Page 32 of Voice of the Ocean

“I think it looks lovely,” Raiden said, voice tight. “Shall we?”

Before anyone could respond, he shoved open the door with his foot and marched into the pub, Celeste still clutched in his arms.

“What are you doing kicking open my door?” a low voice called out.

Bastian and Kiyami hurried inside, ushering the Admiral in with them. Behind them, the guard was steps away.

Bastian took one look and closed the door in his face. He turned, pressing his back to the door, which trembled as the guard outside pounded on it. Raiden’s shoulders relaxed, and he set Celeste down on her feet.

“My lady,” he teased.

Celeste pushed away from him, rocking a little but able to remain upright. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the dimly lit interior of the pub. If the room was loud before, it was certainly quiet now. Only the clink of glasses and a few murmurs filled the room. A pair of men sat at the bar, nearly falling out of their seats as they leaned on one another. Looking around, Celeste could gather that a pub was a place where they served whatever made humans drunk. She still didn’t understand the point. Why sell something that made humans act odd and then lock them up when they did? But considering Kiyami was unaffected this morning, she gathered water was harmless.

Celeste was distracted from her thoughts by the approach of a whale of a man, at least a head taller than Raiden, with a knit hat upon his head and a thick black beard. His muscular frame cast a shadow over their small group, reminding her of the guard who’d apprehended her. His tanned arms were thicker than one of Celeste’s thighs.

“Who are you, and what trouble have you brought here?” the man asked.

“I’m Captain Raiden Sharp.” Raiden dipped a little as if in a bow. “And this is my crew. We’re looking for a place to stay.” The banging on the door sounded again. “You don’t happen to be the owner of this fine establishment?”

“I’m the cook,” the man growled. “And the one who keeps trash like you from bringing us trouble. Looks like you have a friend outside who wants a word.” He stepped toward the door.

Bastian and Raiden exchanged glances.

“Let’s not get hasty, Mister...?”

“Nasir,” the man supplied.

“Nasir,” Raiden repeated. “Apleasure. Well, Nasir, I’m sure there’s something we could work out. You let us hide out in this wonderful establishment, and we’ll owe you.”

“CaptainRaiden Sharp your name is?” Nasir asked, eyeing him.

Raiden cocked a brow. “Yes.”

Nasir considered him for a moment. “I know a gunner from Yenri. He’s been looking for work. Take him on, and I’ll let you stay.”

“It’s a de?—”

“Wait!” Bastian interrupted, frowning. “A gunner from Yenri? What’s his name?”

“Torben Helvig.” Nasir crossed his arms.

Raiden paled and glanced toward Bastian. “Name another price. Anything else.”

“No,” Nasir said. “Take it or leave.”

“Let me in! By order of the guard!” a muffled voice called. The door rattled.

“All right,” Raiden said quickly, “he can join us.”

The two shook hands.

“Get upstairs,” Nasir said. “I’ll get rid of your friend.”

* * *

“This calls for a toast!” Kiyami said, waving down the bartender.

The group had reconvened in the bar once they’d been alerted the guard had gone. Apparently, Nasir had convinced the guard they’d escaped and led the man on a wild chase heading clear across town. As soon as he returned, Nasir sent an errand boy to fetch Torben, an interaction that Raiden watched with obvious annoyance.

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