In the following days, the two prisoners began to develop a routine. They took turns with the bed, alternating nightly. After breakfast they played a game of Cyvasse, as they had managed to convince Titos, the crewman who emptied their slops each afternoon to bring them the game. Cyvasse was followed by a nap or a book. Afternoons, the Captain allowed them out of their cabin to take some air up on deck. Much of that time was spent pacing from one end of the ship to the other. Both of them wanted the exercise and they found that stopping and talking with the crewmen often brought unwanted attention to Arya, the only female on the ship. After a few hours on deck, they were given a bowl of stew and locked back into their room until the next day.
It was just after supper at the end of the second week and Titos was returning them to their room. "Captain says it looks like a storm is coming." He told them as he locked the door. "If we take in water, I'll try to get down here and let you out but I can't promise nothing."
"That would be appreciated." Jaime said. "I don't think we'd make very good fish."
That night the rocking of the ship sent Jaime rolling out of bed. He landed partially on top of Arya. She woke with a start. "The storm is here. Stop grinning and get off me." She said loudly.
Jaime rolled off of her and sat next to her on the floor. "Can you swim?" He asked after a few minutes of rocking in silence.
"No." She said wide eyed. "Can you?"
He nodded. "Casterly Rock is on the ocean, I learned as a child. Though I can't imagine it would be easy in the storm, with a missing hand and chains."
Water began to pour in under the door to the cabin. The pair scrambled to their feet, avoiding the water for as long as possible. Another wave sent the ship rocking in the opposite direction and the water fled back out underneath the door.
"Titos isn't coming." Arya said with finality.
"No he isn't. We should start trying to break open the door."
"There's no need. I'll make a deal with you. I'll pick the lock on our chains and the door if you keep me from drowning."
"What? How?" Jaime began.
Arya reached into her boot and took out a small dagger.
"Where did you get that?" He asked incredulously.
"I've had it all along. I was going to kill you with it."