Serpent: Book II of the Asterian Trilogy

by Sarah Olson

  "Well, it was, but not anymore. Please, just let me come. It’s been so long since I’ve been on a ship."

  "Except we aren’t talking about a royal ship—we are talking about a trade ship," he said.

  I pursed my lips in annoyance. "Yes, and not a pirate ship. I promise I will compensate you when we return to Asteria."

  Stephen laughed. "I’m not asking for compensation; I’m just not entirely sure you understand what you're asking. Does Ethelyn know about this?"

  I bit my lip and looked over at the door of the inn where Ethelyn was patiently waiting for me. "No, but I wouldn’t let her stop me. After all, she serves me."

  "All right. Look, maybe you can come, but it isn’t up to me. I’d have to ask the captain."

  "Will you ask him then?"

  He sighed, but I was grateful he didn’t seem entirely opposed to the idea.

  "Fine, I will tell him of your request, but then he is going to want to speak with you if he decides it’s even possible."

  "That is all I could ask for. I appreciate it, Stephen."

  He gave me a small smile and walked away with the horses.

  I turned back to the inn and tried to temper my excitement. There was something thrilling about setting sail to places I’d never been. It was as if the mere idea presented a new freedom that could heal my wounded heart.

  "Kara is waiting inside," Ethelyn said, as I approached her. "What was that about?"

  "I’ll tell you later," I said, brushing past her and pulling the door open.

  The inn was dark and cramped with thick cigar smoke that forced me to hold my breath. People sat around tables enjoying a meal and ale, a roar of voices rising around them.

  We found Kara speaking to the innkeeper. She handed the man some money, and he gave her three keys.

  "Here you go," she said, handing me one. "I got you one with two beds."

  "Thank you," I said.

  The tarnished key was cool in my hand. A piece of parchment with the number eight was strung to its base.

  We followed Kara up a narrow staircase that led to a hallway with numbered doors.

  "I’ll see you two at dinner downstairs in an hour," she said, slipping her key into the door numbered six. She let herself in without waiting for a response.

  "Here it is," Ethelyn said, outstretching her hand for the key.

  I handed it to her, and she pushed it into the lock. When the door clicked, she turned the knob.

  The room greeted us with a musty and dank smell. Light streamed in through the single grimy window, illuminating the two small beds. There was no wood in the fireplace, but there were a few candles in tarnished holders bolted to the walls.

  I wrinkled my nose. "How . . . lovely," I lied.

  Ethelyn smirked. "Ready to go home?"

  I threw her a look of defiance and sat down on one of the beds. It barely gave beneath my weight, and I realized that it would be no more comfortable than sleeping on the cot in the wagon. That was a shame since I had been looking forward to some comfort after the long journey.

  Ethelyn closed the door and set her bag on the other bed. She did not seem bothered by the state of the place. "So what are we going to do now?" she asked. "We have made it to the seaport, and now everyone is going to head off on their separate ways."

  I bit my lip. "Well, I have an idea."

  Ethelyn eyed me carefully. "Is this what you were talking to Stephen about?"

  I nodded slowly. "I want to get on the Enigma."

  "The what?" she asked, lighting a candle from the flint in her bag.

  "The ship Stephen will be leaving on tomorrow."

  Ethelyn froze for a second and looked up at me. "You want to get on a trade ship . . . " she said slowly.

  "Yes, and the Enigma will be sailing around the Malanese peninsula and onto Asteria."

  She placed the flint down on the table. "I know, but a trade ship is no place for a princess."

  I glared at her. "Today I’m not a princess."

  She rolled her eyes. "You can pretend you aren’t as much as you want, but that doesn’t change the facts. I came along to keep you out of trouble, hoping you would realize what a mistake this journey was and want to go home. It’s been two weeks! Don’t you think this has gone on long enough?"

  "You didn’t have to come," I snapped. "I never asked you to." I would not let her interfere with my plans—not now when I had come so far. "After all, I have already asked Stephen."

  Ethelyn gave me a hard look. "Of course you did."

  "I’m surprised you are not open to being able to spend more time with him," I said with a smirk.

  "I don’t understand what you mean."

  "I’m not blind, Ethelyn. I know you fancy him."

  She looked surprised, but the red blush on her cheeks gave her away.

  "You have spent quite some time with him these last couple of weeks."

  "I don’t know what you’re talking about," she said once she had regained her composure, looking like the serious Ethelyn I had known for years.

  I laughed. "Don’t deny it."

  She lit one of the candles, and I could now see the faded floral wallpaper covering the walls.

  I stood and walked over to her. "Just think of what an adventure it would be. We’ll get to go to places we never even dreamed of seeing. It will be a long voyage, but just imagine being out at sea—looking out in all directions and seeing nothing but an expanse of water!" I walked over to the grimy window and gazed out at the ships and the elegant Enigma. "The stories we would be able to tell our children one day," I whispered, almost to myself.

  There was a creak in the floorboards as Ethelyn came up beside me. "Which one is it?"

  I smiled at her, relieved she appeared to be coming around to the idea. "The centermost one. It’s beautiful, is it not?"

  "Yes, it is," she sighed

  "Are you with me then?"

  Ethelyn turned from the window and walked back to the bed. "Are you certain this is what you want? What if something happens at sea? Your family and the kingdom will be devastated."

  I waved away her concern. "Nothing will happen. These trade routes are well-known, and no one would let an inexperienced crew on a ship like that."

  She crossed her arms. "Very well, Milady. I am with you."

  "Thank you. Stephen is already asking the captain, and then we will go to speak with him."

  Ethelyn gave me a weak smile.

  "Now, do you think there is any way I can get a bath drawn up before dinner?" I asked, gesturing to an old tub tucked away in the corner. "I could use one." The last time I’d been able to bathe somewhat was in a river we came across one night before we entered the desert. It was a miracle I had somehow managed to hold off on complaining to Ethelyn about how dirty I felt.

  "Of course, Milady," Ethelyn replied. "I will go and ask the innkeeper."

  Ethelyn returned a bit later with two of the maids, each carrying two large buckets of warm water. They left quickly, came back with more, and excused themselves when Ethelyn thanked them for their service.

  I stripped out of my clothes with Ethelyn’s help and stepped into the tub. The water felt incredible against my gritty skin. I scrubbed myself clean with the rough soap the maids had given me as Ethelyn washed my hair.

  "If you plan on being on a ship for a month, you’re going to need to get used to being dirty," she said.

  "I am not changing my mind," I said, as I leaned back in the tub. If I had managed to survive without one during most of the journey, I was confident I could for a month—though I hoped I would at least get a wash basin on board.

  When I was finally clean, I stepped out of the tub, and Ethelyn wrapped me with a towel. She left me standing there as she began to rummage through my bag for something for me to wear.

  "I wish you had let me pack," she said with a sigh.

  "What’s wrong with my clothes?" I asked.

  She pulled out one of the dresses and held it up. "It has lace
," she said, pointing to the neckline. "These are travelling clothes for royalty and the wealthy—not the commoner you’re trying to be."

  "Well, I didn’t have anything else, and that one is simple."

  "Not simple enough. We will have to acquire you some new clothes before we leave, even though I doubt we would have time. Perhaps Kara will have something she would be willing to part with." She pulled out a dark, long-sleeved green dress. "This will have to do for the night."

  Ethelyn helped me into fresh undergarments and the dress. It was one of my favorites for traveling. It hugged my waist and fell gently from my hips to the floor. The neckline was squared and lined with thin gold embroidery. It was nowhere near the extravagance of the dresses and gowns I wore at the castle every day and yet, not common enough.

  When she finished lacing up the back, she braided my long hair. "I don’t know how anyone will ever not suspect you of being someone from wealth," she said, rolling her eyes.

  I crossed my arms. "They won’t."

  Chapter 11

  W HEN IT CAME TIME FOR DINNER, Kara came to fetch us. "I can see someone had a bath," she said with a laugh. "I thought you weren’t trying to look like royalty."

  "All right, I’ve had enough!" I exclaimed. "Both of you need to stop! If I get caught, that’s my problem."

  Kara held back a laugh and said to Ethelyn. "Is that all she packed?"

  I made a noise of frustration and stomped down the hall, not wanting to hear them anymore. As I reached the narrow stairwell, the sounds of laughter and drunkenness wafted up through the floorboards. This would be my first time dining in the tavern of an inn.

  I took a deep breath and made my way down the stairs quickly, hoping to go unnoticed. I was thankful the dress was not velvet for that would have certainly given me away.

  The tavern was full of people laughing and drinking. I scanned the room quickly trying to find Wesley or John. I spotted Stephen at a table in the far corner.

  "Can I help you, Lady?" a serving wench asked me as I walked by. Her skin was dark like the other Malanese, and her hair was tucked underneath a colorful scarf.

  "No, thank you," I said, internally cursing my idiocy for not thinking my wardrobe choices through. "I’m with them." I gestured to the table with Stephen.

  She bowed her head and disappeared back into the crowd.

  I made my way to the corner, sidestepping a man that had stood up too quickly and almost lost his balance. Stephen spotted me and waved. A man I didn't recognize sat beside him, but Wesley and John were nowhere to be seen.

  "Feeling refreshed?" Stephen asked with a wink when I finally reached the table.

  "Very," I said sarcastically.

  The man next to him raised his eyes and looked at me. He was handsome like Stephen and Wesley with brown hair that fell right below his ears, but there was something unsettling about the look in his eyes—perhaps it was the way he stared at me. I didn’t know if I should feel flattered or offended.

  "Norah, this is Roy Halding," Stephen said gesturing to the man.

  "Norah," he said with a slight bow of his head, as Stephen pulled a chair out for me.

  "Pleasure," I said, averting my eyes to Stephen as he sat back down.

  "Roy is the quartermaster of the Enigma," Stephen said. "I ran into him when I went to see the captain."

  "What does that mean?" I asked.

  "I keep order on the ship," Roy replied. "Among other things."

  "And what do you do?" I asked Stephen.

  "He’s the boatswain," Roy said, with a smile. There was a trace of stubble on his cheeks and chin, and his skin was a few shades darker than mine, though not as dark as the Malanese. It was hard to tell where he was from. He had a slight accent, but I couldn’t place it.

  "What does a boatswain do?"

  "I get to inspect the ship each day to insure everything is running smoothly," Stephen said.

  "Sounds intriguing."

  Stephen smiled.

  "So are you the one that wants to come on the Enigma tomorrow?" Roy asked.

  "Yes," I replied, suddenly realizing that Roy could have every bit to do with the captain’s decision.

  He laughed. "Seriously? I thought you said it was a commoner who had been on ships before, Stephen."

  Stephen ran a hand down his face and shook his head. "She is a commoner—she just likes to spend a lot of money on clothing."

  I looked down at my hands, feeling my plan unravel before me. "I can pay your captain quite a bit of money," I said.

  Roy eyed me carefully. "We’ll discuss it further after dinner."

  "There you are," Kara said as she and Ethelyn approached the table. "I wasn’t sure where you all were sitting. Where are Wesley and John?"

  "Right here," Wesley answered. "Looks like we got here just in time."

  Ethelyn sat beside me, and Kara and John sat beside her as Wesley took the seat on my other side. Stephen introduced Roy to everyone, but even when he greeted them, I had the uncanny feeling that he was still staring at me. When I glanced up at him, though, he was looking away and laughing at something Kara had said.

  "Is everything ready for tomorrow?" Wesley asked Stephen as the serving wench gave us each a plate with beef and vegetables.

  I stared down at the overcooked meat and pursed my lips. Ethelyn elbowed me as she began to cut hers into pieces. A commoner would not complain about her food and eat it.

  "Yes," Stephen answered. "Everything is loaded onto the ship, and we will set sail in the morning."

  "I hope the wind is favorable," Wesley said.

  I put a piece of the tough beef into my mouth and tried not to grimace as I chewed it.

  "It should be," Roy said. "It will be a long journey, though."

  "Have you ever been down to Asteria?" John asked.

  "Once, but that was a very long time ago. It was a few years after the rebellion," replied Roy.

  "Well, now you get to go again," Stephen said.

  Roy gave him a tight smile.

  I had given up on the beef and was working on the vegetables when I noticed that everyone had already finished eating. In the castle, you always took your time, for there was no reason to rush—especially when you had guests. However, it was a relief, for I was sick of forcing down the tasteless food.

  "Are you going to eat that?" John asked, eyeing my plate.

  I shook my head. "I’m not hungry."

  "Then give it here," he said, reaching for the plate before I could respond.

  Roy stood. "It was nice to meet you all. Norah, Stephen—let’s go."

  Wesley turned to me with a confused look on his face. "Where are you going?"

  "To ask the captain if he will allow her to sail on the Enigma," Roy replied, his tone implying neither agreement nor disagreement.

  "What?" Wesley exclaimed, as Kara almost choked on her ale.

  "It’s what I want to do," I said, standing.

  "Norah—" Wesley began.

  "There is no point in arguing," Ethelyn said. "She’s made up her mind."

  "Stephen, did you know about this?" Kara asked, appalled at the idea.

  "Not up until an hour ago," he replied.

  "Regardless, the captain is waiting to speak with her, so if you don’t mind, we need to go," Roy said. "It was nice to meet you all."

  "It was good to meet you too," Wesley said, standing and shaking Roy’s hand.

  "Have a safe journey," Kara said, hugging Stephen. "I’m sure I won’t be up early enough to see you off."

  Stephen laughed. "I’ve just got to make sure I’m up early enough."

  "Norah, before you go to bed, come by and see me," Wesley said, worry creasing his brow.

  "I will." I said good night to the others and followed Roy and Stephen out of the inn with Ethelyn close at my heels.

  The docks were quiet for the night now that the sailors had gone off to taverns or retired for an early start. The air was thick with the reek of dead fish and salt. Ships creaked
as the ocean’s waves pushed them towards the shore only to tug them back to sea again. We walked in silence to the large hulking warehouses that loomed up beyond the docks. A few sailors lounged outside of one, smoking cigars and chattering quietly. They watched us curiously as Roy pushed the door to the second warehouse open.

  "There you are, Roy," an older Malanese man with a black beard said as we entered.

  "Still working, I see," Roy said.

  "Well, I wanted to double check that nothing was left." He looked over Roy’s shoulder at the rest of us. "Which is the one that wants to come, Stephen?"

  "Both," Stephen replied. "This is Norah and Ethelyn."

  "Hello," I said, with a smile.

  "I am Captain Matek," the man said, stretching out a hand in greeting.

  "It’s a pleasure," Ethelyn said, shaking his hand.

  He smiled. "Please understand that I am not accustomed to bringing extra people aboard my ship—especially this last minute. I’ve thought it through, and I don’t believe that it would be wise to let you."

  "Please," I said quickly, feeling my chance slipping away. "We can help out on the ship in any way we can."

  "You’re not sailors."

  "I know, but I am willing to learn. I can pay you when we get to Asteria," I insisted.

  The captain sighed. "Let’s say I allow it. I have no place for you to stay on the ship, and I doubt you would want to be sleeping below deck with the crew."

  I hadn’t thought through that part. I’d always had beautiful quarters with Juliette when we sailed on a ship.

  "They can have mine," Roy said.

  I looked over at him, surprised by his offer. He was leaning on a stack of large crates.

  "Are you sure?" Captain Matek asked.

  "Since you are thinking of letting them come, it would not be right to make them sleep with the crew. I’ve done so many times before, and I don’t mind doing it again."

  "Thank you," I said, still confused that he would give up the luxury of having his quarters when we didn’t know each other.

  "Very well then," the captain said. "You can come, and as for the compensation you offered, let us discuss a price."

  ☐☐☐☐

  When we returned to the inn, I was giddy with excitement.