Found

“Name is Bale. Was a crewman on the Mandrake.”

I probably heard his voice before then. I might know his face. I felt some small surge of hope, though I knew it was unlikely he’d be of much help.

“Stay hidden. Don’t let them know you’re not bound anymore.” I whispered to him. “I’ll try to find the keys to your cages.”

He pushed the knife back through the bars, hilt first.

I put my palm to it and shoved it back toward him. “Keep it. Pass it down. But tell them the same. I’m going to get us out of here. Very soon.”

“How?”

“We’re near the shore.” I whispered.

I crept around the rough wooden counter to see if I could see the silhouette of the huge cook, but he was nowhere to be found.

I doubt I have much more time.

Lucien is going to realize I’m missing soon.