Ship of Magic
The Liveship Traders
Chapter One
Althea longed for a fresh-water bath. As she toiled up the
companionway to the deck, every muscle in her body ached, and her
head pounded from the thick air of the aft hold. At least her task
was done. She'd go to her stateroom, wash with a wet towel, change
her clothes and perhaps even nap for a bit. And then she'd go to
confront Kyle. She'd put it off long enough, and the longer she
waited, the more uncomfortable she became. She'd get it over with
and then damn well live with whatever it brought down on her.
"Mistress Althea." She had no more than gained the deck before Mild
confronted her. "Cap'n requires you." The ship's boy grinned at
her, half-apologetic, half-relishing being the bearer of such
tidings.
"Very well, Mild," she said quietly. Very well, her thoughts echoed
to herself. No wash, no clean clothes and no nap before the
confrontation. Very well. She took a moment to smooth her hair
back from her face and to tuck her blouse back into her trousers.
Prior to her task, they had been her cleanest work clothes. Now the
coarse cotton of the blouse stuc ... read full excerpt from: Ship of Magic ebook
