Page 109 of The Sea Witch
“The navy seldom sails in this territory,” he fired back. “I didn’t get the opportunity to chart it.”
“That archipelago is called the Broken Serpent,” Luna said darkly. “It’s made up of miles of rocky islands surrounded by shallows. You can’t get through them on a full-displacement ship such as ours.”
“The only way out is through,” Polly said. “We’ll need a diversion.”
Alys nodded. “A party will make its way off theSea Witchhere.” She pointed to a location on the peninsula that was a short distance south of the monastery. “We’ll approach the abbey, provide the needed distraction to let theSea Witchsail past, undisturbed, and then rejoin the ship here.”
She rapped her knuckles on a spot north of the monastery.
“I’ll lead the landing party,” Alys said.
“Is that wise?” Stasia glanced at her injured thigh.
“I’m the fucking captain,” Alys snapped, “and I’ll manage.”
Stasia held up her hands in acceptance. Alys resisted the urge to glance at Ben.
Continuing in a clipped voice, she said, “Stasia, Susannah, and Thérèse will make up the rest of the group. Polly, you have the bridge while I’m ashore. We’ll run theSea Witchthrough the strait at midnight.”
Ben frowned, but wisely said nothing to contradict her.
“There’s something you should know about that area,” Luna added. “The tide’s too low after dark for theSea Witchto clear the channel.”
“Then we go just before dawn,” Stasia said.
“The last tide before sunrise is too violent,” Luna said. “Our ship would be smashed against the cliffside. We’ll have to catch the tide before dusk. There’ll be enough water to pass through the strait, but not so violent that we’ll wreck.”
“A daylight operation.”
“That climb will take an hour at least,” Luna pointed out.
Alys planted her hands on her hips. “What choice have we?”
“If the winds hold, we’ll reach the Redthorns’ monastery tomorrow, just after three bells,” Luna explained. “Exactly in the window we need to navigate the strait successfully.”
Another thoughtful silence fell.
“Rest well tonight,” Alys said. “Dismissed. Oh, and, Stasia,” she added as everyone filed out, “find someone to serve as ourcook. We’ll need to dine abundantly this evening to shore up our power.”
“We may dine abundantly,” Stasia said, pausing on the threshold, “but we will not dine well. Josephine’s culinary ability was unmatched. She could roast a lamb even better than my yiayia.”
“At least Olachi and her crew get the benefit of Josephine’s ability.” Alys sighed.
When the last of her crew had left her quarters, Alys permitted herself to slump in her seat.
“Find someone else,” Ben said in the silence.
She glanced up at him as he stood close. “Step back, Sailing Master. You’re casting a shadow.”
He moved back, but looked defiant.
“What I hated the most about being married,” she continued, “was being told what I could and couldn’t do.”
“You’re injured,” he pointed out. “Leading a party against these fanatical Redthorns could cost you your life.”
“I’m the captain. When it comes to missions this important, I’m the one in command.” When he opened his mouth to argue further, she held up her hand. “I’m not asking your permission. This is what’s going to happen. Any more comments or complaints will see you sleeping in the brig.”
His jaw flexed, but after a long silence, he said, “Understood.”
