. “Of course not. I've come for Tipu ... and my father."

Rand and Cutch gave Tiare full marks for trying to school her expression. However, she could not control the color that drained from her face and left her complexion sallow. Rand's fingers tightened on Claire's shoulders, bracing her and himself for what Tiare could not yet put into words.

Claire sensed the tension. “Tiare?"

"Your father is dead, Claire. How can you not know that?” There was a hesitation, then a worried thoughtfulness to her expression that communicated to both Rand and Cutch that she was considering her words carefully. “You were with Sir Griffin when he died."

Claire blinked. “You're mistaken. I would remember that. I would
know."

"Claire,” Rand said quietly. Beneath his palms, her shoulders were rigid. “You have always been aware there are events you can't recall."

"But not
this.
I tell you, I would know.” Her chin came up. “Where is Tipu? I want to see my brother."

"I will take you to him later,” Tiare said.

Rand recognized Tiare's cool tone now. Her beautifully flowing accents were chilled and there was nothing but authority in her voice. Belatedly he understood that when Claire told Tiare she was mistaken, it was virtually the same as naming her a liar. Rand started to speak, but Tiare held up her hand, cutting him off.

"Your men will be freed after the lagoon is cleared of mine. This is Arahiti. It will be your home until it is decided what's to be done with you. You may leave the ship, of course, but not the island. Your great clipper cannot navigate the shoals without our help. Try to make your escape, and you will founder."

Claire reached for Tiare, but the woman easily avoided the contact. Claire let her hand fall slowly back to her side. “Why?” she asked. “Why are you doing this?"

Tiare did not answer. She turned and walked away, moving among her men with ease. She directed them in her own language, the clear command evident in her voice and in the haste with which others did her bidding.

A crease appeared between Claire's brows as she listened to Tiare. “I don't know this woman,” she said. “Tiare was quiet. Most often she was biddable. She served others. Never once did she issue an order."

One of Rand's brows arched. He looked over the top of Claire's head at Cutch. “It appears she's learned the way of it in your absence."

Cutch was watching Tiare, but he heard Rand's comment. He shook his head. “She didn't learn this,” he said. “No one does. Look at how they move for her. She was born to it. The Tiare you knew, Claire? I'd wager
she
was the impostor."

Claire's frown only deepened. “But why act one way when you're really something else? Could she have really loved Sir Griffin so much?"

"Perhaps,” Rand said quietly. “And perhaps she was following orders of her own.” As he spoke, Tiare was being lifted over the side of
Cerberus
and lowered carefully to the waiting canoe. “Didn't you tell me once that Tiare's father was a priest? That she would have been a priestess if it weren't for your father?"

"Yes,” Claire said slowly.

"Well, what if she's always been a priestess? What if her attachment to your father was by
her
design, not his?"

"But she had a child by him."

"Did she?” he asked. “How can you be certain? How can anyone but Tiare be certain?"

"It can't be. Tipu looks like—"

"Yes?” Beneath his palms Rand felt Claire's shoulders sag. “Claire?"

"He looks like Tiare,” she said at last. “He looks nothing at all like Sir Griffin or even like me.” Claire eased out from under Rand's light grip. She turned to face him, her expression still clouded with doubt and questions. “Even if it's true, why? What does it mean, Rand?"

"I wish to God I knew.” He set Claire away from him. Following Cutch's gaze across the harbor, Rand could see the Solonesians paddling their canoes toward the mouth of the lagoon. The last of Tiare's men had just gone over the side. She was obviously confident of her ability to keep
Cerberus
in the harbor without guards. “Wait here. Cutch and I have to free the men."

It required less than ten minutes before every last man had the use of his limbs again. They stood and stretched. Some went port side to relieve themselves away from Claire's hearing. Macauley Stuart immediately sought out Claire while Rand and Cutch explained their situation to the crew.

"I think you should be lying in your cabin,” he told her. “You have little color in your face."

"Rand will take me there when he's done talking to the others. Don't you want to hear what he has to say?"

"To what end? I know less than nothing about where we are or where we're likely to be once we leave here."

"That's my point, Macauley. We're not leaving. At least not until Tiare gives her permission."

"How can that be?"

"Rand can explain it better, but it has to do with the shoals around Arahiti. Without help from the Solonesians, he'd run
Cerberus
aground."

"But he has maps ... charts. I've seen them."

"Of course he does,” she said with more patience than she felt. “But they're only as good as the mapmakers and explorers who came before us. If this island has never been charted, then there's nothing on his map, is there?"

"No, I suppose not.” He leaned against the rail. “And the name of this place again?"

"Arahiti. That's what Tiare called it. Rand thought we were on Tarahiki."

"Two different names for the same place?"

"Possibly.” Claire didn't think so, but if it helped the doctor remain calm because he thought Rand knew where they were, Claire did not want to say anything to the contrary. “What about you, Doctor Stuart? Tiare's men were not gentle with you. Shouldn't you be resting below?"

If Macauley shut his eyes, he knew he would feel the priests’ hands on the back of his neck, pressing his face under the surf. The last thing he wanted to do was to lie down. “In time,” he said.

Claire was quiet a moment; then she said, “Thank you."

"Thank you?"

"For what you did on Pulotu. I know you tried to protect me."

"I spoke out of turn in the first place,” he said.

She smiled. “That's what Rand said."

"He was right. As Cutch explained to me later, I was being punished for lying. I had not realized I was such a poor one."

Claire said nothing, but the echo of the statement stayed with her long into the evening.

It was late when Rand entered their cabin. At first he thought Claire was sleeping. When he sat on the edge of the bed, he realized she wasn't there at all. The blankets were rumpled into a pile and the pillows were scattered, but she was under none of it. Having been topside, Rand knew she wasn't there. He went down the companionway and found her in his work room. She was sitting at the table, her head in her hands, deep in thought. Moonlight touched her fair complexion. Her eyes were clear and no trace of tears was evident on her cheeks.

"At least you're dressed for bed,” he said, shutting the door behind him.

She nodded once, rather vaguely, as if she hadn't really heard him.

Rand approached her. He kicked out the other stool and spun it around to Claire's side. He sat down, leaned back against the table, and stretched his long legs in front of him. His arms were folded across his chest. “Aren't you tired?"

Claire continued to rest her chin on her hands. “Was it only last night that we slept by the lagoon?"

"Hmm-mmm."

"How could I not have known about my father?"

Rand realized Claire's thoughts were tumbling in every direction. It wasn't surprising she couldn't sleep. “I think you did know,” he said. “You've always suspected that you wouldn't find him alive."

"But if what Tiare says is true ... I was with him when he died. How could I not remember
that?"

"Perhaps you don't want to.” Rand saw Claire's mouth twist to one side. Clearly his explanation was not to her liking. He didn't blink when she changed the subject again.

"Is Arahiti the same island as Tarahiki?"

"No. I miscalculated. There is no Arahiti on my charts, and Tarahiki doesn't have this lagoon or the shoals. Why do you want to know?"

"Macauley was uncomfortable with the idea that you might not know where we are."