“I’m sorry, but you need to come inside with me. There is no way I will leave you alone, especially here, and we must speak to the shipmaster.”
“I thank you for your concern, but I have been in taverns before. This,” she looked up at the hanging sign, “The Rusty Anchor… could not be as bad as the one in Tunis.”
“Your uncle didn’t object.”
Her face flushed.
“He didn’t know.”
He shook his head and opened the door. The place smelled of beer, onions, and stewed meat. Tables were scattered throughout the room. Some men played dice or backgammon, others discussed, rather loudly the news of the day as they drank, and still others ate their meal.
Serving girls scurried around the room filling tankards, setting down trenchers, and avoiding the occasional hand grabbing for them, all in good nature.
Donald led Andrea to the back of the room. No raucous laughter, just quiet conversations. This was the area where the captains did their hiring, buying, and paying out. At the moment, only one man was at work.
“Captain Howard,” Donald went up to a man sitting behind a table, one chair in front of him.
He lifted his head from writing on the parchments. A broad smile lit his face. He put down his quill and extended his hand.
“Donald. Is your brother with you? Or John Heustis?” He looked past him. His smile only slightly altered at seeing a woman.
He came around and took an empty chair. “Please, Mademoiselle.” He gestured for Andrea to sit. Donald sat in the other chair.
“This is Mademoiselle Andrea Ricard, Claude DuClare’s niece. Neither Hugh nor John are with us.”
“How can I help you?” Howard, his hands clasped, gave him his full attention.
“We’ve come to you for assistance. We need passage to Dover. I’m hoping you have room on the Always Faithful.”
“There is always room for you. We leave this evening. Where are you staying?”
“We’ve just arrived from Châlons.”
“You’ll not find an empty bed in Calais this evening. Not with the Battle of the Wines. You and the mademoiselle are welcome to stay aboard Always Faithful, which is fortunate since we sail on the high tide at midnight.”
Donald glanced at Andrea. The poor girl’s eyes were half-closed.
“Mademoiselle looks as if she can fall asleep sitting in that chair. I’m finished here. Come. I’ll get you settled. I have a nice comfortable cabin at the stern of the boat.” The captain gathered his documents.
“We wouldn’t want to inconvenience you.” Donald was sure he could find some place for Andrea for the evening. He could sleep almost anywhere, even outside her door.
“Once the fair is over, the streets are a bit… let me say rowdy. The men keep the docks safe and quiet.”
Donald turned to Andrea. Her chin was on her chest and her eyes closed. He couldn’t drag her around Calais looking for a place to stay.
“We’d be happy to join you. Rea,” he leaned over and gently jostled her. “We’re staying on the ship. Come. I’ll tuck you in nice and sweet.”
She opened her eyes and glanced at him.
“I must have dozed off.” She sat up straight and creased her brow. “Why on the ship?”
He stood and picked up their belongings.
“The captain told me with the Battle of the Wines, there are no empty beds to be had in town. He offered us a place on the ship for the evening. It’s better than sharing a bed with the horses.”
“Right now, a wooden log would be fine.” She stood, straightened her skirt, and gave both men a warm smile as they walked out of the tavern. Thankfully, the ship was docked close by. Donald helped her up the gangplank.
“The ship has cabins fore and aft under the castles. The one in the bow is for cargo. The one at the stern has been fitted for comfort. You’ll be interested, Donald. The stern cabin was originally for archers. There are three arrow slits on the starboard wall.” Howard ushered them into the cabin in the stern of the ship.
Every inch of the room was used. Cabinets were built into the walls along with a low chest. The furniture, a bed, bed stand, and table were fixed to the floor. A large chair with a pillow on its seat and back was near the bed. A lantern hung from the ceiling. Three arrow slits on one wall let in fresh air and sunlight. The surfaces of the furniture were clean of everything. Only the linens on the bed indicated the room was used.
“Put your satchels in the cabinet or else you’ll find yourself dancing around them when they slide across the room. Everything has to be tied down.”
“Rea. Make yourself comfortable.” Donald put the satchels in the cabinet. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
She didn’t argue. She laid her head down and was asleep before Donald and the captain left the room.
“I was worried you’d have to carry her up the gangplank,” the captain said as he closed the door behind them.
On the deck, the two men leaned their arms on the rail and watched the lanterns in the city.
“We’ve been in port for four days. Enough time to hear rumors of all kinds. Some more farfetched than others.” The captain kept his gaze straight ahead. “King Edward is on another campaign in Wales. Many argue that his next target will be Scotland. It’s a good theory. His followers are seeking anything to help him. Some are looking for the renowned Excalibur, not only to help the king vanquish his enemies, but more to be in his favor. There is also talk of a chalice that holds power to vanquish enemies.”
Donald kept his gaze ahead.
“The chalice is being sought after by a young woman and a man.” The captain turned to Donald. “These are trying times.”
Donald looked down at his hands, then at Howard. “That’s why you had us stay on the ship.”
“I wouldn’t want you mistaken for someone else. The
