More Than Chains To Bind (16 page)

"Yes. The sea is calming and I can see the vessel again," I answered.

"Can you see its flag?"

"Not yet...the wind is still too strong." I stretched up as high as I could and stared, fighting to see, praying it was any ship but one from Dioland. The wind swirled again and whipped the ship's flag forward before pushing it aside and out of view behind the sail. But it had been enough. "Your prayer is answered, Liander. It flies the Teslan flag!"

"Oh praise the Lords," Liander whispered.

Even as Liander's voice faded, a sharp crack followed by a heavy boom filled the air. A huge plume of water rose a little way in front of the Teslan ship.

"What the-- " I swung around and there in almost the same position as we had last seen it in relation to our small boat was the Diolis ship. It was firing at the Teslan vessel--and we were right in the middle.

"We have to row, Liander. We have to get to safety, now!"

Liander sat on the rowing bench and grabbed the oars, even as I was tying off the rudder so the boat was aimed at the Teslan ship. Of course, whether it would still be there in the next minute was questionable. I could imagine the Teslan ship's crew running to their battle stations to take on the enemy ship. It was our one hope. I joined Liander on the bench and took one of the oars from him. I matched his rhythm, and we rowed as hard as we could for the Teslan vessel. I was horrified to see just how fast the Diolis ship was gaining on us. I wanted to yell at Liander to row faster, but I knew there was no point. We were already going as fast as we could.

The Teslan ship returned fire, the explosive boom screaming overhead.

"Are we not putting ourselves in more danger?" Liander asked a moment later. I frowned at him, and he went on, "We're heading toward a battle."

"Don't see we have much choice," I said.

It was likely, I thought, the Diolis vessel was more interested in fighting the Teslan ship than chasing a small fishing boat, but if it kept coming directly for us, we would be ridden down anyway. The ship had tacked, and I knew the wake would capsize us if we didn't get out of the way.

"We need to go left," I shouted. "It's bearing down on us too fast."

Liander pursed his lips, but followed my lead as we forced the boat away from our original route. I felt our boat take a leap forward and realized we were being pushed by the surge from the enemy ship.

"Row, row," I yelled, and we bent our backs as we forced our screaming muscles to turn the boat aside.

"We're going to get swamped," Liander cried.

"Pray," I shouted back. "And keep rowing."

My back was on fire, but I was determined not to give in. I'd die of exhaustion, I'd let the boat overturn, anything to keep Hollis and me out of their hands. I risked a glance and was relieved to see Hollis' plan was working; the Diolis ship was no longer right behind us. Unfortunately, we were no longer headed directly for our ship either. The route we were taking now would take us to the rear of the Teslan vessel.

"Hollis, could we possibly get around to the other side of our ship?"

Hollis grinned. "I always knew you could read my mind. I want to try and put the Teslan vessel between us and the Diolis ship."

"Do you suppose they were chasing us?"

"I don't know, but right now I don't care. Safety is right there and somehow I have to get you on board."

"
Us,
Hollis. I don't go anywhere without you." I looked at Hollis and he wouldn't meet my eyes. He appeared to be concentrating on what he was doing, but I knew him so well. "Promise me, Hollis, promise."

He looked at me then, and I knew I had read him right. He would risk his life to get me to safety, and I couldn't have that. I glared at him. He sighed. "I promise."

"Good."

Cannon fire reverberated around us, occasionally followed by the thud of splintering wood as a shot hit home, or the heavy splash as they hit water instead. I could just make out the crew on the Teslan ship as they manned their weapons or struggled with the rigging. The captain was on the upper deck directing the action; behind him the helmsman was fighting with the wheel as he turned the great ship as the captain ordered.

"Damn, they're moving too fast," I said.

"As long as we can get them between us and the Diolis ship," Hollis said.

"And pray the Teslan ship wins."

I felt the water sloshing over my lower legs and I looked down. "Lords, Hollis, the water is almost to my knees."

"I know. Keep rowing."

"But we need to get some of this water out."

"If we don't get clear, we'll have more than water in the boat to worry about."

The Teslan ship tacked again, maneuvering so its stern swung to face us, its bow now facing the enemy ship, which was almost broadside to the Teslan vessel--and consequently putting our ship between us and the Diolis ship. I knew enough about ship battles to understand the captain was providing the enemy vessel with a much smaller target, while giving his ship a good chance to get a few hits in.

"Take a rest," Hollis suddenly said. I looked at him. "Let's see if the captain can make good on his ploy," Hollis added, and I realized he had come to the same conclusion I had.

I took a breath and let go of the oar. My legs were shaking and I was unable to open my hands; they were curled as if I was still holding the oars.

"Give it a few minutes," he said, reaching to take my hands. Gently he massaged them.

His touch worked wonders. I stopped shaking and gripped his hands in return. "I'm all right."

Even as I spoke, there was a terrific thud, followed by a loud crack. We looked up and it was obvious the main mast of the Diolis ship had been hit. There was a split about halfway up and as I watched, I could see the split widening and spreading. There was shouting and screaming from the sailors on the shrouds. With the screech of breaking wood, the mast tore apart and the top half came crashing down, dragging the shrouds and sails with it. It landed across the main deck of the ship, shattering the bulwarks above the water line and tipping into the sea below, taking two of the ship's cannon overboard with it. I couldn't count the number of sailors thrown into the sea with the fallen mast.

There was a cheer from the crew of the Teslan vessel and the captain walked to the side of his ship to stare at his opponent. I raised a hand to shade my eyes as I tried to get a good look at him and it was only then I realized the clouds had gone and the sun was up.

"Quick!" Hollis cried. "Row...we need to get as close to the ship as we can. We don't want them to leave us behind. If they've even noticed us, they probably assume we are Diolis, too."

I took up the oar, but asked, "Will they not stay and take prisoners? Or something?"

"That would depend, but probably not. Even though we must be nearer to Tesla, it's possible another Diolis ship might be in the vicinity."

"So, it's safer to head back home," I concluded. I couldn't bear the thought of being left behind now when we were so close. We had gone through too much to fail now. I began to shout.

"Keep your breath for rowing; we're too far away yet for them to hear your words."

I clamped my mouth shut, but kept my eye on the ship, watching as we closed the space between us.

The crew of the Diolis ship were using axes to clear away the debris left from the ruined mast. I guessed it might be possible for them to limp home in the damaged vessel. It was certainly no longer a threat.

The Teslan ship had sustained some damage, but nothing compared to the other ship. The crew was running about on deck clearing away damage. I realized I had a much clearer view now of the men on the deck.

"Now?" I asked Hollis.

In answer, Hollis cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted. "Ahoy, Teslan ship. We need help. We have escaped from Dioland. I have Prince Liander on board." His voice carried much more than mine would have, and I smiled as I remembered his years of service in my father's army. He was using his general's voice.

"Ahoy," he repeated. "We are Tesla citizens in need of help."

A sailor leaned over the side and called, "Can you prove you are Teslan?"

"I have Prince Liander on board."

"General Destriore, is that you?" A new voice cut across Hollis' words.

Hollis lifted a hand to shade his eyes as he stared up at the deck. "Yes. Do I know you, sir?"

"Not personally, no, but I saw you at the palace a couple of years ago, during a presentation parade. I am Captain Dolato."

"Would you assist us aboard, please?"

"Us? Lords of Creation, is that the prince with you?" Without waiting for an answer, the captain ordered his men to get us on board.

The captain bowed as Liander was brought on board. "Welcome, Your Highness. I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to have you back with us, alive and well."

"Thank you, Captain. I'm grateful to be here. I have my Guardian to thank for my escape."

"The people of Tesla should have had more faith in you, General," Captain Dolato said, gripping my hand. "The prince couldn't have been in better hands."

"My feelings exactly, Captain. Do you have a healer on board? Hollis has some injuries in need of treatment."

"That's not necessary, my Prince," I began to say, but was cut off by Liander, who was acting the prince for all he was worth.

"Nonsense," Liander declared and, ignoring me, spoke to the captain. "He was tortured for information on Teslan defenses and, of course, would say nothing."

Dolato glanced at me, and I was somewhat embarrassed by his open admiration.

Looking again at Liander, he said, "Yes, we do have a healer." Then the captain shouted, seemingly to the ship at large, "Send Gerras to my cabin." Lowering his voice, he continued, "If you would follow me, we'll get both of you tended to immediately."

"I have no need of a healer," Liander said, and I grumbled as I followed behind. I saw the smile cross Dolato's face and oddly it made me like him more than I already did for coming to our aid.

"No, Your Highness, but I imagine you'd appreciate a wash and some fresh clothing?"

"Lords, yes!"

"You would honor me if you would use my cabin. I will have to ask you to share with your Guardian."

"I would be very grateful. Where would you take your rest?"

"I'll double up with my first mate." The captain smiled. "That, or toss him out to share with the second mate."

I had no doubt Captain Dolato would do no such thing. He was a man after my own heart. I would have enjoyed serving with this man. I think Liander recognized his character, too, for he grinned.

There was a small plump, slightly scruffy man waiting as we approached the captain's cabin.

"Ah, Gerras. We have very distinguished guests for you to look after. Your Highness, this is Gerras, who, despite his appearance, is a very skilled healer."

"Your Highness, Guardian." Gerras inclined his head. "I'd be pleased to help in any way I can."

"I will leave you in his capable hands. I'll also arrange for some hot water to be sent down."

"Thank you, Captain," Liander said, and I nodded at Dolato, who smiled as he turned away.

Gerras opened the cabin door and stood back for us to enter first.

Immediately, Liander said, "Gerras, my Guardian has been tortured. He was whipped and his back is sorely hurt. He also received some knife cuts to his arms."

"If you'd remove your clothing, General? We need to get you clean before I can treat your injuries."

"It's been two days since I was whipped. It's better now," I grumbled.

"Hollis." Liander sighed. "It was bleeding again earlier. Did you think I wouldn't notice?"

"It was?" I really didn't know. My whole attention had been on getting Liander to safety. Of course, now I'd been made aware of it, the pain was there. I pulled my tunic over my head and sucked in my breath as the movement pulled at the half-closed wounds. I gritted my teeth so I wouldn't cry out.

"Oh my," Gerras muttered as he saw my back for the first time.

"Oh, Hollis, it looks worse than before. I suppose because the tunic stuck to the drying blood." Liander sighed and then addressed the healer. "We escaped from the citadel, you see, not long after he had been tortured and we stole a boat. I had no idea how hard it was going to be manning a boat." Liander sounded as if he was talking as much to himself as he was to Gerras. "Especially when trying to fight against a storm. Lords, no wonder his back is worse. I pray you can tell me it's not infected."

There was a knock at the door and two buckets of water were brought inside. "One hot, one cold," the sailor told Gerras, stared at Liander and promptly backed out.

"Excellent," Gerras said. He picked up one bucket and looked surprised when Liander picked up the other. "Leave it for me, Your Highness."

Liander frowned. "I'm quite capable of helping. There's nothing I wouldn't do for my friend." He glanced at me, and I knew from the look in his eyes he meant more than the words he spoke.

"Of course, Your Highness. Forgive me."

"Please call me Liander. I haven't felt like 'Your Highness' for some time."

Gerras' mouth dropped open, and I thought for a moment his surprise might make him refuse. Then he swallowed and said, "As you wish...Liander."

There was a large jug and basin on a chest against the wall. Gerras poured hot water into the basin, then added some cold water. I reached for a cloth to wash myself, but Gerras got to it first. "It is better if I do this, sir. Please stand still."

I opened my mouth to argue, then I caught sight of Liander's expression. I said nothing and obeyed the healer as he washed me with a wonderfully warm cloth, all but my back.

"The cuts on your arms were shallow and have healed reasonably well. Exposure to the air helped there, I believe," Gerras said.

When he finished Gerras asked me to lie face down on the cot. He poured some fresh water into the basin and proceeded to wash my back. Though Gerras was very gentle, his ministrations still caused me pain, and I turned my face to the wall so Liander wouldn't see me grimace. He already felt guilty over my injuries, and I had no wish to give him more reason to take on the blame.