Lionsheart by Ashley Capes

Author:Ashley Capes
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Epic Fantasy, magic, adventure, coming of age, masks, bone mask
Publisher: Close-Up Books
Published: 2020-10-26T00:00:00+00:00

23. Notch

“No, simply make your preparations and set sail,” Emisa was telling the captain and crew where they were still gathered upon the decks. “People will only see what I want them to see.”

“It’s true,” Notch said from the rail. “She has hidden us in plain sight since we returned.”

Heiko, the first mate, stepped forward and turned to the sailors. “All right, you heard the lady then, get moving, lads.”

The crew spread to their tasks, some heading up the rigging and others going to lines that had long been tied off, the sound of unfurling sails following.

Captain Marlosi joined them. “Can you tell me more of Hanja, Inquisitor?”

“Gladly, but I must concentrate for a time. Once we are in open water, I will tell you what I can and then I must rest, undisturbed for at least two days – half the journey.”

“So be it, lass.”

“Good.” Emisa moved off to the prow, facing the harbour.

Alosus placed a hand on Notch’s shoulder. “I’m glad to see you recovered enough to stand.”

“Wouldn’t be if you hadn’t carried me out.”

Marlosi raised an eyebrow. “Just what happened in there? We heard rumours, all kinds of things – like a Prince of Giants returning and some Mad King up there murdering everyone. They barely let us out to stretch our legs and barter for food and water – we’ve sold nearly everything that isn’t essential, already.”

“You can call me Prince of the Tonitora, Captain,” Alosus rumbled. “And I’m surprised you didn’t consider selling the scales sooner.”

“My apologies, of course,” he replied with a raised eyebrow, then nodded. “But we did consider it – had many a row over it in fact, but most of us wanted to hold on to them. You can tell, when you pick one up, that it’s special – not something to waste on bread and water, or the occasional piece of fruit. Heiko finished it in the end, when he said there was a chance that if we revealed the scales, the Inquisitors might simply kill us and take them.”

“Probably the safest move, Captain,” Notch said as he glanced back up to the palace – it remained deceptively calm. The lion’s mouth still roared and its window-eyes blazed. “And as for what you’ve heard, it’s probably all at least half true... but I hope the full tale can wait until we’re leaving.”

“Nervous?”

“Eager to see this city from a great distance.”

The Captain roared with laughter. “I know the feeling, Notch. Well, I’m going to relieve the helmsman. If your young lady can do what she claims, I want to be the one to sail us out of the place,” he said as he left.

Notch looked up to Alosus. “Now that Tanere is dead, I’m hoping General Olidas will not follow the same path. That way, we could find your family more easily, surely.”

“Perhaps.”

“You don’t sound confident.”

He shrugged. “I hardly trust the nobles, Notch, even ones who are generals and could be said to, comparatively at least, be more aware of the true cost of war.

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