“Why don’t you take them on directly?” Lorit asked.
“Because people will fear us as much as they fear the temple if we interfere directly. Most people do not realize that we have been walking among them, guiding their lives for generations. They would not think favorably of us if they came to realize this,” he explained.
“I don’t understand,” Lorit said. He looked first at Zhimosom, then at Rotiaqua looking for an answer.
“We’re old and powerful. There are too many people who remember us just as we are today, from when they were young. If we acted directly against the temple, this would surely become common knowledge. We cannot afford to have people realize what we are and what we’re capable of. It will unsettle them,” Rotiaqua explained.
“But we’re just a couple of kids,” Lorit said with a sigh.
“That is correct. You are just a couple of kids. If you defeat the temple, even if people hear the truth, they will not fear you. They will not think you capable of such power and will discount your accomplishments due to your age.”
“If we are becoming paired, then how long do you think before this pairing will be complete?” Lorit asked. He was worried about what he had gotten himself into.
“Oh, not all that long,” Rotiaqua said. “It should only take a few decades or so.”
Lorit awoke to someone pounding on the door. It rattled him through the deck and jarred him awake. It was still dark, well before dawn. “Get yer lazy bones up to work,” came the gruff command. “Both of ye,” the voice added.
Lorit shook himself awake; he reached out with his mind to find the candle. He envisioned flame appearing above the candle as it lighted itself. The candle remained dark. “Ignio,” he said. The candle stubbornly remained unlit. “Ignio,” he said again, louder this time. Still nothing happened. He was preparing another command, when he saw a flare burst into life and rush through the air. It touched the top of the candle.
The candle flared to life revealing Chihon standing there, lit match in hand. She was holding the box of matches he’d carried in his pack since leaving home. “Something about being out on the water mutes some of the spells,” she said. “Fire spells are particularly subject to the dampening effects of water. It’s some sort of elemental collision.”
Lorit sat up and rubbed his aching arms. “I wish someone had warned me about that, particularly since we’re out in the middle of the water at the moment.”
“Rotiaqua explained it to me before we left. Did you get in touch with Zhimosom last night?” she asked as she pulled on her boots.
Lorit rummaged through his pack and found his extra coat. It was spring, but the weather on deck was far from mild. The cold winds cut through his clothes to bite at his flesh. “I did get in touch with him. Zhimosom wants us to change plans, and take on the temple in Veldwaite before we head to Quineshua.”
“Did he say why, or was it just another Wizard’s mystery?”
“He said that Vorathorm is the one who killed my sister. We’re going there to deal with him before we take on Sulrad.” He carefully opened the door to let Chihon out into the passageway ahead of him. “He had a lot more to say. I can fill you in on the rest later, when we finish up the day’s chores.”
Lorit headed back to the fore deck where he’d been instructed to report. A short, stocky man stood next to the hatchway, his outline shadowing the light flickering from behind him. Lorit recognized him. His name was Poroth. “Sleep well, princess?” he asked Lorit as he climbed the stairs.
“Thank you, I did,” Lorit answered.
“Good, I’m glad you’re all rested up. We have a long day ahead of us today, and I don’t want you dozing off while you're supposed to be working.”
Lorit crossed the short stretch of the deck to stand before Poroth. “What do you have for me today?” he asked. He hoped it would not be as much hauling. They’d completed much of that the day before.
“How are you at climbing?”
Lorit looked up the tall mast where the day before the crew had unfurled the sail. It was still unfurled and capturing the morning breeze.
“Not up there,” Poroth said. “We’re heading forward.” He motioned Lorit around the fore cabin. The narrow passage between the walls of the fore cabin and the rail were slippery from the splashing of the waves as the ship cut through them.
The sun was just coming up enough to light their way. In front of the fore cabin were a series of benches with holes in them, lining the forward railing. A covered box sat between the benches. Poroth opened the box to reveal rope mesh. He reached down and pulled open a trap door on the deck immediately adjacent to the box.
“Drop the rope down there. Grab yourself a bucket and brush and head on down. The head needs scrubbing,” he said pointing to the opened hatch.
Lorit looked at him questioningly.
“You didn’t eat your breakfast yet, did you?”
“No sir,” Lorit answered. He hoped the man was going to grant him a reprieve to get breakfast before the day’s labor began.
“Good, ‘cause you wouldn’t be able to keep it down,” he said. “Now get yourself a bucket and brush and get to work,” he repeated.
The wind cut through his clothes as Lorit hung from the mesh, scrubbing the bow of the ship. To make matters even worse, sailors came to relieve themselves while he worked. The considerate ones called out a warning, the others only laughed.
He brushed with soapy water all along the bow where the night soil struck the hull, all the way down to the water line. The bow wave kept the sides of the ship clean, or Lorit had no doubt he would be required to scrub those, too.
It was mid morning before Poroth declared the job done and allowed Lorit a moment’s respite and breakfast. He entered the galley to find the hot breakfast was all gone.
Chihon took a seat opposite him on one of the benches. “I tried to save something for you, but they ate it all,” she said. She offered him a portion of hard bread and sharp cheese. She handed him a mug of steaming, dark tea.
“I don’t mind hard work, but this is a little bit much.” He held out his hands so she could see the red, chapped skin that evidenced his morning’s labor.
“I know,” she answered him. “They’re treating me like a slave. Half of the work they have me doing is just busy work to keep me going. I’m exhausted already and it’s hardly mid morning.”
Chihon poured herself a mug of tea. She wrapped her hands around it, lifting it to her lips as she gently blew on the surface to cool it off.
“Girl! Get back in this kitchen,” came the shouts of the cook. “We have to get started on lunch. We have a ship load of hungry sailors to feed. No time to relax.”
“I am coming!” Chihon shouted back into the kitchen.
“Girl! You hear me?” the cook shouted once more.
“I better get back in there,” Chihon said, carrying her mug of tea with her. “I’ll catch up with you later,” she added, scurrying into the kitchen. “I’m here,” she shouted at the deaf cook.
After a brief respite, Poroth poked his head into the galley. “Let’s get back to work,” he growled at Lorit. “This morning you had a nice easy job. This afternoon won’t be so relaxing.”
Lorit stood up and placed his plate and mug in the bin beside the kitchen. He walked over to the sailor and straightened himself up. “We’re paying passengers, not slaves,” he said. “Not that I mind helping out a bit here and there.”
“My apologies,” Poroth said. He looked at Lorit as if to convey regret. “Why don’t we go see the first mate and talk it over with him?” He stepped aside and gestured to Lorit to precede him down the passageway.
Lorit stepped out of the galley and headed forward. He was convinced that Darves would have a different take on this. Suddenly, he felt a sharp blow to his head. Darkness fell around him and he crumpled to the deck.
Lorit woke with a pounding headache, in a small cell. He lay on the deck, curled up, holding his head. As he careful
ly sat up, the pounding of pain drummed its cadence on the tender spot in his skull, beating in time with his heart.
He rubbed his head, trying to get his eyes to focus. It was late afternoon, by the looks of the sunlight streaming in from the portal. He faded in and out of consciousness, finally coming to his senses some time after darkness had fallen.
“What happened?” Lorit asked of no one in particular. A sailor sat on a stool across the passageway from his cell.
“Belaying pin,” he said. He reached behind him and hefted one of the thick, solid wooden pegs used to tie off the lines that ran everywhere on the ship. “They’re everywhere. You have to watch out for them,” he added, laughing.
“Who hit me? Why am I in this cell?” Lorit asked. He pulled at the bars. They felt quite secure.
“I heard you had a disagreement with Poroth. He can be rather bad-tempered when you challenge him.”
“I need to speak to the Captain or the First Mate,” Lorit said. “I’m a paying passenger on this ship, not a slave.”
“I’m sure the First Mate will be along to see you soon. He asked me to let him know when you woke,” the sailor said. “I sent a runner to inform him just a while ago.”
Darves entered the brig carrying a lantern in front of him. He hung it on a spike near the stool and gestured to the sailor. The sailor quickly rose and exited the brig. Darves took his seat quietly, staring at Lorit.
‘What’s going on here?” Lorit demanded. “Why am I in this cell?” He rattled the cell door for emphasis.
“You’re in the cell because you annoyed one of my officers,” Darves said.
“All I did was ask to see you or the Captain,” Lorit said. “As paying passengers we’ve been poorly treated,” Lorit said. He sat on the bench in the cell and folded his arms across his chest.
“That’s true, as paying passengers you have been poorly treated,” Darves repeated. “Unfortunately, you’re no longer paying passengers. Your status has changed somewhat.”
“What do you mean it’s changed?” Lorit demanded. He stood and grasped the bars once more. “We paid handsomely for passage on this ship, did we not?”
“Aye, you did indeed. It’s the Captain, you see. He’s had a change in heart.”
“What does that mean?” Lorit asked. He didn’t like the way the conversation was going.
“The Captain has decided he could use another crewman like yourself. You’re strong and healthy and young. You’d make a great addition to the crew.”
“And Chihon? What about her?”
Darves shifted his weight on the stool as if embarrassed. “The Captain has taken a fancy to her.” He stood, lifted the lantern from the spike and turned his back.
“Don’t worry about your friend,” he said. “The Captain treats his ladies very well, once they settle down.”
He exited the brig, closing the heavy hatch behind him and plunged Lorit into darkness except for the little sliver of moonlight that entered the single portal on the far wall.
Chihon finished washing up after the evening meal. She was exhausted and ready to retire when the cook ambled over to her and said, “Get on with ye. Tomorrow is another long day.”
“Thank you,” she said, “Do you know where Lorit is? I haven’t seen him since breakfast.”
“I don’t get out of the kitchen much. You could ask the First Mate.”
“Thank you,” Chihon said. She headed for the cabin, hoping to find Lorit there ahead of her. When she arrived, the cabin was empty. She headed for the aft cabins, looking for the First Mate.
“Where you going, Missy?” asked a short, stocky man who blocked the passageway.
“I’m looking for the Captain,” she said, attempting to push past him.
“Not so fast. Stay here and talk to old Poroth, why don’t you?” he asked, turning to fill the passageway, barring her way.
“I want to see the Captain,” Chihon repeated. “I’m a paying passenger, and I demand to speak with him.”
“Let’s go back to our cabin and wait for him, why don’t we?” He grabbed her arm and pushed her ahead of him.
Chihon struggled, but he was too strong. When they reached the cabin, he shoved her inside hard enough to cause her to stumble, and land in a heap on the bunk. His bulk blocked the hatchway as he stood looking at her.
“I think the Captain will be glad to pay you a visit,” he said. “I’ll let him know you’re preparing for his arrival.”
The hatch slammed shut. Chihon could hear the door being barred from the outside. She tried it, but it was locked firmly.
Chihon heard a scratching at the door, which was followed by a flood of light that framed the Captain in the hatchway. “You wanted to see me?” he asked. He leaned against the side of the hatchway as if he were engaging her in a casual conversation and not holding her hostage.
“Where is Lorit?” she demanded. “Why am I being held prisoner?”
“Hold on a moment,” the Captain said. “Yer young feller was involved in a scuffle with one of me mates. I put him in the brig to keep him safe. Some of the boys can get a bit over excited some times. I didn’t want yer feller getting all cut up or beaten while under me care.”
“Can I see him?” Chihon knew that something had happened. She felt the pain Lorit had experienced as he was beaten, and that he had only just become conscious again.
“Aye, not tonight ye can’t. Everyone is already turning in, and the brig is all locked up. Tomorrow morning you can see him,” the Captain assured her.
Chihon stood up to look the Captain in the eye. “Why are you lying to me?” she demanded. “I know he’s been hurt, and you’re keeping him locked up, just like you’re doing to me.”
She leaned closer to him trying to intimidate him with a look. If only her magic had strength here, she could've handled him easily.
The Captain just laughed. “You’re a sharp one, you are.” He reached for his belt and pulled up a large wooden peg. “You know what this is? It’s a belaying pin,” he said, brandishing it at her. “This is what yer feller had a run in with earlier today.”
He placed the weapon back in his belt as Chihon backed away. “This, and one of me mates. You met him a little bit ago. Name’s Poroth. A real fine sailor, he is. None too bright, though.
“You, on the other hand, are a smart one. I haven’t decided if I’m going to keep you for meself or sell you, once we get to Nebrook,” he said, looking her over. “You may have a touch more spunk than I care to break this early in the season. I’ll have to think on it.”
He backed out of the hatchway and bowed an exaggerated bow. “Until later?” he asked.
Chihon spat at him as he slammed the hatch and shoved the bolt home from the outside.
Chihon rested on her bunk as she stared at the candle flame that helped her get in touch with the Sorceress. It flickered and sputtered for a long time, but refused to take on the familiar form of the old woman she sought. Finally, just as she was about to give up, she felt the flame coalesce to reveal the form of the Sorceress.
“What’s wrong, child?” Rotiaqua asked.
Chihon leaned forward. Tears streamed down her face as she conveyed the horror of their situation to the Sorceress.
“There isn’t much you can do at the moment,” Rotiaqua said. “While you’re over deep water, you’re too far from the earth. This is why you’re almost powerless where you are. We knew the risks, but didn’t feel that you would be in extreme danger. Wizards rarely travel by water, as it puts us at such a disadvantage.”
“When will we regain our powers?” Chihon asked.
“You should start to feel them return as you reach the shore. Once in port, you will be close enough to the earth to draw power from it once again,” she explained. “How much longer is the voyage expected to last?”
“We’re to port in Nebrook in a few days.”
“Good, then all you have to do is stay out of trouble for a while. Do you think that’s possible?”
<
br /> “The Captain said he’s deciding if he should sell me, or keep me for himself,” Chihon said. “He thinks I might be too much trouble to keep.”
“That’s probably a good thing. If he plans to sell you, he won’t want to damage you before you get to the market in Nebrook. He’ll probably leave you alone until then,” she explained. “What about Lorit?”
“He was beaten and thrown in the brig. I could feel his pain and disorientation. He only became clear headed again just after nightfall. He’s sleeping peacefully for the moment.”
The Sorceress leaned in closer to Chihon. “I think I have a plan for how you can get back at the Captain,” she said with a smile.
Carefully, she explained to Chihon how they could repay the Captain for his kindness. Chihon listened intently. As her understanding of the plan formed, her spirits lifted. All she had to do was stay out of the way of the Captain until they entered port.
“Now that we have that out of the way,” Rotiaqua said, “I want to come meet you in Nebrook. I think you could use my help.”
“I thought you had a young boy in your care,” Chihon said.
“I have him with me. We were headed towards you until we lost Lorit to the priests. We’ve backtracked and are almost to the Swaldby Abby,” she continued. “They don’t want to take him in because he has his powers, but I think I can bind him to mask his magic. That should keep him safe while I come to you.”
“That doesn’t sound safe for him,” Chihon said. “He would be at risk even bound like that, wouldn’t he?”
“There is some risk, but the risk to the two of you is the greater risk we must avoid. Zhimosom explained to Lorit about the pairing. We desperately need the two of you to continue on the path which you have begun. We can’t afford to lose you to this adventure. That’s much more important than any one child.”
“Not to the child,” Chihon said. “I don’t think Lorit will see it that way either. He’s still very upset about losing Ardser. If something happened to Chedel, he would be furious.”
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