The Lost Star's Sea

by C. Litka

  01

  The following round I found Cin getting ready to visit the Temtre encampment once again. I objected.

  'Why?' she asked. 'Kin DeKan gave us the freedom of the Assembly, didn't he?'

  'I've been doing business in the Unity and drifts for several decades now, and I know that deals are finalized with a handshake, or as they do here, clasping wrists. DeKan didn't offer that form, sealing the agreement. We've only what he said to go on, and having us shadowed to find our boat is hardly a sign that he trusts us or that he can be trusted in turn. I suspect his offer was only a tactical retreat. They're on to us, and outsiders are clearly not welcome, especially since this is their treasure island. As I know too well, the dead tell no tales. We'd be fools to return.'

  Cin had her pride. 'They have hostages who will be released at some point after visiting this island. We are not any different. You don't have to go, but I'm going. I can look after myself.'

  'Why in the Neb do you want to risk getting captured or killed? We've seen it all. We have all the intelligence we need. Things are getting a bit rowdy down there as we know, firsthand. There's nothing to be gained. All we have to do now is wait a round or two and we can be on our way. We're on the verge of a new life. Can't you be prudent, my dear, just this once?' I probably should've stopped one sentence short of where I did, for I saw the flash of anger in her eyes.

  'Stay here and be prudent. I still want to add to my collection of recipes. And I will not be intimidated by a pack of primitive trader/pirates, drunk or sober. DeKan said we were welcome and I'm going to hold him to his word. And if he breaks it, he'll pay.

  'Are you ready, Siss? We should be on our way before they all set sail. You don't have to come along, Captain Canary. Siss and I are perfectly capable of looking after ourselves.''

  Siss, ever eager for her Temtre friends, was out the hatch in a flash.

  'Right. We'll go then. I'm taking my sword, since we're done pretending. Do you want yours as well?'

  She smiled brightly. 'That's the spirit, Captain Canary! Yes, I'll wear mine as well. That should protect us.'

  The last was sarcastic, but I grabbed the swords along with my tricorne hat anyway. They'd be handy if we ran into any more drunken Clan-chiefs.