Interrogation

Under the inky black gaze of the ship’s first officer my expression remains calm even as I am cursing on the inside. It seemed that while we might be able to stay a step ahead of a swift tracking magical hound keeping ahead of scuttlebutt was all but impossible. My first instinct is to deny, deny, deny and laugh off the suggestion that we were anything more than simple travelers but Kreer’s description of these rumored heroes was too spot on to dismiss out of hand. Even this pause right now as I thought of something to say divulged more truth than I could quickly explain away. He had me dead to rights and we both knew it. For a moment I worried he might ‘magic’ the knowledge out of me, then remembering what Rosa had done to the last mage that tried to influence my mind my worries ease as I knew I was well protected from such things as long as my Lady was at my side. With denial off the table as it would only cause more questions and problems I instead go the other way and lean into the story.

“I see our reputation precedes us.” I say at last, my shoulders squaring and chest filling as I let myself inhabit the role of ‘hero’. Beside me I feel both Rosa and Cassie’s uncertainty solidify into a united front as they backed my play.

“I would have preferred your reputation had been offered freely instead of brought to me by the crew’s gossip.”

“We prefer to travel without the extra attention, you understand?”

Kreer tilts his bulbous head. “Too late for anonymity I’m afraid.”

“There were some talkin among the men when ya boarded.” Balbus says. “But it was Miss Cassie disarmin me so easy that gave it away.” He chuckles and rubs a bruise on his elbow. “I battle scar from a real heroine. I’ll wear it with pride.”

Cassie smirks and waves a finger at him. “There can be more where that came from, so watch yourself.”

Balbus hoots, equally intimidated and intrigued by her playful threat.

Seeing us talking other among the crew begin to stray closer until a look from the first mate sends them scurrying back to their posts. He says. “It seems there was a fabulator at the tavern last night who spun your tale. From what I’m told the bard spoke of your deeds in most…exaggerated detail.”

“Not sure he was exageratin, Sir.” Balbus says. “Quin here is every bit as big as he claimed.” With a gap-filled grin he adds as his eyes pan across Rosa and Cassie. “And the ladies every bit as beautiful. Plus you saw that sword, Sir. Never seen such a mean lookin blade in all my years. Seems to be lookin back at ya. Just like the storyteller said.”

“Indeed.” Kreer says with a low growl beneath his words. “A curious artifact.”

Just then the captain approaches and joins our circle. “So?”

Kreer looks at him. “These are the adventuring group the crew told us about. They do not deny it.”

“By Poseidon’s beard.” Nikias shakes his head. “I knew something was up with you.”

Stepping to the side Kreer studies Rosa a moment before saying. “Curious.”

Her tears lift in his direction and her head tilts to ‘look’ at him with sideways glance. “Oh?”

“A swordsman. His steed. An archer. A roguish kobalos.” He says. “But what function do you serve? Strange that a group of monster hunters would not avail themselves of the services of a mage. And an adventuring lifestyle is far too dangerous for the blind. Quintus clearly has affection for you. He would not risk you, even if you are just a slave. If that is indeed all you are, friend of foxes.”

I go to answer for her but Rosa speaks first. “You are a keen observer, Kreer. An intellect worthy of the vaunted telchine reputation.”

“Flattery will not work on me.” He says back matter-of-factly. “What are you, demon? What is your role?”

Without missing a beat Rosa answers in a voice as smooth and sweet as honey. “A helper. I can stitch a tunic, mend a wound or sing a song to soothe a battered spirit.”

“That she can.” Balbus says, remembering the shanty Rosa had inspired. “Never heard such a voice.”

“Aw. Thank you, Balbus.” Rosa gives him a smile, which makes even his ruddy cheeks redden. Ignoring the smitten crewman Kreer remains focused on Rosa as she continues. “I might not fit your adventuring stereotypes, but I pull my weight. I’m a follower Sylvanus yet experienced in the cities. I am older than I look and carry knowledge from my years. I speak languages the others do not.” With a nod toward Balbus who was still grinning from her attention she lets out the most disarming giggle. “And a pretty face on a ‘helpless’ maiden can sometimes ease a rough sea to make the sailing more smooth. I am but a simple slave girl, Kreer.”

“Simple…?”

“Captain.” I cut in, my voice firm but respectful as I step behind Rosa and put my hands on her shoulders to hold her close protectively. “If this is going to be a problem we will take a refund and you can drop us off at the next port so we might find a less…inquiring form of travel.”

“That’s enough, Kreer.” Nikias puts his hand on his first mate’s shoulder then addresses me. “It’s an rare honor to have you and your party aboard, ‘Wingslayer’. Though he’s right. You should have told us before we set off. Adventurers have a habit of attracting more trouble than they solve. I’ll have to add a few denarii to the fee.” Before I could protest he shoots a glance toward Kreer and adds. “Or services in lieu.”

Looking back and forth between them suspiciously I ask. “What kind of service could adventurers possibly do for you out here, Captain?”

“You’d be surprised.” He says, then nods. “We’ll talk later, Quin. In the meantime, settle in and enjoy the ride.”

As the captain returns to his duties Kreer begins to turn to follow when Rosa reaches out to tug at his robe. The telchis turns back around to look at her.

“Excuse me, Kreer.” Rosa says, stepping closer to him. “I meant what I said earlier. I am a helper. And I’ve got a knack for languages. I was curious if you might have some time during the voyage to teach me the basics of your tongue.” Not only was Rosa not showing any fear after Kreer’s inquisition, she was inviting his attention. As he was the one person on this ship most likely to identify Rosa’s forbidden powers it was a risky gambit, but perhaps she sensed trying to avoid him would only pique his curiosity.

Kreer studies her a moment then says. “The mere fact that you call it a ‘tongue’ shows how ignorant you are of my language. Humans aren’t even capable of…”

Before he can finish his sentence Rosa dips her chin low, takes a deep breath, and the next moment a shrill dolphin-like clicking whistle emanates from her throat to cut through the air! Nikias stops in this tracks and looks back over his shoulder in surprise, as does have the crew. Though his expression never actually changes I swear I see astonishment on Kreer’s gray features.

“Ahem!” Rosa clears her throat and swallows hard from the effort. “In case you haven’t noticed, I am not a human.” She says to the gobsmacked techis, her pointed ear tilting upward. “Tell me, is it true what they say about your people ‘seeing’ with sounds?”

The stunned quiet that follows is broken by a nearby crewman calling out. “Grub? Grub! Slubbergrub!” He curses under his breath. “Where is that damned goblin?”