by Jaxon Reed
“House Palento has the floor.”
“A hundred gold for Bartimo’s venture!”
A murmur swept through the crowd.
Bellasondra whispered to Kirt, “They are one of the major families. This is a real sign of support! We just might make our thousand.”
A few clusters away a smartly dressed man with a regal glow about him and a shock of white hair stood and signaled the Speaker.
“House Finero has the floor.”
“We commit 500 gold to Bartimo!”
Audible gasps burst from the crowd. Bartimo beamed at the man, and nodded his thanks. Finero held his eye a moment and nodded back.
Bellasondra whispered, “He is a big rival with Palento’s widow. They don’t like each other very much. I’ve heard it’s good to get them into a bidding battle with one another, if you can. I think Finero was waiting to see how much she would offer so he could upstage her.”
Kirt let the information soak in. Then he had a thought and said, “So, if we take 15 percent, and the venture earns 3,000 gold like Bartimo says, that means we get to keep 450 gold?”
Bellasondra grinned and nodded.
Kirt breathed a silent, “Wow!” He had never seen that much gold before.
“Well, of course we have to pay all the venture’s expenses out of our cut,” she said.
Kirt continued doing the math and said, “But eventually Finero will get 1,500 gold, minus 15 percent? So, his 500 gold turns into 1,275.”
“That’s right. It’s a good return, if everything goes well.”
“Things can go wrong?”
“Oh yes. They often do, in ventures like this. The families may lose some or all of their gold. Of course, we hope and pray they don’t. Our future depends on this, too. It’s one of the reasons the families are entrusting us with their gold. They know how much this means to us. They all had ventures of their own when they were young, so they understand the process very well.”
Kirt said, “It does seem risky, though. Nobody else was there to meet with Barley and Fret. Everyone in this hall is taking Bartimo’s word for it, and they seem to believe him when he says it’s the best beer anyone has ever tasted.”
Bellasondra shrugged and said, “He’s bound by honesty in the hall. If he were found to be lying, it would be the end of our hopes to establish a major family and join them on the floor. There’s risk with everything in life, Kirt. The great families of the Ageless Isles have been making bets on ventures like this for generations. Sometimes they lose a lot of gold. But more often than not, they take home more than they invested.
“If we’re successful, with our share of the profits Bartimo will have enough to start a family. And the next time we’re in the Hall of Commerce, we’ll join the minor houses and invest our gold in those petitioning the hall. And if we make good bets, our fortunes will grow and someday we’ll become a major house, just as Palento and Finero are now.
“It’s the cycle of commerce in the Ageless Isles. And now it’s our turn to go out and earn some gold.”
Kirt’s attention returned to the platform, where the scribe waved at the Speaker. The Speaker acknowledged it with a wave of his own, and stepped back to the podium.
“Bartimo’s venture is fully funded. The floor is closed. Thus ends our session.”
Chapter 7
“Larboard sail! Sail on the larboard!”
Feet scampered across the deck as men dropped everything and rushed to the left side, crowding the rails for a glimpse.
The pilot turned the wheel and other men scrambled to adjust the sails. Ropes squealed through the hawseholes, masts creaked and canvas snapped in the wind as Wavecrest turned her prow for an intercept.
An hour later everyone could see the other vessel clearly across the water. A red-orange flag flew from her mast.
“Coralian,” Plinny said, his voice booming out cheerfully. He slapped Stin hard on the back, knocking the wind out him.
“I like taking ships from Coral! They’re rich. And I hates Coralians!”
A susurrus of assent rippled through the crowd along the rails.
Melton tromped out on the deck with his wooden leg beating a rhythm, his ever-present scowl deepening.
He said, “Get back to work y’ lazy scalawags!”
Reluctantly, men left the railing and dispersed. As Stin turned to go with them, Melton said, “’Cept for you, Steck. Cap’n wants to see you.”
-+-
Stin had to ask three people before he finally found the captain’s quarters. Melton didn’t bother to help, he stormed off looking for other slackers to yell at.
Finally, Stin found the appropriate door. He knocked on it.
“Enter!”
The cabin was spacious, for a ship. A single bunk graced one wall. A desk stood against another. Shelves held books strapped into place with leather strips. Maps and naval charts lay scattered on a table in the center of the room. Several chairs sat about, inviting fellowship and conversation.
“Ah, Steck. I trust you have enjoyed your journey so far?”
“Certainly, Captain. As much as one could expect after being waylaid by pirates.”
Cessic flashed his golden tooth in a smile and said, “You’re lucky I’ve taken a liking to you, Steck. Hailing from my home town is quite your good fortune indeed. Well, that and the fact you’re poor and in debt to Felway the Fence and practically worthless for ransom.
“However, as you now are about to participate in your first act of piracy with us, I’m afraid I must ask you to remain onboard until the fighting subsides.”
“Well, I certainly won’t miss the fighting.”
“Indeed. You can understand my caution in having you go out armed with my men. The temptation to fight for the other side might be too strong for you. Perhaps you’d consider an ill-advised break for your freedom or try and tip the scales to the wrong side.”
Stin shrugged and said, “I’d rather do no fighting at all. I’d be delighted to stay behind. But how long am I to remain your prisoner? And how much gold, exactly, do you think I owe you for the damage others inflicted on your ship? We have never fully discussed it.”
“The purser has drawn up a figure for me. Fourteen gold.”
Stins eyes widened.
“Fourteen gold? That’s robbery!”
Cessic grinned and said, “No, Steck. That’s piracy. I admit he padded the numbers a bit. But nonetheless, I concur with his assessment. You will be free to go once I have received fourteen gold from you.”
Stin pulled out his purse and placed it on the table. It made a loud clunk.
“Well then, here’s four gold. Call it a down payment.”
Cessic rocked back on his heels in surprise.
“You said you had no money. And Quent searched you. Where did this come from?”
“I’ve had a streak of luck playing bone-cards with the men.”
“Bone-cards? How did you cheat this much in winnings? Magic is strictly forbidden in games of chance.”
“I didn’t use magic. You can ask Quent, he monitored every game I played. I’ve been lucky. I’ve, ah, resolved some conflicts as well, and that has resulted in some income too. Take the money and I’ll keep working on the rest. You’ll have nine more gold from me sooner or later.”
Bemused, Cessic never noticed Stin’s deliberate error in math.
-+-
Wavecrest proved faster than the smaller ship and overtook her a few hours later. Even though the pirates flew the flag of Coral as they approached, her crew nonetheless suspected foul play. The defending sailors were well prepared to meet the threat with axes and arrows when the black flag went up.
After fighting his first battle at sea in the role of a defender, Stin found himself intrigued while observing his second battle from the attacker’s side. He noted the strategy Cessic took when overtaking the vessel, harnessing his advantages in wind and waves and size. He noted also that Cessic seemed to be ever alert, and spent considerable
time watching the merchant ship. As they neared their prey, he gave a final nod as if to himself, then signaled Melton to begin the attack.
Archers in the rigging of both vessels shot at each other first, then at the men below. Most missed their mark, but Wavecrest’s crew scored a couple hits as the wind carried their arrows home.
Grappling hooks sailed out to the deck of the smaller vessel, and pirates pulled the ropes tight, yoking the two ships together. Sailors on the other ship rushed to cut the ropes with axes. Archers took down some. Pirates began leaping across the gap, landing on the deck and striking down defenders with their swords.
The vessels drew closer as more lines snaked across. A mass of pirates crawled the ropes or jumped onboard the smaller ship, quickly overwhelming her crew. The clang of steel and screams of death filled the air until the few survivors threw down their weapons and surrendered to Cessic’s men.
The pirates whooped in triumph, and swarmed down into the hold looking for treasure and passengers. A handful remained on top, under Melton’s watchful eye, as they herded the survivors over to Wavecrest.
“To the pens in our hold!” Melton shouted. “We’ll sift ’em later. Don’t worry, boys, you’ll get your cut. You’re not missing out on anything down below.”
Cessic turned and grinned at Stin. He said, “That went much better. This is how a proper naval appropriation should occur.”
“Is that what you call it? I thought it was piracy.”
Cessic laughed. “Come along, Steck. I think it’s safe for you to accompany me while I inspect our latest prize.”
-+-
“I am Captain Belsett. You are aboard Lightfish, of the Duchy of Fellows, Kingdom of Coral.”
Stin appraised Captain Belsett with keen interest. A short man with a shiny bald head, and a long narrow, stately beard. He looked like a captain. A wealthy captain.
“Good,” Cessic said. “I’m glad we’ve caught another Fellows ship. The Duke has a well-deserved reputation for paying ransoms in a timely manner. What’s your cargo, Captain?”
“Grain and wine, mostly.”
Stin noted that Belsett offered the information reluctantly.
“Excellent! I do hope some of your finer bottles have the opportunity to grace my cellar back in Corsairs Cove. We will of course inspect the manifest and question your passengers.”
He smiled at the shorter captain, who in turn appeared morose, staring at the floor.
“Cheer up, Belsett. There’s no need to be upset about this. We’re not savages, we’re just out to make a profit like the rest of you.”
Stin observed the color rising in Belsett’s cheeks, and he wondered for a moment if the little captain would lose his temper and give Cessic a piece of his mind.
But after taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, he said instead, “I find myself at your mercy.”
A quick knock came from the door. It creaked open and Veeroy stuck his head in.
“Captain, Quent says to report we’ve found little gold on board. Lots of wine, though.”
He smiled, and his teeth showed purple. About that time his breath filled the cabin, reminding Stin of a vintner’s press.
Cessic nodded his acknowledgment and turned back to Belsett.
“You know, my men are usually quite adept at finding hidden gold. I must say, though, the last several Fellows ships anyone has captured have been remarkably free of coins.”
Belsett said nothing, continuing to stare at the floor.
Cessic turned toward Stin and said, “Don’t you find that interesting, Steck? A duchy as rich as Fellows, and naught but a handful of coins on each ship? I find that very curious. Even small fishing vessels have more gold these days.”
Stin’s interest piqued, he looked about the cabin, wondering where he would hide gold if the ship belonged to him. He said, “Maybe there’s a secret compartment?”
Stin stomped his foot in various places on the floor.
“One might think that,” Cessic said. “But I know a captain who tore up every plank from a Fellows ship and found not a single copper anywhere.”
Stin’s eyes swept room, genuinely intrigued now. He said, “Perhaps they tired of losing their gold to pirates? Perhaps they stopped shipping it.”
“Shipping families always transport gold, Steck. Always. Banks, merchants, passengers . . . everyone has need to move the precious metal by sea. And yet, it seems Duke Fellows has abandoned the practice.”
Stin reached down to the captain’s bunk and pulled the bedding up. He said, “Maybe our friend Belsett hides the gold under his mattress.”
Cessic stepped over to take a look out of curiosity. But nothing lay hidden underneath the mattress, only the bunk.
Somewhat disappointed, Stin let the mattress down with a thunk. He looked at Cessic and frowned. He said, “That’s odd.”
“What?”
“Bunks are usually made of wood, are they not?”
“Yes. Why, is this one not made of wood?”
“No, it’s metal.”
Stin pulled back the mattress again and rapped on the bunk. A metallic clang rang out.
“Somebody painted this metal to look like wood. May I see your knife, Captain?”
Cessic gave him a distrustful look.
Stin said, “Alright. You take your knife and scratch off some of the paint.”
Cessic pulled a dagger out from his belt and drew the point across the metal bunk, digging up a furrow of paint. Underneath, gold glinted out.
Cessic and Stin looked at one another and laughed.
“Gold furnishings! So that’s how they do it. Steck, you’re a genius!”
“I think I just paid my debt to you in full, Captain. And then some.”
-+-
By sunset the two vessels were underway again, this time with a skeleton crew aboard Lightfish, following close behind the larger ship.
The smaller boat’s surviving crew were safely ensconced in Wavecrest’s holding pens. All items of any worth had been transferred to Wavecrest as well, save the grain. While sure to fetch a fine price back in Corsairs Cove, though how much no one knew for sure, Melton decided it wasn’t worth the time and effort to move. So the grain stayed on Lightfish.
Melton quickly confiscated the wine bottles and casks, though, and had them locked up tight in Wavecrest’s hold before the pirates got too drunk.
Moving the gold bunk out of Captain Belsett’s cabin proved very difficult. No fewer than a dozen men worked under Melton’s curses as they ripped it from the wall, maneuvered it through the doorway and out onto the deck.
From there it was transferred to a harness and several ropes. Melton swore that if the chunk of gold broke free and sank into the water, all the pirates in sight would follow it down into the depths.
But at last it made its way safely to the Wavecrest’s purser, who set about that very night melting it down and dividing it into equal pieces.
With his prize and newfound wealth secure, Cessic set a course back to Corsairs Cove. As the setting sun dipped into the water, his men were in high spirits even without the wine to keep them there. It helped too that the ill-tempered Melton had been placed in charge of the small contingent aboard Lightfish, offering the bulk of the crew a reprieve from his sharp tongue and stinging rebukes.
Veeroy found Stin after supper, and tapped him on the back.
“Cap’n says he wants to see you.”
Stin thanked him and made his way to Cessic’s quarters.
When he tapped at the door, Cessic said, “Enter! There he is, the man of the hour!”
One of the finer bottles of wine taken from Lightfish sat on the table uncorked, and the captain handed a goblet to Stin. He thanked Cessic, poured a little wine for himself, sniffed it and took a tiny sip.
“That’s good!”
“One of the Sapphire Kingdom’s best vineyards. I have three more cases of it.”
He pointed to a corner of the room where three wooden boxes
were stacked, filled with sawdust and bottles. The lid to the top one was pried open.
The captain sat down in one of the chairs spread about the middle of the room. Stin followed suit. Cessic grinned at him, flashing his golden tooth.
“Steck, you’ve made me a lot of money. Not only that, you’ve made me money at the expense of that crafty Duke Fellows. I’m promoting you to officer. Third mate.”
Stin took a sip of wine and said, “That’s quite considerate of you, Captain. However, I know next to nothing about sailing a ship.”
Cessic shrugged and said, “You don’t have to. This is not a royal navy, it’s a simple hierarchy. You tell those below you what to do, and they carry out your orders.”
“And if they don’t?”
The captain shrugged again. “You kill them.”
Stin allowed that seemed reasonable.
“Don’t you already have a third mate, Captain?”
“I did, but he got killed in the action today. One of our few casualties. The poor soul took an ax to the side of his head. I believe your friend Plinny avenged him, though.”
Stin nodded. Plinny had certainly killed several men today.
“I appreciate the offer, Captain. My lack of experience suggests the choice is still not the best one, however. I’m a landman, pure and simple.”
Cessic dismissed the thought with a wave of his hand and said, “We all were, Steck, before the sea claimed us. You’ll pick up what you need to know. Third mate is not too pressing, and a good place to start. You’ll enjoy being an officer. Fewer chores. No manual labor. A higher stake in the plunder.”
Stin’s eyebrows raised. “I do like the sound of that. Alright, you’ve convinced me. I’m your officer.”
“There’s a good man! Let’s drink to your new promotion!”
-+-
Stin managed to leave Cessic’s cabin after imbibing only two goblets of wine. Cessic downed three bottles, and snored lightly while Stin tiptoed out and gently shut the door.
He made his way to the aft in search of a bone-cards game. He followed the sound of Plinny’s booming voice and found the game soon enough, watched over by Quent as usual.