My Funny Valyntine: Book One - The Pull

Chapter Sixteen - Kitty of Coleraine

i.

Latin takes Valyntine down onto the pier. Late morning brings both the docking and disembarking of dozens of ships. This first trip to one of the two main ports turns out to be a surprise. Somehow, the closer she gets to the water, the less the smell of rotting fish and mildew permeates the air. The ships – all different shapes and sizes – fill every available slip.

Gulls cry and circle overhead as lumbering men and women carry crates and barrels on their shoulders and under their arms. Giant wenches with thick nets shuffle larger loads from the decks to awaiting flatbeds and jacks. Everything moves and shifts together like the cogs of a great machine. Hearing the water lapping against the bottom of the pier sends the briefest of smiles to one corner of Valyntine's mouth. Pushing it down, she notices the sheer volume of people they're walking through.

"I thought we were supposed to be staying out of sight."

"Not necessary in Moonburn Port. This is one of the few places where everyone minds their affairs. No time for anything else. Life on a ship accounts for every second."

He strolls with his three-quarter walking stick tucked beneath the crook of his arm, the brim of his hat aimed at the clouds.

"Anyone leaving this city isn't concerned with the wants and needs of the Elites. And those coming into port haven't the foggiest idea, nor do they care."

Valyntine watches the faces of those she passes. No one looks at them. Most everyone is making their way down the docks as fast as they can to find their ship, or hurrying to the markets to sell their goods and wares from up north.

"How do we find this friend of yours? And how do you know he'll be here?"

"Well, her ship is the only one with red sails. And I know she's here because she only leaves her dock once a year."

"Why only once a year?"

"If she doesn't leave she has to pay permanent residence fees."

At the far end of Pier 6, in the last slip, Valyntine follows Latin up a narrow gangplank situated along the side of a towering ship. The faded brown paint has writing near the back, in even more faded yellow letters, 'Kitty of Coleraine.'

At the top of the walkway, two men sit on the deck playing a game of cards, with a few silver and bronze coins in the pot.

"Good morning, gentlemen," Latin says, taking off his hat and bowing, still standing on the walkway. When they do not answer or acknowledge his existence, he adds, "Would Captain D'Brasil be in her living quarters on this fine and robust day?"

One of the men pushes a silver and three bronze pieces into the pot. The other man contributes the same.

"Excellent!" Latin declares. "I do thank you for your help, my good men. Your captain chose wisely in picking such astute and helpful stewards of vessels, such as yourselves."

Taking a step forward, Latin extends his walking stick out behind him. Resting the tip of the cane on Valyntine's chest, wordlessly telling her to stay put. The men playing cards spring into action the moment the sole of Latin's shoe made contact with the ship's deck. One has a knife, and the other brings both hands up to reveal a volver in each.

Valyntine draws in a breath to yell a warning to Latin. In that half-second, his walking stick shoots out, jabbing the man with two volvers in the throat. At the same time, Latin lowers to a crouching position to catch the wrist of the man with the knife. He twists the man's arm so hard that Valyntine hears the tendons and muscles stretching and ripping. As the man opens his mouth to cry out, Latin spins, slamming an elbow into his sternum. He spins again, in the opposite direction, to land a second elbow on the side of his head.