The 3 Seas

“You must put out the candle and use the wax to seal your ears,” the girl said. Jace started to reach for the lantern. “Wait,” she said. “Not yet. If somebody notices the candle is out, they might come to replace it, or to investigate. You must hear the whole plan first, and be ready to move. You’ll have to be quick. Do you understand?”
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With the miraculous knife in hand, Jace struggled to get it angled so he could cut through the ropes. It was a difficult task, as he could not see what he was doing and had limited mobility, but the ropes were old and the knife was remarkably sharp.

Before long, he’d freed his hands, and then it was a simple matter of getting his feet loose. He gave a low whistle, impressed with how well he’d acquitted himself. The hard part was over.
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Tarnach dragged Jace none-too-gently back up on deck and into a cabin at the rear of the ship, with the governor’s men in tow. The cabin was tiny but the small furnishings looked to be well-made and in good condition. The feathered princess was bound in chains that were securely fastened to the posts of a small bed. A white cloth served as a gag.
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A moment after Jace cried out, he realized he’d blown whatever slim chance he might have had for his tumble below decks to go undetected.

His scream and fall were both cut short by the cloaked figure which swooped out of the shadow, catching him in surprisingly springy arms.
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