“Thought we’d lost you with the rest,” he said, slapping me on the back.
Air punched out of my lungs, and I coughed, trying to make sense of his words.
“Lost some good crew that day, I can tell you,” he continued. “Damn shame. Goddess only knows how we made it out. Just glad to see you in one piece. Assuming you swam for the north side?”
“I…um…”
“Course, it never should have involved us. Just delivering the cargo we were paid for. When that alarm bell sounded, I didn’t know what was going on. Not until those dead-eyed looking things came crawling out of the cave! We had no choice but to cut the lines and save ourselves. Didn’t know we’d lost you until we did a head count later. Too busy fighting the tide to get away. We’d have gone back, but we saw what those monsters were doing to any fae they found. Couldn’t take the risk.”
I cleared my throat, thinking fast. “To tell you the truth, Captain, I don’t remember much about it. I must have swam for the north, because that’s where I ended up. But it took me a while to get back on my feet. I didn’t know what happened to the rest of you. I’ve been recovering.”
He nodded solemnly. “Well, it’s mighty fine to see you alive and well. What are you doing with yourself now?”
“I was just here today to see if I could find a ship to take me on. I feel ready to get back out there.” I hedged, looking hopeful. I almost felt bad pulling on the old male’s heartstrings, but Ineeded to get out of this kingdom and back on the water, and since Captain Veles had no clue of my role in what happened, I could talk my way back on this boat.
The captain scratched his head, looking awkward. “Well, the thing is, this charter is something different. Bit of a hush-hush one, see. I’m not taking a full crew. Just me and a few of the deck lads to keep her moving.”
“No room for a first mate to assist?”
“Afraid not, kid. Come back in a month, and I’ll have something for you. Just been told to clear the decks for this one, and it’s good money, too. I can’t pass it up.”
I sighed. “Fair enough, but count me in for the next one. I’ll see if I can find another boat to keep me going.”
“Faolan?” a familiar voice said behind me. I spun to find Nyx, looking confused at finding me here.
Captain Veles stepped in beside me. “Don’t worry, General, Faolan just stopped by to catch up. He and the rest of my crew have been told to stand down for this charter. As promised, we are prepping the vessel for your voyage, and then they will all be on their way.”
I glanced between them, sure I’d missed something. I’d never seen the captain so twitchy. He was usually the male in charge, but he was simpering in Nyx’s presence.
Nyx shook his head. “Theres no need to send Faolan away. We could use a male like him on this trip.”
“I thought you wanted as few crew as we could manage General, for your…privacy, you know?” he said quietly to Nyx.
“I did, but I would make an exception. I’d be very grateful to have Faolan as part of your crew for our trip. He looked to me, smiling wide. “It’s a happy coincidence. I hadn’t realized you worked on this ship.”
“He’s had some time away, but he’s the best first mate I’ve had, General. He’d be an asset to you, and I can promise his discretion,” Veles said. “Will you join us, Faolan?”
Fuck. My. Life.
Was the Goddess out to get me, or had I just had the worst luck in the whole realm. There I was, an undetected dragon trying to get away from the crown at all costs and only one way out. And now that one way out seemed to have been commandeered by said crown for the Goddess only knew what purpose, and I couldn’t really say no.
“Be happy to,” I said to both males, wishing I’d picked a different day to come to these particular docks.
“Great,” Veles said with another hard smack on my back. “Why don’t you put your bag below, and I’ll get you up to speed?”
“Actually, I’d like a tour of the accommodations, so why don’t I join you and you can show me around, Faolan?” He turned to the captain in the way I’ve seen him do with his flyers. A Dragon in charge, leaving no room for argument. “I’ll fill Faolan in on the particulars of the voyage while he shows me around.”
“Very well,” Veles agreed. “We’ll continue loading up your provisions.”
Nyx nodded and steered me away.
“Was this all part of a plan with Jaxus to not let me leave?” I hissed as soon as we were out of sight.
Nyx’s head jerked back in surprise. “What do you mean?”
I rolled my eyes, starting down the stairs leading below. “Jaxus has just been on at me about staying and joining your wonderful flyers, and I told him I didn’t want to be tied down by a different set of shackles. And now I find my means to escape has been requisitioned by the very fae I wish to free myself of.”
“Pure coincidence, I can assure you,” Nyx replied, following.
