Owin #37 — Settling the accounts
Check out the start of the series.
After the four of them had a hearty meal on Calvin’s coin, they returned to The Needle and climbed back aboard the open boat. The Dock Soldiers Arn had paid to watch their belongings had done their job and departed with a nod of their heads. A few other people moved about on the covered walkways, but Arn had pulled into a relatively empty area of the docks and that granted them some privacy.
Owin’s body ached and he sunk down into the bedding he had been using near the prow. He looked up at Gwen as she crawled past him to the blankets she normally used. He could see an equal amount of weariness in movements. She had spent a lot of energy, both physically and emotionally, in caring for Calvin. Now that the bald man’s wounds were healed, she needed to adjust once again to their normal routine.
“Get some rest,” he said quietly to her, knowing he would be breaking his rule of one of them always remaining awake. I just physically can’t do it tonight. “We’ll sail out in the morning and be on our way toward Solva.”
Gwen smiled and sunk back into be blankets. A moment later, Owin watched her breathing slow as she almost instantly drifted off to sleep.
“Owin,” Arn called softly from the middle of the ship. With the cargo gone, the vessel looked bare. “Come here for a moment.”
Forcing his tired limbs to respond, he managed to get to his feet with effort. Normally, he would have done everything possible to hide his exhaustion, but over the last few days he had grown to feel safe with Arn. “What is it, Cap?” The honorific more of a courtesy than an offer of allegiance.
“A couple of things. I wasn’t planning on sailing directly into Solva; the port isn’t as friendly as I’d like. There is a small town about half a day’s walk to the east. They’re friendly enough in Hentaus and I’ll likely be able to find some new sailors to hire.”
Owin nodded his head. He was not certain where Arn was heading with his revelation, but a half-day walk would not bother Owin after so many days on the small ship.
“Denton wanted me to hand over this promissory note to one of his friends in Solva. However, without a crew I trust, I don’t feel comfortable leaving the ship with just Calvin on board. Solva’s too rough for just one person.”
“So…where does that leave me and Gwen?”
“Well…I have money at Hentaus, so we can do one of two things. I can give you some coin in exchange for the note or I can give you the note. I’m not sure if Denton’s contacts will like you giving it to them or not.”
Great. I need the money and now even Arn wants a cut. “I understand you position Arn, but if you want me to do what Denton asks, I’ll need the full eight crowns the note specifies.” Owin did not like speaking of the amount where Calvin might hear, the other man was digging through his belonging at the stern and making a bit of noise.
Arn frowned. “That’s a lot of money and I need to hire people.”
Owin set his jaw. “I’m not trying to be greedy. I just have a lot to get done in a short period of time and that is going to cost me. If I don’t get it done, the Duke wins.”
Arn looked down at the sealed note in his hand. “I can do you seven and Denton can owe you one.” He looked up at Owin again. “With the money we split from the brothers and took off the thieves, I’d hope you have enough with that deal.”
Owin wanted to argue that he had worked hard on this trip and even deserved a cut of the pay for the cargo, let alone the full amount Denton promised, but he also needed Arn’s help to get Elsin out of Rhyl. Owin sighed for effect, knowing he had put up enough fuss, he gave in to Arn, but still felt pretty confident about their situation. “Alright. I’ll make do with that and what we have. But, the sooner we get to Solva, the better off I will be.”
Arn smiled. “Done. It’s late and I don’t want to sail out in the dark, so first light, we’ll head out and I’ll get you there in two days.”
Owin gave him a weak smile. Then the real work starts. Figuring out who’s involved and how to stop it.
