The World of Rhune

“The Quetzal,” Will answered Demetrey, looking down at Hannah. Hannah gave a small smile at the meaning of the name. “She’s fast for the open ocean,” Will continued, “Though she can’t quite match are racing ships back home.” Hannah appreciated that Will was actually playing nice. “Those are amazing. Maybe they’re not as fast as a horse, but they are nearly so and they aren’t mean,” Hannah said bitterly. Will grinned, “I saw that. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t laugh at you.” “Well you didn’t see it throw me,” Hannah muttered. “I’m sorry, love. I didn’t know. Would you like me to go make sure no one rides that horse?” He said to her, barely concealing his smile. “No,” Hannah muttered. Will turned Hannah around to look at her. “I’m sure no one will make you get on a horse again, Hannah,” Will reassured her. “No, I don’t think they will,” Hannah said a smile playing on her lips. Will kissed her on the forehead and then wrapped his arm around her waist again.

“Hello, Hannah,” a voice came from behind them. Hannah frowned, turned and watched as Jasiri made his way over. The clouds had covered the moon at that moment. Had she not been able to see in the dark she wouldn’t have been able to locate him, she wasn’t sure how others could stand being practically blind at night. The clouds moved though and the moonlight illuminated everything again. “Hello, Jasiri. How are you,” Hannah’s voice was almost cold, with an edge to it. “Will,” Jasiri nodded in recognition. Will took over for Hannah, “Hello, Jasiri, nice of you to join us.” Hannah muttered something about that statement but she didn’t think anyone could catch it. “Jasiri, this is Demetrey, one of Hannah’s friends from the castle,” Will offered. “Hello,” Jasiri said, though he only glanced at him, he was looking at Hannah instead.

Hannah made an obvious attempt to ignore him. There was a moment of awkward silence before Hannah said sarcastically, “Well isn’t this lovely.” Will smiled but looked away as if he didn’t find it funny. Will leaned over to whisper into Hannah’s ear, “I don’t think he knows why you’re mad at him.” Hannah looked back at him and Will resumed his early position. She made a face but her expression softened. She had forgotten Jasiri didn’t know that she was angry at him.

She at least dignified him by recognizing him with, “How are you, Jasiri?” “I’m well, Princess,” He answered her. Him using his nickname for her irked Hannah, but she said nothing. “I hear that you know my brother,” Hannah said, her tone even. “Yes, I like your brother. I’d like to say we are friends,” Jasiri answered with more formality at Hannah’s tone. Whether or not she acted like it, she was still a princess and she had a lot of power. “Hmm, I see. I have also heard you are no longer going with us as we continue are trip,” Hannah’s words were measured. She still wasn’t sure how much Demetrey knew, though Jasiri using princess as a name for her may have tipped him off. Then again, Princess could be used as affectionate, or deeming, name for anyone. “Not so. I will no longer be aboard your ship. I will be helping on another ship, as your brother has instructed,” He replied. This surprised Hannah, and her usual calculated expressions were gone for a moment. “I had not known that,” Hannah mused. Will made a face at Demetrey, making fun of the awkward moment. Hannah saw it out of her peripheral vision and elbowed him lightly in the side. “Sorry,” Will said, but he was masking a smile.