“He seemed upset when we came in laughing. Now, he can’t keep his eyes off us—and he looks even more upset. Maybe even angry, although I can’t see why he should direct that at us.”
Sara said, “Maybe he was convinced of who is who, but now that we are acting normal and enjoying ourselves, he is questioning if he read Prin’s look correctly. There could be other reasons why she watched him.”
Brice said, “You might be right. He certainly does not act like I’d expect if he was sure.”
Marcus waved his arms and said too loudly, “Hey, include me in your conversation.” Before he could continue, the steward arrived with a tray carrying the wine and food.
The steward placed most of it in front of Marcus but passed out plates for all. He stepped back and said in a formal fashion, “The Captain’s compliments. The wind has picked up, and the sky ahead looks like we may be sailing into a storm. Too much wine and food might make for an unpleasant night.”
Sara thanked him. The warning was lost on Marcus as he leaned forward and attempted to whisper. “They say there’s a madman on board. A killer who escaped the dungeons of Darnell two years ago and killed a dozen people since. All the murders were committed on ships.”
“Who says that?” Sara asked while pouring wine and filling Marcus’ glass last.
“A fellow traveler. He has inside information.”
“He’s getting up,” Brice said. “Now he’s looking around, and the steward went to speak with him. The mage pointed over here, and I think he asked a question. The steward is shaking his head.”
Marcus said, “He wants my old table, I’ll bet. The mage mentioned it to me yesterday, and I refused. I think he wants to overhear what we say.”
“Don’t let him have it,” Sara ordered. “Tell the steward you are not going to eat all your meals with us, so you need your table, but of course, you’re welcome with us all the time.”
Marcus turned to pointedly look at his half empty mug of wine. Sara slid her full one over to join his. He smiled. “I wouldn’t have given my table to him, just so you know. But thank you for the wine.”
The mage followed the steward, and they both stood beside their table as the steward stuttered, “C-can I reassign your table to this mage, Mr. Marcus? He requests a new table that is not so isolated.”
Marcus stood to face them. “Of course, you can. Will my refund for this voyage be returned to me in gold or silver?”
“Sir?”
“I paid royally for this trip, as I always do, and for my first-class cabin and table. I expect a full refund immediately. Then you may reassign my table.”
“But, sir. You’re not using it,” the steward said after a confirming glance at the mage.
Marcus held his ground. “I’m not using my cabin right now either, but it’s still mine because I paid for it. Do you agree? Or do you intend to give that to someone else, also?”
His voice was louder, and heads turned to watch and hear. The mage placed a hand on the shoulder of the steward and whispered in his ear loud enough for all at the table to hear, “Please continue to serve me at my old table.”
He strode away, back straight, head up, robes swirling. But Prin didn’t buy it. He hadn’t found what he wanted, didn’t get his new table assignment, and had lost a public argument with a loudmouth who drank too much. He was saving face by leaving. And he’d learned nothing but that Marcus was not the big, soft, pushover he’d expected.
He still suspected her, but she believed he had self-doubts or he wouldn’t have insisted on the table change. Prin turned to Marcus. “You didn’t make a friend of the mage, but we all thank you for becoming our hero.”
Marcus blushed and said, “I travel all the time for my business. There are entire voyages where I speak to crewmen and a few passengers but always dine alone. I hate that. But you three have offered me friendship and companionship. We are friends.”
“Almost family,” Prin said, raising her mug in a toast. Surprisingly, she found herself believing it. They remained at the table, snacking and eating dinner, drinking wine, and talking until darkness fell and the lanterns on the tables burned low.
The anticipated storm arrived, and most of the other passengers fled to their cabins. Rain pounded the windows, the bow rose higher and fell suddenly, sending white water crashing over the bow, and the ship rolled from side to side. Prin watched the flame of the lantern sway with the ship, but the three of them at the table were ex-sailors, and with his sailing experience, Marcus might as well have been.
Sara caught Prin’s eye and jutted her chin at the door. She wants us to go to the cabin. However, when Sara stood, she said, “Brice, why don’t you stay and entertain Marcus?”
Once inside their tiny cabin, Sara removed her travel bag and spread items on the lower bunk as she talked. “You already have most of the spells, casts, and incantations you might need, but here are a few more.”
“You left Brice in the dining room so we’d have more room?”
“Nonsense. He could have climbed into his upper bunk and remained quiet. I wanted him to spend time with Marcus and listen to him. Marcus fools people with his loud demeanor, but he does one other thing extremely well. He listens. The man knows what to hear, and who to hear it from. Do not mistake him for the bumpkin he portrays himself.”
Prin said, “Interesting. You didn’t want him around at first, but now you’re singing his praises.”
“I confess I didn’t see the value in him. Brice may learn something we can use while up there. Now, pay attention to this vial. The red liquid is potent. A single drop on bare skin makes a person be attracted to you. Two drops and you have a lover.”
“For how long? And how strong?”
“Oh, it’s fairly quick acting, coming and going. It will take effect in a few moments and last a tenth of a day at most. Longer on smaller people, assuming they are given the same dosage.”
Prin examined the tiny vial with the little wooden plug. “If I get any on myself?”
“That could prove embarrassing. The bottle is the applicator because the hole is so tiny only a single drop can emerge. Remove the plug and touch the end of the bottle to the person.”
“So, you think I may need a little romance while I try to sneak into the palace?”
Sara laughed. “No, but perhaps a guard might allow you to escape because of his amorous feeling for you. Or, he might leave you alone to pursue another while you escape.”
“What else do you have?”
“I wish there were more spells. I do have a barely tested spell that might interest you. It gives the impression you’re almost a foot taller. People notice a woman taller than most men, but they’re looking at the height and not at the woman. Few will remember anything but how tall you were.”
Prin said, “I understand. It’s a good idea. Show me how to use it.”
The cabin door burst open, and Brice entered, out of breath, and scared. He shut the door and leaned against it as he tried to catch his breath. “I think I just killed the mage.”
Sara and Prin were stunned into silence.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Prin said, “You did what?”
“The mage. I think he’s dead. I killed him”
“How?” Sara asked.
“I went outside, just for a minute to get some air when Marcus went to his cabin. The mage came at me from the dark, hands held out in front of him, sparkles springing from his fingertips.”
“I don’t understand,” Prin said.
“He told me to answer his questions, or he’d burn me with his magic. He asked me if you are Hannah. He warned me, to tell the truth, or he’d burn me blacker than night. His hands were almost touching my chest. I felt the little pricks of fire on my chest. Each one hurt.” Brice drew in several deep breaths, trying to calm himself. His eyes were wild and unseeing.