The Voyager - Chapter 1 - Draft
Chapter One
“It’s best to leave that one be,” the older man muttered, catching sight of a glance towards the dark form huddled against the far rail. “The captain will have your hide. From the way he treated her when she boarded, you’d think she paid her passage with gold coins.”
“I fancy a conversation I do,” one of the men gathered there said, showing a grin towards his companion. “I heard she speaks with a foreign accent, John. Her words being light on the tongue, I was just wondering where she hails from.”
“She hails from that land with those with twisted eyes, to the far north,” another muttered, listening in, “I heard her speaking to the captain as well. They were discussing that very thing as she made her way below decks. He showed her to her cabin himself, he did.”
“She seasick?” one asked, noting the girl’s constant presence at the ship’s side. “She hasn’t moved in a spell.”
“Maybe she’s one of those religious folks, seeking piety and salvation before finding her bed for the night,” another whispered, “I seen one like that before, all wrapped up like that. Made for a long voyage it did.”
“She’s a mystery for now, I’ll give you that, lads” John, the elder sailor remarked. “Come morning light, we might get a better view. She’s got one of those swords from that land as well. I got a look at it when she came aboard. She could gut a whale with that thing, I’d steer clear of it,” John advised, giving his head a slight shake.
“Maybe it’s down below in her cabin. It might be worth a few coins at our next port,” a voice offered up as several muttered among themselves, “She’s alone, nobody would mind. It probably belonged to her dead father, or perhaps a brother.”
“Unless they’re waiting to greet her on arrival, but its not there. She carries it with her,” John told them, glancing upwards at the flap of the sails above them that caught his attention for a moment, before returning his attention to the others. “I’m willing to say it’s hers. When you see how she holds it, you’ll know she knows its use. The steward told me she even brought it to the midday meal, hoisted over her shoulder as if it were a common thing for her.”
“A quiet one, came in after everyone else so she could sit by herself. She’s probably hungry; those two cows that followed her onboard don’t seem the type to leave much behind when a meal’s called. The lass might well starve before we reach home port with such company.”
“You seem to know all, tell us what she looks like,” the speaker asked. “The other two are heavy and haggard, and a sight to hurt a man’s eyes.”
“Couldn’t say to that, she kept that hood from her cloak pulled over her head, same as you see her there now. Could be a hag herself under that for all I could see,” John said, standing up as the sound of the ships bell was heard from the quarterdeck. “That’s what I’ve been waiting for lads, our watch is done. Let’s go get some rest, I have a feeling we might be in for a little blow come this time tomorrow, and we’ll have to deal with that slack in the sails.”
“Begging your pardon, Miss,” John said quietly, touching his cap in respect as he spoke, “You can call me John. Is there something I could be doing for you, it’s past the hour.”
With a quiet sigh, Chiasa turned her head away from the sight of the sea and looked up at the old sailor standing before her. “Nay, good sir. I’m well. Just feeling the fresh breezes, it was stifling below earlier.”
“I had been told there would be large fish that would accompany the great ship on the voyage, but I haven’t seen one yet.”
“Aye, the porpoise. They be along in the morning, I expect,” John replied, noticing her young face in the moonlight with her glance towards him. “You’ll want to go forward to the bow to see them.”
“A fine young lady such as yourself shouldn’t be out here unescorted. The crew is sometimes a rough lot,” he went on, looking around the deck. “can’t vouch for all, as the captain sometime needs to hire on more each time we make port. You might want to seek the company of those others passengers that came on at the same time you did.”
“I’ve been told how I would be received in the `civilized` world, John. What they might say concerning my face, my heritage,” Chiasa replied, tugging back on her hood that had obscured her features. “My mother was Japanese, my father English. I’m better off sitting up here among the crew, as I understand it.”
Taking a step back, John then leaned down to peer closely, the beauty of her face catching him by surprise.
“Do I look that bad,” Chiasa asked, noting his silence at her appearance.
“You carry the same beauty that launched a thousand ships, lass. There’s none that would dispute that,” John said quietly. “Perhaps its best that you endure the barbs and glances from those two gossiping biddy’s down below, there are worse things that could happen to one such as yourself.”
“I wasn’t raised with a parasol in my hand,” Chiasa said, displaying the hilt of a sword from beneath the folds of her cloak. “My education wasn’t limited to book learning. I fear no one.”
“Well, all the same,” John said standing back up, “We wouldn’t want the captain having to set you ashore before you reach your destination. He needs the crew at work more than he does a single passenger, fine lass or not. The owner’s not one to lose profits over the concerns of a mere girl.”
“I don’t think that will be an issue,” Chiasa sighed, glancing down at her father’s pocket watch as she brought it out from her clothing before snapping the case closed, giving the dark sea a last quick glance before standing up. “I’ll do my best, John. At least I might have a friendly face to speak with from time to time?” giving him a questioning look.
“Aye lass, when I’m free from my tasks, I’ll seek you out at the bow,” leading her across the gently rolling deck towards the ladder leading down to the berths.
“You there, wench. A plate if you will, and be quick about it,” the older woman muttered, trying to place herself down at the table while shifting her bulk with the roll of the deck.
At the protesting groan from the chair as the woman settled herself, Chiasa glanced up, then over to where the steward had set the tableware before looking back at the woman again.
Finishing up the last of her own meal, she stood and carefully walked over to the wooden chest, selecting the top plate to return with it in hand. Setting it down, she waited for the ship to roll again before letting go, watching as it slid down to stop in front of the woman.
“What’s this?” the woman cried out, looking down in confusion at the empty plate as another passenger entered to select the seat beside her.
“A plate, if you can not recall. You just asked for one,” Chiasa said, pleased with her result. “With such a girth, you give the impression you’ve seen one before.”
“Mattie, this servant just insulted me. Make mention with me when we dine with the Captain tonight,” the older woman muttered, sending a dark look Chiasa’s way. “I’ll see to it that Malcolm gets a refund on our passage. I’ve never heard such impertinence before.”
“Yes, Bernice. I’ll make mention,” the other woman replied, glancing over at Chiasa, examining her features with squinting eyes.
“If you had wanted more than that, you should have asked. It’s clear to anyone you’re unable to do much on your own,” Chiasa said, picking up her sword and settling it over one shoulder. “I suspect your tongue is the only part of you that gets any exercise.”
Deftly catching the thrown plate with one hand, Chiasa dropped it down on the table with a clatter, just as the steward entered the cabin, a questioning expression on his face as he tucked his trousers back into place.
“You’ll find me a harsh one when I buy your indenture from the Captain, you’ll learn your proper place,” Bernice said, scowling at Chiasa. “It’ll be a pleasure wiping that smile from your little oriental face.”
“If I were you, I would concerning myself with wiping something else on this voyage,” Chiasa told her, seeing the sudden grin coming to the steward’s face as she continued, “The service is up forward, on the other side of the rail, unless of course you’re the type to have someone near with a swabbed stick.”
“Come back here you evil wench, I’ll pull that tongue of yours,” Bernice raged at Chiasa’s back as she made her way topside, passing their hapless male companion heading towards the still echoing bellows as she stepped into the sunshine on the warm deck.
“No, it’s better to be topside with the crew, and be the first to dine,” Chiasa said, passing John as he busied himself with coils of line. “I’ll be forward.”
“So beautiful and sleek,” Chiasa sighed, leaning down to rest herself on the railing, feeling the relaxing warmth of the sun as she watched the porpoise leap from the water, at times only feet from the bow of the ship as it rose and fell, parting the seas with a low rush of foam.
“Aye lass, that they are,” John said, peering down at the creatures for a moment. “One never tires from the sight. It’s been told they will help a sailor that’s fallen into the sea as well, but it’s never happened to me.”
“You’ve fallen in?” Chiasa asked, looking up at him, “I thought sailors don’t swim all that well and that there are sharks.”
“It weren’t by choice, I can assure you of that,” John said, showing a grin. “I was out on a yardarm and slipped. I was grateful the captain came about to haul me in I can tell you. There’s always another hand waiting at the next port.”
“What’s up there, where that man is at?” Chiasa asked, turning to examine the masts when John gestured upwards.
“That’d be the crows nest, lass,” John said, looking upwards as well. “He’s got the morning watch, and a mite happy at that since we’ve been given some busy work this morning.”
“He’s keeping an eye out for other ships, shoals, pirates and the like. The one up there will be the first to sight land for us.”
“Can I climb up there?” Chiasa asked, “That looks like a quiet place to visit.”
“Only until the captain finds out. He’ll give everyone a proper tongue lashing after he recovers from the shock of it,” John finally said, glancing aft towards the quarterdeck. “I hear those two biddies twisted his ear most of the evening, and he’s sought the refuge of his cabin for a spell.”
“But, as you can see, he’s not wearing skirts up there,” John said, returning his attention to the crow’s nest for a moment before looked over to Chiasa. “You’d have to climb the rigging to reach him, and wearing a skirt such as you have on would get caught for sure, not to mention attract everyone’s attention when the wind catches it.”
“I have some hakama with me,” Chiasa came out with, giving John a hopeful look, “They’re Japanese trousers. Could I climb then?”
“Aye, but when the captain spits and thunders at the sight, remember my name is not to be mentioned,” John said, giving her a smile. “You don’t look the type to sit and gossip, you’d have found your own way up there sooner or later anyway.”
“They look like sharks on the hunt, don’t they,” Hanson muttered, following Chiasa’s glance down at the main deck.
“That’s an apt description,” Chiasa said, nodding her head as they watched the two dark shapes walking below them. “Although some might get them confused with roaming whales, I suspect.”
“Nay, I’ve seen many a shark on the hunt from this height, and that large one there marks herself to me,” Hanson said, giving an inquiring glance over to Chiasa. “Now, who could she be seeking?”
“She seeks to sharpen her tongue no doubt, perhaps it gives her some purpose in her life,” Chiasa sighed, looking back out at the sea before looking over to the sailor again, “or someone to empty her slop bucket. Most would agree that it might take more than a single deckhand.”
“Oh, you’re a willful one,” Hanson chortled, stemming a laugh with a quick hand, “I hadn’t considered she was looking for a work crew, I was getting the impression she was out after you. It’s unlikely she’d be able to look above her without falling over.”
“I’d be careful,” Hanson advised, as they heard the steward chiming his bell to announce the noon meal for passengers. “No doubt she’s still about the decks.”
“My sword master once told me it’s best to get them riled first, they can’t think straight,” Chiasa said, giving him a smile. “I’m not in any danger from her, unless she falls on me,” she added as she began the climb down to the main deck. “Wish me luck.”
“There she is!” Mattie called out, sighting Chiasa as she made her way across the deck. “Over there.”
“I knew we’d meet sooner or later,” Bernice let out, almost snarling at Chiasa as she appeared, coming around the cargo hatch to block her way. “I’m not one to let some cur of a fatherless servant insult me,” she added, bringing up a wooden belaying pin from the folds of her voluminous dress, “I think a few bruises from this might set you straight missy, and show everyone your proper place.”
“Ah, a challenge,” Chiasa quietly said, taking a few steps to one side as she reached around and drew her sword, the bare blade gleaming in the sunlight as she brought it down in front of her, ready to parry the irate woman’s attack as she swung her braided hair behind her and stood waiting with the sun at her back
“A strange way for women to fight,” one of the crew muttered, giving the quarterdeck a glance as several others began to gather to see the action. “I heard they pulled at the hair and had a lot of shrieking about them.”
“Not that one, she’s ready for a battle,” one of the men whispered. “I’d place my coin on the lass there.”
“Aye, she’s a image to behold lads, and she has a warrior’s stance,” John said coming up behind them, “but Captain Isaac will make short work of this I’m sure.”
“Only if someone seeks him out,” one of the men said, giving John a grin. “He’s likely to be hiding from that other one himself.”
“Belay that Miss Covenington, it’s not wise to have the crew swabbing the deck twice in an afternoon,” the captain bellowed, his deep voice coming from the raised deck behind her. “It’s been a lengthy journey and they’ve earned their rest this afternoon. Blood tends to stay in the wood, and I’ll not be having sharks trailing in my wake.”
“You there, Mrs. Groften,” turning his attention to the large woman. “I’ll not be having ships property used to settle your own spiteful feuds. If you wish to fight like a man, I suggest you seek a proper weapon of your own, else leave the wee lass be.”
“From the looks of her, she’d likely kill you without hesitation, or great effort for that matter. I’d advise you to withdraw, and seek the solace of your cabin.”
“Covenington? You’re C. Covenington?” Bernice gasped, the shock of the discovery showing on her face as she stared at Chiasa, her wooden club falling from her hand onto the deck with a clatter.
“What have you heard?” Rebecca asked, seeking her mother’s chair as she entered the room. “Is Uncle Charles really coming back home, is he going to visit us?”
“Listening to servant’s gossip is not very becoming,” her mother sighed, giving her daughter a glance, “It’s beneath your place.”
“Oh, mother, how you go on,” Rebecca said, glancing around as if to spot a lurking servant. “There’s no one here to impress.”
“Young ladies need to act as if there were, you’re a Covenington, Becca. I should have sent you off to a respected school like your brother,” Laura Covenington said, showing her disapproval with a glance. “Your father has the details, I’m sure he’ll inform us at the proper time.”
“Well, my sources say he doesn’t know a thing more than he learned a month or more ago,” Rebecca said, walking around the room to peer at various items about the room in an attempt to stem her boredom. “All he’s learned before is that Uncle Charles had a child, my cousin, almost a year before I was born. That was some ten years after he left to explore the ‘Far East’ as he called it, leaving father to run the business in his absence.”
“He knows when to expect company, which is more than you do, so act proper and wait for dinner,” her mother advised, setting down her needlepoint. “You’re vexing me again.”
“Thanks, mother,” Rebecca suddenly said, leaning down to give her mother a quick kiss on one cheek as she passed by. “I knew you’d come through for me, I’ll know by end of dinner. I knew there was a reason the guest room was being readied.”
“You’re worse than Jeremy,” her mother call out after her, shaking her head as she heard her taking the stairs two at a time. “He’ll be back soon.”
“What’s this?” Rebecca asked, seeing the wrapped item on her pillow as she entered her room.
“A token of thanks. Your coins have provided her an easy birth, and the new son with a proper doctor’s visit. The family was most grateful for your concern and assistance,” May-May said quietly, her eyes going towards the doorway to make sure they were alone.
“There’s Chinese markings on it. What do they mean?” Rebecca asked, lifting the finely carved wooden piece by its leather thong up to show her, after she had unwrapped it with great care.
“It says ‘Protection’ for the one who wears the necklace,” May-May said, translating the meaning. “The other side is the mark of the family’s clan.”
“Oh, that’ll come in handy,” Rebecca sighed, giving the symbol another admiring look. “I’ll have to hide it from mother, least she stage a faint or something at the sight of it.”
“Word of what you have done has spread. The child’s father will want to thank you when he returns home and sees his son for the first time, he is still at sea. His family is pleased that you were there to help. They say it was a good omen. Keep your token close about you. Should you have need of anything, you are to show the gift.”
“Well,” Robert Covenington sighed, admiring the large roasted bird before them as they entered the dining room, “This is indeed a surprise. I was expecting more of those sage hens the cook is so fond of.”
“Oh father, you were not,” Rebecca said, shaking a finger at him. “I told you myself one of the boys shot a wild turkey the other day.”
“Did you Becca? It must have escaped my mind, these have been busy days,” he said, frowning at the gesture while taking his seat, motioning at the staff to serve the meal.
“I heard you’ve received word from Uncle Charles,” Rebecca said, lifting her eyes from her plate as a servant brought around the platter of meat.
“Did I now,” Roberts said, exchanging glances with his wife, before turning his attention to Rebecca. “Please go on, tell us what I’ve heard.”
“I heard the mail packet brought you a missive, bearing the name of C. Covenington,” Rebecca said, smiling at her fathers raised eyebrow at what she was saying, “I’m going to guess and say that my Uncle’s name, or perhaps a cousin.”
“Actually dear, you’re only half right,” her father said, turning to his meal for a moment before looking over to his wife again before saying more, “It was a note to keep an eye on the passenger lists, the name given was a C. Covenington.”
“Whether it is your Uncle Charles, or perhaps a wife, or child is still suspect,” Laura added, “All your father has to go on was a short note, stating someone would be here to visit.”
“Mother, that note was months back. Surely we would have heard more by now,” Rebecca asked, looking to her mother then back to her father. “Why did you request Jeremiah to come home over school holiday?”
“That was planned well before, quit being so nosy. It’s unseemly,” her mother chided her with, “You must be picking these bad habits from those foreign servants, the very ones I’ve been asking your father to dismiss.”
“I can’t stand their twisted eyes, they stare at me,” Laura added, noting Rebecca’s expression. “It leaves me feeling uncomfortable. I’ve mentioned it before.”
“We’re missing some shipping reports, and one of our competitors have underbid us on two occasions so far. It strikes of someone close to us, and we fear the Chinese are at the cause,” her father added.
“I’d look no further than your overseer, that man Groften you hired,” Rebecca said, giving her father a look. “There’s nothing wrong with any of the Asians.”
“We’ll be the judge of that,” Laura said, giving Rebecca a stern look, “You’re becoming the object of street gossip with your attention towards them in public. I won’t have any more of that young lady, do you understand me?”
“Mother, the girl fell at my feet, near to giving birth. She needed some care, and helping her was the proper thing to do. Was I to just step on her and continue on my way?”
“Maybe I’ll wed one of them,” Rebecca added, smiling at the expression that crossed her mothers face at the prospect, “and see what those old crows say of that.”
“Let’s not have any of that kind of talk,” Robert said suddenly, giving Rebecca a frown, “Aiding her was enough generosity to display, placing her into your carriage was more than expected, or proper for a young lady of your social position.”
“Should that ever occur again, you will have the driver help them regain their feet and send them on their way. You are not to touch them, Rebecca. Am I understood?”
“Yes, father,” Rebecca said, her voice dropping as she sat back, glancing over to see her mother’s approval on how her father had addressed the situation. “We’re understood.”
“Are you going to tell us when you expect us to have company?” Rebecca asked, changing the subject back to the mysterious guest.
“Actually, its tomorrow if the tides hold true, and they’re not bothered by pirates,” Robert said returning his attention to the meal. “The ship had another port stop to make for more spices, which enabled the mail packet to arrive in time to give me notice.”
“Are we having a grand banquet to welcome him?” Rebecca asked, looking over to her mother, “Can I meet the ship at the dock?”
“The answer to both of those is no,” Laura said. “Sitting at the filthy dock, being gawked at by the workers is not proper. You’ll wait here and oversee the preparation of a simple meal. Someone will be sent to await the ship on our behalf.”
“That might prove difficult, mother,” Rebecca quietly said, placing her napkin down on the table to show she was finished with her meal, “Providing the meal I mean. The cook is Chinese, and you’re letting him go in the morning.”
“We made good time,” John said, looking around the busy dock area as the mooring lines were being doubled up, “We weren’t expected until the late tide I’d venture.”
“I see you’ve brushed out your hair, you must be meeting someone here,” he added, glancing over at Chiasa.
“For all the good it will do me,” Chiasa told him, settling her sword behind her cloak before lifting the hood to cover her features. “Our arrival time will allow me to look around, perhaps take in a meal at the hotel, and I have some instructions from my father to fulfill as well. I still recall the directions you gave me, John. You’ve been most helpful, I won’t forget.”
“You’re the one we’ve kept our eyes on, it certainly helped the time pass by,” John said, lifting her bag for her as they watched the work crew placing the gangway placed for departure of the crew and passengers. “I’ll remember some of those moves you showed us, should I ever find myself in a tight fight. I’d say we’re about even in our debts.”
“I’m certainly glad those other passengers decided to leave at the last port we stopped at John, it made for several enjoyable days. I didn’t expect some of the crew to send up a cheer as they stepped onto the dock.”
“Aye, she was a strange duck, that’s for sure,” John said, thinking back. “First she wants to bash in your head, and then it’s like you’re her long lost daughter. I’m glad I asked the steward to keep an eye on your meals, I was afraid she’d drop something in there while your back was turned.”
“Just her presence was beginning to make me feel ill,” Chiasa said continuing to watch the activity around them, “I’m not so sure that my visit here will fare much better. You might have a return passenger on the next voyage north, now that I’ve learned how they act here.”
“We’re pierside for a spell, there’s repairs and offloading of cargo. Stop in and give us all a wave if you near,” John said, leading her towards the planks that had been secured. “It’ll make our work all the lighter.”
“I will,” Chiasa told him, taking his hand to bid farewell, “I’m off to find the hotel first, then the offices I need to visit. You never know when you might need a place to stay.”
Stopping across the street, Chiasa gazed over at the hotel, noting its condition and location amid the bustling streets before dropping her hood and striding over to the framed doorway.
“Servant’s entrance is around back,” the portly man at the counter muttered, giving her a quick glance before returning his attention to his ledger.
“Didn’t ya hear? I said around to the back with you, girl. I’ll not have you standing where the guests enter,” he said, noting that Chiasa hadn’t moved.
“This is the Covenington Hotel according to my directions, and the sign you have above the front. I am the guest,” Chiasa said, looking around the room before focusing her attention on the clerk. “I’m inquiring on the cost a room for the night.”
“That’s a laugh. The Covenington’s would have my hide, and yours too, if I was to let you in the front,” he said, setting down his quill with care before giving Chiasa another look.
“You’re a fair one, so I’ll tell you. Down the street and to the far end, you’ll smell the opium soon enough. That’s where you’ll find your room for the night. Stay from the shadows should evening find you,” he said, shaking his head as he picked the quill back up, “Now go off with ya, I’ve got no time for no Chino’s today.”
“I am from Japan,” Chiasa said quietly, “I’ve never visited China.”
“Being a Jappo isn’t any different,” he said, growing bored with the conversation. “Down the street is all you’ll find for slant eyes around here. We have a Constables office, so take your shadow away from my doorstep.”
“Can you also direct me to the offices of Jonathan Liesterman, the barrister?” Chiasa asked, looking at a painting hanging on the wall behind the desk. “I was told they are near.”
“Go outside, turn to your right. You’ll find it down a few blocks. You’ll not fare better at the lawyers place, he doesn’t let out rooms.”
“Is that Robert Covenington?” Chiasa asked, pointing upwards at the painting.
“Get yourself out in the street before I send a lad around for some help in throwing you there,” the clerk growled, sending a dark look her way. “Your presence is bothering me.”
Pulling a carefully folded piece of paper from her shoulder pouch, Chiasa compared the name above the entrance with the one written there. Satisfied she had found the destination her father had directed her to, she pulled her hood back up to cover her face, giving the door a sharp rap with its heavy brass knocker.
Turning around at the sound of someone’s knock, Rebecca dropped the knife she had been using to slice the meat, examining her fingers for signs of bleeding before asking, “Who is it,” at the maid’s appearance.
“There is a young girl at the door, Miss Rebecca. She’s asking about Master Covenington.”
“Well, have her come in. I’ll be out to tell her he’s out and not expected back for some time. I’ll tell her to come back tomorrow, as we’re expecting guests this evening,” Rebecca said, looking around the kitchen at the disaster she was beginning to create.
“Sorry Miss, but I can’t be doing that,” the maid said, glancing back towards the main entrance. “She’s Japanese she is, the Lady of the house will have me dismissed too, if I’m found out. She’s been in a mood of late.”
“Just have her leave then,” Rebecca said, her voice beginning to rise from frustration as she picked the knife back up, nearly losing a piece of her ear as she used her hand to swipe at a dangling locket of hair for the third time. “Mother will deal with her in her own way when she returns no doubt.”
“As you say, Miss,” the maid said, turning to make her way back to the door, rolling her eyes at the sight in the kitchen.
“Wait! I’ll see her in for a moment first,” Rebecca suddenly said, setting her knife back down and pulling at the string of her apron, smoothing her dress as she made her way out from the kitchen.
Opening the door just wide enough for her to enter, the maid waved Chiasa inside, making sure she didn’t track in any dust from the street. “The Miss will see you for a time, be brief as she’s quite busy.”
“Greetings,” Chiasa said, give Rebecca a bow as she was presented, noting her harried look, “I’ll be but a moment. I was hoping to see the master of the house, Mr. Robert Covenington. I don’t want my presence to be a concern.”
“Oh, you’re the least of them right now,” Rebecca gushed, wringing her hands together as she looked at Chiasa. “If you’re seeking father, he’s away and not expected to return soon, so you wouldn’t be able to see him until tomorrow at best. I should tell you, the business isn’t hiring girls. Father says they bring trouble in their wake.”
“My mother left me in a bad spot. Do you mind me asking… can you cook and prepare a meal?”
“Now, just this way,” Rebecca said, guiding Chiasa towards the kitchen at her nod, “I fear I might burn this place to the ground, with me still in it. You can set your items in here.”
“There’s no need to mention this to mother. That way neither one of us gets dismissed,” Rebecca said, giving the servant girl a quick look as she passed her. “All this is her fault anyway.”
“We’ve done well,” Rebecca finally said, letting out a deep sigh at what they had accomplished, “I’d never been able to do all this without your help. The family has an important guest arriving this evening, and mother foolishly thought I possessed the skills to prepare the meal.”
“Your guest will be pleased with what we’ve made ready,” Chiasa said, wiping her hands on an offered cloth, “and you’ve gained some experience and confidence in yourself,” she added, giving Rebecca a smile.
“The bread will soon be ready in the hearth, it’s beginning to fill the room with a nice scent. I think you will be pleased with the taste from the cinnamon we added.”
“I’ve certainly learned not to dismiss the cook without having another in mind. Mother is going to be the cause of lines on my face,” Rebecca said, pulling at her apron strings to remove it, “Please wait, and I’ll get your coins for all the work you’ve done. It passed a pleasant afternoon talking to you, as I don’t know much of Japan or other places. I enjoyed myself, which doesn’t happen that often around here.”
“Save your coins,” Chiasa said, waving a hand at the notion of payment, “A warm roll to take with me would be a better choice. I had hoped to find a meal at the hotel, but was ushered out with words.”
“Oh,” Rebecca said, looking at Chiasa, “I had forgotten. They’re not all that way,” she added, looking a little uncomfortable, “Just father’s hotel, and maybe one other. Mother says it’s bad for the guests to be mingling with… well, your kind of people. To her mind, it’s not proper. She says it keeps the families away.”
“It certainly works in keeping the Japanese families away,” Chiasa said, “So much for any tourist trade.”
“Oh, I know you’re right, but it’s the way we live here, at least the way mother wants it to be,” Rebecca sighed, showing some worry on her face again. “She’s making it nearly impossible to even find a cook.”
“I’m glad I could help you, I was wondering what kind of family lived here in this house,” Chiasa said, picking up her cloak as the maid entered, waving her hands to get Rebecca’s attention.
“The Master’s on his way up the street, Miss. I can see the carriage,” she gushed, showing her fear of being found with Chiasa in the kitchen.
“We can’t go out the front,” Rebecca quickly said, thinking on what to do at this unexpected news. “Here,” reaching down and lifting up one of the rolls, “take this, and find a seat out in the garden. They won’t think to look there,” Rebecca said, pointing at the door on the other side of the kitchen. “It’s just through there. I’ll come to see you out the gate and on your way as soon as they go upstairs.”
“What’s this, one of the new stable hands no doubt,” Jeremy exclaimed, seeing the hooded figure in the garden with sword in hand. “Leaving with something new from my father’s sword collection, no doubt.”
“How fortunate that I was coming in this way,” he added, drawing his own sword as he neared.
Remaining silent, Chiasa kept her eyes on the young man, noting the family resemblance from the painting she had seen in the hotel. With practiced ease, she bared her own blade, letting the sight of it’s polished surface be noticed as she took a step backwards, holding it easily with two hands.
“Thieves face a stiff penalty in this household,” Jeremy said, watching warily as the hooded figure began to slowly circle him, sword held ready. “I’ll ask you but once to cede your ground and be on your way. I’ll take it upon myself to return the sword to its rightful place,” his voice beginning to show his growing apprehension at the situation he had found himself in.
Smiling beneath her hood at his unease, Chiasa stepped in a few feet closer, still circling to her right, causing Jeremy to stand still and spin around to keep an eye on her.
Suddenly she dropped her sword point downward, Jeremy seeing his chance to claim victory in this cat and mouse game quickly leaped forward at her, his sword thrusting outward.
Letting him get closer, Chiasa moved quickly, reaching out and grabbing his arm with one hand, twisting her body so that he spun across one hip to land on the flat of his back with a heavy thud, his sword flying aside as he let out a short cry of despair.
Still saying nothing, Chiasa placed a foot against his neck, watching Jeremy’s eyes grow wider as she brought her sword close to his head.
“You’ll need to work on your sword skills,” Chiasa said, tugging her hood back down to reveal herself. “You looked uncomfortable with it, so it must be new to you,” she added, giving Jeremy a slight smile, “Long pants and a sword, you’ll grow into them in time.”
“The sword is my own,” sliding the blade back into the scabbard. “My father had it made especially for me, and placed my initials near the hilt. It has perfect balance and sharp enough to easily shave those few fair hairs on your chin,”
“I’m not looking for work, I am Chiasa, and I was just finishing up my roll, one provided by your thoughtful sister. I was placed out here, in hiding until your parents are settled upstairs.”
“I’m Jeremiah Covenington,” Jeremy said, finding his voice again as Chiasa took her foot away, “Everyone calls me Jeremy. I live here.”
“Can I get up now,” Jeremy asked, glancing over towards the door, “Father will punish me if he’s seen that I was bested by a girl.”
“You might want to brush at your clothing then,” Chiasa told him, reaching down with a hand to help him regain his feet.
“Don’t feel bad,” she added as Jeremy recovered his sword, “I’ve been taught by great masters, I practice every day.”
“Like a priest with his prayers,” Jeremy said, considering what she had said. “The only thing I practice that much is waking up in the mornings.”
“It shows,” Chiasa told him, showing another little smile as she slid the sword behind the edges of her cloak, “You have an awkward stride, and gave no consideration to the noise you made in your approach.”
“What’s this now?” Robert called out seeing the group huddled together in the garden, “The pleasant smells coming from the kitchen drew me out. Would one of you two like to explain this gathering?”
“This is a passing cook, I stopped her to asked a question on tonight’s meal,” Rebecca promptly replied, as her brother simply said “A stable hand, looking for work, sir,” the two glancing at each other before facing their father with expressionless faces.
“More likely, one of the servants that Bessa here was trying to sneak back into the house,” Robert said, looking from one to the other before giving Chiasa an appraising glance. “We’re not seeking additional staff, you’ll find your way out the way you arrived,” he said, pointing over towards the gate, “You might want to try the Torrington Inn, I was just there this day for luncheon and I can say with a proper appraisal that the owner, Mr. Tenner, is in need of better cook staff.”
“You’ll find it three blocks south of the docks.”
“Thank you for your recommendation Master Covenington, I was wondering where I might end up for my evening meal,” Chiasa said, lifting her hood once more as she bowed her farewell to Jeremy and Rebecca. “I am in your debt. I learned to cook while tending to my ailing father, our servants were limited to a single maid who assisted me with the household chores once a week.”
“No thanks are required,” Robert replied, “You’ll want to learn some of the western dishes, that’s the fare served there.”
“Oh, I’m knowledgeable in many. It was a treat for him to prepare them as I did. We tended to keep to a simpler life style,” Chiasa said, giving Rebecca another smile from beneath her hood as she turned towards the gate, stopping as she opened it to give Robert a brief bow, “Enjoy your own meal this evening, I trust it will be of note.”
“Who was that?” Laura asked walking up behind her husband, her arm linked with Jonathan Liesterman for support on the cobbled path.
“Just someone seeking a position, dear. Becca and Jeremy were just explaining that we’re not hiring,” Robert said, turning at their approach.
“Was it now,” Jonathan Liesterman remarked, observing the hooded figure as Chiasa followed the path through the trees that led towards the street, “I had thought it was your niece, Chiasa Covenington, or C. Covenington if you prefer,” giving Robert a slight smile. “I spoke with her this morning.”
“I was impressed with the young lady, bright as a new penny. Excellent English. I gave her the directions to get here myself.”
“Don’t go looking at me,” Rebecca remarked, a slight smile showing as she noted her mother’s shocked expression. “I’m certainly not chasing after her in public. I’ve been taught it’s unseemly for ladies such as myself to approach Asians.”
“What if someone should see me mother?” she added, lifting one arm to wipe a bit of flour off it, “Calling one to my house would cause tongues to wag, I’d be the topic of common street gossip.”
“Perhaps we should send out the carriage driver,” coming out a little quieter as she glanced up to gauge her mother reaction.
Chapter Two
“Remember, we’re looking for the dark haired one,” Rob whispered, watching from the shadows of the building’s overhang as the ship was welcomed against the pier, the lines thrown around the bulbous mooring points with directed shouts from the deck.
“They’re all dark haired as I recall it,” Mel muttered, pulling down at his cap, “Perhaps we should just grab the first one we see. Who can tell them apart?”
“Stow that, and earn your coin. You’ve been told of how she looks,” Rob, the tall one whispered, his eyes on the ship, “She’ll not be like one these locals, walking with head down, or bearing a laundry basket. You’ll mark her by her stride and posture.”
“That’s not all we were told, best you tell the other as well,” Jack, the third man added, shifting his position against the side of the building as several dark figures scurried past them, making their way towards the piers.
“What?” Mel asked, trying to see the tall man’s face in the dim light, “What have you conveniently forgotten to say?”
“She bears a sword,” Jack gave out, giving Rob a glance before returning his attention to the pier area, “And she’s not hesitant in its use.”
“So you decided to hire a third, someone to focus her attention towards while you two attempt to secure her sword arm with a rope,” Mel said, thinking on that information.
“Don’t you go giving it much thought,” Rob said, giving him a quick glance, “We’ve been given a pistol for this. We’ll not be having a street fight out in the open, she’ll come along nice and quiet like once she sees it.”
“How is she to see it in the dark?” Mel asked, shaking his head, “As you said we’re to come up behind her like bloody pirates.”
“It won’t matter. That’s not the ship we’re after,” Jack muttered, reaching over to hit Rob’s arm with his coil of rope as he pointed, “That one over there is the Sea Maiden, and from the looks of her, we were given the wrong time. I’d wager she’s been here most of the day as she’s sitting there silent as a tomb.”
“I ain’t going to be the one who tells the hag,” Jack muttered, “She’ll have her son set on us.”
“Let’s move over closer to the ship, maybe a crew hand can provide us with some information,” Rob finally came out with, giving a little snort of disgust with the way things were working out.
“You and your mouth,” Jeremy said, tapping on the carriage roof for the driver to stop, “If mother hadn’t done her fainting spell, we would have caught up before it began to grow dark.”
“Don’t go placing all this on me,” Rebecca retorted, giving her brother a glance, “Blame mother, this is all her fault. At least I got to spend an afternoon with our cousin. She’s probably halfway back to Japan by now.”
“We’ll find her, father told me to check here at the berth first, then the Inn. She may go seeking a room and meal there since he mentioned it to her,” Jeremy said, holding out a hand to help Rebecca step down.
“Oh my, what that’s that smell,” Rebecca came out with, bringing a scented kerchief up to her nose as they neared the pier.
“Unwashed sailors, and an outgoing tide,” her brother replied, smiling at her discomfort as he guided her along, “All part of the family business. I understand you get used to it after awhile.”
“Never, not in a thousand years,” Rebecca said, wrinkling her nose up at the odors, “I thought it was supposed to smell like spices, that’s what father imports.”
“Maybe in the cargo holds, but out here, it’s everyday smells,” Jeremy said, looking around the area, judging on which way was best to go.
“That’s Robert Covenington’s carriage, I’ve seen it often enough,” Jack pointed out as they watched it pass by, “The word must be out, he’s here to stop us.”
“Nay, still your tongue on that, he’s not one to come alone. There’d be the constable’s men along as well,” Rob said, thinking on the carriage. “More likely the one we want is inside, and he’s sent her back to the ship.”
“Come on, let’s keep it in sight. If I’m right, we can grab her, and use the carriage for ourselves.”
“It just some young folks,” Mel whispered as they stopped to watch the door being opened by the driver.
“That’s them Covenington’s,” Jack said, peering around the corner of the shed they used to conceal themselves, as the pair made their way down the dock towards the ship. “We weren’t told to be expecting them two. I don’t see the father anywhere about, he’s bound to be close.”
“I don’t see a dark haired one, either. Didn’t you say she was named Covenington?” Mel said, trying to move so he could see around Jack. “Those struck me as being fair haired when they passed the lantern.”
“They strike me as being worth more than one slanted girl,” Jack said, turning to look at Rob with a sly look. “We might make something from this to go in our pockets. The hag will pay for the one, and we’ll add those two to line our coin pouch.”
“There be no need to bother her over these two, we’ll make our plans,” Jack finally said, taking his eyes off the pair to look over at Rob, “We’ll take them to the ship as we planned, but we’ll tell the hag that willful one she’s been raging over gave us the slip.”
“Mel,” Rob said, turning to face him, “You go thump that old geezer that’s waiting with the carriage, and bring it down towards the ship. Put his jacket around you, so they won’t be noticing anything.”
“Me and Jack here will sneak on down all quiet and when I give the signal, we’ll nab those two and make good our escape. We’ll take them over to the ship that waiting on us at the western pier.”
“Aye, I know of the lass,” John said, looking at Rebecca for a minute before turning his attention to Jeremy, “She never mentioned the two of you though, and you two don’t much look like her brother or sister, if ya take my meaning. I’d be able to notice something like that, even in the light from these lanterns.”
“We all took a shine to her we did, so if you’re here wishing her harm, it’s best ya be moving on.”
“No, its nothing like that,” Jeremy said, “We’re her cousins, part of the family she had come here to visit. Our father and hers were brothers.”
“Well, maybe that explains why you’re down here looking around, she took one look at the lot of ya’s and turned back,” John surmised, giving the pair before him a slight smile as they gave each other an uncomfortable look. “But, I’d lay a coin down on her having been shown the street.”
“Must have been something of a surprise when your parents discovered their situation. The proper owner of Covenington Imports, being her father’s sole heir, just got dismissed from the house she actually owns.”
“Oh, she didn’t see fit to tell you now,” John said, seeing their surprise at the revelation. “We had plenty of time to talk and get to know each other, a fine lass that one.”
“You must know your uncle was the eldest son, the one who was given the family business. He convinced his brother, your father, to handle his affairs when he decided he wanted to travel. That was back before either of you was born.”
“He passed away several months ago if I heard her rightly,” John added, shaking his head at their situation. “He had asked her to seek out his brother before passing on.”
“Well, sounds to me she’s done that, and is now off to whatever place she wants.”
“You’re saying she’s not here,” Jeremy asked, still trying to take in everything they had been told.
“We’re trying to locate her, and bring her back home with us,” Rebecca said, looking somewhat forlorn over the prospect of not finding her. “I don’t know what we’re going to do now.”
“Thanks John,” Chiasa said quietly as they watched the pair make their way back towards a waiting carriage. “I didn’t feel like facing them again tonight.”
“They’re likely to be back, they seemed a determined lot,” John let out. “You could have had a carriage ride,” nodding towards where their transport now stood waiting.
“What be that,” he suddenly asked as a shrill cry was heard, causing both of them to look down the pier.
“That’s Rebecca,” Chiasa gave out, baring her blade as she leapt across the gangplank towards the sound. “Arouse the watch.”
“Hurry there, lads,” Jack gave out, trying to keep his worried voice hushed while keeping one hand over Rebecca’s mouth as she struggled against him. “We’re about to be undone here.”
“I’ve got this one,” Rob grunted, holding up his knife to Jeremy’s throat, displaying his willingness to use it as he grimaced, “In with ya, boy and get ahold of this siren here we’re struggling with. Another peep and she’s done for, it’s you we want.”
“I’m caught up,” Rebecca cried out, trying to reach back to give her skirts a tug.
“Keep yourself quiet,” Jack added, harshly shoving her towards the open carriage door. “You heard the man, we’ve got a blade on your brother. He’s not one to cross,” giving her frightened face another look as he pushed up upwards, letting the edges of her dress rip from where it had snagged against the edge of the step as he hurriedly yanked at it to free her.
“Mel, lend a quick hand,” looking up at him, “She’s a wild one, she’s given me a blow,” trying to fend of her sudden strikes as he thrust a hand under her skirts, still trying to free the tangled fabric.
“We’ve been discovered,” Mel called out as he gained the ground, hurriedly pushing at the girl as he sought to speed up her release. “I hear voices.”
“Jack,” Rob gave out, seeing Mel was blocking at the open door, “Grab up them reins, head us towards the ship.”
“Someone’s coming this way,” Jack let out trying to hold the excited horses still long enough for them to get settled on the bench.
“Wait,” Mel cried out as his footing slipped on the tattered cloth still caught on the step as the dress came free, causing him to fall backwards with grunt. “Hold up there, Rob. I’m afoot.”
“We meet at the ship, can’t wait on the likes of you on this,” Rob called out, pulling the door closed as he looked back as the carriage leapt forward from the flick of Jack’s lash. “Here, use this,” tossing the knife in his hand back at him, “Get yourself away.”
“They’re on us,” Jack cried out, sending the lash at Chiasa as she emerged from the near shadows, heading towards him.
“Not so fast,” Rob let out as the carriage lurched forward again, keeping his eyes on Jeremy, displaying the pistol now in his hand while pointing it towards Rebecca. “It’s too late for the likes of you, move on me and the lass here get hurt.”
“It’s best to leave that one be,” the older man muttered, catching sight of a glance towards the dark form huddled against the far rail. “The captain will have your hide. From the way he treated her when she boarded, you’d think she paid her passage with gold coins.”
“I fancy a conversation I do,” one of the men gathered there said, showing a grin towards his companion. “I heard she speaks with a foreign accent, John. Her words being light on the tongue, I was just wondering where she hails from.”
“She hails from that land with those with twisted eyes, to the far north,” another muttered, listening in, “I heard her speaking to the captain as well. They were discussing that very thing as she made her way below decks. He showed her to her cabin himself, he did.”
“She seasick?” one asked, noting the girl’s constant presence at the ship’s side. “She hasn’t moved in a spell.”
“Maybe she’s one of those religious folks, seeking piety and salvation before finding her bed for the night,” another whispered, “I seen one like that before, all wrapped up like that. Made for a long voyage it did.”
“She’s a mystery for now, I’ll give you that, lads” John, the elder sailor remarked. “Come morning light, we might get a better view. She’s got one of those swords from that land as well. I got a look at it when she came aboard. She could gut a whale with that thing, I’d steer clear of it,” John advised, giving his head a slight shake.
“Maybe it’s down below in her cabin. It might be worth a few coins at our next port,” a voice offered up as several muttered among themselves, “She’s alone, nobody would mind. It probably belonged to her dead father, or perhaps a brother.”
“Unless they’re waiting to greet her on arrival, but its not there. She carries it with her,” John told them, glancing upwards at the flap of the sails above them that caught his attention for a moment, before returning his attention to the others. “I’m willing to say it’s hers. When you see how she holds it, you’ll know she knows its use. The steward told me she even brought it to the midday meal, hoisted over her shoulder as if it were a common thing for her.”
“A quiet one, came in after everyone else so she could sit by herself. She’s probably hungry; those two cows that followed her onboard don’t seem the type to leave much behind when a meal’s called. The lass might well starve before we reach home port with such company.”
“You seem to know all, tell us what she looks like,” the speaker asked. “The other two are heavy and haggard, and a sight to hurt a man’s eyes.”
“Couldn’t say to that, she kept that hood from her cloak pulled over her head, same as you see her there now. Could be a hag herself under that for all I could see,” John said, standing up as the sound of the ships bell was heard from the quarterdeck. “That’s what I’ve been waiting for lads, our watch is done. Let’s go get some rest, I have a feeling we might be in for a little blow come this time tomorrow, and we’ll have to deal with that slack in the sails.”
“Begging your pardon, Miss,” John said quietly, touching his cap in respect as he spoke, “You can call me John. Is there something I could be doing for you, it’s past the hour.”
With a quiet sigh, Chiasa turned her head away from the sight of the sea and looked up at the old sailor standing before her. “Nay, good sir. I’m well. Just feeling the fresh breezes, it was stifling below earlier.”
“I had been told there would be large fish that would accompany the great ship on the voyage, but I haven’t seen one yet.”
“Aye, the porpoise. They be along in the morning, I expect,” John replied, noticing her young face in the moonlight with her glance towards him. “You’ll want to go forward to the bow to see them.”
“A fine young lady such as yourself shouldn’t be out here unescorted. The crew is sometimes a rough lot,” he went on, looking around the deck. “can’t vouch for all, as the captain sometime needs to hire on more each time we make port. You might want to seek the company of those others passengers that came on at the same time you did.”
“I’ve been told how I would be received in the `civilized` world, John. What they might say concerning my face, my heritage,” Chiasa replied, tugging back on her hood that had obscured her features. “My mother was Japanese, my father English. I’m better off sitting up here among the crew, as I understand it.”
Taking a step back, John then leaned down to peer closely, the beauty of her face catching him by surprise.
“Do I look that bad,” Chiasa asked, noting his silence at her appearance.
“You carry the same beauty that launched a thousand ships, lass. There’s none that would dispute that,” John said quietly. “Perhaps its best that you endure the barbs and glances from those two gossiping biddy’s down below, there are worse things that could happen to one such as yourself.”
“I wasn’t raised with a parasol in my hand,” Chiasa said, displaying the hilt of a sword from beneath the folds of her cloak. “My education wasn’t limited to book learning. I fear no one.”
“Well, all the same,” John said standing back up, “We wouldn’t want the captain having to set you ashore before you reach your destination. He needs the crew at work more than he does a single passenger, fine lass or not. The owner’s not one to lose profits over the concerns of a mere girl.”
“I don’t think that will be an issue,” Chiasa sighed, glancing down at her father’s pocket watch as she brought it out from her clothing before snapping the case closed, giving the dark sea a last quick glance before standing up. “I’ll do my best, John. At least I might have a friendly face to speak with from time to time?” giving him a questioning look.
“Aye lass, when I’m free from my tasks, I’ll seek you out at the bow,” leading her across the gently rolling deck towards the ladder leading down to the berths.
“You there, wench. A plate if you will, and be quick about it,” the older woman muttered, trying to place herself down at the table while shifting her bulk with the roll of the deck.
At the protesting groan from the chair as the woman settled herself, Chiasa glanced up, then over to where the steward had set the tableware before looking back at the woman again.
Finishing up the last of her own meal, she stood and carefully walked over to the wooden chest, selecting the top plate to return with it in hand. Setting it down, she waited for the ship to roll again before letting go, watching as it slid down to stop in front of the woman.
“What’s this?” the woman cried out, looking down in confusion at the empty plate as another passenger entered to select the seat beside her.
“A plate, if you can not recall. You just asked for one,” Chiasa said, pleased with her result. “With such a girth, you give the impression you’ve seen one before.”
“Mattie, this servant just insulted me. Make mention with me when we dine with the Captain tonight,” the older woman muttered, sending a dark look Chiasa’s way. “I’ll see to it that Malcolm gets a refund on our passage. I’ve never heard such impertinence before.”
“Yes, Bernice. I’ll make mention,” the other woman replied, glancing over at Chiasa, examining her features with squinting eyes.
“If you had wanted more than that, you should have asked. It’s clear to anyone you’re unable to do much on your own,” Chiasa said, picking up her sword and settling it over one shoulder. “I suspect your tongue is the only part of you that gets any exercise.”
Deftly catching the thrown plate with one hand, Chiasa dropped it down on the table with a clatter, just as the steward entered the cabin, a questioning expression on his face as he tucked his trousers back into place.
“You’ll find me a harsh one when I buy your indenture from the Captain, you’ll learn your proper place,” Bernice said, scowling at Chiasa. “It’ll be a pleasure wiping that smile from your little oriental face.”
“If I were you, I would concerning myself with wiping something else on this voyage,” Chiasa told her, seeing the sudden grin coming to the steward’s face as she continued, “The service is up forward, on the other side of the rail, unless of course you’re the type to have someone near with a swabbed stick.”
“Come back here you evil wench, I’ll pull that tongue of yours,” Bernice raged at Chiasa’s back as she made her way topside, passing their hapless male companion heading towards the still echoing bellows as she stepped into the sunshine on the warm deck.
“No, it’s better to be topside with the crew, and be the first to dine,” Chiasa said, passing John as he busied himself with coils of line. “I’ll be forward.”
“So beautiful and sleek,” Chiasa sighed, leaning down to rest herself on the railing, feeling the relaxing warmth of the sun as she watched the porpoise leap from the water, at times only feet from the bow of the ship as it rose and fell, parting the seas with a low rush of foam.
“Aye lass, that they are,” John said, peering down at the creatures for a moment. “One never tires from the sight. It’s been told they will help a sailor that’s fallen into the sea as well, but it’s never happened to me.”
“You’ve fallen in?” Chiasa asked, looking up at him, “I thought sailors don’t swim all that well and that there are sharks.”
“It weren’t by choice, I can assure you of that,” John said, showing a grin. “I was out on a yardarm and slipped. I was grateful the captain came about to haul me in I can tell you. There’s always another hand waiting at the next port.”
“What’s up there, where that man is at?” Chiasa asked, turning to examine the masts when John gestured upwards.
“That’d be the crows nest, lass,” John said, looking upwards as well. “He’s got the morning watch, and a mite happy at that since we’ve been given some busy work this morning.”
“He’s keeping an eye out for other ships, shoals, pirates and the like. The one up there will be the first to sight land for us.”
“Can I climb up there?” Chiasa asked, “That looks like a quiet place to visit.”
“Only until the captain finds out. He’ll give everyone a proper tongue lashing after he recovers from the shock of it,” John finally said, glancing aft towards the quarterdeck. “I hear those two biddies twisted his ear most of the evening, and he’s sought the refuge of his cabin for a spell.”
“But, as you can see, he’s not wearing skirts up there,” John said, returning his attention to the crow’s nest for a moment before looked over to Chiasa. “You’d have to climb the rigging to reach him, and wearing a skirt such as you have on would get caught for sure, not to mention attract everyone’s attention when the wind catches it.”
“I have some hakama with me,” Chiasa came out with, giving John a hopeful look, “They’re Japanese trousers. Could I climb then?”
“Aye, but when the captain spits and thunders at the sight, remember my name is not to be mentioned,” John said, giving her a smile. “You don’t look the type to sit and gossip, you’d have found your own way up there sooner or later anyway.”
“They look like sharks on the hunt, don’t they,” Hanson muttered, following Chiasa’s glance down at the main deck.
“That’s an apt description,” Chiasa said, nodding her head as they watched the two dark shapes walking below them. “Although some might get them confused with roaming whales, I suspect.”
“Nay, I’ve seen many a shark on the hunt from this height, and that large one there marks herself to me,” Hanson said, giving an inquiring glance over to Chiasa. “Now, who could she be seeking?”
“She seeks to sharpen her tongue no doubt, perhaps it gives her some purpose in her life,” Chiasa sighed, looking back out at the sea before looking over to the sailor again, “or someone to empty her slop bucket. Most would agree that it might take more than a single deckhand.”
“Oh, you’re a willful one,” Hanson chortled, stemming a laugh with a quick hand, “I hadn’t considered she was looking for a work crew, I was getting the impression she was out after you. It’s unlikely she’d be able to look above her without falling over.”
“I’d be careful,” Hanson advised, as they heard the steward chiming his bell to announce the noon meal for passengers. “No doubt she’s still about the decks.”
“My sword master once told me it’s best to get them riled first, they can’t think straight,” Chiasa said, giving him a smile. “I’m not in any danger from her, unless she falls on me,” she added as she began the climb down to the main deck. “Wish me luck.”
“There she is!” Mattie called out, sighting Chiasa as she made her way across the deck. “Over there.”
“I knew we’d meet sooner or later,” Bernice let out, almost snarling at Chiasa as she appeared, coming around the cargo hatch to block her way. “I’m not one to let some cur of a fatherless servant insult me,” she added, bringing up a wooden belaying pin from the folds of her voluminous dress, “I think a few bruises from this might set you straight missy, and show everyone your proper place.”
“Ah, a challenge,” Chiasa quietly said, taking a few steps to one side as she reached around and drew her sword, the bare blade gleaming in the sunlight as she brought it down in front of her, ready to parry the irate woman’s attack as she swung her braided hair behind her and stood waiting with the sun at her back
“A strange way for women to fight,” one of the crew muttered, giving the quarterdeck a glance as several others began to gather to see the action. “I heard they pulled at the hair and had a lot of shrieking about them.”
“Not that one, she’s ready for a battle,” one of the men whispered. “I’d place my coin on the lass there.”
“Aye, she’s a image to behold lads, and she has a warrior’s stance,” John said coming up behind them, “but Captain Isaac will make short work of this I’m sure.”
“Only if someone seeks him out,” one of the men said, giving John a grin. “He’s likely to be hiding from that other one himself.”
“Belay that Miss Covenington, it’s not wise to have the crew swabbing the deck twice in an afternoon,” the captain bellowed, his deep voice coming from the raised deck behind her. “It’s been a lengthy journey and they’ve earned their rest this afternoon. Blood tends to stay in the wood, and I’ll not be having sharks trailing in my wake.”
“You there, Mrs. Groften,” turning his attention to the large woman. “I’ll not be having ships property used to settle your own spiteful feuds. If you wish to fight like a man, I suggest you seek a proper weapon of your own, else leave the wee lass be.”
“From the looks of her, she’d likely kill you without hesitation, or great effort for that matter. I’d advise you to withdraw, and seek the solace of your cabin.”
“Covenington? You’re C. Covenington?” Bernice gasped, the shock of the discovery showing on her face as she stared at Chiasa, her wooden club falling from her hand onto the deck with a clatter.
“What have you heard?” Rebecca asked, seeking her mother’s chair as she entered the room. “Is Uncle Charles really coming back home, is he going to visit us?”
“Listening to servant’s gossip is not very becoming,” her mother sighed, giving her daughter a glance, “It’s beneath your place.”
“Oh, mother, how you go on,” Rebecca said, glancing around as if to spot a lurking servant. “There’s no one here to impress.”
“Young ladies need to act as if there were, you’re a Covenington, Becca. I should have sent you off to a respected school like your brother,” Laura Covenington said, showing her disapproval with a glance. “Your father has the details, I’m sure he’ll inform us at the proper time.”
“Well, my sources say he doesn’t know a thing more than he learned a month or more ago,” Rebecca said, walking around the room to peer at various items about the room in an attempt to stem her boredom. “All he’s learned before is that Uncle Charles had a child, my cousin, almost a year before I was born. That was some ten years after he left to explore the ‘Far East’ as he called it, leaving father to run the business in his absence.”
“He knows when to expect company, which is more than you do, so act proper and wait for dinner,” her mother advised, setting down her needlepoint. “You’re vexing me again.”
“Thanks, mother,” Rebecca suddenly said, leaning down to give her mother a quick kiss on one cheek as she passed by. “I knew you’d come through for me, I’ll know by end of dinner. I knew there was a reason the guest room was being readied.”
“You’re worse than Jeremy,” her mother call out after her, shaking her head as she heard her taking the stairs two at a time. “He’ll be back soon.”
“What’s this?” Rebecca asked, seeing the wrapped item on her pillow as she entered her room.
“A token of thanks. Your coins have provided her an easy birth, and the new son with a proper doctor’s visit. The family was most grateful for your concern and assistance,” May-May said quietly, her eyes going towards the doorway to make sure they were alone.
“There’s Chinese markings on it. What do they mean?” Rebecca asked, lifting the finely carved wooden piece by its leather thong up to show her, after she had unwrapped it with great care.
“It says ‘Protection’ for the one who wears the necklace,” May-May said, translating the meaning. “The other side is the mark of the family’s clan.”
“Oh, that’ll come in handy,” Rebecca sighed, giving the symbol another admiring look. “I’ll have to hide it from mother, least she stage a faint or something at the sight of it.”
“Word of what you have done has spread. The child’s father will want to thank you when he returns home and sees his son for the first time, he is still at sea. His family is pleased that you were there to help. They say it was a good omen. Keep your token close about you. Should you have need of anything, you are to show the gift.”
“Well,” Robert Covenington sighed, admiring the large roasted bird before them as they entered the dining room, “This is indeed a surprise. I was expecting more of those sage hens the cook is so fond of.”
“Oh father, you were not,” Rebecca said, shaking a finger at him. “I told you myself one of the boys shot a wild turkey the other day.”
“Did you Becca? It must have escaped my mind, these have been busy days,” he said, frowning at the gesture while taking his seat, motioning at the staff to serve the meal.
“I heard you’ve received word from Uncle Charles,” Rebecca said, lifting her eyes from her plate as a servant brought around the platter of meat.
“Did I now,” Roberts said, exchanging glances with his wife, before turning his attention to Rebecca. “Please go on, tell us what I’ve heard.”
“I heard the mail packet brought you a missive, bearing the name of C. Covenington,” Rebecca said, smiling at her fathers raised eyebrow at what she was saying, “I’m going to guess and say that my Uncle’s name, or perhaps a cousin.”
“Actually dear, you’re only half right,” her father said, turning to his meal for a moment before looking over to his wife again before saying more, “It was a note to keep an eye on the passenger lists, the name given was a C. Covenington.”
“Whether it is your Uncle Charles, or perhaps a wife, or child is still suspect,” Laura added, “All your father has to go on was a short note, stating someone would be here to visit.”
“Mother, that note was months back. Surely we would have heard more by now,” Rebecca asked, looking to her mother then back to her father. “Why did you request Jeremiah to come home over school holiday?”
“That was planned well before, quit being so nosy. It’s unseemly,” her mother chided her with, “You must be picking these bad habits from those foreign servants, the very ones I’ve been asking your father to dismiss.”
“I can’t stand their twisted eyes, they stare at me,” Laura added, noting Rebecca’s expression. “It leaves me feeling uncomfortable. I’ve mentioned it before.”
“We’re missing some shipping reports, and one of our competitors have underbid us on two occasions so far. It strikes of someone close to us, and we fear the Chinese are at the cause,” her father added.
“I’d look no further than your overseer, that man Groften you hired,” Rebecca said, giving her father a look. “There’s nothing wrong with any of the Asians.”
“We’ll be the judge of that,” Laura said, giving Rebecca a stern look, “You’re becoming the object of street gossip with your attention towards them in public. I won’t have any more of that young lady, do you understand me?”
“Mother, the girl fell at my feet, near to giving birth. She needed some care, and helping her was the proper thing to do. Was I to just step on her and continue on my way?”
“Maybe I’ll wed one of them,” Rebecca added, smiling at the expression that crossed her mothers face at the prospect, “and see what those old crows say of that.”
“Let’s not have any of that kind of talk,” Robert said suddenly, giving Rebecca a frown, “Aiding her was enough generosity to display, placing her into your carriage was more than expected, or proper for a young lady of your social position.”
“Should that ever occur again, you will have the driver help them regain their feet and send them on their way. You are not to touch them, Rebecca. Am I understood?”
“Yes, father,” Rebecca said, her voice dropping as she sat back, glancing over to see her mother’s approval on how her father had addressed the situation. “We’re understood.”
“Are you going to tell us when you expect us to have company?” Rebecca asked, changing the subject back to the mysterious guest.
“Actually, its tomorrow if the tides hold true, and they’re not bothered by pirates,” Robert said returning his attention to the meal. “The ship had another port stop to make for more spices, which enabled the mail packet to arrive in time to give me notice.”
“Are we having a grand banquet to welcome him?” Rebecca asked, looking over to her mother, “Can I meet the ship at the dock?”
“The answer to both of those is no,” Laura said. “Sitting at the filthy dock, being gawked at by the workers is not proper. You’ll wait here and oversee the preparation of a simple meal. Someone will be sent to await the ship on our behalf.”
“That might prove difficult, mother,” Rebecca quietly said, placing her napkin down on the table to show she was finished with her meal, “Providing the meal I mean. The cook is Chinese, and you’re letting him go in the morning.”
“We made good time,” John said, looking around the busy dock area as the mooring lines were being doubled up, “We weren’t expected until the late tide I’d venture.”
“I see you’ve brushed out your hair, you must be meeting someone here,” he added, glancing over at Chiasa.
“For all the good it will do me,” Chiasa told him, settling her sword behind her cloak before lifting the hood to cover her features. “Our arrival time will allow me to look around, perhaps take in a meal at the hotel, and I have some instructions from my father to fulfill as well. I still recall the directions you gave me, John. You’ve been most helpful, I won’t forget.”
“You’re the one we’ve kept our eyes on, it certainly helped the time pass by,” John said, lifting her bag for her as they watched the work crew placing the gangway placed for departure of the crew and passengers. “I’ll remember some of those moves you showed us, should I ever find myself in a tight fight. I’d say we’re about even in our debts.”
“I’m certainly glad those other passengers decided to leave at the last port we stopped at John, it made for several enjoyable days. I didn’t expect some of the crew to send up a cheer as they stepped onto the dock.”
“Aye, she was a strange duck, that’s for sure,” John said, thinking back. “First she wants to bash in your head, and then it’s like you’re her long lost daughter. I’m glad I asked the steward to keep an eye on your meals, I was afraid she’d drop something in there while your back was turned.”
“Just her presence was beginning to make me feel ill,” Chiasa said continuing to watch the activity around them, “I’m not so sure that my visit here will fare much better. You might have a return passenger on the next voyage north, now that I’ve learned how they act here.”
“We’re pierside for a spell, there’s repairs and offloading of cargo. Stop in and give us all a wave if you near,” John said, leading her towards the planks that had been secured. “It’ll make our work all the lighter.”
“I will,” Chiasa told him, taking his hand to bid farewell, “I’m off to find the hotel first, then the offices I need to visit. You never know when you might need a place to stay.”
Stopping across the street, Chiasa gazed over at the hotel, noting its condition and location amid the bustling streets before dropping her hood and striding over to the framed doorway.
“Servant’s entrance is around back,” the portly man at the counter muttered, giving her a quick glance before returning his attention to his ledger.
“Didn’t ya hear? I said around to the back with you, girl. I’ll not have you standing where the guests enter,” he said, noting that Chiasa hadn’t moved.
“This is the Covenington Hotel according to my directions, and the sign you have above the front. I am the guest,” Chiasa said, looking around the room before focusing her attention on the clerk. “I’m inquiring on the cost a room for the night.”
“That’s a laugh. The Covenington’s would have my hide, and yours too, if I was to let you in the front,” he said, setting down his quill with care before giving Chiasa another look.
“You’re a fair one, so I’ll tell you. Down the street and to the far end, you’ll smell the opium soon enough. That’s where you’ll find your room for the night. Stay from the shadows should evening find you,” he said, shaking his head as he picked the quill back up, “Now go off with ya, I’ve got no time for no Chino’s today.”
“I am from Japan,” Chiasa said quietly, “I’ve never visited China.”
“Being a Jappo isn’t any different,” he said, growing bored with the conversation. “Down the street is all you’ll find for slant eyes around here. We have a Constables office, so take your shadow away from my doorstep.”
“Can you also direct me to the offices of Jonathan Liesterman, the barrister?” Chiasa asked, looking at a painting hanging on the wall behind the desk. “I was told they are near.”
“Go outside, turn to your right. You’ll find it down a few blocks. You’ll not fare better at the lawyers place, he doesn’t let out rooms.”
“Is that Robert Covenington?” Chiasa asked, pointing upwards at the painting.
“Get yourself out in the street before I send a lad around for some help in throwing you there,” the clerk growled, sending a dark look her way. “Your presence is bothering me.”
Pulling a carefully folded piece of paper from her shoulder pouch, Chiasa compared the name above the entrance with the one written there. Satisfied she had found the destination her father had directed her to, she pulled her hood back up to cover her face, giving the door a sharp rap with its heavy brass knocker.
Turning around at the sound of someone’s knock, Rebecca dropped the knife she had been using to slice the meat, examining her fingers for signs of bleeding before asking, “Who is it,” at the maid’s appearance.
“There is a young girl at the door, Miss Rebecca. She’s asking about Master Covenington.”
“Well, have her come in. I’ll be out to tell her he’s out and not expected back for some time. I’ll tell her to come back tomorrow, as we’re expecting guests this evening,” Rebecca said, looking around the kitchen at the disaster she was beginning to create.
“Sorry Miss, but I can’t be doing that,” the maid said, glancing back towards the main entrance. “She’s Japanese she is, the Lady of the house will have me dismissed too, if I’m found out. She’s been in a mood of late.”
“Just have her leave then,” Rebecca said, her voice beginning to rise from frustration as she picked the knife back up, nearly losing a piece of her ear as she used her hand to swipe at a dangling locket of hair for the third time. “Mother will deal with her in her own way when she returns no doubt.”
“As you say, Miss,” the maid said, turning to make her way back to the door, rolling her eyes at the sight in the kitchen.
“Wait! I’ll see her in for a moment first,” Rebecca suddenly said, setting her knife back down and pulling at the string of her apron, smoothing her dress as she made her way out from the kitchen.
Opening the door just wide enough for her to enter, the maid waved Chiasa inside, making sure she didn’t track in any dust from the street. “The Miss will see you for a time, be brief as she’s quite busy.”
“Greetings,” Chiasa said, give Rebecca a bow as she was presented, noting her harried look, “I’ll be but a moment. I was hoping to see the master of the house, Mr. Robert Covenington. I don’t want my presence to be a concern.”
“Oh, you’re the least of them right now,” Rebecca gushed, wringing her hands together as she looked at Chiasa. “If you’re seeking father, he’s away and not expected to return soon, so you wouldn’t be able to see him until tomorrow at best. I should tell you, the business isn’t hiring girls. Father says they bring trouble in their wake.”
“My mother left me in a bad spot. Do you mind me asking… can you cook and prepare a meal?”
“Now, just this way,” Rebecca said, guiding Chiasa towards the kitchen at her nod, “I fear I might burn this place to the ground, with me still in it. You can set your items in here.”
“There’s no need to mention this to mother. That way neither one of us gets dismissed,” Rebecca said, giving the servant girl a quick look as she passed her. “All this is her fault anyway.”
“We’ve done well,” Rebecca finally said, letting out a deep sigh at what they had accomplished, “I’d never been able to do all this without your help. The family has an important guest arriving this evening, and mother foolishly thought I possessed the skills to prepare the meal.”
“Your guest will be pleased with what we’ve made ready,” Chiasa said, wiping her hands on an offered cloth, “and you’ve gained some experience and confidence in yourself,” she added, giving Rebecca a smile.
“The bread will soon be ready in the hearth, it’s beginning to fill the room with a nice scent. I think you will be pleased with the taste from the cinnamon we added.”
“I’ve certainly learned not to dismiss the cook without having another in mind. Mother is going to be the cause of lines on my face,” Rebecca said, pulling at her apron strings to remove it, “Please wait, and I’ll get your coins for all the work you’ve done. It passed a pleasant afternoon talking to you, as I don’t know much of Japan or other places. I enjoyed myself, which doesn’t happen that often around here.”
“Save your coins,” Chiasa said, waving a hand at the notion of payment, “A warm roll to take with me would be a better choice. I had hoped to find a meal at the hotel, but was ushered out with words.”
“Oh,” Rebecca said, looking at Chiasa, “I had forgotten. They’re not all that way,” she added, looking a little uncomfortable, “Just father’s hotel, and maybe one other. Mother says it’s bad for the guests to be mingling with… well, your kind of people. To her mind, it’s not proper. She says it keeps the families away.”
“It certainly works in keeping the Japanese families away,” Chiasa said, “So much for any tourist trade.”
“Oh, I know you’re right, but it’s the way we live here, at least the way mother wants it to be,” Rebecca sighed, showing some worry on her face again. “She’s making it nearly impossible to even find a cook.”
“I’m glad I could help you, I was wondering what kind of family lived here in this house,” Chiasa said, picking up her cloak as the maid entered, waving her hands to get Rebecca’s attention.
“The Master’s on his way up the street, Miss. I can see the carriage,” she gushed, showing her fear of being found with Chiasa in the kitchen.
“We can’t go out the front,” Rebecca quickly said, thinking on what to do at this unexpected news. “Here,” reaching down and lifting up one of the rolls, “take this, and find a seat out in the garden. They won’t think to look there,” Rebecca said, pointing at the door on the other side of the kitchen. “It’s just through there. I’ll come to see you out the gate and on your way as soon as they go upstairs.”
“What’s this, one of the new stable hands no doubt,” Jeremy exclaimed, seeing the hooded figure in the garden with sword in hand. “Leaving with something new from my father’s sword collection, no doubt.”
“How fortunate that I was coming in this way,” he added, drawing his own sword as he neared.
Remaining silent, Chiasa kept her eyes on the young man, noting the family resemblance from the painting she had seen in the hotel. With practiced ease, she bared her own blade, letting the sight of it’s polished surface be noticed as she took a step backwards, holding it easily with two hands.
“Thieves face a stiff penalty in this household,” Jeremy said, watching warily as the hooded figure began to slowly circle him, sword held ready. “I’ll ask you but once to cede your ground and be on your way. I’ll take it upon myself to return the sword to its rightful place,” his voice beginning to show his growing apprehension at the situation he had found himself in.
Smiling beneath her hood at his unease, Chiasa stepped in a few feet closer, still circling to her right, causing Jeremy to stand still and spin around to keep an eye on her.
Suddenly she dropped her sword point downward, Jeremy seeing his chance to claim victory in this cat and mouse game quickly leaped forward at her, his sword thrusting outward.
Letting him get closer, Chiasa moved quickly, reaching out and grabbing his arm with one hand, twisting her body so that he spun across one hip to land on the flat of his back with a heavy thud, his sword flying aside as he let out a short cry of despair.
Still saying nothing, Chiasa placed a foot against his neck, watching Jeremy’s eyes grow wider as she brought her sword close to his head.
“You’ll need to work on your sword skills,” Chiasa said, tugging her hood back down to reveal herself. “You looked uncomfortable with it, so it must be new to you,” she added, giving Jeremy a slight smile, “Long pants and a sword, you’ll grow into them in time.”
“The sword is my own,” sliding the blade back into the scabbard. “My father had it made especially for me, and placed my initials near the hilt. It has perfect balance and sharp enough to easily shave those few fair hairs on your chin,”
“I’m not looking for work, I am Chiasa, and I was just finishing up my roll, one provided by your thoughtful sister. I was placed out here, in hiding until your parents are settled upstairs.”
“I’m Jeremiah Covenington,” Jeremy said, finding his voice again as Chiasa took her foot away, “Everyone calls me Jeremy. I live here.”
“Can I get up now,” Jeremy asked, glancing over towards the door, “Father will punish me if he’s seen that I was bested by a girl.”
“You might want to brush at your clothing then,” Chiasa told him, reaching down with a hand to help him regain his feet.
“Don’t feel bad,” she added as Jeremy recovered his sword, “I’ve been taught by great masters, I practice every day.”
“Like a priest with his prayers,” Jeremy said, considering what she had said. “The only thing I practice that much is waking up in the mornings.”
“It shows,” Chiasa told him, showing another little smile as she slid the sword behind the edges of her cloak, “You have an awkward stride, and gave no consideration to the noise you made in your approach.”
“What’s this now?” Robert called out seeing the group huddled together in the garden, “The pleasant smells coming from the kitchen drew me out. Would one of you two like to explain this gathering?”
“This is a passing cook, I stopped her to asked a question on tonight’s meal,” Rebecca promptly replied, as her brother simply said “A stable hand, looking for work, sir,” the two glancing at each other before facing their father with expressionless faces.
“More likely, one of the servants that Bessa here was trying to sneak back into the house,” Robert said, looking from one to the other before giving Chiasa an appraising glance. “We’re not seeking additional staff, you’ll find your way out the way you arrived,” he said, pointing over towards the gate, “You might want to try the Torrington Inn, I was just there this day for luncheon and I can say with a proper appraisal that the owner, Mr. Tenner, is in need of better cook staff.”
“You’ll find it three blocks south of the docks.”
“Thank you for your recommendation Master Covenington, I was wondering where I might end up for my evening meal,” Chiasa said, lifting her hood once more as she bowed her farewell to Jeremy and Rebecca. “I am in your debt. I learned to cook while tending to my ailing father, our servants were limited to a single maid who assisted me with the household chores once a week.”
“No thanks are required,” Robert replied, “You’ll want to learn some of the western dishes, that’s the fare served there.”
“Oh, I’m knowledgeable in many. It was a treat for him to prepare them as I did. We tended to keep to a simpler life style,” Chiasa said, giving Rebecca another smile from beneath her hood as she turned towards the gate, stopping as she opened it to give Robert a brief bow, “Enjoy your own meal this evening, I trust it will be of note.”
“Who was that?” Laura asked walking up behind her husband, her arm linked with Jonathan Liesterman for support on the cobbled path.
“Just someone seeking a position, dear. Becca and Jeremy were just explaining that we’re not hiring,” Robert said, turning at their approach.
“Was it now,” Jonathan Liesterman remarked, observing the hooded figure as Chiasa followed the path through the trees that led towards the street, “I had thought it was your niece, Chiasa Covenington, or C. Covenington if you prefer,” giving Robert a slight smile. “I spoke with her this morning.”
“I was impressed with the young lady, bright as a new penny. Excellent English. I gave her the directions to get here myself.”
“Don’t go looking at me,” Rebecca remarked, a slight smile showing as she noted her mother’s shocked expression. “I’m certainly not chasing after her in public. I’ve been taught it’s unseemly for ladies such as myself to approach Asians.”
“What if someone should see me mother?” she added, lifting one arm to wipe a bit of flour off it, “Calling one to my house would cause tongues to wag, I’d be the topic of common street gossip.”
“Perhaps we should send out the carriage driver,” coming out a little quieter as she glanced up to gauge her mother reaction.
Chapter Two
“Remember, we’re looking for the dark haired one,” Rob whispered, watching from the shadows of the building’s overhang as the ship was welcomed against the pier, the lines thrown around the bulbous mooring points with directed shouts from the deck.
“They’re all dark haired as I recall it,” Mel muttered, pulling down at his cap, “Perhaps we should just grab the first one we see. Who can tell them apart?”
“Stow that, and earn your coin. You’ve been told of how she looks,” Rob, the tall one whispered, his eyes on the ship, “She’ll not be like one these locals, walking with head down, or bearing a laundry basket. You’ll mark her by her stride and posture.”
“That’s not all we were told, best you tell the other as well,” Jack, the third man added, shifting his position against the side of the building as several dark figures scurried past them, making their way towards the piers.
“What?” Mel asked, trying to see the tall man’s face in the dim light, “What have you conveniently forgotten to say?”
“She bears a sword,” Jack gave out, giving Rob a glance before returning his attention to the pier area, “And she’s not hesitant in its use.”
“So you decided to hire a third, someone to focus her attention towards while you two attempt to secure her sword arm with a rope,” Mel said, thinking on that information.
“Don’t you go giving it much thought,” Rob said, giving him a quick glance, “We’ve been given a pistol for this. We’ll not be having a street fight out in the open, she’ll come along nice and quiet like once she sees it.”
“How is she to see it in the dark?” Mel asked, shaking his head, “As you said we’re to come up behind her like bloody pirates.”
“It won’t matter. That’s not the ship we’re after,” Jack muttered, reaching over to hit Rob’s arm with his coil of rope as he pointed, “That one over there is the Sea Maiden, and from the looks of her, we were given the wrong time. I’d wager she’s been here most of the day as she’s sitting there silent as a tomb.”
“I ain’t going to be the one who tells the hag,” Jack muttered, “She’ll have her son set on us.”
“Let’s move over closer to the ship, maybe a crew hand can provide us with some information,” Rob finally came out with, giving a little snort of disgust with the way things were working out.
“You and your mouth,” Jeremy said, tapping on the carriage roof for the driver to stop, “If mother hadn’t done her fainting spell, we would have caught up before it began to grow dark.”
“Don’t go placing all this on me,” Rebecca retorted, giving her brother a glance, “Blame mother, this is all her fault. At least I got to spend an afternoon with our cousin. She’s probably halfway back to Japan by now.”
“We’ll find her, father told me to check here at the berth first, then the Inn. She may go seeking a room and meal there since he mentioned it to her,” Jeremy said, holding out a hand to help Rebecca step down.
“Oh my, what that’s that smell,” Rebecca came out with, bringing a scented kerchief up to her nose as they neared the pier.
“Unwashed sailors, and an outgoing tide,” her brother replied, smiling at her discomfort as he guided her along, “All part of the family business. I understand you get used to it after awhile.”
“Never, not in a thousand years,” Rebecca said, wrinkling her nose up at the odors, “I thought it was supposed to smell like spices, that’s what father imports.”
“Maybe in the cargo holds, but out here, it’s everyday smells,” Jeremy said, looking around the area, judging on which way was best to go.
“That’s Robert Covenington’s carriage, I’ve seen it often enough,” Jack pointed out as they watched it pass by, “The word must be out, he’s here to stop us.”
“Nay, still your tongue on that, he’s not one to come alone. There’d be the constable’s men along as well,” Rob said, thinking on the carriage. “More likely the one we want is inside, and he’s sent her back to the ship.”
“Come on, let’s keep it in sight. If I’m right, we can grab her, and use the carriage for ourselves.”
“It just some young folks,” Mel whispered as they stopped to watch the door being opened by the driver.
“That’s them Covenington’s,” Jack said, peering around the corner of the shed they used to conceal themselves, as the pair made their way down the dock towards the ship. “We weren’t told to be expecting them two. I don’t see the father anywhere about, he’s bound to be close.”
“I don’t see a dark haired one, either. Didn’t you say she was named Covenington?” Mel said, trying to move so he could see around Jack. “Those struck me as being fair haired when they passed the lantern.”
“They strike me as being worth more than one slanted girl,” Jack said, turning to look at Rob with a sly look. “We might make something from this to go in our pockets. The hag will pay for the one, and we’ll add those two to line our coin pouch.”
“There be no need to bother her over these two, we’ll make our plans,” Jack finally said, taking his eyes off the pair to look over at Rob, “We’ll take them to the ship as we planned, but we’ll tell the hag that willful one she’s been raging over gave us the slip.”
“Mel,” Rob said, turning to face him, “You go thump that old geezer that’s waiting with the carriage, and bring it down towards the ship. Put his jacket around you, so they won’t be noticing anything.”
“Me and Jack here will sneak on down all quiet and when I give the signal, we’ll nab those two and make good our escape. We’ll take them over to the ship that waiting on us at the western pier.”
“Aye, I know of the lass,” John said, looking at Rebecca for a minute before turning his attention to Jeremy, “She never mentioned the two of you though, and you two don’t much look like her brother or sister, if ya take my meaning. I’d be able to notice something like that, even in the light from these lanterns.”
“We all took a shine to her we did, so if you’re here wishing her harm, it’s best ya be moving on.”
“No, its nothing like that,” Jeremy said, “We’re her cousins, part of the family she had come here to visit. Our father and hers were brothers.”
“Well, maybe that explains why you’re down here looking around, she took one look at the lot of ya’s and turned back,” John surmised, giving the pair before him a slight smile as they gave each other an uncomfortable look. “But, I’d lay a coin down on her having been shown the street.”
“Must have been something of a surprise when your parents discovered their situation. The proper owner of Covenington Imports, being her father’s sole heir, just got dismissed from the house she actually owns.”
“Oh, she didn’t see fit to tell you now,” John said, seeing their surprise at the revelation. “We had plenty of time to talk and get to know each other, a fine lass that one.”
“You must know your uncle was the eldest son, the one who was given the family business. He convinced his brother, your father, to handle his affairs when he decided he wanted to travel. That was back before either of you was born.”
“He passed away several months ago if I heard her rightly,” John added, shaking his head at their situation. “He had asked her to seek out his brother before passing on.”
“Well, sounds to me she’s done that, and is now off to whatever place she wants.”
“You’re saying she’s not here,” Jeremy asked, still trying to take in everything they had been told.
“We’re trying to locate her, and bring her back home with us,” Rebecca said, looking somewhat forlorn over the prospect of not finding her. “I don’t know what we’re going to do now.”
“Thanks John,” Chiasa said quietly as they watched the pair make their way back towards a waiting carriage. “I didn’t feel like facing them again tonight.”
“They’re likely to be back, they seemed a determined lot,” John let out. “You could have had a carriage ride,” nodding towards where their transport now stood waiting.
“What be that,” he suddenly asked as a shrill cry was heard, causing both of them to look down the pier.
“That’s Rebecca,” Chiasa gave out, baring her blade as she leapt across the gangplank towards the sound. “Arouse the watch.”
“Hurry there, lads,” Jack gave out, trying to keep his worried voice hushed while keeping one hand over Rebecca’s mouth as she struggled against him. “We’re about to be undone here.”
“I’ve got this one,” Rob grunted, holding up his knife to Jeremy’s throat, displaying his willingness to use it as he grimaced, “In with ya, boy and get ahold of this siren here we’re struggling with. Another peep and she’s done for, it’s you we want.”
“I’m caught up,” Rebecca cried out, trying to reach back to give her skirts a tug.
“Keep yourself quiet,” Jack added, harshly shoving her towards the open carriage door. “You heard the man, we’ve got a blade on your brother. He’s not one to cross,” giving her frightened face another look as he pushed up upwards, letting the edges of her dress rip from where it had snagged against the edge of the step as he hurriedly yanked at it to free her.
“Mel, lend a quick hand,” looking up at him, “She’s a wild one, she’s given me a blow,” trying to fend of her sudden strikes as he thrust a hand under her skirts, still trying to free the tangled fabric.
“We’ve been discovered,” Mel called out as he gained the ground, hurriedly pushing at the girl as he sought to speed up her release. “I hear voices.”
“Jack,” Rob gave out, seeing Mel was blocking at the open door, “Grab up them reins, head us towards the ship.”
“Someone’s coming this way,” Jack let out trying to hold the excited horses still long enough for them to get settled on the bench.
“Wait,” Mel cried out as his footing slipped on the tattered cloth still caught on the step as the dress came free, causing him to fall backwards with grunt. “Hold up there, Rob. I’m afoot.”
“We meet at the ship, can’t wait on the likes of you on this,” Rob called out, pulling the door closed as he looked back as the carriage leapt forward from the flick of Jack’s lash. “Here, use this,” tossing the knife in his hand back at him, “Get yourself away.”
“They’re on us,” Jack cried out, sending the lash at Chiasa as she emerged from the near shadows, heading towards him.
“Not so fast,” Rob let out as the carriage lurched forward again, keeping his eyes on Jeremy, displaying the pistol now in his hand while pointing it towards Rebecca. “It’s too late for the likes of you, move on me and the lass here get hurt.”
