Quillblade Read Free Page B

if all of Missy’s dreams of freedom were just that – dreams? Disappointment spread through her, and Lenis reached out to grab her hand. Of course, he had felt what she felt. He might have been acting weird lately, but he was still her brother, and he still knew how much she wanted this. To be a slave owned by a renegade airship thief was more freedom than either of them could hope for.
    Though she could only see their backs, Missy tried to match the people in front of her with the names she had heard Assen Chi and the captain discussing the night before. The short man in the threadbare robe had to be Long Liu, the Tien Tese doctor. Captain Shishi had called him a half-crazed outcast, and he certainly looked it with his patched clothing and dirty, wild hair. Missy realised suddenly that she recognised the man standing next to him. Kenji Jackson had been part of the Puritan crew that had flown the Hiryû over here. He was the navigator and was of mixed Shinzôn-Puritan heritage. Apparently he was going to stay on.
    The temperature seemed to drop several degrees all at once, and Missy shivered. Someone had come up to stand next to her without her noticing. She didn’t want to turn and stare, so she tried to take in as much of the man as she couldout of the corner of her eye. He was of average height, with straight black hair pulled back severely from his brow and tied in a tail. He was dressed in black Shinzôn robes and, after a quick scan of the rest of the crew, Missy realised that this must be Yûrei no Gôshi Yami, the infamous cursed swordsman the captain had mentioned. Another shiver crept up her spine as she averted her eyes. Why was he standing next to her?
    â€˜Good, we are all here.’ Captain Shishi’s soft voice cut through her thoughts. His accent was heavy, but he spoke the common tongue with a surety that showed a good education. He stood now at the other entrance to the bridge with a Shinzôn woman behind him. Her stance was erect but her face was etched with deep wrinkles. ‘We are going to steal the Hiryû. ’
    Missy saw the ripple of surprise that ran through the rest of the crew at the captain’s words.
    Arthur, standing on the other set of steps, was the first to speak. ‘What is this, Captain Shishi? If it is some jest it is in poor taste.’
    â€˜I am quite serious, Lord Knyght.’ The captain turned towards the first officer. ‘I have spent more than half of my life as a shugyosha, what you would call a wandering swordsman. I have tested my strength against many foes, both human and Demon, and during this time I have come across a truth. We are, each of us, destined to discover the way, the true Way that holds the essence of each of us within it.’
    Most of the crew showed no reaction to the captain’s words this time. Were they as confused by them as Missy was?
    An Ellian accent suddenly rang out. ‘What is this nonsense?’
    Missy turned to look at the woman in the tan-coloured trousers and loose-fitting, wide-cuffed shirt. That would be Andrea Florona, she thought, the airship’s lookout. The woman’s wavy, auburn hair fell well past her shoulders, but what drew Missy’s attention were the daggers at her belt and the automated crossbow strapped to her back.
    â€˜In life there are infinite possibilities, Miss Florona. Innumerable pathways along which we may travel. Most have their courses chosen for them. What I am offering you – all of you – is a chance to find your own Way. I cannot promise that Way will be easy, but it will be yours. You are, of course, free to disembark now.’ The captain pointed amidships where the gangplank leading down to the airdock was hidden by one of the holds. ‘Though I suggest you do so immediately. Once I give the order to launch I will assume that those of you still on board wish to accompany us.’
    â€˜I cannot allow this.’ Arthur’s hand went