27. That Bitch Death’s Cunny

The crew idles at anchor near the Gunnish Islands, the whale processed and winds dead. Grievances surface. As Kinch eats on deck, Malk fixes on him with hostility. Galva, distracted by souring wine, initially misses the brewing trouble.

Malk provokes Kinch about avoiding conscription for the southern war, parading his own wounds and losses. He ridicules Kinch’s Takers Guild brand and questions his courage and family honor. Kinch trades barbs but feels the confrontation steering toward a formal duel under the ship’s charter.

Malk escalates by insulting Kinch’s father and implying shame upon his mother. Kinch invokes his father’s injunctions—never be called a coward and never allow slander of family—and declares Malk will answer with blood, effectively accepting a fight despite knowing Malk would likely choose a spear or cutlass to his advantage.

As tensions peak, Galva reassesses Kinch’s resolve and intervenes. Before Kinch can confirm terms, Galva formally challenges Malk to a duel to the death with his weapon of choice. She cites loyalty to her companion and the importance of their undisclosed mission as grounds, also condemning Malk’s blasphemy toward Death, whom she reveres.

Malk, taken aback, must address Galva’s challenge first, stalling his targeted duel with Kinch. The scene ends with the stakes reframed: Galva’s deadly challenge protects Kinch and prioritizes their purpose over shipboard grudges.