Chapter 47 Achieve Maximum Capacity
(in Chaos and Cargo)
Arabella
The next few days blurred together in a series of increasingly absurd kidnappings. We’d rescue a family, get them settled on the Sky Serpent, then sail off to our next target. Each “rescue” came with its own unique challenges.
There was the merchant family where we had to wait twenty minutes for their elderly grandmother to finish her bedtime prayers. The healer who insisted on bringing her entire herb garden. The blacksmith’s apprentice who turned out to have six siblings, three dogs, and a pregnant cat.
“This is getting out of hand,” Vex observed as we watched the apprentice’s family board the ship. “Lord Blackrose is going to have thoughts about this.”
“Kaz can cope.” I was tired, sandy, and somehow had feathers in my hair from an earlier altercation with another aggressive bird. “Besides, he’s probably having similar issues.”
“You think the Terror of the Western Realms is negotiating with roosters and helping pack toys?”
“No,” I admitted. “He’s probably just knocking everyone unconscious and sorting it out later.”
“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
I thought about it as we approached our next target. “It’s just… not me.”
“And that’s why you two work,” Vex said. “He’s the iron fist, you’re the velvet glove. Together, you’re a complete tyrant.”
The kidnapping that night proved more challenging. The Marenti family had actual guards—not many, but enough to notice our approach.
“Finally,” Vex whispered as we crouched in the bushes outside their villa. “A proper challenge.”
“You sound disappointed by the lack of violence so far.”
“I’m Steward of Skyspire. I have a reputation to maintain.” She studied the house. “Two at the front, probably more inside.”
“Shadow warriors can handle them.”
We struck fast and hard. Shadow warriors materialized behind each guard, rendering them unconscious before they could raise an alarm. We were inside the villa before anyone knew we were there.
The Marenti family was larger than expected—parents, four children, and an elderly aunt who immediately started hitting me with her cane.
“Ow! My lady, please—ow! I’m trying to save your life!”
“Burglar! Ruffian! Scoundrel!” Each word came with another whack.
“Actually, I’m a Dark Lady,” I said, catching the cane mid-swing. “Which is much worse than any of those things.”
That gave her pause. “You’re the Blackrose woman? The one who married that villain?”
“Guilty.”
“Hmph.” She looked me up and down. “You’re shorter than I expected.”
I narrowed my eyes.
“And prettier. The rumor mill makes you sound like some sort of succubus.”
“Only on weekends.”
That startled a laugh out of her. “Well then. I suppose if we’re being kidnapped, at least it’s by someone with a sense of humor. I’m Cordelia Marenti, by the way. You may call me Aunt Cordelia—everyone does. Children! Pack your things. We’re being relocated.”
The efficiency with which she organized the family was impressive. Within minutes, she had everyone moving with military precision.
“You’re taking this very well,” I observed.
“My dear girl, I’m eighty-three years old. I’ve survived two wars, four kings, and seven marriage proposals. A kidnapping by the Dark Lord’s wife barely registers.” She paused. “Though I do hope you have comfortable accommodations. My arthritis doesn’t care for cold.”
“Skyspire has excellent heating,” Vex assured her—not even a guilty glance at me. “Magical climate control in every room.”
“How modern. Very well, I’m convinced.” Aunt Cordelia turned to her family. “Stop dawdling! The nice villainesses are waiting.”
By the time we finished our final kidnapping for the evening—a family of pearl divers named Delacroix who were remarkably chill about the whole thing—the Sky Serpent looked less like a fearsome vessel and more like a refugee ship.
Children ran around the deck, dogs barked, Aunt Cordelia had started a card game with some of the older teens, and Ferdinand the Rooster crowed every few minutes just to remind everyone he existed.
“This is chaos,” Vex said, but she was smiling. “Absolute chaos.”
I watched a little girl offer Nyx a piece of candy. The dragon accepted it delicately. “They’re safe. That’s what matters.”
Captain Brecca approached. “Begging your pardon, Lady Blackrose, but we’re at capacity. Any more and we’ll be stuck on the ground.”
I checked the list. We’d gotten everyone from the main Meridian Isle, but there were outlying islands with one or two. “Can we make multiple trips?”
“Aye, but it’ll take time. These aren’t exactly short journeys.”
I made a decision. “Then we take these families back to Skyspire first. Make sure they’re settled safely.” I glanced at Vex. “Think you can handle the intake process?”
“I’ll have them sorted and housed within an hour of arriving.” She paused. “What about you?”
“I’ll stay here with the shadow warriors.” I was already planning. “By the time you return, I’ll have everyone gathered and ready to go.”
“Lord Blackrose won’t like you staying alone.”
“Kaz isn’t here.” I softened the words with a smile. “Besides, I’m hardly alone. I’ve got shadow warriors and a pink dragon who’s developed a taste for candy.”
Indeed, Nyx was now surrounded by children, all of whom seemed to have decided she was the world’s largest, scaliest dog. She was preening under the attention.
“If you’re sure,” Vex said doubtfully.
A few minutes later, I stood on an island beach, watching as the Sky Serpent prepared to depart. Maybe Vex was right. Maybe I was too soft.
But as I watched the ship disappear into the darkness, carrying dozens of people to safety, I decided I was okay with that. Kaz could be the iron fist. I’d be the velvet glove.
Together, we’d save the world.
Whether it wanted to be saved or not.