Read Online A Glimmering Girl by L. K. Rigel - Free Book Online Page A

indeed.”
    He shook his head. His eyes didn’t want to see what they saw: the fantastic White Lady , fastest ship on the seven seas, no expense spared, lodged on an eruption of black rock a quarter mile from shore.
    Ross pulled out the device hidden in his cloak’s inner pocket. He was bringing home linens from Normandum, silks from Andalusia, and caskets of oil made from the fruit of a tree, but men would covet most the treasure he now held. The scoping glass brought distant objects close to the eye, as if they could be touched. He liked to keep the glass out of sight, but this need was too great.
    The ship on the rock listed precariously. The drunken revelers of a few hours ago had gathered on deck, many stumbling and sliding into the waters.
    “What do you see, sir?” Braedon said.
    “Crewmen climbing up into the rigging. Nobles staggering about, falling into the sea, still drunk. One, two—I see three boats with survivors, one well away.” The boat farthest away from the White Lady carried but two men. “Damn them both for leaving so many—wait.” Ross recognized the men: Lord Sarumen and William Aethelos, the prince.
    Thank God.
    Sarumen had been right to get away fast. The two lifeboats still close to the ship weren’t going to make it. One capsized, pulled over by desperate souls in the water. It quickly filled and sank. In one movement, the crazed people changed direction and swam for the other boat.
    “Tell Captain Raymond we need to turn about,” Ross said.
    “There’s nothing we can do, Sir Ross.” The captain was already there, behind Ross. “The gale is too strong. I won’t lead the Vengeance to the same fate.”
    This wind was strong but no gale. The captain was afraid of the rocks. “You won’t have to get near the White Lady to save the prince.” Ross dropped his arm. “Aethelos was on that ship, do you understand? The king’s only legitimate son.” 
    “And I’m sorry for him, but there’s nothing to be done for it.”
    “Did you hear me, man?” Ross said. “The king’s only legitimate son! If Aethelos dies, there’s no settled heir. The world will go to war over the crown.” Sun and moon, he was sick of war. “There’s no risk to the Vengeance . Aethelos and Lord Sarumen have made it off the White Lady . All you have to do is pick up their boat.”
    “You can’t know it’s them. They’re too far away.”
    “You can see him with this.”
    “Aiee! I’ll touch no glimmy glass.” The captain backed away and crossed himself. “I want no wyrding ways on my ship!”
    “This is not of the wyrd,” Ross said. “This glass is from the holy land. There’s no magic in it.” Cynically, he added, “None but God’s power.” He searched for the boat and let out a breath of relief. Sarumen and Aethelos had made it to shore.
    “The holy land, you say?” Captain Raymond eyed the scoping glass with less fear and more curiosity.
    “All captains in the East have them,” Braedon said.
    “Try it.” Ross offered the instrument. “Look through this end.”
    Captain Raymond put the glass to his eye and jumped backward. Just as Ross had done the first time he looked through one, the captain reached out, trying to touch what he saw. He put it down, took his bearings, held it up again.
    The look came over him. Delight that in an eyeblink surrendered to desire. His eyes shifted rapidly. For a moment, he looked ready to push Ross over the rail in order to keep the glass.
    “Sir Ross, on the shore. Look. Are they fighting?” Braedon had no need of any aid; he had the eyes of an eagle.
    Ross snatched back the glass. Sarumen and Aethelos weren’t fighting, but they were having an agitated conversation. Aethelos broke away and pointed to the White Lady, and Ross followed the prince’s gesture.
    “Sun and moon.” He felt sick. “Princess Meline is still on board. Aethelos must want to go back for his sister.”
    “Aye, and no doubt Lord Sarumen is explaining to the royal