Chapter 1c. 

	She sat gazing out of the window. Almost as soon as they’d entered the room she’d clambered onto the cot and looked out. Corwyn had sat near her, which she didn’t seem to mind, though she did flinch when he’d reached to pat her hand. She wasn’t scared of him, but didn’t want to be touched. Fair enough. He sat back slowly, so as not to alarm her. She was very nervous, jumping at the slightest thing. So it came as no surprise, a little over two hours after they had come on board, that she jumped at a knock on the door. As the door opened she shrank back. When Thaily’s head popped round the door, Megan was visibly relieved.

“Hi.” She walked in, closing the door behind her. “That’s Taross back. She’ll be here shortly, just unloading.”

“Cool.” Corwyn answered. “How ‘bout you two introduce yourselves properly.”

Thaily sat on the edge of the cot, holding out her right hand. “I’m Thaily Brimstone, and this is my ship. I’m pleased to meet you.”

Megan cautiously took it, and Thaily patted her hand. “M… Megan…”

“Now, I realise it’s probably a bit cramped compared to what you’re used to, but I hope you find it comfortable enough.

“I… um…” Megan looked confused, everything was happening so quickly, she wasn’t sure she wasn’t dreaming. Was it a dream? Was she still back in Lady Arneviste’s manor? She looked out of the window again. “Am I really going home…?”

“Of course you are, angel. Granny sent me as soon as we knew where to find you.”

“Oh.” An awkward silence descended. She started fidgeting with the bright red silk sash that cinched in at the waist the simple, light orange dress she was wearing. Clearly, Corwyn and Thaily could see she wanted to say something. “Um…”

There was a knock on the door, and she jumped. Taross padded in and Megan stared. She padded over to the cot, sat, and folded her forepaws up on the cot itself. “Aww, you must be Megan.” She hugged the astonished little Tiger girl, and took her hands. “I hope we can be friends.”

Megan was completely dumbfounded. Corwyn smiled, putting his right hand on Taross’ shoulder. “Megan, I’d like to introduce Taross Blackburn.”

“Just call me Taross, dear. Corwyn, I’ll bring you a padded mat a little later.”

He grinned. “Thanks.”

“But… but…”

Megan bit her lip. Who were these people? What were they? It was obvious one was a cross of Cat and Dog of some kind, but the other? She looked like a Skunk of some kind, though she’d never seen anyone with legs like those. She started trembling.

“What’s wrong, dear? Are you cold?” Taross asked, still holding Megan’s hands.

She shook her head. “It’s… um…” She turned away, gazing out of the window.

“Take your time…” Taross gave her hands a gentle squeeze.

“It’s just… this ship’s so small compared to his…what if he comes after me?” She sounded so scared, so timid.

“You don’t need to worry about him any more.” Corwyn said. “He’s caught.”

Megan stared. “C… caught?” He’s caught?”

“And safely locked away where he can’t hurt anyone anymore.”

“Oh…” Megan pulled her hands from Taross’ grip. All the tenseness left her, leaving her looking sad and exhausted. Thaily shifted uncomfortably. Her only memories of kids of Megan’s age were constant discrimination and bullying, simply because of her mixed parentage. She had no idea how to relate to one, particularly a pampered noble. By Megan’s age, Thaily had already been in trouble for fighting and stealing, and had been apprenticed off on a merchant ship by her mother, masquerading as a boy because of her small size, and late development. This girl had almost certainly never had a day’s hardship until Arneviste showed up. Thaily had an idea of what she’d seen that night, stories had been going around about the discovery of the Kessellon’s pride. It had been torched, but had grounded before it could sink. Charred corpses had been found in the remains of the hold. The majority of the crew, it seemed, had been trapped in the hold, unable to break free. What other horrors had she seen? Worse, what had happened to her afterwards? She tried not to think about it.

“Penny for them, Captain?” Corwyn said, and Thaily jumped. “Are you ok?’

She shrugged. “I’m fine, I’m just, um… well all I really came in for was to make sure you two were settled and see if you need anything.”

“We’ll be fine. Unless, Megan? Would you like something to eat or drink?”

“A…a glass of water?” Megan whispered.

“Sure.” Thaily replied. “Just let me get some clothes and stuff, and I’ll be back in a minute.” She opened a small dresser, pulling from it what looked like field surgeon’s bag. Perhaps it was, thought Corwyn. If there was some accident, or an injury in a battle, it wasn’t exactly possible to simply pop into a nearby hospice, or call for a doctor. She opened it, and stuffed in some clothes. “Won’t be a sec.” She left, dragging the heavy bag after her.

“So.” Corwyn yawned. “What time do we leave tomorrow?”

“Early evening, once the tide shifts”

“Good, that’ll give me some time to get a few things I need in the market. Could you watch over Meg while I’m gone?”

Taross smiled. “Sure thing, it’ll give us girls a chance to talk.”

There was a soft mew, quiet and very high pitched. “Did I just hear a cat?” Corwyn asked. The door opened, and Taross put a finger to her lips as Thaily came back in, a dripping jug in one hand.

“There we are. Straight from the barrel, and cold as the Negrian Wastes.” She put it down on the dresser where Megan could reach it. “Glasses in there.”

“Thank you…” Megan said, hesitantly fetching herself a glass.

“No worries. Well, somebody’s got to keep the crew from mischief, see you all later.” She waved, and with a jingle from her earrings, was gone.

Taross grinned. “Now then, Meg. I’ve got a little present for you.” Her greatcoat had deep, voluminous pockets, and from the right she pulled out a tiny orange kitten. It was from some longhaired breed, and at this age resembled nothing more than a ball of orange fluff with feet and a face at one end. It’s dark blue eyes, almost black, looked around as Taross put it down on Megan’s lap. It mewed. Megan’s eyes grew wide, and she tentatively stroked its head with a fingertip. So soft. It mewed again, tried to swat the offending finger, and fell over. Taross giggled. “She’s only just weaned. I got her from a sad girl who was giving her kitties away because her family couldn’t keep them all. She was the last one, the runt of the litter, and nobody wanted her. The poor girl was crying because she said if nobody took the kitten, her dad would drown it. I told her I’d find a little girl who’d love her and look after her. Will you do that? For me?”

Megan nodded slowly. “Ok…”

Taross leant in close, and whispered. “Don’t tell Thaily, she wouldn’t like me bringing any old stray on board. This’ll be our little secret, ok?” She winked.

Megan nodded, and almost smiled, much to Corwyn’s surprise. “Now I’m going to go see about some food for everyone. Maybe you can tell me her name when I get back?” Taross rose and padded out, while Corwyn poured a glass of water and handed it to Megan.

“Here you go…”

She took a couple of sips, setting the glass on the window ledge. “Thank you…” Her attention returned to the kitten, which had just begun an epic exploration of the cot, comically large paws padding about in exaggerated, but determined, steps. Corwyn kept quiet, just watching. She was rapt. She’d seen kittens before, of course, but this was the first time she’d actually touched one. Like most of her family, she’d grown up surrounded by dogs. Her father was a renowned and enthusiastic breeder of wolfhounds, and they’d been a constant presence, with puppies everywhere. Cats were, after all, for commoners. This particular cat knew nothing of such things. All it knew was that it was somewhere new, with interesting smells. It also knew that it was hungry, and that it wanted to play. It stopped and crouched low, staring at her. More precisely, it was staring at her sash, with which she’d been toying. She stopped, and dangled the end for it. It was an irresistible target to the little cat, which immediately pounced, and wrestled about with it, having a great time.

“How ‘bout Fluffy?” Corwyn suggested.

“Hmm? Oh.” Megan shook her head. “That’s a baby’s name for a cat.”

“Fuzzball?”

She gathered the kitten into her lap, still fighting her sash. “I was, um, thinking of, uh, maybe… Sunny?”

Corwyn smiled. “Sunny it is, then.”

Megan scratched lightly at Sunny’s ear, and gently stroked her back. The newly named Sunny, it seemed, approved, loving the attention. She purred, curling against her hand and closing her eyes. So caught up in the happy orange ball of fluff as she was, Megan didn’t hear the door open again just a few minutes later.

“Thought of a name yet?” Taross asked, and Megan squeaked in surprise.

“Oh! Um, Sunny…”

Taross put a large basket down and sat, as before, with her front paws up on the cot. A warm, bready smell had already begun to fill the room, and Corwyn licked his lips. “Thought I’d take advantage of being in port to get some fresh food.” Taross said cheerily. “Dig in, while the rowies are still warm.”

“Rowies?” Corwyn asked, and Taross took one out. It was a small, flat bread about the size of his palm.

“It’s pretty much just flour, water and lard. It tastes better than it sounds.” She offered it to him.

“I hope so…” he mumbled, taking a bite. He was pleasantly surprised. It had an odd texture, flaky and crunchy around the edge, soft and chewy inside. The taste very much reminded him of a piece of crusty bread used to mop up the plate after a satisfyingly greasy meal. He nodded approvingly. He was just finishing when Taross nudged him, nodding at Megan as she did so. Megan had taken a piece of chicken from the basket, and was nipping little pieces off, and feeding them to Sunny. After each little piece, Sunny was pawing the air, mewing for more, and Megan was smiling. A little sadly, perhaps, but a smile nonetheless. She obviously found the kitten adorable. Corwyn mouthed a silent ‘thank you’ and Taross smiled a silent ‘you’re welcome’ in return.

“Sunny seems to like that chicken, hmm?” Taross asked. Megan nodded, and offered another piece. Sunny pawed at it, knocking it into Megan’s lap, where she pawed at it again. She was having a grand time. She was somewhere new and exciting, and someone friendly was feeding her something nice to eat. After a little more, she decided she was full, ate a bit more anyway, just for good measure, and curled up, happily purring as Megan stroked her.

“She’s so small… is she really mine?” Meg asked, looking up into Taross’ eyes.

Taross nodded. “Of course she is. Don’t you worry. And listen, you only need hide her tonight. We’re setting sail tomorrow and then it won’t matter if Thaily finds out she’s here.” She patted Megan’s knee. Now that the excited bundle was falling asleep, Megan found her eyes drawn to the strange Kin in front of her. She tried not to stare, but wasn’t doing a very good job. “You must find me very odd, Meg.”

“Oh! I…I didn’t mean to…”

“Hush now, it’s ok. Happens all the time, doesn’t it Corwyn?”

“Mmm…” he mumbled, swallowing a mouthful of ham. “She got exactly the same reaction from me when we first met. I had no idea what I was looking at.”

Taross chuckled. “But we do know where you were looking, though.”

“Erm, yeah…” He looked sheepish, and stuffed a piece of chicken in his mouth.

“Oh, here.” Taross dug into her pockets again and handed Megan a small brush. “Something to keep Sunny’s fur nice and fluffy.”

“Thank you…” Megan said, taking the brush. It was small, similar to the ones Lions used to keep their manes in good order. This one was silver, with a mother-of-pearl handle. Megan placed it on the dresser. She would have used it, but Sunny was already settling down for a nap, and Megan didn’t want to disturb her. She was, Megan thought, absolutely the cutest and sweetest thing she’d ever seen.

“Not hungry?” Corwyn asked, gnawing on a spiced sausage. She shook her head. “C’mon, Meg, have a little. If you get much thinner, you’ll fall ill. Who’ll look after Sunny then?”

Megan looked a little hurt, but took the bait anyway. She took a piece of chicken, nibbling at it, and noticed Taross was looking at her ear. Or where her ear would have been, had it not been cut from her head. She turned away, embarrassed. “Don’t look…”

“I’m sorry. What happened?”

Corwyn mouthed gangrene, and Taross winced. “It… it started to smell bad, and hurt a lot. A doctor said if he didn’t cut it off, I’d… I’d die. I didn’t want to die; I just wanted to go home. So I let him, and now I’m ugly.”

“Hey, kitten, you’re not ugly.” Taross said.

“Yes I am and I’m glad, because that means nobody’ll want to touch me again.” Megan snapped.

Awkward silence filled the room for a moment, until Taross piped up. “Is that why you’re starving yourself?”

Megan looked mortified, turning away and hiding her face in her hands. She was trembling. “Yes…” she whispered.

“Aw sweetheart…” Taross wrapped her arms around Megan, hugging her tightly. “You don’t need to do that anymore. You’re surrounded by friends, now, you’re safe. We won’t let anyone touch you if you don’t want them to.” She pulled the basket closer. “Here. At least have some fruit.”

She stared at the basket for some time before finally, hesitantly, taking out a strangely shaped, bright yellow fruit. It was oval, but end on it looked like a fat star. She bit into it, and found it to be delicious but unfamiliar. Sweet and juicy. Despite her words, she was ravenous, and quickly finished. As she reached for another piece of chicken, she paused and looked up. “He’s really caught?”

“I swear it’s true. I was there.”

She ate hurriedly, mostly keeping to the meat. Like all her kind, she ate a lot of meat, her favourite being bacon, fried until it was crispy. Megan was faintly disappointed there was none in the basket, but what was there was good. Eventually she felt full, the pangs of hunger finally gone. She drained her glass, and finished off with another star shaped fruit. She sat back, yawning.

“My cue to leave.” Taross said, rising. “You get some rest, kitten, you look exhausted. Don’t either of you hesitate to gimme a shout if you need anything.”

Megan nodded and Corwyn rose. “Thanks, Taross, we will. Thank Thaily again for the use of the cabin.”

Taross left, pausing briefly to give Meg a wave from the door. “See you later.”

Megan carefully gathered Sunny in her hands, and placed her gently down on the cot’s pillow. “Um…”

“Something wrong, Meg?”

“I um… I need to go…”

“Ah.” He rose, and walked to the door. “You’ll probably find a chamber-pot under the cot. I’ll just be outside the door. Call when you’re ready.” A few seconds after he closed the door, he heard the bolt slide shut. He looked back over his shoulder, a slightly worried frown on his face. He shrugged, and turned his attentions to the almost healed cuts in his hand. A few more days yet, he thought, and he could get back to his sword practice. Assuming Megan didn’t object to Taross keeping her company while he trained. The bolt slid open, and moments later he heard her call him. In he went. She was already in bed, under a sheet.

“I’ll just empty this… won’t be a minute.” He carried the pot outside, hearing the bolt close again as he walked off. Emptying the contents over the side, he returned, knocking on the door. “Angel, it’s me…”

She unlocked it, and as Corwyn came in, scrambled back into bed. Corwyn sat nearby, and watched her as she curled up next to her kitten. In her exhausted state it wasn’t long before she was fast asleep. Corwyn settled into a corner. As a long serving soldier, he was used to sleeping wherever, and whenever, he could. A nap did seem like a good idea. He rested his head against the wall, and closed his eyes.


	Slowly, Megan woke to the sounds of singing. Bad singing. She sat up, and looked around. It was night, and through the window the light on other ships shone brightly. A softly glowing lamp, turned quite low, so that the light wouldn’t wake her, lit the room itself. Corwyn sat only a few feet away, lost in a large leather-bound book. Megan smiled; he was always reading it. It was, she knew, The Book of Sol. The holy collection of writings of creation and of Sol’s words to his worshippers. This one was a gift, hand written by Grandpa Dylan, and given to Corwyn when he came of age. There was a look of contentment on his face. She knew he knew the whole book word for word, but there was something more real about the words, lovingly written in Grandpa’s beautiful flowing script that kept bringing him back. Behind him, Sunny was chasing Corwyn’s flicking tail, pouncing happily about as she alternately tried to catch, or flee, her prey. Megan shuffled over to Corwyn’s side. He noticed the movement. “Hello Sleepyhead.”

“Can… can I read too?”

“Of course you can, here.” He passed the book to her. “I need to grab a snack anyway, I’m famished.”

“What time is it?” Megan flicked through the book to her favourite part, where the great hero Artus the Lion, rescues his beloved Hyana from the clutches of a Souleater.

“Late evening, not exactly sure.” Corwyn replied as he hunted through the basket to see what was left. Some cheese, a little chicken, four more of those rowie things, and some fruit. He took a rowie, and offered her the last starfruit. “Breakfast? Though I suppose it’s more a midnight snack. And there’s still some chicken, if you want to feed a little more to Sunny.”

Megan ate the fruit, a little more slowly this time, and then reached for a piece of chicken. Corwyn stilled his tail, letting Sunny catch it at last She clung for a couple of seconds, batted at it twice, and then gave up, looking around for something else to play with. Megan called her name, catching her attention with a small piece of chicken, and Sunny came bounding over. The big friendly thing was feeding her again, and making a sound, over and over. Warm hands gathered her up onto it, where more nice food was waiting. She purred. Megan picked up the little silver brush, and carefully started to brush the happy little kitten, which purred all the more, immensely enjoying the attention she was getting.

“Hello?” Taross knocked. “Is everyone decent?’

“C’mon in. Door’s not locked.” Corwyn replied, snacking on the last of the cheese. Taross padded in, and sat, as usual, half on and half off of the cot.

“Well,” Taross said brightly, “you two seem to be getting along just fine.”

“She’s lovely…” Megan said softly, the hint of a smile on her lips. She looked up as raucous laughter filled the air. “What’s going on outside?” she asked, looking nervous.

“Just the crew having a bit of fun, considering we’re not sailing till late in the day. Thaily’s letting them cut loose a bit, for getting us here so fast.”

“For which I’m very grateful.”

“Ah, don’t be silly. Anyway, why I’m here. Those Dragons have been getting into the swing of things, and Branin’s been challenging all comers to arm-wrestle him. So far only Ernie has been able to beat him. Your cousin suggested you try. I’ll keep an eye on Meg here, if she doesn’t mind, that is.

Megan shook her head a little. “I… I don’t mind…”

Corwyn stood. “Thanks Taross. I won’t be long, Meg, don’t worry.” He left, leaving the pair alone.

“Well,” Taros said, standing up, “hop on.” Megan stared at her. “Hurry, don’t you want to see Corwyn wrestle a Dragon? You’ll never get to see something like that again. We can watch from the door.”

“What… what about Sunny?”

“Bring her along, it won’t do any harm.”

Megan thought about it for a moment, then quickly slid across the cot onto Taross’ back, Sunny still in her lap. Holding onto the kitten with her right hand, she gripped Taross’ shoulder, and the Taur padded quickly to the door leading to the main deck. From there they could see Corwyn, standing by a seated Branin, who was gesturing for him to sit on the other side of the crate he was using as a makeshift table. Thaily stood on the far side, acting as judge, and making sure everyone played fair. She said something to Corwyn as he sat, and he turned and waved to the pair in the doorway.

“Best of three.” Branin said, and held out his hand, elbow on the rough wooden case.

“Actually, my right hand still smarts from a few cuts. D’you mind if we swap hands?” He held up the offending hand so Branin could see. He shrugged, and changed hands, grinning confidently. Corwyn took hold.

“Ok.” Thaily said as they readied themselves. “Ready… GO!”

Corwyn pushed with all his might, and with a grunt, forced Branin’s hand down, very much to Branin’s surprise. Kalisandra, leaning on a nearby mast, straightened up. ‘You showboating again?’

‘No. He’s stronger than he looks.” He’d only used as much force as he’d thought was enough. After all, he didn’t want to injure anyone.

“WOO HOO! WAY TO GO, CORWYN.” Taross shouted, as the pair readied themselves again.

“And… GO!”

This time Branin was ready for him. Their hands wavered for a moment, and then Branin steadily forced Corwyn’s hand down. He was definitely stronger than he looked. Stronger, Branin though, than he had a right to be.

For the third time, they clasped hands. Branin’s smile had gone, replaced by a slight frown. Corwyn too, had lost his easy manner, but Branin couldn’t read the expression.

“And… GO!”

Corwyn heaved, but Branin pushed hard, and Corwyn’s hand went down easily.

“Whoa! Ow. Man, that’s some grip you got there.”

Branin grinned  “Not too shabby yourself. Congratulations.”

“On?”

“To being only the third person on this ship to gain even one point against me. The others being the Polar Bear, and a Weasel with faster reactions than I anticipated. I knew the Polar Bear was stronger than me, but I didn’t expect anyone else to get anywhere.”

“Taross did say that Ernie was the only one to beat you. HEY ERNIE.” Corwyn turned, and gave Ernie a thumbs-up, and the Polar Bear grinned. “Well, that was… interesting, but I should get back to my niece. A pleasure…” he extended a hand, which Branin shook.

“Likewise.” Branin watched him leave. Definitely someone to watch, he thought. Kalisandra’s hands came to rest on his shoulders. ‘Valkos got it on the nose, he’s Bonded alright.’

‘So… a place we Dragons officially have little interest in, is unofficially interesting enough to watch clandestinely. Wonder what clan it is…’

‘We’ll find out soon enough, Kali. Both our clan and Valkos’ will probably investigate. Remember, there’s also the chance it’s a Dragon gone Rogue.’

Kalisandra rubbed his shoulders. ‘Which means we’ll have to tell the Church.’

‘Assuming Valkos hasn’t already told them.’

‘Branin, love, we have to tell them anyway. Otherwise they’ll be sniffing around trying to find out why we’d not bothered mentioning a couple of Bonded Tigers in a place with no Dragons.’

He reached up and patted her hands. “There is that, true. Let’s worry about that later. Still a fair while before we get back home, after all’s said and done. Let’s just enjoy the unexpected break, hmm?’

‘Sure. Let’s see if they’ve anything decent to drink on this tub.’


	“Back in a mo.” Taross said over her shoulder as she trotted out of the door.

Megan lay across the cot, reading from Corwyn’s book, with little Sunny curled up on a pillow nearby. Every now and then Megan would look up, just to make sure she was fine. The sleeping kitten was so cute she wanted to pick her up and cuddle her. But she also didn’t want to disturb her new pet. She looked over at Corwyn, busy checking though his equipment. He drew his sword, checking its edge with his thumb. She watched quietly; this was something she’d never seen before. She’d never been in a situation where a guard had ever done anything like maintain his weapons. That was something they she’d never even considered; something, she assumed, they did on their own time, not while actually guarding. Satisfied, Corwyn gave the sword a rub down with an oilcloth, before returning it to its scabbard. Corwyn noticed her watching, and smiled.

“A quick oily rub. Don’t want it rusting in this salty air.”

“Oh.” As she watched he drew his dagger, inspecting it in the same way. It was a vicious looking thing, with a long, straight blade that curved at the end to a needle sharp tip. The back edge was heavily serrated, and the overall wear showed long and heavy use. He frowned, put it down, and dug a whetstone out of his bag. Picking the knife up, he ran the whetstone along the blade several times, from hilt to tip, with a practiced ease. Finally, he turned the blade over, and swept the stone across the blade one last time, from tip to hilt. She suddenly felt cold. She knew he was a soldier, and abstractly that he’d been in battle and probably killed, but around Teshia and herself he was nothing more than a big softie, spoiling the pair rotten. To see him sitting there, actively preparing his weapons and readying himself for fighting, was at odds with her image of him. “Um…”

“Yes Meg?” He returned the dagger to its scabbard, having found the edge to be sharp enough. “Can I help you with something?”

“Do you… I mean, have you ever… with that knife… um…” Her voice trailed away.

“If you’re asking if I’ve ever killed with this knife, then yes. Yes I have.” He put it down.

“Oh.”

“Meg, I’m a soldier. It’s my duty to serve. Sometimes that means I have to fight, and sometimes I have to kill. And since my orders are to bring you home safely, I’m making sure I can protect you to the best of my abilities.”

Megan sat up slowly. “Is that why you came instead Mother?”

“No. We only found out you’d been captured days before I sailed. I’m not sure she even knows you’d been kidnapped yet, though chances are she does. It’s likely she’s in Kessellon with Teshia and your Grandma. I came because Grandma sent me, so you’d be home as fast as possible.”

“Oh.” She looked on the edge of tears again.

“I’m sorry we weren’t there to protect you, Meg.” He stood, and sat down next to her; close, but not touching.

“What’s going to happen? To him, I mean.”

Corwyn frowned. “Unfortunately, he goes home once you’re safe in Kessellon.”

“But… all those people?”

He took her hand. “I know, Angel, I know. Grandma thought it more important to get you home, and prevent another war, though. And I agree.”

She looked up at him. “So… he gets away with it? Everyone he killed, everything he … he did?”

“No. All he gets is a reprieve. We’ll get him one day.”

She sat quietly for a moment. How had he known where to find her? From Arneviste? And how had they known it was him? Did he know what had happened that night? She was still trying to figure out how to ask, when there came a knock on the door, and Taross bounced in, carrying another basket.

“Only me.” Taross placed the basket next to Megan. It was shallow, and lined with a few rabbit skins. “A proper bed for Sunny.”

“Thank you.”

“Things calming down out there?”

Taross nodded. “Yup. They started pretty early. Most have already crashed, planning a good long lie-in. Still, they deserve it; they’ve been working pretty hard to get you here so fast.”

“So I noticed.” He grinned. “And I’m sure it’s nothing to do with the bonus for each day ahead of schedule I’m paying.”

“Why, I’m sure the thought hasn’t even crossed their minds.” Taross said sweetly. “Anyway, it’s getting pretty late, so I’m hitting the sack. Catch you tomorrow.”

Corwyn rose, and opened the door for her. “Sweet dreams, Taross.” Taross smiled, and padded softly out. The bolt slid shut, and Corwyn sat back into the corner of the cabin. I’m gonna follow her lead and get a little sleep too, Meg. If you’re not tired, feel free to read a while.” He gestured to the book, lying open by her side.

“Thank you. Um… I’ll be quiet.”

“Don’t worry. Wake me if you need anything.” He settled back, crossed his arms, and closed his eyes. Megan watched him for a while, and then checked on Sunny. Still sleeping. She lay down, and quietly read Corwyn’s book. Around her, unnoticed, the night grew quiet.


	“Are you ok? You’re looking very nervous.” Taross asked.

“I’m just wondering where Cory is. I thought he’d be back by now.”  Megan scratched Sunny behind one ear, and the little kitten purred happily.

“I’m sure he’ll be back soon, Meg. You shouldn’t worry; he can handle himself. I mean, you should have seen him fight off Black Patrick’s men” Megan stared at Taross in horror. “Erm…”

“You were attacked by pirates?” She shook.

“No no, nothing like that. Black Patrick was a rival captain with a grudge against Thaily. He tried to attack us on our way here, but didn’t expect to see anyone like Corwyn, or those Dragons. Especially those Dragons. That Kalisandra’s absolutely deadly. Patrick had twice the men we have, yet the six of them had almost ended the fight before our own crew could board his ship.”

“She’s scary looking…”

Taross patted Megan’s knee. “She’s also very sweet, and that husband of hers is a real charmer.”

“Oh.”

“So don’t you worry about pirates. That lot are more than good enough to keep you safe.”

“Were you scared?” Megan asked.

“A little. Then I saw what Kalisandra, Corwyn and friends were doing. Patrick’s men were falling over themselves to surrender, rather than face them. In the end they gave up, and Patrick challenged Thaily to a duel.”

“What happened?”

“She accepted, and he died.”

Megan gasped. “She killed him?”

Taross nodded. “Yes. It was a duel to the death. He could have surrendered, especially when Thaily disarmed him, but chose to fight.”

Sunny pawed at Megan’s hand, and Megan smiled. Sunny wanted to play again, and she was happy to oblige. She dragged the end of her sash past, and Sunny enthusiastically pounced it. “She’s really enjoying herself, isn’t she?” Taross said.

“Never had a cat before…” Megan said, captivated by the fluffy ball.

“Never? Shame. Well, now you do, and isn’t she just the cutest?”

There was a knock on the door, and Corwyn came in, carrying a large bag. He put the bag down next to Megan. “Clothes and such for the trip. Can’t have you stuck in here with just one dress, can we?” He sat back in ‘his’ corner. “Hi Taross, has my Angel behaved herself?”

“Of course she has. She’s been the sweetest thing, just sitting with Sunny. We were starting to wonder what was keeping you.” Taross beamed. “So what did you get?”

“Peckish.”

“Huh?”

“Heh, I got a little hungry and stopped at a stall for a bite. It’s why I’m a little late. I picked up a few dresses, a few blouses, and a couple of pairs of breeches. A few odds and ends too. Should be enough for the trip.”

“We’ll be sailing in about three hours.” Taross said, scratching her left paw with her right. “If there’s anything else you need to get from onshore, now’s the time to do it.”

“Nope, all done.”

“Good, that’s us set then.” Taross grinned. “And as Thaily reckons she can shave a couple more days off, that’s a grand total of twenty four thousand Crowns, yes?”

“Thirty two. You’re forgetting the bounty on Black Patrick.”

She blinked. “Oh, of course. Wow, that’s serious money. The crew’ll be pleased. That means each share is… um… eight hundred Crowns.”

“The crew get one share apiece, I take it?”

“Yah, and both myself and Ernie get two. Thaily gets four, and the rest gets used for repairs and stuff.”

“Sounds fair.”

Taross stood, and Corwyn started to rise. “Sit down, lummox, I can open a door by myself, you know.” The tone was hard, but her eye twinkled. Corwyn gave a brief gesture of surrender, and sat back. “Time for me to lend a hand. I’ll be back later, once we’re underway. See you later, Meg.”

“Bye…” Megan said softly, as the door closed behind Taross.

“You ok with her?” Corwyn asked, shuffling over and laying his head on his hands on the edge of the cot.

“She’s nice…”

“She is that.” He gave her a gentle nudge. “Why don’t you put your new clothes away? Thaily says you can have the top drawer of the dresser. Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on Sunny.” She carefully unhitched Sunny from her sash, and pulled the bag over to the far end of the cot, next to the dresser. The top drawer, she found, was empty, so she opened the bag. She was mildly curious as to what he’d bought. Three modest dresses, two orange and one yellow. Four blouses, one red, one orange and two white. A reasonably baggy pair of tan breeches. And a closer fitting, earthy coloured leather pair. There was also a pair of slippers, a good brush, a towel and a bar of lavender scented soap. Megan carefully folded the lot into the drawer.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Hello Sunny.” She turned to see Sunny sniffing at Corwyn, curious to see if this other big thing was as friendly as her own. She pawed cautiously at it, tapping his nose. Sunny mewed and came close, her attention caught by his eye blinking. She sniffed it. Corwyn didn’t fancy a kitten actually sticking its nose in his eye, so he twitched his left ear as a distraction. Movement! Prey! Pounce!

“Ow… ow ow. Meg… Meg, please get your cat off my head.” Megan giggled at the big, strong Tiger, rendered helpless by the tiniest of kittens. She knew, of course, that he didn’t fend it off because he didn’t want to hurt it, but it was still funny. She scrabbled over, and gently picked the kitten up.

“Bad Sunny. Attacking a helpless Tiger, shame on you.” For the first time since he’d arrived, Corwyn could see a real smile on her face, not just the hint of one. “Um, Corwyn? What is she?”

“Sorry, I’m not very good on breeds of cats.”

“Taross, I mean. What is she?”

“Too embarrassed to ask her yourself?” Corwyn asked as he moved to sit next to her. She nodded. “Ok. Let me tell you a little story…”


	The sun was high, and the wind warm. Corwyn sat watching Megan and her new friend, a cute little Otter called Gina. Over the last few days, Megan had regained some confidence. Enough to come outside, at least, so long as either Corwyn or Taross were near. She’d been worried when Thaily had come in and found her with Sunny, but Thaily had shrugged, and told her it was ok, just as long as Megan cleaned up after the cat. Megan had been outside, grooming Sunny, when Gina first came over. Including Thaily and Taross, almost a third of the crew were female, a fact that Corwyn had used to coax her out into the fresh air. And it wasn’t long before the tiny kitten had attracted attention. The men stayed away, as ordered, but the women thought Sunny and Megan were just the cutest things. Megan hit it off best with the youngest. Gina.

“And you say they were just gonna drown her?” Gina asked. “Poor thing, who’d wanna drown you?”

“That’s what Taross said. And I promised to look after her.” Megan giggled. “She does the funniest things…”

“Oh?”

“She jumped on Corwyn’s head and tried to eat his ear. And he was yelping for help. It was really funny.”

Gina looked him over. Friendly enough, but there was something about him. Then again, she had seen him fighting against Black Patrick’s men, killing almost without a thought. And the way he seemed to stare. She turned back to the kitten, and scratched its ear. Sunny purred. “He’s staring again.” Gina mumbled.

“He’s just watching over me, Gina. He won’t hurt you.”

“I know that. He just makes me nervous, staring all the time.” Megan turned and mouthed ‘stop staring’ at Corwyn, who winked, and turned to face Taross.

“Am I upsetting her new friend, d’you think?”

“Kind of. That stare of yours can be… unsettling.”

“Heh. And I never realise I’m staring ‘till someone tells me I am.” He sighed. “Just look at her. Sitting there with her cat and her friend, I can just about see the old Megan. But at night…”

“Bad dreams?”

He nodded. “Very. It’s why she looks so tired; she just isn’t getting enough sleep. Despite what she went through, as far as I can tell it’s what he did to all the others that’s getting to her the most.”

“That bad?”

“Torture. Rape. Murder. The whole crew dying after he torched the ship. Yes, that bad.” Corwyn’s face was grim. “It was so bad one of his own hand-picked officers turned informant on him.”

“Gods!”

“He told us everything. True, there was a reward, quite a big one, but more than anything he simply couldn’t stay. Arneviste would want him killed for his betrayal.

“Why didn’t he kill her too?” Taross immediately regretted asking; it wasn’t her business.

“One, he wanted an insurance policy, in case he was found out. He only needed one, the most valuable person there. The granddaughter of Lord Amberstar. The others were all killed to keep his identity secret, at least until he had some influence with your Free Captains.  And I guess he thought he’d be able to count on being traded for her if he was caught. He was right. And two, and I’m guessing here, it’s likely he thought he could make her bear his children, lessening the hybrid strain. It’s well known he resents the stigma it carries. No Pellandrian noble wants his daughter to marry a half-breed.”

“That’s the most horrible thing I’ve ever heard.”

“I wish I had him here right now. I’d …” The look on his face was murderous and Taross knew he meant every word.

“Friggin’ hell’s teeth.” Gina stared at him; she’d never seen such raw hatred.

“Gina! Language!” Megan was shocked to hear such language from a young girl, not much older than herself.

“Meg, look at him!” Gina couldn’t take her eyes off him.

Megan turned, and was taken completely by surprise. She’d seen him happy; she’d seen him sad. She’d seen him excited, and even a little angry. She’d never seen him like this. There was a mad rage in his eyes that made her blood run cold. “Uncle? Uncle Cory?”

He immediately hung his head, clenched his fists, and drew a deep breath. When his head came up again a few seconds later, his face was again calm, and a gentle smile graced his lips. “Something you wanted, Angel?”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong. I was just talking to Taross about something, that’s all.”

“But you looked so…” She turned back to Sunny. “You were talking about him, weren’t you?”

“Yes.”

“You want to kill him, don’t you?” He didn’t reply. “Uncle?”

“He gets to go home safely. After that, all bets are off. If I ever meet him again then yes, I’ll kill him.”

“Good.” Slowly, she stood. “ Uncle Cory? Can Gina and I go inside?”

Corwyn turned to Taross. “Is that ok?”

“Well, she does have work to do… I guess it’s ok for once.”

“Just us please, Uncle.” Megan interrupted as Corwyn started to rise.

“Oh! Um… ok, Meg, just shout if you need me.”

“Ok. Come on, Gina.” Megan carried Sunny inside, followed by Gina, who nervously hurried past. Corwyn watched silently as the door closed behind them.

“You’ve definitely spooked her.” Taross said.

“Didn’t mean to.”

“Don’t worry, she’ll be fine. How ‘bout you? That was one of the biggest mood swings I’ve ever seen.”

Corwyn chuckled. “I suppose it was. No, don’t worry about me; I just let my temper get the better of me.” He rose. “I could do with some weapon practice. Fancy showing me how to use that kote of yours?”

Taross smiled, shaking her head. “Join you for a bit of practice, yes. Teach you the kote, no. I learnt my fighting style from a Nijikujin master. I’d very much be dishonouring him if I were to teach it to someone else. No offence.”

“None taken. Fair enough. I’ll go get a practice sword.”

“No, don’t. It’s not as if I’ve a practice maul. How ‘bout we grab a couple of belaying pins, pretend they’re daggers and practice close fighting? I’m a little rusty with a knife.”

“Cool. Sounds like a plan. Anytime you’re ready Miss Blackburn.”

She laughed. “Just bring it on, Mr Amberstar. Bring it on.”


	Flames rose higher, ever higher, up the masts, engulfing the sails and giving the night a hellish glow. Screams and smoke filled the air, and she couldn’t stop shaking. Her wrists were tied behind her, and a strong hand held her neck. A rough tongue probed her ear, and her captor’s other hand roughly pawed her small breasts. She struggled, but could not pull away. Dimly, she became aware of others nearby. Her Lady, the beautiful silver grey Wolf she both loved and served, lay nearby, as naked as she herself was. There was a Wolf stepping back from her, his fur matted with her blood, which was beginning to pool beneath her. A Bear took the wolf’s place, sporting an erection that looked as big as her forearm. She turned away; she couldn’t watch. She’d seen the other Wolf there too, straddling a Wolf, and simultaneously being taken from behind by an Ocelot who couldn’t have been a day over fifteen. Soon it would be her turn.

A sound caught her attention, even amid the clamour around her. Her name. Nathan was calling her name. Calling for them to stop. She knew he wanted to help her, but it was useless. The men were trapped in the hold, and soon everyone would be dead. Then her blood ran cold. It was the Captain, his cold, dead, grey face locked in a sneer. The flames reflected oddly on his smooth, hairless skin. He strode out of the smoke dragging a sobbing little Deer behind him. She was the daughter of the nice old priest who’d sailed with them, barely into her teens. Like her, she was naked. And like her she seemed untouched. Yet. He pulled her around in front of him, holding her by one of her ears. She squealed in pain. He laughed.

“I want her on her back.”

Her captor kicked her in the knees, and lowered her to the deck. A Panther, black as coal, stared down at her, a look of lust on his ebony face. “When do I get my turn?”

“Never with the Tiger; I’m keeping her. You can have this bitch once I’m done. Now spread her.” Before she knew it, the Panther’s powerful hands had her legs spread. She looked up in terror at the grey monster. A grin spread across his pallid face, and his tiny ears twitched with anticipation. “Very nice…”

He untied the Doe’s hands, and then started to undo his belt. “Please no…” she whimpered, trying to cover herself. He grabbed her and threw her to the ground, where she lay, cowering. His belt lashed across her behind, and the Doe screamed.

Horrified, she watched as he dragged the Doe onto her hands and knees, and whispered into her ear. He looped his belt around her neck, and dragged the terrified girl over to where she lay. Her head spun. “Gods no, please…” she whispered. He laughed, and pushed the little Deer girl’s face into her crotch. Everything blurred. She could feel a tongue inside her, and she looked away, hot tears running freely. For a moment, she could see one of his officers, a Tiger, like herself. Unlike the others, his face had no hungry look of vicious lust. Instead, his expression was a mix of pity and grief. He met her gaze for a second, a tear glistening in his eye, and then he was gone, vanishing into the smoke. Suddenly, she was dragged to her feet, and pushed across the deck.

“The girl’s all yours…” he said to the Panther. “And you’re all mine…” Roughly, she was manhandled onto his ship, rude hands groping, caressing. He shoved her towards a doorway, dark and foreboding. She knew what was coming. She knew! Finally, weakly, she struggled to pull away, but her strength, what little she had, deserted her. Closer and closer, the doorway came, terrifying her beyond reason. There was a flash of silver, and her hideous grey tormentor stopped, and toppled slowly to the deck.

“Megan.” Startled as she was to hear her name, she was even more surprised when he stepped out of the darkness. Uncle? He stepped forwards, moving to embrace her with outstretched hands. Hands that were dripping with the blood of those he’d killed. She screamed.

She sat up gasping and shaking, as she had done for some time now. Corwyn, she could see, was watching her carefully. That was the first time the dream had ended without her being pulled into darkness. The first time he’d been in it. The image of him reaching for her with blood soaked hands was still vivid in her mind. She knew her favourite uncle would never harm her, but still she felt afraid. And she couldn’t see Sunny. “Sunny?”

“Behind you.”

She looked, to see her little kitten asleep on the windowsill, curled up in the morning sunshine. She’d let her sleep. Her eyes wandered back to Corwyn. She felt nervous, and oddly embarrassed.

“What is it, Meg?”

“Um… Gina was wondering…”

“Yes?” He smiled warmly at that. Megan often asked questions on the pretence that someone else wanted to know the answer, particularly if the question was awkward or personal.

Megan looked away, fidgeting. “She was wondering… um… how many people you’ve… you’ve killed.”

He shrugged. “I’m glad to say I’ve no idea.”

“But…”

“Meg, most of the family’s in, or been in, active service. Many of us fought in the last war, just before you were born. Even your mother and grandmother have killed in battle.” This wasn’t really a surprise; she knew the Amberstar house were sworn defenders of the Empire, but to actually hear him say it was still a shock. “Why so interested, all of a sudden?”

“I just… all this fighting and killing, it just doesn’t sound like you. You never ever said anything about it.”

“Because, little Angel, I want to think of happier things when I’m with you and Teshia.” He sat next to her, and took her hand. “Singing in the garden, swimming in the pond. That time I had to rescue you when you’d clambered into that tree and were too scared to come down. I far prefer to be Uncle Cory, out walking in the sun with his favourite girls, than Uncle Corwyn, who likes fighting and is a bit scary.”

She looked down at his hand, completely engulfing her own, and placed her left on it. It dwarfed hers. Even if she were to lock her hands together, he’d still be able to hold hers completely within it. Yet never was his touch anything but gentle. Though she knew it was his duty, she hated the thought that he’d ever had to raise his hands in anger. “I… I prefer uncle Cory too…” She leant against him, shaking slightly, and tensed a little as he draped his left arm around her.

“I’m proud of you, Meg. So very proud.”

“I don’t understand…”

He hugged her. “Your strength, Angel. I’m proud of your strength. I scarce think there’s anyone else in the whole family who could’ve gone through what you went through and made it out alive, let alone sane.”

She trembled. “I’m not strong… I couldn’t fight him off at all.”

“That’s not what I meant, Meg. I’m talking about your spirit, your heart.” He rested his cheek against the top of her head, nestled against his shoulder. “You’ve a good heart, a strong heart. I was watching you playing with Sunny and Gina, and though you’re not the rough and tumble tomboy I’ve watched grow up, you’re a far cry from the scared girl I found in Arneviste’s estate. You’re a true Amberstar, Meg, one of the bravest people I know.”

For a brief time, they sat there in silence, and her trembling slowly stopped. She looked up at him. “You really think I’m brave?”

He smiled, warm and loving. “Of course I do, Angel. We know what happened on the ship, and have a good idea of the rest, and for you to come through that, and still be able to smile, speaks volumes.”

“You… you know?”

“Yes. One of his men gave us a pretty detailed idea of what happened. We just didn’t know who the passengers were until we’d caught him.”

“Oh.” She thought for a moment. “Was it a Tiger?”

“It was. How did you know that?”

“I remember a Tiger on the ship, watching when… he looked sad, I think.”

“You apparently look almost exactly like his daughter, and he was too shaken by that, and the rest, that his conscience forced him to turn Arneviste in.”

“What happened to him?”

“He’s in prison with the other officers. Just so no one suspects him, because Arneviste might want revenge if he knew. He’s already been well rewarded.”

“Oh.” She rested her head on his shoulder again. “Uncle? Would… would you hum that song again, the on from the carriage?”

“Sure, Angel.” He started to hum, holding her gently, and slowly she fell asleep, safe in her Uncle Cory’s arms.


	Thaily knocked on the door. “Hello?”

“It’s open.” Thaily turned the ornate brass handle, and entered her cabin. Megan sat on the cot, dressed in a white cotton, knee length nightgown, talking to Gina, who was wearing an old brown tunic that ended scandalously high on her thighs, at least to Megan’s eyes. Thaily gave Gina a stern look.

“Well?”

“But… but Taross said…” Gina stammered.

Thaily crossed her arms and stared, and the disappointed little Otter began to clamber off the cot. “Sit down, Gina, I’m just pulling your tail.”

She quickly jumped back up next to Megan, ‘innocently’ giving Corwyn a quick flash of her rump as she did so. He chuckled to himself. Gina had become somewhat friendlier after finding out exactly who he was. “Something I can do for you, Captain?”

“I’m wondering when I’m going to get that match you promised me.” Thaily said, cocking her head. “If you put it off much longer we’ll be back in bloody Kessellon, and it’ll be too late.” Her foot tapped, and it was quite clear she meant right now. She’d been eager to match blades against him when he casually mentioned he preferred the sabre to the foil, which meant he could fence. A practice duel would be a good way to practice, and an ideal way to size him up, in a friendly way, of course.

“I suppose now is as good a time as any, if the girls don’t mind, that is.” He rose, and stretched.”

The two girls whispered excitedly. “Can we watch? From the door, I mean.” Megan asked.

“Sure. Nothing wrong with an audience. Am I right, Thaily?”

“Ha! No choice, either, since we’ll be fighting in plain view of most of the crew.” Thaily laughed. “Unless you want to fight in here, and I think it’s a bit cramped for that.”

“Depends on what you mean by ‘fight’ now, doesn’t it? I’m sure we could manage to, ahem, ‘wrestle’.” He gave her a wink.

“In your dreams, stripey.”

“Frequently.” Corwyn said, grinning. “After you.”

Thaily walked out, shaking her head and muttering, and Corwyn stepped out after her. With one quick check to make sure Sunny was still sleeping, Megan and Gina were quick to follow. They stopped at the door to the deck, Gina first, in the doorway, with Megan behind her, clinging to her shoulders. Corwyn and Thaily walked to the centre of the deck, where Taross was waiting for them with a pair of sabres. Each was handed a weapon to check, which both found to be satisfactory.

“They’ve been properly blunted, so we can’t really break skin unless we hit hard, so try not to bludgeon me, ok?” Thaily said. “Though the points still sharp enough to do some damage, so try to avoid lunges.”

“Got it.” He took a few steps away, and saluted. Thaily did likewise, and both took up ready stances. Immediately, Thaily could see he looked a little stiff, so she thought it likely he hadn’t actually done any fencing in a while. Which gave her an edge she knew she needed. The first few strikes were guarded, as each took in the other’s measure. He was strong, well trained, and had several inches of reach over her, while she was fast and skilled. And I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve, she thought. Pace slowly quickened, and Thaily wondered if Corwyn’s plan was to wear her down. Not gonna happen, stripey, she thought. Swiftly, her left hand shot to grab something from behind her, while she struck out at neck height with her sabre. As he parried, she struck. He felt her punch him in the stomach.

“My point, Tigerboy.” Thaily said with a laugh. Looking down he say that she hadn’t punched him. She’d ‘stabbed’ him with the hilt of her dagger.

“That’s hardly sporting, Lox.” Corwyn glared.

“Hey, I fight to win. You want sporting? Go to some tournament or something. And this is hardly a formal match, hmm? Besides, we both know you only suggested this to size me up, and I only agreed so I could do the same.” She paused, “…and I like sparring. Keeps me sharp.”

“Fair enough.” He stepped back, and this time he abandoned the formal fencer’s stance. He grinned.  “Two weapons, huh? Now you’re talking!”

Thaily grinned, circling around his right flank. He turned with her, his eyes locked firmly with hers. His expression gave away nothing, other than the fact that he was enjoying himself. She aimed a blow at his left leg that he parried with ease, replying with a swift chop at her neck. She dodged, and sprang back. “That the best you’ve got?”

“I’ve barely started, little Lox. How about this?” His arm came up, swung down at her. She parried, and instantly regretted not dodging. He hit the blade hard, and it rang in her hand. She nearly dropped it, and the impact had her hand stinging.

“Ow! Fuck!” Thaily backed off. If he kept hitting hard, he’d wear her down in no time. She needed to throw him again, and she thought she knew just what might do it. She allowed herself to be herded by him, until she was almost where he wanted her. When he swung the feint that was to put her in position, she reacted in an entirely unexpected way. Casually, she flipped her dagger in a lazy arc towards his face, the tumbling blade flickering in the late evening sun. His instant reaction was to reel back, away from the spinning dagger, a look of complete astonishment on his face. She took her chance, diving past him, and striking him hard across the stomach as she went. Thaily rolled, and came to her feet a half dozen feet away. “Second point.” Thaily said with a grin.

He stared at her. “Fuck’s sake, woman, you threw a fucking knife at my face. What the fuck were you thinking? This is supposed to be a friendly match.”

“It was never going to hit you at that speed, stripey. It was just meant to distract you. Considering your strength, I need a few ways to even the odds. You want to fight me, you fight by my rules.”

Corwyn closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and sighed. “Fine. Let’s go.” Slowly, he started to circle her. Thaily sprang forwards.

“Uh uh, you’re not herding me about a second time, you damn schoft.” Thaily cried, swinging for his waist. Blocked. She quickly discovered he was completely defensive, making absolutely no attempt to return a blow of any kind. Fine. Either he’d make a mistake, and she’d have him, or he’d wear her down, and claw back a point. Big deal. He’d need to win all three in a row, and she just needed one. What new trick to play? It was at that moment, as she considered her options, that Corwyn suddenly changed tactics. Instead of parrying, as she’d been expecting, he simply, calmly, stepped to one side, and a blow she was expecting resistance to suddenly shot by. She stumbled, and cried out in pain as his sword crashed into hers, sending it clattering across the deck. His sword came to rest against her neck, and she froze.

“That’s two to one.” Corwyn said, offering her his hand. She slapped it away angrily. “Sorry if that stung a bit, but I fight to win too.”

Thaily recovered her sword. “Dammit, Corwyn, so I tricked you. No need to take it personally. That fucking hurt.”

“If I’d taken it personally, I’d have hit you, not your sword. I guarantee that would’ve hurt more. Would you like a short break? Or shall we continue?”

“Gimme a second…” Thaily said, still rubbing her stinging hand.

He nodded, and took time out to check out their audience. Apart from the girls, Megan half hidden behind Gina, most of the crew, including Taross and Ernie, had pretty much stopped to watch. All his guards and both Dragons were out too. He nodded to them.

“Ok, I’m ready now.” Thaily said, and Corwyn turned back to her, and readied himself. She came in quickly, attacking with a flurry of blows that Corwyn only just managed to fend her off. When he did manage to get in a strike of his own, she dodged back, and immediately launched another flurry of attacks. Good, he thought, very good indeed. Her speed was very impressive, but she wouldn’t be able to keep the pressure up for long. Still… could he hold her off until then? He was certainly going to try. His cheek stung suddenly; one of her swings had just caught him. It was not enough to count as a ‘good’ hit, but nevertheless it taught him that the tips of the swords were still sharp enough to cut. A thin trickle of blood started to run down his cheek, soaking the fur. Too close. He had to act soon.

By now, he felt he could tell the pattern of her attack, and decided to change tactic. As she swung again, rather then merely parry, he also pressed forwards. They came together, swords locked. Gazing into Thaily’s eyes, he could see a blazing determination, a need to win. For Thaily, losing simply wasn’t an option. He knew the look. While many Hybrid Kin end up as quiet, solitary individuals, only opening up to others of their kind, a very few went the other way. They strove to outdo those who looked down on them, treated them as little better than beggars. Thaily, he could tell, was one of the latter. Before she could properly disengage, he grabbed her wrist and heaved upwards. His grip was painfully strong, and Thaily cried out as she was lifted bodily from the deck, the sword falling from her hand. As her face came level with his, she snapped at him, sharp teeth inches from his face. “Whoa. Down, girl.”

Her eyes blazed, and, her temper rising, she brought her knee up. Hard. He dropped her with a groan, and she scrambled away, narrowly avoiding his half-hearted swing as he dropped to his knees. As he fell on all fours, she made a quick grab for her sword, pulling it back out of his reach. He didn’t react.

“Ik zei toch dat jij met je smerige klauwen van mij af moest blijven, paardenlul!” Thaily spat.

“Niet zo groot... Maar ik... Krijg geen klachten...”

Thaily blinked, but the surprise was only momentary. After all, she spoke his tongue; why shouldn’t he speak hers?” She walked around his left side, and batted him lightly in the waist. “And that makes three…” she whispered in his ear. Then, with a laugh, she walked off.

“Rrr…gods…” Corwyn groaned, dragging himself over to the rail, and leant back against it. Carefully, he undid his belt, and loosened his breeches. He could feel the pain spreading upwards, into the lower part of his stomach.  What was it they called it? Referred pain? Whatever they called it, he as getting tired of her kicking him in the balls. He’d have words with her about this. At least, he would, once he could stand again.

“Poor Cory…” Megan whispered behind Gina, who grinned, and looked back, over her shoulder.

“Think he’d mind if I offered to kiss it better?”

“GINA! Don’t you dare!”

“Why not? Don’t you think he’d like a cute girl like me as a mistress? I’m sure I’d love being pampered by a rich lover.”

Megan pulled her back inside “Please stop talking about it, Gina. It’s not funny.” She ran back into the cabin. Gina followed.

“Meg? Meg I’m sorry, I’m just teasing. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“I’m not upset. I… I just… I mean, why would you want to?”

Gina sat next to her friend, and gave her a hug. “Because I enjoy it, of course. Why else?”

“Oh.” 

“They aren’t all like the Grey Death, Meg. Some are sweet, and kind, and just wonderful. Like my Nathaniel.”

Nathaniel. The name echoed in her, bringing memories of Nathan. “Who… who’s Nathaniel?”

“He’s the cutest little Lynx you ever saw. He sits in the crow’s nest at night. Y’know, because he can see in the dark. Can you keep a secret?” Megan nodded, and Gina continued in a low whisper. “Sometimes, I’ve snuck up there, and we’ve done it, right over everyone.”

Megan gaped. “You didn’t!” Gina giggled. “Weren’t you scared of getting caught?”

“Sure we were. That’s half the fun of it. But we haven’t been yet, though I did get him in trouble.”

“How?”

“Can you keep a secret?”

“Uh huh.”

“Well, I kinda tired him out one night, and the Captain caught him taking a nap. Nearly threw him off the ship.”

“Just for sleeping?”

“Sleeping on duty. Worse yet, it was the night Black Patrick caught us. If somebody hadn’t seen a light or something, they would’ve ambushed us. So we kinda decided not to do it there anymore. Pity… Um, you won’t tell anyone, will you?”

“No. I promise.” Megan bit her lip. “Um…can I tell you a secret too?”

“Okay. What is it?”


	There came the clink of glass, and someone sat down next to him. From her scent, Corwyn knew it was Thaily, even without opening his eyes. “I really must insist that you quit it with the knee.”

“You’ll survive. Here… fuck! Shit, Corwyn, you’re face is covered in blood. Did I do that?” 

“Duelling scar. Nothing major, don’t worry about it.”

“Well, at least let me clean it up…”she said, scrambling to her feet, and scurrying off. He looked down. The last of the Pellandrian brandy. Enough to relax with, but not enough to get drunk on. Good. He’d embarrassed himself more than enough the last time. Thaily returned, carrying a basin and towel. She pulled a small cloth from the basin, wrung it, and started to mop up the blood. “Sorry.”

“It was fairly received, don’t worry. I’m more concerned with this whole ‘my balls, your knee’ thing you seem to have going.”

“Um… I didn’t mean to hit you so hard. You just caught me off-guard hoisting me up like that.”

“Like the knife flipped in my face did to me, I suppose. Heh. Looks like we both wanted to prove something, hmm?”

“Maybe.”

“Still, it tells me what I wanted to know.”

“Which was…?” She paused, staring at him.

“Thaily, some of the… jobs, I might want you to take could be a little… risky.” I had to see first hand that you’d be up to the job. No point sending you off to do something only for you to fail, or even die, because I overestimated you.”

“I… see.”

“Yes, I was testing you, and yes it’s somewhat underhanded, but I needed to know. My turn to be sorry. I deliberately provoked you in that duel, to see if anger made you careless. It didn’t.” He opened the decanter, pouring a generous measure into each glass.

“I don’t like being ‘played’ like that, Tiger.”

“It won’t happen again, I assure you.”

“I should bloody well hope so.”

“I hope I can say the same for your fixation with flattening my bollocks.”

She snorted. “That depends on you keeping your hands off. There. Done.” She sat beside him, picking up her glass. He tapped his glass off it.

“To a long, and profitable, relationship.”

“As long as it keeps its hands to itself.”

“Deal.” He sipped at the brandy, and sat quietly for a moment.

“So… “ Thaily said, “what do you feel you have to prove?”

He gulped the glass down. “That I’m not a murderer.”

Thaily stared. “What? Who says that?”

“Nobody but me.”

“Then, who are you trying to prove yourself to?”

“Myself.”

“Ah. The temper. So you’re the kind of guy who needs to be in control all the time?”

“And I’m betting that you’re the kind of woman who’s set out to prove them all wrong. That you’re not worthless just because of your mixed blood.”

She frowned, and swallowed her drink. “Maybe. I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Fair enough. We’ve both got our reasons; let’s leave it at that. What’s the latest estimate for when we reach Kessellon?”

“Round about noon on Solsday. So, figuring in the bonus, and with the reward for Black Patrick, it’s thirty two thousand, right?”

“Yup.” He poured the last of the brandy into their glasses. “And paid gladly, for your crew’s fine work.”

“They get their share.”

“Eight hundred Crowns, Taross said to me. That’s a fair whack for someone as young as Gina.”

“Ah, she’ll be fine.” She tossed back the last of her drink. “Do her good to have a bit of money to spend.”

Corwyn rose. “I suppose I should get back to pretending I don’t notice her flirting.”

“Heh. Too young, huh?”

“Yes. And the size difference, of course. I wouldn’t want to hurt her.”

Thaily cackled. “Someone’s got a high opinion of themselves.”

“That’s not what I meant, and you know it. I’m a brick shithouse, Thaily, I’d be worried about hurting her by accident if I got carried away. I’m not exactly gentle.”

“Tell me about it. My arm still hurts. That’s one bastard of a grip you have.”

“Thanks, I think.”

“You go take care of those kids, I’ve got work to get back to.” She picked the decanter up, and took his empty glass from him. “Later.”

He watched her go. He liked her. Another time, another place… he chuckled. And twenty years younger, you old fool, he chuckled to himself. He walked back to the cabin, and knocked on the door. “We’re decent…” came Megan’s voice from inside. He stepped in… and stopped dead. Megan was sitting in the centre of the cot, calmly brushing Sunny. But that wasn’t what stunned him. Beside her, hugging her gently, was Gina, tears in her eyes and shaking.

“Gina?” Corwyn said quietly. Gina shook her head.

“She won’t tell. It’s a secret. I told her what happened to me, but she won’t tell. And I’ll never tell anyone else. Please don’t ask.”

He clambered behind the pair, and enfolded them in his arms. “I never will, Angel. I never will.”

“I just couldn’t keep it in. I couldn’t.” she said in a faint whisper. “I had to tell someone. I had to. And… and I’ll never say it again…”

“Oh Megan…” Gina whimpered.

“Shh… shh… no more tears Meg… we’re going home, Angel.” Corwyn whispered. “Four days. My strong, beautiful Amberstar. Four days and you’ve beaten him. My brave, my beautiful Megan.” He opened his hands, still hugging them. “Take my hands, take my hands…”

Four hands found his. “Cory…” she muttered.

“Four days. Angel, and you’ll be home with Mum, and Grandma, and Teshia.” He kissed the back of her head. “Be brave. Be an Amberstar.” She nodded, and he smiled. “And Gina?”

“Ye… yes?”

He whispered in her ear. “I’m not your type.”



	The cool breeze stirred their fur as they watched. Several small ships had come close as they approached, and finally a couple of the dreadnaughts had appeared. With an obvious pleasure, Taross could see Jack waving from the Hammer. Corwyn patted her shoulder. “He’s a good guy. I wish you both the best, Taross.”

“Thanks. Still early days.”

“Maybe, but he’s a beaut. Seriously. One of the best men I know..”

Taross blushed. “I know.”

“Good.. If I don’t see some Liontaurs sometime soon, I’ll know you’ve screwed up.”

“Oh, shut up.”

“Bye Taross.” He crossed the deck to where Thaily stood. “On time, yes?” 

Thaily shrugged, affecting an air of nonchalance. “Pretty much, Tiger” 

“Thank you.”

“For?”

“Being so fast. Means a lot.”

“So does the bonus.”

“Thanks anyway. You’ve got a good crew.”

She smiled. “You’re right; I do. Oh, there’s the castle. See?”

“Ah, home, sweet home. I’d better let the others know we’ll be there soon.”  

“Any preference ‘bout where we berth?”

“Inside the Naval ‘yard.”

Thaily’s eyes widened in mock amazement. “Ooh! Such a privilege.”

Corwyn grinned. “Comes with the name, y’know. Back in a couple.”

Down in the hold he found the others getting ready. “Just an hour now, and we’ll be in Kessellon.”

“About bloody time.” Kalisandra muttered. “I can’t wait to feel the damn ground beneath my feet.”

“We’re running seven days early, love.” Branin said softly. “Be thankful for small mercies.”

“I am, it’s just frustrating, all this waiting around. I’m anxious to get home with… our prize.” She looked at Corwyn.

“Would you like me to arrange transport for you?”

Kalisandra shook her head. “No. We’d rather do that for ourselves.”

“Okay. You’re welcome to stay awhile, I’m sure my mother won’t mind.”

“Thanks. We’ll think about it.” Branin replied.

Corwyn turned to his men. “I want everyone on deck as soon as possible. Full uniform.”

“Sir!” “Yes, Captain!”

He paused for a second as he left the hold. Taross was having a loud discussion, ship to ship, with Jack about meeting up for dinner. Thaily stood overseeing the crew. An hour. An hour, and he’d fulfil his promise to bring her home. He frowned. How long would it be before he could fulfil his other promise? Before he could kill Arnaviste and avenge the deaths of all those he murdered? “First things first, Corwyn…” he mumbled to himself. Ambling inside, he knocked on the cabin door.

“It’s open.” Megan called, and Corwyn stepped in. She was sitting play-fighting Sunny with her hand, with Gina giggling at the kitten’s antics.

“Ready to go, Angel? We’re nearly there.”

“Oh. Do… I have to go outside yet?”

“Not if you don’t want to. Nervous?”

“It’s been months since I saw them. I’m frightened they’ll treat me differently. That they’ll be ashamed of me.”

“Now don’t be silly, Meg. You know they all love you.”

“But my ear…” Megan sighed, tracing the edge of what little was left with her right hand. “They’ll think I’m ugly.”

“But you’re beautiful!” Gina exclaimed. “I can’t believe you think you’re ugly. What I wouldn’t give for fur like yours.”

Corwyn sat on Megan’s left, and took her hand. “A missing ear doesn’t matter to us, Angel. You’ll always be our Megan, no matter what. But I understand. We’ll just sit here until we arrive. Then we can think about greeting the world. Hey, Gina, what should we do to pass the time?”

Gina mouth widened in a suspicious grin, and Megan lightly kicked her. “Don’t you dare…”

“How about we sing something. I know a few shanties.”

“I’ll bet. Know any that aren’t rude?”

Gina laughed. “I’m sure I can think of something.”


	She stood on the deck, near the starboard rail. Not too close, though, not with her precious kitten in her arms. Her uncle stood behind her, his great hands on her shoulders. She felt safe. The familiar bustle of the seafront calmed her a little, though she was still nervous. Any moment now, the ship would swing to the right, and casually drift in through the harbour’s fortified mouth.  “Take us in, Ernie.” Thaily said.

“Aye, Captain.” the big Bear effortlessly spun the wheel, and the Avarice swept by, passing the two great gun towers that kept the ships inside safe from attack.

Corwyn pointed past her, at a small group of people clustered near two vivid red coaches. “There they are, Meg. We’re home at last.”

“Oh!”

“By the red coaches if you please, Captain” Corwyn called over his shoulder.

“You heard the man, Ernie.”

“Aye.” He gently coaxed the ship to turn slightly, heading to the dock where the gathered group stood waiting.

A tear sprang to her eye, and Megan quickly brushed it aside, taking care not to drop Sunny in the process. Her eyes glistened, but were bright, and a smile slowly came to her lips.

“I’m home… I’m really home…”



A special thanks to Thaily Brimstone for helping me out with the Dutch.

All characters are copyright Graham William Robertson, with the following exceptions.

Thaily Brimstone and Taross J Blackburn, who belong to their respective creators, and who appear here with their permission.

All situations and material is copyright Graham William Robertson. 2005.

The elite Kogal Neko Ninja Squad are now armed with hi-tech weaponry. Do not steal. Do not ‘altar’. Not even if you’re a tentacle monster. The KNNS are now trained in the art of ‘tentacle kata’ and will do tentacles if the part ABSOLUTELY requires it in the name of art. At least that’s what their agent says. Waitaminnit… agent?