A Bottle of Rum by Steve Goble

Author:Steve Goble
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: A Bottle of Rum
ISBN: 9781645060093
Publisher: Seventh Street Books
Published: 2019-09-16T16:00:00+00:00

23

The ship s bell rang, calling the day watch in from duty and the night watch to assemble. Spider, who had learned little else of note that day, headed to the kitchen for a quick meal before heading out to his post. No matter where he was told to patrol, he would find his way to Odin’s side near the gate in hopes that Hob would return with the away party. If so, they would all flee from this madhouse together, and they would cut, stab or shoot anyone who got in their way. The idea that Hob might be among the men returning from liberty buoyed his spirits, and he almost looked forward to a little action to ease the tension.

Just let them try to stop us!

Platters of hot bread and cold chicken awaited him and the other hands on the large oak table, along with some onion slices. To drink, there was watered-down rum.

“That’s the last of the liquor until the lads return,” Mrs. Fitch said. “Still some tobacco left on the shelf there. Do not fight over it.”

Spider stuffed his tobacco pouch, elbowing a couple of fellows away in the process, then tucked some fowl and onion into a hunk of bread. Odin selected a chicken leg and pointed to a hunk of cheese Spider had somehow missed seeing. Food in hand, they headed outside.

Fawkes was standing with Ruth near the ship’s bell. “How is the leg, Odin?”

“Better,” the old man said.

“Good. Gate duty again for you. We are expecting three men back from town with some casks of ale and rum and whisky, along with some other stuff the crew don’t care so much about. They should have been back before this, and they had better arrive tonight. If they do, be sure they know the byword. And make sure no one is hiding in the wagon. Those lads are not the brightest.”

“Aye.” Odin headed toward his station, and almost trotted. Spider figured the old man was simply trying to demonstrate the fitness of his leg after Fawkes’ question. He also noted that Odin seemed to limp a bit after a few steps.

Fawkes turned to Spider.

“Spider John, I had thought to assign you to the north wall so you could get to know another part of the grounds, but I hear you have been a-wander today.” He grinned, as did Ruth.

“I like to know the territory I might have to fight on, Jim.” Spider took a bite of cheese.

“Aye, I suppose that is wise. South wall again for you, though. Perhaps you will find your knife.”

Ruth kissed Fawkes on the ear, setting the gold skull earring there to swaying, then sauntered into the house.

“Aye, sir. South wall.” Spider headed in that direction without looking back, but he felt Half-Jim’s gaze boring into his back. He tore into the bread and chicken, imagining it to be the bastard’s neck.

Clouds soon cloaked the moon. Spider stayed at his station until it was good and dark, then headed north toward the gate.

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