by Becca Andre
It occurred to Briar that Molly wasn’t used to praise. Andrew complained constantly about everything. His household had to be perfect from the furnishings to the housekeeping to the meals. Briar would have tormented him more by leaving tracks on the carpet or disarranging the draperies, but she knew Molly would have taken the brunt of his outbursts.
“So, canal life agrees with you?” Briar asked.
“It’s more physical work than I’m accustomed to, but far less stressful. Yes, I like it.”
Her admission surprised Briar—or maybe it didn’t. For all of Molly’s etiquette and manners, she had always struck Briar as a down-to-earth person. Apparently, she was right.
“Good,” Briar said, transferring a stack of plates to the cupboard. “The crew would be forlorn to lose you now.”
“It’s all thanks to Mr. Martel’s teachings on top of what I learned supervising a kitchen.”
Briar glanced over. “So, you’re fine with him being a ferromancer?”
“I’m not fine with it at all. He’s a wonderful person, and it breaks my heart to imagine him ending up like that thing that tormented me yesterday.”
Briar sighed. “Yeah.”
“There’s nothing that can be done?”
“Nothing I know of, but I intend to speak to this ferra I’m taking him to. Maybe she can offer something.”
“I hope so.”
A knock sounded on the hatch.
“Captain?” Jimmy called down to her. “You’re needed on deck.”
Molly’s expression became concerned. Maybe she feared Farran had returned.
“We’re probably passing another boat, or there’s a lock coming up,” Briar reassured her. “Let me go see which it is.” She offered Molly a smile, then climbed the ladder to exit through the hatch.
Stepping out onto the aft deck, she saw Eli and Jimmy at the tiller, though both were looking out at the towpath ahead of them.
“What’s snagged you two’s attention?” Briar asked, turning to look. She immediately spied the reason. Kali and Perseus had joined Grayson and Zach on the towpath.
Chapter 11
Grayson’s body language didn’t suggest he was in trouble, but Briar wasn’t comfortable with him spending time alone with that Scourge couple. “Bring the boat in,” she commanded.
Eli cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted to Zach to stop the mules.
“How long have they been out there?” she asked.
“I thought you trusted them,” Jimmy said. “Didn’t they help you find Molly?”
“They’re still Scourge. Their goal in life is to eliminate ferromancers.”
“Sounds like a noble cause,” Eli said.
She frowned at him.
“They’re all just walking and talking,” Jimmy said. “But I called you as soon as they showed up.”
“I haven’t seen them make any threatening moves toward your ferromancer,” Eli said.
“As if you’d do anything if they had,” Briar answered.
“Do you think this means they’ll be joining us?” Jimmy asked before the argument could escalate. “They’ll have to sleep on the deck, though I guess the woman could bunk in your cabin, Captain.”
“Hell, no. I’d rather strangle the—”
The corner of Jimmy’s mouth twitched. “You two at odds?”
“I’ve already punched her once. Grayson stopped me from punching her a second time.”
Jimmy laughed. “This is gonna be fun.” He left them and headed for the bow.
Briar crossed her arms. “I don’t like this. Not one bit.”
Eli remained silent.
Briar leaned against the exterior wall of her cabin, trying to follow the conversation between Grayson and their new Scourge passengers. It sounded like they were expected to swear fealty to her.
“Are you suggesting we take a blood oath?” Perseus asked. “I don’t think we should—”
“This is just temporary,” Grayson said. “We all understand that. You don’t need to swear your service on her blood.”
Briar blinked.
“I already told you I’m not doing that,” Kali said. “I’m not licking some ferra’s ass, let alone her bleeding finger.”
Briar glanced between them, trying to hide her surprise. Was it just a symbolic thing, or was there a magical aspect? After all, ferra were magical. Then she wondered if they’d be able to tell she wasn’t ferra if they tasted her blood. What a crazy thought.
“But you’ll still give your word,” Grayson said. He turned to her. “Miss Rose?”
She stepped forward and displayed the little silver gun she held. The disruptor Liam had given her. Grayson had suggested she use it as a bargaining chip.
“How many charges did you give it?” Kali asked.
“See for yourself.” Briar offered her the gun.
With a grin, Kali took it. “Hmm, a test.” She closed her eyes and cradled the gun in both hands. “Looks like three charges.” She opened her eyes, and her gaze met Briar’s. “If I use these wisely, do I get more?”
“I reserve judgment until I see how you define wisely.”
“Ah.” Kali opened her pack to tuck the weapon away.
“Your word,” Grayson reminded her.
“Fine, but I don’t do the fancy speak.” She faced Briar. “You have my word. I’ll kill the rogue, and I’ll not shoot your man—unless he gives me a reason to.”
“I guess that’ll have to do.” Briar turned to Kali’s quiet partner. “I’m afraid that’s my only disruptor.”
“I have my own weapons.” He stepped forward and to Briar’s surprise, dropped to a knee. “I am yours until we reach Cleveland.”
She wanted to tell him she found that a little extreme, but he was probably using some ferra verbiage. She shouldn’t make light of that.
“I accept,” she answered, trying to keep her tone solemn.
Perseus climbed to his feet.
“The bunks are full,” Briar said, “but you’re welcome to sleep on deck. We’ve got a tarp we can stretch across a cargo hold should it rain.”
“You’re really the captain of this vessel?” Kali asked.
“Yes.”
Kali turned to Perseus. “Have you ever seen such an arrangement? I thought ferra lived in fortress-like strongholds with each other.” She turned back to Briar as she finished. “What are you doing out here with just him and a bunch of humans?”
“I don’t let what I am define me.”
Kali’s look of puzzlement made it clear that she didn’t follow that. It was ironic. The fact that Kali was a woman didn’t seem to prevent her from taking an active role in her society, but her ancestry did. Briar didn’t want to admit it, but they weren’t that different after all.
Briar’s concerns about bringing Kali and Perseus aboard bore no fruit. The pair stayed out of the way and even helped when locking through the dozen or more locks they encountered.
They were making good time, so when the rain rolled in later that afternoon, Briar decided to tie up early, just south of Canal Dover. Fortunately, the rain, though heavy, wasn’t accompanied by high winds. Stretching the tarp across the aft cargo hold provided good shelter for supper.
Benji had caught a huge snapping turtle out on the towpath, and Grayson had prepared an amazing turtle soup. Even Kali, who had been a bit uncertain about eating a ferromancer’s cooking, had begrudgingly commented on how good it tasted—after her second bowl.
Stopping early did leave them with some free time. They still had a good hour until sunset even after the supper dishes were washed and put away.
“Seems a perfect evening for a little fiddle playing and some cards,” Jimmy said. “What do you say, Captain?”
&n
bsp; Briar hesitated. Did ferra play? She felt her cover was already on shaky ground with the whole captain situation.
“Well…” She slipped a finger in her waistcoat pocket, brushing the warm metal that was Lock.
Do ferra play? She directed the thought at Grayson. Would he hear her—and understand?
He looked up at that moment, then dipped his chin in a single nod. She was wondering if he simply read her hesitation when something like joy washed over her. No, not joy, appreciation. He genuinely enjoyed listening to her play, even the folk songs of the canal.
“Very well,” she relented, aware of her warm cheeks. “You get the cards,” she said to Jimmy, “and I’ll get my fiddle.”
She retreated to her cabin to collect the instrument, taking a moment to tune it and compose herself. Grayson seemed to have a talent for making her blush.
Once she had herself well enough under control, she returned to the cargo hold. Kali frowned when she saw the fiddle, while Perseus watched with guarded interest. She found herself suddenly nervous. Playing for taverns full of strangers had never bothered her. Maybe she feared they would pick up on her strange ability. From what she understood, true soul singers didn’t need an instrument.
“Do you know ‘Sailor’s Hornpipe’?” Grayson asked, noticing her hesitation.
“I do. Though it might be different from the song you know.”
“I don’t remember it that well. I just remember that I liked it.”
She smiled and brought the fiddle to her chin, then launched into the song. It wasn’t as lively as some of the tunes she typically played, so she upped the tempo and dressed it up a bit. The dreary evening retreated, and for a moment, she was lost in the music.
She finished the song, and her crew broke into boisterous applause. Perseus was smiling, and Kali looked stunned. Grayson leaned against the stable wall, a mix of pride and amusement on his face.
“I’d heard you were good,” Molly said, “but that was amazing.” Andrew had never let Briar play around the house. He considered it coarse.
“You should hear her play ‘Soldier’s Joy,’” Jimmy said.
“Is that a request?” Briar asked.
“Aye, Captain.”
Getting into it now, Briar returned her fiddle to her chin and began. The evening flew by as she took requests or played what spoke to her. Before she knew it, the sun had set and Zach was lighting lanterns.
“That’s it for me,” she announced after her last refrain. “If you boys are going to get in a round of cards, you’d best begin. We got another big day tomorrow.”
A chorus of “Aye, Captain,” followed, and the boys gathered around the table. To her surprise, Grayson and Perseus joined them.
“I’m going to put the kettle on for tea,” Molly announced. “Would anyone like some?”
“There’s some rum in the cupboard if you want to make things interesting,” Grayson said.
Suddenly, everyone wanted a cup of tea.
“I’ll give you a hand,” Briar said to Molly.
“Limit Miss Rose to just one cup,” Grayson said.
“Watch yourself, Mr. Martel,” she replied. “Or I’ll have Eli toss you in the canal.”
“Wouldn’t want that,” Eli said. “He might rust.”
That got a round of laughs.
Grayson favored Eli with a dark look, but didn’t comment.
“Would you really rust?” Benji asked.
“No, Ben,” Grayson answered. “Soul iron doesn’t rust.”
“A shame,” Zach said, shuffling the cards. “We could have used him as a fancy hat rack.”
“Or tied him to the bow like one of those figureheads you see on ships,” Jimmy offered.
“You guys are cruel,” Grayson said, getting another round of laughs.
Briar could tell by Kali’s expression that she hadn’t expected one of the reviled ferromancers to be so easily accepted.
Perseus, on the other hand, watched the exchange in his usual quiet manner. He didn’t seem to be the type to get worked up over anything.
The tea was a hit, and the game became boisterous and competitive, but good-natured. Briar never allowed her crew to play for money. Instead, they played for an exemption from a chore or a special favor from the loser. But that didn’t happen tonight. As the game wound down to the last hand, Grayson and Perseus were the only ones left.
“This is it,” Jimmy announced. He had been the first one out and now served as dealer. “What do you each have to offer? Remember, no money.”
“What do you want?” Grayson asked Perseus.
“A new crossbow—designed by you.”
The corner of Grayson’s mouth crooked. “Done.”
“And what do you want?” Perseus asked.
“I want to know who sent you.”
Briar glanced between the two men. Did Grayson suspect that Perseus was working for someone? The Scourge worked for the ferra, but she’d gotten the impression that Kali and Perseus were freelance. Was she wrong?
“Done,” Perseus agreed.
“Here we go.” Jimmy dealt a new card to each man. Grayson now had three eights and a king face-up on the table, while Perseus had four hearts.
Jimmy whistled and leaned back on his barrel. “Grayson, you were the last man to bet. What’ll it be?”
Grayson studied Perseus a moment, then picked up his four cards and laid them facedown over his hole card. “I fold.”
Perseus arched a brow—that was the most expression Briar had seen from the man during the game—and flipped over his hole card. It was an eight of spades.
Grayson chuckled. “You knew I didn’t have four of a kind.”
“You have a full house.”
“No way.” Jimmy leaned across the table and picked up Grayson’s hand.
Briar half expected Grayson to stop him, but he didn’t.
Jimmy spread Grayson’s cards face-up on the table. His hole card was another king. Perseus was right. Full house, kings over eights.
“You folded with a full house?” Jimmy asked. “A full house always beats a flush. He obviously couldn’t have a straight flush.” He waved a hand at Perseus’s cards.
Grayson shrugged. “He made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.”
Jimmy frowned. “Were you two playing a whole other game on the side? I feel like I missed something.”
“Perseus’s favor was for Grayson to fix something,” Briar cut in. “You know he can’t resist that.”
“Design something,” Grayson corrected her. “Though I’ve been thinking about it since I saw his crossbow.”
Briar waved a hand at Grayson, meeting Jimmy’s gaze as she lifted her eyebrows.
“Oh.” Jimmy looked at Perseus, his smile growing. “You played him.”
Perseus didn’t comment, his expression remaining neutral.
“You expect me to believe that he threw the game so he could design weapons to kill ferromancers?” Eli glared at Grayson. “Bullshit.”
“Eli, please,” Briar cut in. “Let’s not start this.”
“I’m going to bed.” Eli got to his feet, then climbed up to the catwalk and headed for the bunkhouse.
Briar sighed. “The whole point of not playing for money is to avoid arguments among the crew.”
“I’m not crew,” Grayson reminded her.
She decided not to go into that. “Game’s over, boys. Let’s get some shut eye and pray this rain is gone come morning.”
A round of agreement, and after a few minutes of tidying up, the rest of the crew was following Eli to the bunkhouse.
“I’m afraid the bow cabin is full,” Briar told Perseus. She made herself continue. “But there is room for you to bunk with Molly and me,” s
he said to Kali. “There’s a fold-down—”
“This is fine.” Kali gestured at the cargo hold around them. “I wouldn’t want to intrude on you two.” She glanced at Grayson.
“If you mean Molly and me, she doesn’t mind. If that was another crude reference about Grayson and me, he sleeps on deck. Like I said, the bunkhouse is full.”
Kali frowned.
“You’re a bit trigger-happy with your mouth and your gun. It’s going to get you in trouble if you’re not careful.”
Kali fisted her hands and Briar tensed, expecting her to attack.
“Kali,” Perseus said, a soft reprimand in his tone. “You gave your word.”
“To use the disruptor wisely and not shoot her man,” Kali reminded him. “I can still fight her.”
“It’d be a shame if you couldn’t,” Briar agreed.
“But not tonight,” Grayson cut in. “The lighting is rather poor, so it wouldn’t be nearly as much fun to watch.”
Briar gave him a frown and got a smile in return.
“I’m sleeping on deck,” Kali repeated.
“Suit yourself.” Briar headed for her cabin. She really needed to put some distance between them before she punched her.
“Good night, Miss Rose,” Grayson called to her.
She stopped at her door and looked back. Dear God, was she really going to leave him out here with a couple of Scourge?
A wave of confidence and respect washed over her. Grayson’s feelings about the situation. He saw Perseus as a man of his word and where he led, Kali followed.
Briar was stunned that she picked up that much from such a brief burst of emotion, though she tried to hide it.
“Whatever you say, Mr. Martel.” She didn’t wait for an answer, but hurried into her cabin.
The rain continued the next morning. With the canal on the rise, the dampness and the mud made pulling against the growing current even more miserable. They stopped in Canal Dover shortly after breakfast. The stop was required due to the toll office located there, but it was also a welcome break from the light rain and sloppy conditions.