Chapter 9
Chapter Nine
Calista
“Valther!” I shout as I glance at the lowering sun. “Full sail! Get your ass in position. Now!”
“Yes, Captain,” he shouts as he rushes over, leaps onto the rigging, and pulls the line. The rest of the boys are releasing the sails one after another, propelling the ship forward.
“Briallen,” I holler. “Tighten that sheet!”
I turn back to the helm, reading the water and making wind calculations in my mind. The sun is disappearing toward the horizon. The full moon will be out soon.
And we’re still on the open ocean.
We can’t be late.
The coast is in the distance and we’re heading right for the Stormfur Kingdom. To the castle where the next Wolf King will be crowned tonight. It’s my job to make sure it’s the hot guy standing next to me.
“We’ll make it,” I say, reading his mind. “Just trust me.”
“I do.”
Stars are popping free in the sky, coming out like warnings to get this ship moving.
“Petr,” I holler. He pops up, waiting for instructions. “Jib sail! Port side! Go!”
He takes off running.
“I can help,” Kieran says, shifting from foot to foot.
“You’ll only slow us down.” It’s harsh but it’s true. I trained my crew well, and although Kieran is the strongest man on this ship, he’ll only get in the way.
I shout at Drakor to throw crates over the edge. I don’t want any unnecessary weight slowing us down. He starts heaving them over and I can feel the speed of the ship jumping up a step.
I use every trick my dad taught me and every one I discovered by myself to get a little bit more speed, and then a little bit more. We’re flying toward that shoreline.
I swallow hard as I look over at the setting sun.
I’m going to get my man onto his land with a crown on his head if it’s the last thing I do.
“Let’s go, crew!” I shout so loud my throat burns. “We gotta move!”