Shadow Magic, page 28
“Have you sailed on many ships?” Robert asked.
“Two before this one, sir,” the sailor said. He gestured toward two doors a little way ahead of them. “Those are your cabins. If you need anything just ask for Ako.”
Robert shook hands with him. “Thank you.”
Shara followed Robert and Blade into the left-hand cabin. It wasn’t very big, maybe ten feet square. Two hammocks hung along the far wall, one above the other. Two sea chests sat beside a bench with a chamber pot under it. Not much in the way of furniture.
“We should probably stay below deck until we’re out to sea,” Blade said.
“Good idea.” Robert yawned so wide Shara thought his face would rip in half. “Those hammocks look pretty comfortable.”
Blade drew her dagger and used it to wedge the door shut. “You want the top or bottom?”
“Bottom,” Robert said. “I’d probably break my neck getting out of that top one.”
“You’re going to sleep?” Shara said. “It’s the middle of the day.”
Robert collapsed into the bottom hammock. “Kid, we haven’t slept four hours since we arrived in King’s Port. Right now a nap sounds like just the ticket.”
“Don’t open the door for anyone,” Blade added. She hopped up into the top hammock with no trouble.
“But…” Shara started to ask another question but both her companions were already asleep.
Chapter 54
Nord swore when Arkon finished his report. It was just the two of them in the throne room. Nord sprawled on the throne, enjoying the irony of having the seat, but nothing else to show for all his efforts.
Two more men had deserted during the night. That made five in the last two days. Not a lot, but if they kept losing men at this rate, his five hundred would soon be just two. Still, he didn’t know what he could do about it. He and Arkon couldn’t be everywhere at once.
If Vilos’s men outside would kill and hang up the bodies of the deserters outside the gate he could get them to stay, but that didn’t happen. Whoever his brother had left in charge was smart enough not to do anything to discourage his men from giving up.
“You have any suggestions about how to end the desertions?” Nord asked.
“No, my lord, under other circumstances the threat of corporal punishment might do it, but now we’d be more apt to push more men to try and escape with such a threat. I just don’t know.”
“Damn that sorcerer! If he hadn’t pushed me to move so fast I could have consolidated my power in the Broken Kingdom and left someone trustworthy in charge. Then I could get the reinforcements I need.”
Nord hung his head, feeling dejected. All his plans, his grand vision, lay in ruins. “I was never a religious man, but right now I can’t see much beyond divine intervention getting us out of this alive.”
“I fear you are right,” Arkon said.
Nord offered a cynical smile. “How long until you leave me too, old friend?”
“You want the truth, my lord?”
Nord nodded.
“I’ll stick with you until I’m in serious physical danger. When that happens you’re on your own.”
Nord laughed. He knew he sounded insane but he no longer cared. “Fair enough.”
The mad laughter echoed through the palace.
Chapter 55
Robert stood in the prow of the ship as close as he could get to the railing. The Desert Fox crashed through the waves, sending cool seawater spraying over him. The day was fine and clear. The sun glittered on the water, making it look like an ocean of gems.
They’d been at sea for two days now and Robert had spent most of those sleeping. His body felt rested and his mind clearer than it had in days.
He took a deep breath, savoring the salt smell in the air. He was reminded again how much he loved the water. The snap of the ship’s flag drew his gaze up to the three hundred yards of cloth pulled taut by the wind. Three masts creaked at the strain. If the wind held, they might make the crossing in less than a month.
He looked down at the water. The only thing missing that would make the day perfect was a few dolphins to watch.
“Morning, sir.”
Robert turned to see Ako headed toward him. “Good morning, Ako.”
“I do not see your fine companions this morning. Sleeping in?”
Robert smiled. Blade and Shara were definitely not sleeping in.
“No, this is their first time sailing and they haven’t gotten their sea legs yet.”
He didn’t add that besides the beautiful weather the main reason he was on deck was that he couldn’t stand to listen to the ladies throw up any longer.
“The cabins were satisfactory then?”
“Perfectly.”
“Not too small?”
Robert laughed. “I’ve never been on a ship that had big enough cabins. As ship’s cabins go, these are better than most.”
Ako was wringing his hands and fidgeting. It seemed painfully obvious he wanted to ask something but couldn’t work up the nerve.
Finally Robert asked, “Something on your mind, sailor?”
“The young lady with you is very beautiful,” Ako said then quickly added, “So is the older lady. I meant no offense.”
Robert chuckled to himself. “Best not let Blade hear you call her the older lady. She’s apt to cut your liver out and fry it for her supper.”
Not that she could keep it down at the moment.
The young man smiled weakly and managed a halfhearted laugh. “I will keep that in mind, sir.”
Robert let his smile fade. “I’m not kidding, son. Best control your tongue around Blade.”
“Yes, sir, but the other girl, I was wondering if it would be all right for me to talk to her.”
“Sure, but I wouldn’t get your hopes up. She’s already spoken for. Her intended is a wizard, and the worst kind at that.”
Ako looked crestfallen. “What kind is that?”
“Excuse me?”
“The wizard, you said he’s the worst kind, I wanted to know what kind that was.”
“Oh, he’s the jealous kind. Unless you fancy a short life as a frog, I recommend you be on your best behavior around the young lady.”
Ako had turned a sickly shade of green, no doubt contemplating life as a frog. “Thank you for the warning, sir.”
“Not at all, my fine young friend, and call me Robert. Sir just doesn’t fit. Now, on to a more pleasant subject. Do you suppose anyone would object to my taking a turn in the crow’s nest? I haven’t climbed a mast in years. I’d like to see if the view is as splendid as I remember.”
“You love the sea,” Ako said.
Robert nodded, looking wistfully out over the water. “I was raised on a ship. I’ve spent more of my life walking a ship’s deck than on solid ground. It’s been five years since I’ve had the pleasure of sailing. Now I find it’s everything I remember and more.”
“I know what you mean. I’ve only been sailing for four years, but I can’t imagine a life away from the water.”
“Why so many ships?”
Ako blushed. “I was wondering when you’d ask. I noticed the funny look you gave me when I mentioned it. Don’t worry, I’m not a troublemaker. I parted on good terms with the other captains I’ve sailed with. The problem is they all sail in just one little part of the world and I wanted to see more. So when I got bored, I’d leave and try another ship. This is my second crossing of the Sea of Torments and I’m already getting bored.”
Robert smiled good-naturedly at the boy. “I understand. I’ve sailed all the seas but two, the Sea of Ice in the north and the Dead Sea. I hope to cross them both someday.”
Ako smiled back. “Me too, Robert.”
“Well I’d best check on my companions. If I’m up here too long, they’ll think I’m having fun while they suffer. Fair winds, my young friend.”
“Smooth water, Robert.” Ako started away then turned back. “I’ll ask the captain about the crow’s nest.”
Robert waved his thanks then disappeared belowdecks.
Chapter 56
Shara groaned as the ship hit another wave. She was seated on the cabin bench with the chamber pot between her feet. Her stomach was in revolt and had been since they set sail two days ago. The ship lurched suddenly and her stomach heaved. The only good thing she could think of was that she’d emptied her stomach hours ago so she only had to endure dry heaves.
She looked up from the floor and watched Blade move gracefully through a complex unarmed combat routine. She said it helped her get used to the bobbing of the ship. It seemed to be working. Blade hadn’t thrown up in hours. Shara had tried a more basic version of the movements yesterday, but they only made her feel worse.
Someone knocked on the door, three knocks followed by a pause then one more. Robert had returned.
Blade opened the door and he stepped inside. He was smiling as usual, the rat.
“How are you two feeling?” he asked.
“Better,” Blade said.
“Lousy,” Shara countered.
“Well for those feeling better I have a snack.” Robert took a small sack from behind his back and removed an orange, two apples, and some brown bread. Shara longed for the food but her stomach had other ideas as they bobbed up and over another wave.
“Maybe later,” Shara said between groans.
Robert put a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry, it will get better. I almost forgot. It seems you have an admirer. Our young guide seems quite smitten with you.”
Blade sighed. “That’s all we need.”
“Don’t worry, I told him Shara was engaged to a jealous sorcerer. Once that story gets around no one will bother her.”
“Isn’t that a little close to the truth?” Shara asked.
“Well, yeah, but in this case the truth suits our needs. Besides, I haven’t had many opportunities to tell the truth lately. I thought the practice would do me good.”
Shara laughed. He was absolutely incorrigible. Father would like him.
“How long until we arrive?” she asked.
“If the good weather holds about three more weeks, if not, maybe four.”
Shara groaned again. “Three more weeks? Heaven help me.”
He patted her shoulder again. “You’ll be fine in a couple more days, don’t worry.”
Chapter 57
The next day when Robert went up on deck Blade joined him. She had gotten used to the movement of the ship and now showed no signs of ever having been sick at all. Robert put an arm around her waist and they went to his favorite spot in the forecastle. It was another perfect day with only a few high puffy clouds dotting the sky.
“I told you it was beautiful out on the open sea,” Robert said.
“For once you didn’t exaggerate.” Blade offered him one of her rare smiles. Her dark hair was blowing in the wind. Robert thought she had never looked lovelier.
She turned to face him. “How did you ever give all this up to live in a tent in the woods?”
“You left out the most important part of the question, the part that explains everything. I was living in a tent in the woods with you. From the moment I saw you I knew I wanted to be with you. If that meant living in the forest so be it. Nothing lasts forever. I knew our situation would change eventually.”
“You couldn’t know how it would change. We both could have been killed any number of times. To give up a life like this—” She made a gesture that seemed to encompass the whole ship. “To give up this freedom on the hope that everything might work out okay? I think you must be a little crazy.”
Robert grinned. “You’re just now figuring that out?”
She gave him a playful slap on the shoulder. “I’m serious.”
“I know. I suppose when it comes right down to it some things are worth taking a chance for, and for me, you most certainly were.”
Blade looked away. Robert reached out and gently turned her face back toward him. He caressed her cheek.
“I don’t know exactly when it happened, but somewhere along the line I fell in love with you and not even my first love could lure me away.”
“I…I don’t know what to say,” Blade said softly.
Robert kissed her. “You don’t have to say anything. I just thought you should know, you know, in case anything happens.”
“Nothing’s going to happen,” she said with a fierceness that surprised him.
Robert nodded. “I know. How’s the kid doing?”
“Better,” Blade said seeming pleased to leave the emotional stuff for the moment. “She managed to keep down a little bread and water. Hopefully she’ll be okay in a day or two.”
“Excuse me.” Ako had snuck up on them without their noticing.
Blade frowned at him. The boy shuffled back a few steps.
“What’s on your mind, Ako?” Robert asked.
“I spoke to the captain. He said anytime you wanted to climb up it was all right. Just shout up and let whoever’s up there know you’re coming.”
“Thanks, Ako.”
The boy nodded, shot a sideways look at Blade, and hurried off.
“What was that all about?” Blade asked.
“I wanted to climb up to the crow’s nest. The views are spectacular.”
“Is that the boy you told the tall tale to?” Blade asked giving him an arch look.
“Sure is, why?”
“What else did you tell him?”
“What do you mean?”
“Don’t give me that innocent look. That sailor looked at me like I was planning to bite his head off. Now spill it.”
Robert grinned, unable to help himself, and told her what he’d said.
When he finished Blade shook her head and sighed. “You’re right, you do need practice telling the truth.”
“It’s all part of the plan,” Robert said. “If they’re afraid of us, it will make it easier to convince them to go along with our requests later.”
“What requests?” Blade asked.
“I’ve been thinking about it, and it doesn’t make much sense to just sail into port with the crown princess in tow. Someone’s bound to recognize her then we’ll have ten flavors of hell to pay.”
“But she’s the princess,” Blade said. “Couldn’t she just order them to do what she wants?”
“Maybe, but if that sorcerer has any idea what he’s doing, he’ll have someone or something watching the ports. I would, anyway.”
“I never thought of that,” Blade said.
“I figure we’ll borrow one of their skiffs and land a few miles up the coast from the city. Then I’ll walk in alone and get our supplies.”
“Sounds risky,” Blade said.
“It is,” Robert agreed. “But I don’t see any other options. If you have any suggestions I’m more than interested. In the meantime how about we climb up to the crow’s nest and check out the view?”
Blade looked at the little basket at the top of the mast sixty feet up. “You go ahead. I’ll go check on Shara.”
Blade headed toward their cabin and Robert started climbing the rigging. He smiled to himself as he climbed up the thick hemp rope. Just like the old days. When he was about halfway up he shouted, “Ahoy in the crow’s nest. I’m coming up to join you.”
“Hold a moment, mate. Gonna be a bit crowded up here with two of us.” The sailor carefully climbed out of the basket. He waved down at Robert. “All yours, mate.”
Robert clambered up the rest of the way and joined the sailor on the top rigging. “Do you have a farseer?”
The man shook his head. “Only one on the ship and the captain keeps it with him at all times. If there’s something worth checking out just let him know. I’ll head down now. When you’re ready to come down just holler for Paco.”
“Will do.” Robert climbed into the crow’s nest.
The view was even more spectacular than he’d remembered. For miles in every direction he could see nothing but blue water. A mile off the port side a whale breeched, sending a fountain of water into the air. From what he could see he guessed the whale was at least as long as the ship, perhaps a bit longer. He shook his head in amazement as it dove. Hate to get one of those critters mad at him.
He saw nothing of note to starboard or dead ahead. He turned to look behind them. At first he thought it looked clear then he saw a white speck on the horizon. He narrowed his eyes and shaded them from the sun. It looked like a sail. Probably just another merchant headed south.
He spent the next hour enjoying the view and watching the whale breech off and on nearby. He checked on the ship behind them.
It was gaining.
He could make out two masts on her now, though he could see little else.
“Paco!” Robert yelled. The sailor appeared a moment later on the deck below him. “I’m coming down.”
Paco waved and began to climb the rigging. Robert spotted a rope tied to the railing and shinnied down it. He dropped the last few feet to the deck, landing easily. He found the captain at the helm holding the oversized wheel.
Robert made his way around a group of sailors mending a net. As soon as the captain saw him he called over one of his men to take the helm. He met Robert at the top of a short flight of stairs.
“Good day, sir. I trust all is well,” the captain said. “Nothing wrong with the cabins, is there?”
“The cabins are fine. I was just up in the crow’s nest—”
“Did you enjoy the view, sir?” the captain interrupted him.
“It was great, listen—”
“Something else I can arrange for you, sir?” the captain again interrupted him.
Robert rolled his eyes. “Could you please shut up for a minute?”
“Sorry, sir, it’s just you people make me nervous.”
“You know what makes me nervous, that ship following us.”
“Are you certain it’s following us? Many ships start out in this direction before turning toward other ports.”
