Two More Ships

Astra woke up. She remembered the confrontation with the mate, and the need to stay awake. But the need for sleep defeated her. Fortunately she still had her life; she was amazed that they did not try to kill her. She was still coiled around the mast of the ship, and two large blue and red sails caught the wind, and the ship was under way to wherever it was going.

The sailors aboard the ship gave her a wide berth. They were very busy in the tasks of repair and sailing. Neither the mate, nor the captain, nor the mysterious Charlie paid her any attention. The sailors armed with crossbows at various places on the ship did pay her attention, but if they could have killed her, they would have already. She did not see anyone of her company. They must still all be under guards somewhere, except perhaps Checkers. Oops! I was supposed to give her a signal, Astra thought. Well, not much I can do about that now. I hope she made it back to the ship safely. Astra was trying to determine what would be wisest, to demand to speak to the captain, or to let matters drift, until something happened that decided the matter for her. Someone shouted, "Two large ships at six points to starboard! Prepare for rendezvous! All men to your stations! All men to your stations!"

The crew scurried about, adjusting the makeshift rigging in an effort to approach the two ships. The two ships did not try to flee. The Gold Coast steady drew closer.

1. Charlie had communicated the news of Astra's appearance to his fleet. These were ships of the fleet of the Lords of the Sea. Reinforcements had arrived.
2. These were ships of one of Blacksand's colonies. With 2-1 odds in her favour, Astra was cheered.
3. One ship belonged to the Lords, and one belonged to a Blacksand colony. At 2-1 odds against, Astra was disheartened. Perhaps she could find a way to even those odds.

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