Deadhouse Landing

‘Well, you have a think about it,’ Kellanved suggested. ‘We’ll talk later. In a hundred years,’ he added, mostly to himself, as the stone slotted neatly back into place. ‘Disappointing,’ he went on. ‘I’d hoped to get something out of that creature.’

‘The island?’ Dassem reminded him. ‘Their strategic position is weak.’

‘Hmm? What’s that?’

‘The Napans.’

‘Our friend is right,’ Dancer added. ‘We’re supposed to be in charge, remember?’

Kellanved rolled his eyes. He threw his arms out wide as if to embrace their surroundings. ‘But this is all so much more fascinating!’

‘Later,’ Dancer answered firmly, and Dassem nodded his support.

Kellanved let his arms fall. His lips tightened into a disappointed moue, so very put upon. ‘Oh, very well! If you insist.’

*   *   *

It was late afternoon and Cartheron had the last of a pot of rendered glue heating over a fire on the pier next to the Twisted when Tocaras, up aloft among the standing rigging, called to him and pointed out to the bay. He stepped up on to a crate for a good look and as soon as he saw the vessel swinging in across the mouth of the harbour he knew with a sort of heavy weight of despair that they’d waited too long.

It was Tarel’s flagship, the Sapphire.

Choss, Urko, Hawl and Tocaras all gathered round.

‘Jammed with marines, no doubt,’ Urko said with a curse.

‘Why just the flagship?’ Tocaras wondered.

‘They’re not here to fight the Malazans,’ Hawl observed darkly.

Cartheron nodded his agreement. ‘Grab your gear and let’s go.’ He doused the fire, collected his tools, and jogged with the others for Smiley’s.

Already a launch was being lowered over the Sapphire’s side. Cartheron’s last glimpse of the harbour waters allowed him to see a white flag flapping above the crowded boat.

*   *   *

When word came of a large Napan man-o-war blockading the harbour mouth, Lee’s brows rose. When further word came that it was no less than King Tarel’s flagship, Lee decided to amble down to the waterfront to see how poor old Admiral Mock was going to handle this development.

The Malazan captains had the waterfront cordoned off by ranks of armed marines and sailors. A small contingent of Napans, an honour guard of some sort, together with one rather fat official, climbed up from a packed launch and approached along a jetty.

Mock was waiting with a handful of his captains. Lee pushed her way closer, thinking, This really ought to be good.

‘Admiral Koreth,’ Mock said, bowing. ‘You are come for another visit?’

The Napan admiral returned the bow, if curtly. ‘I am come at behest of King Tarel.’

Mock stroked his moustache, nodding. ‘Ah, yes. My brother regent. How fares he?’

Koreth had drawn off leather gloves that he now slapped across one leg, impatient. ‘The king is well. He is irked, however, by an oversight of yours. A mistake, no doubt, as I am certain you mean no insult.’

Mock peered about, eyeing the massed Malazan sailors and marines who held the waterfront and were glaring down at the admiral’s elite Napan escort. ‘Oh? An oversight, you say? And that is?’

‘You have allowed wanted Napan criminals to reside on your island.’

Mock raised his face to a freshening wind coming in off the bay, nodding to himself. ‘Ah … I see the way of your tack now, admiral.’ He shrugged. ‘Malaz is an open port. Any and all are welcome.’

Koreth was tapping his gloves against his thigh. ‘I understand your pride in this. Malaz has traditionally been an open port. That is a shame.’

Mock lost his playful smile, eyed the man’s small escort significantly. ‘Have a care, admiral.’

Koreth raised his open hands. ‘Oh, I do not mean for you or me. I meant for our prisoners.’

‘Prisoners?’

‘Yes. Captives from our recent … unpleasantness. Some four score Malazan crew, men and women.’

The Malazans assembled on the waterfront set to muttering among themselves. Lee had to shake her head in admiration. Well played, Koreth.

Mock could also see this news spreading among the crews, so he put on a stern face, shocked. ‘And where are these prisoners?’

Koreth gestured lazily to his vessel. ‘Why, on board the Sapphire, now.’

Mock set his hands on his hips, raising his voice. ‘I demand you hand them over immediately!’

‘In return for the Napan criminals in your midst, aye.’

‘First bring them all ashore.’

‘Half, first.’

‘You fetch these Napans – I’ll not lift a hand against any free resident.’

Koreth inclined his head, pleased. ‘As it should be. Done.’

‘Done!’

Koreth nodded to one of his escort, who began signalling the Sapphire. Mock turned to his captains. ‘Give the Napans some help in bringing our lads and lasses ashore.’ Hess, Guran and Renish set off down the pier, shouting orders.