Malspire

  Chapter Eleven

  “Full speed Mister Owman,” I said as we made for the open seas. “Head east. Make for the shortest route.”

  “Aye aye, Captain.”

  Time was now of the essence. If the enemy fleet was truly heading this way, then all depended on the speed we were making. If the enemy managed anything like a cruising speed then the Lady Ocean had no chance of reaching the tower before the rebels, but if the rebels had supply vessels and perhaps had to make further stops along the way, then we stood a good chance. It was yet another risk, but then so was anything in war.

  I then turned to the Lady Lamient. “Perhaps you would like to rest in my cabin? We need to talk anyway.”

  She nodded and smiled, then followed me down to the cabin where I found the lectrocode officer, Mister Farnsind setting up his box of magic against one wall. There was no time to organise a proper cabin for him, so my cabin would have to do for this mission.

  The device was placed on a large desk and was made up of a brass and copper framework with piping, cables and glass tubes, some of which were glowing. The officer was twisting dials and adjusting slides and flicking switches. The machine gave off a slight hum, just audible over the noise of the ship’s engine. I will admit it made me nervous having such a machine in my cabin.

  Offering the lady a chair at my desk, I then sat down myself.

  “So, Lady Lamient. Lord Pavantu seems to hold your skill in very high regard. Perhaps you could enlighten me?”

  “My lord has requested that I take the tower without offering them any chance to warn the rebellion. That is what I’ll do.” She had a sweet voice, an innocent voice. She fluttered her eyelashes and smiled. The smile was not sweet, still cruel and vicious. That smile told me that she was a cold hearted killer.

  “I see. How do you expect to accomplish this task? Have you given it any thought?”

  “I don’t know. You’re the captain. You tell me.” She was toying with me.

  I leant back and sighed, ignoring her insolence. How indeed?

  “Let me give you a hint, Captain," she said. "I just need to get inside. Once in, I’ll open the gates.” Her accent was slipping - a bit of country slipping in.

  “How persuasive are you?”

  At that the smile changed. Not in shape or size but in meaning. It was a miracle to behold how she went from terrifying to fragile, dainty, and childlike in the blink of an eye. I could but admire her and respect the skill with which she could most certainly play people.

  “Just get me to the tower,” she said. “I’ll open the gates. You have your men ready.”

  I nodded. I did not like this woman one bit, but had to admit that I was pleased to be fighting alongside her rather than against her. Or was I? I never found out for certain, but now that I think about it, I am sure she had two agendas. One was the tower, the other was my life.