Waterborne (Wanderlust 3)

Chapter Six

It was nearly noon when Soren, who was directing the movement of some cargo from the Wanderlust, noticed Rico ambling down the dock towards them. To the man's credit, he had cleaned up a bit. His hair was tied back, and his beard was tamed with a braid. If it wasn't for his clothing, the exact same ones he had worn the night before, Soren might not have recognized him.

Soren headed him off at the end of the gangway, stepping deftly into the way. "Are you a sailor?"

Rico's grey eyes lit up with recognition. "You were there! Bodyguard?" he guessed.

"First mate," Soren corrected. "Are you a sailor?"

"I am." Rico tried to sidestep around him, but seemed to change his mind. "Your captain hired me."

"He hasn't, yet," Soren said. "If you're a sailor, where's your ship?"

Rico sighed and scratched his braided beard with one hand. "Wrecked. Just over a month ago. I was the only survivor." He dropped his eyes, a glazed expression settling over his face. "We were run aground, by pirates."

"Pirates," Soren repeated, more doubtful than worried. Pirates weren't common around the three kingdoms, or up North. The combined might of the Ziannan, Navirian and Deoran navies kept the ocean safe. "Are pirates common here?"

Rico caught his right hand with his left, and began to rub his palm. "Um... yes. Alvara's southern coast is swarming with pirates. And they own the bay."

"Soren!" Tanden leaned over the bulwark above them. "Is that my translator? Let him up!"

Soren would have liked to delay the moment and learn more about the man, but he wasn't going to disagree with Tanden in front of a stranger. He stepped aside, waving Rico past. Still, he wasn't about to let Tanden speak to the man alone.

"Roan! Take this over, aye?" he asked, gesturing at the cargo.

"Aye," Roan called back.

Soren hurried up the gangway and hopped onto the deck, only to find himself face to face with Tanden. He didn't have his crutch, but he was resting his weight on his good foot, arms crossed over his chest.

"I'm not sure if I like this protective streak of yours, or if I'm annoyed by it."

"You'll put up with it, either way," Soren said, his voice low so Rico, waiting nearby, wouldn't hear.

For a moment they stood there, staring at each other. Then Tanden shrugged. "All right. Rico." He turned around. "We'll speak in my quarters. This way."

Soren followed them into the captain's quarters. After shoeing the ship cat, Journey, off of his chair, Tanden sat down at his desk. He gestured at the second chair, inviting Rico to sit. Soren leaned back against the door.

"So," Tanden said. "You made it. I wasn't sure you'd remember our meeting."

"I did," Rico said. "And I really appreciate the opportunity, Captain Tanden. I was just telling your first mate that my previous ship was wrecked, and I've been lost ever since. Work, even for a limited time, will help me get back on my feet."

Tanden nodded, but he wasn't looking at Rico. His gaze was hovering over Rico's shoulder, meeting Soren's. "I heard the tail end of the conversation. Pirates? I hate to bring up any hard memories, but any information about pirates would be greatly appreciated."

"I'll tell you everything I know," Rico said. "But I thought you were looking for a translator? Not a guide?"

Tanden finally looked at him. "A little bit of both would be ideal. But primarily, I want you to teach me Alvarian and Cratian. Shani."