“I’m going out.”
“You cannot go out. Not with the captain searching for us,” Voice reasoned.
Angel made a face. “Maybe we should start calling her Kota. It’s bound to get confusing if we know two captains.” She threw the cloak over her shoulders and stepped towards the door. “Besides, I kind of like the idea of disrespecting her, even if she’ll never know.”
“Angel, do not be rash!”
Angel shot Voice a grin before exiting. She poked her head back in the room. “Don’t be such a fussbudget, Voice. I’ll be careful.” Not waiting for a response, she closed the door and pulled up the hood of her cloak.
I just need some fresh air.
She made her way down the cramped passageway until she reached the ladder that led to the deck. After checking to see that her hood covered her face and hair, she cautiously climbed the ladder and poked her head out.
Men bustled about, loading wooden crates onboard. Captain Rebol stomped up and down the deck, shouting orders and brandishing a sword. Nearby stood Kileah, with one leg on a crate. Her eyes roved the group, taking in everything.
Not sure what to make of her. I hate having my fate in someone else’s hands.
The breeze picked up, carrying the scent of the ocean to Angel. In that moment, everything was forgotten as she closed her eyes and inhaled. The smell of salty freedom made her heart soar.
“Ah-hem.”
Angel jolted, eyes flying open to see a pair of pitch-black boots. Crab cakes, those are way too small to be— She didn’t finish the thought, her eyes traveling from the boots up the legs, to the hand grasping the hilt of a rapier, and finally to the dark eyes of Kileah. I hate being right.
“If you have a death wish, it’s nothing to me. But while you’re under the captain’s protection, what you do affects all of us. Stay below.”
And I hate being told what to do. “Or what?”
Kileah had walked a few steps away, obviously not expecting an argument. She didn’t bother to turn as she replied, “Or I’ll gut you like a fish and toss you over the side.”
Angel bit her lip. As much as she didn’t like being told what to do, she hated the thought of dying more. Of all the ships in the world, I have to be stuck on the one with a stab-happy first mate.
Reluctantly, she climbed down the ladder and meandered down the hallway. She really didn’t want to go back in that room, but standing out in the stuffy corridor wasn’t much better.
Cali was still asleep when she entered the room. Voice had moved to a porthole and was looking out over the bay. Angel went and stood beside her. “Beautiful, isn’t it?”
“After all of the snow in Trabor, this expanse of water—”Voice’s tone was full of awe“—it is breathtaking.”
“I’ve never seen snow, but I grew up around the ocean so this is normal to me. Even then, I think it’s the most gorgeous sight.”
“And where did you grow up?” Voice’s question took Angel by surprise.
She glared at the innocent-looking orb. “No fair trying to sneak that in the middle of a perfectly decent conversation.”
Voice chuckled. “I know, but you cannot blame me for trying.”
They went back to staring out the window. Angel had almost forgotten the question when Voice spoke up. “It does not really matter, you know. Not to me or Cali.”
Warmth sang through Angel’s veins. “Thanks for that. It’s been a long time since I could just be me. All the same, there are some parts of me I’m not ready to share.”
“As you wish.”
Cali groaned, drawing Angel’s eyes from the porthole. “What’s the point of me sleeping if you two are going to stand there chattering?” She rolled onto her stomach and glared at them.
Before Angel could think of a response, a knock sounded on the door. The door opened just enough for a head to poke around it.
“Aye, lassies. We’re all loaded now an' gettin' ready tae cast off. As soon as we’re movin' an' clear ay th' harbor, ye can come on deck,” Captain Rebol said, giving the pale-faced Cali a wink. “It looks loch some fresh salt air could dae ye good.”
He closed the door and they could hear his boots thumping down the corridor. Cali dropped her forehead against the flat pillow on her bunk. Slightly muffled, she said, “I can’t even think about moving, much less walking around on this rocking beast.”
“You’re welcome to stay down here, but I’m going up as soon as I can. Angels weren’t meant to be stuck in the bowels of smelly ships.” Angel sent a bemused look at Cali.
Cali lifted her head to glare at her. “I’m soooo glad you’re getting enjoyment out of my suffering.”
Shouting from above filtered down to them. “They must be shoving off.” Angel tried to contain her excitement. “I really am sorry you’re so miserable, Cali. Tell you what, I’ll see if the cook has anything that can help.”
❄❄❄
Kota trod heavily across the docks. The sound of wood beneath her heels made her feel more in control than she was. She’d always liked the rhythmic sound boots made on hard surfaces. It was a signal to everyone that someone important was walking by.
After hours of searching and interrogating, she was no closer to finding the girl. No one had seen the redhead, though a few had mentioned Rose.
She’s here and she probably knows I’m here. I just have to keep looking and wait for her to panic.
There was always a chance the girl wasn’t aboard a ship and that Kota had truly lost her. But if she was traveling with a companion then she’d play it safe. She wouldn’t reveal herself and that put her in a tight spot. Right now that was the only thing that assured Kota her quarry was on a ship.
“Captain, look there,” T’Nahke said, breaking into her thoughts.
She looked to where he pointed and followed the path of his finger. A schooner had tossed off its moorings and was making its way out to sea. A frown tugged at her lips. No ship was supposed to leave the harbor without her approval. A seed of suspicion sprouted in her mind.
The captain might not have heard the order. Unlikely.
A dark-haired woman dressed all in black stood on the edge of the ship, skimming the shore with her gaze. She appeared to be studying the surroundings with no sign of particular interest. But her eyes lingered on Kota for a fraction of a second too long before moving on.
That’s all I need.
Kota sprinted down the dock to where the boat had been moored. She skidded to a halt in front of the empty space. The woman no longer stood at the bow. Kota knew she was watching her prey escape again and that her face portrayed her complete fury.
“She’s there, isn’t she?” T’Nahke growled. “We’ll get her, Captain. She’s not getting away this time.”
T’Nahke strode to a nearby vessel. Men lounged about the deck, staring in bored fascination at him.
Within half an hour, T’Nahke had shaken up the captain of the ship and his crew. The bustling that had ensued reminded Kota of the dress shop from a life so long ago. By the time they cast off, the ship that ferried her prey was nearly out of sight. Nothing more than a blip on the horizon. But it was there, she was there. And this time she wouldn’t escape.
Chapter 20
“Just try it.”
“No, it looks disgusting.”
“Come on, Cali. It’s not bad and it’ll help.”
Cali drew the thin coverlet over her mouth and eyed the handful of purple mush Angel held in her hand. They’d been at sea for two days, or so Angel told her. She wouldn’t know, considering she’d spent the duration sicker than a horse after too much hay.
“Cali, don’t be such a shrimp.” Angel rolled her eyes.
“What’s a shrimp?”
“A coward, now stop stalling. You’re lucky Captain Rebol had this onboard.”
Cali spoke through the cover, “I don’t feel very lucky.”
The room felt hot and close with the stench of bile and sweat. Angel continued to stand by Cali’s bunk, tapping her f
oot impatiently.
“You’re not going to give me a choice, are you?” Cali moaned.
“Nope. I’m already sick of hearing you heave into that bucket. It’s hard to sleep at night and there’s no way I’ll sit in here after eating.”
Cali blanched at the thought of food. Worst that can happen is I spew slimy purple goop all over Angel. She smirked at the thought.
“Fine, but what is it?”
“It’s a type of kelp. It helps with seasickness.”
“Is it going to taste bad?” Cali stared at the ball of mush dubiously.
“Nope, it tastes like fresh summer berries.”
Cali remembered the castle greenhouse and the lovingly tended berries. She snatched the ball of kelp from Angel’s hands and stuffed it in her mouth. Slime coated her tongue and her enthusiastic chewing slowed as the taste hit her.
Angel must’ve seen the look on her face because she pulled a water pouch out from behind her and handed it to Cali.
“It’s already in your mouth so you might as well finish it.”
Cali’s tongue curled and her taste buds screamed. The water helped her swallow the kelp, but did little to rid her of the cloying aftertaste.
“I thought you said it wasn’t bad!” She glared at Angel through watery eyes.
“If I’d told you the truth, you never would’ve eaten it.” Angel’s lips twitched as she headed for the cabin door. “When you’re feeling better, come on deck. I’m going to ask the captain where we’re headed.”
Cali stared speechlessly at the departing figure. A low chuckle sounded from the nearby bunk. Voice, unnoticed until then, hovered over the bed, her glow flashing in rhythm with her laugh.
“Did you know she was lying?” Cali accused.
“Anything that looks like that cannot taste good. But I figured she had her reasons.”
The reply died on Cali’s lips as she realized something. I’m not queasy. The boat’s motion had faded and she no longer felt its every pitch. With the room no longer rocking and her stomach settled, Cali sprang from the bunk.
“It works! I think I will go up.” She carefully moved to the door, making sure not to lose her balance.
“You are not planning on going out in that?” Voice’s question stopped her halfway to her escape. She looked down. Eww! The once white clothing showed the mistreatment it had faced over the last few days. Dark sweat spots blotted the fabric, broken only by thin lines of— Her stomach roiled. Don’t think about it. Getting sick again will only add to the problem.
“No, of course not.”
“Good, there is a bundle of clothes under Angel’s bunk.”
Without hesitation, Cali pulled out the pile and sorted through its contents.
❄❄❄
Ten minutes later, dressed in a billowy white shirt and loose-fitting navy blue pants, she stood at the railing looking across the water.
Wind whipped her hair in front of her eyes and she pulled it back with one hand. She was sure the grin on her face looked ridiculous, but she didn’t care. Escaping the cabin, dressed in fresh clothes, and experiencing the sight and smell of the ocean—she couldn’t think of anything better.
“You could’ve put your hair up. It’s bound to be in your way otherwise.” Angel came up beside her and leaned against the side.
“If I tell you something, you can’t laugh.” Cali gave her a sideways glance.
“I’ll try to contain myself,” Angel said dryly.
Cali’s words rushed from her. “I don’t know how to put my hair up. It’s never really been in the way before this journey and though I’ve had several occasions where it would be convenient to learn since I started—” She shrugged. “I guess there hasn’t been time.”
Angel stepped back from the railing and out of Cali’s line of sight. She’s probably laughing and doesn’t want me to see.
Hands on her hair startled her. “Here, let me fix it for you.” Deft fingers pulled at her hair, taming it. Air brushed her neck and she lifted a hand to touch her head. Angel had woven her hair and tucked it close to her scalp.
“How did you do that?”
“Believe it or not, this is something I had to learn recently. I never used to put my hair up either. A few months in Shayal . . . Let’s just say it got in the way.”
The two stared out at the waves. Spray hit the bow of the ship and misted their faces. After a lifetime caged in a castle, surrounded by snow, Cali couldn’t express the freedom she felt. Endless blue water stretched out before her, holding promises of new things.
“If you’ve both had your fill of lollygagging, perhaps you’d like to help out,” a sarcastic voice behind them intoned.
Cali and Angel turned simultaneously. Kileah. Cali had no wish to get on the first mate’s bad side, though from the look on her face, it was too late to avoid that.
The tanned woman looked younger than she, yet Cali felt like a child under that dark glare. Next to her, Angel stood rigid, matching Kileah glare for glare.
“What exactly did you have in mind?” Cali tried to defuse the situation.
Kileah didn’t take her eyes off Angel’s face as she answered, “Captain wants to see you at the helm. Just you. Scarlet here can stay with me.”
Cali looked between the two glowering women, not wanting to get involved but unsure if she should leave Angel.
“Angel?”
“Go, I’ll be fine.” Angel’s tone might’ve been reassuring, but Cali didn’t feel any more relaxed about leaving them. She edged away, shooting occasional glances back. Angel’s more than capable of taking care of herself. She doesn’t need me guarding her.
She had reached the middle of the boat before she realized something. Where would I find a helm? She scanned the deck, looking for a helmet or the captain.
“Good day there, lassie. Stop yer gazin’ aboot loch a bird searchin’ fer crumbs an’ get up here.” Rebol’s voice boomed from a raised portion of the deck. One hand rested on a wheel and the other on—Cali gasped in delight. A cat!
It sat proudly atop a wooden post, which had probably been put there for just that purpose. Midnight black, except for white paws, the cat rubbed against Captain Rebol’s hand.
It’s so fluffy!
Cali dashed across the deck and climbed the few steps to where the captain stood. She slid to a halt, hands fidgeting as she stared at the cat.
A low chuckle broke her trance. “Ye loch cats, lassie?”
She licked her lips, tasting salt. “I’ve only seen them from a distance.”
“Well 'en you’re in fer a treat. Thes here is Boo. He’s mah personal mouse catcher an' co-captain. I’d ne'er set sail without him.”
“Hello, Boo. May I touch you?” Cali lifted a hand and when the cat didn’t react, she stroked the beckoning fur. “Ohh!” The softness was like nothing she’d ever felt. Boo’s body hummed and a low rumbling sound emitted from him.
“What is that? Is he okay?” She withdrew her hand, afraid she’d somehow damaged the amazing creature.
“That’s a purr, lassie. 'At means he likes ye. That's good, coz he'll be yer responsibility while you're aboard. How about ye take him tae th' galley an' gie him somethin' tae eat.”
“He’ll let me hold him?”
Captain Rebol’s eyes twinkled with inner mirth. “Why don’t ye find out?”
Cautiously, Cali lifted the purring bundle of fur. Boo let out a short meow and then nestled against her collarbone. Cali’s heart melted and she knew she was in trouble. This little creature had wound its paws around her soul.
The captain had already turned back to the wheel when she thought of something. “Excuse me, Captain. Why did Kileah say you were by a helm?”
He shot her an incredulous look. “Lassie, thes here is a helm.” He patted the wheel. “While you’re wi' Cook, tell him tae teach ye some ship terms. If you’re gonnae be aboard mah vessel, you ’re gonnae gie off it better educated than when ye got on.”
Her cheeks flushed
as she nodded. Careful not to hurt Boo, she weaved between sailors and various objects—she supposed she’d be learning what those were—to reach the ladder. One hand firmly cradling Boo, she picked her way down and began to search for the ‘galley.’ It’s a good thing he mentioned a cook or I wouldn’t know what to look for.
❄❄❄
Angel gripped the ropes that ran out from the mast of the ship. If she ever got off this cursed ship, she swore it’d be the last one she ever boarded. Kileah was determined to kill her. Or at least seriously injure her. Rigging. Of all the jobs to give me, it had to be one that involved rigging. I hate heights!
Kileah had spouted some instructions about a sail that needed attention. Then she had the gall to hand Angel a knife. Not just any knife. Angel’s knife.
For the life of her, Angel couldn’t figure out when Kileah had swiped her knife, but apparently she had. Only to give it back to me. Probably just wanting to rub it in my face that she nicked it and I didn’t notice.
She’d gritted her teeth, took back her knife, and began the climb up the mainmast. As bad as that had been, it was nothing compared to the arduous inching that had come when she moved from the mast to the yard.
Knife between her teeth, she made her way to the section of the sail that had been pointed out to her. Thank the sea I haven’t been wearing shoes since we got onboard. There. Just off the center of the billowing sail. A tear about six inches in length. I’m up here risking my neck for a stupid little tear.
She realized two things at that moment: There was no reason for her to have this knife, and she was not going to be able to do this. Not in this wind. I’d have to let go of the rope with at least one hand to stitch the sail and my balance isn’t that good. And that’s assuming I could even reach it. Standing there as the minutes ticked by did not change that fact. Finally, she edged her way back to the mast and began the climb down.
She wanted this. She wanted me to fail. To admit defeat. The thoughts soured her stomach. Kileah had won this battle. But next time . . .
She leapt the final feet to the ground. Kileah stood there, hand extended and a barely concealed smirk. Angel slapped the thread and needle into Kileah’s palm. Even if she wants the knife, I’m not giving it back. It’s mine, after all.
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