Shadows Beyond

Chapter 12

Mutiny was considered a serious crime in the City and the sentence was death. Whichever way Zeff looked at it, he and Tagg were in deep trouble.

‘Do you have any idea what I found in your cabin?’ Zeff asked. The fleeting look of panic that crossed the pilot’s face was reassuring. Nervously, Sydd glanced at his men who clearly had no idea what Zeff was talking about.

‘How about you sell it to me for ten govs?’

‘Not for sale,’ the pilot said.

‘And I accept that,’ Zeff said trying to sound reasonable, but actually sounding patronising, ‘because that’s what the law says. You don’t want to sell, so I can’t buy.’ He had made his point, but was pretty sure it had had no affect on the pilot. Nevertheless, Zeff pressed on. He had to exact some retribution. If Sydd thought the brothers were a pushover, he would not rest until he had paid them back in whatever way his twisted mind deemed appropriate. On the other hand, if Zeff punished too hard, the humiliation would compel retaliation. He was treading a very fine line.

‘For trying to nab my brother’s wife, I will take our fare back and another ten govs, plus ten more for whacking my brother and slinging him in the river.'

Sydd did not react and Zeff had the feeling that the pilot was not taking him seriously. He needed to make it hurt and so continued, ‘And ten more for trying to kill me.’ He hoped this was enough. ‘Thirty govs plus our fare back. Anyone got a problem with that?’ He glared at each boatman in turn. They all looked as if they had many problems with it, but none that anyone was prepared to voice at that moment.

‘That's all right, then,’ Zeff said, returning his eyes to Sydd. It was worrying that he could not read the pilot’s expression, but he had to press on and called out to Emtani. She did not come. He called again.

She appeared quickly the second time. ‘What be wrong?’

‘Take the helm.’

She was clearly surprised, but willingly stepped up to the wheel and allowed Zeff to explain how to guide the boat. He slowed the speed down and watched her work the wheel for a few moments. When he was certain she could cope, he checked that Sydd’s hands were still securely tied, and unfastened him from the others. ‘You’re coming to the cabin with me.’

‘Can’t walk,’ the pilot said, indicating his loosely bound ankles.

‘I’m sure you can manage.’ Zeff said, ‘or we’ll have our little talk out here.’ At this, Sydd started shuffling his way to the cabin. Zeff had emphasised that he was the man in control and before he left he growled at the crew, ‘Not a word from any of you while I’m away or I swear I’ll slit all your throats.’ He was not sure if the boatmen believed him, but he could do no more for Emtani. ‘Keep the speed moderate,’ he said to her. ‘We want to arrive in one piece.’

The pilot could only walk with a shuffling sort of hop and Zeff put his hand under his arm and helped him to the cabin. When they arrived, Zeff was glad to see that Tagg was awake and sitting in a chair, albeit with his elbows on the table and his head in his hands. As they entered, he sat up and Zeff suspected he was trying to look better than he felt. A huge lump shone on the side of his head. However, with the help of the targrease, the wound was healing. Unfortunately, the ointment was now finished.

Zeff shut the door behind them. ‘Guess what I’ve found?’ he said to Sydd conversationally, pulling away the blankets of the platform bed and slipping the hook between the metal sheeting. Sydd said nothing as Zeff pulled it up to reveal the strong-box. ‘All I need now is the key.’

Sydd looked at Zeff with cold, hard eyes, revealing nothing but hatred.

‘I don’t suppose you feel like telling me where it is.’