Dark Glass (Dominions I) 2nd edition by TW Iain

Author:TW Iain [Iain, TW]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-10-24T10:28:31+00:00

- 21 -

Leopold stood on a jetty, looking out over the dark lake. There were lights on the path over the far side, set at ankle height, and they cast no light over the water itself. When Rodin called, the Councillor turned and strode along the wooden platform, hand already outstretched.

“Mister Terrell! So glad you had no second thoughts‌—‌at least, none that dissuaded you.”

“None at all. I’m always excited to gain new experiences.”

“Then shall we begin? Or do you need a moment. The club-house is still open.”

The building was behind Rodin, the hum of chatter and muted thud of background music reaching down to the water. The glass doors, previously open, were closed now.

Rodin had no wish to join the drinkers and merrymakers at the club-house, and even less of a desire to advertise his presence. “I believe I’m ready. Is that your vessel?”

There was only one boat‌—‌dinghy‌—‌tied to the jetty, small and blue, bobbing lazily on the water. The mast stretched up higher than Rodin expected, but the mainsail was still folded, and the jib was wrapped around the forestay. As it should be, from what Rodin had read.

“That is my little extravagance, yes. Small, but perfectly formed. Shall we?”

Rodin expected the jetty to move more than it did. There was a gentle undulation, but nothing to upset his balance. Of course, once the boat was on the water, things would become more unstable.

Leopold placed one foot in the dinghy, using his legs to pull it tight against the jetty, and Rodin stepped across. He sat, and breathed in time to the swaying of the vessel.

“I have a spare vest, if you’d care to put it on.” Leopold stepped nimbly into the boat and handed the garment to Rodin. It was thin, sleeveless, with fastenings at the front and a belt lower down.

Rodin noticed now that Leopold wore something similar, although his was clearly crafted to look more like normal wear and less like a safety device. But Rodin knew it would work the same. If he went into the water, the vest would provide buoyancy.

A complication, but not a reason to abandon the plan. Rodin would simply have to ensure that the man was far enough under that the vest couldn’t bring him to the surface. And if he happened to suffer an injury as he went overboard…

“Ready?” Leopold was already unfastening the sail, letting the canvas fall into the boat. Then he pulled on one of the ropes‌—‌the halyard, if Rodin remembered correctly‌—‌and the sail began to rise.

“You set the boat without automation too?” Rodin asked as he watched, noticing how confidently the Councillor stepped, even up on the gunwales.

“Most definitely.” Leopold finished pulling, and the mainsail flapped in the wind, the boom swinging freely. Rodin shuffled, raising a hand to ward it off. “Maybe it’s nothing more than a ritual, but I take pleasure in it.”

Leopold pulled the rope sharply between a cleat, then stepped round the mast and began to unwind the jib from the forestay.

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