The Lost Library of Cormanthy - Mel Odom [94]
"And I don't think the fare will be all that bad," Cthulad said. "I've got a food pouch that will give us an additional meal a day each of nuts, grains, and dried fruits. We won't starve, and we won't have to worry about scurvy on the trip."
"And I've got a few packages of jerked beef that will last for a time." Baylee lay on the cot "We've got an hour or so before we sail out of the harbor. I don't think it would be a good thing for me to be seen above deck." He put his arms behind his head. "I'm going to take a nap. If there's anything I need to know, wake me."
*****
"When did the ship sail?" Cordyan Tsald asked the watch officer giving her the report. She stood at the dock and gazed out at the Sea of Swords. A number of sailing vessels floated in the large anchorage behind the breakwater. The pinging of sail cloth cables ringing against the masts created an undercurrent of sound almost as loud as the waves breaking under the docks.
"Perhaps as much as two hours ago," the watch officer replied. Cordyan cursed silently. They had managed to track Baylee to Nalkie's. Although none of the staff at the tavern readily admitted to seeing the ranger there, patrons and shopkeepers across the street had volunteered information that led her to believe Baylee had been the man they'd seen. The two dead dopplegangers in the alley cinched it.
"He has gotten away," Calebaan said, gazing out to sea with her.
"For the moment only," Cordyan said. "What was the name of the ship?"
"Kerrijan's Hammer," the watch officer replied.
"And where is she bound?"
"The maritime office here in Waterdeep says she's a regular traveler between Waterdeep and the Moonshae Isles. She's a cargo ship with contracts between businesses on both sides of the sea."
"What is her usual anchorage in the Moonshaes?"
"At Caer Callidyrr."
Cordyan dismissed the watch officer, leaving herself alone with Calebaan. "Why do you suppose Baylee travels there?"
"The obvious answer would be that he has received some kind of communication from Fannt Golsway," the watch wizard said.
"So he takes off on his own to go up against an opponent strong enough to kill Golsway in his own home? That's foolish." Despite her harsh summation of the situation, Cordyan felt fearful for the young ranger. In their days together on the journey back to Waterdeep, she had seen much to like about him.
Calebaan turned to her, his face only slightly amused because worry showed in there as well. "And what do you propose to do?"
"With Piergeiron's blessing," Cordyan said, "I'll sail after him."
"Why?"
"Because what he knows could offer a threat to Waterdeep," she said stubbornly.
"It has been nearly two tendays since Golsway was killed here in Waterdeep. There have been no further evidences of any threat to this city at all."
"Just because you don't see it, don't think it's not there."
"I suppose that is the stance you're going to take with Piergeiron and Senior Civilar Closl."
"Yes." Cordyan glanced up at her friend. "Do you think it will work?"
The watch wizard nodded. "Maybe. But I don't know whether to be wishful for you that it does, or wishful for you that it doesn't. Baylee Arnvold is not sailing a safe course at the moment. Those two dopplegangers back there are mute testimony to that. Someone wants him dead."
"I know, Calebaan, and I should hate to hear of that happening." Cordyan walked back to the hitching post where they'd left their mounts.
"You like this young man, don't you?" the watch wizard asked.
Cordyan felt her face color and she didn't dare look at her friend. "He is a brave, good man from what I have seen."
"That's not what I asked."
"That's the only answer that I'll give you, Calebaan. Anything else is for my thoughts only."
"Then you should not wear them so apparently on your sleeve."
"You think you know so much, then tell me where Baylee is right now and what it is that he seeks."
Calebaan only laughed, which infuriated Cordyan even more.