The Devil and the Dark Water

72

Dorothea was scrubbing clothes on the orlop deck, listening to Isabel sing. All the passengers were listening to her, transfixed by the beauty of her voice. It wasn’t a skill she’d mentioned before, nor was it one she seemed to take any great pride in. She just opened her mouth and out it poured. All the games and talk had stopped. The dice had clattered off the wall and lay still. In their hammocks and on their mats, people closed their eyes and savoured the only joy they’d known on this voyage.

‘Mistress Dorothea.’

Dorothea turned to find Eggert the musketeer hurrying towards her. She smiled warmly at him, warmer than she smiled at most.

‘I’m glad to see you, but it’s too early for our evening tea,’ she said, confused by his presence.

‘Something’s happening aboard ship, mistress,’ he said in a hush, his fear striking at her heart. ‘You need to put a thick door between you and what’s coming.’

‘What’s coming, Eggert?’

He shook his scabby head, terrified. ‘There isn’t time,’ he said. ‘Will your mistress shelter you in her cabin?’

‘Aye.’

‘Good,’ he said, grabbing her arm. ‘Then stay close to me.’

‘And what about these people?’ demanded Dorothea, planting her feet and gesturing to the other passengers. ‘What are they supposed to hide behind?’

‘I’ve got only one sword, mistress,’ he apologised.

‘I’ll not leave those who need help.’

Eggert looked around him desperately, then rushed over to the gunpowder store, hammering on the door. The panel slid back, a pair of wild white eyebrows on the other side.

‘What?’ asked the constable. Since his flogging he’d become surly and short-tempered.

‘Mutiny,’ declared Eggert. ‘Can you shelter these passengers in there?’

The constable glanced around the deck suspiciously. Isabel was still singing, and the passengers were watching her. There was no sign of trouble. He addressed Dorothea who was standing at Eggert’s shoulder. ‘He talking truth?’ he demanded.

‘Can’t see why he’d lie.’

‘The orders came from Guard Captain Drecht,’ said Eggert. ‘The musketeers are already moving. We need to put these people safe.’

A bolt slid back, candlelight pouring into the gloom of the orlop deck. ‘Mothers and children inside,’ said the constable. ‘I can’t fit any more, but the rest of the women can barricade themselves in the bread room below. The men better arm themselves. They’ll be fighting soon enough.’