The Long War 03 - The Red Prince Read Online Free

as the ship – the name of which Randall had not noticed – began to lurch out of the small harbour. Kabrin was a modest place, remarkable primarily for its dock, and he hoped that anyone searching for Utha would not think to look here. A quick glance at his master made it clear that the squire was alone in his worry. Utha was as oblivious, as always, lost in his complicated thoughts.
    The Karesian sailors moved with a certain professionalism and the ship began to bob smoothly over the calm sea. Randall knew nothing about sailing but he was impressed with the spectacle of sails unfurled, ropes uncoiled, orders shouted. Within minutes they’d caught the wind and the three passengers looked up to see the billowing white sails tense and pull the ship out to sea with a sudden lurch of speed.
    ‘This is how it starts,’ muttered Utha, holding his stomach and puffing out his cheeks. ‘Soon there will be headaches and vomit.’
    ‘So, if Captain Makad is less than honest, I’ll have to fight his crew on my own?’ joked Randall.
    ‘Get her to help.’ Utha waved at Ruth, who was ignoring the two men and gazing up at the wind-filled sails.
    As the ship moved swiftly away from Kabrin, the sailors slowed down. The back-breaking part of sailing seemed to lie in the bits that involved the harbour, and now that the ropes were tied and the sails in place the Karesians visibly relaxed. A few of those Randall had encountered earlier displayed hostile looks and muttered comments, as if they were more confident at sea, but they still had work to do and Makad kept them too busy to cause problems.
    ‘Out the way, boy,’ snapped a gruff sailor, reaching for a coil of rope next to Randall’s feet.
    The squire moved along the rail and nearly fell as the roll of the ship caught him by surprise.
    ‘If we’re both sick, my dear boy, Ruth will have to defend us on her own,’ said Utha, smiling at his squire.
    They were eventually led below and shown to their cabin. Randall slowly began to get the hang of walking on the ship and was glad that he didn’t suffer from seasickness. Unfortunately, Utha was not so lucky and his pale skin was turning green by the time he lay down in his hammock.
    The wooden frame of the ship was solid and well cared for, and Randall found its construction interesting. From the wide crew quarters through which they had to walk, and the stairs that interlocked between decks, the ship felt like a creaking mansion, with large empty spaces and cosy compartments. It was strangely empty, with only provisions taking up any space and no obvious cargo. If these men were smugglers, they had already deposited their goods.
    ‘I’m going to be face-down on this hammock until we reach Kessia,’ slurred Utha.
    ‘How long will that take?’ asked Randall, glancing round at their new living quarters. There were four hammocks and a low table, with everything closely packed and no open floor space.
    ‘Couple of days,’ he replied.
    ‘Should be enjoyable,’ said Ruth.
    ‘Not for me.’ Utha was looking very unwell. Even for an albino who normally looked strange, his appearance was a mess.
    ‘We’ve only been at sea fifteen minutes,’ said Randall.
    ‘Don’t pity me, I’ll die quietly,’ Utha replied, burying his face in the hammock and clasping his hands behind his head.
    ‘The mighty Utha the Ghost,’ said Randall, with an ironic smile. ‘If your enemies could see you now.’
    ‘I’m going to break your fucking nose when we’re on dry land.’ It was said so feebly that all Randall could do was laugh.
    * * *
    Being at sea was a calming experience for Randall. He had nothing to do and nowhere to go. Captain Makad was true to his word and kept his men polite, though the underlying current of aggression remained.
    The first night was peaceful, with Utha’s moaning the only sound, and Randall slept better than he had in months. The hammock was more comfortable than it looked and the air was fresh and clean. By