Page 46 of Queen's Griffon

Simhi arche a brow. “Doubtful. It’s obvious they came prepared, although how they knew she was here is a bit of a mystery.”

“It’s said the emperor knows things before others do,” he murmured aloud. “Still, Koonis was very clear about not going anywhere near our country.”

“Probably to throw you off his scent.”

“What business would they have there?”

Simhi rolled her shoulders. “Dunno. But, like you said, that emperor is known to be odd. Could be he wanted Koonis to look for treasure and taking Avera beforehand was about killing two kraken with one harpoon.”

In the end, the reason didn’t really matter. Griff would get Avera back. He glanced at his helmsman. “Change course.”

“Already done,” Dickson reported. He’d obviously been listening.

Griff’s lips flattened. “Guess I’d better tell the crew.” The problem being it would be too late now for any of them to abandon ship. Here was hoping they took it well.

He returned to the poop deck and bellowed, “Listen up, sea dogs. New information has come to light about Koonis’ route.”

Faces turned toward him as sailors paused in their tasks.

With their attention focused, Griff tucked his hands behind his back. “So, remember how I said we were going to take back the queen?” He cleared his throat. “There’s been a slight change in plan.”

“Are we not rescuing her?” Monty yelled.

“Yes. However, it would seem they’re not heading for Merisu, but Verlora.”

A dead silence fell before someone whispered, “Why?”

“I don’t know.” A truthful reply. “All I know is they’re sailing for Verlora with Avera and I’m sorry I wasn’t aware of this before we left dock, but we can’t turn around now. Now, before youpanic, I want it known that if a shore team is needed, no one will be forced to go. As a matter of fact, should any kind of excursion onto land be necessary, I will be the one to go.”

“Alone? But what about the monsters?” Kelly asked.

“Aye, Cap. You’ll need all the strong arms you can muster if you’re going to save the queen,” added Monty who peeked over the rail where he dangled.

“We don’t know yet what Captain Koonis is planning. Could be they’re just scouting the continent for the emperor. I can say that I don’t plan to bring the ship anywhere close to the mist, meaning those on board should remain safe. I understand some of you might be upset at this?—”

“You know we’ll follow you anywhere,” Monty hollered. “And if we need to go on the cursed land, then so be it. Captain Koonis has already broken pact with us and now adds to the insult by messing with our homeland.”

“It’s not everyone’s home,” Griff reminded, conscious that his crew, while heavily Verlorian, did have other nationalities represented.

“Our home is with you, Cap,” yelled Grog, an exile from Okkilam.

To which his crew began to sing, “The mighty Griffon sails the seas, flying over the waves. Once he sets his sight on you, you’d better be afraid.”

Their loyalty tightened Griff’s throat.

Kreed leaned close and murmured, “They love you.”

And he loved them. He just hoped this rescue mission didn’t kill them all.

Chapter 15

Avera

Avera couldn’t believeshe’d once more been kidnapped, only this time, she wasn’t given free rein of the ship, or a cabin. She was placed in a cage in the cargo hold, a space with no windows where she was allowed no walks on deck, a true prisoner.

The seasickness returned, not as bad as the first time, but enough that Avera couldn’t stand the sight of the slop they sent for her to eat. She stuck to drinking water only, and after a few days, the man tending her noticed she kept refusing food and must have notified the captain for he paid her a visit.

A sour-looking Koonis stood in front of her cage. “I hear you’re starving yourself.”

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