Sineater

The room was well lit.

The light from the small flames was being amplified by the mirror behind them to cast most light into the room. There were crates, meticulously stacked on one end of the room, while three comfortable leather chairs awaited us, with a large one behind a red wood desk.

“Heard you had another run-in with Galaden.”

“He’s just chasing an old itch where there’s nothing to scratch.” Garm laughed as he sat down. “He’ll get tired eventually.”

Talia sat down in her chair and pulled off her bandana. This was the part of the meeting that I always hated. When she’d been younger, Talia had been accosted by some Elves and she’d petrified them. While petrification could be undone and the Elves had been healed, one of them was the son of a senator. Despite defending herself, she was deemed out of line for using her petrification and as a penalty her snake hair had been shaved. Most of the hair was snake tails, but there were always a head or more depending on how strong the Gorgon was. The tails could grow back, except when the wounds were cauterized.

That was what I was looking at. White circles all over the back of her head where the wounds had been burnt to ensure that her snakes never grew back and her petrification could never be used again. It was a reminder of the cruelty that could be handed out, even if it had been the Agate Senate that had given the ruling.

“Even a fox can destroy a room if it’s determined enough.” The Gorgon sighed. “Given the times, you’d be best not to take him lightly.”

“I’ve been doing this since before your mother was an egg.” Garm chuckled. “But I’ll take it as a warning.” The short man began stroking his beard. “Something tells me that you’ve got a plan to make this unrest boil.”

“We can’t have the princess wed the Regent.” Talia tapped her fingers on the desk. “You might be retired, but the need to protect the crown never diminishes captain.”

“The only thing I’m a captain of is my ship.” Garm held up his hand. “And you’re not one of my crew, so you don’t need to call me that.”

“You’ll always be my captain.” The Gorgon gave us a toothy smile. “Even if you work for me now.”

“Speaking of work…” Garm motioned at the desk. “I assume you’ve a plan to stop the wedding?”

“There can’t be a wedding without a bride.” Talia nodded at me. “I can get Alessa out of the city, but I need you to get her somewhere safe.”

That took a fast turn. I’d been expecting something like sabotage or blackmail. Not kidnapping the princess.

“Not a lot of places that won’t turn a princess back over to a senate.” Garm stroked his beard. “Where do you have in mind?”

“The Wraith Emperor has made a haven for Sineaters and isn’t very friendly towards the senates. I believe she’ll be safe there until we can find a more permanent solution.”

“The Wraith Empire…” Garm stroked his beard. “That’s a far ways off. I’ll need something to justify such a trip.”

“Ogna is a week away and I have a shipment of wyvern meat that the Ogres need for their celebration.” Talia flexed her fingers. “The Ogres are on the same island as the Wraiths and you’d need to stop at the empire for supplies anyway.” She smiled. “A very reasonable trip.”

“Sounds like you have all of this worked out already.” Garm stretched. “How soon do you need us to be ready?”

Talia wrote some information down on a piece of paper. “The women will be at this safehouse at sundown. Send your men to Mulius Avrus. He’s a human butcher who should have enough of the meat to justify a trip.” She looked over at Vin. “You’re going to have to keep an ice mage on board to make sure the meat stays frozen.”

The black-furred man shrugged. “I don’t have a problem with mages. They’re the ones who have a problem with me.”

“I’m sending a mage with you as well. She's the princess’ companion, so try not to make her uncomfortable.”

“I’ll keep my distance.” Vin yawned. “That just means more naps in the crows nest.”

Garm kicked my brother’s foot with his boot. “You can sleep on your own time. They’ll be staying below deck, so that won’t interfere with your duties.”

I smiled as the four armed man began to frown.

“If we’re to leave at sundown.” Garm stood up. “We best be on our way.”

“Good luck old friend.” Talia leaned back in her chair. It almost looked like there was concern on her face.

“Luck is for those without skill.” The Dwarf flexed. “We’ll be fine.”