Ferrin vs ferryman

Dropping the oar, Ferrin leaped to his feet and seized the ferryman by the throat. The startled man fumbled for the knife at his belt, but Ferrin released his neck and snatched it first. “You’re in no position to issue demands, boatman. Make another squeal at your peril.” Ferrin glanced at Aram. “Cut the line or we die.”

The broadsword arced through the air, slicing through the thick rope in a single sweep. The raft began to drift with the sluggish current.

“Add what speed you can with the oar,” Ferrin whispered, keeping the knife near the ferryman’s chin. “Will you keep silent?”

The ferryman nodded, massaging his throat. One hand strayed to a pocket.

“I already have it,” Ferrin said, letting a smaller knife fall from the crook of his arm to the deck.

Chapter 10