Page 30 of House Divided
A moment later, Enoch returned. Without thinking, Madeline got up and made her way to him, in almost exactly the same way that Jack had done with Aria just a moment ago.
“How was that? How did it go?” she asked Enoch.
“Terrifying,” replied Enoch in a low tone. “I’ve faced battalions with an easier mind. But it was a beginning, a real beginning. There’s a way forward, and that’s all I need for right now.”
“I’m glad,” replied Madeline warmly, squeezing his arm. “Let’s get some food. I’m famished.”
Eventually, everyone sorted out their food and drink and took their places at the table. Felipesegundo took a deep drink of an odiferous citrus-smelling beverage and set it down. “If there are no objections, let us continue as we finish,” he said, stifling a delicate belch. “There are decisions to be made, and unfortunately this one suspects that it is up to us to make them.”
“I’m going back to Tarma,” announced Madeline firmly. “The Pleasure House is my responsibility, and its very nature is under threat. It’s up to me to prevent it from being twisted into something awful by the likes of Rachel Gentry and her allies.”
“It seems clear that the fight is on Tarma,” agreed Enoch, nodding. “My people will be there, and I can make contact with them.”
“You will join me?” asked Madeline, trying not to show how relieved she felt.
“Of course.” Enoch blinked. “Your fight is my fight.”
Beneath the table, she squeezed his hand.
“I’ll join you as well,” announced Jack. “Giles is already there, and you’ll need someone who’s a dab hand at skullduggery.”
“I’m glad.” Madeline smiled. “You do have a talent for the roguish side of things, and I’ll need people I can trust.”
“I’ll be by your side, Jack,” said Aria.
“No, you won’t,” countered Enoch and Jack in unison. They looked at each other briefly in surprise.
“Oh yes, I will,” retorted Aria, her eyes flashing. “That was the deal, Jack, remember? That I join you in adventureside by side—not keeping the home fires burning. We made a promise.”
Jack sighed and looked at his hands. “Much to my annoyance, you are absolutely, completely right. We promised we’d go through thick and thin together, and I’m a man of my word. So be it, Aria.”
“I may have something to say about this,” rumbled Enoch.
“You really don’t,” replied Aria. “Look, I understand that you’re my father, as absent as you may have been. But I’m a fully grown woman, and I make my own decisions. I bound my life to this man, willingly and with my eyes open. It was my decision to make, and I’ve made it. End of discussion.”
“That wasn’t really a discussion, my love,” observed Jack, amused.
“It was as much of a discussion as it’s going to be,” said Aria firmly and turned to Felipesegundo. “And what of you, my dear friend? Will you be joining us?”
“Alas, this one regrets the necessity of refusal,” said the Treb sadly. “Our colony slowly begins to prosper, but beginnings are the most delicate of times. The people have honored this one with the responsibility of leadership, which cannot be put aside for great adventures. As much as this one might wish to.”
“I understand,” said Jack as Aria nodded her agreement. “Your place is here. You have already done us an invaluable service in helping to bring us all together. We will miss you, of course.”
“No more than this one will miss all of you,” replied Felipsegundo, bowing his head. “Is it time for you to leave, so soon?”
“I think it must be,” replied Jack, looking to the others for confirmation. There was general agreement. “Only the heavens know what has been happening on Tarma since we were forced to flee. My cutter waits to take us all back to theMaracaibo, and from there, back to the Pleasure House we go.”
***
“It’s a good ship,” observed Enoch, nodding approvingly as he stepped onto the command deck.
“Thank you,” replied Jack, looking pleased at the compliment. “Look, no offense, but what should I call you? ‘Lord Peregrinus’ doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, and I don’t think you like being called ‘the Pilgrim of Hate.’”
“Enoch will do just fine,” said the old commander, walking along the crescent-shaped command deck. “It seems to work for your sister.”
Quinn, trailing behind the pair, gave a snort, which Jack ignored.
“Ah yes,” muttered Jack vaguely, “my sister.”
