Part 41 (Patreon)

The Peregrine’s Talonhad been underway for the better part of a day, w

hen Amira approached Milisandia. She saluted, but the captain impatiently gestured for her to speak.

“Captain, it seems we have a stowaway.”

“A stowaway? How?”

“One of Carlotta’s crew…she apparently wouldn’t take no for an answer.”

“Bring her to me. And Carlotta also.”

Amira saluted and disappeared below decks.

“Gods save us from fools and…” Milisandia was saying to herself, when Carlotta emerged from the cabin. “You wanted to see me, Captain?” she said.

Milisandia stared at her for a moment. “Did you know?”

“Know what, Cap’n?”

Just at that moment, Amira emerged onto the deck with Laurala in tow, her hands bound.

“Who is this?” Milisandia asked.

Carlotta seemed truly taken aback. “Laurala, my weather witch.”

“What did I tell you when you asked to bring her?”

“That your weather-witch would handle this voyage.”

“Yes, Haramara, who knows the Elven ways of weather.”

“A zephyr, you called her, I think?”

“A weather sorceress like in the old elven tales. But that’s not the point here. Did you smuggle her aboard in violation of my command?”

“I had no idea Cap’n.”

“Amira, fetch Haramara. I believe you, Carlotta, but you’re on thin ice. Another mistake from you or yours, and it’s your hide. And YOU! Why are you here?”

Laurala, for her part, was too scared to speak.

“Speak up,” Carlotta ordered, which evinced a scowl from Milisandia, who wanted to be clear who gave the orders.

“She didn’t know. I came of my own will, Captain. You will need me. I know it.”

Milisandia chuckled. “YOUR own will! What kind of ship does the plump peacock here run? But you’re right.”

Laurala and Carlotta both looked surprised.

“I need an example of discipline aboard the ship. I didn’t think anyone would occasion it this early, but here we are. Congratulations, you’ve been promoted.”

Laurala looked confused. Just at that moment, Amira returned with a surprised-looking Haramara, and a grinning, curious Gabrielle following.

“Strike the bell,” Milisandia said, “I need the attention of the entire crew for this.”