Malspire by Nikolai Bird Page A

away from prying eyes. I did not call out to him as Ajator seemed to be in conversation with a stranger clad in fine furs with a top hat and golden rings upon his fingers that were wrapped around a silver topped cane. The man was wearing a pair of dark goggles, and had his collar turned up so it was hard for me to make out his face. The stranger was pointing a long finger at Ajator, and telling him something that I could not hear. I backed away round the side of the stack and waited. When Ajator finally appeared, he was surprised to see me and shot a glance back, but it seemed the stranger had gone.
    “I was looking for you,” I said.
    “I was inspecting the stock. A ship that size has a lot to take on and we leave in the morning,” said Ajator indicating the stack.
    “We leave today. My captain returned last night with orders to patrol the region. We’re to hunt rebels, stop piracy and smugglers from supplying the enemy. The Sea Huntress is ready to leave, so I wanted to say goodbye.”
    Ajator smiled, and took me by the shoulder. “I came looking for you, but you've been busy. Is all well? Are your ship and crew ready for action?”
    “All is well, and yes, we're ready.” I did not want to ask but I couldn’t help myself. “Did you visit her?”
    Ajator stopped for a moment. “I did.” He looked at me with a pained expression. “We've grown close, but it weighs heavy on my heart, brother. I know you like her.”
    “Please. Of course I like her, but as I said, she's not my type. Don't feel bad. I much prefer the simplicity and demands of a common girl. Miss Havlon will demand a lot more of you than a couple of coppers and a bottle of wine if you're not careful!”
    “She likes you. She said you were kind and tried to please her and her father, but you were like a fox trying to entertain a hen. She told me you're a true hero. I agree with her.”
    “Shut up, Ajator,” I said, but not in anger. Ajator laughed. I smiled too. How could I not? His smile, the twinkle in his eye. The man had a good heart and deserved happiness.
    “She's coming aboard the Grand Oak as my guest for the return trip to Norlan.”
    “I see. She will be safe then.”
    “Indeed!”
    “And so will you.” This thought at least was a little comfort to me. The two people in the world that meant something to me would be safe for a while on a battleship and then at port in Norlan away from the frontiers and war. I wanted to ask about the stranger, but Ajator had obviously seen him in private and it was none of my business anyway. If Ajator wanted to share it with me, he would have.
    “I had best return,” I mumbled as we walked along the dock.
    “Why so morose? We'll meet again soon, and we'll hunt together for rebels and pirates. Soon we'll be captains of our own ships, and then we'll wreak hellish fire upon the Empire's enemies, eh?”
    “Yes. Soon we shall. Farewell.” Again I smiled to put my brother at ease.
    “One more thing, Mal,” said Ajator. He stepped closer and in a quieter voice so as not to be overheard, said, “Are you a member of the Ship of Mariners?”
    Ajator was referring to a club which was meant to be secret but everybody knew about it. The organisation had lodges all over the Empire. Members had secret signs and performed secret rituals which I assumed they found amusing. I myself was not interested in being asked to join and doubted I would ever fit the mould for membership anyway.
    “Of course not. Are you?”
    “No.” Ajator looked troubled. “I was though. I was asked to join a few months ago by a fellow I had drinks with in the city. Odd man, but a good drinking partner. Name of Obein Klarans. Flame red hair, lost his ear and two fingers in a fight. Intelligent man, but not boring.”
    "Why did you leave? Did the masks and handshakes not amuse you?"
    “At first, yes.” Ajator responded frowning at some further thought.
    “Tell me Ajator, what's bothering you?”
    “Something happened. But...”