“William, when you look at me, what do you see?”
He looked confused. “I see you.”
“No, I mean, do you see an old woman, or do your abilities let you see me as . . . as myself?”
“I see your true self. I can see your glamour, but I can also see past it, to the real you. But it wouldn’t matter. If I only saw your disguise, I’d still see a strong, beautiful woman.”
“You see me as strong?”
William nodded, smiling a little as if my question amused him, and I felt a fire ignite through my body. This man had done so much for me.
I threw my arms around his neck and hugged him, his hand immediately wrapping around me. I sunk deeper into the embrace. He nestled into my hair and sighed. For a few beautiful seconds, everything was perfect.
Then the door to our room flew open, a thunderstruck captain at the threshold.
William and I froze in our embrace. The captain seemed frozen as well, and for a moment the room was silent.
The captain’s mouth opened and I held up my hand. “Captain, please save your witty remark for later.”
I cleared my throat and pulled away from William, walking towards the door with my head down, a blush creeping up my neck. The captain caught my arm before I reached the door and I winced as he squeezed it.
“What were you doing to my brother, witch?” the captain demanded.
It was all I could do not to laugh at his horrified expression.
William leaned casually back on the bed and put his hands behind his head. “Shove off, Clay. We’re newlyweds. You enter without knocking at your own peril.”
I gaped at William.
The captain held his stomach and sputtered. “William! Are you seriously saying that you . . . that you'd willingly . . .”
“Don’t ask question you don’t want the answers to.”
The captain let go of my arm and was beside William in three strides. “There's something wrong with you. She’s cast a spell on you.”
“Indeed she has. I love her, Clay.” The corners of William’s mouth tugged up as his brother’s expression darkened.
“What?” the captain asked.
I grabbed onto the doorframe for support. He loved me? Had he just admitted that out loud to his brother?
The captain put his hand over his brother’s brow. “You’re pale and there are dark circles under your eyes.”
William swatted the hand away. “I'm tired, not sick.”
“Well I’m now sick, after seeing you hugging her.”
“Leave it be, Clay.” William said, standing with a stretch. “What do you want?”
The captain shook his head. “There's something happening on deck. Edmond has asked for a public audience with the entire crew.”
All the humor died on William’s face. “I don’t like the sound of this.”
“Nor do I, but we can’t turn down the request.”
I slid forward and placed my hand inside William’s. “What’s happening? I thought the blood oath made mutiny impossible.”
“Aye,” William said, “but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other ways to cause problems.” He patted my hand before falling into step with his brother. I started to follow, but he spun toward me. “Stay here, please.”
“I'm not staying here. I'm part of the crew.”
William frowned. “Will you at least agree to hide beneath the stairs? I'll be able to concentrate better if I know you're safe.” I opened my mouth to argue, but he silenced me by placing his finger gently over my lips. “Promise me you’ll stay out of sight. Please.”
The please knocked the fight out of me. “I promise.” He squeezed my hand before following his brother.
All the crew was on deck and a fine mist hung in the air, making the day seem foreboding even without Edmond's summons. The hair on the back of my neck stood on edge as I slid beneath the stairs.
“Who requested this meeting?” the captain asked, even though he already knew. I supposed it was part of the formalities. From where I hid, I couldn’t see the helm where the officers stood, but I could see the rest of the men.
“I did.” Edmond stepped out from among the crew. I was surprised he wasn’t standing with the other officers.
“Very well, Edmond, why have you called us here?”
“I'm formally issuing a challenge.” I didn't understand what he meant, but the air filled with protests, curses, and even a few cheers.
“You can’t challenge the captain,” I heard William declare. “He isn’t close enough to you in rank.”
“I know,” Edmond said, a wicked smile spreading across his face. “I'm issuing the challenge to you, William.” The crowd fell silent. Brown boots made their way down the stairs in front of me as William walked toward Edmond and pulled himself to his full height. Edmond stared back at him. “I challenge you, William, for the spot of second in command.”
“What is it you think you're accomplishing?” William asked.
“We need a change of command. We need someone in charge who gives reasonable orders and considers the safety of the crew.”
“You're a fool, Edmond.”
“On the contrary, I'm the only one aboard who's thinking sensibly. Once I’ve beaten you, I will be free to challenge the captain. He is no longer fit to lead. The proof of that is right in front of you.” He gestured to the holes in the Promise’s hull. “He risked our lives to bring us here and now we have nothing to show for it. We should have sailed back to port right after the battle, just like I said.”
“You dishonor yourself by questioning your captain,” William said coldly. “He's proven time and again that he has an uncanny way of knowing what needs to be done in order to accomplish our goals.”
“Well this goal wasn't accomplished, was it?” Edmond retorted.
“You don’t know that. Our journey isn't over yet. Maybe something has already happened and we don't know it.”
“I don't share your faith in the captain's luck,” Edmond said, spitting for emphasis. “Your loyalty to your brother is clouding your judgment. You need to be removed from duty.”
William's body went stiff. “Very well,” he said calmly. “When is our contest?”
“Half an hour.”
William gave a curt nod. “I'll be there. What weapon do you choose? Fists, pistols or swords?”
Edmond smiled like a cat given cream. “Swords.”
William’s hands clenched by his sides as he nodded. “Swords it is.”
The shiny black boots of the captain clanked to a stop in front of me. I eased my way out from under the staircase and stood beside him.
The captain swore under his breath beside me. “It would be swords.”
“Is it bad that he picked swords?” I asked.
The captain nodded. “Aye. Edmond's a fine swordsman, and William is nowhere near as strong. He’s better with pistol and his fives.”
“Which is exactly why Edmond chose the swords.” My heart felt like a dropped anchor. “Has he got a chance?”
The captain didn’t answer but I saw the lack of confidence in his eyes, and I suddenly felt terrified. I needed to be near William.
Edmond smiled, and then retreated into the throng of men. The rest of the crew started talking in hushed tones, but I could tell that at least some of them were taking bets on who would win.
William saved me the effort of a search by coming to a stop in front of me. He smiled for my benefit, although it did little to comfort me.
“What exactly does this challenge mean?” I placed my hand on his arm.
William sighed. “If he beats me, he’ll be second in command instead of fifth. It's a challenge to the death.”
“A fight to the death?” My words caught in my throat.
“Yes,” William said. “But don’t worry.”
“Don't worry?” I shoved him in the chest. “Your life is on the line.”
“There's no way I'm letting Edmond become second in command.”
<
br /> “I'm more worried about you dying than the ranking of officers on the ship,” I retorted. “Why is Edmond risking death for a jump ahead in station?”
“Because he wants to be captain.”
“What?”
“You can’t challenge an officer too high above you in station.”
“So it’s the captain he wants,” I whispered, looking down at the floor. William nodded and my mouth pinched in a stubborn line. “Can’t you refuse the challenge?”
“I could, but then I’d be dropped down in rank and he’d be free to challenge Clay anyway.”
“Would that really be so great a loss?” I couldn't help but ask.
William shot me a disappointed frown. “I know you don’t care about Clay, but I do.”
“But you might lose. You might die.”
William slung his arm around my shoulder. “I'm glad to see your faith in my abilities.”
“I can't stand the thought of being forced to watch you flirt with death again.”
“You could always stay below deck,” he suggested dryly.
“Very funny.” I fell silent as my mind began working. One thing was painfully certain: I couldn’t let him die. On the other hand, I didn’t know how to save him. I sighed. I’d give anything to take his place.
Chapter 20
Could I fight in William’s place? The idea sent a jolt through me and I stood straighter. I was excellent with swords, although few knew it.
William studied my expression and I tried to mask my face so my thoughts couldn't betray me. With the skills of a Hound, there was no telling what he might figure out about me.
“I know that it's dangerous, but I’m willing to risk it. Not just for Clay, but for my honor as well. And also, because Edmond really, really bothers me.”
He led me back toward our room, and as soon as the door closed behind us I threw myself into his arms. “Can’t someone else fight for you? By proxy?”
He shook his head. “Only a family member, and that isn’t going to happen. I won’t let Clay do it.”
A family member? I instantly looked down to hide the smile that had blossomed on my face. “You should rest first. You’re exhausted and will need your strength.”
“A nap would be counterproductive. Anyway, I’m too worked up to sleep.”
I bit my lip, changing strategies. “Would you at least let me give you a tonic to give you energy?”
“You can make one?”
“Yes,” I lied. “My mother is a healer, and I learned a lot from her. Here, sit down, rest, and I’ll mix it for you.”
He grabbed my hand and smiled at me before I could turn around. “Thank you.”
I touched his warm cheek and smiled at him. “I’m just glad I can do this for you.”
I headed to sickbay, and pulled some sedatives from the shelf. Then I moved to the galley, and set water to boil, while I gathered more herbs for a sleeping tea. Lavender, chamomile, and a hefty dose of peppermint went into the tea ball last, and as it seeped, I hoped fervently that the peppermint would mask the taste of the sedatives I had dissolved into the concoction. When it was done, I poured a mug and carried it to William, making sure to keep my expression free of everything but an encouraging smile.
William lifted it to his lips and gave me a little salute with the cup before he swallowed it down and then dropped the cup to the bed. “It tasted good,” he said with a yawn.
“It’s the peppermint.”
He smacked his lips together and his eyelids started to droop. I encouraged him to lie down with his head in my lap, and he sighed as I ran my hands through his hair and traced his eyebrows with my fingertip. It was a trick my mother had used on me when she wanted me to sleep, and it worked just as well for William. Between the soothing motions and the tea, he was asleep in a matter of minutes.
I smiled at his deep, regular breathing. He would be solidly out of commission for the next four hours. I stretched out his long limbs, and tucked a blanket around him.
“Don't worry William.” I gave him a kiss on the forehead and smoothed down an unruly tuft of hair. “I'll take care of this.”
I locked the door and slipped on a pair of his clothes, taking care to roll up the sleeves and pant legs. A length of rope acted as a belt. Once my ensemble was complete I turned and looked through his collection of swords, checking the weight and balance of each until I found one that fit me, and a short sword that I tucked into my belt. I also pocketed the gem I’d picked up on the island.
Lafe must have been leaning against the door because he fell into the room when I opened it.
“What are you doing?” I asked as he thudded onto the floor.
“The Cap wanted me to guard William until the fight.”
I bit my lip. “William is indisposed. You’d better stay here and keep an eye on him.” I started to move around Lafe, but he grabbed my arm.
He took in my attire and the swords I was holding. “Where do you think you’re going?”
“Unfortunately, William is unable to fight. As his closet family member, I'll be his second.”
Lafe grabbed me by the shoulders. “Are you crazy? You won’t stand a chance!”
“I'll do fine,” I said and shook his hands off. “Have a little faith in me.”
Lafe stood there, startled, and I used his moment of shock to push through the door. Pretending a confidence I didn’t quite feel, I walked past Lafe and made my way to the deck.
Edmond was already there, and most of the crew were on deck prepared to watch the duel. The captain was talking in a low, angry tone to Thomas, but his eye glimpsed me and he did a double take before striding towards me. He cleared his throat and looked over my shoulder.
“Where's William?”
“He was given a heavy sedative and is unfit to fight, so I have agreed to take his place.”
“What?” His voice was so loud I leaned away from him.
I repeated myself. His eyes opened wide and he rocked back on his heels. “I assume from the brazen look in your eyes that you're the one who gave him the sedative.” I stared mutely at the captain and he grabbed my shoulders. “Are you daft?”
“I know what I’m doing.” I stuck my nose in the air. “I couldn’t let him fight.”
The captain shook his head. “You'll get yourself killed and lose him his rank.”
“On the contrary, I’ll win this for him.” I was surprised at how confident I felt saying those words. I felt stronger than I had in my whole life.
“You’re an old woman.”
“Which is why he’ll underestimate me.”
“Now I know you're insane.” He tilted his head to the sky and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Besides, if anyone is going to fight in his place, it's going to be me.”
“No it isn't. Keeping you safe is the reason he agreed to the fight in the first place.”
The captain glared at me. “Why are you doing this?” His eyes flashed in anger. “Even if you win the fight it doesn't mean you get to take William's place.”
I looked up into the captain’s face, my eyes full of fury. “I don't care about his command. I won't let him die, Captain.”
His eyes narrowed. “Are you saying that you care for my brother?”
“Of course I do.”
He scratched his chin, considering. “Is this because of the love he was carrying on—”
He didn’t get to finish his sentence because Thomas called everyone to order. “Edmond has issued a challenge to William. The time has come for the duel. Contenders, step forward.”
“I’m here.” Edmond held up two swords, one long, the other short and curved, then sliced them expertly through the air.
“Where's William?” Thomas asked.
I cleared my throat, which had suddenly gone dry. “I’m fighting in his place.”
Thomas’s jaw dropped, and a collective gasp echoed from the crew. Edmond spun toward me, his expression somewhere between amusement and offense.
“Is she allowed to do that?” Thomas asked.
The captain gave me a sidelong glance. “Unfortunately, she is.”
“Her? You're letting her fight in his stead?” Edmond swore and threw his swords down. “She’s an old woman!”
“Yes,” the captain said. “I’ve noticed.”
“So this is what William thinks of my challenge. How dare he insult me like this.”
“He isn’t insulting you. But I’m thinking we might not need to fight. I found this on the island,” I said to the whole crew. I held up the gem so everyone could see it. It twinkled in the light. “It was on a sacred altar and fell to the earth when I touched it. It is the shape of the Emmía’s medallion and might be what the captain was hoping to find on the island.”
I handed it to the captain who stared.
“You found this?” he asked. I nodded. “This may be what we were searching for.”
“That means the trip to the island wasn’t foolish,” I said, loud enough for all to hear. “We found what we’ve been seeking.” I wasn’t at all certain it was what we had been after, but they didn’t need to know that. My eyes met Edmond’s. “Will you withdraw your challenge?”
Edmond shook his head. “No. Now he’ll be even more obsessed.”
“Very well, then I accept your challenge.” I hooked his fallen sword with the tip of mine and lifted it in front of him. He grabbed the sword as it rose.
“That’s better,” I said. “You might need that.”
His eyes narrowed. “Very well.” Edmond stepped forward to retrieve his short sword. “William's a coward to let a woman fight in his place, but it'll make for an easier victory.”
The captain grabbed me by my shoulders and spun me around so I was facing him. “He’s fast and he favors his right side. Good luck.” He patted me on the back before turning me back toward my opponent.
I nodded and touched the short sword tucked in my waist, trying to figure out how to put the captain's advice to its best use. The sword in my hand felt suddenly slippery from sweat. My legs felt heavy and I had to force myself to breathe normally.
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