Ship of Destiny

For a moment, he tried to unknot the ship's words. Then Brashen sighed. "Now don't you start with me, too," he warned the ship.

MALTA SAT AT THE CAPTAIN'S TABLE, HER FINGERS STEEPLED BEFORE HER. "THIS is a fair offer, one that benefits all. I ca

Captain Red looked shocked. The others at the table were equally stu

"Captain Red, please attend Malta Vestrit as she presents a negotiation on my behalf."

Captain Red, too startled to do otherwise, had nodded.

Then, in a speech she had practiced endlessly before the little looking-glass in her chamber, she had presented the Satrap's offer. She pointed out that monetary wealth was not the essence of the Satrapy; power was. The Satrap would not offer coin for his release, nor would he petition his nobles to do so. Instead, he would negotiate the terms himself. Speaking concisely, she outlined his offer: recognition of Ke

She had distilled their desires into this offer. His silence was eloquent. He rubbed his chin, and swept a glance around the table. Then he leaned toward the Satrap. "You're right. I thought only of coin. But this-" He stared at him almost suspiciously. "You're truly ready to offer us these sorts of terms?"

The Satrap spoke with quiet dignity. "I'd be a fool to let Malta say such things if I had not well considered them."

"Why? Why now?"

That was not a question Malta had prepared him for. She held her smile on her lips. They had agreed he would defer such queries to her. Yet, she was not surprised as he calmly ignored their agreement.

"Because I am a man who can learn from his errors," he a

He had them in the palm of his hand. Everyone at the table waited for his next words. The Satrap leaned forward slightly. He tapped his finger on the table as he made each point. Malta was entranced. She had never seen this man.

"I find myself in the company of pirates, of men and women tattooed with the shame of slavery. Yet you are not what I was told you were. I do not find ignorance or stupidity amongst you, nor yet barbarism and savagery.

"I have seen the patrol vessels negotiated by treaty with Chalced. Yet I see far too many of them in my waters. They wallow with the wealth they have taken. Clearly, I have put my trust in the wrong allies. Jamaillia City stands vulnerable to attack by the ships of Chalced. I would be wise to seek truer allies. Who better than those who already have learned to do battle with Chalcedeans?"

"Who better indeed?" Captain Red asked those at his table. He gri

As all lifted their glasses and joined in, Malta heard the lookout's cry of "Sail!"

The men at the table exchanged wary looks. Chalcedean ships were to be avoided, now that the Motley was fully loaded. There was a rap at the door. "Enter!" Captain Red conceded, a

The door opened. The ship's boy stood there, his cheeks pink with excitement. With a broad grin he a

KENNIT WATCHED THE APPROACH OF THE SMALL BOAT FROM THE MOTLEY with mixed feelings. Sorcor had come over from the Marietta for the occasion. He was attired in several acres of scarlet fabric. He stood just behind his captain's right shoulder. Captain Red, at his other side in his own garish garments, seemed too caught up in his own triumph to be aware of his leader's personal reservations. He was delivering to King Ke

Captain Red had come first to the Vivacia to share the news. Now, dramatically poised, he hovered by Ke

In the days since she had emerged from her cabin and been given the freedom of the ship, he had walked a careful line with her. He maintained to everyone that her terrible dream had been the result of poppy syrup, given her for the pain of a damaged back. For that, he had publicly apologized to her, while gently reminding her that she had complained of a painful back. Didn't she recall taking the syrup? At her snarling denial, he had shrugged helplessly. "It was when you said you liked lace on a man," he had delicately prompted her, even as his hand toyed with the lace at his throat. He had smiled fondly at her.

"Don't try to make that mean something," she threatened him.

He composed his face to injured resignation. "Doubtless you are far more susceptible to the poppy than you knew," he courteously suggested.

His luck had given him the power to adorn her as he saw fit. Her lack of garments had forced her to accept the clothing he selected from his plunder and sent to her stateroom. Jewelry, perfume and bright scarves he sent as well. Jek availed herself of this feminine bounty unashamedly, but Althea had resisted it for days. Even now, she kept herself as plain as one could be in silk trousers and damask vest. It pleased him that he chose the colors she wore, that he had touched the garments that now clung to her. How long could she remain proof against such largesse? Like a caged bird, she must eventually come fluttering to his hand.