The House of the Four Winds: Book One of One Dozen Daughters by Lackey Mercedes & Mallory James

Author:Lackey, Mercedes & Mallory, James [Lackey, Mercedes]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
ISBN: 9781466824201
Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates
Published: 2014-08-04T16:00:00+00:00

7

SEEKING THE HOUSE OF THE FOUR WINDS

“THIS IS going to be a problem,” Dr. Chapman said.

He, Dominick, Kayin, and Clarice were gathered in the captain’s cabin. Kayin had a battered and sea-stained roll of parchment containing the list of Asesino’s original (alleged) supplies, with additional scribbled notes made by Geordie. Kayin and Clarice would be taking that back to Rollo Thompson tomorrow. When Thompson had learned of their summons, he had offered them the loan of a skiff, which meant she and Dominick could keep their appointment without bringing a crew to man the jolly boat.

Dominick had sailed it back to Asesino, which turned out to be a good thing, as the shore party had done as much shopping as drinking, and the jolly boat had been laden down with supplies—fresh fruit, bread, beef, ale, and tobacco—so the crew should not find a night spent aboard too much of a hardship.

Clarice had tried to talk Dominick out of keeping his appointment at the House of the Four Winds, but Dominick had pointed out that failing to appear would strip away what little protection they had. Right now the pirates were giving them the benefit of the doubt, more or less. Ignore the summons, and their masquerade would be over. Unfortunately, Clarice was unable to fault his reasoning, though she tried hard.

“We suspected something like this was coming,” Dominick said. “Captain Watson and Captain Harrison might have given us permission to drop anchor, but Dorado is too … orderly … for there not to be some form of government.”

“A government of pirates,” Dr. Chapman said bitterly. “And this House of the Four Winds taking a tenth part of their plunder to provide them with a safe harbor where they do not need to fear discovery.”

“Well, look at it from the pirates’ point of view,” Clarice said reasonably. “They don’t like being shot at—or chased—or hanged—any better than anyone else does. And whoever is running Dorado deserves some recompense for all the trouble he—or she—has gone to.”

“Spoken like a true pirate,” Dr. Chapman muttered.

“We can’t just bolt,” Dominick said. “You both saw the chain across the harbor mouth. If it was a matter of just sailing out, I think they would be guarding us more closely.”

Dr. Chapman gestured eloquently toward the window, where the Vile Vixen and the Horrid Hangman were clearly visible as they sat at anchor.

“Even so,” Dominick said, dismissing the ships. “Our only chance is to keep acting as if we belong here—and that means going to this meeting tonight. I’m sure it’s only a formality.”

“Oh, of course. What else could a meeting of pirates be? I am certain it will be so well mannered and civilized that you should bring a canister of tea along so we can all drink it,” Clarice said dourly. “Well, don’t think you’re going to this meeting alone. She said I could come. And I’m not letting you out of my sight.”

“Oh, thank God,” Dominick said, laughing with relief. “You’re a much better fighter than I am.

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