The Queen of Veils by S. Usher Evans

Author:S. Usher Evans [Evans, S. Usher]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sun's Golden Ray Publishing
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Kieran wore an uncharacteristically sour expression when Jax and I arrived back on the ship. He cleared his throat and pointed at the quarterdeck.

"I didn't realize we'd be entertaining trash," he said, glaring daggers at Jax. "Why is he on my ship?"

"Because he's gonna help us," Jax said. "But just as soon as he's done, feel free to toss him in the ocean."

"With pleasure."

I led the entourage onto the quarters where Ignacio was waiting by himself. Beswick's second looked incredibly uncomfortable to be sitting all by himself in enemy territory, but I doubted Jax had let him bring any guards.

Jax scraped the chair against the floor and sat down, pulling his knife and picking at his nails. "Well?"

Ignacio tore his gaze from the sharpened blade and reached into his pocket. "A few months ago, Beswick was asked by Her Majesty—"

"Ilara," I corrected.

"Whatever you want to call her," he said with a slimy grin. "To locate citizens in Forcadel who wish to better their lives in Aunela."

"Why?" I asked.

"I'm sure I don't know," he said with an eye roll. "She made no reference to the purpose in any of our correspondence and I can't just outright ask her when I'm supposed to be working for a dead man."

"These people you relocate," I said. "What kind of people are they? Is Ilara looking for skilled merchants?"

"She hasn't given me any sort of quota. Just anyone who wants to go to Aunela."

"And how much are you getting paid for this?" Kieran asked.

"One gold piece per head, in addition to my expenses and fee."

I sat back, stunned. "And what do these travelers get?"

"A ride to Aunela, and supposedly, a job when they get there," Ignacio replied, sitting back with a surveying look. "It's all so very modern and egalitarian. She surely is a forward-thinking queen."

"Except that I just overheard Coyle sending his guards out to rip people from their homes," I said dryly. "It may have started as a volunteer effort, but now, Ilara wants this city emptied and she'll use force to do it."

"That makes absolutely no sense," Kieran said with a shake of his head. "Why not just leave the Forcadelians here? She's already moving trade to Aunela, so the people here would be left with nothing regardless."

"I don't pretend to understand her mind," Ignacio said. "All I know is what I've been ordered to do."

I rolled my eyes and turned to Jax. "We could stow away on one of those ships to get inside the city."

"I wouldn't," Jax said. "I have a feeling that whatever purpose Ilara has for these people won't include them being able to wander off on their own." He nodded to Kieran. "Better to pretend to be a crew member."

"Agreed," I said. "When's the next shipment supposed to leave?"

"Coyle is gathering my latest group tonight so they'll be ready for departure tomorrow evening. If your ship can handle twenty persons in addition to your crew…"

"It'll be tight, but I can make it work," Kieran said, still wearing his look of disgust.

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