“Correct,” Dilly said. “And how often do you think that happens?”
Rose shook her head. “Edmonds had to believe I could do it, which means it’s possible.”
As if summoned by the gods who watched, a knock came from the cabin door. I held Rose’s eyes as I went to answer it, somehow knowing this didn’t bode well for us, but she also didn’t show any sign of the unease that she should have been.
I opened the door, and Victor, our watch for the night, stood with his hands folded in front of him like he wasn’t sure about what was happening.
“There’s a strange woman on deck asking to see Rose,” he said. “Said she’s decided.”
“Decided what?” I asked.
Victor shrugged. “Fuck if I know.”
Helpful.
We would have a talk about this tomorrow, but as it was, Rose was already up and sliding past us. I followed her outside, and there stood Morwenna in a silk gown and long sleeves that billowed in the frigid night air. She said nothing, just stared at my wife.
“She’s decided to help us,” Rose said.
“Hadn’t she already?” I said.
Rose shook her head. “She gave us the information, but not the way.”
She stepped past me and faced Morwenna.
“You’re going to help us, right?” Rose said.
Morwenna pressed her lips together, assessing.
“You will return my sea-skin to me,” Morwenna said.
It wasn’t asking. It was telling, but the moment Rose said she would help, I knew that’s exactly what she intended to do. Clearly, Morwenna had not been convinced at the time.
“I will,” Rose said. “You deserve to be free again.”
Morwenna's lips thinned as she studied Rose. “You don’t know anything about me. Whether Ideserveto be free or not. Does that not concern you?”
Rose, my brilliant wife, did not hesitate.
“No,” she said, voice iron-strong.
Morwenna dipped her head, the hint of a smile on her face.
“Then I suggest, Captain,” she said, turning to me. “You make for the pillars of Hercules.”
I fought against the urge to question her. To make her say a thousand words until I finally believed her. No, she was not a danger to Rose. Yes, she would help her get the mark off her wrist. Yes, she would protect her.
Instead, I nodded and turned to Victor.
“Wake the crew and make for east by south. I want us at seven knots. If we aren’t there in five days, I will have someone’s head. Am I understood?” I snapped.
Victor swallowed hard and nodded before practically running below.
“Wise choice, Captain,” Morwenna said. “Time is working against you. Against us all.”
“Can the ship withstand it?” Rose asked. “We barely made repairs here.”
“She will stand it,” I said, turning to Morwenna. “I’ll show you to a place below.”
