Chapter 10
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Selkath had a strange code of honor. He gave strict orders to his crew that Share was not to be touched or harmed in any way. And yet, she got the impression that had Selkath won the bet, that he would not only have taken her by force, but given her to members of his crew. It seemed much of his crew were unhappy about not being able to take her. Pirate ships were considered the only real democracy in Mystera. A captain could be deposed by a simple popular vote. Some, including the growling man from the tavern, seemed loyal to Selkath. But the majority seemed willing to vote him out, and install a new captain who would declare her fair game. One night, as they were close to Glantri, Selkath gave his crew some of the rum they had been transporting. He would later tell his clients that some of the cargo was lost in a storm. In truth he was bribing his crew, hoping they would later vote in favor of him remaining captain. Jihlem was offered some of the rum, but he refused. If this crew tried to take his wife, he wanted to remain sober and alert. The pirates drank themselves to sleep. Jihlem remained with his wife and baby, and began to drift off to sleep himself. But then captain Sekath and the growling man found them, and brought them up.
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Selkath: You must come with me now.
Jihlem: What is going on?
Selkath: I am giving you one of my lifeboats. From here you can take it to the island of Glantri.
Jihlem: You're not taking us the rest of the way?
Selkath: Like I said, Trogolodites aren't particularly welcome. Besides, I can't guarantee my crew won't try something. But I gave you my word. When you get to the beach, try and find a man names Doc. He's part Trogolodite and part Ork. Because he's a skilled doctor he's able to stay no matter which side controls the island.
Jihlem: Thank you my friend.
Selkath: It's unlikely we'll see each other again, so when you tell the little one about me, try and make me as heroic as possible.
Share: Consider it done.