Boromir dared a peek outside the door and motioned for the Sea Hawk to follow him. "No one about below decks, it seems," he said quietly. "Unusual."
"Very," Hawk replied with a raised eyebrow. "I'd figure they'd been celebrating and were sleeping it off, but there's nothing to celebrate, of late. They're up to something."
"Agreed. Carefully, now." He stepped out and headed forward to the main accessway. "Remember the plan, don't let them know anything is amiss."
"I know how to follow orders, Boromir," she sniped, but at the same time, she was somewhat relieved. She had held this crew together, she had kept tight discipline, but this treachery was beyond her experience. So much for the dreaded Sea Hawk, she mused sourly. Still, she was disturbed. Arthond had always been loyal to her, if a bit more bloodthirsty than she liked. What had happened to change that? Was someone else behind this?
Boromir, for his part, was quietly suspicious. He believed her story about his father; it had the ring of truth. And he believed her reaction when he had spoken of the missing blood money she had sent. But he was having a hard time accepting that the only thing she truly cared for was the people she led. She had mentioned women, and children, but he had seen no evidence of them as yet. And he knew from experience, most pirates were interested only in how much treasure they could amass in their lifetimes.
They emerged above decks and headed for the bridge of the ship, seemingly just strolling. Then he stepped near the rail and placed his hand on it, staring out to sea. There were many seagulls aloft, so they must be close to land, but he saw nothing further to indicate it. Then one of the birds came to rest on the rail, inches from his hand, and he silently commended the bird for bravery. To be that close to a Man must frighten it sorely.
Hawk's hand descended to the bird's back and Boromir felt his brows raise in surprise as she gently picked it up and removed a strip of parchment from its leg, then flipped it aloft again. "A response from my agent," she explained as she scanned the message. "Faramir will bring the ransom to Cair Andros, as you suggested, and he will begin negotiations on what to do with my people. In the King's name, of course." Her brow lifted. "It seems my agent is no longer secret, however. He also sends word from your brother. Faramir says that if you do not stop finding trouble wherever you go, he will tie you to your seat in Anorien so he can keep track of you." She laughed softly.
Boromir stifled the grin that threatened to escape with an effort. That was his Fari, all right! "Since we are, unlikely as it seems, allies, perhaps you would answer one or two more questions for me," he remarked idly, as if in truth the answers mattered not. "Who is your agent? It must be someone close to both myself and Faramir." He peered over her shoulder at the parchment and cursed explosively. "Aran? Fari's own esquire? I'll flay the little pizzle to his bones!"
Abruptly he was on his back on the deck with her dagger against his throat. The thought came unbidden that he was getting tired of this. "You'll not touch one hair of his head, do you understand?" she hissed furiously. "Allies or not, if you harm my brother, I will kill you." As quickly as she had moved before, she was up and backing away from him. "I won't apologize, either."
Boromir rose quickly, his hand aching for Astalder, but he forced himself to keep the blade sheathed. "And you understand this," he snarled back. "We are allies only until this is over. After that, you will be judged and you will be punished. I will see to it personally." Eru, but she was annoying! And she certainly knew exactly how to get on his bad side!
The two had been so absorbed in their argument that they had not noticed their growing audience. "Give him what he deserves, Hawk, get him!" came the challenge, followed by hoots and catcalls and other rude noises, all directed at Boromir. "Feed him to the fish!"
"Stand down, you scurvy lot!" Arthond moved to the front of the group, his hand on his sword hilt. "Let Hawk make the decision. She's the Captain, after all." His tone was mocking.
Hawk's eyes narrowed and she spared a quick glance at Boromir, then returned her attention to her first mate. "What's on your mind, Arthond?" she queried nonchalantly, though her hand remained firmly on her dagger. "Are you so unsatisfied with my leadership?" This was not the time for power plays, for Eru's sweet sake! Especially from him!
"Not unsatisfied, just unimpressed," came the smooth rejoinder. The sound of steel clearing leather was almost obscenely loud in the sudden hush. "I don't think you have the right to lead us, not any more. You're not strong enough to do what needs doing."
"Is that a challenge?" Her voice was harsh as her own blade left its housing. "Arthond, you know you can't beat me. Better men than you have tried, and died. Don't put your blood on my hands as well."
Boromir made to get between them and she shoved him back, almost sending him on to the deck. He staggered into the row of men behind and they caught him by the arms, holding him firmly. "Not your place to interfere, boy," an older man growled in his ear. "Captain's duel. They have to settle this between them." He stepped forward to address the duelists. "This be a challenge to the Captain. Rules say ye have ta fight fair, no dirty tricks. Fight's over when one of ye yields or dies. No one interferes."