Chapter 16
“I just don’t understand it,
Manchester,” Jonathan told his first mate as they finished their morning
calisthenics on the Maelstrom ’s main deck. “November Hutchins was afraid
to say what she knew about the Caine family, yet she was adamant she must do so.
When she returned from her stint in captivity, she’d done an about-face. Her
fears had been somehow assuaged and her mouth was firmly shut on all matters
regarding the Caines.”
Manchester mopped his brow with a towel. “Perhaps she had a
change of heart.”
“Clearly. But why? What did they do to her? How did they buy
her silence?”
“I hear gold often works,” said Manchester.
“Benedict Caine’s got plenty of it, if the rumors are true.
Do you think Ms. Hutchins is in league with them?”
“I think you’d be wise to keep the possibility in mind, Mr.
Jonathan.”
“Right. At least she and the other survivors are safe now. I
consider that a success.”
“No thanks to me,” said Manchester.
“Don’t be so hard on yourself. It’s easy to crack under the
pressure. Especially when your life is on the line.”
“Would you have told them where the passengers were hiding,
sir?”
Jonathan pondered this. He wanted to believe he would’ve kept
silent under any threat. It disappointed him that the Caines had put him in a
position to betray those he’d promised to protect. “Let’s not talk about it
anymore. We ought to be stocking up for the Admiral’s convoy tomorrow.”
“Yes, Mr. Jonathan.”
Vin Harlow emerged from belowdecks and approached the two men
in a huff. “Cap’n Thorpe. There’s been a distress call from a vessel passing
over Azkatla. They say there’s part of a rather large house rising up out of
the jungle.”
“A house in Azkatla? I thought those jungles were
uninhabited. Is there anyone inside?”
“They didn’t say, sir. There’s no telling. We aren’t too far
off, though. Might be worth a look.”
“Indeed. We must investigate at once. Someone may be in need
of our help.”
***
In a rare display of equitable leadership, Benedict
Caine had called a meeting with the captains, first mates, and quartermasters
of all six airships in his fleet. Everyone was there; even Mr. Mittens. The
only one absent was Misty, though Benedict didn’t notice this at first.
“Before we start the proceedings,” he said when all were
gathered, “I would like to thank Poleax Longworth for graciously offering to
host us aboard his vessel today.”
Everyone clapped and cheered.
“I didn’t offer,” said Poleax, but no one heard him.
“I must say, the Hummingbird looks better today than
it did when she first set sail. I’m impressed with the way you’ve kept up the
old girl, Poleax. She’s tight, tidy, and in perfect working order. Now all you
need is a woman with the same qualities.”
Laughter, and more applause.
“I’ve called you all together here for a brief discussion.
First of all, it has come to my attention that I have been deceived.” Benedict
leaned over the table where Poleax was sitting.
Poleax’s face went red as a ripe cherry. He cleared his
throat. “I’m not ashamed of it. Nor will I apologize for it. There are certain
things a man must do to keep his conscience in good order. For me, saving those
horses was one of them.”
“I see,” said Benedict. “So you admit you returned to Azkatla
not for supplies, but to retrieve the animals you deliberately hid from us on
the hunt.”
“Yes.” Poleax shifted in his chair.
“And how do you suppose you ought to be punished for this
treachery?”
“There is nothing treacherous about showing kindness to the
lesser beings of this world.”
“There is something quite treacherous about a ship’s captain
keeping secrets from his commodore, however,” said Benedict. “How am I to know
I can rely on you when the going gets rough?”
“If the going had been rough, I would’ve adjusted my conduct
accordingly.”
Benedict stood
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