Captain Black Shadow

by Janina Franck

  As if Skip had felt Griffin’s thoughtful gaze, he looked up and smiled.

  “What’s up, Griff?”

  “Uh, nothing. Sorry.”

  Griffin looked down and hurriedly got back to work, but after only two stitches, he stopped again.

  “Actually, I have a question.”

  Skip put his needle down and watched Griffin patiently as he attempted to string together the words. Eventually, he made a decision.

  “What do you actually do?” he asked, making a helpless hand gesture to reinforce his frustrated ignorance.

  Skip smirked.

  “Everything.”

  “Everything?”

  “Everything.”

  Griffin shook his head in incomprehension.

  “What does that even mean? Do you not have any specific tasks to do?”

  Skip reflected for a moment. Then he grinned again.

  “Nope. I just do a bit of everything. I help out with odds and ends and do the things everyone else forgets to do.”

  “Like… what?” Griffin asked hesitantly, uncertain whether he wanted to know.

  “Well, people on this ship sometimes forget that clothes need to be washed on occasion or that the deck needs scrubbing, especially after a fight. It used to be up to me to make sure we had enough reserves. Things like that, you know. The old cook had me wash the dishes for him and I used to help Maco with repairs, especially things that his hands were too big for. Like this.” He held up the thread and needle.

  “I see,” Griffin said. They went back to work, both of them wrapped up in their own thoughts, not speaking much until they were done for the day.

  For as long as the repairs were continuing, Griffin was relieved from his guard duties, which he was grateful for. When he lay down in the evenings he was out within a few seconds, but when he woke up in the mornings he felt as though he had barely closed his eyes.

  After three or four days, the repairs had advanced quite a lot. Now, Griffin only needed a few specific parts to fix the tiller completely. Not daring to speak to Selene, he explained it to Balthasar. He returned to Griffin after talking to their captain and told him that he was to go to the market with Ayalon to get the parts and provisions.

  “Me?” Griffin asked, shocked. Balthasar nodded.

  “Who else? Ye’re the only one who knows what’s to look like, boy.”

  “But what about Maco? He used to do repairs long before I came, can’t he do it?”

  Balthasar sighed. “Gen’ral repairs, sure, but we’d need more time and have the ship stop movin’. An’ we never had t’repair the wheel before, but ye’re trained t’be a shipwright. He could guess what we need, but if anyone knows for sure, it’s ye.”

  Griffin felt hot and cold at the same time. On one hand, he felt flattered that he was trusted to this extent, but on the other hand, he was afraid. Surely, his parents had made his disappearance public. He expected pictures of him hanging around, or clients of his parents, like Marine captains, who could recognize him. It was too risky! He would endanger the Bat and it could be the end of his time with his new friends, and that was the last thing he wanted! If he was found now, he would likely spend the rest of his life under strict supervision back home, with carpentry as his only future.

  “Ye’re a’right, boy?”

  Griffin pulled himself from his thoughts. “Hmm? Oh yes, I’m fine. Why?”

  Balthasar watched him thoughtfully. “Ye’re a bit spume colored.”

  Griffin smiled. “Don’t worry, I’m fine. But I really can’t go to the market. I can’t leave the ship yet!”

  “Why not?”

  “Doesn’t matter. But I can draw a picture of the parts we need and add the sizes we need them in, then Skip could go in my place and get everything.”

  Luckily for Griffin, Balthasar didn’t ask for any further explanation. Instead he shrugged and said, “Not my d’cision, but I’ll ask Selene.”

  Griffin could only hope that Selene would make the right choice. Worst case: he might have to explain his reasons, but depending on her mood, his arguments would be like flags in a storm.

  Sighing, he went to the galley with Aestiva to carry out his duties. After a few moments, Skip burst in. He beamed at Griffin.

  “Congrats!” he yelled. “I just heard the news! Can you get me something?”

  Griffin looked at his friend, uncomprehending.

  “What are you talking about?” he asked. Aestiva prowled around his legs and purred as though she was teasing him. Griffin figured it out. The market. He sighed. “You mean just now?”

  Skip nodded. “Yeah, Selene was just talking to Balthasar.”

  Griffin bit his lip. He had to try to change Selene’s mind, even if he suspected his attempts to do so would be in vain.

  Trying to not reveal his unease, he joked around with Skip a bit, attempting to fish for information about the market.

  It seemed like Skip was familiar with the one Griffin was being sent to. “It’s big and colorful and you’ll find pretty much anything you could wish for. And I really mean anything. It’s a place where you can have a lot of fun…”

  Skip winked conspiratorially.

  “You mean something like seass tournaments? And festivals?” Griffin asked. Fun seemed rather irrelevant. He watched as a dumbfounded expression spread on his friend’s face. Even Aestiva seemed irritated.

  After a moment Skip gathered himself.

  “Just forget about it,” he mumbled. “In any case it’s the safest port to get close to, because no other pirates dare to.”

  For a moment, Griffin was speechless.

  “Why are we going to a place they avoid?” he eventually managed to say.

  Skip grinned. “Because of that.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “It’s one of the major strongholds of the Marine. Their administration is in Quienlav, but this is where they keep most of their ships and training grounds.”

  Griffin couldn’t believe his ears. “Th-the Marine’s main port?” he stammered. “You mean Marcatia? That port has to be the most guarded one there is! How are we supposed to get in there? Have you all lost your minds?”

  Skip laughed and said, “It used to be guarded excellently, but then they got careless because no pirates ever come close. By now it’s the place where they expect us the least, so strategically it’s the best place to go to stock up on our provisions. The Bat is too obvious though so you’re being sent alone.”

  “I’m dead,” Griffin said.

  Skip snickered again, patting him on the shoulder before walking away. Griffin stood a little lost in the galley. Aestiva prowled around his legs, purring. After a little, while he knelt down to pick her up.

  “How am I supposed to explain to these crazy people that I can’t go on land?” he asked the kitten. Aestiva merely rubbed her head on his cheek.

  “I don’t care.” Selene turned away.

  Griffin had tried to explain to her why he didn’t want to go on land, but she didn’t seem to want to listen to reason.

  “Just be careful,” she suggested instead. Griffin sighed. Selene had been especially cool and unapproachable ever since they had returned to the Bat. Somehow, she had perfected the art of letting her words, looks and gestures create icicles.

  He watched after her as she stomped away. Griffin knew her well enough by now to know that he had lost. Whether he liked it or not, he didn’t have a choice: He was going to Marcatia. An icy shudder went down his back as he thought about what might happen. His freedom and future were on the line.

  Just before she went below deck, Selene turned back around to him and shouted, “We’ll get there at noon tomorrow. Be ready! Balthasar will give you money and a list so you know what to buy.”

  Sighing, Griffin went back to the galley to prepare dinner. Stirring the stew, he had a thought: What if he wore a disguise? Then there would be no reason to worry on this li
ttle adventure. He resolved to ask Zero after dinner. Maybe he would know some tricks that even someone who wasn’t a shapeshifter could use.

  “You wish for a transformation?” Joe chimed in with a promising smile. Zero only grinned.

  Griffin had a terrible premonition. He had just explained the situation to Zero and asked him for help when Joe had come over.

  “I must humbly request for you to come to our chamber,” said Joe before he and Zero sauntered away. A little concerned, Griffin wondered if it had been a good idea to ask Zero for help after all, yet he hurried after them to their cabin. Once all three were inside, Joe and Zero looked at him closely.

  “Turn in a circle,” Joe ordered. “And do keep your back straight.”

  Griffin did as he was told, wondering where this was going. Joe and Zero watched every step critically. Then, Joe had him do a number of simple movements. Griffin followed his instructions and after a little while, Joe nodded.

  “Your movements ought to pass as elegant enough. Zero, be a dear and do prepare the costume.”

  Zero rummaged in a chest for a moment and produced some fabrics. Meanwhile, Joe worked on taking Griffin’s measurements. The boy felt more uncomfortable with every passing moment. What were those two planning? Despite his insecurity, he didn’t dare ask. He didn’t even want to know the answer. Eventually, Joe appeared to have everything he needed.

  “Return in the early hours of the morrow and the disguise will seem a masterwork,” Joe declared with a smile, shooing Griffin out of the room.

  With mixed feelings, Griffin returned to his own cabin. Ryo and Skip weren’t there. He suspected that they were either playing cards, drinking or on early guard duty. Drinking seemed the most likely. He decided to just go to sleep while it was quiet. He wasn’t on guard duty tonight and should probably save his energy for the next day. Aestiva kept him company.

  Aestiva woke him up by nuzzling his ear. It was time for Griffin to prepare breakfast and he had almost overslept. Grateful for the wake-up call, he stroked Aestiva’s head and rushed to the galley. A few minutes later, everything was in the mess, ready to be eaten.

  After breakfast, Selene walked past him and said without looking at him, “Be ready in an hour. Joe told me about your plan.”

  It occurred to him that she almost certainly knew more about it than he did, but her blank expression gave nothing away.

  One hour. That was less time than he had expected. They must have had favorable winds. Griffin made his way to Joe and Zero’s cabin, but he stopped in the door as if struck by lightning. He turned ashen pale and had to grab the door frame, so he wouldn’t fall over.

  Aestiva rubbed herself against his leg and purred encouragingly, if a little teasingly.

  Griffin felt as if she was making fun of him. Zero had now turned into a colorful parrot and was sitting on Joe’s shoulder. Both looked at Griffin with anticipation. The boy only shook his head over and over.

  “No! Not a chance! I can’t wear that!” he croaked, pointing to the silky blue dress that was laid out in front of him. Next to it there was a wig, a hat and shoes, as well as a bag. It was a matching set, and in current fashion for young ladies.

  Joe seemed disappointed.

  “But you oughtn’t speak too quickly. These robes will disguise your real identity entirely and you will not be in danger,” he pleaded.

  Still, Griffin was shaking his head. He was determined not to dress as a girl. Selene would see him in it. How could he possibly bring himself to wear a dress? There had to be another way.

  He was about to turn around and escape, but suddenly, a hand on his shoulder held him back. Zero had transformed into a gorilla. Griffin gulped. Zero and Joe exchanged a look. The shapeshifter pulled Griffin back into the cabin and closed the door.

  A few minutes later, Joe, an owl, a kitten, and a young girl emerged from the room. The girl appeared shy and embarrassed. She wouldn’t look anyone in the eyes as she followed Joe onto deck. Eventually, she stood before Ayalon, Baltasar and Selene, who regarded her curiously.

  “Such a pretty girl, can we really let her go to the market without a chaperone?”

  “I don’t need a chaperone,” Griffin growled through his gritted teeth.

  Ayalon made a noise that Griffin identified as laughter. He sighed. At least there was no way anyone would recognize him like this. Grumbling, he climbed onto the dwarf dragon. This presented a challenge, as Griffin wasn’t used to wearing skirts. Why did Joe even have a dress like this? It didn’t make any sense. Even Selene was unlikely to have a dress, but at least it would have been sort of plausible. But why Joe possessed one was incomprehensible to him.

  Before Ayalon lifted off, Balthasar pushed a little leather pouch into Griffin’s hand. Inside were some coins and a list with the things they needed.

  “I’m expecting you back by sundown,” Selene remarked. Griffin merely nodded.

  It wasn’t a long flight. They had hardly spent half an hour in the air when they reached the island. Griffin looked down to give himself an idea of his surroundings. He felt queasy when he recognized the Marine ships gathered in the harbor and the bay. The castle and the giant walls surrounding Marcatia didn’t help. Everywhere he looked, he saw men in auburn Marine uniforms scurrying around like ants. Griffin was sure they were all armed to the teeth and just waiting for an opportunity to attack him. More paranoid thoughts swirled around in his head while Ayalon searched for a good place to land. He found a clearing in a little forest nearby that was close enough, so Griffin didn’t have to waste too much time getting to the market but had enough cover to land unnoticed.

  It didn’t take Griffin long to reach the wall. A little way over to his right was the door, through which foot passengers from the other side of the island could reach the market. Griffin tried to look calm and confident as he walked past the Marine lieutenant on guard. His heart was racing, and adrenaline shot through his body. Only with tremendous effort did he manage to resist the urge to run away. He had to remind himself repeatedly that he was dressed as a young lady and had to act as such if he didn’t want to be discovered.

  He tried to navigate the streets and alleys of Marcatia, letting the general flow of people guide his way. The city had wide streets with small, colorful houses that had no gardens. There were a few public parks that appeared to be maintained and visited regularly, but even they were small and not nearly as nice as the wild flora on Kyalta. Some people in lumpy clothing were begging at street corners while others were performing circus acts in the hopes of getting some coins thrown to them by the crowd.

  The closer Griffin got to the market, the more difficult it became to move freely. He was surrounded by women as well as Marine soldiers. Only with enormous willpower could he force down the urge to run away and keep up the semblance of a confident young woman on her way to the market.

  The market itself was colorful, loud and full of people. Griffin forced himself through crowds to get everything Balthasar had written on his list and the remaining parts needed for the repairs. He was almost done and had mostly forgotten his paranoia when he saw it. It hung by the fountain near the center of the market. It was a giant poster with his face on it. There was a reward for any helpful information about his whereabouts.

  His parents had figured out that he had been on the Crow and now held on to the desperate hope that he had either been set down somewhere before the attack or captured by pirates instead of killed. He stood in front of the poster and read the distressed plea his parents had written to the people of Jianlah over and over again.

  He was so sorry. He had never wanted to hurt them like this. The truth was, when he had run away, he hadn’t thought that it would bring them this much pain. Actually, he hadn’t thought about anyone else but himself, he realized, ashamed. Still, he knew that he didn’t regret the choice he had made. He was happy on the Bat. He felt he belonged there. It seemed right. If he could just send his parents a message…


  But Griffin knew that was impossible. Should his parents find out that he was part of the Bat’s crew, it would be like the end of the world to them. It mustn’t happen. This way, his parents would maybe think someday that he was dead. It would make things easier, since they could never see him again anyway.

  Still… It hurt.

  It was odd. Being sent to Marcatia would have been the perfect opportunity to escape and go back home. Or he could start a new adventure, one where the prospect of death was not quite as prevalent. He wondered if he should take it. He could see his parents again, or at least let them know that he was okay. But he didn’t want to leave the Bat. So much had happened that he couldn’t bear the thought of not being with his friends anymore. And in order to do that without putting them in danger, he couldn’t contact his parents. It would be better if they thought he was dead, as horrible as it made him feel.

  He didn’t know for how long he was standing in front of the poster, but eventually, two men stood beside him. Both wore the uniform of the Marine. The left one put his hand on Griffin’s shoulder and said, grinning, “Well, who do we have here?”

  Griffin’s heart stood still for a moment. Had they seen through his disguise?

  The right one laughed. “Such a pretty lady, all alone in such a big city?”

  Griffin almost sighed in relief. These two had no clue. They really thought he was a woman. And all thanks to Joe and Zero. Silently, he thanked his comrades. He smiled and tried to look as feminine as possible.

  The eyes of the soldier on the right moved to the poster.

  “Ah, I see. That guy has probably been dead for quite some time. Apparently, the ship he was hiding on was taken out completely. No survivors, and the corpses were mutilated to a point where it was impossible to identify anyone.”

  “They also attacked Garillya the other day,” said the other man. “They were there for hours, torturing women and children slowly, after destroying their homes. They sent about fifty of their men into the city and killed everyone in sight! The Emperor’s furious about the Coinbaron’s death. I suppose it means that taxes are gonna be a little lax for a while. But don’t worry, there’s no pirate trash in this town. And if anything should happen, we’re here to protect you personally.”