Chapter 12

Chapter Twelve

Rod waved for us to follow him onto the boat the next morning. We walked through the large ship that was nothing but pure extravagance with mahogany tables and leather couches. He led us downstairs to a level that wasn’t anywhere near as luxurious as above board but still quality. We were in the crew’s quarters, but I’d trade the spacious cabin for being tucked out of the way anyway.

“You were last to sign up. This is the best I could do. As it is, I had to double up some of the other crew.”

He opened the door to a cabin that was barely big enough for the two of us to stand in together. I’d avoided Kicks’ room at the mill, which was probably twice the size of this. There was a bunk bed built into the wall, but also a small bathroom attached. That was definitely a perk.

“It’s more than adequate for the two of us,” Kicks said

“Yes, it’s great,” I added, eyeing up the shower through the cracked door.

“I’ve got to get up to the wheelhouse. We’re going to rotate night shifts on the wheel, so pop up at any point and we’ll get you trained,” Rod said, and then left us alone in the tiny room.

Kicks and I stared at each other for a few seconds. “I’m going to take advantage of the shower,” I said, nodding toward the bathroom.

“I’m going to go check out the rest of the boat.”

I had on a clean set of clothes that we’d picked up right before we got to the boat. Now I was showered. It wouldn’t fix what was coming, but it certainly helped my current mood.

If Kicks hadn’t been showering, I might’ve stayed in our tiny cabin. I decided the deck was better than watching him step out all wet, with a towel slung low on his hips. Although if last night was any indication, he was as worried about touching me as I was him now. The two tiny bunks were going to make that situation better.

I smiled and nodded as people passed me. Most of the sailors were people I’d seen at the building yesterday. There were also people who appeared to be passengers, either due to their age or the way they were wandering around the boat as if they’d never seen it.

No one was going out of their way to mingle, and I was of the same mind. Little to no interaction was my preference and why I’d grabbed a roll and then brought it out to the rail of the boat instead of eating with the rest of them in the main galley. Kicks had a stash of jerky for us hidden in our room, but I was already growing sick of dried meat and we’d just set off.

I wandered out onto the deck, leaning on the railing and watching the coast. How much longer would it be in sight? We were barely out to sea and I was already homesick.

“Keeping to yourself, huh?” Captain Rod asked as he joined me by the rail. “Probably for the best in these times.”

It was best for them, that was for sure. It wouldn’t do for Death to take offense to someone or something and have people on the boat dropping. I gave him a smile and a nod, keeping it vague. Less was better.

“Soak in that coast. You won’t be seeing it for much longer.”

“What do you mean? Won’t we be traveling up the coast for a bit? Wouldn’t it be safer to hug it for as long as we can?”

“I’ve got the best engineer left alive on board. Considering how many people died, that might not mean that much, but he was good even before Death Day. He says the ship is solid. We’re in good hands.” He smiled as if he thought that would be enough to calm my nerves.

“Still, what if there’s a fire or something? Don’t you think staying in sight of the coast might be a good idea?” I sure did, and if there were a way to sell him on it, damned if I wasn’t going to try.

“No. Makes the trip longer and invites other sorts of issues.”

He didn’t say anything else. It felt like I was talking to Kicks.

“What other kinds of issues?” I asked.

“Pirates on the coast. They see a boat like this going by and assume we’re stocked up for a long trip. They hop on their speedboats and come at you like a pack, heavily armed, and surround you. It’s hard to fight them off because they’ll shoot holes in your hull and sink you. Easier to let them board and take what they want, and save the boat.”

“This happened to you?”

“Me? Never. Not that they didn’t try—I blew their heads off before they got close. But it’s happened to plenty of others. It’s easier to stay off the coast.” He watched me out of the corner of his eye as he pretended to be transfixed on the coast.

If he thought I’d freak out, he was a year or so too late. There was very little left that would throw me that much at this point, although I had to agree that I’d rather risk losing sight of the coast.

“Gotta head up to the wheelhouse.” He looked out at the open ocean and whispered, “Lord of the sea, grant us the wind at our backs and calm seas ahead. Grant us this journey or speedily claim your dead.”

“What was that?”

“A sailor’s prayer, passed down through my family. It’s basically asking for a clean passage or a quick death.” He smiled. “Might sound morbid, but I’d rather Titan kill me quick if that’s what it’s to be.”

“Oh. That’s… nice .”

He chuckled as he left.

I leaned back on the railing, scanning the horizon for pirates, now hoping we’d be away from the coast soon.

Then I jerked when I saw the figure in a dark cloak and hood standing on the beach, watching our ship go by. It was him again. I glanced around, but no one was paying him any mind, not even the sailor on the top deck with binoculars.

My eyes dropped to a spot behind him where Captain Rod was visible through the window. He was looking in that exact direction for a split second before looking down and locking stares with me. He tilted his head, acknowledging me and yet acting if nothing was amiss.

I took a step toward the wheelhouse and then stopped. If I asked, and he hadn’t seen the cloaked figure, it would only be asking for trouble. Nothing good would come from bringing it up.