Disclaimer: I neither own nor profit from Sinbad, nor have any rights to characters or places.
Disclaimer 2 : First Sinbad fanfic, would very much appreciate honest opinions (constructive criticism!)
Proteus looked out at the ocean from the docks of Syracuse. The air was heavy with the salty sea smell, and the wind was warm on his face. He could hear the familiar sounds of the market bustling behind him. The streets had been in an uproar since the announcement of Sinbad's return. After returning the Book of Peace, Sinbad had been appointed Prince of Syracuse, after himself, of course.
A knowing grin crossed his face. Marina had been very clear in her recent letters that if he knew, there was no way that Sinbad would return. He watched the Chimera slowly emerge from the horizon, and knew that the ship would dock later in the evening. He stroked his chin as he imagined what tale she had woven to convince the pirate-gone-hero to return to Syracuse.
He was pulled from his thoughts by his attendant and guard, Miso [Mee-soh].
"Your highness, we should be returning. You must still dress for the arrival party." Proteus sighed and rolled his eyes.
"All in a days work." he muttered under his breath, and turned away from the water. "As you say Miso, there is much to be done."
He walked through the familiar streets and alleys, with Miso a step behind him.
"Get off me!" Proteus turned quickly at the sound of a feminine voice, and saw the source of it fighting off two men who were trying to gag her. Her hands had already been tied behind her back, but that wasn't stopping her from kicking at her attackers. "I swear by all the gods below you will regret this!"
Proteus rushed over, and pulled the shoulder of the man in front of her to the side, and smashing his fist into the attackers face. He fell to the ground in a slump. Drawing his sword, he turned on the second, who held her hands behind him.
"Release her." he said firmly, pointing the sword at him. The man threw the woman at him and ducked down the alley. Proteus caught her in his free arm, and turned to Miso. "Set the guards after him." he said, sheathing the weapon. He moved quickly to unbind her hands, and the moment they were free, he was spun around with her at his back with a dagger at his neck.
"If you think you'll be getting anything from me, you are highly mistaken." she growled. "I'll be no one's servant or slave, and I-"
She was cut off by Proteus grabbing her wrist and twisting her arm behind her. He squeezed hard, forcing the blade to drop.
"Now isn't that some thanks, Miso. I trouble myself for a stranger and find my life threatened." That moment, a set of four guards marched up. "Two of you take this man, the other two find the man who escaped. He went that way." Proteus said, nodding his head in the right direction. The guard did as told, moving down the alley after the man.
"The sentence for threatening the king of Syracuse is death, your highness. How shall you judge her?" Miso asked.
The woman turned as much as she could, and looked up at him. He had dressed down to blend in with his people, but now that she could clearly see him, there was no mistaking that he was royalty. He pushed her forward, and swept down to grab her dagger. The blade was curved and thin, almost identical to the one Sinbad carried. The woman looked at her only avenue for escape, and Miso moved into it, crossing his arms.
"Where did you get this?" he asked her. She continued rubbing her wrists, and set her sights at her dagger.
"I've had it as long as I can remember. Why?"
"It looks like one I've seen before." He looked at her, and the sight sunk in. Despite being hostile and having threatened his life, the woman was as beautiful as Mirena, but with a wilder edge. Dark brown hair fell down her back in a braid, and her skin was darker and tanned. Her light blue eyes met his, and she immediately looked away. "Here." She looked back at him, and he tossed her her dagger, hilt first, which she caught.
"Sireā¦" Miso started, but Proteus held up a hand to silence him.
"I can't say I wouldn't threaten anyone regardless of rank had I been in her position moments ago. She goes free." he said, unable to look away from her. She was still frightened, but having the dagger in her hand again had visibly calmed her. "What is your name, woman?"
"Sera." Her clothes caught his attention, the red dyes also reminding him of Sinbad's usual apparel.
"You're not from here are you, Sera?"
"No."
"May we escort you to wherever you're staying? I want to make sure you get there safely."
"Even if I had somewhere to go here, the answer is no. Look, if you're not going to punish me, then let me go." Proteus raised an eyebrow, and then pieces started coming together.
"You were brought here to be sold." he concluded.
"Very good sire." she said sarcastically. He looked past her at Miso.
"Bring her with us. She'll stay at the palace until we find her arrangements." Miso took her arm gently, but found himself thrown off.
"What?!" she exclaimed. To her frustration, Proteus ignored her outburst and left her unanswered.
"Go." Miso said to her sharply, urging her to follow Proteus, who had already taken back up the route to the palace. Having no choice but to follow, Sera started walking after him.
Let me know what you think!
