Read Online Chronicles of Gilderam: Book One: Sunset by Kevin Kelleher - Free Book Online Page A

below, at the base of the tower, her guests poured out onto the street, happy to be finally released after intense questioning by the Royal Police regarding last night’s attempted hijacking.
    “…I told you, she’s out here,” said a voice from behind. It was Chief Steward Pawl, leading Owein through a hatch onto the deck. “Ah! There you are, Mistress Ranaloc.”
    “Pawl. Maeriod.”
    “This is for you,” Pawl said as he handed her a piece of paper. “It’s a letter of resignation from Captain Breld. Evidently last night’s episode was a bit too much excitement for him. Not exactly what he’d had in mind for his retirement, I think.”
    “Great,” she said, looking it over. “Now we don’t have a captain.” Then to Owein, “I suppose you’ve come to ask for the early termination of your contract as well?”
    “Actually, I came to tell you that we finally found our escort.”
    “Oh, yes? Really? And what excuse did they offer for abandoning us during a hijacking?”
    “None. They’re all dead. The crashed ship was found west of Cezil. The Tricorns must’ve infiltrated them, too.”
    “ Threithumé …” said Shazahd, casting her eyes downward to Erand.
    “Also,” said Pawl, “on top of the destroyed turbine, Galif reports that our getaway last night damaged something called the ‘hydraulic manifold.’ Evidently until it can be repaired, the ship will only be capable of about a fifth of her normal power – at best. He’d like to pick up supplies today in Erand, but even if we can patch her up quickly, we’re going to be several days late for your wedding. I’ll see to it that word is sent to Divar posthaste. We’ll inform your fiancé that we’ll have to reschedule, and –”
    “Don’t bother,” said Shazahd. “He already knows.” Pawl and Owein noticed that she was clutching her necklace. She whispered something to herself, but it was too quiet for either of them to understand.
    “I beg your pardon, Mistress?”
    “Nothing, Pawl. Tell Galif to meet me on the gangplank. We’ll leave immediately to get his supplies.”
    “Of course, Mistress.” And Pawl disappeared inside the ship.
    “If you and Galif are going into Erand,” said Owein, “I’ll get a few of my men together to go with you.”
    Shazahd looked up at him. “So you’re not leaving?”
    “We made a deal. I said I’d get you safely to Divar, and that’s exactly what I plan to do.”
    “How terribly honorable of you,” said a new voice. It was Mentrat, coming up the deck from the stern. “But I’m afraid your services are no longer required.”
    “I beg your pardon?”
    “Father, –”
    “We’d rather make the rest of our journey without you or your men aboard this ship. Please pack up your things and go.”
    Owein looked between Shazahd and her father. She was glaring at the old man, incredulous and a little shocked.
    “I’d love to oblige you,” said Owein coolly, “but I’m afraid I was hired by your daughter. Not you.”
    “Shazahd is my executor. She acts on my behalf. Now I’m acting on my behalf. And, unfortunately for you, Master Maeriod, I am not hugely fond of your profession and no longer wish to employ your services.”
    “My services? You mean saving your ship? Your life?”
    “I mean violence, Master Maeriod. Physical aggression. It is the basest of human pursuits, and the most loathsome. In this enlightened age, I’m surprised people like you can find work at all.”
    “People like me?”
    “Yes, Master Maeriod, people like you. Idiots, we call them. Drindamum . You see, violence is what people do when they can’t think of a better solution to their problems. Violence is stupidity in its purest form. And I have no need for it.”
    “Don’t you? Then tell me, Your Lordship , just what brilliant scheme of yours would’ve taken your ship back last night?”
    “Why you insolent child…!” Mentrat took a step toward Owein. “Do you have any idea who you’re talking