Copyright J.B. Norman
“We’re on a boat,” Matilda says, surveying the deck where she and the other members of the Lyte Brigade are now standing.
“Technically, it’s a ship, Miss Matilda,” Tancred says. “See, because it’s big enough to carry —”
“It’s wood. It floats. It’s a boat,” Matilda insists.
Ever the gentlemen, Tancred decides not to press the issue.
“So, uh, Captain?” Pela asks. “Why are we on a boat? Ship. Whatever.”
“Well, how else are we going to get these one-hundred-and-forty-seven crates of the latest printed edition of the Lex Antiqua Piratica to Roger Island?” Nolan asks the others. “It’s an island. Besides, the Brotherhood said they’d reimburse for the fee of renting the ship after we made the delivery.”
“Okay,” Pela says thoughtfully. “That’s why we’re here. So, why are they here?”
She points over to where Kat and Dunstana are looking on leaning against one of the gunwales.
“Well, Dunstana’s a pirate and an associate of the Brotherhood of the Coasts,” Nolan explains. “As long as she’s aboard, we’re allowed to fly the Brotherhood flag. Since the Brotherhood doesn’t take kindly to people interfering in its affairs, that means we’ll probably be less likely to get attacked while we’re sailing.”
Amara rolls her eyes.
“Oh, we are totally getting attacked now,” Matilda mutters.
“Okay,” Nolan says, taking up position at the ship’s wheel. He falters and his prow furrows.
“Is everything alright, Nolan?” Falcata asks.
“I don’t actually know what we’re supposed to be doing at this point,” he admits quietly. “I’ve never been in charge of a ship before.”
“Ugh,” Dunstana groans, slapping her hand over her face. “It’s like watching an upside-down turtle.”
“Seriously, Captain Kid,” Kat calls after her sister. “Don’t kick them!”
“Stand aside, Norbert,” Dunstana says, looking up Nolan as she approaches the ship’s wheel. “You’re embarrassing both of us.”
“Yeah, but —” Nolan protests.
Dunstana draws her wooden sword and starts poking Nolan with it.
“Okay, okay,” Nolan says, raising his hands and stepping away from the wheel.
Dunstana keeps her narrowed eyes fixed on Nolan and gives a couple more warning jabs just to make sure he really gets the point.
The six members of the Lyte Brigade stare blankly at her.
“Weigh anchor,” Dunstana instructs.
“Ugh,” she groans again. “Seriously?”
She does the same thing she does whenever she’s faced with a situation like this.
“Kat! Help!”
Now Kat groans as she pushes herself off the gunwale.
“Ugh.”
She starts making her away around the deck to make the necessary preparations for the ship to leave the dock.
“You guys owe me at least 5 percent of your fee,” she tells the Lyte Brigade as she tugs on one of the lines. “I didn’t think I’d have to do any work today. Especially not all of it. Especially not alone.”
“We should probably help her,” Pela notes.
“She will likely need help lifting things,” Falcata notes, striding forward.
“I don’t know how to sail!” Tancred protests.
“I’m way ahead of you,” Matilda says, getting very busy pretending to be busy by making it very obvious she’s doing something to a nearby rope.
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