Page 76 of The King's Man 4

Lykos grunts, then smirks. “Surrounded by Skeldars, and you’re the one to fear most.”

The smirk turns into a laugh.

I adjust my grip on the spoon, trying to push thoughts of Quin aside.He doesn’t want me interfering in his life. There’s nothing I can do from here anyway.

I shove my untouched porridge away, prop my elbows on the table, and sink my pounding head into my palms.

“Cael, are you—” Megaera cuts off.

All chatter stops.

I raise my head to see the captain making a tight-lipped appearance.

Megaera and Lykos also lose interest in their food. Last night, I told them about the burning ship.

The captain holds up a tiny scroll of paper. “They’ve sent scout boats. They’ll arrive within the hour.”

He turns sharply on his heel and held breaths release around me.We’ll be fine. We’ve pretty much made it—

An urgent screech echoes through the bowels of the ship.

Dozens of spoons clatter into bowls, and Skeldars leap to their feet, shouting to grab weapons, as the man I’d paralysed stumbles in.

His limbs are trembling, and so is his voice.

My stomach tightens.

“Kjartan—captain—it’s Hakon. He’s . . . he’s sick. He’s got . . .”

I slam my eyes shut, drawing a quiet breath as panic erupts around me. Megaera slides closer, her body strung taut.

Lykos lurches to his feet and bolts from the room, calling for Zenon.

Kjartan blows on his fingers, releasing a sharp whistle that commands immediate attention. If he’s afraid, he hides it well. The elegant lines of his face tighten with responsibility, sharp control. He speaks, and no one dares challenge him.

“Sit. Down.”

They sit.

He addresses the bearer of the bad news. “Rurik. Details. Now.”

“We were on night watch. Nothing happened. Around dawn, we played a little by the brig, to stay awake.” A guilty look.

“Continue.”

“At first, I thought he was flushed with drink; we fell asleep. When I woke just now, he... he...”

The captain grabs him by the hood of his cloak. “By Hrafnar’s beak, spit it out.”

“He’s still sleeping. But his face. It’s covered in boils.”

Rurik’s frightened eyes latch onto me.

I rise slowly, hiding any signs of concern.I’m the one they’re looking to; their hope. My reactions control their panic.“I’ll see him. Rurik, you’ve been in contact with him. Quarantine yourself. No one but me goes near them.”

Megaera clutches my arm, her eyes warning me.

Stay steady. Stay strong. “Keep them calm. Get everyone to cover their nose and mouth.”

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