Pirate's Promise

by Chris A. Jackson

  "Sorry. I didn't want to wake you."

  "Perhaps I wanted you to wake me." Zarina pulled Vreva close, her skin warm, and kissed her. "Mmm. You taste good."

  "Spiced rum." Vreva smiled. There was no guile or suspicion in those golden eyes, only sultry, sleepy desire. With a twist of her fingers, she thrust the needle deep into the edge of the feather mattress where it wouldn't be found by accident, then ran her hands through Zarina's dark hair. "Another one of my weaknesses."

  Zarina gazed at Vreva, emotion clouding her eyes. "What am I going to do with you, Vreva Jhafae?"

  "Anything you want, Zarina Capoli." Vreva felt the desire rise in her, mirrored so clearly in her lover's eyes. "Anything at all."

  ∗ ∗ ∗

  "There it isss, Toriusss! There it isss!"

  Torius smiled at Celeste's enthusiasm. She often hissed when angry or excited, and now her sinuous body writhed back and forth, her tail quivering in eagerness. Squinting ahead, he could just discern the quartet of pillars in the distance. They could arrive none too soon as far as he was concerned. Tired, aching from the battle, and still suffering from withdrawal symptoms, all he wanted to do was collapse in a shady tent before the heat of the day flared to infernal heights.

  "Doesn't look like much." Grogul's comment earned a glare and hiss from Celeste.

  Despite Celeste's response, Torius could only agree with his bosun's assessment. Though hard to miss on the flat plain, the Observatory looked simple—decrepit, even. Four crumbling pillars surrounded a low platform that could easily have fit into Stargazer's main hold. It looked nothing like the observatory at the College of Dimensional Studies in Katapesh city, with its high domed roof and enormous telescope. But Celeste had insisted that the mystical properties of the Observatory far surpassed anything that used mere optics.

  As they neared their destination, what he had thought to be an escarpment of dark stone beyond the Observatory resolved into a number of tents. Most were small, but a few were large and elaborate, and among the tents walked numerous people.

  "I didn't think we'd have so much company."

  A hiss of disappointment answered him, and he turned to Celeste, who now peered out from between the canvas flaps behind the driver's seat, her expression now anxious.

  "Nor did I, though the Observatory attracts both surveyors of the heavens and worshipers of Desna. I had hoped to be free to use it as I pleased ..."

  "Don't worry, Celeste. We'll figure out some way for you to get your observations in."

  "Some of those people are armed, Captain." Grogul's eyes scanned the scene as if he were planning an attack.

  "I'd be worried if they weren't, all things considered. As long as they're friendly, I don't mind sharing, and the more the merrier, if those Duenas show up." Torius turned in his saddle and regarded their tiny caravan. They were tired, bloodied, and bad-tempered, but they were all in one piece. They'd lost only one camel in the fight with the hyenafolk. "Grogul, pick out a spot to set up camp, preferably upwind of the others."

  "Aye, sir." He nodded toward the camp. "Looks like a welcoming committee's comin' out to greet us."

  "A committee of one." Torius examined the lone man walking toward them. He wore a white kaftan, the scarf tucked up to conceal his face, but didn't appear to be armed. "Let's hope it is a welcome."

  Giving the signal to stop, Torius tapped his quirt to get his camel to kneel so he didn't have to jump down. Falling flat on his face as he dismounted would not give their caller a favorable impression, and he didn't trust his legs to support him after a leap. By the time Torius was down, the man was only a few strides away.

  "Welcome to the Observatory." The man extended both hands, palms up, in a non-threatening gesture, then raised one to lower his scarf. "I am Yabada Ben Hashi, senior servant and emissary for Lord Astrus." He bowed low, touching his lips and forehead with a flourish.

  "I'm Captain Torius Vin of the merchant vessel Stargazer." He mirrored the man's bow. "These are my crew." He turned and started when he saw Windy Kate sitting next to Dukkol, since he knew Windy had remained aboard ship. This Windy Kate, however, was more richly dressed than the original. I wish she'd pick someone I don't know as her disguise! "My companion, Celeste, is my navigator and an astronomer. We're here to use the Observatory, but we had no idea it would be so ...populated."

  "You are a sea captain?" An odd smile graced the man's lips. In fact, his entire manner was odd. His lips twitched and his eyes darted about, never staying focused on one thing for more than a second or two. "You are far from the sea."

  "Well, until someone moves the Observatory closer to the ocean, we have no choice." The man didn't respond to Torius's bit of humor, so the captain nodded toward the camp. "Are all these people with you?"

  "Oh, no!" He laughed a tittering little trill. "No, no. Our group is large, but only perhaps half of all you see here. Lord Astrus travels in comfort and with a complete retinue of servants and guards. Since there are so many, we've ...organized the Observatory schedule so all may share peacefully."

  "I see." Torius resented the significant look Hashi cast at the Stargazers when he said the word ‘peacefully.' Hashi made him nervous. His speech was too quick and precise, as if he recited his welcome by rote. He giggled unexpectedly, and his hands never stopped moving, even when he clasped them together. He didn't bother keeping the sarcasm from his voice when he said, "Well, since Lord Astrus is organizing the place, he might like to know that we had a run in with a pack of hyenafolk last night. We settled it as peacefully as we could."

  "Hyenafolk?" Hashi looked suddenly worried, his mien shifting from mirth to fear in a flash. "Oh, Lord Astrus will be very interested, I'm sure. He will want to meet with you this evening. You'll forgive us, but between the heat of the day and our nighttime observations, we tend to be nocturnal."

  "That's fine. We need some rest anyway. Thank you." Torius said the last grudgingly, feeling as if he shouldn't alienate anyone on the first day.

  "My pleasure, Captain Vin!" Hashi grinned, suddenly full of glee once again. "Feel free to make your camp anywhere. We have dug latrines downwind, but I'm afraid there is no well."

  "We have our own supplies, thanks."

  Hashi bowed, turned, and hurried back toward the camp, which now seemed deserted as people retreated from the heat of the day.

  "Some welcome." Dukkol retrieved his crossbow from behind the wagon seat, slipped out the bolt, and eased the tension on the string.

  "He seemed a little ..." Torius couldn't think of the right word.

  "Twitchy?" Celeste nodded. "Yes, he was very twitchy."

  "Pesh addict, maybe," Grogul offered. "I've seen 'em a lot worse."

  "Well, no matter. Pick your spot, Grogul, and set up the tents. We all need some sleep."

  "Aye, sir!" The bosun turned to shout orders, and Torius cringed.

  "Quietly, Grogul. They're nocturnal, remember? People might be sleeping."

  "Oh. Right."

  "And let's keep an armed watch, four-hour shifts." He gestured at the distant Hashi's cloaked back. "I didn't like the look of him."

  "Can't argue with that, sir."

  ∗ ∗ ∗

  Even before Vreva was fully awake, the frustration of her dream, and the stern visage of Helena Trellis, furrowed her brow. The marshal's message had been startlingly straightforward and infinitely vexing.

  "We can't possibly arrange a new contact for you right now. Naval resources are spread thin, and contracting a new ship, captain, and crew will take at least six months. This does not, however, mean that we don't expect you to file your usual reports, especially considering current developments. You're months behind already. You know everyone in Okeno. Recruit someone you consider to be trustworthy. Money's not a problem. In the interim, send any vital knowledge you collect to me by dream spell. Our information needs are paramount. Be wary of the inquisitor, but learn what you can."

  Vreva squeezed her eyes closed, irritated beyond belief. Recruit
someone from Okeno? She must be delusional!

  All of the captains she knew here were either directly or indirectly tied to the slave trade. The fastest way to get killed in Okeno was to ask someone, anyone, if they'd like to combat slavery by joining the Twilight Talons.

  And what about my needs? Do they expect me to just walk into the nearest shop to replenish my supplies? The stocks of toxins, drugs, and components that Fieson had delivered would not last more than a month or so, and she had only four dream-message scrolls left. Okeno was not such a large city that the purchase of such items would go unnoticed.

  The arm draped across her stomach shifted, and Zarina's warm body pressed closer. Vreva glanced at the head of tousled black hair nestled against her shoulder. Especially with an inquisitor snooping around. Her lips quirked into a wry smile as she considered the old adage: Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer. No one could say she wasn't doing that.

  Saffron interrupted her musing by hopping up on the bed and meowing, *Breakfast time!*

  Vreva brought a finger to her lips to quiet his usual morning routine, but Zarina stirred.

  *It's late!* Saffron walked over their legs, tail high, kneading the coverlet with his claws. *You two have slept far too long, and I'm starving!*

  Zarina lifted her head and peered down at Saffron. She blinked as if dazed, then looked up at Vreva.

  "Good morning." Vreva brushed the inquisitor's unruly hair away from her face, and trailed her fingers down the woman's neck. "I apologize for my cat. He thinks it's his duty to get me up with the first cock's crow."

  *I absolutely refuse to apologize.*

  "Oh." Zarina, still blinking as she woke, edged out of Vreva's embrace. "It's all right. I need to ...um ..."

  Ah, the morning after ...Vreva remembered another old adage, this one from her first year of courtesan training: morning changes everything. She would have to put Zarina at ease without seeming to fawn or pander, maintaining the bond they had forged last night. "The wash room's through there." She pointed to a door as she slipped out of bed and donned her robe, then noticed that Zarina hadn't moved. "Would you like a robe?"

  "Please." The relief in the inquisitor's eyes told Vreva that she had correctly assessed her guest's reticence. Even the most uninhibited lover might regain their modesty in the light of day.

  She strolled to her clothespress and flung the doors wide. "What color do you prefer?"

  Zarina gaped at the array of rainbow-hued silks. "Why so many?"

  "Days of the week, my dear." She laughed, but saw Zarina's confusion. "Never ask a courtesan why she has too many pretty things." Vreva let her gaze linger on the inquisitor for just a moment, then chose a shimmering purple robe that would complement Zarina's coloring. "It gives me pleasure to wear beautiful clothes."

  "I see." Zarina fingered the rich fabric as Vreva handed it over, and quirked a faint smile. She still seemed uncomfortable.

  Vreva pretended not to notice, leaning in to give Zarina a quick kiss. "Freshen up and I'll see about breakfast."

  "Thank you." The inquisitor's smile seemed more genuine this time.

  Vreva wagged a finger at Saffron on her way out of the bedroom. "And you be good, you little monster!"

  *Don't worry. I'll watch her.* He blinked and flicked his tail. *I know my job.*

  Vreva closed the bedroom door and surveyed the minor wreckage of the main room. She pulled the rope beside the door to summon the inn's slaves, and set about tidying up. She shoved the skewed divan cushions back into place, rescuing their wine and whiskey glasses from under a pillow on the floor and placing them on the table with the remains of their dinner. She noted the whiskey bottle was down by a third. A hangover could account for Zarina's morning doldrums.

  Well, we can fix that!

  She was still collecting clothing from the floor, the chairs, and anywhere else they had been hurriedly shed, when a light knock sounded at the door. Vreva bundled the tangle of clothing away and admitted the four house slaves waiting in the hall. Two quickly cleared away the dinner dishes, one draped a fresh white linen cloth over the table, and the fourth set down the tea and coffee service he bore, arranging the silver pots and crystal bowls just so.

  "Breakfast, Mistress?"

  "Yes. For two." In moments they were gone.

  The bedroom door opened. Zarina stood there blinking. "I heard ..."

  Saffron ran out from between her legs and meowed, *All clear! Not very inquisitive for an inquisitor. No snooping.*

  "One advantage of living here is the wonderful service. They're in and out like helpful little mice." Vreva strolled to the table. "Coffee or tea?"

  "Coffee, please." Zarina rubbed her eyes. "I apologize. Mornings don't agree with me, especially after ..."

  "Whiskey and wine are fine if you're frisky, but coffee and tea are far less risky." Vreva laughed and poured coffee, strong and black, into both cups. "If you're feeling ill effects from the whiskey, I know a very good cure."

  "No, thank you. Coffee's fine."

  "Cream and sugar?"

  "Cream, please."

  "There you are." Vreva lightened one cup and placed it before her guest at the table. Adding two cubes of sugar to her own, she stirred her coffee and sipped. "I ordered us breakfast. It should be up soon."

  "Thank you." Zarina sipped her coffee. "Mmm, that's good."

  "I'll order us a bath after breakfast. I don't feel that the day has really started until I've had a proper bath, do you?"

  Zarina kept her attention focused on her coffee.

  Vreva started to worry as she gauged her guest's mood. Zarina was still uncomfortable. She needed to find out why and put the inquisitor at ease, or all she had gained the night before could be lost. Knowing the inquisitor's straightforward manner, she decided on the direct approach.

  "Zarina? Is something wrong? Have I displeased you in some way?"

  "No! No, you've pleased me very much. I just ..." A blush reddened Zarina's cheeks. Putting down her cup, she tapped her fingers nervously on the table. "I simply don't know the formalities for ...this."

  "Formalities?" Vreva cocked a questioning eyebrow.

  "What do I ..." Zarina looked into her cup. "...owe you for last night?"

  So that's it! Vreva heaved a mental sigh of relief.

  "Oh, dear Zarina!" She put her cup down, rose, and rounded the table. She knelt, took Zarina's hand in hers, and presented her most sincere look. "You don't owe me anything."

  "But, you're a courtesan." There was surprise in Zarina's voice now, not just unease. "This ...what happened last night is your business."

  She said the word "business" like it was sacred. Then Vreva remembered that Abadar was not only the god of law, but that of merchants as well. The lawful and just exchange of goods or services was indeed a tenet of Zarina's faith.

  "Pleasure is my business, Zarina, but last night was not." She brought the woman's hand to her lips and kissed her strong fingers. "Last night was special." The truth, she realized. It had been special.

  "It was special for me, too. But I didn't know ..."

  "Now you do." Rising, Vreva leaned down and kissed her. "Courtesans rarely take genuine lovers, but when we do, we take them seriously."

  "I ..." Zarina blinked, blushed, and smiled. "Last night ...I feel that it healed something in me that I didn't know was broken. I feel ...different. Better. Whole again."

  The admission scored a line of pain across Vreva's heart. Zarina had been healed, changed by their night together, and it had all been a lie.

  Not all, she thought honestly, but the guilt was there. She couldn't make herself hate Zarina for what she was, Abadar's faithful servant, and she couldn't feel any triumph in a successful seduction. None of these roiling emotions showed on her face, however. She was Vreva Jhafae, after all.

  "Good." She beamed down at her lover and gave her another quick kiss. "Now, we'll drink our coffee, have some breakfast, and enjoy a nice bath together. I do have business to cond
uct today, as I'm sure you do, but perhaps we can get together later to discuss my clients further? I was only able to give you the briefest overview last night."

  "I'd like that. I do have more questions." The inquisitor finished her first cup of coffee and reached for the pot. "How much later?"

  "How about dinner?"

  "Ah ..." Mixed emotions flashed over Zarina's face, but that didn't worry Vreva. She knew how to proceed from here.

  "I know a lovely little restaurant that serves the most luscious curried lamb. We can talk business without any ...distractions. Our personal relationship needn't interfere with our work."

  That seemed to set Zarina's mind at ease. She poured herself more coffee and lightened it with cream. "Very good. Last night's discussion gave me food for thought."

  Not too much, I hope. Vreva watched Zarina sip coffee. Her strong hands held the tiny cup gingerly, as if it might shatter in her grasp. It was the same way she had held Vreva, with deft gentleness, as if afraid she might damage her.

  Those hands tortured Fieson. Never forget that ...

  Vreva found it hard to reconcile the two aspects of this woman, the hard inquisitor and the gentle lover, the woman who missed her family, loved her god, and was now looking at her with a bright smile.

  Vreva prayed to Calistria that she could continue to fool them both.

  Chapter Seven

  Observations

  Celeste undulated in pleasure as she gazed through the tent's open ventilation flap. The western sky blazed a thousand shades of crimson. Desert sunsets, it seemed, vied with desert starscapes in their capacity to inspire awe.

  "Beautiful, isn't it?"

  Celeste twisted around to see Torius entering, a plate balanced in each trembling hand and a wine bottle tucked into the crook of his arm. He placed his burdens on the low table with exaggerated care.