Chapter 67: The Zithayan Dynasty Part 1

The Kestrel sailed with the sun peeking over the horizon. Jorges reported the night passed quietly but for a few drunken stevedores who staggered past in the dark.
The next stop was an easy three-day steam. Having reloaded at Lusundi, they didn't need any stores at Klixxe.
"This is a very different place," Lord Sifton had said. "Slavers and worse prowl the streets. Keep your people close."
On the Lord's advice, Cal didn't allow any shore leave. Whatever she thought of the man, he knew the country better than she did.
Since Bundo agreed with the man's assessment; the crew spent two days making minor repairs to the Kestrel. Cal sat on the bridge with her sketchbook trying to capture the scene of the prince laughing in delight. She didn't think her drawing did him justice.
They travelled up the coast of Harasah to where it turned east and became the continent of Zithay. The ports and their residents changed. Roofs were tile instead of thatch. Rice and noodles replaced bread as a staple.
One evening they steamed past a wall which had to be at least the height of Lord Carroway's mansion. It continued on the other side of the mouth of the harbour, thicker than the Kestrel was long. Cal suspected it circled most of the city.
"There are chains which can be raised to block the mouth of the harbour." Lord Sifton walked up to stand beside Cal on the bridge. She'd given up telling him he needed to be invited. "The place is safe enough if you obey the laws. Near the docks, they make allowances for foreigners. On the hill, you insult the wrong person, and you are dead on the street." He pointed to a steamship tied up to one side of the huge harbour. "The Zithayan Dynasty won't allow anyone to build an embassy in the city, so the Anglian embassy is on that ship. There are others outside the walls. If there is real trouble don't try to flee, get over to the embassy ship and stay there."
Cal glared at his back. She didn't like him, something about him bothered her. For a science expedition, they spent a lot of time in port. Stops to gather samples were perfunctory at best. Whatever he was up to, Cal didn't believe it was science. What few samples they'd put in the crates in stowage would answer her questions, but her contract forbade her doing more than seeing the sample safely stored.
"Jorges, the bridge door stays locked from now on. I'm tired of him making himself at home. Pass the word to the others."
"Aye." Jorges grinned at her.
Cal climbed down to the deck and gazed at Puhkan. According to the maps, it was not the largest port in the Dynasty. However, for the western countries like Anglia, it was the most important.
"Gather the crew," Cal called to Paul.
When they crowded around her in the mess, Cal counted her people and the ones who were missing. Thomas at the bottom of the ocean, Henrichs and the purser in Malacca with the fever. Her crew waited patiently, not one nervous face among them. Damn this is a good crew, Cal thought.
"The scientists are off doing what they do. I believe it's time to clear a few things up. First, I have the best crew aboard anything that floats. Don't you forget it! You know we're running short. Franz is apprenticing in the engine room. Joliu tells me you're about ready for your pin. Good work. Paul has been picking up the slack as acting Mate since I got bumped to Captain. I appreciate you haven't given him any trouble. I think it's time to make it official, so Paul, you are now the Second Mate of the Kestrel." Cal waited for the cheers and back slapping to die down. "I would say you all owe him a drink, but since he's never been known to pay for a drink..." Paul laughed and gave a thumbs-up.
"I considered bringing people on to fill Thomas' place on the roster and give Bundo more time for his work as purser. Perhaps on the voyage home." Cal took the time to meet each person's eyes. "There is something off with this voyage. I hope I'm wrong but stay alert. Don't wander off alone and no trouble. If you must get drunk, do it on board. If you see something that bothers you, report it to me or Paul. Don't care how trivial it is." She listened to the muttering. Concerns, but no complaints.
"Last thing. The gangway stays up unless it is being used. Double the watch while we're on shore, but I don't want the second person to be obvious. I'll leave it up to you how."
Cal saluted the crew.
"Dismissed."
They wandered off, some talking to Bundo about the shore rotation.
"I didn't expect a promotion." Paul came over to her. "My entire repertoire of officer jokes is now useless."
Cal laughed and slapped him on the back. "I'm sure you'll find new ones."
A few of the crew went down the rope ladder to the dock. Cal pulled out her sketchbook and tried to lose herself in drawing. After a few desultory attempts, she put the paper and pencils away and laid down in her cabin.
Quiet knocking woke her.
"Yes?" Cal rolled to her feet. "What is it?"
"No emergency," Paul's voice came through the door. "But you may want to join me for tea in the mess."
"Give me five." Cal scurried to get dressed. At least the Captain's uniform went on quickly. Only in the most desperate of situations would she go out on deck in her nightgown.
"Okay," Cal slid in across from Paul and Jorges. She picked up the tea Paul pushed toward her. "What is important enough to wake me?"