Читать «Rising Tide (зксм-1)» онлайн - страница 183

"Is that what happened, Malorrie?" Tynnel demanded.

The captain's use of the alias Jherek had borrowed for the voyage underscored the liberties he'd taken with the truth already. He didn't hesitate about his answer. "No, sir. It was I who made the argument physical."

Tynnel's harsh gaze softened a bit then, and his voice as well. "That's too bad. When I hired Sabyna on as ship's mage, we were both aware of the complications a woman brought to a ship of men. There's a rule about-"

"I'm not a crewman," Jherek interrupted, "nor was this fight over her."

"If nothing had been said about Sabyna, would you have fought these men?"

Jherek took a deep breath in through his nose. Even with only one eye, he saw there was no arguing with Tynnel's position. The fear that rode him clawed its way through his stomach, tightening his muscles so his ribs pained him even more. "No, sir."

"I say that the argument was over her," Tynnel stated. He reached into his coin purse and took out coins. "I'm returning your ship's passage, and I'm adding what I think is a fair price for the work you did aboard."

Jherek listened to the captain's words, not believing he'd just been thrown off the ship. It wasn't right, but the sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach told him Tynnel wouldn't entertain any arguments about the matter. Despite everything, his ill luck held true, the most constant companion he'd ever had.

"Keep the coins," Jherek said in defeat. What silver he had wouldn't leave him much to buy another berth on a ship bound for Baldur's Gate, but it was only fair.

"I can't keep it," Tynnel said.

"You didn't have a hand in this fight," Jherek said. "You earned your pay."

"I won't keep the passage fare," Tynnel stated, "and you earned the extra."

Jherek saw the determination in the captain's eyes and respected it. "Then keep it for the boy we rescued from the shipwreck. Even the orphanage here in Athkatla can use a donation while they try to find his family." It was as close as he could figure to balancing the score between them.

Tynnel stared at him a moment longer, then put the coins away. "I'll do as you ask." Tynnel lowered his voice then, speaking so he could be heard only by Jherek. "I'm sorry this has to happen," he said, "but I have rules for a reason."

"I know," Jherek said. "I understand."

Rules were a big part of Jherek's life as well. They'd offered security for him that his upbringing and early years hadn't allowed. From time to time, they'd even held his bad luck away, and he knew no one rule could be broken without sacrificing all the others.

"I'll have your things sent here," Tynnel said, "you can't come back to the ship."

Jherek nodded, grimly accepting the judgment, and asked, "You know about the dangers along the Sword Coast? The sahuagin attack on Waterdeep?"

"And the other ships as well," Tynnel said. "We've sailed dangerous waters before."