by Shawn Sodman
Fernando continues to fight against the three women as they try to subdue him. He manages to crawl several paces along the deck as they struggle to hold him down. Slowly he continues to make his way to the edge of the ship on his hands and knees when he comes across someone standing in his path. He looks at the pair of leather books then raises his gaze to see Samantha standing before him.
“I am sorry if we disturbed you,” Fernando says to her. “We promise to be quieter if you are trying to take a nap.”
Standing over him, Samantha raises her right knee, and Fernando watches the heel of her boot descend on him as everything goes dark once again.
This time when he wakes, it is not on a bed, but rather on the floor of the cell as a cold bucket of water is dumped on him. He sits up quickly and gasps as he looks around the cell. The bed has been removed, perhaps to prevent it from getting soaked. Fidelma, along with the twins and Vindalia, are standing outside the confines of the iron bars. One of the twins, Janette, is holding an empty bucket.
Fidelma says, “We have a problem, Mr. Greythorn. You see, my crew is not very happy with you right now. You tricked one of them so that you could escape and then you struck another with the hilt of your sword.”
Fernando looks to Vindalia and says, “Lo siento, I did not want to harm you.”
“And they do not want to harm you,” says Fidelma, answering for her crew. “But we must establish that there are consequences for your actions. Cooperation is rewarded, while defiance is punished.”
Fernando asks, “So are you going to have Samantha whip me again?”
“No,” Fidelma answers. “Vindalia and Jeannette have decided on your punishment.”
Janette takes the bucket she is holding and dips it into a barrel full of water that is next to the door. She turns to Fernando and asks, “Are you still thirsty?” She then throws the water on Fernando.
The water is much colder than the room. With his clothes drenched, Fernando begins to shiver. “I deserve that, I know. I am sorry I tricked you, Janette.”
“Not as sorry as you’re going to be,” she replies as she sets the bucket down next to the barrel. She nods at Vindalia. “It's your turn.”
Janette leaves the room, followed by her sister. Fidelma says, “Remember, Mr. Greythorn, this is all a result of your actions. You only have yourself to blame.”
Fidelma leaves the brig and closes the door behind her as Vindalia picks up her fiddle and bow from the table. Fernando watches the young elven woman as she begins to play a slow tune. After a few notes, Fernando notices that he can see his breath in the air as he exhales. The room is becoming colder with each passing note and measure of Vindalia's song.
“Please,” Fernando says as he starts to shiver. “Don't do this. I am sorry I hit you.” Vindalia looks up from her instrument at Fernando as she continues to play. She watches Fernando as he rubs his arms and moves around in his cell in an attempt to keep warm up. Fernando tries again to reason with her. “I promise I will do something to make it up to you. P-please stop.” Vindalia looks back down at her instrument as she tries to concentrate on the spell. Shy plays on as the water on the iron bars begins to freeze, but as cold as the air is, Vindalia is protected from her own magic.
Fernando curls up in the corner of the cell and rubs his face and ears in an effort to warm them. “Fidelma!” he calls out. “I promise I will not try to escape again. Please make her stop.”
Vindalia, feeling empathy for the captive, lifts the bow from the fiddle as she stops playing her magical tune. The door opens and Fidelma enters, along with Janette, who is carrying another bucket of water.
“All right,” Fidelma says to Janette with a nod. “Warm him up.”
Janette throws the water in the bucket on Fernando. The water in the bucket is warmer than before. Fernando lets out a sigh of relief. “Thank you,” he says, looking up from the corner of the cell.
Fidelma replies, “You are fortunate that Vindalia has shown you mercy, but mark my words, if you try to escape again, I will not be so forgiving.”
“You do not have to worry about that, Captain,” Fernando says as he stands up and faces Fidelma. “I will not try to escape again, so long as you do not plan to turn me over to Bastion.”
Fidelma replies, “You have my word.” She turns to Janette and says, “Please, fetch Mr. Greythorn a towel so he can dry off.”
“Yes, ma'am,” Janette replies before leaving the brig.
Fidelma says to Vindalia, “Stay here with him until Janette returns, then come topside.”
“Yes, Captain,” she replies. Fidelma leaves and the elven girl turns to Fernando and asks, “Are you all right?”
“Yes, I am,” he replies. “Thank you for your mercy.”
Vindalia, feeling guilty, says, “I didn't enjoy it, just in case you were wondering.”
“You are a sweet girl,” says Fernando. He thinks for a moment and asks, “How old are you?”
“I will be twenty six in a few months,” she replies.
Fernando says, “It is hard to tell the age of an elf.”
“Yes, it is,” she laughs.
“I have heard you play your fiddle in the King's Shield Inn,” Fernando says. “You are very talented.”
“Thank you,” she smiles.
Janette returns with a towel folded over her arm. She hands it to Fernando. “Here you go.”
“Thank you,” says Fernando as he takes the towel.
Vindalia says, “I have to go topside now.”
“I will see you later,” Fernando says as Vindalia leaves.
Janette says, “Oh, I almost forgot...” In her hand is a mug full of water. She throws the water in his face and says, “That is for making me look like a fool to the Captain. Faye and I will be lucky if we get to work for her again next year.”
“I am sorry to have caused you so much trouble,” Fernando says. “I suppose that will not be the last time you throw water in my face.”
Janette smiles and says, “Most definitely not.”
Chapter 51
The Negotiator
Southwest of Sheathelm, Chance has finally caught up with the Sea Griffin. He flies low in his eagle form so that he does not appear to be in pursuit of them. When he gets close enough, he flies up and lands on the stern of the ship.
Fidelma and Vindalia are startled by the sudden appearance of such a large bird. Chance transforms and Fidelma says with a smile, “Well, look who came to visit me. Chance Na'Moon, I would say that it’s a pleasure to see you again, but I don't like lying.”
“Then that makes two of us,” Chance says as he looks around cautiously for threats. “I am here to negotiate the release of Fernando Greythorn.”
“I figured Ariella would ask you to come after me,” Fidelma says. “But I never would have guessed that you would actually do it.”
“And why not?” he asks as he takes a few steps away from the edge of the ship.
Fidelma replies, “Considering everything she has done to us—like bedding your best friend the night before his wedding—I’m surprised that you would do anything for her.”
“It was a long time ago,” Chance replies. “I didn't even know Sven at the time.”
“Still,” Fidelma says as she approaches Chance, “are you going to tell me that it doesn't bother you at all?”
Chance sighs. “I would be lying if I said it didn't bother me somewhat. But what she has done is nothing compared to what you are doing to her now.”
“And what exactly am I doing to her now?” she asks innocently.
Fidelma takes another step towards Chance, but he motions for her to stay back and says, “That is far enough.”
She laughs and says, “Ariella always told me that you were shy around women. Are you truly that afraid of us?”
Chance replies, “The only women I fear are the ones that may try to control my mind.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Fidelma lies.
�
�I know all about your abilities and spells,” says Chance. “I must warn you that I came prepared.”
“You don't trust me?” she asks, acting surprised. “I’m very disappointed. Who warned you about me, anyway? Was it Ariella?”
Chance answers, “A representative from the Goblin Trade Company.”
“It seems you can trust no one these days,” Fidelma says.
“Yes, especially someone you consider your friend,” says Chance. “Just like Ariella trusted you. Now you are holding her brother prisoner for a ransom. I am here to see him released.”
Fidelma laughs. “Well, that’s not much of an offer. What do I get?”
“We will overlook the fact that you took a man prisoner against his will,” says Chance. “That is a crime in Sheathelm.”
“Fernando Greythorn is a wanted man,” Fidelma counters. “I have bounty papers to prove it.”
“Yes, a bounty set in Bastion,” says Chance as Samantha comes up the stairs from below. “We don't recognize their bounties in Sheathelm or the Eastern Kingdom.”
Fidelma smiles. “Well then, I guess it’s a good thing we’re no longer in the Eastern Kingdom. Don't tell me that you missed the landmark border towers that we passed almost an hour ago.”
Chance looks out over the horizon and studies the land. “You’re right, we are no longer in the east.”
“No, we are not,” says Fidelma as she walks back to the helm of the ship. “So, unless you plan to commit an act of piracy by attacking us...”
“Captain?” Samantha asks. “Who is this, and how did he get aboard?”
As her first mate joins her side, Fidelma says, “This is Chance Na'Moon. He has come to negotiate Fernando's release, though thus far he hasn't presented me with much of an offer.”
Samantha sizes up the visitor and asks, “This is Chance Na'Moon?”
“Yes,” laughs Fidelma, “I know, you were expecting him to be taller. So was I.” She turns to Vindalia. “Aren't the two of you related?”
Vindalia answers, “Yes, Captain, but it is a very small amount of blood that we share. You do not have to worry about my loyalty, ma'am. It lies with you.”
Fidelma smiles. “Now, Mr. Na'Moon, are you going to make me a better offer than a threat of piracy?”
Chance says, “What if I told you that the Goblin Trade Company issued a bounty against you, for late payment of this ship?”
“I would say that you are lying,” says Fidelma. “But you’re an easy one to read.” With the roles reversed and the bounty hunter becoming the hunted, her smile disappears. She ponders the new information, then asks, “Do you really think that you can take me captive and return me to the goblins? The moment you lay a hand on me, I will throw you off this ship.”
Chance looks down over the railing and says, “Then I would simply change into an eagle and return.”
Fidelma says, “I thought that would be the case. So—just to be clear—are you telling me that throwing you off my ship from this height is no threat to you?”
“Not at all,” he replies.
“I was hoping you would say that,” Fidelma says with a grin. “I have always wanted to try this...” Fidelma motions as if she is shoving someone next to her, and though Chance is several paces away, he feels a magical force push him over the rail of the ship.
As Chance disappears from sight, Vindalia gasps, “Captain!”
“Relax,” Fidelma replies calmly. “He’ll be fine. The last thing I want to do is kill him. I don't need to make myself the enemy of the entire Eastern Kingdom.”
Moments later, Chance lands in his eagle form on the starboard side of the ship and transforms into his natural from again. Frustrated, he asks, “Why did you do that? All you accomplished was making yourself tired from casting that spell.”
Fidelma smiles and says, “It was worth it to see that look on your face. You were surprised. I thought they warned you about me.”
“They didn't tell me about that,” he replies.
“A woman can't divulge all her secrets,” she says. “Just let that be a warning to you. I do not plan on going with you.”
“I am not here to take you captive,” says Chance. “I am here to make you an offer.”
“Now, that's more like it. What is your offer?”
“If you return Fernando to Ariella, I will pay off your debt to the Goblin Trade Company.”
“You will pay off my debt?” she asks. “What about Ariella?”
“She doesn't have enough to pay off your ship.”
“So you would pay it for her?”
“Yes”
“How sweet,” Fidelma says, “I didn't know you still cared for her that much.” When Chance doesn't reply, Fidelma asks, “You still love her, don't you? Despite it all, and after all these years, you still love Ariella. I must say I am rather envious of your dedication to her.” She approaches Chance once again. This time, lost in his thoughts, he does not stop her. Fidelma says, “Such devotion comes with a price, though, doesn't it?”
“What do you mean?” he asks.
“I mean the price of a brother is worth far more than just a debt for a ship that is mostly paid off,” Fidelma says.
Chance asks, “What is your price?”
“You say that as if you’re trying to buy me,” says Fidelma. “I am not for sale. However, Ariella's brother is.”
Chance, becoming agitated, asks, “Fine, how much do you want for him?”
Fidelma says, “I would like one thousand gold crowns and Corthag's book.”
“That is twice the gold you asked from Ariella.”
Fidelma laughs, “Five hundred gold was the price for Ariella, but she isn't the one paying for him, you are. The price for you is substantially higher. Still, it’s a small amount for someone in your position.”
“Very well,” he relents. “I will pay you one thousand gold crowns.”
“We must not forget about Corthag's book,” Fidelma says. “That’s as important as the gold.”
“What is so important about that book?” he asks.
“Isn't it obvious?” she replies. “I want it so I can stay young, like Ariella. Or did you really believe she looks younger now because she used coconut oil on her skin?”
“Of course,” he mutters to himself. “Now it all makes sense.”
Fidelma asks, “Did she mention the book?”
“She did,” he answers. “But I do not have it with me.”
Fidelma laughs and says, “You are an even worse liar than I imagined. Ariella used to talk about how truthful you were and how you hated lying. I always thought she was exaggerating, but I see now it’s true. You must be horrible at games of cards and dice.”
“All right then,” Chance says. “This is what I am prepared to offer you.” He takes out a parchment from his pocket. “This is the deed to your ship from the Goblin Trade Company.” He holds it out to her, but as she reaches for it, he pulls it away and adds, “You will get this when you return Fernando to Ariella at Sheathelm.”
“But I’m not going back to Sheathelm,” Fidelma says. “It’s not safe for my ship.”
“Until Fernando is returned safely to Ariella, you will not have your ship's deed,” he says. “I will give it to Ariella to hold onto. In the meantime, I brought Corthag's book as a token of goodwill.” He opens a satchel on his belt and pulls out the dark leather tome.
He hands it to Fidelma, who asks, “What about the extra gold you agreed to pay?”
“I only brought the book,” replies Chance. “I will give you the gold when you return him, and not a moment sooner.”
“But what if the goblins send someone after me to collect?” she asks. “I have nothing to pay them with.”
“I have convinced them to delay posting a bounty on you,” He says. “You should be safe for another month.” Chance looks at her intently and adds, “Let me make something perfectly clear, however. If you do not return Fernando, I will track you down myself, and I will rip this pr
ecious ship of yours apart and leave you with absolutely nothing. Look at me now and tell me if I am lying.”
Fidelma forces a smile and replies, “There is so much anger in your eyes. I’m not sure what Ariella ever saw in you. There’s no need for threats. You have my word that Fernando will be returned to Ariella safely.”
“I want to see him now,” Chance says.
Fidelma sighs. “Very well, follow me.” She leads him down the stairs and into the brig.
Faye and Janette are sitting at the table while Fernando sits on the bed that has been returned to his cell. Faye stands up and says, “Mr. Na'Moon, what are you doing here?”
Fidelma asks, “You know him?”
“Yes, ma'am,” Faye replies. “We go to school with his daughter, Ya'leigh.”
Chance asks the twins, “What are you two doing here?”
“We’re working for Captain McMurphy for the summer,” Janette says. “We saw a posting at the school.”
Chance turns to Fidelma and asks, “Why are you recruiting children?”
Fidelma answers, “Faye and Janette are not children, but if you must know, I recruit the students at Dicean because of their magical talents.”
Fernando says, “I do not mean to interrupt, but are you here to free me?”
Chance replies, “I have come to pay a portion of the ransom that Fidelma is asking for.”
“The name is Captain McMurphy,” says Fidelma.
Fernando asks, “Does this mean that I don't have to stay in here any longer?”
“I’m afraid that you do,” replies Fidelma. “Chance only brought the book. If you fled again, I would have nothing to guarantee that my debt to the Goblin Trade Company would be settled.”
“I will give you two hundred gold in advance if you allow him his freedom aboard the ship.”
Fidelma says, “I thought you said you didn't bring any gold with you.”
Chance grins. “You will find that I am capable of telling a lie from time to time.”
Fidelma says to Fernando, “If I accept his offer, do I have your word that you will not try to escape?”
“Where would I go?” he asks. “I am a wanted man. I am safer aboard this ship than I am on the ground.”
