They had made good progress but the slight damage to the hull of the ship meant her lines in the water were not true. For days Thugard had forced every bit of speed out of the warship but the ships behind her were slowly diminishing the distance. The captain of the boat that was chasing them must have realized that with the disappearance of the trader and the sudden new direction of the warship , his countrymen were no longer in control of her. Thugard had seen flags raised on her mast and within hours another mast could be seen coming in at an angle further west. Obviously they had managed to convince the blockade that their quarry was on the run.
Still, they had a few days or more before the first ship would even be within firing range so Aeronwyn had taken the Mages into the Captain's quarters and asked not to be disturbed. That was fine with Thugard as it gave him time to run some drills and repair any weaknesses they found in the ship's battle readiness. The crew was under strength for this sort of vessel as it was both larger and had more sail than the trader. Cha'Rai was a god send in the sails with her sure footedness and easily replaced three ordinary sailors. Thugard could see her using the speed and reactions that would have made her people a powerful force as winged warriors!
Barik and Thugard had poured over the maps and charts they had found in the Captain's quarters and come up with a plan that was both faster and yet more dangerous. The charts showed that they could cut below a series of small islands and be in open water well south of the Eastern Islands a day before sailing the way they had come. The problem was that there was a chance that ice blocked the passage. It was still early summer and some passages in the deep south did not clear until later in the year. Going back the way they came was surer but also led them right past the patrols of the Island Kingdom. A trader might be let past without concern but a warship without the right signals would definitely be challenged. Thugard had made the call and hoped beyond hope that it was the right one.
Not that either choice changed the fact that a day or so after that passage the leading Islander warship would be upon them. Even if they won that battle, the mere fact that they would have to slow and fight meant the other ships gained more. The men believed in him, Barik believed in him, Aeronwyn put her trust in Thugard's judgement at sea but he knew he could not win against so many. Still, they ran.
The stern door opened and Thugard saw Aeronwyn and her fellow mages finally emerge from their two days of solitude. "Well met, Milady. Fair winds and fast sails today!" Thugard smiled at Aeronwyn as she walked towards him.
"And you, Captain. How goes the pursuit?" Aeronwyn looked behind them and saw the distant ships. "Hmm. Not so well as we might hope, I see?"
"Not so well. They will catch us in a few more days, no question. The slight bulge below decks is repaired but it changes the flow of water around the ship." Thugard scowled.
"Well, with any luck we shall be able to win the engagement and carry on. I have asked for help but can't promise any." Aeronwyn said mysteriously. Just then Thugard noticed the young woman standing behind Aeronwyn. He didn't recognize her at first.
"Is that Milady Keri?" He looked again as Aeronwyn smiled and nodded. The young woman was beautiful. In fact, Thugard was certain that she was one of the beautiful women he had ever seen with fair clean skin and perfect features. Her colouring was olive, darker than the peoples of Grale, almost the same shade of those of Mornan. After centuries of raiding Mornan, many of Thugard's people had similar colouring but none so rich. Her rich skin held eyes that were deep and lovely, that a younger man than Thugard might have fallen into. A near perfect nose and full rich lips made her stunning to behold.
