Oathen Read Free Page B

horses.”
    “But we were in the middle of a riot—” Geret
began.
    “Aye, I remember. But we’re supposed to help
finish the tasks of those we encounter ashore, and your task wasn’t
yet complete when you reached Yaren Fel.”
    “Shanal’s pretty far away, and you’re already
out of home waters,” Geret said. “You sure you’re up for
this?”
    “Sweet prince,” Rhona said, “my hometown is
several dozen horizons in all directions. When I shop, it can take
weeks to get to market. When I take vacation, I have to learn a new
language so I can properly threaten the locals. Shanal may seem far
to you, but for us, it’s just a bit more exercise than usual, with
slightly different scenery.”
    “So how did you get these ships, then?” Salvor
asked.
    “I didn’t challenge my mother. Just her best
captains.” The young pirate’s cheek dimpled as she grinned. “Those
I bested in single combat became mine to command.”
    Gryme’s eyes widened. “You bested seven pirate
captains, all by yourself?” He looked at her slim arms and short
stature.
    She gave the Jualan a cocky grin. “Just six,
and it took me two weeks of Spring Trading just to find all the
ships I wanted. This beauty,” she patted the rail, “was my reward
for success in my quest.”
    “That quest you haven’t quite finished yet?”
Salvor asked with a half-smile.
    Rhona slitted her eyes at him. “You, Vinten,
should tread lightly with a Clan captain when you’re standing on
her planks. We hold power of life and death over all crew and
passengers.”
    Salvor sketched a courtly bow. “I will
endeavor to do so, my lady.”
    “Bah, too flowery,” Rhona said, giving him a
gentle shove. “Geret, now, he’s more earthy. That makes him pretty
shiny—considering how I usually feel about dirt.” She turned and
planted a kiss on Geret’s cheek.
    Gryme’s eyebrows shot up, and Salvor rolled
his eyes, while Geret merely grinned and shuffled his feet. A few
of the crew whistled and hooted, and Rhona chuckled.
    “A care, Geret,” Ruel murmured from behind.
“Jualans aren’t the only ones who desire claims.”
    Geret turned to ask what that meant, but a
voice from below the rail drew his attention.
    “A-hail the Princeling !” Meena’s voice
resounded. The Hyndi insults halted; the harbor workers watched
with interest and trepidation as a woman who wore the same
breastplate as the pirate girl, yet spoke with an entirely
different accent, made her way to the caravel. Ruel tossed the rope
down for her and Sanych, who each carried a pack.
    “Princeling?” Geret queried. “Does she mean
me?”
    “Didn’t I mention?” Rhona said. “I christened
my ship Princeling , as a sign of my determination to find
you.” Her mischievous dimple reappeared.
    Behind them, Ruel helped Sanych over the rail
and took her pack for her, then turned and commented, “Among other
notions she’s had about you.”
    The crew laughed, and Rhona pursed her lips
and squinted at Ruel. “That’s enough out of you, Slave. You can go
below. And take some of your friends with you,” she added,
gesturing to the laughing crew.
    Ruel exhaled through his nose, then gestured
for several of the Clansfolk to come below with him; they all
disappeared below deck.
    “Raise anchor!” Rhona hollered, as she strode
to the short ladder that led up to the ship’s aft castle. Once on
the higher deck, she commandeered her ship’s wheel in strong
hands.
    “What’s this?” the harbormaster bellowed. “You
can’t leave without our help; that’s how Salience works. The wind
only blows in, not out. And I’m afraid there’s a hefty fee for the
aid of our rowing tugs. Or did you plan on flying over the water
like a lightning-haired storm sprite?” The sailors behind him
laughed derisively.
    Rhona was unperturbed, however. Her sailors
scurried about, making the Princeling ready for the open
sea.
    Long, slender wooden oars sprouted from low on
the Princeling ’s sides. They