The Journey To Acre

Chapter 19

"Whose turn is it to keep watch?" Cleggy asks, pretending not to know that it's his.

"Yours, of course," Ingram chuckles.

"But I did it the other night!"

"Yeah, and now it's your turn again."

"Can we not get somebody else to do it?"

"Don't be daft, this is not somethin' we want advertisin' is it? The less people involved the better," Sully says, packing assorted goodies in his satchel.

Cleggy sighs dramatically. "What if he wants to talk to me again?"

"Keep him talkin', of course."

"It's not exactly difficult; the old fart loves the sound of his own voice." Ingram grimaces in recollection of his recent stint on watch.

"Look, I'm not askin' yer to marry the bloke, just keep an eye on 'im fer a bit," Sully explains for what feels like the fiftieth time, "An' should he decide to come strollin' in our direction, keep 'im busy."

"The captain won't like this..."

"Well then, you'll just 'ave to keep yer gob shut won't yer?"

Sully understands Cleggy's concerns and doesn't much like all the sneaking around either, but with the situation as it is, has little choice in the matter.

Guy and Marian have been under lock and key for over a week.

The captain discussed these drastic measures with the their most odious passenger, but the sheriff would hear none of it, feigning concern for their welfare, of all things.

"You cannot blame me for wishing to keep them safe after what happened..."

"Come now Sheriff, you can't honestly expect me to believe that chaining one up in the hold and the other in the sick bay has anything to do with safety!"

"Well, I must admit there is a certain message I wish to get across here," Vaisey pauses to enjoy the irate expression he receives for this comment, "but I always feel that it is better to be safe than sorry you know..."

"There is nothing to fear from my men."

"No, perhaps not, but why take the risk?" Vaisey struggles to contain a self-satisfied smirk and the captain huffs a frustrated sigh because what exactly does one say to that?

"If this is for their safety as you say it is, then surely it would be better for them to be incarcerated together?"

"My Master of Arms has failed in his duties of late and I fear that proximity to Lady Marian will merely distract him further."

"He held off a mob to protect her!"

"And nearly got himself killed in the process," Vaisey counters, his temper flaring because he never did like being held to account. "No, I feel that my lieutenant is in need of time to reflect, we have an important mission to fulfil in Acre and I need him sharp - my actions are in his best interests you see..."

The discussion ended at this point because the captain feared he might murder his paying passenger. He takes pains to remind himself that such a course of action would do his reputation no favours, however satisfying it might feel. No, he would have to concede the point on this one, but knew that amongst his men it would not stand, indeed, he'd put money on Sully finding a way to defy the obstinate nobleman.

So... to pick up where we left off ladies and gentlemen, we return to our carpenter as he hoists a heavy satchel over his shoulder, gives Cleggy a nudge to get him moving, waits a moment to check that the sheriff is occupied and makes his way into the bowels of the ship to do his rounds.