Chapter 22

Azuki wasn't quite ready to take her hand completely off the secured tiller as their small boat cut through the sea riding a brisk wind. In theory, with the tiller tied, the boat would steer herself perfectly unless there was some huge and sudden change. That's why she and Shota stood watches, so someone would be at the helm to handle anything unexpected that arose. They didn't dare put into port or heave to, a maneuver that would park the boat at sea for a period of time as one might store a cart in a barn. They were nearly out of time. Day and night, fair or foul, they sailed on as fast as they could go. Shota was dreadfully afraid they would not make it in time.