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Chapter 27. Mistrust |
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elenus knew he could not hide what he had done for long. It did not help matters that he shared a cramped cabin with Morisedd and the ranger’s native mistrust only made things worst. Of course, he had never counted on a friendship emerging between them. They were using each other, which was fine while their interests coincided. The ranger’s gangly figure paced back and forth past their bunks like a caged animal. Neither of them enjoyed being confined to the cabin but neither of them were in a position to argue with Nezrah or her crew. Many of the crew knew about the two hundred bars of platinum that he had exchanged for the man in the cage. He could retire in comfort and live like a prince. No doubt the same thought had crossed their minds. “I think I know why they shut us in here,” Belenus said after a while. He needed an ally now if he hoped to escape the ship alive with the loot. Morisedd stopped and turned his scowling face toward him. His eyes burned with anger and frustration. “Really?” he growled. “Yeah,” Belenus said, swallowing and feeling the blood drain from his face as he sensed Morisedd’s murderous rage, “When they took me outside I… umm… well, I got a really good price for Pendaran. We’re rich. I have enough to pay you back and twice that.” “You what?” Morisedd snapped. “I sold him. You get sixty bars of platinum…” He never got a chance to finish his sentence. Morisedd rushed him and there was no where to go. Trapped in his bunk, the powerful ranger pinned him by his throat, his hands cold and harsh as iron. Belenus choked and struggled to escape as flashes of color flared before his terrified gaze. “I NEVER told you to sell him!” Morisedd howled in rage. “They offered more than the Celestial Ministry,” Belenus coughed, “and you never protested taking him there!” “Who did you sell him to?” Morisedd roared, shaking him so harshly Belenus feared he would break his neck. “I don’t know… some fellow on an island. Kanen,” Belenus choked. Morisedd released him harshly and moved away. “Tell me what happened,” Morisedd snarled, “All of it. And so help me, if I find out you are lying, I’ll kill you.” Belenus pressed against the back wall of his bunk, shaking with fear. Morisedd was a man of few words and when he deigned to speak he did not embellish his speech with idle boasting or threats. He absolutely meant what he said. “I don’t really know. Yesterday when the ship was becalmed and they shut us in here, they were stopped at an island. They lead me to Pendaran and there was a man who looked like one of the White Mantle. I didn’t know who he was but the Corsair regarded him with respect and fear. All those animals in the hold were for him, gods only know why. I don’t even know if his name was Kanen or not, but that was the name I heard one of the crewmen say.” “How much were you given?” Morisedd demanded. Belenus licked his lips. Morisedd knew how much the Celestial Ministry was offering. “One hundred and twenty bars of platinum…” “Liar,” Morisedd snarled, “He probably offered you so much it made you forget we are on a boat full of scum that would slit our throats for that kind of money. You have just marked us for death with your greed.” Belenus whimpered as Morisedd caught him around the throat again. “And if they don’t kill you, I most certainly will. You had no right to sell him without my permission.” “But… you wanted him dead!” Belenus choked, struggling to escape. “I changed my mind. I doubt I’ll change my mind about you, however. Give me the money and I might just let you live.” So it was about greed after all. For a moment, Belenus thought the foolish ranger might be having regrets. Well, with any luck he might still be able to come out of this with a few more coins than he started with. “Alright!” he wheezed, “Let me go and I’ll give it to you.” Morisedd swore and released him, backing away as Belenus, still trembling, jumped down from his bunk and landed lightly on the rough planks of the floor. He drew the coffer containing the platinum bars out of his bags and set it on the small table. Morisedd gazed expectantly upon it as Belenus drew the key that dangled from a chain around his neck into the open. It made a satisfying click as the tumblers shifted and the nearly seamlessly fitting lid parted. He sighed to himself, regretting that he had not yet had time to hide some of the wealth that lay within. Morisedd lifted one stack of bars from its slot and counted it, making a quick estimation of the full amount. “You lied to me.” “Fifty-fifty…” Morisedd laughed darkly and closed the lid, withdrawing to the bench that lined the far wall. “Bargain with the Corsair. The next time that door opens, I don’t think you’ll find them to be as friendly as me.” “We can fight them,” Belenus said, “They have to come in here to get us, but we can prepare.” He felt Morisedd’s eyes boring into him with a mixture of anger and disdain. There was no doubt about it, he had been an idiot. It had probably already occurred to the Corsair that he and Morisedd might be less than cooperative about handing over the money. All they really had to do was withhold water and wait them out. |
