Chapter 22
Chapter Twenty-Two
Along with news of the arranged meeting with the ship’s captain, Korr managed to bring them some dinner without drawing notice, not that Avera had much appetite. She picked at the fish and vegetables, unlike Josslyn who ate heartily.
“You really should fill your belly. Who knows when we’ll get another meal if things go wrong,” her friend remarked in between mouthfuls.
“All I’ve done since our arrival in between talking to people is eat and rest,” Avera grumbled. “I’m worried this captain will refuse to take us.”
“Then sweeten your offer.”
“Offer what, though?” Avera exclaimed. “I have nothing. No jewels to bribe. No authority. Nothing.”
“I’d say the future goodwill of a queen would be tempting.”
“Assuming I can regain my throne. Assuming I can succeed in Verlora in finding the stones and return to Daerva when no one else has been able to. Assuming I can stop Zhos. Otherwise, none of the rest even matters.”
“If this Opal can truly get hints of the future, then this quest she’s sending you on should succeed.”
“She also mentioned a world of death and darkness if I failed,” was Avera’s grumbled reply.
“In which case any promises you make won’t matter.
You have to go into this thinking you will make it to Verlora and find the stones and figure out how to return to Daerva.
Which in turn will let us once more lock away Benoit’s master.
And then we tackle that miscreant. There will be others like Korr who either don’t like Benoit, or don’t approve of what he’s done. ”
“But are there enough? The knights he sent seem to have no issue trying to arrest or possibly even kill me.”
“There will always be soldiers who simply follow orders because it’s easiest and what they’re trained to do. Yet keep in mind, obeying doesn’t always mean loyalty. I guarantee many are uneasy at what has transpired and would gladly revolt, but only if there is someone to lead them.”
“I’m not a leader, though,” was Avera’s quiet response.
“You will be. You have the blood of kings and queens running through your veins. You have the intelligence to see and question things. The power to invoke change.”
Avera offered a weak smile. “I didn’t realize a duchess’ role was to encourage and bolster my lagging self-esteem.”
“It is my duty to ensure Daerva prospers, and as I’ve gotten to know you, I truly believe you are the right person for that task.”
The next tap at the door turned out to not be Korr looking for dishes but Gustav. Cloaked head to toe in a raggedy length of cloth, he entered quickly and quietly before flinging back his hood.
“Korr tells me you have a meeting with the captain,” he stated without preamble.
Avera nodded. “At the peak of night in the old chapel past the pier on the point.”
“A good a place as any, I suppose. Although, Korr’s plan to render the soldiers too sotted to notice isn’t working as hoped. One of the knights has refused all drink.”
“Even if he’s sober, he’ll soon be to bed,” Josslyn opined.
“Most likely, but just in case we’ll be furtive with our departure. Take everything with you as we won’t be returning no matter the outcome of the meeting.”
“Already taken care of.” Josslyn waved to their packs by the door, including Gustav’s.
“Good thinking, unlike your visit to the taproom.” He offered a stern glare at his sister.
“No harm came of it.”
“You were lucky,” was his growled reply.
Avera diverted his annoyance. “Where will we go if the captain refuses to take us?”
“Back to the mountain, if needed, until the knights leave. Then we can return and wait for the next ship.”
“And if that takes weeks? The longer I am stuck here, the longer Benoit has to firm up his claim to the throne.”
“You mean the longer he has to make the people hate him.”
“His knights have spoken ill of him?” Josslyn tossed over her shoulder as she tightened the straps on her bulging pack.
“No. However, their behavior isn’t endearing them to the people.”
“They seemed fine to me,” Josslyn stated. “When I went down earlier, they sounded like regular soldiers. Talking bawdily about women. Discussing what they’d do if they earned the reward by finding us. Complaining about being sent to the most boring place in Daerva.”
“You eavesdropped before they began drinking. A man deep in his cups tends to reveal more of his true nature. They’re young and brash. Arrogant too. Pawns that were elevated recently despite lacking the character traits of a knight.”
At Gustav’s obvious disapproval, Avera queried, “You know them?”
“Not personally, no. I have little to do with pawns. But I heard enough to know they don’t have a qualm about this mission. On the contrary, they are hoping for a chance to return with our heads, and I mean that quite literally.”
“Then we shall ensure they don’t have a chance to catch us,” was Josslyn’s pert reply.
“We should rest while we have a chance.”
“Is that a good idea? I don’t want to miss our meeting.” Not that Avera thought she could sleep.
“Korr will let us know when it’s clear for us to leave.”
With that in mind, Avera and Josslyn lay down on the bed together despite having more rooms. Gustav sat in a chair by the door, sword across his thighs, eyes closed. A guardian even in repose.
As expected, Avera couldn’t sleep, worry chasing anxiety round and round with the worst kind of scenarios.
They’d be arrested the moment they left the room.
This captain would say no. She even wondered if Zhos could send its mist down this side of the Spire to infect the people.
Surely if it could, it would have already.
Opal had mentioned something about it being blocked, but Avera still couldn’t shake her unease.
By the time a soft tap came at the door, Avera was more than ready to act. She immediately swung her legs over the edge of the bed and pulled on her jacket before grabbing her pack. A yawning Josslyn followed suit.
Gustav also instantly woke and stood, sheathing his sword before once more wrapping himself in the ragged cloak.
As they emerged, laden with their packs, they found Korr in the hall.
The man said not a word, putting a finger to his lips indicating they should be silent.
Walking carefully to avoid overly loud creaks, they descended into the quiet tavern, the patrons gone for the night.
As they reached the main door, Gustav gripped Korr’s arm and gave him a nod. Avera also put a hand on him and murmured, “Your loyalty won’t be forgotten.”
Korr smiled. “Best of luck, Majesty.”
They emerged into a cool evening, the crescent moon overhead barely enough to light their path as they made their way up the street, heading for the docks and then moving past them.
The large, nameless ship remained berthed, its crew belowdecks for the evening.
Or so she assumed. Most likely a sentry kept watch to ensure no one stole aboard.
They walked alone, everyone abed at this hour.
Despite seeing and hearing no one, Avera’s nape prickled.
She kept a hand on the hilt of her dagger, ready to draw if needed.
The series of docks ended as did the warehouses, leaving them to walk on a path of crushed seashells and coral.
The smell of the ocean filled her senses, slightly fishy, definitely salty, with a hint of the pungent seaweed that washed ashore.
The lapping of the waves proved soothing but at the same time had her turning her head left and right since it could mask the sound of someone approaching. Gustav proved just as alert, his sword in his hand as he strode, straight-backed, every inch the protective rook.
The chapel sat atop a stony outcrop that jutted above and slightly over the sea.
Under it, waves crashed against the rocks, sending up spray and foam.
The building itself, made of stone that stood the test of time, wasn’t overly large.
Maybe a dozen or so paces long, not quite as wide.
The doors to it were weathered wood, warped by salt, rain, and sun.
Gustav grunted as he heaved one panel open, the creak of it ridiculously loud and causing Avera to glance back at the path they’d just taken.
The crescent moon barely illuminated, but she saw no moving shadows.
However, she remained aware anyone could have been hiding and spying.
Gustav entered first only to exit growling, “It’s dark in there.”
Josslyn snorted. “What did you expect? Did you not bring a lantern?”
A disgruntled Gustav grumbled, “No.”
None of them had thought to bring light, but the person inside had. A sudden glow spilled from the partially open door.
A startled Gustav whirled, sword held in front of him as he barked, “Who goes there?”
“Calm yourself, old man. I am here at your request,” a deep voice stated.
“You’re the ship’s captain?” Gustav questioned.
“For the moment.”
“Meaning what?” A suspicious Gustav frowned.
“Meaning I command only so long as my crew continues to approve of my performance and doesn’t make me walk the plank.” A hint of amusement tinged the words. “I hear you wish to strike a bargain for passage.”
“Yes. But I’m not negotiating without seeing a face.” Gustav went to enter only to have the man inside say, “You can stay outside. I will deal only with the one in charge.”
“That’s me,” Gustav announced.
“Do not take me for a fool. You are but a servant. Send in the woman whom you answer to.”
Gustav opened his mouth to argue but Avera put a hand on his arm. “I’ve got this.”
“It could be a trap,” he warned.
“And if it’s not? He’s our only chance,” she whispered. “Let me handle the negotiation. If I need help, I’ll scream.”
“Before or after you try to deal with any situation by yourself,” Gustav replied sourly.
Her lips curved. “You always did tell me to practice as much as I could if I wanted to hone my skills.”
“This isn’t a training ring.”