Lintang and the Pirate Queen

by Tamara Moss

  No, the people who could stop him would’ve boarded the Glory.

  Lintang ran across the rolling deck towards the plank.

  ‘Hellllooooo!’

  The smoke cleared to reveal a figure sitting on the railing. Lintang slowed. She’d forgotten about Pelita.

  ‘Run!’ Lintang said, waving both arms.

  Pelita copied her cheerfully. Lintang grabbed her wrist and dragged her onto the plank. ‘This isn’t a game. Bayani’s under the siren’s spell.’

  ‘Bayani, Bayani, Bayani,’ Pelita sang, climbing up. She shuffled along at an agonisingly slow pace. The plank sloped steeply upwards. Lintang would’ve pushed Pelita to go faster if the waves weren’t smashing against both hulls with a vengeance. She wasn’t afraid of heights, but with the plank wobbling and the ships heaving, she couldn’t trust her balance. The heel of her boot skidded on the wet wood, and her heart felt as though it had fallen into the ocean on its own. She clutched at Pelita to steady herself.

  Pelita laughed. ‘This is fun!’

  ‘If you say so,’ Lintang said, breathless. She checked over her shoulder, but couldn’t see whether Bayani was following through the swirling steam. ‘Keep going.’

  They made it to the top and climbed onto the gritty steel deck. Pelita ran across it. ‘Hello, everyone!’

  The Glory’s crew were sitting against the railing, tied up in their crisp, clean uniforms. Avalon stalked before them with a sword.

  Lintang grabbed Pelita. Was he under the siren’s spell, too? Or was Eire right about him?

  ‘What are you doing here?’ he said.

  She hesitated. He sounded normal, if not a little sharper than usual. But that was to be expected during a siege, wasn’t it?

  Or was his briskness due to a more sinister reason?

  As she studied him, a shadow passed across his face, exactly like what had happened with Bayani.

  Mei jogged over. ‘What’s going on?’

  ‘Mei,’ Lintang said, stepping back, ‘Mei, be care–’

  Avalon lunged. He wrapped his arm around Mei’s throat. Pelita yelped. Lintang yanked her away.

  ‘We need to go to the siren,’ Avalon said, lifting his blade in front of Mei’s face.

  Mei strained to pull his arm from around her neck. Her round cheeks turned pink. She opened and closed her mouth, but the action was useless. She was suffocating.

  ‘Let her go,’ Lintang said, still clinging to Pelita. ‘Avalon, she’s dying!’

  ‘We have to go to the siren,’ Avalon said again. ‘You’ll see. It’s the only way –’

  There was a heavy thunk, and he jolted. His arm slipped from Mei’s neck and he collapsed to the deck, revealing Dee with one of her frypans.

  Mei tumbled down too. She clutched at her throat, struggling to get her breath back. Lintang rushed to her.

  Dee crouched over Avalon. ‘Sorry, starflower,’ she said, running her hand along the bump swelling on his head. ‘That’s going to hurt tomorrow.’

  ‘He was … so strong,’ Mei wheezed.

  ‘I know,’ Lintang said. ‘Bayani bent the bars of his cage.’

  Mei climbed to her feet. ‘We need … to hide. I’ll … free them.’ She gestured to the bound Glory crew. ‘Dee … take Avalon … safe. Lintang … warn captain.’

  ‘But Bayani’s on his way!’

  ‘I’ll stay here …’ Mei stopped and winced ‘… to hold him off.’ Then she whispered what sounded like a prayer in her own language.

  Dee pulled Avalon into her arms. Lintang led Pelita towards the Glory’s hatch. As they passed the plank, Lintang dared a peek down.

  Bayani was climbing up.

  ‘Hurry!’ Lintang cried. She yanked at Pelita to move faster. Pelita laughed wildly as they ran.

  The Glory’s staircase was nothing like the Winda’s. The steps were steel grates, clanging with each footfall. When they reached the next deck, the passageways had large round windows, allowing in streams of daylight. Merry lights lined the walls. Each metal door was closed tightly. If there were sleeping quarters behind those doors, they were private and unwelcoming.

  No creaking timber, no euco oil scent. The passageways twisted and turned, making it difficult to figure out where they’d been and where they had yet to go.

  At last they rounded a corner to find Eire standing outside one of the metal doors. She already had her khwando lifted with the axe pointed at them. When she realised who it was, she didn’t lower the weapon. ‘What are you doing? Silly children, you will ruin whole mission.’

  Lintang stopped short of the axe blade. ‘I need … Captain …’ she said, panting. ‘Bayani … siren …’

  Captain Shafira appeared from the room, tucking vials of Curall into her pouch. ‘Lintang? I told you to stay on the Winda.’

  ‘She thinks she is tough like adult,’ Eire said, scoffing. ‘She thinks she is ready to fight monsters.’

  ‘Monsters, monsters,’ Pelita said, bounding beside Lintang.

  ‘Bayani,’ Lintang tried again. ‘Bayani’s under the siren’s spell.’

  Captain Shafira frowned. ‘All right, but that doesn’t give you permission to leave his cage when I specifically said –’

  ‘He bent the bars.’ The words tumbled over each other in her attempt to make herself heard. ‘He’s strong. It’s –’

  ‘Xiang!’ Captain Shafira hadn’t even let her finish.

  Xiang appeared from the room, dipping her darts in the clear Curall liquid. ‘What’s wrong?’

  ‘Make sure you have some sleepers,’ Captain Shafira said. ‘We have a Kanekonese siren.’

  Xiang’s head snapped up. ‘Avalon?’

  ‘Dee managed to knock him out,’ Lintang said.

  Xiang gave a breathy, nervous laugh. ‘She got lucky. It’s almost impossible to take down someone under the spell of a Kanekonese siren.’

  ‘She took a risk,’ Captain Shafira said. ‘She knows the agreement.’

  ‘What was it?’ Lintang said.

  ‘Avalon’s given us permission to kill him if it gets too dangerous.’

  ‘What? No!’

  ‘If he’s knocked out, we should be safe. It’s Bayani we need to worry about now.’

  ‘He’s on his way,’ Lintang said.

  Pelita was still bounding up and down.

  ‘He’s going to want to take control of one of the ships,’ Captain Shafira said. ‘He’ll probably head to the engine room.’ She shoved a vial of Curall at Lintang. ‘Keep this.’

  ‘Should we medicate her now?’ Xiang said.

  ‘No, we need as much Curall as possible against the Kanekonese siren. She can use some if there’s any left over.’ Her expression turned grim. ‘If you see Bayani, let him pass, then while his back is turned shoot him with a sleeper. If you can’t get a clear shot, leave him. You don’t need to die for this. Eire, back Xiang up. Pelita and Lintang, come with me to the engine room.’

  She turned and jogged down the passageway, her boots thunking heavily on the grated steel deck. Lintang had nowhere to keep the vial, so she slipped it into her boot then hurried after the captain with Pelita skipping behind her. ‘Didn’t you just say the engine room is where Bayani will be going? Why are we going there?’

  ‘Because the engine room has a weapon. A good one.’ Captain Shafira slowed at a corner and checked around it. ‘Keep an eye out for Captain Moon. We haven’t come across her yet, which means she might be preparing an ambush.’

  They headed along the corridor. The clanking and humming and hissing became louder.

  At last they reached a steel door with a spoked wheel. Captain Shafira turned it. The door opened and steam hissed out, clearing to reveal a small metal balcony. It overlooked a room with enormous steel pipes that wormed like intestines.

  Lintang had to shout to be heard over the deafening noise. ‘Where’s the weapon?’

  Captain Shafira beckoned them onto the balcony and pointed to a cleared corner of the room. Inside the space, with a tube in it
s mouth and steam furling from its nostrils, was a real, live dragon.

  * * *

  THE MYTHIE GUIDEBOOK

  ENTRY #27: Dragon (common)

  The dragon is a reptilian sky mythie under the predator category. Its impenetrable hide, unstoppable talons and ability to breathe fire makes it almost invincible. It is a solitary creature that lives in nests made of precious stones and gold. The various dragon species can be found in Dragons Around the World.

  Diet: Meat.

  Habitat: Worldwide, mostly on small islands or empty plains.

  Frequency: Moderately common.

  Behaviour: Dragons collect and hoard valuable objects. They are violent creatures that enjoy fighting other predator mythies and destroying towns and cities. Heavily populated areas are always in danger of a dragon attack.

  Eradication: The only known weapon that works against dragons is another dragon’s talon. Only trained professionals are permitted to attempt eradication of a dragon. All populated areas should have a dragon evacuation plan. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO KILL.

  Did you know? In the second year of the Bauei period, one dragon killed another in the vicinity of a United Regions military unit, which was then able to procure the UR’s first set of dragon talons.

  Danger level: 5

  * * *

  Captain Moon

  The balcony had steps leading into the room. Lintang and Pelita followed Captain Shafira down to the next level. The vial of Curall in Lintang’s boot dug uncomfortably against her foot.

  Pipes wound around them, so hot the air rippled. She swiped at her sweaty forehead as they drew nearer to the dragon. Its scales glistened a dullish red in the merry lights, and its nostrils flared with each exhalation of smoke. Besides a twitching tail and the slightest tap of a claw, it barely moved. It cracked open an eye at their approach, then closed it again. The tube sticking out from its mouth sizzled.

  There was a person in that body.

  ‘Don’t worry,’ Lintang said, hoping it could hear her through the clamour. ‘We’ll save you.’

  Captain Shafira withdrew a vial of Curall from her pouch and rolled it between her palms. ‘How does this work? Do you think I can just spray it, like Bayani did with Pelita? Or will the hot air turn it to steam and dilute it?’

  Pelita hummed and tapped Lintang on the shoulder. Lintang ignored her.

  Captain Shafira continued thinking out loud. ‘I could get Xiang to use one of her darts … but its hide’s probably too thick to pierce.’

  ‘Are you really going to use the dragon as a weapon?’ Lintang said, batting Pelita away as she continued to tap her shoulder.

  ‘Yes. It takes a good long while for the Curall to take effect, which will be enough time for us to release it so it can stop the siren.’

  ‘Why can’t we medicate the dragon afterwards?’

  ‘It’s likely to fly away before we can.’

  ‘But what if one of them is killed?’

  ‘It’s a chance we have to take, unfortunately. Everyone’s lives are in danger right now.’ Captain Shafira examined the vial again. ‘I’m just not sure of the best way to administer this.’

  ‘Maybe we can ask the lady behind us,’ Pelita said.

  Lintang and Captain Shafira spun to find a Vierzan woman in a long, sky-blue coat pointing a sword at them. Every part of her was clean and perfect. Her dark hair was pulled back, not a strand out of place despite the humidity. Her polished gold medals gleamed in the merry lights.

  Captain Shafira smiled. ‘Nice to see you again, Captain Moon.’

  Captain Moon’s sword didn’t waver. ‘I gave you the benefit of the doubt that day on the volcano. I let you go.’ Her expression darkened. ‘Now I see I was wrong.’

  ‘We’re not here to hurt you. We just needed to borrow some Curall.’ Captain Shafira held up the vial. ‘See?’

  ‘Right, and what exactly were you planning to do with my dragon?’

  ‘That’s a more difficult question to answer.’ Captain Shafira slipped the Curall back into her pouch slowly so Captain Moon could see she wasn’t reaching for a weapon. ‘I wanted to medicate it.’

  Captain Moon snorted. ‘That story’s almost as wild as your last one.’

  ‘Look, we’re heading for a Kanekonese siren. I know because I had a boy on board the Winda, and he’s on his way to kill us.’

  ‘You don’t expect me to believe you were stupid enough to take a male on board this close to sirens.’

  Captain Shafira shrugged.

  Captain Moon waved her sword, directing them to move away from the dragon. ‘Let’s go.’

  Captain Shafira snagged Pelita’s arm and led her towards the steps. Lintang followed, overly aware of the blade near her back. They walked carefully up the staircase. The steam swam around them. Lintang cursed each step as the vial of Curall jabbed into her foot.

  When they reached the balcony, Captain Shafira opened the door and moved aside to let Lintang and Pelita go into the passageway first. The cool air was a welcome relief to Lintang’s lungs and sweaty skin. She was about to walk out when Captain Shafira unsheathed her sword and fell upon Captain Moon.

  Captain Moon had to move swiftly to block the attack. The blades met with a clang. Pelita shrieked and clung to Lintang.

  Captain Moon’s gaze fell on Captain Shafira’s glittering black blade. Her eyes widened. ‘That’s –’

  ‘Yes, I found it in the end,’ Captain Shafira said. ‘Didn’t I tell you?’ And with a grin, she swung the sword again.

  The two dodged and parried, each as skilled as the other. A few clashing blades and a clever manoeuvre later, they’d switched positions so now Captain Shafira was on the staircase, with Captain Moon’s back to the doorway. Lintang pulled Pelita into the passageway, feeling useless but not wanting to try anything in case she accidentally distracted Captain Shafira.

  Captain Shafira spun away from Captain Moon’s advancing sword, her braids whirling behind her. Captain Moon’s sword clanged against the metal railing of the balcony.

  Lintang’s body buzzed with panic. She half-wished she had her little wooden sword, just to do something. Pelita jumped up and down anxiously beside her.

  Captain Shafira managed to kick Captain Moon’s ankle, dropping her to one knee. Captain Moon blocked an attack while she was down, then stabbed forward so violently that Captain Shafira had to jump two steps down the staircase, giving Captain Moon time to get to her feet again.

  ‘I forgot how good you were,’ Captain Shafira said, sounding impressed. ‘You’ve had more training than just the navy, haven’t you?’

  Captain Moon grunted. ‘There are a lot of things you don’t know about me.’

  ‘I could say the same.’

  The swords met with a clash, again and again.

  ‘Stop!’ Lintang said. ‘You’re on the same side!’

  Clash! Clang!

  ‘She has a point,’ Captain Shafira said, blocking another string of attacks. ‘You made that decision the last time we fought, Captain.’

  ‘That was before you took over my ship.’

  Lintang edged onto the balcony again. Captain Moon was clearly winning, pushing Captain Shafira further and further away from the exit.

  But then Captain Shafira’s lips quirked as she reached the foot of the steps, and Lintang realised that perhaps Captain Shafira was letting herself be pushed away.

  She was heading back to the dragon.

  Pelita shifted from foot to foot, her knuckles at her lips, looking as much excited as she did worried.

  ‘It’s fine,’ Lintang said, grinning as Captain Shafira got closer to the dragon. ‘It’s all going to be –’

  ‘Hello, Lintang.’

  Lintang whirled around to find Bayani standing at the door. He held Eire’s khwando.

  Lintang shoved Pelita behind her. Her stitches tugged painfully at the movement.

  Bayani stepped onto the balcony. Shadows swam across his face. He kept his head low as his dark eyes stared
at her from beneath their lashes, hungry, cruel, not at all like her best friend.

  ‘Call for your captain.’ He was calm. Too calm. His grip tightened on the khwando.

  Lintang’s heart jumped to her throat. She couldn’t speak, couldn’t even think …

  Bayani lifted the axe.

  ‘CAPTAIN SHAFIRA!’

  Her scream echoed in the engine room as she shielded Pelita and braced for the pain. Rather than an axe blade, though, something whistled past her face and clunked against the wall. She cracked open an eye.

  Captain Shafira’s black sword was on the balcony floor. Bayani lowered his weapon. Pelita giggled as if they were playing a game.

  ‘You have my attention,’ Captain Shafira said over the machinery. Lintang risked a glance behind her. Captain Shafira was weaponless now, but Captain Moon had lowered her sword and was staring at Bayani. ‘What do you want?’

  ‘I want to get to the siren.’

  ‘Fine,’ Captain Shafira said. ‘Then leave the girls alone, and you can be on your way.’

  Bayani didn’t move. ‘You have a dragon. A dragon can kill my siren.’

  ‘All ship dragons are given a sleeping sickness before departure,’ Captain Moon said. ‘It won’t be going anywhere.’

  Bayani lifted an eyebrow. ‘Can Curall reverse a sleeping sickness?’

  No answer.

  He held out a hand. ‘Give me all your Curall.’

  Captain Shafira didn’t hesitate. She walked past Captain Moon, across the room, up the steps and to the balcony. ‘We won’t keep you,’ she said, holding her pouch upside down and letting the vials clink to the steel floor. ‘Are you going to need me to steer the ship?’

  ‘No. You might stop me. I have plenty of other, less resourceful people to choose from.’ He lifted his boot and smashed all the vials. Pelita laughed.

  Captain Shafira’s gaze caught on the khwando. ‘Where are Eire and Xiang?’

  He ground the heel of his boot into the broken glass instead of answering.