Dragon Eyre Ashfall: An Epic Fantasy Adventure (The Magelands Eternal Siege Book 11) by Christopher Mitchell

Author:Christopher Mitchell [Mitchell, Christopher]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781912879717
Publisher: Brigdomin Books Ltd
Published: 2022-03-24T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

Befallen

Langbeg, Olkis, Western Rim – 30th Essinch 5254 (18th Gylean Year 5)

The three sailors walked into Bo’sun’s Droop, and went up to the bar.

‘Master Topaz,’ said the tavern owner; ‘I assume the Giddy Gull has successfully returned from her latest voyage?’

Topaz nodded, his eyes bleary from lack of sleep. ‘We’re back,’ he said, ‘though whether “successfully” or not remains to be seen.’

The tavern owner resisted the urge to ask any further questions. ‘Ale?’

‘And food,’ said Ryan.

‘And gin,’ said Vitz.

‘Ale’s fine for me,’ said Topaz, handing over a purse of money. ‘That should cover us for the day.’

The tavern owner peered inside the purse. ‘Very generous, Master.’

‘You haven’t seen how much Ryan can eat and drink yet,’ said Topaz.

‘He can drink for free, if he plays that guitar hanging over his shoulder for a few hours later on,’ said the tavern owner, as he poured out three pints of ale. ‘The folk in here are always asking for a sing-along. Is he any good?’

‘I’m excellent,’ said Ryan, ‘and I have a voice like a nightingale.’

‘More like a gull caught in a net,’ said Vitz.

‘Get yourselves a table, lads,’ said the tavern owner, ‘and we’ll see how he goes. Oh, will your captain be popping in later?’

‘She’s gone straight up to Befallen Castle,’ said Topaz, taking his ale.

They passed through the quiet tavern, and selected a small table in a dark alcove. They sat, and Ryan downed his pint in one.

Topaz frowned at him. ‘You should have done that at the bar before you sat down, you dozy pillock,’ he said. ‘Now, you’ll just have to get back up and order another one.’

Ryan belched, then lifted his empty mug. ‘More ale!’ he cried at the tavern owner.

Vitz laughed.

‘Don’t encourage him, lad,’ said Topaz, yawning. ‘Dear gods, I can hardly keep my eyes open.’

‘I had a wonderful night’s sleep,’ said Ryan. ‘I dreamt I was with these two stunning redheads, and…’

‘Spare us, mate,’ said Topaz. ‘While you were snoring, some of us were working all night.’

‘That’s the perils of being a master, eh, mate? It’s what you always wanted.’

‘I know, but I’ve taken the Gull through Luckenbay three times in the last twenty-odd days, and I’m knackered. Worse, judging by the measly haul we got from that Alefian merchant ship, we’ll be back out again soon, while all of our takings are going straight up the road to Olo’osso.’

Ryan frowned. ‘Is that why we didn’t get a landing bonus? Why’s he getting the takings?’

‘Shit,’ muttered Topaz. ‘Forget I said that.’

‘No chance, mate,’ said Ryan.

‘I can’t tell you; Lara will kill me.’

‘You’ll have to tell us now,’ said Vitz. ‘The crew suspects that something’s going on. The captain’s usually generous when we land, but this morning she hardly said a word to us – she just loaded a cart with everything we took from the merchant ship, and set off up the cliffside.’

Ryan nodded. ‘Her old man paid off her debt, didn’t he? And now we’re working for him.’

Topaz narrowed his eyes. ‘Who told you that?’

‘It’s pretty obvious,’ said Vitz.

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