World of Cypheria - Teledrine's Story - Chapter 3

Chapter 3

The forested island shore drifted by with an illusion of peace. Byock stared out at it, lost in his thoughts. Slowly he realized they were rounding the headland, steering between this island and the next. Another one appeared ahead through the passage. A sailor came up to the bow beside him and began calling back course adjustments as the ship made her way between shallow reefs through a maze of small islands. Finally they made one last turn and came into a protected bay. A village sat above the beach, a few fields cleared behind it. He could see pastures up the slope of the mountain's peak, white dots of grazing livestock. The place appeared to be thriving.

Soon there were small boats flocking out to greet them, and the Empress' Woe lost way as the sails dropped. The thunder of the anchor chain dropping startled him from his observance of the other three ships in the bay. He made out Wave Glow painted on one stern. Blue Mist was another. The third was turned away from him, but seemed a prosperous merchantman.

Teldrine came up behind him. "Gather whatever you want to take with you, if you have anything. We're changing ships for a bit." The man's eyes were on the merchant ship. "We'll go ashore for the night first. There is business I must take tend. Captain Alez of the Wave Glow didn't come to the meeting." He shook himself a bit, and turned to Byock. "The merchant ship will take us into a port in Kahlzistan. We will need to discuss what messages you will wish to send." The intense blue eyes strayed past the prince's shoulder. "But there will be time for that on board the ship. For tonight, enjoy land under you again!" He laughed and strolled toward the side, disappearing down the ropes.

Lida came up beside him. She had stayed clear of him for the most part since that night on the slave's beach. There was no place on shipboard for dallying, and bad feelings had nowhere to go. He caught her eye occasionally, and knew she wasn't snubbing him. She grinned at him now. "Coming ashore? There's an inn here that caters to us piratical types, with rooms to rent, fresh sheets, and no critters!" With a wink she was past him, swinging into the ropes and scrambling down to one of the boats ferrying people to shore.

He smiled to himself and went to gather the few items he had managed to win from the sailors playing cards. A duffel, some spare clothes, a belt, an eating knife. A comb. He wondered if this inn sported hot baths?

---

The Prince opened the door of the rented room, toweling his hair dry. Suddenly the door closed behind him and he felt hands tugging at his trousers. He tossed the towel aside and met Lida in a deep, hungry kiss. A scent intruded on his awareness, and he realized she had arranged dinner for them, smelled like a rich stew and fresh bread. As long as it wasn't fish!

She pulled back from him, feeling his distraction. "Abandoned for a bowl of soup! How terribly you treat me, sir!" She grinned at him, then let go of his half-unbuckled belt and moved to the table. "I must say, I can't blame you much there. The cook here is awesome! We'll eat, and then desert!"

"You are such an understanding lass, Lida! I believe I've found a piece of heaven! A bath, good food, and you! What more could a captive prince want?" He showed her his teeth in a grin as he sat at the table, and dove into the stew spoon first.

She poured them each a tankard of ale from the pitcher, then joined him. They were quiet for a while, except the spoons clicking on the pottery bowls.

He looked up from the soup, "Don't you want to go down to the common room for a bit? Mix it up with the other sailors in port?"

She shook her head, "Nah. I know them all. None of them interest me. Some of them might be quite interested in you, though. They won't recognize you dressed as one of us, but if you go down there and open your mouth and they'll know soon enough. Teldrine isn't ready for Harrod to know he has you yet."

"So. He sent you to occupy me, did he. Well, I'll be a good little boy and stay in my room. You don't have to guard me." He stared past her at a random spot on the wall. How could he have been so blind? He had actually thought she wanted to be with him. He should have known nothing happened with this crew that Teldrine didn't order.

"Don't be insulting." The anger in her voice snapped his attention back to her. "I don't sleep with anybody I don't want to. Captain or not, Teldrine would have my knife in his belly quick enough if he decided to whore me out." She stared at him, her eyes flat. "I'm here because I want to be. If we didn't trust you to be discreet, Teldrine would have just kept you on board ship."

He looked at her. "I'm sorry. I should have known better. It is an odd position I'm in, you know. Captive, hostage, co-conspirator. I sometimes have trouble remembering which role I'm supposed to play. I'd like to forget, with you, for a while."

"Do you princes have to take classes to talk like that? Just be you, and do what the moment requires of you. If I didn't want to be here, I wouldn't be. Now finish gobbling up that stew and come eat something more interesting!" He rinsed down the last spoonful with a swig of ale and followed her to the bed.

---

Teldrine sat with Alez at a table apart from the common noise of the inn. "They was strange, Teldrine, and they did something with us. I'm telling you, I woke up and found my whole crew laid out on the deck, sound asleep! We was leagues from where I last took a reading, too. You may think I've lost it with this last, but my men'll tell you the same. The jellyfish sent us to them!"

"Oh, come now. You sure it wasn't just some bad rations or something? The giant jellyfish are legends, tales to tell net weavers on the shore!" Teldrine leaned back and looked at the man. Alez was one of the few pirates he trusted, for the most part. The man was actually honest, in his way, and more involved in smuggling than actual piracy, although he was known to take the occasional ship. He was far from the murdering slime that Harrod associated with. But the strange ships had been sighted, up north, by that same Harrod, too.

"It's true, I tell ya! The fish took Henny right off the ship! Then they kept herding us, like, until we turned off from the meeting. They disappeared, and I went to my cabin. Next morning, like I told you, the men was all sleeping on deck, and them strange ships were sailing away on the horizon."

"What did these ships look like?" Teldrine decided to focus on the thing he could deal with.

"Couldn't tell you for sure. Only caught a glimpse of them on the horizon, like I said. Big square sails, seemed like they was white, then blue. Something different about the shape of the hull, but they was too far away to see clearly. All I know is they weren't anything I've ever seen before." Alez drained his mug and motioned for a refill, obviously on his way to an alcoholic oblivion. "Never been scared to sail open water before, but I think me I'll stick to the coast for a bit." He stared into his mug.

Dorning came in, looked around and spotted them. He pulled a chair up and looked at Alez. "He tell you his story? That's the second time we've heard of those ships. What do you think of them?"

"I once saw a fabric in a market in Arbigahl. Story was that it came from Khalnowai. It shifted color as the light moved on it, now white, now blue. Incredibly strong stuff, it was being made into pavilions and such." He looked up and met Dorning's eyes.

"Khalnowai. The traders have been around for a while now, nothing strange about their ships. They do keep to themselves, though. Now wouldn't that just make things interesting?" He paused while the bar maid brought him a tankard. "Anyway, the plans are moving forward. We own a majority of the dock front dives in most of the coastal cities. Some sniffers have come looking around, wondering about everything changing hands, but they couldn't find anything. None of the lucky new business owners know anything except their own good fortune." He watched Alez's head slowly drop to the table. "We're getting a great deal of information from the net already."

"How's the fencing working? Haven't had a chance to talk to Captain Evert yet, but he doesn't look any too upset." Teldrine sat back.

Dorning told him about the businesses they had started before even arranging the meeting. The legitimate merchants they had managed to recruit found it profitable. They made their usual runs, looking for small shipments of the same items the pirates had available for sale. Then they stopped here and the small shipments became large ones. Anybody checking on them would find that they'd been were they said they were, and bought the exact cargoes they said they did. Any more detail than that would be difficult for a stranger to obtain, as such information was considered confidential. The pirates could sell for a price approaching normal market value, and the merchants could get good cargoes with minimal work, at a reduced price.

"Did you hear that Harrod's pet prince got away? Killed his two guards and put to sea in a dinghy. Probably dead now, but Harrod nearly killed himself with ranting and raging around the island." Dorning took a close look at Teldrine's bland expression. "You wouldn't know anything about that, now would you?"

"Nothing much, Dorning. Nothing much. How far do you think we can push this thing? Raiding all the Arbigahlan ships pleases me, but the shift will become obvious in time. The trade will become dependent on Kahlzistani merchants, which takes a chunk of profit out of the hands of the Arbigahlan bitches. Won't be too long before they do a sweep of the islands, though. We have to be ready when they do."

"That's why I'm worried about this Prince thing. It could make Marapal and Kahlzistan throw in with Arbigahl in that sweep. We can't stand under all of them." Dorning's eyes were sharp, and Teldrine had a feeling the man guessed a lot more than he knew.

"Don't worry. Arbigahl will be alone in this. I'll handle it." Dorning stared hard at him, then nodded, drinking on it and asking no more questions.

They spent the rest of the evening being available to their men, picking up the latest gossip and with it, the mood of the population. Many of these people were ex-slaves, victims of persecution in all its myriad forms, or plain victims of bad luck. Many more were criminals in all their various stripes. It was a rough society, but it had its own rules. Its people saw the world in a very different light than most, and held surprising opinions. It was sitting in an inn like this one that Teldrine had started seeing the possibilities he worked on as plans now.

This evening, he thought he heard a change. People here seldom spoke in terms of more than a few days, except the few who actually owned the local businesses or the ships' officers visiting. He heard some speaking of next month, next year even. The businesses he had used the Empress' gold to buy into were becoming widespread enough to offer some of these people hope of a possible future. They brought in trade, too. Money was trickling in a steadily increasing flow into a town that had existed on sparse barter for its whole existence, and goods were following, so that the money could actually be spent!

More than profit, though, he heard self respect. People felt they were doing things for themselves, and he smiled. This was exactly what he wanted. When the time came, these people would fight for these changes, and work to keep them. These people were the ones who would turn the individual pirates into a fleet. These people with their husbands and daughters and brothers among the sailors. Teldrine sat back and enjoyed the evening.

---

The big merchant ship wallowed through the waves. The motion was entirely different from the Empress' Woe, that was built for speed and maneuverability despite her size. This one was built for cargo space and stability, and she plowed slowly forward. Teldrine hated it, so he distracted himself by driving Byock to distraction. He drilled him for all he knew, and things he didn't know he knew.

They discussed the best way to approach the various rulers regarding Byock's choice to participate in Teldrine's war against the matriarchy of Arbigahl. There was no timely way to reach Marapal with the news without going through the King of Kahlzistan, and Teldrine had picked up word of a planned sweep of the pirates, looking for Byock. Byock had to announce himself there, but if at all possible it should be kept quiet. His missing status was very helpful, and could continue to be so.

"But King Kahl' Terres is like my uncle! He'll have been concerned, and it is not right for me not to present myself to him!" Byock paced the small cabin, about three short steps back and forth.

Teldrine was about ready to take his legs from under him to make him stop. "Perhaps a meeting can be arranged. Once he knows you're safe and want to remain hidden, arrangements can be made for you to enter the palace without displaying your princely self to all and sundry. Think, Prince! If the word is that you are still missing, it provides an excuse for Kahlzistan to build their navy and to send ships out to sweep for us. It's the perfect cover for communicating with us. They will not be ready to support us openly for some time yet. We've already agreed on that. This is an excuse to send ships to us. You have to stay missing!"

"All right! I'll stay missing. Get me a pen and paper and I'll write a message. I can code it for the King's eyes only. He'll know it's me, but the flunkies it filters through will only recognize a royal priority. It will be sent up through the ranks to the King right away." Byock finally dropped onto the edge of the far bunk. "How long until we reach Azistahn?"

"Tomorrow, if the winds hold. Will all those flunkies know the message has a royal origin?" Teldrine looked at the young man, and was glad to see a flash of irritation. The boy had caught it, then.

"Well that would kind of ruin the purpose, wouldn't it? No, it is registered in their logs as one among many codes that simply tell them to pass the item up the line. None of them know how far up the line it goes, or whether the source is a businessman, spy, family, or mistress." He stared at the table, wishing the weather would clear so they could at least go on deck. "I better wait until we reach port, or nobody would be able to read the code anyway. So, what do I say? 'Dear Uncle King, I'm safe but I'm running away with the pirates! Please send money and ships. By the way, we plan to abolish slavery along the way. Sincerely, your nephew, Prince Byock.' Oh, yeah, that should do it!"

Teldrine grinned at him. "That would get the royal guards down here to arrest us all, with the King your uncle waiting to give you a spanking like the brat you are!" He leaned forward. "How about something like 'Dear Uncle King. I'm alive and well, but it would be wise for me to remain missing for now. We should meet. We have much to discuss and there is somebody I would have you meet. We will come as petitioners tomorrow to the open court, and present ourselves as complainants on a matter of indentured servitude. There will be only two of us. Sincerely, your nephew, Prince Byock.' Of course, all this depends on the King being resident in Azistahn. Dorning said he went there after the Crown Prince's wedding, but that information is two weeks old."

"He'll be there. He spends two months in Azistahn before moving on to one of the country palaces for the fall hunting. Yes, that sounds like it should work. You've thought this out pretty well, haven't you?" Byock stared at him, a measuring look on his face.

"I've had little else to do, but think, Prince. That's my job in all of this. I think. You Prince, will speak. You speak to the right people at the right times with the right words, and we can actually do this thing." He met Byock's stare measure for measure until they each saw a glint of satisfaction from the other.

The ship wallowed on, and Byock and Teldrine drove each other to distraction. They drilled each other on deck, practicing their various fighting skills on each other and whatever sailors wanted to join in. They took to the rigging, Byock learning the ways of a sailing ship. His hands bled from the constant friction of the ropes, then they began callusing just as the ship hove into port at Azistahn. Teldrine learned the finer points of swordsmanship, and his wrists felt as if they would splinter with one more twist, but he knew he could become very good at this, by the time they were wrapped to the wharf.

---

Byock looked like nothing but a sailor now, skin brown and hair sun bleached and ragged. He strolled with Teldrine down the street, gait rolling as he tried to find his land legs again. He nodded at a merchant on his way to the docks and got a scowl in return. It made him grin. A half-dressed woman who'd seen a bit too much of life stepped out of a doorway and smiled at them. He let his grin include her, then frowned a bit, looking thoughtful. Teldrine wondered what he was pondering.

He shook his head, turning his mind to the message. They approached the royal administration offices in a building down the street from the actual residence. This was the beginning of the filtering system such a kingdom required. He handed the sealed packet to the first of many flunkies, who checked the label and put it in his urgent pile. Byock assured him that it would be in the King's hands by late afternoon, with nobody the wiser.

"Well, come on, boy, let's find some comforts!" The pirate led the prince back down toward the docks, by a different route. They went by the market, bought some clothes for each of them for the morrow, and some needed items for Byock, "So you won't look like a half-drowned rat all the time!"

Finally they reached an inn two blocks back from the wharves. It was run down, but showed signs of recent repairs. Stepping in they found a surprisingly clean place, warm with scents of good food drifting from the kitchen.

A fat man came hustling up to them. "Telly! Welcome! How good to see you! The boys said you were on the way, you and your young friend. The rooms are ready, and your duffel stowed. Baths or food first? We have fresh mutton roast, a veal pie, Mondie's potato casserole, some greens. A bread pudding for dessert."

The man talked along, herding them past all the tables and good smells to a long hall down the back and a steamy room at the end. He stopped just short and pointed out two other rooms, then headed back to the common room, still talking. Teldrine walked into the appointed room and deposited his packages and dug out clean duds for the evening, then headed for the baths.

Ardie was an ex-slave, a clerk that happened to be on board the Empress' Woe when Teldrine took her, checking off a manifest. He met Mondie on one of the pirate isles, the widowed aunt of a sailor who had nowhere else to go. They were one of the first businesses that Teldrine set up, using gold from ship's stores. Most of them didn't know exactly where the money came from. They found it under the floorboards in the house of their dead mothers, or found a valuable item in their nets. They all knew. And they all helped when they could. There were many now, and more all the time. He was even sending some inland now. Small businesses, small merchants, servants in big houses. A network of grateful people with seemingly no common thread.

He found Byock already in the baths, soaking contentedly in a brass tub. Teldrine wondered for a moment if Byock would stay the course, or go back to the luxuries he was used to.

The boy sighed. "I never realized, before, how very precious such a simple thing is!" His bright eyes turned to Teldrine. "Even with all my long hunting trips, what I thought was roughing it, I had comfort only a few days away. Truth be told, I didn't miss too many comforts in camp, with the equipment and retainers and what not. Life seems more real this way, some how." He slipped further into the water. "Problem is, it makes me think too much. I need some food! Maybe some companionship!"

Teldrine grinned. "Better not let Lida hear you say that! She's liable to part you from more valuables than you want to pay for that companionship!" He hoped thoughts of Lida would be enough to remind Byock of the good things he'd found with the pirates. Not that it was too late to change his plans, he worried. It was his only shot, though.

There was simply no way to accomplish his goals in his lifetime without royal support from Kahlzistan and her allies. And no other way to get it. The things he'd done so far where a start, but it would take years to inflame public opinion against slavery from such a beginning. The pirates could never hand together for long enough. He'd though he was fighting a losing battle until Byock fell into his lap. It was still a long shot. The young prince could only have so much influence on his uncle the King.

"Lida has made it very clear that we have a casual relationship. That's fine by me." Something in his voice made Teldrine suspect it wasn't all that fine. "She doesn't want to be tied down while I'm off being a prince she said."

Teldrine snorted. "And you believed her? Byock, women play games. They don't mean too, it's a self defense kind of thing. Lida doesn't figure you'll come back to her, and it's easier for her to think that she let you go, than that she lost you. But if you screw around, and then go back, she'll have your hide for a porthole cover!"

Byock frowned, toweling his hair dry. "Whores are easier to understand. Even the noble ones. They're just more expensive when they have titles, and the bargain is for life."

"A woman like Lida is a more expensive proposition still, for she will bargain for your heart and soul! And she won't even know she's doing it. But she will give you hers, as well."

Teldrine ducked under the water to rinse his hair, and when he surfaced, the young man was gone. He climbed out and dried, dressing and pulling a comb through his long hair, tying it back out of the way. He made his way out, joining Byock at a table.

"Damn it, you had to go and say all that about Lida, didn't you. I was looking forward to partying a little!" Byock flashed him a lop-sided grin and attacked his roast.

The meal was excellent, as always. A minstrel played in the corner, on a small platform. She really was pretty good, and her honey blond hair captured the firelight. Teldrine asked Ardie who she was.

"That's Trina! She came in a few weeks ago, and liked Mordie's cooking, and has been back a few times since She's bringing some good customers with her, too! She plays the crowd real well, keeping the sailors happy and the merchants amused. She's even played the palace, from what I've heard!"

Byock glanced up at that, studied the musician quickly, then glanced at Teldrine and shrugged. The woman did seem to watch their table a bit, but seemed more interested in Teldrine than in Byock. The song ended and she announced a break to the loud protests of the audience.

She strolled over to their table, smiling at Teldrine. "Buy a thirsty minstrel a drink, sailor?"

Teldrine raised an eyebrow and nodded across the bar for Ardie to bring her one. She sat close to him, giving Byock no more than a nod. Teldrine saw him grinning across at him and scowled back.

"Such an angry face! Do you always react so when a pretty girl sits down with you?" She pouted a little, although Teldrine could see the glimmer of amusement in her eyes. It was a flirtatious little act the woman was putting on! He wondered what she was really up to.

"My apologies, my Lady. My frown was only for my inability to offer you treasure suitable to your talents! Wine is but a taste of what you should be indulged in!" He smiled ingratiatingly at her, nodding his head in a formal movement that could almost be a bow. He took her hand and kissed the back of it, lingering over the knuckles, letting his breath caress her. There were things he had learned well in his time as the Empress favorite courtesan. The thought disgusted him, but the glint in this woman's eyes fascinated him. He found himself exerting all his skill with her as the evening wore on.

Byock grew disgusted with the play and went to bed. Alone. Grumbling about it.

Teldrine found himself in his room with Trina, unsure what he was doing since he knew he couldn't follow through on his seduction. She stepped up to him and kissed him. He found himself responding, his tongue gliding over her sweet lips and tasting her mouth, sharing the space with her own as she boldly kissed him back. It was an equal sharing as she gave and took along with him, and he found himself reveling in it.

There was still no reaction in his groin, though, and he reluctantly pulled back from her. "Trina, stop, I'm sorry. I can't."

She drew back and looked at him. "Why not? You certainly seemed to be enjoying it. You're not married, are you?" Her hand drifted down his chest, warm and comfortable somehow.

"I am enjoying your companionship, and your touch, and your taste." He bent forward to kiss her again, then stopped himself. "But I can't. I mean it doesn't work. I haven't been able to for a long time. I'm sorry." He pulled away and sat down on the bed, head in his hands, waiting for her to leave. Then he felt her hands on his shoulders.

"There are other ways to get satisfaction, you know. And I have nowhere else to go tonight. Why don't we see what happens. If nothing else, I would enjoy sleeping in these strong arms." She climbed up on the bed behind him and began massaging his shoulders.

It felt good. It had been so long since anybody had touched him with kindness. He wasn't sure anybody ever had. They must have, perhaps when he was young? It seemed so familiar, so comforting, so strange. He knew he didn't want it to stop.

He had tried sex since he gained his freedom, trysts full of passion and frustration. This was different. He felt no demands. Her hands worked on his shoulders, loosening things he wasn't aware of being tight until her touch found them and worked them into submission. She reached around to remove his shirt and he thought he should stop this, but he didn't. She loosened his belt and drew it off and he almost stopped her, but he didn't. She drew him back on the bed until he lay on his stomach and somehow her hands were full of warm oil and her knees came around his hips.

Trina looked down on Teldrine as he snored. She wasn't quite sure who this man was, or what he was doing with the missing Prince of Marapal, but the prince didn't seem to be under coercion. Whatever was up, she was determined now to find out. She smiled as she thought just how grateful Patrick would be for such information. Besides, this man was beautiful! She finished the massage, wiped her hands on a towel, stripped, and climbed in bed beside him, pulling the covers over them both.

She woke once in the night, to find herself pulled tight against him, his body curved around hers, his arm pulling her close. She smiled and went back to sleep.

---

The unfamiliar sounds of the rousing city woke Teldrine slowly. He drifted up from slumber, enjoying the smooth warm flesh against his, and the rich scent of her hair. Trina. His eyes opened as his mind tried to replay the previous night. He remembered telling her no. He remembered her hands rubbing his shoulders. He remembered... No, he didn't. He hadn't been drunk. He must have fallen asleep on her! He smiled gently. Well, she was still here, and he felt too good to move. He wasn't sure why. Something about holding her was so relaxing.

She made a soft sound and moved a little in her sleep. He suddenly realized just how much of them was touching as her skin smoothed over his under the sheet. Her hand grasped his, fingers lacing, and pulled it to her breast, then settled there, still sleeping.

He could feel her nipple in his palm. He suddenly wanted to taste her, and moved his head forward to lightly kiss her neck. She tasted slightly of sweat, more of healthy woman. He kissed her again, allowing his lips to trail down her neck and up her shoulder, slowly, tongue probing and caressing. He shifted against her just a bit to feel her skin move on his. He shifted his hand a bit, her nipple sliding along the line of his palm and he felt her breathing catch a bit, knew she was awake. He froze, wondering what he was doing. He knew what she would demand of him now, and knew he couldn't provide it. But she didn't move, just relaxed again and cuddled against him.

He tried to think about it, but found he honestly didn't know what to think. Lying here felt so good, like it filled some desperate need he didn't know he had until she began filling it. He didn't know this woman at all, and so much was riding on him! How could he risk it? He couldn't be with a woman that way. He'd proven it by this time. She felt so good, and she had asked nothing of him, yet. Nothing! So, what did she want? Everybody wanted something, that he knew beyond doubt. What did this woman want? Ardie said she had played the palace. She must have recognized Byock. She must have! She was here to spy on him. She had to be. Well, he would give her something to think about.

He began kissing her again, this time using all the knowledge of a trained courtesan. He trailed his kisses down the curve of her side, then gently rolled her to her back, bending over her. She smiled sleepily up at him though that sun-trapped golden hair. He bent to her, gently touching her lips with his, tracing their edges with his tongue, exploring them slowly, deftly avoiding her own attempts. His hand began gently massaging her breast, letting the nipple slip between two fingers to gently squeeze and roll it. She gasped a little and rolled toward him, her knee coming up over his leg, foot trailing down his calf.

He caught her arm as she lifted it to hold him and he brought it back down, elbow bent, holding her wrist near her head. She relaxed back on the bed, and he leaned further over her, his knee parting her legs. He kissed her, exploring her mouth with his tongue. She tasted good, and kissed him back, responding to his every touch. He moved from her lips, trying to catch his own breath. He tucked his near arm under her head and gripped her wrist on the other side, freeing his other hand. He ran it slowly down her side, cupping her hip, then tracing her round buttock and the smooth thigh. He drew her knee up around him and let his hand run back down the back of her thigh. She moaned, and lifted her hips, trying to reach him. Yes, he knew what she wanted, and he would make her want it so much more! But she wouldn't get it. He would give her satisfaction, but not what she wanted!

His lips lowered to her breast and he teased it with his tongue, fingers tracing her flesh as she trembled against him. He drew it into his mouth, licking it gently and letting it go again, teasing her expertly. He breathed on her, watching her soft pink aureole contract, then teasing it with his teeth and lips. Her wrist pulled in his hand, and he tightened his grip a little. He drew her breast into his mouth again and suckled on it, sucking hard. He lifted her to him, hand under her hips. Suddenly she froze. He eased up on her breast, thinking maybe his anger made him suck a little too hard, but she pulled away, sitting up and staring at him.

"Why are you doing this?" she asked him. "If you don't want this, why are you doing it?"

"You didn't seem like you were too disappointed!" he snapped at her. "Isn't that what you wanted? Or were you after something else?"

"Bastard!" She snarled at him, rising to pull her clothes on. "I enjoyed your company. I thought you enjoyed mine. Why'd you have to turn it into some kind of 'I use you and you use me' thing that not even you wanted? I have better things to do then assuage your anger at somebody else!" The door slammed as she stormed out of his room.

He lay back in the bed. Perhaps he had miscalculated a bit. Shit. The bed was suddenly nowhere near as comfortable as it had been a short time ago. He got up and got dressed in the clothes he and Byock had bought the day before, to look like middle income merchants or crafters for the 'audience' with the King. He hoped he didn't just blow the last chance of his life to enjoy a woman's company. At least he had slept well. Better than he had in many years, he thought.

Byock was already downstairs. He smirked up at him. "Have a way with the ladies, do you?" Teldrine snarled wordlessly at him. He laughed. "That minstrel came storming through her a short time ago, and the fire tried to freeze it go so cold! Whatever you did, I hope I never do it!"

Teldrine poured a mug of strong kaff and grabbed a bowl of porridge out of the big pot hanging near the fire.

The shabby prince went back to teasing the tavern wench and let Teldrine eat in peace. Just as well, the pirate thought. I'm in a foul mood. She certainly didn't act like a spy. She wouldn't have left so easily if she had been. But how can I risk it with so much depending on what I do? I almost thought, though...

He angrily pushed the thoughts from his head, calling Byock to go. It was close enough. No telling how long they would have to wait in the court to get their audience. If they weren't arrested immediately. Byock was almost unbearable cheery, and Teldrine wanted to take his face off. Oh, yeah, that would put him in a positive light with the puppy's uncle. What happened to my nephew? Why, I was going to give him back, but he smiled too much. Right.

Teldrine was too busy growling to himself and Byock too happy with a touch of familiarity in the air to notice Trina step out of the alley across the way and follow them. They didn't see her expression of amazement when they approached the palace gates with the other petitioners to the days court, either. What kind of game was the young Marapallan Prince playing?

The courtyard was thick with petitioners come to see the King. He held open court three days a week, a custom incredible to Teldrine. He looked around at those waiting for their audience. Not everybody could be seen. Clerks and lesser judges were available, and there was a system for prioritizing the requests, or the King would drown in petitions. Still, it was more access than would even occur to anybody in Arbigahl!

There was a line to a desk set up near the doors to the Hall. They joined it, to check in and find their place on the list for today's audience. Byock had exuded total confidence that they would indeed be on it. The stout farmer in front of them finally agreed that he would rather have a late hearing than none, and Byock stepped up to the desk, giving the clerk the name they had filed under.

The clerk checked his list, glanced up at him, and Teldrine was sure he was about to be thrown in chains after all when the man motioned to the guards arrayed behind him. One stepped forward. Teldrine took half a step back, hand reaching to his hip where no sword hung. "These men have an appointment in the green room. Please escort them there." He nodded for them to accompany the guard and looked past them to the next petitioner.

Byock breathed again as he followed the guard's incurious "This way," into the Hall and turned left before reaching the inner doors. They went down a hall, then turned down another. Teldrine kept his mind on where exactly they were as they moved toward the back of the throne room. The palace was elegant, in an ornate, stolid kind of way. Very different from the silken draped sensual palace of Isadora. He liked it. They were shown into a sitting room, primarily done in forest green. Polished dark wood reflected gleaming gold from the lamps and a chandelier. Lighter colors worked into the fabrics of the padded chairs and the precious art pieces saved it from being too dark. It was a room for comfortable but serious talk. Teldrine allowed himself to think he might actually live through this, with a vague possibility of his personal freedom still being intact at the end of the day. A lot of faith to put in the decor of a room. He glanced at Byock, speculatively.

The prince was pouring drinks from the sideboard. He took a quick drink, then smiled, eyes closed as he savored whatever it was. Then he topped of his glass and brought one to Teldrine. "You should try this! You sailors do your best, and I've enjoyed a time or two of swilling my share of ale, but I have missed fine drink!" He pushed the drink into Teldrine's hand, and for once the pirate thought it might not be that bad an idea.

He took a quick drink just as the far door began to open, then realized that it wasn't wine, but some kind of distilled spirit. His first view of the King of Kahlzistan was through a blur of tears as the potent and unfamiliar liquor hit him. He gasped as he tried to manage a respectable bow, then he managed to fight some air back into his lungs and look up.

Byock was grinning, while the King looked closely at the Prince, obviously looking for signs of deception. He glanced over at Teldrine, who tried manfully to suppress the gasping his body seemed to want him to do. He could feel the heat in his face from the alcohol and embarrassment under the King's gaze.

Finally, Byock spoke up. "King Ramone Kahl'Terres, may I present Teldrine, Captain of the Empress Woe, my rescuer and friend. Captain Teldrine, you are presented to the King of Kahlzistan."

Teldrine bowed even lower, but did not kneel, as he was not one of this man's subjects. Byock had instructed him in the strange intricacies of Kahlzistani etiquette.

"Rise, Captain. You have my thanks for the saving of my nephew. We had heard that he was taken by pirates." There was a slight emphasis on the word taken. "I must confess my curiosity regarding your method of returning to us, Byock." The King strode to a comfortable appearing arm chair and seated himself, motioning permission for them to do the same.

"Sire, the news that I was taken by pirates was correct. It was a man named Harrod and his crew. They were... are, harsh men with no care for any but themselves. I managed to escape them partially, but found myself in a small boat at sea in islands unknown to me, with no supplies, and in very poor condition. In truth, I went from brutal captivity to almost certain death. I awoke on board the Empress' Woe, in the care of Captain Teldrine." Byock smiled over at him, reassuringly as the King stared at him speculatively. "He has treated me very well, and taught me much. Much we have to discuss. There is, we feel, reason for me to remain missing. Although I want my family to know I am alive, to ease their worry." His face showed his anxiety. "How is mother?"

"They are well, although they will be much better for knowing you are well. I take it then that you do not intend to return to Marapal right away?" The man did not wait for an answer but turned to Teldrine. "Your reputation has preceded you. You were once known as Branford, were you not?"

Teldrine's face went blank, the red going pale. "Bransford, actually, your Highness." He wasn't at all sure how this was going. The canny old man kept his own thoughts well hidden while bringing out reactions skillfully in them. "Yes, I was the concubine of the Empress. Yes, I stole her ship, the crown jewel of her armada. Yes, I am a pirate. However, I have much bigger plans."

The King considered him carefully, the graying hair at his temples giving his face a keen look. "Was there a great deal of gold on board that ship when you took her?" He leaned back in his chair, and gestured at Byock and the sideboard. "Pour me a brandy, please, nephew. There've been a lot of properties changing hands along the waterfronts recently. Not just here, but in most of the coastal cities here and in Arbigahl. It's been an improvement, for the most part. The new owners are hard workers who got lucky, somehow. A lot of luck running around the real estate market recently."

This King was sharp. Teldrine had wondered if anybody would put that together. "There are a lot of deserving people out there, who just need a start. I'm glad somebody was able to assist them." He leaned back in his chair as well. "They are a start. My intention," he paused, gathering himself to say it out loud, to a stranger, the words that could lose him his life, right here and now. "My intention is the overthrow of the Empress Isabel of Arbigahl, and the abolishment of slavery."

The room was silent. Byock froze with his uncles snifter in hand, waiting the King's reaction to this bald statement. The King just stared at the pirate for a moment. Then he reached up and took the crystal from Byock's stunned grasp and tilted a healthy swallow down his throat. "You don't think small, do you boy?" He turned his attention back to Byock. "I suppose you have determined to help him in this mad plot?"

Byock grinned at him. "Of course, uncle! Is it not right in character?" Then his face sobered. "I saw a lot, highness, during my capture and since. I've seen a slave ship, and the faces of slaves who no longer know how to act without somebody to instruct them. Slavery not only takes a person's freedom, it takes their soul. It has to end."

King Kahl'Terres looked deep into the young prince's eyes, considering what he saw there for long moments. His sharp eyes turned back to Teldrine. "You've done well as far as the Prince goes. You've also made interesting use of your resources. What are your plans?" He traded Teldrine's bluntness for his own.

Teldrine knew he saw his manipulation of the young prince, but thought that he also saw a spark of interest. The man was so hard to read! "They are general as yet. I intended a long term campaign, before Byock came onto my ship. Influence public opinion here and slowly in Arbigahl. Work from the bottom up. Starve Arbigahlan shipping and attack the slave trade however I can. Provoke Arbigahl into rash acts that will bring condemnation down on them from even their own people. Use business to force changes by manipulating the markets. Make slavery unprofitable, and the Empress hated."

His eyes drifted to the Prince. "Byock has offered opportunities to expand on those plans. Move them quicker into the higher circles that could have a real effect. He's given me hope that I might actually see it happen in my lifetime. Because he's made me hope that your assistance might be a possibility. However covert that assistance must be, it makes this whole thing more than possible."

"Why would I wish to provoke a war with Arbigahl? I surely need not list the negative aspects of such a thing." The king sipped at his brandy, waiting.

Byock stepped in. "You need to not go to war, at least not anytime soon, if at all, Uncle. That's why I must remain missing, at least publicly. It gives you a reason to build your fleet, to go against the menace of the pirates. Teldrine can control the pirates. He has most of them with him now. The others will be soon. He can focus their depredations on Arbigahlan ships. Soon, only Kahlzistani ships will be able to transport goods safely. Occasional merchant ships can be stolen as well to keep up appearances, while in reality the ships can bring supplies to the pirates, and return with a new paint job and a different name. We can slowly wipe out the Arbigahl Navy, and they will call on you for assistance in wiping out the pirate threat."

Teldrine took over Byock's enthusiastic spew of ideas. "In the meantime, public opinion is guided by what folks hear in their local wineshop. The folk we have settled in businesses, are a huge informal network of information, safe houses, and communication. They are spreading inland. Most don't even know what they are involved in, only that somebody helped them and may ask a favor in return, some day. The pirates follow me because I offer them profit. Many are not bad men, just hard, with little opportunity to do any better for themselves. I give them something more. They follow."

"Did you hear that Estaldo married?" The King suddenly changed subjects.

Byock startled, a slow smile spreading across his face. "You finally pinned him down, did you? What homely little pigeon did you tie him to?" Byock grinned in appreciation of his cousin's supposed straits.

"A young Arbigahlan noblewoman. She's actually quite a pleasant girl, and he seems most happy with her. The kingdom celebrated closer ties with Arbigahl, the increase in trade that may be possible."

Ah. The canny old man's mind worked in interesting ways. "I think an increase in trade would be a good thing." Teldrine waited for sharp eyes to fasten on his again. "I want Kahlzistan to value Arbigahl and her products. I want them to have a vested interest in her condition. Then, when her condition worsens due to slavery and the rage of her Empress, your merchants and their counterparts across the border will support a change."

"Exactly what change did you have in mind? Emperor Teldrine has a ring to it."

Teldrine recoiled. The man went for the jugular, all right. Byock was looking at him too, as if the thought had never occurred to him. Well, maybe it hadn't. It was easy to get wrapped up in the doing, forget to look toward the end of the road. "No. I have no wish to rule, and Arbigahl will be a long time before it will accept a male ruler. I am hoping that one of the current royal family will be suitable. Perhaps even one of the Empress' daughters."

The King looked skeptical.

Of course the King had his own reports on the daughters of Empress Isadora. Those reports would be unlikely to encourage this idea. There were things those reports couldn't know, however. "When I was the Empress' favorite concubine, I had opportunity to know the family very well. I prefer not to talk about the possibility I have in mind, until my plans are a little further along, but I do believe that it is truly a possibility."

"Nadora could be molded into a possible figurehead, but I don't think a figurehead will be able to lead the country through the kind of profound changes you are dreaming of." The King waited, tacitly demanding more.

"No. A figurehead won't do." Teldrine let it go at that. This King must understand that there was only so much he could expect to know. It was still Teldrine's plan, and would be Teldrine in the thick of it while the old man sat in his palaces and reaped the rewards. He could be an invaluable ally, but it was Teldrine's show and he intended to keep it that way.

The King gazed at him a bit longer, then rose. Teldrine rose with him, feeling much more confident now, although he still couldn't discern the King's opinions.

"I will have to give this considerable thought. Byock, write a message and I will have it sent to your family immediately. I must go to the main audience hall now, and put in an appearance. You will be shown back out the way you came. I'll send word to your inn tomorrow." He turned and strode from the room, leaving them to bow toward his retreating back.

Byock grinned a 'told you so' smirk at Teldrine and they headed back to the inn.

---

Both were feeling a bit high, Byock at feeling like a real prince, Teldrine at being alive, free, and with possible real help in the works! They bought some meat pastries from a man with a cart near the palace, and Byock thought he caught a glimpse of the minstrel from last night. She was quickly gone from sight if it was her, and he wasn't sure Teldrine wanted a reminder of last night anyway, so he didn't say anything.

The two men continued down the street, deftly sidestepping the assorted effluvium of the city. The neighborhoods got darker as they moved toward the sea. That was really the only way to describe it. Paint was renewed less often, then not at all. Streets were swept the same way. The block they were on, though showed a few signs of recent repairs. The Wayward Gull itself showed bright new wood in a few places, and new paint at least on the trim. It wasn't much, but it was a start.

They went in and took a table, ordering some light ale to celebrate. A sailor Byock didn't know but obviously Teldrine did, joined them at the table. He still smelled of the sea, obviously hadn't been ashore long. Long brown hair was pulled back neatly, though, and he looked relatively respectable, for a sailor. "Captain, Captain sends word." The man deliberately turned amazingly bright blue eyes on Byock and waited.

"You can talk, Brice. He's part of it." Teldrine took another drink and waited.

"Harrod's negotiating with somebody in Ozmaroc. Got the impression whoever it is wasn't happy about something, deal fell through or something. He needs something big to make up for it. Maybe us."

Teldrine was suddenly serious again. Very serious. "You're right. I know what fell through." His gaze fell on Byock. The prince's eyes widened, but he said nothing. Good boy. "We need to go hunting, I think."

"If the word comes soon enough, we could leave on the evening tide." Byock thought a moment. "Likely we'll hear around five bells." He didn't offer any further explanation, but Teldrine was satisfied he was probably right. He had been so far. He may have been a spoiled prince, but there was strength underneath, when you scraped some of the shine off. He didn't think the boy would be stupid enough to tell him off on his own ship again!

"Good job, Brice, tell your captain. There's good things on the way. A hard fight, but we'll have some help!" He grinned at the sailor. "Tell your captain that! And that I'll be going hunting. And use this for your shore leave, if you try not to break anything!" He slid a coin across the table, and it disappeared with barely a flicker of gold to mark its passing. Brice disappeared, too, out the door.

The two men finished their drinks and went up to ready their gear for a quick departure. Teldrine sent a message to the docks, their ship out had been pre-arranged and would be ready to sail at his word. Another merchant ship, headed deep south. The Empress' Woe would meet them.

Teldrine went out for a short while in the afternoon for some last minute purchases. Spices for the cook, small gifts. He visited a number of people just long enough to give friendly greetings. He enjoyed his trips here, as his face was not widely known and he was not wanted by the authorities. He could move freely here as he'd never been able to in his life, and he did so at every opportunity. He had helped many people here, and tried to keep up with all of them as chance allowed, although it was frequently many months between each visit.

He returned late in the afternoon and went up to his room. He found Byock reading a book. "What are you studying, Prince?"

"Actually, it's a book on the thoughts of Madrid Omartin. He's a philosopher who wrote about the ways in which perception alters what is perceived. It is interesting stuff, although I don't know that I agree with all of it." He went back to reading.

Teldrine just stared at him. Reading about other men's thoughts, for pleasure. It had never occurred to him that such things might exist. "Where did you find this book?"

"Ardie loaned it to me. He said somebody had left it here." Byock looked up, the tone of Teldrine's voice registering. He just looked for a moment, then asked, "Would you like me to find a selection of books for us to read on the next voyage?"

Yes, the boy was definitely growing up. "You can't go out. This morning was necessary, but somebody is bound to recognize you." Teldrine sighed. "Would be a good way to while away the hours on board, though."

"I can send a list, by messenger, to a book seller I know, along with some coin. He doesn't need to know who he's selling to, but I know he's honest and carries a good selection. I want a selection of books on board, whether you do or not!" Byock headed out the door.

The sound of Trina's voice filtered in from below. Here to eat and be ready to play for the dinner crowd, he was sure. He found himself wanting very badly to go to her. His suspicions were obviously ridiculous. He owed her an apology. He was just surprised at how badly he wanted her to accept it. He went downstairs.

She was sitting with her back to the stairs, watching the guests as they came in. Her hair hung down her back like golden silk, tracing the curves of her waist. He wanted to touch it. Instead he froze on the stairs. He actually wanted this woman. He had thought he would never want a woman again, but he wanted her. He still didn't know if he could do anything about it. It would be humiliating, after the apology he must give her, to have that happen. Well, this evening he would be gone, anyway, so not much chance of that. He felt a little safer. He went on down, enjoying the sight of her.

Byock was scribbling on some paper at the bar. Trina looked up as he came around her table, then frowned and looked back at her plate. Teldrine stared down at her. "I'm sorry. May I sit?"

Her eyes came back up to his, staring hard at him. "You can sit." Her face was nicely shaped, the skin lightly tanned, lips full. Her eyes were like emeralds. An eyebrow arched and her lips twitched, and he remembered he was supposed to sit. What was wrong with him? He'd been surrounded by beautiful women all his life! This woman was a witch! But by the sea, it was fun!

"I'm afraid I'm not very trusting. I decided the only reason you'd be doing that was because you wanted something from me. Unfair to you, and founded only on my own fears. I'm sorry."

Now she was staring at him, eyes wide in amazement. What did he keep doing to cause these reactions in this woman?

"Are you sure you're a man?" she asked.

He felt anger rise in him.

She didn't have to ridicule him, but she went on. "I've never heard a man apologize so beautifully and honestly before! Did some woman tell you what to say? Because I know you're a man, but..." she let her voice trail off.

He found himself grinning. This woman was like riding the waves of a storm!

"I was a slave, once." He found himself saying, wanting to be honest with her. "It was taught to me to examine and admit such things to my trainers, if to nobody else. A pleasure slave must understand human reactions very well to be as good as he must be to keep an acceptable owner."

Now she stared in truth. "A pleasure slave? You were a pleasure slave? I knew you were too good last night! Damn, I turned down a night with a pleasure slave. Do you know what legends you guys are up here in the north?" She grinned at him, to take the sting out of her words. "If you only enjoyed it, you could work your way through most of the bedrooms in the city! You come to mine, or, well, I to yours, and I turn you down. Well if that just isn't my luck. I don't suppose you'd consider a rematch? But I warn you, I might decide to kill you if you go working your way through most of the bedrooms in the city after me!" Her eyes glinted with humor as her tongue touched her lips.

He didn't know whether to be offended, amused, or terrified at this woman. But he still wanted her. "Unfortunately, I have to sail tonight. Yet I would like to explore some things with you."

She just looked at him. Then she stood and grabbed his hand and dragged him to the stairs.

He caught Byock's good natured leer as he went. He smiled back and shrugged.

He let them into his room and she turned into his arms and kissed him, her arms around his neck and body pressed close. It was passionate, but not demanding. Exploring. Her lips traced his, her tongue explored him, and he pulled her tighter against him. Ah, she felt so good in his arms. He wanted to please this wonderful woman. He picked her up and carried her to his bed, then set her on her feet to undress her.

She helped, and worked on him as well, her lips trailing down his chest. Her skirt dropped around her ankles and she sat down on the bed, reaching to loosen his trousers. She kicked her boots off, and his pants fell. He tried to move but she grabbed his hips and held him there.

She licked the insides of his thighs, her hands moving to cup his buttocks. He buried his fingers in her tawny golden hair and closed his eyes, trying to just relax and feel whatever she did. He didn't have much experience of oral sex from the receiving end. Not many women really enjoyed doing it, when they had all the control. No, he didn't want to think about that. He bent over her a little to run his hands down her sides and let his fingers trace the sides of her breasts, to remind himself that he could.

She drew him into her mouth, tongue bringing the tip in and then gentle suction pulling the rest of him in. Her tongue explored him, savoring him it felt like. It felt good. She massaged his soft cock in her mouth, and then began drawing it back out, against gentle suction again. She went only a little way before drawing him back in, tongue massaging him. Oh, it felt good!

He brought his hands back up and pulled the hair away from her face so he could see her. Her eyes were closed, but he could see her chest rise as she breathed deeply and her hands squeezed his ass as she drew him out of her beautiful lips again. And he grew as if her gentle suction drew him into erection. A deep moan escaped him as this woman gave him pleasure he thought lost forever.

One hand came around and steadied him in her mouth as she continued. Her eyes opened as her tongue laved his helmet, and she smiled up at him, her lips eagerly wrapping over him again. He could feel her pleasure in what she was doing, and relaxed into it. Her mouth sent waves of pleasure through him until he thought the floor rocked like the deck of a ship.

He drew away from her, wanting to be inside her. She let him push her back on the bed, reaching to kiss him and draw him with her, deftly deflecting him from putting his lips to her thighs in turn. He thought she would need wetting, though she obviously enjoyed what she was doing to him, he didn't expect it to arouse her.

Her hand wrapped around him and guided him straight into her very wet tunnel as her lips fastened on his. She was like fire, molten around him! She was truly aroused without his doing a thing! She actually wanted him. Then her hand lightly slapped his cheek.

He blinked down at her, startled.

"Are you going to stay in your trance up there, or join me down here? Because I'd really like it if you'd fuck me now!" She grinned at him, reaching to snap her teeth at his nose. At the same time, her hips rocked forward and her hands pulled his hips down, urging him deeper inside her.

He actually laughed a little, grinning during sex for the first time in his life. He never knew it could feel like this, for all his training and experience, he never knew. "I'm with you, woman. I'm with you." He began thrusting into her, moving slowly and steadily, deep strokes. He rocked his hips to move against her clit and get that extra touch of depth, and allowed himself to feel how that added to his own pleasure.

She cried out and her nails dug into his ass. She arched her back and he bent around to take her breast in his mouth, pausing a second to wait for punishment for his presumption then felt her twisting to lift it further, offering it to him and his own pleasure washed back over him. There was no pain.

That thought actually stilled him for a moment. She stilled under him, then her hands drew his eyes to hers.

She smiled at him and gently drew him down to her lips, kissing him softly, their bodies still locked together, unmoving. He kissed her back, tracing the shape of her lips with his, barely touching, then turning to fasten his mouth to hers, gently, then firmly, then the need burst through them again and they thrust together. His arms wrapped around and under her and he pulled her to him, lifting her the space of his arms off the bed and thrusting deep into her. She cried out and he moaned with her, moving still in long, smooth strokes, savoring every inch, taking as much as she gave. And she told him with every inch of her that she wanted it, wanted him.

Her hands left marks on his back and buttocks as she pulled him harder to her. Her mouth moved from his lips to his shoulder, breath gasping as she whispered to him. "Yes, ah, yes," over and over.

Then her teeth found him and her legs came up over him as he felt her first shudder of climax rock through her, tightening around his cock and he drove himself into her, deeper than before. He felt her walls tighten and he thrust again, enjoying the tightness and letting her excitement draw him. His body kept waiting for the change in tension, the signal to stop, but it didn't come, and he realized the waiting and drove past it.

She exploded in his arms, every movement drawing him to her, encouraging him, clinging to him. Her cries were went through his head until she buried her mouth on his shoulder again and her teeth echoed the wave that rolled through him as he buried himself in her again, and again. Then he felt it begin to rise from deep inside him, the feeling growing. She felt it to and called to him, begging him to cum inside her!

He cried out with her and exploded, his cock pulsed and released his seed, and even deeper inside her, her walls locked down around him, quivering as she experienced another orgasm, her legs locking them together. Then she moved, rocking her hips hard, drawing another hot pulse from him, tight, so tight. And he answered, driving into her again, once again, muscles slowly remembering to move, then demanding to move. Suddenly they were moving smoothly again, aftershocks running through them both, slowing, not wanting to stop, the feelings exquisite as they slid gently, slick and warm now together.

He kissed her, gently caressing her swollen lips, licking lightly at them. "Come with me." He closed his eyes, thinking he'd gone crazy.

She stopped. "What?"

"Come with me." Scales, he'd said it again. Well, why not? She was a minstrel. What better way to reach public opinion than with song? She could be of great value to them. To him. "We sail tonight. I promise you great adventure!" He kissed her. "And great sex!" Please let her come. He suddenly needed her with him. The thought of going back to sea without her, sickened him. He was more scared than he'd ever been. He buried his face on her shoulder, waiting. She was quiet. Her hands drifted softly up and down his spine.

He resisted her first efforts to get him to raise his head and look at her. Then she said, "Teldrine."

He froze, his heart still within him. He slowly raised his head, staring down at her.

She flinched. "No, I've spoken to nobody about you. I didn't know, until you told me you'd been a pleasure slave. There are a few stories floating around of an escaped pleasure slave turned pirate. I'm a minstrel, it's my job to know stories. I've no wish to hurt you, Teldrine. Nor Byock. Yes, him I recognized right away. But he wasn't captive, and it isn't my place to interfere with a prince. I haven't pried, have I? Teldrine, I wanted you before I knew who you were. I wanted you. But if you want me with you, you had to know that I know. Because I'll go. Oh, yes, I'll go. For as long as you want me."

Her green eyes stared into his. She made no move to look away, and laid relaxed under him. Her hands stilled on his back, and that was all. His mind was frozen, unable to decide where to turn. His cock twitched inside of her, and involuntarily he smiled a little. Why not. He could have something he simply wanted, couldn't he? If she wanted it to? The thought crossed his mind that it was now safer to have her on shipboard anyway, with what she knew. He pushed it away, and kissed her. "Then we shall sail together, for a while." He put his face in the curve of her neck and hugged her closer again.

"Then I need to pack my stuff. What time do you, I mean we, sail?" She laughed a little.

"With the tide, at nine bells. If a certain message comes in time. I must get back downstairs." He regretfully pulled away from her.

She used her feet to pull him back for one more kiss, then she released him and followed him up and out of the bed. She poured some water in the basin and took a cloth to begin cleaning herself up. She looked at him and laughed. "You'd better not take your shirt off for a few days! I'll try to be more gentle next time! But you do make it hard!"

"You don't worry about it." He turned to her, fastening his breeches. He reached out to cup her face. "I like it when you show that you want me. Don't stop."

She stepped up to him and kissed him again, deeply.

He lost himself in it, and dropped his shirt, forgotten to the floor. Until a knock came at the door. He started back from her, and she let him go just a little before stopping him at arms length and grinning at him.

She stepped forward again, eyes looking deeply at him. "Do you want me here?"

The question went deep, he knew. They couldn't hide their relationship on board, nor did he want to. Too many old reactions. "I want you. Sorry." He held her against his side.

Byock knocked again and called out. "Captain, there's somebody here you really need to talk to, if you are done and all." They heard him clear his throat.

"We're on our way!" he called, and listened to the pause before the footsteps went away. That would have worried him.

"Explain to him that it's safer to have me on board, since I know who you are." She smiled at him, and bent to pick up her clothes.

He swatted her ass and grinned at her yelp. "Thought never crossed my mind," he lied. He tossed her a boot and turned at the door. "Where's your stuff?"

"Just down the hall, of course. I'll pack and be down in a bit." She smiled at him. "Sailing has got to be a lot better in the Captain's cabin!"

He bit back a groan and headed down the stairs. He would never hear the end of this from Lida! He tromped down the stairs, finding himself in good spirits. Better than he'd been in some time!

Byock sat stood near the bar with a man in a plain cloak and droopy hat. Nobody he would have looked twice at, normally. He strolled over, and Byock gave him a nervous smile. "This is the man your message is for." The prince let his gaze point out Teldrine.

The man turned to him and looked at him carefully. Then he held out a sealed letter. "I am to await a yes or no answer, and to watch you burn the message before returning, sir." His dark eyes met Teldrine's for only a moment before drifting downwards, returning to his nondescript pose.

Teldrine knew from that one look that this was not a man to be trifled with. He was glad the King was taking him seriously.

He stepped apart and opened the letter. On it were only some numbers, coordinates and a time. He thought about them for a moment, picturing the place, and the time needed to get to it. Yes, it would do. He crumpled the paper and looked at the man. "Yes."

He tossed the wad into the fireplace, under the perpetual stew pot. Ah, stew, now there was an idea! There was just time for a good meal before boarding ship to ready for the tide. He grinned at Byock. "Come, soon we're back to fish and salt pork. Let's eat while we may, then we sail!"

Byock's eyes glinted wickedly, a leer on his face. "Who, exactly, is 'we' I wonder? Wouldn't include that toothsome minstrel, now would it? Wanting somebody to sing your praises, oh great Captain, future savior of all the downtrodden? You're not actually thinking of taking her along, are you? Do you really think ship board is the place for her?"

"Is it the place for you, Prince? I seem to remember somebody cussing while I untangled him from the rigging, not so long ago?" He sat as a beaming Ardie ladled stew into bread bowls and set them in front of them.

"That's hardly what I meant, and you know it! But she has chosen the life of a songstress, what does she know of fighting? Does she know what's ahead?"

Trina tossed her pack to the side and sat at the table with them. "Oh, yes, Byock, I know what's ahead." She set several instrument cases down more carefully.

Ardie brought a bowl of stew for her as well, grinning as he saw her packs. "Now we'll get some stories from hither and yon! Trina, you'll come back and sing it for us, won't you?" He looked hopefully at her.

"Of course! You'll be the first to hear the ballad of the Prince and the Pirate!" She smiled at the prince's startled look and dropped to a whisper, "When one plays the palace, one doesn't forget the faces of visiting royalty, my lord," She smiled at him as she took a spoon of the stew. "When one travels the roads as a young woman minstrel, one learns to protect oneself, as well. I handle myself in battle, no fear. I have other advantages as well, as you will learn in time!"

Teldrine smiled at her, enjoying this woman with the mind that twisted the same mazes his did. "I do believe she'll do just fine, Byock."

Byock bared his teeth in a wide grin. "Can I watch while you explain this to Lida?"

Teldrine growled at him, and concentrated on his stew.

Trina paused. "Lida?"

Teldrine just kept eating.

Byock knew better than to cause an incident, "Lida's first mate on the Empress' Woe. You'll meet her soon enough!" He smirked a little at Teldrine in anticipation.

He couldn't let the kid get away with that. "I wonder what she'll think of that sweet little redhead I saw making her way out of your room this morning?"

Byock looked startled. "There was not any redhead coming out of my room!"

Trina laughed out loud.

"Really? I could have sworn I saw... but if you say so." Teldrine smiled as he saw it sink in to the boy's brain.

"I look forward to meeting this Lida!" She smiled brightly at them.

The men suddenly looked worried.

Continued in Chapter 4

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