by LJ Andrews
The ship was filled with crewmen stacking and sorting inventory all along the main deck. Each man seemed bored and their movements were slow—not the lively group of sailors she’d imagined. A few men were fixing sails and rigging, while others pushed damp mops along the quarter deck. The ship was long and wide, and a purple flag with two gold stars flew atop the mast.
“Captain Fett,” the dockhand called out on the stairs leading to the helm.
The door to the cabin opened and an enormous man stepped through. Captain Fett was dressed in a blue jacket with gold buttons, and although the jacket was large, it still hugged his plump arms and waist tightly, stretching the buttons to the limit. His head rested comfortably on a bed of rolled chins, and his eyes were nearly hidden behind his high, puffy cheeks. The man had a bushy imperial mustache that he incessantly rubbed as if agitated by the interruption.
“What do you want, Matthew?” he barked and rubbed his mustache harder.
“I got a cabin boy for ya, Captain. Paid two geld for passage to Regen, and he’s assured me he won’t be no trouble for ya.”
Captain Fett turned his attention to Nova and scanned her up and down. “You know how to swab, boy?” Nova nodded, careful not to lose her hat. “You know how to cook?” Again she nodded. Fett held out his hand toward Matthew. “I get half the charge to board. You know the rules.”
Reluctantly, Matthew handed Fett a gold coin then returned to the dock. Nova rocked on her heels, relief flooding through her as the danger of being slave to the king passed. Fett flipped the coin in his thick, round fingers as he inspected the coin’s legitimacy. Finally, he placed the coin in his breast pocket, swallowing it up in the folds of his chest, and glared at her. “Well, what are you standing around for? Get down below and help cook up some supper for the crew.”
Without a word, Nova clutched her bag and headed for the stairs leading below deck. She glanced once more at the lighted buildings dotting Arbeiten. Her mother most likely knew she was gone and she imagined Kamali’s pain. Nova’s heart hurt for her mother, but she was spurred into action again once Captain Fett shouted orders to the crew to set sail.
The ship shuddered as it floated away from the dock. The clouds surrounding the hull were dark and puffy, but soon the bow cut through them like a razorblade and sailed into the open sky. Arbeiten shrank in the darkness, and Nova’s determination swelled inside like a burning fire. Captain Phoenix was out there, and he was the only one with enough power to help her find her father.
Chapter 4
Finding Phoenix
Captain Fett stomped his foot from the upper deck. “Come on out, boy. This is your stop.”
Waterfalls of dust fell on Nova’s face as she wiped the sleep from her eyes. Quickly, she gathered her bag and wrapped her hair under the hat before jumping from a dingy hammock and rushing up the steps.
“Regen Island, boy. This is where my hospitality ends,” Fett said, his multiple chins flapping as he spoke.
“Thank you, sir,” Nova said.
The Galaxy was drifting closer toward the dock, hands ready to tie her off. Nova clutched the rail as the ship pitched against the wind current blowing through the port.
“I’m not sure what you’re lookin’ to find here in Regen; there isn’t much but rain and mud,” Fett continued. Before Nova could answer, he grunted, signaled the helmsman to take the ship in gently, and stalked back into his cabin.
Nova shook her head. Fett was the most lethargic man she’d ever encountered. It was a wonder he was able to crew the large Galaxy without turning completely purple from exertion. The captain was right about Regen, however. The island was overcast and gloomy with a constant drizzle, and standing water pooled on every doorstep.
Sighing, Nova disembarked, holding onto the rail of the dock to steady her legs. She turned only once to glance at the large merchant ship. The Galaxy crew hadn’t noticed her in the least during their voyage, and she’d looked forward to leaving the drab decks for nearly four days. But now that she was away from its warmth and regular meals, she felt a wave of anxiety pulse through her as she strolled Regen’s main road.
The rain was cold and miserable as she walked, taking in the new island. Regan was a small island surrounded by skinny trees that did little to protect from the numerous monsoons. The clouds were dark and gray as they enrobed the island in a constant rainy cover; they were nothing like the warm, bright clouds on Mollem. Up on the foggy hills, two large manors towered above the small town. The sprawling lawns appeared well kept, nothing like the run down, water-logged buildings below.
The Regen Barons, she thought, and wondered what kind of produce or crop Regen was able to offer for trade with such a rainy climate.
The mansions reminded her of Dria’s kindly parents. Mr. Carter had been only a few crops away from finally being named a second baron on Mollem. King Insel depended on the barons of the land to trade and produce the valuable assets each island uniquely gave. If a baron failed to meet the king’s demands, he would often be demoted and have years of wealth ripped away. Nova had often wondered why jovial Mr. Carter wanted to join in such politics and risk his livelihood with trust in the unruly temperament of the king.
But the white homes sprawled across the hillside above her; it was obvious the Regen Barons were doing well with their trade for the time being. The town was quaint, with small shops for visiting sailors to peruse. Nova could hardly make out any faces as the local people were wrapped tightly head to foot in fur hats and coats as they withstood the rainstorm.
“What can I get you, deary?” a frail woman asked, crouching over her cart of bread and odd blue fruit.
Nova scanned the wooden sign behind her, looking at prices and placing a hand on her grumbling stomach. The food on the Galaxy had been adequate in taste, but Captain Fett ate astronomical amounts, leaving the crew with whatever was left over. Since Nova had simply been a temporary crew member, she was always served last and very little.
“Just a slice of bread and a glass of your milk, please,” she replied through chattering teeth. Her leather hat was saggy and drooping from the rain and she knew she must look quite a sight, but the woman didn’t seem to mind.
“Nut milk fine?” the woman asked. Nova nodded. “It’ll be a single piper, lass.”
Nova dug into her pouch, then stopped. “You know I’m a girl?”
The woman chuckled and took the copper coin before passing a slice of bread wrapped in cheesecloth over the cart. “Well, what’d you expect? You’re a missy aren’t you? Look at them locks under that sloppy hat.”
Self-consciously, Nova pushed the curls under the wet leather and grabbed the cup from the woman. After scouring the streets looking for a private place, Nova nestled down beneath a covered bench and bit into the hard bread. She played out different options in her head, but finally she took out her sword, ignoring her tight stomach.
“It has to be done,” she told herself.
Closing her eyes, Nova took a handful of her golden hair and sliced the blade through, ignoring the thick tendrils falling to her feet. When she’d finished, her hair hung just below her ears in soft waves. Nova bit her lip and used the cheesecloth to tie her hair into a short ponytail before returning the hat to her head.
“Looking for lodging, sailor?” A man with a crutch much too short for his build asked. Nova glanced up and met his toothless grin. His eyes sparkled with kindness despite his ragged appearance, and she couldn’t help but return his smile.
“Just for one night, yes,” she answered.
“Pub down the way is open to those just arriving in port. Good rates and soft enough beds. But most importantly, it’s one of the few places that don’t have no leaks in the roof.” He chuckled madly, notably thrilled at the notion.
“Sounds wonderful,” she agreed, making his gummy smile widen. She gathered her bag and followed the man down the road.
“Where are the skies taking you, young sailor?” he asked.
“I’m hea
ding to Dieb. I just don’t know how to find a ship that’ll take me,” she replied.
The old man lifted his eyebrow. “Dieb isn’t a good place for a young fellow like you to be headin.’ It’s pirate country,” he whispered as they stepped into the cozy pub.
The man had been right. The pub was dry and warm, and even the smell of alcohol and smoke was surprisingly comforting to Nova as she thought of Arbeiten.
“Did ya hear me, kid? It’s pirate skies out that way,” he pressed again.
“Yes, I’ve heard. But I’m looking for someone in particular and it’s a risk I’m going to have to take,” she said, setting her bag on the nearest table. The old man shrugged his shoulder, not covering the crutch, and walked toward the bar.
Nova settled in her chair and clutched her bag closer to her chest, enjoying the warmth of the building.
“Room for the night?” a woman asked, holding a dingy white rag in her hand. Her hair was gray and loosely pulled up on top of her head. The apron around her curvy waist was once white, but now was covered in stains reeking of liquor and tobacco.
When Nova didn’t answer right away, the woman cocked her hip and huffed in agitation. “Do you want a room? Phinney said you wanted a room.”
“Yes, I do,” Nova answered, following the woman’s pointed finger to the crutched man. “Just for the night.”
“All right then. Charge is three kits for the room, or a geld if you want breakfast in the morning.” Nova dug into her pouch, pulled out her final gold coin, and passed it over the table. “All right then. Breakfast is served at sunrise, and it’s on until we run out. My advice, get here early. Some of these men can eat for an army. My name is Jutta, and I’m the lady of this house. I don’t take any funny business, and I expect you to stay quiet once in your room so as not to disturb other tenants, hear?”
Nova nodded and accepted the warm tea Jutta offered. “Do you know of any ships heading to Dieb tomorrow?”
Jutta scowled down her long nose, as if studying Nova’s thoughts. She opened her mouth to speak, but was interrupted by a deep voice.
“Why you lookin’ to go to Dieb?” a young man with long black hair asked, stepping up beside Jutta. He was bulky in his chest, and thin in his waist. Nova didn’t think him particularly handsome, but he wasn’t dirty and sweaty like the other men in the pub.
“Ah, this is my son Dirk. He’ll help you to your room,” Jutta said.
“But you didn’t answer my question. Why you lookin’ to go to Dieb? I might be able to help. There’s a ship leavin’ port tomorrow at dawn. Prisoner ship, takin’ a load of low-lifes to the jails on Dieb. You can try and buy passage with the officers. Sometimes they take travelers, but expect them to be mighty suspicious of your aim to port in Dieb. Now, what is your business on the island? Or perhaps my mother should throw you out?”
Nova looked between Dirk and Jutta, who had renewed her interest in the conversation. She hesitated, wondering how her true quest would be received. Phinney grinned at her while taking a big swig of frothy beer, and Dirk looked at her kindly, as if he could be an old friend.
“I’m looking for a certain pirate.”
Jutta raised her eyebrows, not expecting that answer. “And what is a skinny boy like you doing lookin’ for a pirate? You know pirates aren’t the friendly type, right? No offense, lad, but you almost look ladylike.”
Dirk tapped his mother’s shoulders, notably embarrassed by her boldness. “Mother is right about one thing. Pirates don’t receive those lookin’ for them well. They’re superstitious folks and they’d rather just shoot you than listen to you.”
“Then how do they take on new crews if they never talk to people?” Nova asked, with her snarky tone her mother resented spilling out.
Dirk chuckled and leaned on the table. “Pirates take on crews when they want. People don’t just sign up at every port, and frankly a lot of men are forced. Join or die. So, I suppose if you wait for pirates to attack your ship then you might be able to talk with them.”
“Well, I think this pirate might listen. He knows my…uncle,” she said, deciding it best not to give up too much truth.
Dirk leaned back and Jutta crossed her arms and glared at Nova again. “I don’t serve pirates in my pub, so if you are dreaming of the life of piracy then you are as much a pirate as any.”
“I don’t want to be a pirate,” Nova said. She moved toward Jutta as if challenging her to call her a pirate again.
“Mother, come now, let’s hear him out...maybe we can track the ship with your pirate on it.”
Nova took a breath and spoke softly. “Captain Phoenix.”
“Excuse me?” Dirk said slowly.
“Captain Phoenix,” she said louder. “I know he’s the greatest captain out there, but I…need…to talk to him.”
Jutta and Dirk looked at one another, and then after a moment Dirk laughed loudly. “There’s no such pirate, friend. He’s just a legend. A legend of all the great pirate captains rolled into one story.”
Jutta chuckled without opening her mouth and wiped a nearby table. “You’re willing to pay for passage to Dieb, the filthiest island in the sky, to find a made-up captain. Oh, Lord, bless this simple soul,” she said to the ceiling, laughing her way back to the bar.
“Well, whether he exists, or not,” Nova began, feeling heat rising in her cheeks, “can you help me secure passage?”
Dirk stared at her curiously. “Just go to the docks in the morning, money ready.”
Nova nodded and thanked him. Dirk scoffed and shook his head, but he was smiling when he led her to her room.
“Thanks for the tip…for tomorrow I mean,” she said before he left.
“It’s nothing, but I warn you, settin’ sail to find pirates leads to a heap of problems. Bullets in your brain, for one.”
Nova nodded her understanding and tried to ignore her speeding heart as she closed the door. The room wasn’t anything to excite over. A simple bed with a pinstriped mattress was pushed against the wall. An oil lamp was on the floor beneath a narrow window. There was nothing else to sit on except a small three-legged stool next to a rusty chamber pot.
She tossed her bag on the rickety bed and sat, feeling the thick ropes holding the straw mattress give beneath her weight. She lay back and covered herself with the scratchy blanket at the foot of the bed. Nova hadn’t realized how exhausted she was from the sleepless nights on board The Galaxy until she felt her body sink into the lumpy mattress and her heavy eyes close.
A stair creaked, shaking Nova from drowsiness. Another stair creaked from someone trying hard not to make any noise. She was in an inn, so surely there were many people using the staircase. But something about the noises beyond her door caused the hair on the back of her neck to stand on end. Quickly, Nova grabbed her bag with the dagger and wooden seal and blew out the oil lamp that glowed lazily next to her mattress.
She tried to slow her breathing when someone opened her door, their soft steps scuttling blindly in the dark
“Hush, you heavy bags of bones. He’ll hear ya.”
Nova’s heart thumped against her chest when she recognized Dirk’s voice. What was he doing in her room, and with others? Slowly, she reached her hand inside the messenger bag and gripped the jeweled hilt of the dagger. When she touched the metal, a peaceful calm encompassed her, though her heart still beat like a herd of wild island stallions.
Dirk chuckled—not in the same way as before, but darker and with purpose. “Well, hello, sticky boy.”
Dirk looked at her through the darkness and she saw his white teeth pull into a satisfied grin. Behind him was a tall lump of a man, his shoulders hunched from years of poor posture. The man held a blunderbuss pistol with a flared barrel.
Another man stood behind them holding a sharply cut wooden pole in his dirty hands. His hair was wiry and pulled off his forehead with a black bandana as he slapped the wood against his palm.
“Come on out here. We need to talk,” Dirk said.
/> Something warned Nova not to engage, but her back hit the wall. They had her cornered. Slowly, Nova stepped toward them, gripping her dagger harder.
“That-a kid,” Dirk said condescendingly. He held a rusty sword out until the blade touched up against Nova’s shoulder. “Now, who sent you for the bounty of Captain Phoenix? You see, we’re after the prize and seeing as this is our island, I’d say you’re trespassing. We don’t take kindly to trespassers.”
“We don’t take kindly to ‘em a’tol,” lumpy said, whooping like a strangled hyena after he spoke.
“Shut it, Earl,” Dirk growled. “Now, why don’t you hand over that bag of yours and we’ll let you leave with your tongue.”
Nova’s heart sunk in her chest, but she was still calm as she slowly inched toward the door. They swiveled their bodies as she moved hers. The determined men didn’t seem to realize they were creating an opening for her escape.
“I don’t know what bounty you’re talking about,” she said. “I told the truth. I simply want to talk to Phoenix.”
The wiry-haired man snarled and swung the broken pole at Nova’s head. As if in slow motion, she saw the wood coming toward her temple, but in one shaky movement she jerked out of the way and the rod only slammed against her shoulder. Wiry-hair stumbled on his feet and flopped to the wooden floor like a fish out of water. Nova rubbed the spot where she’d been struck, feeling the deep bruise already building.
Dirk pounced from behind, but out of luck, Nova dodged him. The three men clasped their weapons and glared at her menacingly. Nova’s diamond eyes scanned the room. Lumpy Earl was behind her by now, blocking the door. Wiry Hair was snapping his teeth like a rabid dog and trying to hit her legs with the jagged rod. Dirk narrowed his eyes and thrust his sword through the air toward her midsection.
In a slow yet instant moment, Nova felt the warmth of the jewels comfort her palm as she withdrew the sleek dagger. She met Dirk’s sword, and for a moment he seemed surprised at the hidden weapon. Her eyes focused like never before, and every detail of Dirk’s second-hand sword sharpened. Soon the feeling passed, and with a newfound strength, Nova sliced her dagger in defense against Dirk’s fierce swings.