The Skin (Black Hind's Wake Book 1) by J E Hannaford

Author:J E Hannaford [Hannaford, J E]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Blazing Wren Books
Published: 2021-10-18T05:00:00+00:00

Over the next few days, I wandered around Barge as Sal’s shadow, trying to take in the layout – and failing – and trying to learn as many names as I could. We visited rooms that smelt of sex and spaces filled with drifting fabrics; chiffon swaying in the breeze, giving barely concealed privacy for guests. There were musician-screened rooms, where you had the enjoyment of the entertainment – yet privacy from player’s eyes.

These were the spaces for the normal folk. Those who paid to board and leave from the dockside. Sailors in need of rest and relaxation, townsfolk who wanted some fun. Each area as opulently decorated as the last. The residents’ area was quieter, the decor calm and restful. A lively hum filled the common areas with soft, open seating and expansive views over the ocean. Private apartments were hidden behind subtle doors and appeared almost invisible to anyone who didn’t know where to look, ensuring no paying guests ended up where they shouldn’t be. Barge was a wonder, and without a guide, I’d have been lost hourly.

On the third evening, we descended to the lowest deck, and I finally understood what Sal had done with the animals he had bought, when he paid for my freedom. Those exotic creatures from distant shores, the ones that would die upon release in the Terranian sea, remained on Barge.

In the dark room, each tank was illuminated and set out carefully for the species’ individual needs. There was no garish gravel or decorations. It was a wonder we floated with so much water on board. Across the entire centre of the room, a low-sided reef teemed with life. Glass-bottomed tanks contained shoaling fish, swimming lazily above a seabed they would never touch.

‘If we visit waters that they live in naturally, I free them,’ Sal said. ‘In the meantime, I make their captivity the most natural I can.’

A large bar dominated the end of the room, and each table was intimate, isolated by the tank layout from all others. Sal led me to a larger table than the rest, framed by a community tank containing an eclectic mix of organisms.

‘Our table,’ Sal said and sank into a comfortable chair. It was beautiful and powerful; the statement it made not lost on me. Sal sat surrounded by the most poisonous creatures in the room. ‘Tonight, we will dock and open our doors to exclusive visitors again. You will join me here for a meal. Should one of my more personal clients choose to visit, I may need to leave you.’

I laughed. ’Enjoy away! I’ll just sit here and soak up the tranquility.’ I leant in close. ‘You aren’t my real dad, you know? He let me go out scavenging as soon as I could swim.’

Sal ignored the jibe and carried on talking, just as my father would have. ‘If you need help and I’m not here, then press the button under the table. That will bring someone to you.’ Sal showed me a large button just above his knee.

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