Kraken gave orders to ferret out the remaining intruders, and inspect all parts of the ship. Watchers were set to prevent anyone from climbing aboard from the water. He climbed the crow to watch Drake’s ship. It was still close enough to fire cannons, and there were still plenty of men there to manage a second assault. His spyglass came often to his eye looking for signs of Drake.
Gabb came up to report. “All clear, except -“
”Except?”
“Cousin locked that fat trader in the brig. She said he was trying to force the door with the weapon’s stash.”
“And?”
“He won’t talk to me.” Gabb shrugged. “Strange don’t you think? Him coming here for a room of enchanted weapons?”
“Aye,” Kraken said and handed Gabb the glass. “Take watch.”
Kraken found Cousin leaning opposite one of the cells. Her eyes were shut. Blood still dripped from her hands, and wet her clothes. “Report.”
“Found him here. He was using spell and charm trying to break the ward. He failed.”
Kraken looked into the cell. The trader was bleeding from his arm and shoulder. The trader’s sash was ripped and hung on only by a thread. “One chance,” Kraken said.
“No need for dramatics,” the man said. “I am here on business.” He paused for Kraken to answer. The silence hung heavy. “I am here to help you. Only I can handle the item you have. Only I can get it to someone who can put it to proper use.”
“It?” Cousin asked.
The man chuckled. “Them.”
Kraken tapped his staff against the door to the cell. His power coiled into the small room and wound around the trader’s body.
“Hold! I speak the truth!”
“You have said nothing,” Kraken said.
“They are items of immense power. I’m not sure what they are. Only that the Masters and Protector want them. I only know the energy to look for.”
“I believe you,” Kraken said. “Cousin, he’s all yours.”
Kraken joined Tuggy at the helm.
“Destination?” Tuggy asked.
“We were headed to Cape Simling before. Re-set course. Send Bry up for watch if he is able. Have Gabb find me.”
“Aye, Captain.
The wind caught and Haven moved away from Drake’s drifting ship.
Kraken entered the galley. Jak had put out a feast, and the crew ate with gusto. Cousin came in and started to see to the wounded. Kraken watched her work until Gabb came in. “Put some more distance between us and Drake,” he said to Gabb.
“I gave us a push. You want more?” Gabb said.
“Aye,” Kraken said, and motioned for Gabb to follow. Kraken walked over to Cousin. “Casualties?”
“Stephen and Raymond will be out a while. I sent them to their bunks. The rest will be healed and ready for duty within the hour,” Cousin said.
“Any of that blood yours?”
“No.”
“The trader?”
Cousin smiled in a way that made Kraken uneasy and proud at the same time.
Gabb nodded in solemn contemplation.
“Don’t forget to eat yourself. You’re showing the strain,” Kraken said to Cousin.
“No, Captain,” Cousin said, and the galley silenced.
“No?”
“It isn’t the strain showing, Captain. I am of the Myst. What you see is my true form coming forth. I can change my appearance back to what you are use to if you wish.”
Kraken looked in Serpent Shadow eyes. They were Cousin’s eyes. “You are my Cousin no matter what face you wear. Still, eat.”
“Aye, Captain,” Cousin said. “You know me. I’m always up for food, especially Jak’s.”
Jak thumped the table with all the food laid out. “You hear that. Cousin likes my cooking. Any of you lot who complain can just give your share to her.” Jak thumped his chest, and harrumphed before returning to his stove.
Chatter broke out, and Cousin finished healing the wound she was working on. She motioned to Harper next. He brought her a slice of meat and an apple, and refused to be seen to until she ate them.
Kraken went to sit at a table and watch. Cousin ate and healed and laughed and ate. Her face was thinner, her eyes bigger, and her skin had a sheen. Kraken couldn’t feel her power even when she used it. He didn’t know anyone who could hide entirely if they carried power within.
It came to Kraken that the crew didn’t remove their charms while Cousin worked. He would ask about it later when they were alone. Alone. The sudden urge to pick her up and carry her to his cabin was overwhelming. He wanted the feel of her hands on him, the softness of her lips. Kraken made a fist and struggled to remain still.
“We want to know your intentions,” Matty said. He stood in front of Kraken. They were the center of attention.
“Yeah,” Jak said putting another platter of meat on the buffet table. “What are your intentions with our Cousin?”
Kraken looked googly-eyed at his men.
“Guys?” Cousin said.
“No,” Jak said. “This is between men.”
Kraken looked at Cousin. Her expression was amused, and she shrugged.
“My intentions,” Kraken repeated.
“That’s right,” Matty said. “We see you looking at her, and we want to know if your intentions are honorable.”
A murmur of agreement ran through the room.
Kraken blinked.
Cousin smiled an open mouth smile. Her eyes were full of Serpent Shadows.
“I’m a pirate,” Kraken said. “I do what I want, when I want.” He stood. His black staff thumped the table. “I am Captain. Haven is my ship. Here I rule. My word is law.” The staff thumped the table. “I will suffer no mutiny. If you want to challenge me come to me with your weapon in hand. I’ll brook no impugnment of my intentions.” Kraken drug the word out. The staff thumped the table and it collapsed. “Am I clear?”
The men glanced to each other and shifted in the chairs.
“So, is that a yes?” Gabb asked.
Kraken gathered his power and faced Gabb.
Cousin laughed. She laughed until tears came from her eyes, and she had to sit. Everyone turned to her. She sniffled and chocked on the laughter. She stood up, and walked to the door. Turning, she looked Kraken in the eye. “Why is it, that no one ever thinks to ask if the woman’s intentions are honorable?”
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