Lasaraleen hadn't had much ready money on hand, and it would look suspicious if she sold too many of her jewels, so Aravis was traveling as a boy in the steerage hold. It was, she decided, more interesting than it would have been if she'd been trapped in a cabin like the Terebinthian lady and her maid. She was able to walk the deck, talk to the hands--many of them Calormene--and learn a little bit about how the ship was run.

When the pirates were spotted, she was on deck, and rather than hide below with the ladies, she ran to her bunk and pulled out her brother's sword from her bundle. She would at least defend herself, for she had heard that these northern pirates were merciless, and she could not hope to be ransomed.

Father would be too shamed.

It was less of a battle, however, and more of a negotiation. When the pirates drew near, Aravis saw that they far outnumbered the crew of the Sea-Camel, and were much better armed, as well. Within a few moments, the Galman captain had gone over the side into a small boat, and pulled out to meet a similar boat lowered by the pirate ship.

Within an hour the thing was done.

"Well, then," said the captain, returning in company with three extremely tall men with long yellow braids, and axes on their backs. "The pirates are being merciful, after their kind."

"Merciful?" quavered the Terebinthian lady, gripping the hilt of a knife at her belt (Aravis considered her with some approval). "What shall be done with us?"

"Oh, you'll be ransomed, my lady," said the captain, with a nod. "The crew can choose to join the pirates or be ransomed, and they'll set me ashore with a small boat and my sword. It's a pity, but can't be helped."

Aravis swallowed. She was meant to go North, to Narnia, with Hwin! And now she was cast among pirates instead?