‘We’d guessed as much,’ the assassin said, continuing closing wounds. ‘Now shut up and let me work.’

‘Poor Pormqual’s treasurer is crooked.’

‘Like attracts like, as the saying goes.’

‘You and that poncy skulker ... two of a kind.’

‘Thanks. So I keep hearing.’

‘Up to you two, now.’

‘And the lieutenant.’

The captain managed a smile, his eyes still closed. ‘Good.’

Kalam sat back, reached for the bandages. ‘Almost done.’

‘Me too.’

‘That bodyguard’s dead, you’ll be pleased to know.’

‘Aye. Killed himself, the idiot. I ducked the first swing. The blade bit through the wrong ropes. Feel that, Kalam? We’re rolling even – someone up top knows what we’re doing, thank the gods. Still, way too heavy ... but she’ll hold together.’

‘Got enough rags for that, then.’

‘That we have.’

‘All right, I’m done,’ Kalam said, rising. ‘Get some sleep, Captain. We need you hale. And fast.’

‘Not likely. That other bodyguard will finish it first chance he gets. The treasurer needs me out of the way.’

‘We’ll take care of it, Captain.’

‘Just like that?’

‘Just like that.’

Closing the door behind him, Kalam paused, loosened the long-knife in its scabbard. Just like that, Captain.

The squall was spent, and the sky to the east was brightening, clean and gold. Ragstopper had come around as the tradewind returned. The mess on the sterncastle had been cleared away and the crew looked to have things in hand, although Kalam could see their tension.

The treasurer and his remaining bodyguard stood near the mainmast, the former staring steadily at the raider keeping pace to starboard, close enough to see figures on its deck, watching them in turn. The bodyguard’s attention, however, was on Salk Elan, lounging near the forecastle steps. None of the crew seemed willing to cut across the ten paces separating the two men.

Kalam made his way to the treasurer’s side. ‘You have taken command, then?’

The man nodded sharply, his diffidence obvious as he avoided the assassin’s eye. ‘I intend to buy our way clear—’

‘Take your cut, you mean. And how much would that be? Eighty, ninety per cent? With you along as hostage, of course.’ He watched the blood leave the man’s face.

‘This is not your concern,’ the treasurer said.

‘You’re right. But killing the captain and his officers is, because it jeopardizes this voyage. If the crew doesn’t know for certain, you can rest assured it suspects.’

‘We have the marines to deal with that. Back away and you’ll survive intact. Step in and you’ll be cut down.’

‘Kalam studied the raider. ‘And what’s their percentage? What’s to stop them from slitting your throat and sailing off with the whole share?’

The treasurer smiled. ‘I doubt my uncle and cousins would do that. Now, I suggest you go below – back to your cabin – and stay there.’