A/N: I know it's not the huge amount I promised, but I've been busier than I expected. I am working on it though, and should have Fluttering Sails finished soon. I've another sequel in the works. ;)

God bless,

-AoR/Jake


Chapter Nine

Fortunately for us, the wind did hold, and, true to Cap's word, we arrived in Galma near dusk of the third day. Again, fortune smiled; Edmund and his fleet had not yet departed. As soon as we docked, Matthias and myself hurried to Rand's castle while cap refitted our galley, renamed Justice, for battle. Edmund and Rand were in the Duke's library, drafting final plans for seeking out the pirate fleet.

Edmund was more than pleased to see me alive.

"I say, Martin! You really must be more careful with your life old man."

"Only when you are more careful with yours Ed."

"Touche. Who is your companion?"

Matthias bowed and stepped forward.

"I'm his younger brother, Your Majesty. I'm honoured to meet you at last."

Edmund smiled and shook Mattie's hand.

"Kin of Martin is kin of mine. Glad to have you along. Promise me you'll look after your elder brother won't you? I never stop worrying about the scrapes his reckless heroics land him in."

I laughed.

"I highly doubt that Matthias is any less reckless than myself Ed, so you've had a rum go there."

Edmund chuckled as Rand re-entered the library with the promised wine, and a change of clothes for Matthias, who promptly left to exchange them for his own ragged garments.

As he did so, Edmund straightened up perceptibly.

"Well, that's frivolity enough for one evening, I think. What is this news of yours Martin? You said it was urgent."

I quickly explained the situation, and shared what little knowledge I had of the island with Edmund and Rand.

"It's Matthias you really want Edmund. He's a good deal more knowledge of their hideout than I."

No sooner had these words left my mouth than Mattie reappeared.

"Speak of the Devil."

"What?"

"King Edmund needs to know the terrain of Pirate Island. You know, the best places for a surprise landing, what places to avoid, that sort of thing."

"Right then. That shouldn't take too long."

He stepped over to Rand's desk, and drew a map out on one of the pieces of parchment lying there.

"It's rough I'm afraid," he said as he handed it to Edmund. "No topographical details or anything like that, but it should make do."

Edmund studied the map intently for a few moments and then looked up at my brother in more than slight surprise.

"When this is all over, I intend to take you back to Cair Paravel. You're just the man Peter and I have been looking for to take over as Royal Mapmaker!"

The next day we headed down to the docks, and the entire fleet set sail. Cap managed the Justice, while Matthias and I came along on Edmund's flagship, the Northern Sky. She was a large ship, and carried a proportionately large crew. Edmund's cabin was comfortable, and we talked eagerly as the ship rocked beneath our feet.

"Peter intended to come along, but the Telmarine ambassador insisted he be present at the negotiation. It's only the purest luck I managed to escape."

"Poor fellow."

"Indeed. Those Telmarines are ruthless negotiators."

After an excellent supper, we turned in for the night. I had a feeling that the next few days would make me happy for all the sleep I could get.