Chapter 42: [42] Orellia or Bust
The galley fell so silent that the ship’s own voice took over: the low groan of the rigging, the steady whisper of waves against the hull. On the wall, the brass chronometer ticked, each click a sharp report in the quiet.
"Excuse me?" Alyssa’s voice climbed an octave, her pale green eyes widening with indignation. "Why does she get more than double what I get? That’s unfair!"
"Because sheholds the contact. She set up the deal." Pierre turned back to face them, leaning against the countertop with his arms crossed over his chest. "Without her, we have a piece of paper and no way to turn it into coin."
"And without my ship," Alyssa countered, her voice cool and dismissive, "you and your little map would be in a rowboat, arguing with the seagulls. I doubt you’d last three days."
"True. Which is why you get more than me." Pierre acknowledged with a slight nod. "The ship’s a valuable asset. I’m not denying that."
Raven’s head tilted curiously. "And why do you get the least? You’re the one who convinced us to work together instead of killing each other. Most captains would demand the lion’s share."
"Because I don’t need it as much as you do."
Raven’s expression shifted subtly, her pupils contracting to thin slits. Alyssa’s brow furrowed. She looked from Pierre to Raven, her expression one of utter incomprehension, as if they’d switched to a language she’d never heard.
"What’s that supposed to mean?" she demanded, drumming her fingers impatiently against the polished wooden table.
Pierre pulled out one of the carved chairs and sat down across from them.
"You’re not just greedy. People who are just greedy don’t count coins the way you do. Every piece is a step toward something. Something with a price tag." He pauses. "Am I wrong?"
Raven’s jaw tightened. "I never said—"