by Rebecca Rode
“Right.”
“Nay, really. You’re more aware of the world as it is, perhaps, but you’re the same person. And a right good one, I’d say. But you’re wrong about one thing. Your father isn’t a pirate. He was a pirate. People are allowed to change.”
“Not according to the law. King Eurion would have us both executed in an eyeblink.”
“King Eurion dictates what’s right for his country, not what’s right for the world. There’s a lot to see beyond Hughen. I’ve met plenty of people, and I say you and your father are among the best. It’s why I’ve stayed so long. Your mum’ll be pleased to see how you’ve turned out.”
I flinched. “I’ve no desire to please her.”
“She isn’t as bad as you think. A little stubborn, maybe, but quite beautiful.”
I hesitated, resenting the curiosity rising up inside. “Did you know her well?”
“Of course. Took dinner at their home a few times. A bit fancy for me, I’ll admit, but a far cry better’n ship biscuits and watery coffee.” He held up his hand. “I wasn’t the cook then, you’ll remember. My biscuits and coffee are much better.”
“What was she like? Were you there that day, when she brought me to the dock? Did she say why…?”
He shook his head. “Nay. I was on shore leave. When I returned, there you were. Captain was right proud to have you. Still is, I expect.”
If only that were true. He was abandoning me as surely as Nara had. I wouldn’t stand for it this time. “What is KaBann like? You said women sail there often.”
“Aye,” he said, though his tone was reluctant. “They do. Women captains, even.”
“Like Elena.”
“Like her. But your obsession with her, Lane—it isn’t healthy and it isn’t right. She wasn’t kumba-tah. Pirates rarely are. Your father is an exception.”
Kumba-tah. KaBann for beautiful person. It referred to the soul, if I remembered correctly. We didn’t meet many KaBann, so I hadn’t made much effort to study their language.
“There are bad folks everywhere,” I said. “I’m not afraid.”
“You could find a place as a sailor there, that be sure. But I don’t think you’d want one. The politics are… Well, I left for a reason.”
I frowned. “Why did you leave?”
He looked back at the ladder, fingers fidgeting with his shirt sleeve. “We all make ripples in the world, Lane. Some ripples die off, while others turn into waves that topple cities. I got myself caught up in one of the latter.”
“I don’t understand.”
He’d torn a thread free and was now playing with it. “When King Eurion released the Edict, KaBann went rat-raging mad. Overnight, half their industry was gone. While the rest of the world quietly disposed of their women sailors, the southern countries revolted. Women slit the throats of their sleeping comrades until they’d taken over entire ships. Shop owners who refused their business were poisoned. Some burned homes to the ground. Everything women lost here, they seized in my homeland. And then some, I suppose.”
I couldn’t blame them, although I couldn’t imagine killing the sailors I worked with simply because they were men. “But that doesn’t explain why…” I trailed off, the answer hitting me like a slap. “You were a captain.”
“Aye. Garrow agreed to take me in. The danger’s long past, I think, but the pay’s better here anyway.” He shrugged. “Don’t know what it’s like now. Wouldn’t risk it, if I were you.”
I wanted to shake my head in wonder. Even Paval wasn’t who I’d believed him to be. Was no one on this ship as they appeared? “Sounds like the perfect place for a woman sailor, actually, but I’m sorry you lost your home.”
“See that? You, Lane—you are kumba-tah. You have a good heart. You’re more concerned about who a person is than what society says they are.”
I swallowed hard. It did little to ease the tightness in my throat. Paval saw a version of Lane that didn’t exist. A version that was far better than the real thing.
He patted my back—it nearly threw me off the bag altogether—and stood. “You can always go south if Ellegran life doesn’t suit you. Give your mum a chance first.”
“Paval?” Aden ducked down the ladder, caught sight of me, and immediately glanced away. “Ah. Sorry, but Captain Garrow requested ale, and I can’t find where it’s stored.”
A flush rose to my cheeks. Whether from embarrassment or anger, I couldn’t tell. For once, I was glad of the darkness surrounding us.
“That’s ’cause I have to hide it,” Paval grumbled, giving me an apologetic smile before heading for Aden. “I’ll fetch the ale. When the galley’s scrubbed spotless, you’re relieved for a spell.”
“It’s finished.” He paused. “I’ll have a word with Lane first, if you don’t mind.”
Paval looked at me. “Lane?”
“It’s fine. Let him come.” The heat in my cheeks intensified. Definitely anger. I had done nothing wrong in rejecting Aden. If he had a problem with that, I would make my intentions clear once and for all.
“Very well.” The large man pushed past Aden and pulled himself up the ladder with a series of tired grunts.
Aden stood hesitantly, staring at his boots, until Paval was gone. The stubble on his chin looked even darker today. “I’m not rehashing our previous conversation, so you can relax.”
I took in his rigid shoulders and darting gaze. “I’d say you’re the one who needs to relax.”
He chuckled, but his flashing eyes buried the mirth. “You never stop giving orders, do you?”
“And you keep ignoring them.”
Now he looked directly at me. “I always valued your advice. That’s why I wanted you with me in Ellegran, because you’ve proven yourself capable.”
I rose from the bags and hugged the book against my chest. “I’ve no desire to become some kind of royal servant, thank you. Now tell me your question so you can get back to kissing Barrie’s boots.”
“Barrie’s boots? Servant?” A shadow passed over his face, and he looked genuinely baffled. “Lane, I never wanted—you really thought I was asking you to come because I needed a servant?”
I couldn’t put into words what I’d thought. Aden was a hopeless dream like my wish to become captain—yet another unattainable aspect of my life. I raised my chin and stalked past him toward the ladder.
“Wait.” He grabbed my arm.
I yanked away. “Don’t touch me.”
“I’m sorry.” He raised his hands in surrender. “You’re right. It’s just that I need the missive back.”
I blinked in confusion. “What?”
“The missive. You returned it, but it was gone when I woke this morning. I thought maybe you’d taken it again.”
I felt my eyes widen and saw my reaction mirrored on his face.
He took a step back. “You don’t have it. I looked everywhere. That means—”
“Someone else took it.” I swore under my breath. If Kemp had gotten his hands on that missive…
The bells above began to sound.
I frowned. It couldn’t be the hour yet—it wasn’t even half past. I counted them slowly.
“What is it?” Aden asked, watching my face carefully.
“A musket drill,” I said.
“Now?”
It was odd. My father only called for drills when the winds died and we had little else to do. But now felt like a strange time for it, especially considering how low we were on gunpowder. Had something happened? Had more pirates been sighted?
Aden must have been thinking the same thing, because there was alarm in his expression as we stared at each other. Then we sprinted for the ladder.
Neither Dennis nor Father was in sight when I reached the deck. No ships or storms on the horizon. I immediately knew something was wrong.
Only Kemp’s watch was there, standing in neat rows, muskets hefted and aimed straight at us.
Muttering every curse word that sprang to mind, I sent Kemp a mu
rderous glare. This was it. He was making his move. Why hadn’t I forced Father to stop him?
Kemp greeted us with a triumphant smile. “To yer stations, nice and slow.”
Paval burst from the cabin door like a dark, angry hound. Despite his limp, the large man looked downright dangerous. “What is this? None but officers are allowed weapons without the captain’s order.”
“A musket drill?” my father thundered, emerging right behind Paval. “I didn’t order such a thing, Gun Master, and you know it.”
“Gathers the crew right quick,” Kemp said. “They’re nearly all here.”
He was right. Dennis’s watch still streamed up the steps with their bags of powder, although they were missing their muskets. They looked confused. It took me a moment to realize Kempton had armed his own men and locked up the rest of the pistols and muskets. I should have considered that possibility long before now.
Except Kemp wasn’t the only one with a key to the gun cabinet. Dennis had the other—and he wasn’t here yet. If I could sneak away and warn him…
I stepped closer to the stairs.
Kemp’s men aimed their weapons at the others, who were just beginning to understand their situation. They raised their arms and shuffled over to where Aden and I stood, watching the captain in bewilderment. Barrie was one of the last. He looked at me questioningly, but I just shook my head. While Kemp’s men busied themselves getting everyone situated, I took two more steps.
Kempton began. “As it be my duty to protect this crew—”
“Nay, it’s my duty,” my father snapped, “and any man who does not lower his musket this moment will receive the lashing of his life.”
“A tired threat and one that the men’ll disregard for reasons I’m about to share,” Kemp said. “Now, I called ye all together for a frank discussion. Many of you have heard about Belza’s sworn revenge. He intends to kill us all and steal the ship for himself.”
I flinched. There it was.
“I’ve received word that pirates have blockaded the Ellegran harbor,” Kemp went on. “They lie in wait for us. Garrow sails us right into Cap’n Belza’s hands.”
“Ridiculous,” Paval said. “You couldn’t possibly know such a thing.”
“We communicated with a passing vessel in the night,” Digby said with a pleased grin. “Seven ships, all flying Belza’s banner. Said we’d best replace the captain with someone with more wits if we wanted to live. I call for a strip of position immediately.”
I growled under my breath. Kemp’s lies were so blatant, so obviously untrue. But his plan was brilliant. Only he, Dennis, and my father could interpret mirror messages. If he had indeed communicated with another ship while the rest of us slept, nobody could tell what the message truly said. And no sailor would dare question a warning of pirates, especially so soon after Captain Belza’s release. No doubt Kemp had reinforced or even passed the rumors along with the help of his friends. I was halfway to the stairs now. Not a single pair of eyes looked my direction. Just a little closer, and I’d make a run for it.
“Seems like a drastic move for one man’s word,” someone said. “We’ll need more evidence than a passing ship’s opinion.”
“It’s more of a warning than most ships get,” another man muttered. “I say we turn round and head back. If the captain won’t change course, we replace him.”
A third man cleared his throat. “You’re talking mutiny. We’ll be hanged.”
“It’s pirates, you fool. I’d rather take my chances at trial than accept death at a filthy pirate’s hand.”
“Assuming there are pirates.” A cough. “All due respect, Gun Master.”
It went quiet. Nearly half the crew was armed and the other half unconvinced, shuffling their feet. Kemp frowned. My heart leaped. Despite bringing more Messauns on board, the crew was still loyal to their captain. Maybe we could win this after all.
Kemp gave a tight smile. “Of course. Were that the only issue, I would understand yer hesitation. But unfortunately, I’ve also found evidence of dishonorable conduct on the part of our captain.” He lifted a piece of parchment high over his head. It flapped in the sea wind, but he didn’t release it.
Aden’s jaw clenched.
“It’s a missive from the Hughen king himself, ordering a spy to deliver a message to King LeZar. The spy? Young Aden.”
The men turned to stare at Aden, but he simply looked puzzled. I felt the same. Why hadn’t Kempton announced Aden was Prince Cedrick? It would only strengthen his case. Father cocked an eyebrow at me.
“But that ain’t the worst of it, I’m afraid,” Kemp continued. “The document requires that the boy not only deliver a message, but stab King LeZar in the heart afterward.”
I openly gaped now, the stairs forgotten. A couple of men crossed their chests, muttering prayers for their king’s protection. I’d expected Kemp to accuse my father of hiding a royal, perhaps point out the danger he’d placed us in regarding the war. But lying about Aden being an assassin? What would that accomplish?
Aden snorted. “Rubbish.”
Kemp ignored him. “Odd things have been happening since he boarded. The doused gunpowder, lies spread among the men about a military career he’s surely too young for. Then an experienced sailor falls mysteriously to his death. And now I’ve discovered the captain’s precious cargo, the load he insists on risking our lives to deliver, are simple stones worth barely fifteen coppers.”
My lies were boulders now, burying me until I could hardly breathe.
“Assassin?” Father broke in. “Stones? Enough of these lies, Master Kempton. You’ll not be turning the crew against me today. Our cargo is copper shavings bound for Ellegran, and I know nothing about any murderer. If our saboteur is at work again, we’ll address the issue here and now. The only man being stripped of his position today is you.”
“Then why did we fight our way out of port, sir?” Digby asked. “I’d surely like an explanation.”
My father’s face turned dark, but it was Aden who spoke. “If that missive names me a killer, it’s a forgery. I’m just a messenger, and Captain Garrow is still the honest man you’ve always known him to be. Any untruths and misconduct occurred on my part, not his. Put me in chains if you must, and let us be on our way.”
My last meal threatened to make an appearance. Aden’s assassin mission was the perfect story, I now realized. It would reinforce Messaun prejudice, anger the Ellegrans, and plant doubt into the minds of the Hughens. Even those most loyal to my father would hesitate to stand against Kempton now. Any one accusation couldn’t stand, but all of them together…
Dryam noted my position and placed himself between me and the stairs, lifting his weapon in warning.
I cursed and glanced at the steps once more. Maybe Dennis was unlocking the case right now, gathering what remained of the weapons. Once armed, we could contain Kemp’s little mutiny within minutes.
“This is all nonsense,” my father said. “Any secrets I’ve kept have been for the protection of my men and nothing more.”
“Their protection, Captain? Or yours?” Dennis said, emerging from the cabin. “They know that Captain Belza wants your head, but that’s only half of the truth. Surely you’ll tell them the rest.”
My heart sank to my boots.
Dennis joined Kemp at the mainmast. His hair was pulled back into a tidy tail, making the ugly scar on his forehead more visible. As my father went sickly pale, Dennis turned to address us. “The khral didn’t commission Belza as a privateer. He appointed him an admiral. He leads not a band of ragged sailors, but a fleet of military vessels. It’s entirely possible that those pirates we escaped were indeed Belza’s, just as that embargo awaiting us is as well. Belza likely studied our usual routes, guessed where we’d be, and sent his ships to intercept us. But then, we’ve had this conversation before, haven’t we, Captain? You refused to listen, as always.”
Devastation haunted my father’s face. “Dennis, don’t do this.”
> The first officer wasn’t done. “I told you when Belza was released that he would come for you, yet you ignored my warning. I told you the men deserved to know the risk, but you hid that too. I’m tired of bearing the brunt of your lies and your secrets.” He turned to Kemp. “I’m relieved to be done with him, Master Kempton. If you take the position of captain, I’d be honored if you’d allow me the post of first officer.”
Digby scowled. He’d obviously been promised the position.
But Kemp looked as if Dennis had handed him a fleet of his own. He clapped Dennis on the shoulder. “Pleased to accept, Master Dennis.”
“How dare you,” I snapped.
Kemp lifted an eyebrow and turned toward our group. “Pardon?”
I pushed past the others, ignoring Aden’s tug on my sleeve, and planted myself next to my father. Then I turned so the entire deck could hear me. “This isn’t simply disagreeing with your superior, men. This is mutiny, even thievery, because it’s my father’s ship you’re trying to steal. You have no idea the kinds of sacrifices he’s made for you.”
“Lane, that’s enough.” My father’s face was red, and his eyes darted about. He wouldn’t fight this.
It made me even angrier. “You’ll hang for this, Master Kempton. I’ll see that you do.”
“Interesting that ye’d mention hanging, boy.” Kemp looked positively delighted. “Or maybe not such a boy after all.”
I felt eyes grazing my body, taking in every inch of me. There was a low murmur across the group. I stood my ground.
“Gun Master,” Aden said, stepping in front of me. “I’m the one you take issue with. I’m sure the captain will address the crew’s concerns in a respectable manner.”
Kemp ignored him and turned to my father, who looked positively ashen now. “Let us discuss Lane, shall we? Another lie on the captain’s part. How many of you has he paid for yer silence? How many of you thought yourselves mad at the strange behavior of our ‘youngest’ crew member? I say this is the most dangerous lie of all, for if a girl were discovered on our ship, we’d all be in danger.” Quick as a cat, Kemp whipped back and threw a massive punch to my father’s face.