The Quest, or perhaps The Task Set Before Her Part 13

Jeddi was dragged by his collar out of the hatch, across the deck, and thrown over the gap of water onto the pirate ship. He landed on his back, breathing hard. He tried to keep his wits about him, but so many thoughts were tumbling around in his head that he had a strenuous time concentrating. A rough-sounding voice cut through and caught his attention. "Arr! Set a course for home, boys. We got what we came for." Peleg looked at Jeddi and then nodded to a couple of cabin boys. "Bring him to my cabin along with my grub." He stormed off, humming a shanty. Jeddi was confused. Peleg seemed....happy. Joyful. But not in an evil way. He seemed genuinely happy. The cabin boys carefully helped Jeddi to his feet and led him to the cabin on the other side of the deck. One of the boys opened the door and, after a brief hesitation, Jeddi walked in. —————————————————————— Frieda came to and the first thing she noticed was the intense pain on the left side of her head. She was lying on her side and felt something hard against her back. Not knowing if anyone was in the room with her, Frieda kept her eyes shut, calmed her breathing, and lay very still. It didn't work. "I know you're awake." A voice behind her said. Frieda remained unmoved, hoping this person would believe her to be asleep. But again, it didn't work. "Quit faking." Footsteps approached her and she was lifted to a standing position. She felt the cold blade of a dagger against the skin of her hand. She flinched but heard the sound of rope being cut. Slowly Frieda opened her eyes and watched as the rope around her wrists fell to the floor. She looked up and almost gasped in shock. Standing before her was another woman. The shock quickly passed as she noticed the evil glint in her eyes. The other woman moved to the other end of the room and sat down behind a desk. As she propped her feet up on the desk, she spoke. "Now that you're conscious again, we can talk." She noticed Frieda looking towards the door. "Don't think about it. My men are waiting right outside. Come," she indicated to the chair opposite her, "sit down." Knowing she didn't have many options here, Frieda sat down with her back to the door and her face toward her captor. She tried to take in as many details around her as she could. The walls were void of any decorations except for two swords hung up behind the desk. The desk itself only contained a plain and worn map of the eastern edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. Frieda's own pack and sword sat leaning against the wall next to the woman. Leaning back in her chair, the woman said, "I do apologize for the lack of courtesy my men showed you. Apparently, following orders is a difficult thing to do. But my restraint is running thin. So tell me." She leaned forward impatiently. "Where is the First Book?"