That night, they sat in turns at Darquine’s bed. Near daylight she showed signs of restlessness. Basil was with her then, and took her hand.
‘Be calm,’ he said. ‘It’s all right.’
At the sound of his voice, Darquine opened her eyes. ‘I hurt.’ Then, as realization returned, she cursed feebly. ‘Damn that murderess. She got me.’
‘She’s dead,’ Basil said. ‘You’re not.’
A small wrinkle appeared between Darquine’s brows. ‘Was that really Maud?’
Basil nodded. ‘She wasn’t happy with you going out on your own.’
‘She was right ... Hinguy’s assassin ...’
‘Your father has all kinds of plans for Master Hinguy. The villain will be sorry he hurt you. Don’t worry; you’ll be fine. I’ll take care of your body now.’
‘I can’t feel my hand,’ she said drowsily.
‘You were sorely wounded.’
‘The ship. Must go to the ship.’ Darquine’s voice took on a fevered tone.
‘Rest easy,’ Basil said. ‘All is well.’
Darquine tried to sit. ‘The traders! I ...’
Basil pressed her back. ‘It’s all right. Yarwan will be there to meet them. He’s sharp; you don’t have to worry.’
‘You do us honor with your presence, Master Suijan,’ Yarwan said, meeting the trader at the gangway. ‘I regret Mistress Merchant Darquine is unable to receive you herself. She was set upon by an assassin last night and nearly died. The healer thinks she has lost the use of her arm.’
‘I heard,’ said the tall trader, and his concern was genuine. ‘That’s why I came myself. It was one of Hinguy’s underlings?’
‘Indeed it was, Master Suijan. The noble Overcaptain had the assassin identified. He was very displeased. This will not go well for Hinguy.’
The trader gave a grim smile. ‘I can suffer that thought. Whatever votes Wallanck needs in the High Merchantry, he’ll have mine. Now, would you show me the wares, please?’
Yarwan proved a shrewd haggler and when the trader left with the carpets, the brassbound coffer at the mate’s foot contained a sizable amount of gold already.
‘You may be young, but you’re a smooth talker, Capt’n,’ old Hamui said contently. ‘You played him proper.’
‘He wanted those carpets.’ Yarwan remembered the avidity with which the trader had fingered the weave. ‘He really wanted them.’
One after another the merchants came and went. Men and women, they liked Darquine, and were eager to hear the details of her near murder. After that, they paid, and paid a bit more than they’d planned.
Last of all an antique old-rose rickshaw stopped at the gangway. A muscled runner opened the door and an ancient gentleman got out.
‘Heavens,’ the captain said. ‘It’s old Lahyong himself.’ He shouted for the gangway watch, and the wandin came hurrying with his little crew.
‘Welcome aboard the Daisee, Venerable Lahyong,’ Yarwan said, saluting. ‘We are humbled by your presence in our little ship.’
‘And so you should be, young Yarwan,’ the old trader said. ‘I rarely leave my house these days.’ He stared at the captain. ‘You’re looking very manly; the uniform suits you.’
Much to his chagrin, Yarwan felt his face grow hot.
Lahyong chuckled. ‘Now, you lead me to the dark recesses of the ship and show me your treasures.’
‘The masks,’ Yarwan said stiffly.
‘Of course, what else?’
Red with embarrassment, Yarwan helped the old man down the stairs into the hold. For a moment, he felt the old fingers caress his behind and his flesh crawled.
‘Hamui, show him the masks,’ he called in desperation.
Not at all discomfited, the trader shuffled over to the rusty chest. The mate opened the lid and the light of the lantern made the faces grimace in hideous glee.
With a strange sound, all air seemed to escape from the trader. For a long time, silence filled the hold, while Lahyong stared down at the masks without touching them. Finally he gave a rattling cough. ‘Darquine knew I sometimes deal in unusual objects. I had heard of masks like these. The Unwaari singers use them in their ceremonies. They are rare objects and always unlawfully obtained. Most merchants refuse to deal in them, but I am less timid. Besides, the slight risk adds extra spice to possessing them and they fetch good prices.’ He looked again at the masks and breathed out loud. ‘These four, though ... Their presence in Towne brings great danger to us all, Captain Yarwan.’
Yarwan didn’t know what to say. For a moment, old Lahyong had sounded frightened, and he wasn’t a man to scare easily. ‘I don’t understand. What are these masks?’
‘They are the Faces of Aera,’ the old man said. He peered at Yarwan, who shook his head.
‘I’m sorry; I’m trained in seamanship, but not much else.’
‘You have heard of the Unwaari war?’
Yarwan nodded. ‘That’s how the warlocks and the Kell came here. There was something stolen or some such.’
Lahyong slapped his hands together. ‘Exactly. They fought the war over the supposed theft of the Faces of Aera, Unwaar’s most holy objects.’
Yarwan felt his blood run cold. ‘These masks?’ he whispered. ‘What are we to do? I need to speak with Mistress Darquine about this. We can’t just return them. The Unwaari will never believe we found them. Damn it, I thought they were curiosities.’
‘They would burn your hearts over a slow fire for handling them,’ Lahyong said. ‘I’ll contact my informants overseas. You discuss this with Darquine. I don’t know when, but you will hear from me.’ The old man straightened. ‘I must get back. It was a pleasure seeing you look so fine, Captain Yarwan. Give my love to Darquine. And keep a bit for yourself.’ Chortling again, Lahyong shuffled back to the waiting rickshaw.
‘Crazy old man,’ Yarwan said after the old trader had left. ‘Creepy.’
The mate grinned. ‘He was a rare one for the lads in his day, old Lahyong. Take care never to be alone with him, Capt’n. He must be eighty, but his hands still know the way.’
Yarwan shuddered at the memory of those hands touching him. With an over-loud bang, he closed the lid over the masks. ‘Those weirdies bother me.’ He looked at Hamui. ‘We must keep quiet about them. No use inviting trouble.’
‘Aye, you won’t be hearing nothing from me. Old Lahyong was the last trader? Then I’ll lock away the gold. You made good deals, Captain.’
‘I’ll go and report to Darquine. You have the ship, Mate.’
‘Aye, aye, Capt’n, give her me best, will you?’
On the quay, Yarwan looked around and called a cruising steamcart. With a sigh of contentment he sat down in the worn leather seat. He was a captain now; he could afford to ride. He leaned back and closed his eyes.
‘We’re at the Overhouse, sir,’ the driver said in a loud voice.
Yarwan sat up and blinked. ‘Sorry, I must have dozed off.’ He paid his fare and jumped down. He straightened his new jacket with the single, shiny epaulet, and knocked.
‘Captain Yarwan, to see Miss Darquine,’ he said to the servant who opened the door. ‘How is she?’
There were tears in the woman’s eyes. ‘She with all that spirit; to see her lying so weak, it breaks my heart, sir. But come on in.’
Yarwan followed her into the corridor. His thoughts had been with Darquine, so he wasn’t prepared to bump into the man who ruled them all.
‘You! Yarwan, aren’t you? You say you’re a captain?’ The bulky figure of the Overcaptain barred his way. The piercing eyes, the large mouth, the long queue at his back seemed designed to make others feel small. However, at that moment, Wallanck was just an obstacle that kept him from his duty and he felt a surge of anger.
‘I am, sir,’ he said, unable to hide his irritation. ‘Licensed Mate of the Chorwaynie Merchant Navy, in command of the Daisee cutter. I need to report to Miss Darquine, sir.’
‘Why? Can’t you act on your own?’
Yarwan bristled at the contempt in the Overcaptain’s voice. ‘Yes, sir. But in money matters only she can decide. She would skin me alive if I didn’t check with her first.’
At that, the Overcaptain grimaced. ‘She would, too. Well said, Captain Yarwan. Proceed, but keep it short. She is very, very weak.’
Yarwan saluted. ‘Aye, aye, sir.’ With a nod, the Overcaptain disappeared through a door.
Beside him, the servant woman smiled. ‘The master is worried.’
‘So am I,’ Yarwan said testily. Then he relaxed. ‘I’m sorry. Bring me to her, will you?’
Darquine was awake when he entered. She looked very small in the big, white bed, and the captain felt a stab of fear. Her eyes when she looked at him were dull and her free hand moved over the sheet restlessly.
‘Yarwan?’ He had to lean closer to hear her properly. ‘How’d the trade go?’
‘It went fine.’ Yarwan touched her shoulder. ‘You have the best wishes of Master Suijan and the other merchants, including old Lahyong.’
A small frown appeared on Darquine’s face. ‘They came themselves? All of them?’
‘All. They wanted to know what happened. I told them about your brave fight and they were very sorry for you. That made us rich.’
‘How much?’
Yarwan lowered his voice. ‘Twelve thousand.’
Darquine stared at him. ‘You—fleeced them. How?’
‘I just talked about you and looked sorrowful. Then I named the price. They paid without haggling and left happy. The only things I haven’t sold are the masks.’ He sat down on the edge of the bed and recounted what Lahyong had said.
‘Damn,’ Darquine whispered. ‘He said they’re dangerous?’ Her free hand groped for Yarwan’s wrist. ‘If he says so, they are. Mustn’t talk.’
‘I told Hamui to keep it a secret. No one else knows about them.’
‘Good.’ Darquine closed her eyes. ‘Curse it; I had so many plans.’ A tear dripped down her face. ‘Yarwan, I’ll never sail again.’
Yarwan patted her hand awkwardly. ‘Don’t say that. I thought I would never make captain, and I did. Get well first. With the wound healed, you can work on your arm. Once you’re up and about again, things will look less dark. Only don’t despair; for then you’ve lost without even trying.’
‘You are right.’ She sighed. ‘I must fight back, be it assassins or wounds. It ... will be hard.’
‘You’re the Overcaptain’s daughter; you don’t like easy challenges.’
She laughed a little at that. ‘You know me better than I thought, Captain Yarwan. Now, what are your plans for the ship?’
‘I’m taking the Daisee to Maiwar Bay. I know the village and I speak their dialect. With the wandin’s help we’ll get our gunners.’ He saw the exhaustion in her face and rose. ‘I must go; I’m sailing on the afternoon tide. I’ll report again when we’re back.’ With a snappy salute, he left the room.
Back in the corridor, he heard a familiar voice luring him to a sitting room. In the doorway he stopped. ‘Basil.’ He felt his heart beat faster. Their hands touched briefly, as did their eyes.
‘How did the cargo sale go?’ Jurgis said, and Yarwan turned to him.
‘Great; Hinguy is the most hated man in Towne. They are all out for his blood.’
‘How much did you make?’ Maud asked.
‘Twelve thousand.’
She looked at him in astonishment. ‘That much?’
‘We were lucky; the Daisee had some very nice cargo. I’ve no idea how that crook Felrich got his grubby paws on so many riches.’
‘We don’t want to know,’ Jurgis said primly. ‘It’s probably stolen.’
Yarwan smiled. ‘Probably. By the way, this afternoon I’m taking the ship to Maiwar Bay, the home village of our crew. I hope to get some volunteers to train for gunners. Anyone interested in coming?’
‘Sure,’ Maud said. ‘I love gunnery. And it’s something to do.’
‘I’ll come, too,’ Jurgis said.
Basil shook his head. ‘I can’t. I promised to keep Darquine’s energy up. That helps her healing.’
Yarwan swallowed his disappointment. ‘I understand. I’ll see you in a few days’ time then.’ For a moment, the two stood there, barely touching each other.
‘I must go to Darquine,’ Basil said, and he hurried from the room.
Yarwan’s shoulders dropped.
‘You should have kissed him,’ Maud said. ‘All this tiptoeing around makes both of you unhappy. And probably us as well.’
‘How can I?’ Yarwan looked up at her. ‘It’s all new to him. He doesn’t understand these feelings.’
‘Teach him,’ Jurgis said. ‘Like you did with that navigation business. Hop out, go after him and grab him. Then go to the ship. We’ll follow later.’
Yarwan choked. Blindly, he walked from the room and found Basil with Darquine.
‘I wanted to say goodbye for a moment,’ he said, grabbing Basil’s hand. ‘I will miss you.’ Then he pulled the Spellwarden to him and kissed him full on the mouth. For a second, Basil resisted, then he relaxed and returned the kiss, albeit clumsily.
‘Cheers,’ Darquine said weakly. ‘You’ve taken the ship, Captain. Now go, before it founders from shock.’
With a last peck on Basil’s nose, Yarwan hurried from the room. More jubilant than he’d ever felt, he left the house, and went in search of a steamcart.
CHAPTER 14 - OLD FRIENDS
‘We’re here,’ Yarwan said. ‘In a few moments you’ll see Maiwar Village.’ He stood beside the helmswoman on the small afterdeck, his jacket open to the breeze, watching the Daisee rush at the inhospitable green wall of the tropical forest. They were so close that he could see the leaves on the trees, the hanging vines, the purple flowers. A yellow-winged bird cawed and flew low over the ship to disappear back into the trees.
Without a word from the captain, the helmswoman spun the wheel. She knew these waters intimately, as did the rest of the crew. Next to the ship Maiwar was their home.
Yarwan smiled as he heard Maud’s soft ‘Oh’ when a narrow channel opened up before them, leading them through the forest into the blue water of Maiwar Bay.
‘You had me wondering.’ Maud stood with Jurgis at the railing and stared at the colorful village across the water. ‘Are those floating houses?’
‘Stilt houses,’ Yarwan said. ‘Built on tall poles above the high water-line. The shore is swampy and as most people are fishers anyway, this is most convenient.’ The fleet is in, he thought, surprised at the many fishing boats moored at the houses. This happened only on feast days and in times of danger.
Four big canoes crossed toward them, filled with armed villagers. They were like the Daisee’s crew—or Yarwan himself—brown-skinned, wiry and agile, though their quick smiles had turned to a martial determination. Their spears and bows told Yarwan he hadn’t forgotten any feast day; it must be danger. But what kind? Nothing ever happened here.
‘Why the warlike reception?’ Maud’s eyes had narrowed as she watched the approaching canoes.
Yarwan shrugged. ‘We’ll know shortly,’ he said, as the wandin walked to the gangway with his men. Hiton straightened his blue uniform jacket, and shouted, ‘We’re the Daisee from Towne, coming home.’
A man in the foremost canoe lifted his hands. ‘We recognize your faces. You are welcome back, shipbound.’ At that, the villagers smiled and called their welcomes, before turning away.
‘This is unusual,’ Yarwan said. ‘There must be something amiss.’ He saw the crew had noticed it too. No one said anything, but the festive atmosphere of homecoming had become a wary silence.
Now a fleet of little boats darted out to meet them, paddled by children with big smiles. They waved and shouted to the Daisee’s sailors. The crew waved back and some of their tension lifted.
Yarwan stood beside the helmsman and directed the cutter to the wooden pier. He wasn’t worried about the boats swarming around his hull, but he kept
an eye on them nonetheless. With no more than a sigh, the Daisee came to rest alongside the pier.
‘Good job,’ Maud said. ‘You didn’t kill even one kid.’
Yarwan waved his hand. ‘Those boaties are indestructible. They’re like fruit flies, gone before you can slap them.’ He squared his hat and buttoned up his jacket. ‘I’m going ashore to see the headwoman. You may come, too. Create a sensation; they don’t see many foreigners here.’
The smells of the village wafted over them, a mixture of muddy shores, fish, spicy foods and sweating humanity. The smell brought memories of the many times he’d stayed with his grandmother. Happy times, until that day everything changed. He sighed.
At the end of the pier was a sprawling building, surrounded by a wide verandah. The roof, covered with reeds from the surrounding marshes, was darkening with age and stained by the droppings from the many redgulls screaming and whirling over their heads.
‘That’s the central hall,’ Yarwan said. ‘The headwoman lives there with her sons, and the villagers use it for their gatherings.’ The familiarity hurt as much as the memories of this place. He thought of the coming meeting. His stern grandmother, his uncles, all the people who hadn’t accepted his being different.
Maud looked at him. ‘You’ve been here before?’
Yarwan felt his face grow hot. ‘I have kin here.’ He coughed. ‘My mother came from Maiwar.’
Maud studied his face. ‘Does that bother you?’
Yarwan’s color deepened. ‘No. Only, it’s not generally known in Towne.’
‘Why not?’
‘Class differences. My father was middle-class. Jentakans, the inland people, are seen as lower-class. It could cost my mother customers should people hear she was a Jentakan from Maiwar.’
The door of the central hall opened, and a procession came out, led by an ancient woman. She halted, flanked by two middle-aged men and with a whole string of old folks behind her.
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