David woke to the sounds of commotion on deck. Usually he was up with the sun, but on the first day at sea, the rocking of the boat usually kept him in bed a little longer. He put on his sea pants and boots, ran his fingers through his blonde hair, and got up.
When he stepped outside, the first thing he noticed was the coastline of Decia on the Larboard side. Something was terribly wrong. He quickly ran over to and up the ladder to the Quarterdeck. Fike was at the helm, while Karinga, Dunkirk, and Edge were conferring with Quenton. "What's going on?" David asked.
Karinga turned to him. "Oh, good, you're up. Helmsman and the night watchman have disappeared, the wheel was covered in blood, and we are headed due south. Someone tied a rope to the helm to steady it."
"A guild saboteur?" David asked.
"At least one," Fyke said as he turned the bloodied wheel to starboard. The Waverunner sluggishly responded as the ship turned westward.
"Tanner, get someone to clean that helm and the deck. Edge, I want the night watch quadrupled. Dunkirk, try to keep the crew calm. Last thing we need is them chalking it up to ghosts or sea monsters."
"Aye, sir," the officers responded, as they each went off to do their appointed tasks.
David was glad they were resuming course to Port Cirill. With Lystra so close by, there would be little market for their ingots in New Portsmouth.
YOU ARE READING
Blood of the Righteous
FantasiaMurder most foul! A noble lord is slaughtered in his manor. His three surviving children suddenly find themselves commoners. The oldest, Gabriel Ki Kalendeen, is a knight in service to the church who must balance his commitment to God with his re...
