Retribution

CHAPTER NINE

“They say they found blood smeared on the deck right outside of this dining room,” Marcus continued, while leaning closer to them, with his hand held near his mouth to keep his words from being overheard at other tables. “Right behind me. They think he was stabbed and his body thrown into the ocean.”

Sara said calmly, “Are they sure it is blood? I mean, a lot of other things can be mistaken for it.”

“A crewman said it was. He sounded convinced. When they were searching for a second missing passenger, they found more blood streaked on the side of the ship where he was thrown over. Three dead passengers in two days at sea. Rumors are getting ugly.”

Prin listened, feeling her throat tighten and her stomach turned sour. She’d been thinking only about herself, but even innocent passengers and crew were growing worried. If more died, who knew what would happen? Even if their disguises held up to the investigation when authorities came aboard, the delay might cost many days of additional travel. Each day gave her enemies more time to prepare, or for King Willard to die a ‘natural’ death.

“Put it anywhere,” Prin told the steward who brought the wine and mugs. After a glance at the strain on Marcus’ face, she added, “And bring another mug, please. Marcus, you may use mine.”

Marcus reached for a mug and poured himself a full measure of wine before halting as he realized his rudeness. He abruptly handed it to Brice, then poured a smaller one for each of the women, and waited impatiently for another mug that finally arrived before drinking any. He said to the steward, “Better bring more wine, too.”

Prin glanced at the other occupied tables. The conversations were hushed. The table where they played cards remained silent, each player with a hand dealt in front of him or her, but few cards were being played, no banter, and less laughter. She spotted a woman who read a book, but her eyes were not on the pages, but on the other passengers. A seagull flew past the window near the woman, and she recoiled as if scared.

Sara and Marcus were talking softly, but Prin had no idea of the subject. She looked at Brice and found him watching her. She gave a wan smile and emptied her mug of wine in one long, satisfying drink.

One fact suddenly stood out beyond all others. She was not chasing, hunting, or trying to assassinate any of those who had died around her. In each case, they had initiated the attack in one manner or another. If they had remained in their homes or left her alone, they would be alive. All three. She was not at fault.

“Everyone is talking about it,” Marcus said. His eyes went to Sara. “And they’re wondering why. All sorts of wild ideas are circulating.”

Brice said, “The runaway princess?”

“And others. Some feel a madman is aboard. By the time we dock, there will only be crewmen left alive because of the passengers dying too fast. Some believe the killer must work on the ship as a sailor because no crewman has died. Others say the Captain is thinking of restricting people to their cabins for the remainder of the voyage.” Marcus seemed amused at the rumors. “Of course, he cannot do that.”

“Why not?” Brice asked.

“He doesn’t have the manpower. Who will serve the food to them in their cabins, and collect the plates, and run their errands? Besides, this is a passenger ship that depends on treating people well, so they will sail her again. Repeat business. If word gets out that the Captain locks passengers in their cabins …”

However, Prin started to think on a different level with the revelations spilling from Marcus’ mouth. Three people already missing in two days, all assumed to have fallen over the side. The entire ship was abuzz, and no wonder. But there was one other factor nobody mentioned. The suspicion of who might be Hannah was immediately removed from any who disappeared.

Prin let her mind wander. A person didn’t have to fall over the side of the ship to disappear, not when she carried two or more spells that would accomplish the same end. What if Prin used the no-see-me spell on herself? Those other passengers on the ship would think her another victim. Another man overboard.

The young mage. She hadn’t seen him since the day before. He was up to something.

She turned to Sara and Brice. They would have to act the part of mourners if she pretended to fall overboard. Were they up to it? That brought her thinking to focus on the mage again, and what was he doing. “Marcus, there was a mage sitting over there watching everyone. Have you seen him?”

“He’s going from crewman to crewman, whispering in their ears.”

“Any idea about what?” Prin asked.

“Probably about finding that princess.”

Prin pursed her lips as she tried to think of a way to use that information. “I wonder if the Captain knows his crew has two masters? The Captain and the mage. And I wonder if a rumor might start that the mage is trying to take control of the ship?”

“Mutiny?” Marcus asked as he leaned closer to hear her response. “Why?”

She leaned closer to whisper, “The mage is hunting the missing princess, but the ship is not going where the mage wants. He’s heard Hannah may be in Delph or Behringer. A slight change of the ship’s course will take us to those ports instead of Indore.”

Marcus downed the remainder of his wine. He stood with a wink to her. “I have to see if anyone else has heard such a rumor. If it reaches the Captain’s ear, who knows what will result?”

Sara watched him rush off, then said, “He thinks I’m the princess, you know. Why did you set him off to do that?”

“Can you and Brice mourn over me if I fall into the ocean and drown? I’m not a great swimmer, you know.”

Brice said, “What are you talking about?”

“The no-see-me spell. Listen, what if you spread the story I went for a walk on the deck and never returned. For the remainder of the trip, I can use the spell to hide in our cabin.” Prin sat back and smiled, waiting for their reaction to her perfect resolution.

Their expressions were shocked and almost angry, then Sara’s softened slightly, as she let the ideas work into her mind. Brice’s brow remained furrowed until a tiny smile began. Sara chuckled. Brice joined Prin in outright laughter. The three of them drew the attention of everyone in the dining room as the only ones laughing.

Sara calmed herself and whispered, “I don’t know why we worried if you could survive on your own.”

Brice looked upset, or as much as he was able to portray as he said, “What? You didn’t think I could protect her?”

Prin said, “Of course, we will have to plan for my accident—but the two of you will either act the part, or it won’t work.”

“No, you’re right,” Sara said. “It solves all our problems. Everyone will be looking for someone else. The closest they might come is to suspect me of being Hannah, and if they penetrate my disguise, all they’ll find is a sorceress-in-training with no hint of you.”

Brice added, “I’m a sailor in hiding, maybe for deserting my ship. Not who they are searching for, and I’m no princess as any fool can see.”

“It’s only for eight or nine more days,” Prin said. “Well, maybe ten, but so what. I can take that easier than throwing another hunter over the side to drown. And think of all the confusion Marcus is going to stir up with his rumors. They won’t have time to search for me.”

Sara said, “When?”

“Tonight,” Prin said.

“Why wait until then?” Brice asked.

Prin and Sara exchanged a knowing look. Prin said, “Were you listening? We need to speak with Marcus and hint at how dangerous being a passenger on this ship seems. Are other passengers worried? What will the passengers do if another disappears? Will they be next?”

Brice’s eyes widened with each statement, as he began to understand. He whispered, “You may cause a mutiny.”

Prin smirked. “Not me. I won’t be here.”

Sara said, “You need to go missing near midnight. The crew will search every part of the ship and even the passenger cabins. Everyone will wake up.”

“I don’t know if I’m that much of an actor to pull this off,” Brice said.

“Then stay in our cabin where you should plan what to do when the ship arrives. You’re grieving, and people will understand your absence. Probably more convincing if you do it that way, anyhow.” Sara raised a hand to draw the attention of a steward.

As if knowing the food was about to be served, Marcus entered the dining room and rushed to their table while rubbing his belly. The grin caught the attention of the other three. He said, “Wait until you hear the latest. Have you ordered yet?”

Sara scowled. “Never mind the food. Tell us the latest.”

“Some of the crew said the Captain considered changing course and putting into the port of Remo near the Athenian coast and letting the local authorities sort out the murders. Did you ask for extra bread?”

“I’ll let you have mine,” Sara said. “What kept him from going to Remo?”

Marcus said, “This is a passenger ship and has a reputation for fast crossings. I heard a crewman who said that by tonight we’ll be closer to Indore so we might as well go there.”

Prin scowled, “No, that doesn’t sound right. We could even return to Gallium and be there in two more days.”

Marcus shrugged and continued as if explaining to a child, “Then at least, two days in port, two more sailing to return to this spot is six days. We should reach Indore in about the same. And that won’t inconvenience the paying passengers.”

Brice muttered, “I think that last has more to do with it than anything else. The Captain wants to please the regular travelers who sail this ship several times each year.”

The steward returned with a tray of sliced cheese, sun-dried finger-length fish that were salted and crisp, and hard crackers to go with them. The crackers were a staple on ships, baked and stored in casks, some for years. His other hand held a jar of wine and goblets.

“More wine, please,” Marcus said, “And perhaps more cheese and fish, too. Might as well bring another plate of crackers along with them.”

All but Prin laughed. She was lost in thought. If the Captain turned the ship to another port, her plans were disrupted. It might be better to wait another night before executing their plan.

Marcus piled cheese in a cracker and stuffed it all in his mouth, as he said, “That mage who sits and watches? He’s asking a lot of questions.”

“About what?” Prin asked, forcing the cold lump aside.

“You. Sara. Even Brice and me. But this morning, he’s asking about you.”

Prin had expected that, but not so soon. Despite her disguise, she had probably made a gesture or remark that reminded him of the little girl he used to spy upon at the Earl’s Castle. It wouldn’t take much. Maybe the way she brushed her hair back over her ear or lifted a mug. He was looking for clues that defied age and disguise. If she stayed within his sight, he’d remember some small thing and know her for who she really was.

The captain threatening to put in at Remo gave her pause, but if the mage was suspecting her, it provided impetus to disappear sooner. Tonight, for sure.