The Final Sacrifice by Patricia Bray

Author:Patricia Bray
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780553905175
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Published: 2008-06-23T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

Josan nodded cordially as he entered the cramped cabin that served as the dining hall for the junior officers. Amelie was present, as were Edmond and the sailing master, Bryan. Only Pascal was missing, and since this was the middle of the day, it was likely that Pascal was sleeping in preparation for the night watch, while Captain Zorion had the current watch.

A bowl was at his customary seat, sunk into the carved indentation that held it in place in rough seas.

“That's the last of the fresh vegetables,” Edmond said.

The bowl held long strips of brightly colored peppers interspersed with round slices of gourds, which had been fried in oil, then mixed with rice. He dipped in his spoon and tried a mouthful. It was subtly spiced with saffron and other herbs.

“It's good,” he said, taking another bite. Amelie filled his wine cup with one part wine and three parts water, as was the custom on this ship.

“Starting tonight, it will be dried meat and lentils. And maybe fish, if we're lucky,” Edmond groused.

“You complain, but I've yet to see you send a meal back,” Bryan observed.

Josan let their words flow over him as the crew bickered amiably, responding only when asked his opinion. Mindful of his presence they spoke only of inconsequential things—when Edmond mentioned a problem with a seaman, Amelie abruptly changed the subject.

Josan merely took another sip of his well-watered wine and pretended he hadn't heard. He was not offended. They knew only what the captain had told them—that their passenger was a traveler who suffered from bouts of the landsman's sickness. They had no reason to trust him.

“It is a calm day if you wish to take the air, Josan,” Amelie said.

“Thank you, that would be pleasant,” he agreed.

It had been a long time since he had been allowed to simply be Josan. To be called by his own name. For two years he had lived as Prince Lucius—first as a prisoner, then ruling as emperor. His life had depended upon others believing that he was Lucius, and so he had done his best to act the part of a prince, burying his own nature underneath the role he was forced to play.

But the crew of Hypatia had no such expectations of him. They called him Josan without the mockery that he had heard each time Lady Ysobel used his name. They did not expect princely airs, nor did they seek to punish him for crimes committed by the man whose body he now wore. Their acceptance of him was a gift—one he was careful not to abuse.

He finished his meal and rose, leaving them alone so they could discuss the business of the ship.

Venturing up on deck, he saw that Captain Zorion was indeed in the wheelhouse. After a week at sea, Josan had memorized the rhythms of this ship. Four watches a day, the five officers rotated the schedule among them, so that the burden of the night watches was shared by all.

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