Heroes of Time Legends: Murdoch's Choice by Wayne D. Kramer

Author:Wayne D. Kramer [Kramer, Wayne D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Heroes of Time Productions
Published: 2021-08-09T22:00:00+00:00

The distant, hazy form of Seadread’s ship remained in the eastern horizon, its position changing very little. Zale watched it often, his eye glaring through the spyglass.

“Looks like Vidimir got to Seadread after all,” Dippy said quietly.

“That’s of no real surprise,” Zale replied.

“Do you think they’ve noticed us?”

“Of course they have.” He retracted his spyglass. “What’s more bothersome is that he was probably the first to notice our proximity.” He took a moment to feel the breeze. “This wind won’t hold our pace for long…but he’ll face the same. Once we start stalling, deploy the log-line and take note of our speed. For Eloh’s love, don’t drag us. Signal Evette to have rowers stationed and sweeps at the ready. If we get to three knots, raise the sail, plunge the oars, and pull with all we’ve got. That might be our best chance to gain on him.”

“Sure thing, Captain.”

Zale made for his cabin, trying to sort out all the possible maneuvers they might have to pull if they should find themselves going head to head against Seadread and his men. Captain Rummy had a marginally larger crew for his slightly loftier ship. With two masts and more sails, Rummy could gain the advantage in full wind. The Queenie’s hull, however, was broad above the water and sharper below, tapering all the way to aft, a design of Zale’s own order that made the ship rather heavy but fast despite it. Zale had also budgeted extra crew for proper rowing ranks, something Rummy was not known to do. Now he could only hope it would pay off.

He entered his cabin and found Starlina standing barefoot in an off-white top and pants that appeared to have been made of sailcloth. The clothes and sandals she’d arrived in were bunched in her arms. Her face exuded pure vexation at his arrival.

“Starlina, what are you doing?” Zale asked.

“You can set your course for hell,” she snapped. “You and Jensen both.”

He groaned. “I take it you’re aware of our new bearings.” He removed his hat and came a few steps closer, trying his best to look apologetic. “I know it’s not what you’d hoped—”

“How can you expect me to remain on this wooden trap this entire voyage? I feel like a prisoner!”

“Try to understand…if we didn’t change course immediately, we’d risk losing the prize altogether. I had no choice.”

“Your choices seem to change on a whim.” She threw up a hand. “I know it’s of no use arguing with you. I’m going to bunk in the hold with Evette.”

“In the hold? Darling, it’s both safer and more comfortable here in my cabin.”

“Don’t darling me! I’ll manage just fine. Mister Willigan is already putting up a hammock for me. Evette loaned me this… outfit…something she made herself. I couldn’t stand wearing the same clothes another minute.”

Zale didn’t dare argue with her. She would already have to stay aboard the ship throughout their voyage. He wasn’t about to dictate where she could or couldn’t rest.

“Fine. Sleep wherever you’re most comfortable.

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