The compass’ needle pointed directly behind Serena; a location south of Vox only led to one place: the Poseidon Islands, home of the kingdom of Tiaki. Lady Hokulani must be returning home after a long trip as foreign diplomat. This was perfect for Serena and Kakane since geographically, Tiaki and Doryoku were on opposite ends of the Eyuthian continent. Tiaki’s navy was also the most renowned in Eyuth and Christophe wouldn’t dare try to chase them with a large force so long as they stayed in the island nation. Serena recounted their money. Exactly one-hundred and ten i’a; the same as she’d recorded before they’d left.
“We’ll need to immediately find work and shelter once we arrive on Tiaki,” Serena said. “I propose we resume being a blacksmith and apothecary. We’ll be able to slide into skilled work right away and earn a higher pay.”
“Before that, we need to figure out how on Eyuth we’re getting off this ship,” Kakane reminded her. “But you leave that to me. For now, just focus on what we can do once we make landfall on Tiaki.”
“Very well, Kakane,” Serena agreed. “For now, I believe it’s high time we thought about lunch.”
“I don’t know if I can eat while on this rocking deathtrap,” Kakane groaned.
“You have to,” Serena insisted. “It is unwise to be both hungry and seasick. Come on, Kakane— Oh, salted fish heads, are you kidding me!?” Kakane raised an eyebrow. Serena cleared her throat. “Please excuse my course language.” She showed him her satchel. “It appears mice have eaten some of our stores of food.”
“What!?” Kakane yanked open his bag. “Those little bastards, they got to mine too!”
“We can’t eat this anymore.” Serena made a face as she delicately held a mangled piece of cheese in front her. “Rats are the bringers of pestilence.”
“And the scourges of all boats,” Kakane huffed. “Gods, I already hate being out at sea.”
“Looks like they nibbled at a bit of everything,” Serena observed. “We can break off their bite marks on the larger chunks but our dried fruit and jerky is completely inedible now. The same goes for some of our hardtack. I-I’m not sure if we’ll have enough food to last us until Tiaki; we’re still almost a week away.”
“Damn it all!” Kakane cursed. Serena bit her lip. She hadn’t planned for mice to invade a crucial part of her travel plans.
“I’ll see if I can find more food somewhere on the ship,” Serena suddenly volunteered, standing up.
“What!? No, are you crazy!?” Kakane cried, rising to meet her. “Serena, you of all people should know what a stupid idea that is. I am not letting you do that. Not on my honor as a king.”
“Well, would you have us starve to death at sea?” Serena countered. “We can’t afford to spend our savings immediately! We have to use our money wisely. If we’re going to steal food, it’s best to do it now, where there are fewer eyes watching. I’m quieter and smaller than you are, Kakane, so I will venture out. And… If one of us were to get caught, better me than you.” Kakane fell silent.
“…I can’t argue with that,” he said solemnly, though his smoldering scarlet eyes were still apprehensive. “But are you sure you’ll be okay?”
“I will do my best,” Serena vouched.
“Well… Fine. I know there’s no talking you down with that look in your eyes. But,” Kakane’s gaze turned sharp, “Serena, you have to promise me—and I really do mean promise me—that whatever you do, you won’t be seen or worse, captured.” He grabbed her hands and held them to his heart, his bright eyes staring desperately into hers. “Alright?”
“You have my word.” Serena pressed her forehead into Kakane’s and felt him shudder as he sighed.