DELUGE by Lisa T. Bergren

Author:Lisa T. Bergren [Bergren, Lisa T.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lisa T. Bergren
Published: 2014-08-22T07:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

~GABRIELLA~

“Cast off!” Nicolo cried.

“Aye, Captain,” called the sailor nearest the ropes.

Falito and Baldarino jumped aboard, even as the ropes were pulled in from the docks.

“They’ve taken those you pledged would be safe,” Lia called to the doge, appealing to him. After all, he had promised their lives to her in exchange for meeting his challenge. “They’re getting away with them!”

“Not for long,” bit out the older man. He turned to two men beside him. “Three of our fastest ships, after them at once!”

We were moving out already, sliding out of the docks, the crisp, new, creamy sail filling with the morning breeze.

“Lord Forelli! I suggest you remain here while this is resolved!” cried the doge.

“Begging your pardon, Serenissimo,” Marcello called back, after a quick look at me for confirmation. “But when our own are in crisis, it is our way to go to them. We welcome your support, but we shall lead the charge.”

The doge lifted his chin, as if surprised that his suggestion would be ignored, but he nodded once in acquiescence. He understood Marcello, respected him. I was gratified at the thought, that the House Forelli would have such a stance in this powerful man’s mind, but as I turned to face the escaping Fiorentini, growing smaller in the distance, my heart raced. I wanted those naval ships right behind us. We might have a chance of overtaking the Fiorentini, but who knew how many men they carried and how difficult it would be to wrestle away our guys. If we could surround them, convince them that their treachery was hopeless…send them home with their tails tucked between their legs, all the better.

I seethed with anger, that they would sink to such measures. After yesterday, after everything, really.

Another sail was unfurled by the five Venetian sailors aboard who would man this ship for us as far as Ancona, and we picked up speed.

“It will be a couple of hours,” the young captain said, “before we overtake them. But overtake them we will.” His lips clamped with the pledge.

I looked back. Behind us were already three ships, sails full, Venezia’s lion on their flags. It feels good to have lions behind us, I thought, She-Wolves though we are. I don’t know why I was surprised at their speed—their ability to be at sea so quickly. Venezia had the strongest navy anywhere in this age.

The Sea-Wolf was fast, but we carried a full load. It took an hour to get close enough to see the men aboard the boat we chased.

“We need to get to them before they get to Rimini!” Luca called to the captain. Rimini, I assumed, was the closest port to Firenze. But they’d have to go overland too—

“We’re utilizing every bit of sail we have,” returned Nicolo.

“What if it’s a trap?” Luca asked Marcello, glancing over at us. “Another attempt at the women?”

Marcello shook his head, hands on hips. He looked heroic, a stray curl blowing in the wind. Strong. “I do not think that is the way of it.

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