Privateer (The Five Kingdoms #1)

by Robin Roseau

  Captain Westmere didn't need my help with navigation. It was difficult asking questions without telling her I knew exactly where we were. I had watched the ships growing closer and found myself growing increasingly nervous, but then we had changed heading, and I knew she wouldn't need my help. If she had herself grown nervous as to where we were, I may have been forced to give up my secrets.

  The kisses had been nice. I was looking forward to the other two. But I couldn't let the captain believe she would receive more than kisses. If she grew forward, I wasn't sure I wouldn't grow weak.

  When I took her, it would be on my terms, not hers, and it would not be out of gratitude for my safety.

  I wondered if she realized I was taming her. I wondered if she realized I was teaching her to give me what I wanted.

  She let me stay on the quarterdeck, and I rewarded her generously. But I realized I was rewarding myself as well. She felt very good.

  If only she had a respectable career. I wasn't done working on that. And she had shown not one bit of remorse for how she had treated me.

  I continued to serve the officers. Then I told the captain, "I am sure the other passengers are just as scared as I was. May I stop by and give them a status update?"

  The captain agreed, and so I found myself in the guest and officer cabin corridor again. I knocked first at Glora's door. Lindora answered, reluctantly granting me entrance.

  It was the first time I had been to this cabin. I knew where it was, but I hadn't been invited, and I hadn't invited myself. Three more sets of eyes turned to look at me, and as soon as Minori saw me, she flew across the room to wrap me in a hug.

  "I'm so scared, Auntie Rani," she confessed. "Mama says we're going to be okay, but she's been wringing her hands, so I know she's scared, too."

  "Minori!" Glora yelled.

  "Glora," I said. "I was terrified myself, but the captain has allowed me to stay with her, and I believe we are safe. We are much, much faster than the other ships, and they are falling behind. However, you must stay in your cabin for a while longer."

  "We're safe?" Minori asked. "Are you sure?"

  "I believe we're safe, but the captain mentions vague, rare possibilities. The officers are calm and relaxed. The crew is still at general quarters, but the captain has ordered a late dinner. I believe dinner will serve as a good indication we are safe."

  "Will there be a fight?" Jorek asked.

  "I do not believe so," I replied. "I think I can bring a snack, if you are hungry."

  "Our water jug is empty," Glora replied.

  "I will bring what I can. It may be a few minutes. I must reassure everyone else first."

  "Did the captain send you to us?" Glora asked.

  "I asked permission to come. Glora, may I speak with you for a moment in the passageway?"

  "Of course," she said. She climbed from the bed, and together we stepped outside. "No eavesdropping," she ordered her children, and they all settled down on the beds obediently. Out in the passageway, I told Glora a few more details, including the captain's repeated assurances the passengers were safe.

  "Do you believe her?"

  "She said she wouldn't risk the passengers. I believe her."

  Glora put her hand on my arm for a moment. "I am sorry any of us are going through this, Rani, but I am very glad you are here."

  "I am, too." I paused. "Glora, do you know that I prefer women?"

  "Yes."

  "Does it bother you?"

  "You and the captain?"

  "Not necessarily. In general. Would you keep Minori from me?"

  "No," she said firmly. "No. But you and the captain?"

  "I don't know. Not with her current career choice."

  Glora smiled. "You and Minori are working on that."

  "Yes, but I do not believe we are making headway."

  "You want her though, don't you?"

  "I don't know. My body wants her body. But she has not apologized for my initial welcome to her ship."

  "So she hasn't had you yet?"

  "No, and if there is any having, I will be the one doing it."

  Glora laughed. "Love comes where it comes, Rani. But I expect you to remain an active participant in Minori's life, and I do not want her to become a seaman."

  We hugged. For the first time in our lives, Glora and I hugged. She kissed my cheek when we parted and thanked me for bringing news. I promised to return with whatever food I could lure away from the cooks.

  I stopped by the other cabins, having much shorter conversations at each of them. I promised food and supplies then finally found my way to the galley.

  The cooks were busy, but when I appeared in the doorway, the head cook turned to me. "More food for the captain?"

  "The guests. Water, tea, sandwiches, or even just some fruit. Whatever is quick and easy, but I believe something hot would be appreciated. I'll need more tea for the quarterdeck, but I'll fetch the pots and return."

  "Findor," the cook said. "Give some of those sandwiches to the passengers. We can make more. Make sure they're warm. Tea and water as well. Help Ms. Karden deliver."

  "I can deliver if my coming in and out isn't a disruption. The captain hasn't asked, but I think the officers could use a small snack as well."

  "Okay," she said. "Findor, give her what she needs."

  "Aye-aye," he said.

  So I ran back and forth, making deliveries first to the other passengers, then I brought fruit to the officers and collected the pots. I told the captain what I was doing, and she smiled warmly at me.

  I glanced at the ships, which were noticeably further away. I crushed her in a hug and ran off for hot tea. The cook asked if I would help deliver food to other places in the ship.

  "Ma'am, I can ask the captain, but I am unsure whether my parole allows you to invite me to those sections of the ship. You are not an officer, are you?"

  "No. If she will allow you to deliver, it is appreciated."

  So I carried hot tea and more water to the quarterdeck and relayed the cook's request. She considered me for a moment. "You are willing to help?"

  "Yes, Captain."

  "All right. I do not want you on the gun deck."

  "I don't know where that is."

  "One level below the main deck. Tell the cook. You are not allowed on the gun deck or in the rigging. You may help serve the crew at their locations. You may help carry things to the gun deck, but you will not go through the door onto the deck itself. You will return to me immediately if the ship does anything unusual."

  "To be clear, I may access the forecastle and the other portions of the ship I am normally not allowed, except the gun deck and the rigging?"

  "Yes. If this seems to be taking a long time, I expect you to check back with me frequently."

  "Yes, Captain."

  "Also tell the cook, I want you in sight of a crewmember for these duties."

  "You don't trust me?"

  "I do. I don't want any questions later from any other quarter."

  "You're protecting me?"

  "Yes."

  "Thank you, Captain."

  "Ask the officers if they have additional requests."

  "Yes, Captain. Did you have any special requests?"

  "Only that you keep us supplied as you have. It is much appreciated. If this goes on longer than I expect, we will need more warm food."

  I checked with the other officers. The quartermaster asked for anything warm that I could bring her and was fine with whenever it arrived. The navigator only asked I keep the tea hot.

  "It's been getting chilled," she said.

  "My apologies."

  "It wasn't a complaint, Ms. Karden. Thank you for seeing to our needs."

  I returned to the galley and reported to the cook, carefully relaying the captain's instructions.

  I spent the next two hours helping to deliver food throughout the ship, earning more than a few surprised looks. Periodically I checked back with the officers, and each time I was there, I li
ngered for a moment or two in the captain's arms, watching the enemy ships recede in the distance.

  When I referred to them as "enemy ships" to the captain, she chuckled. "Those ships are your friends."

  "Then I thank you for avoiding them, Captain. I would not have wanted anyone on those ships to die any more than I wanted anyone on this ship to die."

  Finally I had delivered food, water and tea throughout most of the ship. The captain sent me to the galley for more hot tea and told me to ask the cook if she were done with me.

  "Dinner will be rushed," the cook declared. "If she can send me help, it would be appreciated. But you are done delivering."

  The captain considered the latest message. "I want you here with me," she said. She called out to the first mate. "Commander, dinner tonight will be in shifts commencing in two hours."

  "Aye-aye, captain."

  She turned us both to the trailing ships. Dusk was approaching, and it was difficult to see them in the gloom and distance.

  "We are safe," I declared.

  "Barring very bad luck, yes. We'll lose them thoroughly once it is full dark. Rani, there will be no light exposed on the ship tonight."

  "Are you telling me I must go to the cabin?"

  "No. But your time running errands is nearing an end for the day. You may retire if you wish, but I would like you to stay, if you are willing."

  "I would like that. And you may continue to hold me, but there will be no more spontaneous kisses."

  "You owe me two more."

  "In the cabin."

  She chuckled. "Agreed."

  "Before bed. But Sorri, no more than the two kisses. I will become angry."

  "I will count myself lucky," she agreed. "Do you believe there are those amongst our passengers who would volunteer to help in the galley?"

  "You know Minori will."

  "Then you and I will take a short walk to the galley, and then you may ask for volunteers."

  Together we descended to the main deck then to the galley. The captain addressed the cook. "How many volunteers do you require, and how skilled should they be?"

  "Two skilled, two able to chop vegetables and peel potatoes," the captain said immediately. "Two more willing to wash dishes."

  "I do not believe I will get volunteers for dishes," I stated. "I will ask."

  "Go ahead," the captain said. "Bring any volunteers here personally, then return to the quarterdeck."

  "No more than six," the cook said. "And if the one with all the questions is amongst them, we do not have time for her questions tonight. Warn them of the heat."

  I started in Glora's cabin. I knocked and was bade to enter.

  "How goes the battle?" she asked me. "Are we safe?"

  "The ships are still chasing us, but they are well at a distance. The captain says we will have firmly lost them by morning. It is dusk now."

  "So much time. The cabin is stuffy. Are we required to remain here until morning?"

  "Well, that is why I am here." I relayed the request for assistance in the galley. "No one is under any obligation," I explained. "And Minori, there will be no questions tonight unless the cook herself invites them."

  "May I go, Mother?" Minori asked. "I can peel potatoes and I don't mind washing dishes."

  "If you volunteer to wash dishes, it is very likely that is all you will be doing, Minori," I told her. "And I will not be there, except briefly to collect things for the officers. Your fingers will be little prunes before you eat your own dinner."

  "Mother, may I go?" she repeated.

  "Yes. And I think perhaps I can serve as a skilled cook. I can cook, but I know nothing about cooking aboard ship, and it may be interesting to learn." She turned to Lindora and Jorek. "You two may stay here or also volunteer."

  "You would have me wash dishes?" Lindora asked.

  "Perhaps peel potatoes," Glora suggested. "You have been beside your sister long enough today."

  "Mother, I can wash dishes," Jorek offered. He ruffled Minori's hair. "I like the squirt."

  I stared at him. He had never been kind to her in my presence before. I would have thought a day cooped up together would have made it worse.

  He caught my expression. "I've seen the captain and officers answering her questions. I'm not stupid, Aunt Rani. She asks good questions, even if they are uncomfortable sometimes." He turned back to his sister. "You may ask questions of me if you can do so without bothering the cooks."

  "You're bigger. Will you scrub the pots?"

  He laughed. "Yes. Squirt."

  "It is hot in the galley," I said. "You will all sweat. If you wish to change into other clothing, I can return in a few minutes."

  "We know the way," Glora said.

  "Captains orders. I am to escort you. She didn't explain why."

  "The captain is not required to explain her orders," Glora said immediately. "Please return in a few minutes, Rani."

  I stopped at the other rooms and relayed what was going on. There were a lot of relieved looks. Two of the women volunteered to help. I left them to change, and told the remaining cabins the current status of the ship without mentioning the lost opportunity to relieve boredom. Then I collected my charges and led them all to the galley. When I arrived, the captain was gone, but the cook was pleased to see I had found six volunteers. I provided brief introductions. Glora stepped forward. "My two youngest children will help wash, but I want assurances no one will drop knives into water where their hands will be descending."

  "Not on my ship!" the cook said. "Nothing goes into the wash water but what the washer puts there herself." Then she pointed to a tray of food, still hot. "Bring that to the quarterdeck with you, Ms. Karden. The captain already brought fresh tea with her. We're going to need more tea at our next port."

  "Aye-eye, chief cook," I said. "I will inform the quartermaster, ma'am."

  She smiled and shooed me away.

  It was full dark, or near enough, by the time I arrived on deck, and it was dark. There was not a light lit, and I could barely see to fit one foot in front of the other. But I could see the outline of the railing, so I moved there and followed it across the main deck, then followed the wall to the ladder. I climbed the ladder; I had gotten better at climbing while carrying trays of food, and even against the ship's motion, I felt secure.

  But once I poked my nose over the top, I grew very unsure what to do. "Captain," I called out. "I have a tray, but I can't see."

  A moment later, the first mate was kneeling in front of me. "I'll take the tray and come back for you," she said. I pushed the tray to her and she stepped away, and then she was back. "Come up and give me your hand." She led me to the captain, who pressed a warm cup of tea into my hands.

  "Your eyes will adjust," the captain said. "The galley is kept bright. You will be quite blind for a while. There are tricks, but I do not intend to teach them to you tonight. No more errands for you this day."

  "Yes, Captain. Who will bring hot tea?"

  "The officers will take turns."

  "You didn't need me?"

  "Need? No. Appreciate? Very much so. We were far better taken care of than if we had seen to it ourselves. Thank you."

  I leaned against her, and she pulled me in front of her, wrapping arms around me. She rested her chin on my shoulder. "Is this behavior to continue?"

  "It might," I said. "Up until the next time you gag me, anyway."

  She chuckled into my ear. "I was kind last time."

  "That's because you felt guilty for giving me poor orders and growling at me for not understanding," I replied. "I was so angry with you."

  "If you had made it out onto the deck, you would have landed in the brig, Rani."

  I thought about it. "I am glad I didn't then."

  "Do you understand?"

  "You must keep discipline. If I get away with too much, others may think they can as well. And the entire crew knows you have the hots for me, so it probably looks bad when I defy you."

  "And by morn
ing, the entire crew will know you have the hots for me, Rani."

  "I do not have the hots for you!"

  "Liar. Three officers and twenty crewmen saw the kisses you have given me. Radha is worried for her wager, but she knows you will only allow this so far. For now."

  "For now? What does that mean?"

  "Nothing. Things change."

  "Not all things, Sorri. My temper does not change. It is either bad or really bad."

  Sorri chuckled. I liked the sound. "You have a nice voice," I told her. "And I love your accent."

  "I enjoy yours," she replied. "I especially enjoy the sound of my name from your throat."

  "If you gag me, you won't hear it as often. If you return me to the brig, you will never hear it again."

  "I do not believe I will enjoy hearing my name from you when you are angry."

  "You assuredly will not," I agreed.

  "Did you acquire six volunteers?"

  "I did. Glora was amongst them."

  "I thought she might be. She is not the hag you thought she was."

  "No."

  "I thought she was a hag, too. I did not care for the way she treated you."

  "She has had cause, but we seem to have arrived at a new level of diplomacy. I believe that is your doing, and if it lasts, then I am deeply grateful to you."

  "So that's where this affection is coming from!"

  I pulled away from her and spun around, suddenly angry. "God damn it, Captain! Can't you just enjoy it? Why do you have to question it? I like your arms around me. It feels good. Why do you have to assume false motives?"

  She sputtered at me. I tried to keep my voice down, but I felt both my volume and my tone rising. "You could have me mewling like a tame kitten with your attention if the circumstances weren't all that different. You are exactly the type of woman I fantasize about, and you know it!" I tried to pull my temper in check, but I couldn't

  "Damn it!" I yelled. "Gag me before I say anything else. Damn it!"

  I never saw it coming, but I felt the gag slide between my lips, and her warm hand was over my mouth. She pulled me to her, and I shook with anger. The gag settled in, and my tongue was immediately numb. I didn't struggle when she secured the straps, and then I buried my head in her chest, shaking with anger, but I let her hold me, and she made soothing sounds to me.