Vampirates: Tide of Terror by Justin Somper Page A

intrigued by this small piece of theater.
    “Now it’s ready to drink,” Cheng Li said, reaching for the pot and pouring the hot tea into Grace’s glass. Steam spiraled up and hit Grace’s nostrils. The tea had the most unusual and intoxicating perfume.
    “Some people like to add a spoonful of honey,” Cheng Li said, nodding at the small black jar on the table, “but I prefer mine without.”
    Grace decided to follow Cheng Li’s lead and lifted her glass to her lips.
    “Wait,” Cheng Li said. Grace paused, wondering how much more there might be to this ritual.
    “A toast,” Cheng Li said, raising her own glass to meet Grace’s. “To new friends!”
    “New friends!” Grace echoed.
    They gently chinked the delicate glasses. Then Grace took a sip of the Sea Lily Tea.
    “Well?” Cheng Li said, her smoky eyes flashing at Grace. “What’s the verdict?”
    “I think it’s the most delicious drink I’ve ever tasted,” Grace said.
    Cheng Li nodded and smiled. “I thought you’d like it,” she said. “Sea Lilies are a rare delicacy, full of good things. They’re hard to come by — but Matilda Kettle has connections.”
    “Matilda?” Grace was surprised. “I thought she was ‘Ma’ as in ‘Mother.’ ”
    Cheng Li shook her head. “No, dear, her name is Matilda.”
    “But Molucco called her Kitty before.”
    “People call her many names, but her real name is Matilda.”
    Grace sensed that Cheng Li knew many, many secrets. She took another sip of tea, feeling its sweet warmth flood through her body. It felt as if all the tension she had been carrying around had drained away. Was it possible that just a couple of sips of the delicately perfumed tea could have such a strong and immediate effect?
    “Now,” Cheng Li said. “Tell me everything.”
    Where should she begin? There was so much she could tell. So many thoughts and experiences that she was suddenly burning to get off her chest. So many questions too.
    But could she trust Cheng Li? She was aware of her companion’s reputation — the former deputy captain was talked about aboard The Diablo with a mixture of fear and disdain. Connor, though, had spoken highly of her — describing her as harsh but fair — and his opinion mattered far more to Grace than that of Captain Wrathe or his all-too-easily influenced subordinates. But one thing that Connor had told Grace gave her real cause for concern. He had told her of Captain Drakoulis’ insinuation that Cheng Li had been spying on Molucco — that this was the reason for her arrival on The Diablo , and for her sudden departure.
    “What would you like to know?” Grace said at last, deciding to let her companion start off. She would proceed with caution and then make her own decision as to Cheng Li’s trustworthiness.
    Cheng Li shrugged. “Well, for a start, how do you like life aboard The Diablo ?”
    It was a simple question but Grace took a moment to compose her answer. Cheng Li waited, taking another draught of tea.
    “I like it well enough,” Grace said.
    Cheng Li observed Grace with her bright almond eyes. Clearly she was waiting to hear more. Grace decided to take a chance.
    “I don’t know that I want to stay there forever.”
    “Really?” said Cheng Li, one eyebrow raised quizzically.
    “Forgive me if I’m wrong, but hasn’t Connor signed up to the articles now?”
    Grace nodded. “Yes,” she said quietly.
    Cheng Li took a sip of tea. “That’s a little bit of a problem.”
    Grace hardly needed reminding of that. The articles were a constant thorn in her side.
    “The articles are generally considered to be binding for life,” said Cheng Li. She gazed at Grace. “But there are always ways around little problems.”
    Grace’s heart lifted. Was Cheng Li about to throw her a lifeline?
    “Tell me, how is Connor faring on the ship?”
    “Pretty good,” Grace said.
    Cheng Li smiled. “Only pretty good? The word on the nautical newswire is that he’s a pirate