The Pirate's Bane by Chris A. Jackson

Author:Chris A. Jackson [Jackson, Chris A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Fantasy
Publisher: Jaxbooks
Published: 2019-10-31T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty Two

I Shall Not Want

Temperance in all things is a virtue.

The Lessons of Quen Lau Ush

From the journal of Jhavika Keshmir –

I find it incomprehensible that I miss Preel's company as much as I miss my scourge. Simple, honest companionship was one thing my life had lacked. Even though her friendship was compelled, after a fashion, losing it troubled me more than losing my hand.

"After this squall passes, work us to seaward a few miles and heave to." I glared at the wall of black clouds and slashing rain to windward, then at the fading sunset beyond the looming mountains of Valaka to the northwest. I pointed to the lights within two high keeps high upon the cliffs. "Use the lights of those keeps to stay on station. Let the off watches rest, but keep enough people on deck to handle weather." I looked over craggy shore, unforgiving and menacing. "If you need sea room, bear off southeast, but not too far. The last thing we want is to wake up tomorrow morning in the Eye."

"Aye, your ladyship!" My second in command touched his forehead with one knuckle, then called for shortened sail and slacked sheets to handle the squall.

The distant flash of colorful lightning on the southeastern horizon gave a good point of reference to the Serpent's Eye, but also caused concern among the crew. They wanted nothing to do with the maelstrom of wild magic, and neither did I. Kevril insane enough to sail into it to escape me, though he might hide somewhere near the Eye in the hope of avoiding my armada.

Sheets of rain swept toward us, so I hurried down the steps from the quarterdeck, ducking into the sterncastle as the deluge struck. Te-shan closed the door against the gusting wind and torrential rain. As Crimson Hawk heeled beneath the force of the squall's winds, I took off my weather cloak and worked my way aft. The reek of simmering pork, beans, and dried peas nearly turned my stomach as we passed the galley.

"Wine," I called out as I entered the great cabin. I needed rest, and there was nothing else for me to do. Our search, so far, had been uneventful: no harbors, no coves, and no Scourge.

My new steward, a former guard from my garrison, poured wine and handed me the glass. "Anything else, your ladyship?"

I eyed him; not a bad-looking fellow, really, but hardly to the standards I was accustomed to. If I couldn't sleep again, I might consider him for a distraction. For now, however, I'd try wine and food. "Supper, when it's ready. And help me off with this jacket." I emptied my glass and put it down, silently cursing my one-handedness. I hadn't considered the difficulty of sleeves when I had my armorer fashion my boarding pike hand. The hook tended to catch.

"Of course." He helped me, refilled my glass, and hung my jacket. "I'll check on supper."

I sat down and laboriously removed my boots, sipping wine and welcoming the dulling warmth it offered.

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