The Emblem Throne (Runes of Issalia Book 2) by Jeffrey L. Kohanek

Author:Jeffrey L. Kohanek [Kohanek, Jeffrey L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780999410745
Publisher: Fallbrandt Press
Published: 2018-01-15T07:00:00+00:00

31

Cam gazed at Puri while she waited for the horses to cross planks connecting the dock to the ship cargo hold. Ignoring curious onlookers, she focused on the animals entering the ship without the use of a bridle to guide them. Perplexed and amazed expressions reflected upon the faces of surrounding sailors and dockworkers watching the scene unfold. When the last horse crossed, the sailors pulled the planks and secured the cargo door. The sailors then reset the planks to run from the pier to the ship’s deck to allow Cam and his companions to board.

Having spent a fair amount of his early years on the ships at the docks at Nor Torin, pleasant memories resurface when Cam stepped on board, touching a part of him he’d forgotten. While his older brothers were busy loading ships, Cam would often play on board, pretending he was a famous captain or a pirate. Sometimes the ship captains allowed him to remain aboard for short day runs in the area. However, he had never actually been out to open sea, a dream that lay just beyond reach until now. A smile crossed his face as he looked out at the sunlit blue waters.

He turned toward the planks, ready to help the others step aboard. Benny’s face reflected the excitement that Cam felt. Tipper’s did as well. Brock, Ashland, Lars, and Libby appeared curious. Parker acted as nonchalant as ever, which was understandable since he had sailed numerous times before. However, the look on Puri’s face was starkly different. If Cam didn’t know better, he’d swear the strong-willed woman’s eyes showed fear.

Her hand gripped his firmly as she stepped on-deck. With her aboard, the captain called for his crew to pull the planks and ready the ship.

While the others made their way to the bow, hugging the rail as they waited in expectation, Cam and Puri lingered behind.

“Are you feeling well?” Cam asked, concerned.

Puri looked at him, her eyes flashing anger. “Of course. Why would I not be well?”

Cam shrugged. “Well, I assume you’ve never been on a ship before. It’s a new thing, and sometimes new things are scary.”

She shook her head. “Nonsense. It isn’t that it’s new. It’s just unnatural. Men and horses were meant to be on land, not water. That’s why we have feet and hooves and not fins.”

Cam nodded but suspected that she was afraid and wouldn’t admit it. He liked Puri, but she still confused him. Tegan had confused him as well. Glancing toward the bow, he saw Brock at the rail with one arm around Ashland. Cam felt a pang a jealousy. Those two appeared to have a special connection. It must be because Brock understood women. Cam thought, Maybe I should have Brock explain them to me.

The captain issued a command, and a sailor began to coil the thick rope that had held them to the mooring. The ship drifted away from the long wooden pier, turning toward the open water.

The captain called out again “To your marks!”

Cam noticed two men scramble up the foremast near the bow of the ship.

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