Jayln was still amazed they actually left the port. A crewmen had stuck his head in and informed Fenrin they were out of the bay a few moments ago. Now, she was sitting on the plush captain's bed as Fenrin went through the papers on the desk.

"They're really just going to take your orders now?"

"Well, there will be a few more assassination attempts before they get used to it. I wouldn't eat or drink anything I haven't checked first and I'd rather you stay in here for the first few days. At least until I get a better feel for the crew. My guess is they'll either try for hostage or just want to test themselves fighting you.”

He held up a finger. "If it's the first case, I can't afford to have any more of our limited crew incapacitated. If the second, I'd rather keep your skills a mystery for now. Let the crew retell the story until it's twisted beyond recognition and you'll be an ace card again."

"Right, and how long do you estimate we'll be at sea?"

"Well..." Fenrin pulled out a map and rolled it along the table. Jayln got up and stood behind him as he grabbed some tools and started measuring, explaining as he went.

"We're sailing along the coast, but far enough out to avoid Imperial patrols. There's no good landing point along there though, The mountains go straight to the sea, so it's all cliffside. Ideally, we should land somewhere between here and here. I'll have to ask the crewmen what they know about that area. I've only been this far north once. To answer your question, I'd estimate...nine or ten days if we’re being careful."

Jayln whistled. "That's a long time. Do we even have supplies for a trip that long?"

Fenrin frowned. "That's a good point. I'd better inspect the cargo hold."

"I'm coming too. Let me get an inventory and I can plan the trip. It'll give me something to do while I'm cooped up in here."

Jayln put her coat back on as he opened the door for her. There was a crewman right outside, leaning against the wall by the door. He stood up and gave a cheeky salute. "Captain."

"You need something to do, sailor?" Fenrin growled menacingly.

The man gave a crooked smile and held up his hands innocently. "Here to help, sir."

As Fenrin waited expectantly, the man introduced himself, "Name's Tryst. Seeing you're short a First Mate, figured I'd apply for the position, sir. Make myself helpful and such. Unless the wildcat's your choice."

He winked and Jayln resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Fenrin was about to respond but Tryst quickly pulled a piece of paper from his vest and handed it to Fenrin.

"Here's a list of the remaining crew, sir. Judging for the chatter, I'd guess you know a few personally. I never had the honor, I was picked up only a few years ago but my auntie always said, when winds are changing' you should too. If you need anything at all, I'd be happy to assist."

Fenrin raised an eyebrow and gave Tryst a second glance over. Jayln did as well. He was a younger crew member, about Fenrin's age, with a scoundrel's charm, dark hair cut short on one side with a few ivory beads woven into the longer side. His ears were pierced with golden rings but the rest of his attire was practical. The only flair was a belt of blue silk that fell long behind him like a tail. He was also missing his right pinky.

Tucking the crew list into his shirt, Fenrin nodded at Tryst. "Actually, I would like you to show me the cargo. I want to know what I'm carrying."

"Right-o Captain, I'm guessing you know the way. I'll grab the inventory from Ol' Carver's bunk and meet you below." He gave Fenrin another salute and Jayln another wink and walked off.

"Well, he's certainly bold," Jayln muttered.

"Bold and ambitious. If he doesn't try too hard to kill me, he could be just what I need."

Fenrin led Jayln down the stairs to the cargo hold, handing her a lantern from the wall. As they reached the bottom, Fenrin suddenly jumped forward. A hand with a dagger shot out from the dark. There was a crash and Fenrin emerged, the assailant hands up as Fenrin held his own knife to his throat. Running the blade down the man's cheek, drawing blood, Fenrin growled, "We're not going to have a problem now are we?"

The man muttered defiantly and Fenrin grabbed his ear and sliced it off. The pirate screamed and fell to his knees, clutching the side of his head, hot blood gushing between his fingers. Jayln flinched and Fenrin knelt to hiss, "Normally that would have cost you a limb, but seeing how shorthanded we are, I guess it's your lucky day. However, let your buddies know how this went. I don't have a lot of self-restraint so the next guy might not be as lucky."

With a nod from Fenrin, the pirate obediently got up and moved past Jayln up the stairs, blood dripping on the worn wooden steps. As he passed her, the man shot her a look of pure hatred and her stomach went cold as ice.

Fenrin stabbed the bloody knife into the handrail nonchalantly before gesturing for Jayln to come down. She brought the light and it illuminated a room of crates. It had clearly been mostly emptied and Fenrin clucked disappointedly.

"Ah well, the good stuff was usually held in the back anyway. Come on, there are three more rooms."

They made their way to the back where there were two doors. Fenrin pondered for a moment and then reached for the right one. "Left should be the food, so let's see what other merchandise we've got."

The door pulled open and as Jayln leaned forward, the smell of the room hit her. The lantern light gleamed off of iron chains and a dozen faces turned in their direction. Jayln gasped and Fenrin held up an arm to keep her from rushing in.

Twelve people were chained to the wall. Tears sprung to Jayln’s eyes as her light reached the back where a woman was standing protectively the best she could in front of three children.