Page 19 of The Storm of the Empire

I tested the lids of each crate I picked up, but they were all securely nailed shut. I needed something to show for the risk I’d taken, but where did this end? How far should I take this insanity? As we stacked the last of the crates, I made the decision and grabbed the edge of the boat, stepping inside it.

No questions were asked. They let me take a seat with the crates as the other priests shoved the boat off the sand. They rowed towards the ship, and I felt sure this would be my end. But I had to know what my past meant and where my future lay.

What side of the war I came from and what side I belonged on.

I had to find my place.

After all the time I’d spent on the Middle Sea, my stomach was made of iron, and not even the roughest seas bothered me. I’d missed life at sea, if I was honest. At least when I took product to delivery, I had a purpose.

We came around the peninsula and upon a massive ship that towered over the rowboat dauntingly. It rose at least three stories over the water, with large dark sails and a full crew working in silence.

I recognized it for what it was—a smuggling ship. I didn’t know the colors, so hopefully, the captain shouldn’t blow my cover. They lowered a ladder, but instead of coming down to collect the crates, the priests moved to carry them up. I jumped in to help.

The priest I’d sat with remained at the top, and I handed off a box to him before going back for another. I carried up the final box, and he turned to offer me a hand to come aboard while the other men retook their seats.

I glanced back at the rowboat and then back to his outstretched hand. What did I have to lose? Nyx told me to do what I must. It’s not like anyone will come looking for me, they all have too much going on to even miss me. I doubt they’ll even notice my absence.

Decided, I took the offered hand. “Thank you.”

“Welcome,” a voice greeted me as soon as my boots hit the deck. “We’re glad to have you two aboard. I’m Faolan.” He holds out his hand.

I gripped it, hesitating for a moment before answering, “Brother Luka.” My real name could connect me back to work I’d done in the past, so I decided on a whim to use it. At least then, I wasn’t some fae who appeared out of nowhere. Fae were leery in this life. And I couldn’t blame them.

“Good to have you aboard.”

Faolan took the hand of the priest next to me giving it an equally firm shake. “And you are?”

“Her humble servant. No need to recognize me.” He bowed his head.

“I insist. I like to know the names of all those fae on board. It’s part of the first mate’s job.”

The priest scrutinized him. “Brother Mikel.”

“It’s a pleasure to have you aboard. I’m the first mate. If you have any concerns, come to me. Don’t bother Captain Veles.”

Veles… I knew a first mate by that name when I worked the ships. I wondered if he’d acquired his own ship now and moved up to captain? Even if it was the same male, he wouldn’t blow my cover. He was a male who rolled with the tide and didn’t ask questions.

Faolan glanced between us. “My crew will show you to your cargo. We’ve hung a hammock in the space, but I’m assuming you two will alternate watch as per usual?”

Mikel nodded again. “Yes, we will alternate watch and sleep.”

I stayed silent and kept my face neutral, knowing this would be my time to see into the crates and discover what they were transporting.

“You are welcome in all the crew spaces during your rest time. Mealtimes are posted. No one will bring them to you. You have to alternate heading to the mess with the rest of the crew.—” Faolan pointed out other features on the ship before handing us off to his crew.

We were escorted with our cargo to a room no larger than a closet. A hammock slung from one corner to the other with barely enough space to stretch out in, leaving the cargo below it and hardly a few feet for another fae.

“Guess we are going to become close friends,” I said to Mikel when we were closed inside.

“It gives us much time to study the word of the Goddess and perhaps discuss.”

I swallowed hard, not having expected that much. “But of course.” I prayed to the Goddess that the little book all priests carried around with them was in one of the pockets in this robe. I patted them and breathed a sigh of relief. “Would you like the first watch or the next?”

“I’ll sleep first, if you can be so kind. I grow weary.”

“Take your rest.” I had no idea how long this voyage would take because I didn’t know where we were headed, so the sooner I get a look in one of the crates, the better.

“May the Goddess bless you.” Mikel climbed into the hammock, and I waited for his breathing to change.

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