Overboard! Page 22

  “You are right, Neep. My invitation specifies that I have a plus one, and you are it. Bones here shall use a somewhat more ah... basic costume to gain entrance by guile. A very good costume though, nevertheless.” Bones laughed at this, or at least he appeared to, his long black robe shaking at the shoulders.

  “At last I will be free of this damned robe.” he chuckled.

  “Just be careful where you leave it.” said Daisy. “You may find you need to find it again in a hurry.”

  “Noted.” laughed Bones, pulling his robe tight about him as per usual.

  So the day wore on. Neep found himself thinking that time seemed to be moving much more slowly than usual. Eventually however evening arrived and Neep saw Daisy and Bones in deep conversation before Bones gave Neep a cheery wave and the black robed figure departed by the Inn’s rear door, slipping silently into the city as darkness began to fall.

  “Time to get dressed.” Said Daisy, and so they retired to their rooms to dress in their costumes. Neep could not figure out which way a lot of his costume was meant to be worn, but he put it on as best he could. The mask covered his face completely, thin blue feathers jutting up the side of his head, tinsel and glitter covering the long blue cloak that fell to his ankles. He felt stupid but made his way down to the now deserted common room to wait for Daisy.

  Lucetta was by the Inn door, removing the sign pinned there that read, “Private Party” and Neep saw her futile attempts to suppress a giggle as he stood by the bar.

  “What do you think?” he asked and through a broad smile Lucetta had to avert her gaze before answering.

  “You look like a cross between an explosion in a seamstress's shop and a flagpole.” She giggled and Neep tutted just as Daisy made her way down the stairs.

  Neep gasped as she descended. Her mask was as scarlet in colour as her dress, tall red feathers rising above her head. The rest of the costume was shade of red that Neep had ever encountered before. He knew what the colour scarlet looked like of course, but this was different somehow; deeper and almost threatening. It was obvious that although Daisy was covering her face with a mask she was announcing very loudly indeed exactly who she was. As if to affirm this, the front of her dress dipped so low her chest seemed almost to defy gravity by not falling out of the garment altogether.

  “Phew.” said Neep, his vocabulary failing him altogether, though he did have to admit to himself that his experience in complimenting women was not vast. “You look stunning.”

  Daisy merely tutted. “As long as it brings Captain Jenkins out of hiding it will have served its purpose. Hopefully it will attract The Beak too. He and I have a dispute to resolve. Call a carriage please, Lucetta.” She said, and the Inn keeper walked through the door behind the bar and could be heard shouting to a stable boy to fetch a carriage. Neep attempted to settle himself onto a stool but gave up once he realised that as he approached it he could no longer see where it actually was because of the cloak.

  “A dispute?” asked Neep, leaning on the bar. He found doing so was much easier, as so too did Daisy.

  “Yes. When I was last here I under-estimated a transaction I undertook here, reducing The Beak’s cut if you see what I mean?”

  “And?” enquired Neep, feeling distinctly warm under his cloak.

  “Well, the Beak demands a cut for all transactions in Nine Wells. It is said that the tenth well of the city is actually The Beak’s pocket, and it is bottomless.” Daisy sighed. “He does not take kindly to any who attempt to short change him. I was lucky to get The Magpie out of the city at all. As it was he got his cut but as well as that he also kept hold of three of my crew.

  “What did he want them for?” asked Neep, an element of disquiet seeping into his thoughts. After all, he was now technically part of Daisy’s crew.

  “He wanted to use them as an example.” She said bitterly.

  “An example of what?” asked Neep.

  “He hanged them.” said Daisy. “That is how he works. Through fear. He owes me for those men, and I always insist a debt is paid. As much as the Beak does, in fact. In that way we are very similar.”

  “I see.” gulped Neep just as a carriage pulled up noisily outside the inn.

  “Thank you for your hospitality, Lucetta.” said Daisy to the inn keeper.

  “Always a pleasure.” she replied. “Especially when the payment is so swift and so lucrative. Safe journey to both of you. You are always welcome under my roof.”

  Giving their thanks they left the inn and entered the small horse drawn carriage that was waiting for them in the street outside.

  “The residence of Mister Roalde DeNeuf.” said Daisy, and the carriage driver raised an eyebrow. Then they were off, slowly leaving the Drowned Duck behind them as they made their way across the city and slowly towards the merchant quarter, and the residence of Roalde DeNeuf.

  Eventually the opulence of the buildings began to change. Initially there seemed to be more of a military presence as they entered the noble quarter, the red uniformed private army of The Beak obviously stationed to keep the noble houses safe from the masses and the people from whom they made their fortunes. This soon disappeared though as they moved further into the district and the houses became larger as they went, eventually rising high above them. The residences were well spaced with large grounds populated by lush desert plants and grasses. Neep noticed that behind some of the gates the houses were not actually visible at all, but a dim light could usually be seen at the end of a well paved drive.

  “The nobles like their privacy.” said Daisy, noticing Neep almost craning out of the window to see where the house actually was.

  “As if they have something to hide.” muttered Neep.

  “Very astute, Mister Neep.” laughed Daisy. “Generally it is the case. Great wealth corrupts I find.” Neep’s eyebrows rose, though his mask concealed it.

  “You can talk.” He said and Daisy gave a small laugh.

  “You think I am the same as them?” asked Daisy, pointing to the even grander mansions they were passing.

  “Not much.” said Neep, amusement in his voice, though it was tempered with caution. He had a feeling that that he had to tread lightly here.

  “Indeed.” said Daisy. “Money is a convenience for sure, but there is more to it than that. It is the sense of adventure too. My parents were wealthy merchants, Neep, and though we were not of the same calibre as the people that live in these houses we coped. It did not however save my mother and father from their fate at the hands of a bootlegger from the Old Coast capturing their ship and slaying them.” Neep looked shocked.

  “I’m sorry, Daisy. I did not know that.”

  “Nothing to be sorry about, Neep. It was a very long time ago.”

  “So why join them?” asked Neep and Daisy stirred uneasily on the carriage seat.

  “Join them?” she said, her voice suddenly angry; unsettled.

  “Presumably your parents were set upon by pirates if at sea. So why join them? I would have thought you were more likely to seek those out who visited such a fate upon your parents and serve them justice.”

  “I have never found those responsible despite years of searching. Yet I have never seen the purpose of joining those who would enforce the law at sea. As I am now I can move outside the law as I please. The law is at best tenuous anyway. No one force stands against those who would take what they will. Perhaps there will one day be such a body of people, but for now my only rules are my own. It suffices.”

  Neep fell silent. He felt as if he was intruding on Daisy’s thoughts, for now she sat staring out of the window of the carriage, observing the houses as they passed them, her mask concealing her face but she was nevertheless Neep thought lost in thought.

  The journey continued, but eventually they began to slow and then turn off the street and into a torch lit drive that wound through exotic trees and grasses. The house they were heading towards was as yet hidden within the grounds, but Neep could see as he looked thro
ugh the window that many carriages were slowly moving around the circular drive as their carriage drew to a halt. It was five minutes more before they got their first glimpse of the house they were approaching, both Neep and Daisy staring out of the window to look at the mansion of Roald DeNeuf.

  The mansion was huge, every window in it blazing light onto the courtyard they now approached. The drive they discovered was no more than a dropping off point for the entrance to the house, towards which each carriage was making its way, dropping off their passengers as they did so. A gentle slope of white stoned steps led up to a columned portico, servants dressed in extravagantly gold braided costumes, assisting passengers from their carriages and into the building.

  Above this white stone rose up to the star studded night sky, the front of the building rising to a height of four storeys, the dark stone clad roof rising at a peak above this. At the front of the building single stone turrets rose higher than the roof, again lit from within, every window even there glowing with bright lights.

  As they drew nearer to the entrance the number of people who were disembarking from the long row of carriages became apparent. Neep considered that most of the residents of the noble quarter must have been invited to the Masquerade ball. There were hundreds of people! As their turn to disembark approached, Neep began to notice the costumes. Apart from the servants every guest was in disguise; elaborate masks and costumes in the shape of exotic animals and creatures, or elaborate costumes of concealment and disguise.

  “Stay close to me, Neep.” said Daisy as their carriage drew slowly nearer to the entrance. “Whatever you do, do not use my name.”

  “I don’t think there will be any doubt who you are.” said Neep testily. “I think the costume more or less gives it away.” Daisy laughed and then the carriage stopped and servants opened its doors.

  “Good evening.” Said a page boy from outside. Neep was no expert, but he thought that perhaps the gold braid on his shoulder looked very much to be actual gold and not a replica. “Welcome to The Masquerade Ball, and the residence of mister Roalde DeNeuf. Please allow me to assist you from the carriage.”

  Neep stood back as the servant took Daisy’s hand and helped from the carriage. Neep followed rapidly before he was given assistance too.

  “This way please.” indicated the servant, discreetly taking the invitation from Daisy’s hand and giving it a quick look to ensure its authenticity before they went any further.

  Now they were standing directly in front of the house, the dimensions of the building became much more apparent. Neep gave a small gasp. He had never seen a building of this size anywhere before, never mind a house for just one man! It was enormous! Daisy and Neep allowed themselves to be led towards the door where many people in stunning costumes were being herded. Neep noticed that very few people seemed to be interested in his costume, but Daisy was definitely causing a stir, her plunging neckline and scarlet outfit catching many a side glance. Neep also noted the way that she walked. It was if she had every right to be where she was, as if she exuded a natural authority even when she was apparently in disguise. Neep merely felt as if he was being dragged along behind her by the sheer force of her presence.

  The crowds were enormous. Neep felt as if he was in a dream. There were outlandish costumes; birds and feathers and sequins and glitter. Everyone wore a mask in the main hall, a wide staircase leading up beneath elaborate chandeliers, candles lit on the stark black metal frames bathing the rooms in light. Music could be heard from up the stairs, though to Neep it sounded as if an entire orchestra was up there, so loud was the sound of music rising from above.

  Daisy made her way along the hall and then headed up the stairs and entered the ballroom through a wide set of double doors. Neep made this assumption from the perspective of having read about ballrooms, but had never seen one. The room was immense, on one side wide doors leading out onto terraces that overlooked the gardens and entrance below. The room was crowded with people. The far end of the ballroom had a raised dais on which what looked like a full orchestra was playing a rousing dance tune. In the centre of the room the dance floor was crammed with people dancing hand in hand, their bodies moving to and fro in elaborate dance moves in time to the music. As Neep watched the music reached a crescendo and the people on the dance floor whirled to a sudden halt and the music ceased. Loud applause came from the dancers before the music began again.

  “You didn’t say anything about dancing!” hissed Neep into Daisy’s ear.

  “It’s a masquerade ball!” laughed Daisy. She sounded happier than she had done for a long time as far as Neep could remember. “Of course you dance! Everyone dances at a masquerade ball!” With that Daisy grabbed his hand and dragged him in the direction of the dance floor. Neep made to squeak a protest but soon he was being dragged through the masked crowds in the direction where the music was louder.

  Soon they fell in line with the dancers and Neep took Daisy’s hand as she led him through the steps. One pace forward, two paces back. stop and twirl. Daisy spun around him like a top, showing a surprising knowledge of the dance steps.

  “Smile, Sir!” she said, avoiding using his name, and he blushed furiously, knowing all too well that Daisy could not see his face but somehow she knew he was blushing. “Ouch! That was my toe!” Daisy suddenly yelped and it was more by luck than anything else that she had only two more bruised toes by the time that the dance finished.

  The next hour passed in what felt like a moment as Daisy and Neep stayed on the dance floor until finally the pair retired to the balcony for more air. Here were set tables of food; delicate nibbles and elaborate slices of rare meats and fish, behind each table at least three servants were placed to assist and explain what some of the more exotic foods were.

  “Astogian frog?” offered Daisy, leading Neep to the nearest table and pointing out what looked like thin slices of purple meat.

  “Erm no thanks.” muttered Neep, helping himself to a plate of what looked like welks, but turned out to be chicken.

  “The Veruvian antelope is particularly fine.” said a deep voice from behind them and Daisy and Neep turned to see a tall handsome man looking at them while he politely nibbled at what looked like a chicken leg. Only much, much smaller. Suspiciously smaller, in fact. “Very tender at this time of year I believe.” Daisy and Neep just stared at the man as he approached and held his hand out to Daisy.

  “Roalde DeNeuf.” he said simply. “I am pleased to make your acquaintance.”

  “Why are you not wearing a costume or a mask, Mister DeNeuf?” asked Daisy in what Neep was surprised to notice was decidedly flirtatious manner.

  “Oh I never do.” explained DeNeuf. “It has become quite a tradition, Daisy. I find that those who were masks quite often have something to hide.”

  “You called me Daisy?”

  “I did yes. Scarlet Daisy to be even more precise if that is what you wish.” He made an elaborate show of looking her up and down, though Daisy was surprised to notice that his eyes did not linger on her chest much at all. The thought briefly crossed her mind that perhaps she was losing her touch. “Your reputation quite precedes you.” DeNeuf held out his hand to Neep which Neep shook, finding the aristocrat’s grip to be firm and strong. “And you must be Mister Neep. Quite the mystery you are, sir. Several of my guests seem to be taking quite an interest in you.”

  Daisy drew nearer to DeNeuf. “The Beak is here?”

  “Indeed.” DeNeuf turned and pointed off across the dance floor. “Dressed as a peacock.” He gave a small chuckle. “On the rare occasions that he attends my ball he always dresses so. I think the very thought that someone may not know who is he terrifies him. Even at a masquerade ball.” Daisy and Neep laughed. “Well I must mingle.” he said finally. “Do try to be good.”

  “Really?” laughed Daisy, shaking DeNeuf’s hand in farewell.

  “Perhaps not.” he laughed. “But be interesting. That more than pays for the price of your invitation.” Daisy
just nodded and DeNeuf was gone.

  “Well at least we know who The Beak is dressed as now.” Neep nodded.

  “He did say several guests were interested in us though.” he whispered, “Just be careful, Daisy. It is almost as if DeNeuf is using us as bait for some strange reason.”

  “I thought so too. We must watch our backs.” The two stood away from the table, eating slowly as they looked over the balcony out towards the sea. Not more than a short walk away the wall of the city ran from northeast to southwest, and in the darkness the shape of The Beak’s stronghold, The Black Tooth stood out in the darkness like a monument to corruption and greed.

  ***

  Bones reached over the stone parapet, raising himself to eye level with the balcony beyond. There were many people there taking the evening air but none seemed to be looking in his direction and so with a final push he eased himself over the ornately carved railing and landed square footed on the balcony. He made a quick mental note of where he had entered the building as his robes were stashed safely under one of the bushes on the ground far below. It would not do to lose them. He was in fact completely naked apart from the strange medallion that hung around his neck which he never took off, but despite this he did feel terribly self-conscious, but also at the same time terribly liberated. Without a doubt however, he did have without fear of contradiction the finest skeleton costume at the masquerade ball. Smiling, he made his way into the crowd, recieving several admiring glances at the quality of his costume as he did so. Several of the men were smoking cigars and talking on this balcony, but further along the wall he saw another veranda upon which many people seemed to be standing around, chatting and eating from tables spread with food there.

  As he watched he saw Daisy and Neep place plates down on the table and head back into the room. Beyond them he saw a man dressed all in black, obviously watching them. Bones made his way into the dance hall and carefully avoided both Daisy and Neep before dipping back into the next balcony where the food was being served. The tall man in black was watching them go from the doorway and as he moved out onto the balcony he kept close to the wall, skirting along the food tables as he went.