Hideaway

"Irix?" Louise asked. "Who's he?"

"He's the customsman for these here docks. If he's heard about the reward Karo's offerin', he may run straight to his army to collect. Or he may come see me and try ta get a better deal to keep his trap shut."

"Which is he more likely to do?"

Haljon laughed once, but without mirth. "Whichever he thinks'll get him the most gold, dearie. Odds are, though, he'll go to the soldiers. Or maybe the constabulary."

Sigourney looked stricken. "So what do we do?"

"Why, we hide the three of ya," Haljon said. "If the locals come aboard, I can't stop 'em. But I can make sure they got no sign you three are here. C'mon now, grab your stuff and let's us head belowdecks."

Nervously, the three of them grabbed their packs and followed Haljon to the belowdeck doors (but until Haljon had Bodgil make sure the coast was clear).

The cargo hold of the Nyriad was dank and musty smelling, and the three girls started nervously a few times at what they thought was the sound of rats. Finally, Haljon stopped in front of a stack of large crates labeled "Farm Tools". The crates were stacked four high, with a ladder running to the top crate.

"We're supposed to stay in that?!?" Thelma exclaimed.

"Aye, it's not the best of lodgings, I know," Haljon said, "But it'll only be for a little while. Once we clear the harbor, I'll have Bodgil come down and fetch ya."

The trio looked at each other nervously, but they agreed that this seemed to be the only alternative they had. Reluctantly, they climbed the ladder into the top crate and closed the lid and Haljon and Bodgil pulled the ladder away and rested it across the hold.

1. Moments after the sailors left the hold, the ship rocked violently, and the girls heard water rushing through the hold.
2. A little while later, they heard Haljon arguing with a man who could only be Irix.
3. Within hours, the Prince's forces had boarded the ship.
4. After what seemed like forever, Bodgil reappeared and took them down, explaining that they were now on course for the Ice Kingdoms.
5. After a good while, it became apparent no one was coming for them.

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