“We’re lost, admit it.” As the stars faded, Kasai's sunburned skin stung under the brighter light. His hair hung loose and had a greasy texture, while his clothes were dirty and stiff.

It had been six days since they had been forced to leave Cloud Village. But the island they were supposed to arrive at was nowhere in sight. Kasai had some understanding of islands, but was clueless when it came to navigation.

Doux shrugged and looked at the map. “When that storm hit, we got blown off course, and neither one of us knows anything about long-distance sailing.” He checked the compass and glanced at the sky a few times, but made a face when the last of the stars winked out.

Kasai suppressed a sigh and thought of the en-con. It had fallen overboard when they tried to use it; the waves kicked too high and the wind too strong and it was ripped from their hands.

Finally, Doux made a strangled sigh and snapped the compass closed. “Okay, fine, we’re lost.”

Kasai glanced at Doux, then grabbed two cups that had been hooked to the side of one barrel. Handing Doux his cup, he opened the barrel. “I’m glad they gave us five days of supplies for four people, or we would be in trouble.” Bringing out a cup of water, he made a face when he inspected it. The water was slimy looking, as though algae had gotten inside. “But maybe we should be careful of this water.”

Doux investigated the barrel and stuck his hand in. “Hold on, there’s something in here.” In a sudden motion, he brought something out and flung it onto the deck. “Well, there’s a quick breakfast!” A silver and blue fish flopped around for a few moments, gasping for air and then laying still.

“Wonder how it got in there?” Kasai mused.

Doux shrugged and gazed in the general direction they were told to head. After that first night, he had revealed that Brinar had given him a set of coordinates of where they would meet with the pyrate crew, who were leaving as soon as they found Naomi. “Probably got thrown in when the lid nearly got blown away during that storm.”

A minor storm, just large enough to throw them off course, had hit them that first day, waiting until the sun was down before hitting. It had blown off a water barrel and a box of food, as well as an extra sail that had been hidden under the wheel in a small crate without a secure top, but other than that, they had been fine.

But that was six days ago, and the weather hadn’t been clear enough to navigate so far. Doux had a rudimentary grasp of the fundamentals, but lacked practice. Their only opportunity to navigate came during empty bursts of clear sky at night, but those hadn’t lasted long.

“Know what kind it is?” Kasai watched the fish grow still, its scales dulling to a silvery grey.

Doux glanced at it, then grabbed the teleglass from its holder on the mast. “It’s a blue scad. It’s an edible fish from the old days. I guess it’s unchanged and is common now.”

Kasai didn’t doubt him; Doux knew fish and had planned on becoming a fisherman once he got his own boat, but that was before...

“See anything?” Kasai asked, trying to keep his mind from going back to the village for now. It was bad enough that the letter Brinar had given him was burning a hole in his pocket.

He hadn’t given it to Kira before that night and had forgotten it was in his pocket until they were already several miles out. Doux did not know of it, and Kasai wasn't sure how to tell him. He was tempted to open it, but he wanted to wait until he was somewhere safer. He had never heard of his mother getting a letter before.

Doux suddenly stood up and rushed to the cuddy. Bringing out a small white piece of fabric, Kasai didn’t realize he had seen something until he raised the white flag and waved it purposely.

Kasai turned to see a ship, possibly a large one, in the distance. It was glowing a deep yellow along the waterline and large sails that were going slack. As Doux waved the flag, the ship turned.

***

“Glad we saw you! That tiny ship would’ve gone unnoticed if you hadn’t waved that flag for us.” A hand reached down and helped hoist Kasai onto the deck of a large brig. Kasai looked around as he reached the deck, Doux behind him.

Two masts towered above them, higher than expected, each with three larger square sails and a smaller triangular sail at the very top. An upper deck, the quarterdeck, rose at the back of the ship where they could see the coxswain at the wheel and a younger person standing behind them. A much smaller deck rose at the front of the ship, but it was big enough for just one person to stand.

Kasai and Doux, both growing up in a port village, knew the basics of ships, but there was much here that was unfamiliar.

The figurehead was a coiled serpent, its fangs glinting in the morning light and looking ready to strike. Barrels, either gunpowder or water probably, were secured to the railing along both rails along the main deck. The deck itself, at its widest point, looked to be around 30 feet wide. Kasai noticed a large opening in the center of the ship, currently covered in a large metal grate, and doors leading to under the aft deck.

A few people met his gaze and snickered, sending shivers of unease down his spine. Kasai took notice of them after that.

Men and women were crossing the decks, all of them somewhat busy. Kasai noticed three men dumping a massive cauldron over the side opposite of them. A group of people were working with ropes, and a few were carrying buckets of water and disappearing down a set of stairs that Kasai could see through the opening. The lookout who had spotted them still stood in the crow’s nest.

But three people were standing and watching them.

The most prominent man was someone that Kasai immediately distrusted. Golden brown gimlet eyes, short cropped brown hair, and wearing dark and ragged clothes. A wide bandolier with two pistols and a glowing dagger was slung across his chest. He wore no other weapons, only a small bag that seemed to shimmer slightly. A dull key hung from his waist.

To his left stood a very tall and unusually skinny woman with extremely pale skin, dull blue eyes, dressed in rags that were as dirty as her pale blonde hair. A strange thin choker encircled her neck; a yellow glow pulsed from it every few seconds.

Kasai noticed Doux lock his gaze on her, openly staring for a second before Kasai nudged him.

On his right, a heavyset man leaned back on his heels. He wore a thin black cloak and clothing a few shades darker than his night black skin. A short sword hung at his waist. His grey streaked black hair was pulled back into a short ponytail.

Yet, as soon as Kasai made eye contact with him, an overwhelming shudder threatened to consume him. Those dark eyes held nothing but contempt, disgust, and something Kasai couldn’t place. He knew that this man was dangerous.

The man in the middle spoke with a voice that oozed confidence. “So, may I ask yer names?” His accent was strange, but Kasai guessed he was from the southern islands. His heart thudded almost painfully as the man spoke, and Kasai felt his instincts screaming at him to run.

Doux glanced at Kasai, who blinked uneasily at him, and answered. “Kri and Delore.” He looked around, his voice steady. “Thank you for picking us up. We got lost.”

The woman frowned at them, but the man on the left spoke in a high, reedy voice. “My my my, why are you so far from any island?” His voice was like ice in Kasai’s ears. A false note, an extreme interest he was trying to hide. Something about it set Kasai on edge.

Doux answered. “We were planning on scouting for the fishers in Nimbus, looking for any large schools in the area, but that storm a few days ago destroyed our map. It’s our first time doing this, so we didn’t think about sudden storms.”

Kasai’s nerves sang. Something was very wrong. Doux was lying, thankfully, but he was still giving out too much information just by mentioning Nimbus. The back of Kasai’s neck prickled almost painfully.

He wanted to smack Doux, get him away from here, talk to him, but he felt that if he made any move…these people were dangerous and he had no urge to do anything that might provoke them.

The man in the middle suddenly looked at them sharply, especially Kasai. “Nimbus, ye say? Well, unfortunately, we aren’t heading that way and we are in somewhat of a hurry to another island a few weeks' journey away.”

Doux and Kasai exchanged a glance. Doux looked almost as uneasy as Kasai felt.

The man continued after a moment. “If ye would like, ye may stay with us until we reach that island, or ye can refresh your stores here and we will show ye how to get back.”

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The other man nodded. “Oh yes, I think that would be an excellent idea. The crew just ate, but I’m sure the cook can make something special for you.” The words cut through the air like a blade.

Kasai ignored the jolt he felt and spoke. “That’s very kind of you. We’ll just need to rest for a short while, then we can go. I’m sure our families miss us.”

The man in the middle jerked when Kasai spoke; his face kept twitching as though he was trying to hide his expression. Kasai thought he saw a pang of excitement from the man, but he wasn’t sure.

He suddenly shook his head. “Where are me manners? I have yet to introduce us.” He gestured to himself first. “My name is Ådai. I am the captain here, and this–” he hooked his thumb to the man on his left. “- is my first mate, Grimshaw.” He didn’t introduce the woman, but it did not surprise Kasai. She merely dipped her head.

The woman spoke finally; her voice was flat and nearly monotone, the only trace of emotion being possibly boredom. “Sir, I think I should take them to the mess hall. I can figure out how much they know of navigation before we send them off.” It was much deeper than expected, but Kasai felt her tone was reassuring despite the blandness. It sounded strange compared to the other two; not the deepness, but the underlying tone.

Ådai regarded her for a moment, then shrugged. “Very well, be off then. I’ll be in my quarters when they’re ready.” He turned and headed towards a wide door, Grimshaw on his heels.

She motioned for them to follow and led them to the mess hall. Kasai felt the air grow less tense as they left Ådai and Grimshaw’s presence.

***

“You need to leave.” Kasai looked up from his bowl of burgoo to see her staring at him with more emotion than he had expected from her. “I don’t know who you really are. I don’t know what powers you have. I don’t know why the captain offered to let you travel with him. But you need to leave.” Her voice had an almost startling amount of authority to it.

Doux stared at her. “What? What are you talking about?”

She glanced behind her at the cook, scrubbing away at a large pot in the very back of the kitchen, and lowered her voice. “You have no idea who the captain is, do you?” When they gave her blank looks, she grimaced. “I will speak plainly for you both. Leave the ship the second you can.”

Kasai glared at her. “Why would you warn us?” Bright light filtered through a couple of dirty portholes, and the air felt thick in the large room. The long tables, only two, had several short benches to sit on.

Doux glanced at him but didn’t react.

“You’re genetics; the captain asked me when you climbed aboard. Then he told Grimshaw that he would try to recruit you.” She said this casually, but her eyes were hard.

“Genetics?” This confused Doux, but not Kasai.

Kasai explained briefly, “Genetics are unusual people, born with a sort of power that could do anything from changing their body itself, manipulating the minds of those around them or the world itself, to even those who could command the elements directly.” Kasai paused, thinking, “I’ve only met one, but he hadn’t been that impressive. He could telekinetically lift anything the size of a bucket or smaller, or larger items if they were very light.”

She nodded. “I was born with the ability to tell if someone is a genetic or not. I can feel that the both of you have powers, though I cannot say what they would be.”

Doux was silent for a few moments, his fingers tapping on the table.

“What do you suggest we do?” Kasai asked her.

The door creaked as people strode in to eat; in the kitchen, the cook rattled around. A thickly salted breeze wafted in through the open door briefly and helped relieve the stuffy feeling of the mess hall.

She waited a moment before answering, her eyes unreadable. She lowered her voice more. “Leave. Leave before he can recruit you because if you say no, he will threaten you so that you stay. He has someone on the crew he’s done it to already and I’ve tried to help him but got punished for it.”

“Why would he punish you?” Doux asked, his eyebrow raised.

She shook her head; another whiff of salt and footsteps sounded behind them. She resumed speaking with a dull and flat voice. “If you need anything, just look for me.” She looked at the ground, avoiding their eyes.

“Young ones, it’s time to speak to the captain.” Kasai knew it was Grimshaw before he turned around. The tone was almost patronizing.

Kasai noted the lowering sun as they followed Grimshaw outside. He led them to a table that had been set up behind the ship’s wheel. Three chairs were positioned around the table, the two empty ones facing Ådai. He gestured with one hand to them while a young man set down three cups and a bottle of what looked like wine.

The wind changed, blowing strongly from the south. Above them, a seawing called and landed above the crow’s nest. Under the creaking wood and wind, the ship was eerily quiet.

Ådai waved the man away as Kasai and Doux sat down. “Forgive me rudeness, I meant this to be in me cabin, but I figured ye would prefer being in the open,” he paused, his gaze narrowing, “seeing as yer both fishermen.” Opening the bottle, he poured a generous amount of milky blue liquid into all three cups. “Have a drink with me while we discuss yer...way home.”

Kasai and Doux both sat down, but Kasai didn’t touch his drink. He was sure it was a biburry wine, but it usually wasn’t this milky looking. He took the glass, however, as he didn’t want to be seen as rude.

Alarms rang in his head as he looked at Ådai and he was careful with his words. “We were thinking to refresh our stores with at least some water and, if you would have one, a replacement fishing pole since ours was blown overboard.”

Ådai nodded. “This is a reasonable request, and one will gladly do for two lost ones such as ye.” He motioned to the young man, who came over at once from his spot by the wheel. “To’mas, make sure their barrels are refilled with enough water for at least five days, and find the spare fishing pole we have stored below.”

To’mas nodded and looked Kasai in the eyes, his gaze silently imploring them. “If I could ask, do you have enough food or do you wish to discuss that further with the captain?” His voice sounded rough, as if it had been heavily affected by smoke.

Doux answered. “As long as we can fish, we will be fine with what we have. Luckily, our food was stored in the cubby.”

Kasai glanced at To’mas from the corner of his eye; blonde, a little taller than Kasai, and his bright blue eyes had an almost haunted look to them. His skin was barely tan, as if he had spent little time in the sun. Kasai thought he sensed tension from him, but shrugged it off.

Ådai narrowed his eyes, but said nothing for a few moments as To’mas ran off. “Maybe ye should stay the night. We can offer a hammock for ye both for the night and ye can leave in the morning, refreshed for the journey ahead. It would mean several hours more journey for ye, but that should not be a problem as long as the sky stays clear.”

Kasai opened his mouth to reject the offer, but his older brother cut him off. “That’s very kind of you. We would like to accept.”

Kasai noticed that Doux’s cup was nearly empty and resisted the urge to smack him. He had drunk none of the wine, and he noticed Ådai had not either, but Doux had downed a good amount. Ådai looked at him curiously, and he quickly took a sip.

The urge to cough was nearly irresistible, but he managed to choke it back; it was not biburry wine, but something much stronger. It tasted very sour and almost felt like oil in his throat, but the milky look clearly came from unprocessed conut milk. There was also an aftertaste that reminded him of sleep syrup from home. His eyes watering, he set down the glass and glanced at Doux.

Ådai glanced at the sky, then turned to them. “Considering the time, I would recommend that ye both bed down for the night, as it is late enough that the next watch will start in a few moments.” As he finished speaking, a bell rang four times. “Ah, that would mean it is 6 o’clock.”

Kasai nodded slightly, beginning to feel fuzzy headed. He shook his head, trying to clear it, but it only made it worse. He and Doux rose, thanked Ådai for the wine, and followed To’mas down a set of stairs and to a pair of hammocks, stumbling a tad.

Doux nearly fell down the stairs, but To’mas caught him. Bracing against the wall, Kasai barely kept from stumbling. He tried to stay close to Doux, but if he looked beyond a few steps, he got dizzier.

Kasai was barely aware of Doux dropping into one hammock as he struggled into his. He didn’t even notice To’mas walk up to him and barely heard his whispered words, “I’m glad you only took a sip,” as he fell into a thick blackness.

***

Kasai blinked his eyes open to darkness.

A deep whisper from nearby sounded, “he should be awake now, he only sipped the sleeping wine.” It was the woman.

“What about Doux? He had a large glassful. We can’t carry him!” Another voice, harsh and ragged, whispered back; To’mas?

There was a brief pause. “Durin salt. I have a small amount left. Enough to wake him, but that’s it.” She sounded unsure.

Kasai struggled to make sense of the words, but couldn’t. He tried to lift his head, feeling as though he was weighed down. He opened his mouth, but a hand came down fast and clamped over his jaws. “You’re awake, good. But for the love of the sea, don’t speak!” After a tense moment, To’mas lifted his hand.

“What’s going on?” He couldn’t resist the question.

The woman sighed. “Just shut up. You’re escaping the second we wake Doux. To’mas, get Kasai upright while I use the salts.” A small snap sounded, and suddenly there was a horrendous stench.

Kasai bolted up and nearly fell from the hammock. Doux grunted and opened his eyes but immediately fell back asleep.

“Dang it...either he drank too much, or the salt isn’t strong enough.” Kasai looked over and saw the woman with a short stick of durin salt. It was used to help wake unconscious people, but sometimes could be used as bait for certain animals.

“We drank sleepy syrup, didn’t we?” Kasai whispered.

To’mas nodded and helped Kasai stand. “Yes, mixed with nero wine. The captain uses it to trick people into staying on his ship longer than they want, says they got sick or something.” His voice was grim. “Not every person, but people like you who he comes across on the open sea and show some kind of...promise.” He shot a look at the woman, fast enough that Kasai nearly missed it.

Nero wine. Kasai knew of it, but it was extremely powerful. Kira warned them about the consequences of drinking it: intoxication, stupidity, and potential harm. It was supposed to be sweet, but maybe mixing sleepy syrup in it made it sour.

Unfortunately, Doux was unusually susceptible to sleepy syrup. Kasai wasn’t sure why, but Doux reacted as if it were a larger dose. It had happened a few times before.

“Let’s get you out of here. Your boat is tied to the starboard railing, but nobody will be watching. The helmsmen won’t rat us out even if he sees.” With strength that belied her size, the woman slung Doux over her shoulders and hurried towards the stairs.

To’mas stayed at Kasai’s side while they followed her. “Can you navigate?” When Kasai shook his head, he sighed. “I would go with you, but I can’t either. I’ve still got a lot to learn here.” He sounded almost sad, and bitter, but Kasai was too worried about getting caught to ask if anything was wrong.

He stumbled slightly going up the stairs, the boat rocking just enough to mess with his balance. The smell of salt was thick, but he felt recovered when he reached the open air; a brisk breeze brushed his face.

The boat was tied to the railing, and suspended from a davit, but the woman was already beginning to undo the knots as To’mas and Kasai came up. It was a moonless night; even the stars seemed dim. Doux was already sprawled on the boat, his left wrist and ankle loosely tied to the side to keep him from rolling around and making noise; at least that’s what Kasai guessed.

The woman suddenly stood up, with the rope taut in her hand. “Do you think you can navigate away from here well enough on your own until he wakes up?” She jerked her head towards Doux. Kasai didn’t answer and suddenly the woman picked him up and stood at the edge of the deck, pausing only to say something to To’mas. “Screw it, I’m leaving too.”

To’mas’ eyes went wide. “But...your collar...”

She just shrugged and jumped down. Kasai felt too stunned and confused to ask anything. “Get to your station so you don’t get punished again, To’mas. Derik would probably get in trouble this time and that’s not worth it, is it?”

With that, she dumped Kasai against the cuddy and swiftly managed the small sail, and then they were sliding away from the brig before Kasai even had time to blink.