The Mermaids Madness

She spread her arms, tilting her face back.
    “You’re mad,” Snow said cheerfully. “You know that, don’t you?”
    “I’m not the one who decided to sail through this weather,” Hephyra answered. “The king’s man said it was important.”
    Before Danielle could answer, one of the crew swore. “Captain, we’ve got a mermaid here!”
    Hephyra strode to the side of the ship, where the dinghy hung just below the railing. “That would be our other passenger, I presume?”
    “Her name is Lannadae,” Danielle said. Already a handful of men gathered at the railing. Several carried knives and shortswords. “She’s a friend of the queen.”
    “And you’re bringing her on my ship why?”
    Snow folded her arms. “ Your ship?”
    “Fine.” Hephyra rubbed her wrist, scowling at Snow. “The queen’s ship.”
    Danielle looked at Snow, trying to understand the hard edge beneath Hephyra’s words.
    “The Phillipa was a gift to Queen Beatrice,” Snow explained.
    “From the fairy queen. I remember.” Danielle looked back at Hephyra.
    “Carved from the tree of a dryad.” Hephyra’s fingers caressed the rail. “ My tree.”
    Danielle looked around. “The whole ship?”
    “It was a big tree.”
    “Hephyra had trespassed on the queen’s land,” Snow said. “The queen meant to make an example of her by killing her tree. She had it cut down and turned into this ship. She assumed that would be enough to kill Hephyra as well, but—”
    “But the ancient trees are tougher than even the queen knows, may termites burrow her a second arse-hole.” Hephyra turned her head and spat. “Beatrice understood what this gift was. I had hidden within the grain to avoid the royal bitch’s wrath, but by the time we arrived in Lorindar my tree had begun to die. Beatrice found me and had her witch here do what she could to save the tree. The fairy queen’s oath binds this ship to Beatrice. None can break that bond, which makes me her servant. But as long as I stay, the Phillipa and I both survive.”
    “Sorceress, not witch,” Snow muttered.
    “So the Phillipa is alive?” Danielle asked.
    “That’s right. And you still haven’t explained your pet mermaid.”
    Lannadae must have realized she was discovered. She sat up and peered up at the crew.
    “You’ve heard what happened?” Danielle asked. At Hephyra’s nod, she said, “Beatrice is dying.” A knot tightened her throat.“Lannadae can take us to one of her kin, someone who might be able to save the queen.”
    Hephyra leaned against the rail. “Why would I want to help you save her? Her death means my freedom.”
    “Beatrice saved your life,” Danielle said. “She could have let you die.”
    “That was her choice,” the dryad said with a shrug. “I’m bound to her, Princess. Not you.”
    “Fine.” Danielle turned to Snow, suddenly furious. “Your spells helped Hephyra and her ship survive. Does that mean you can reverse those spells?”
    “No need,” said Snow. “The fairy queen said this ship would serve Beatrice. Hephyra doesn’t have to obey us, but she does have to serve. Beatrice needs this.”
    “Stupid oaths.” Hephyra spat a second time, then turned to the crew. “Bring the mermaid on board. The rest of you, get back to work.”
    The crew seemed reluctant to obey. Danielle couldn’t hear their words, but their tone was angry. Lannadae shrank down into the bottom of the boat.
    Hephyra smiled again, but this time it was a hungry expression. “If any of you feel you’ve no duties to perform, the ship could use fresh fertilizer.”
    “Fertilizer?” Danielle asked.
    “The bottom of the ship is filled with earth, to feed the ship,” Snow explained. “You’ll smell it if you go down a few decks. On most ships they dump the chamber pots overboard, but Hephyra has a better use for them.” She grinned. “Lugging the pots through the dark lower decks is not one of the more popular duties.”
    Most of the crew hurried away, though one lingered behind, watching Lannadae. Young as she was, the sight of her wet body clearly held him captivated. “This could make for a worthwhile journey after all,” he commented.
    Danielle tensed. “Who is that man, Captain?”
    Hephyra glanced back. “Martin. Tough sailor. Drinks too much, but he’s good in the sheets.” She grinned at the double entendre.
    “Will he be a danger to Lannadae?” Talia asked.
    “No danger,” Hephyra said. “He plans to have his way with her as soon as he