Darlene had walked Arilez to the door of the stateroom cabin and had left her there. She gulps, looking down at her wrapped feet and then up at the wooden door. The journey from the kitchens had been fraught with curious glances and leering stares from the crew members they encountered along the way. Darlene had handled them with a no-nonsense demeanor, brandishing a meat cleaver in a silent warning to deter any unwanted advances. Arilez couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude towards the formidable cook, her presence a source of both protection and reassurance amidst the sea of unfamiliar faces. Even if the hag had called her a stupid bitch a few times. There wasn’t any bite to it.
Arilez shook her hands at her side and tilting her head from side to side, she rolled her neck, attempting to alleviate some of the tension that coiled there. Straightening her posture, she drew herself up to her full height. Taking in a deep breath as she stared at the wooden door. She brought her fist up, and she knocked.
Moments stretched into eternity as the weight of anticipation pressed down upon her, mingling with the nervous energy coursing through her veins. Then, finally, a deep voice from within broke the silence.
“Come in,” came the commanding voice of the captain, And Arilez pushed open the door..
With a steadying breath, Arilez stepped across the threshold, her eyes adjusting to the subdued lighting of the room. The air was thick with the scent of aged wood and sea salt.. At the center of the room, behind a large desk, sat Captain Roland O’neil, his weathered features illuminated by the soft glow of lamplight.
“Have a seat,” Captain O’neil gestured to the chair opposite him, his expression unreadable. Arilez obeyed, sinking into the worn leather upholstery with a sense of unease.
Her heart pounded in her chest. She knew that she was walking a fine line, and that any misstep could have dire consequences. But she also knew that she had been given a chance, however slim.
“What exactly will I be doing?” Arilez asked, skepticism lacing her voice. The Captain let out a low sigh, his expression grave as he contemplated his response.
“You will serve as a Cabin Girl, as well as help to Chef.” The Captain explained, his tone serious. “Your duties will commence at dawn each day, cleaning up after the crew, ensuring the ship remains in clean condition. Additionally, you’ll be responsible for entering each cabin daily to tidy up and maintain order. I hope I’m right to assume you’d know better than to try and nick anything. You are on the open sea.”
Arilez nodded, absorbing the information. It seemed straightforward enough. She still cursed herself for getting into this mess. But there wasn’t much that could be done about it when her only other option was a watery grave. The Captain’s next words added a layer of gravity to her responsibilities.
“However,” the Captain continued, his voice firm, “Under no circumstances are you to come to the upper decks at night. This is non-negotiable.”
Arilez’s brows furrowed in confusion. “Why is that?”
The Captain’s gaze hardened. “Dare to question me already, Girl?. The upper decks are off-limits after dark. That is all you need to know.” Arilez swallowed hard, a shiver running down her spine.
“So.. At the next port-” Arilez starts, her tone careful. “-you’ll let me go?”
“Depends.”
Arilez opened her mouth to protest, taking in a sharp breath.
“Shut it. Return to Chef. Close the door on your way out.”
Arilez made sure to slam it.
—
Back in the kitchens, Arilez sat on one of the wooden tables. Darlene had not been there when she returned and she damn well wasn’t about to venture out onto the ship in search of her. Arilez bit the inside of her lip however for her cowardice. She looked around the kitchen. It wasn’t horrendous. From what she could see, none of the wood overhead was rotted or mildewed, she hadn’t spotted a rat or even a trace of dragonbugs. If anything, it was just cluttered.
Her eyes fell on the large barrel Darlene had retrieved the petals and herbs from earlier. Arilez thought back to the wares she’d lost by them taking her belongings. She got up, Walked over to the barrel, and slid its open lid to the side. Inside, she spotted an assortment of herbs she was familiar with. mullein, lavender, mandrake root, Bay leaves, pixbane, and several others. There were a few, however, that she did not recognize. Red and purple berries, Orange root like columns, and pink, prickly flowers. She wondered if these came from one of the islands. Oh how great island trading must be- had it not been forced and on a ship with an asshole of a captain.
She rummaged noisily through the barrel, opening the bags of herbs lazily , absent in thought, until saw it. The beautiful purple petals, long and shriveled up,with a yellow pistil. Nightshade.
ns216.73.216.133da2
and then Add to home screen.