2. The Mangy Cat
The morning light Illuminated the busy port of Velyn Harbor as Eren and Tara emerged from the wood. More Altmer than usual stood watch by the landward gates to the city. Eren was not worried about them though. Any sign of their conflict with the Thalmor were gone. He and Tara looked like any normal Bosmer hunters. For good measure, Eren had bagged a few spotted Senche to sell for pelts. Even his mere three arrows completed the look. Most of High Elves did not glance twice even at Tara's low cowl, but one did motion for them to stop.
"What's your business in Velyn Harbor?" The officer sounded bored and distracted.
"Family visit," Eren used Tara's lie, "And to sell pelts."
"Who will you be visiting?" The officer scribbled on a piece of paper.
"My mother lives here in town." Tara answered.
"Name?" The officer asked.
Before Tara could stumble over a name and Eren could tense tighter than a bow string, an elderly Bosmer ran towards them calling, "Hello, my dear!" much to Eren's confusion. The Thalmor turned, feeling as Eren did, to the little old elf.
"You their mother?" The officer asked.
"Well, I'm her mother," The old elf pointed to Tara, "The other one must be that handsome man she's written me about."
"Alright. Name?" The officer sighed.
"Aranis." She answered.
"Go on through." The officer waved.
"Come, my dears, let's go home." Aranis insisted.
On the way, they handed the horse off to the stables. Tara grinned ear to ear as did Aranis, but neither said a word as the old Bosmer led them through town. Eren held off his curiosity to survey the scene. The town itself was fairly quiet, but the port was bustling. While most vessels in the harbor were merchant, the activity centered on a few warships that looked a splinter away from foundering. Shipwrights worked desperately to keep the vessels afloat. Dominion soldiers crawled over the piers such that Eren was surprised security had been so lax at the landward gate. He guessed their attention was too focused on the water.
Aranis' home was a little stone box set just back from the foot traffic of the waterside warehouses. A lovely little flower garden bloomed ringed the house in a rainbow. A notice was posted to her door written in large warning letters. Aranis simply pulled the paper down and stuffed it in her pocket. Inside her house was warm and inviting. Ivy and hardened vines grew up the sides of her walls to give the illusion of living inside the tree pods the deep forest Bosmer lived in. As soon as the door closed, Tara and Aranis fell into a fit of giggles and hugs.
"Auntie Ara!" Tara laughed with delight.
"My little Tara! It's been so long! Let me look at you!" Aranis' smile slowly faded as she noticed Tara's arm, "What did you do to your right arm?"
"I…um lost it." Tara undid the sling and let the wooden prosthetic hang loose from the straps keeping it tight to her shoulder.
"Oh! My dear! What happened?" Aranis voice raised in concern.
"Sara…" Tara began slowly.
"That bad egg! If you two didn't look the same no one would know you were sisters!" Aranis balled up her fists.
"I tried to save my friends by dueling her, but I lost," Tara explained, "So she took my arm as punishment."
"What happened to your friends? How did you escape?" Aranis asked anxiously.
"Eren saved us." Tara put her hand on his shoulder, "He leaped from the trees and brought down half our enemies before they realized what was going on."
"My, that is impressive. And Sara?" Aranis asked.
"We let her go." Tara mumbled.
"You let her go." Eren accused.
"She's still my sister." Tara said defensively.
"Blood is blood. You've got a good heart, little Tara." Aranis said soothingly.
"Hope I don't regret it." Eren mumbled.
"I have a feeling you'll be alright." Aranis smiled.
"And what makes you think that?" Eren crossed his arms.
"Well the Ghost of Valenwood has been uncatchable so far." Aranis smiled slyly.
Eren gritted his teeth, "How?"
Aranis pulled out the paper that had been posted to her door. She dramatically unfurled
"Tell me if this sounds familiar," Aranis began, "Wanted: Commonly known as the Ghost of Valenwood. Believed to be responsible for the disappearance and disruption of Thalmor agents and activities. Thought to be a Bosmer of pale complexion and dark hair speculated to respond to the name Eren. If spotted do not attempt to apprehend! Subject is incredibly dangerous. Alert nearest Justiciar officer. An arrest can lead to great reward!"
"I told you it was a mistake." Eren growled at Tara.
"This happened a while to go and they still haven't caught you, and no one knows who you are anyway!" Tara argued.
"You do, your sister does, and now she does," Eren pointed to Aranis.
"Nice to meet you, too." Aranis sighed.
"You'll be fine. You're making Ariq look downright social and he was fine!" Tara said frustrated.
"Wasn't he captured?" Eren raised an eyebrow.
"That's not the point." Tara crossed her arms.
"Aww listen to you two argue." Aranis cooed.
"Look, I'll be there to save you," Tara said assuredly.
"I'll remember that." Eren said softly.
"Oh! You two are so cute!" Aranis squealed, "You have to stay for lunch."
"There's a ship at the docks for us," Eren said.
"Does the captain know who you are?" Tara smiled.
Eren grumbled.
"Bye Auntie! Thanks for getting us through the gate. I'll come visit again soon." Tara gave her aunt a quick goodbye hug.
"See that you do, and you better come too, Eren!" Aranis chided.
Eren silently waved, then led the way to the harbor. The battered ships still attracted almost all attention and the pair walked along the docks unnoticed. Just past the hustle and bustle, a weathered brigantine gently bobbed in its mooring. The ship was humbled by the splintered warships, but it was outfitted as such. In fading red letters, the name of the ship read The Mangy Cat.
Waiting at the gangplank was a Khajiit who did not at all match the name of the ship. From his mane to his tale the cat man's red-yellow fur glowed clean and bright. His clothes were fine midnight linen trimmed just as his black leather boots were tipped with silver. His curved steel blade hung naked on his hip sheathed by a mere leather cord. The Khajiit's commanding presence alone dwarfed the motley crew hauling cargo onto the ship. He grinned ear to ear as the Bosmer approached.
"Ah! My favorite passenger." He held out his hands.
"Ja'Azul," Eren nodded.
"My travels have been wonderful, thanks for asking," Ja'Azul said cheerily, "This One had a narrow escape from Abah's Landing before the city was torn between the Redguards and the Dominion, and had a lovely little jaunt in Anvil that ended quite profitably for me."
"Interesting." Eren said impassively.
"Sorry for him." Tara apologized.
"So, this lovely wild blossom is with you. I dared not hope." Ja'Azul chuckled.
"Sweet words," Tara raised an eyebrow.
"No woman in Tamriel hates a compliment," Ja'Azul bowed with a flourish, "And This One assures you mine are most sincere."
"Smooth. I like it. Name's Tara," Tara nodded.
"Are we ready to go, captain?" Eren asked annoyed.
"Ha! Fear not my friend, Ja'Azul will not charm away your companion. His only love is his ship and the sea," The Khajiit said wistfully, "But yes, we are about ready to depart. If Tazug decides to move before the moons rise."
"You lift this dung!" A surly Orc shouted from behind an oversized crate.
"What would This One pay you for then?" Ja'Azul shouted back.
An Altmer sailor ran down the deck and gave the Orc a hand. Eren bristled.
"Are you sure of about all your crew?" Eren said cautiously.
"Do not be racist." Ja'Azul said dismissively.
"Yeah, Eren." Tara giggled.
"You're not helpful." Eren sighed.
"By the way, This One has a healer who can look at that." Ja'Azul nodded at Tara's prosthetic.
"Uh, no, thanks," Tara said quietly, "It's already been looked at."
"If you say so," Ja'Azul shrugged.
Unbeknownst to them Eren flinched.
The captain led them aboard. Below decks, just past the rest of the crew's quarters was a tiny corner blocked off by a hastily erected curtains. Ja'Azul dramatically pulled them back to reveal a thinly stuffed mattress and an empty bucket.
"Private and cozy just as you like it," Ja'Azul said, "Of course, had This One known you would have company, he might have added more room."
"It'll do," Tara smiled, "You wouldn't believe how hard it is to get that close to him."
"Would Ja'Azul not?" The Khajiit chuckled, "If you need anything call on Quartermaster Kailen."
Eren set his bow and arrows in the bucket and once Ja'Azul was gone he relaxed for the first time in a long while. Even Tara noticed the sudden change.
"Damn, you're real wound up." Tara said.
There was a soft breeze and orange leaves swirled into the perceptible form of the Nightwood.
"He'll relax when he gets home, too." She said assuredly.
"I guess you would know." Tara crossed her arms.
"I do, that's why I'm telling you…" The Nightwood began.
"Nightwood," Eren hissed.
"No, it's fine," Tara huffed, "I'll find somewhere else to sleep."
She stormed off leaving Eren standing with a deeper frown than usual and the Nightwood with her head cocked to the side.
"I thought she'd be happy to know," The Nightwood said sadly.
"Not your fault." Eren said.
Just then Eren heard raised voices from the docks and peered out a porthole. Two Cat crewmates blocked the way of two Thalmor mages. One woman, a Redguard, carried a curved great sword, and the other, a fair-haired Nord, had a great axe hanging on her back. The Redguard addressed the sour looking Altmer mages while the Nord fronted with her arms crossed.
"We've already passed inspection. We were just about to weigh anchor." The Redguard said.
"You will go nowhere. There's been an incident involving officers down the road and we need to talk to any Bosmer you have on this ship. Now, step aside," The taller of the two mages roared.
"Only the captain gives me orders," The Redguard sneered.
"You will respect the authority…!" The shorter of the two began.
"And the captain orders you to let these fine officers aboard," Ja'Azul walked down the gangplank with a hand on his sword.
"As you say, captain," The Redguard grumbled.
"You should check the mooring lines, Rama," Ja'Azul suggested then nodded to the Nord, "Have Gyda help you. We should not be floating away before our inspection is complete,"
"Aye, Aye," Rama said. Gyda glowered at the Thalmor, then followed her crewmate.
"A loyal crew you have," The tall mage said threateningly, "You'd do well to teach them respect."
"Their respect is earned," Ja'Azul shrugged and before the Thalmor could speak again he said, "Now, let us continue with this inspection. Follow Ja'Azul,"
They walked up to the deck and out of Eren's sight. The Nightwood dispersed into the air and he slunk around to the stairs to find Tara pressed against the hull. He held a finger to his lips. She rolled her eyes and mouthed 'no kidding.' They carefully padded topside. Fortunately, the Thalmor had their backs to them and they quickly stashed themselves underneath the stairs to the helm. The crew gathered around as Ja'Azul calmly faced down the mages.
"We need to question any Bosmer aboard." The tall one said.
"This One heard you before," He said.
"Well? Will you make this easy or do we have a problem?" The shorter one condescended.
"This One may have a wood elf aboard," Ja'Azul smiled at the threat.
Tara gave a worried glance to Eren, but he shook his head.
"Oh Gwinny! Come up here, my lovely," The captain called below decks.
A portly little Wood Elf came bounding up the steps. She wore a stained white apron and a droopy chef's hat. Long golden hair spilled out beneath and swooped just to the side of her emerald eyes. She practically radiated cheerfulness. Even Eren could not help but like her.
"What can I do for you, captain?" She asked with a mellifluous voice.
"Agents this is our wonderful cook Gwinny. Gwinny, these agents need to ask you a few questions." Ja'Azul said.
"By the authority of the Aldmeri Dominion you must come with us for questioning," The tall one said threateningly.
"She is not going anywhere." Ja'Azul growled devoid of humor.
"She will accompany us to the Thalmor office and this ship will go nowhere until our interrogation is complete," The tall one snatched Gwinny's wrist. She squeaked in surprise.
The entire crewtook a menacing step towards the mages and Eren and Tara almost leapt from their hiding, but held when the shorter of the two held out a hand with an ice spell ready.
"Looks like we will have a problem," She said.
"Please, friends, let's calm down." Gwinny struggled in the mages grip, "How about I make some meatballs and we talk this out?"
"Don't try to bribe me, wretch," The tall Altmer slapped her.
An arrow whizzed from above and sliced the tall mage's long nose. He shrieked and dropped Gwinny's wrist. She tried to safely away, but the other mage was quick and unleashed an ice spike before Gwinny could scurry away. Just before the ice could impale her though, it shattered against a ward projected by a Dark Elf crewman. Gwinny scurried behind him.
"Rama! Gyda!" The captain called.
With one fluid motion each, the two women cut the mooring lines and the ship floated freely away. The shorter mage leaped up to face the perpetrators, but Ja'Azul put a sword to her throat before she could do any harm.
"Cade, Tazug, get these pieces of guar dung off my ship," Ja'Azul barked.
The taller High Elf stumbled around holding his nose. Ja'Azul's High Elf and Orc grabbed him by the shoulders and the belt and flipped him over the side of the ship. The shorter one did not show the least concern for her companion, but looked thoughtfully at the other Altmer.
"Cade…Cade..." She murmured then shouted, "Cadirion! You traitor!"
"That is enough of that," Ja'Azul pressed the blade enough to draw blood. Cade said nothing.
"You wouldn't dare!" She shrieked.
"You have two options," Ja'Azul said in a low voice, "Join your friend in the water or This One will have you keelhauled, andthe bottom must be absolutely encrusted,"
The shorter Altmer stood there breathing hard and weighing her options.
"Well? Will you make this easy, or do we have a problem?" Ja'Azul snarled her words back at her.
She straightened up at this and pushed the tip of the sword away with her finger. Ja'Azul let the blade fall, but neither sheathed it or loosened his grip. She walked as dignified as she could through the glaring eyes of Mangy Cat crew. She climbed up on the railing, flashed one last defiant look at the crew, and then threw herself into the water. Ja'Azul slammed his cutlass back into its sheath. Eren and Tara crawled out of their hiding place. Ja'Azul looked at them immediately and smiled.
"Bosun Briggs," He called to a thick Breton man, "Get those sails unfurled. This One wants this this port behind us."
"I'll make sure we get to Haven ahead of the news," Bosun Briggs answered in a gravelly voice.
Tazug, Cade, and Gyda joined him climbing into the rigging. Eren followed the ropes with his eyes and found an Imperial woman sitting in the crow's nest. She leaned easily on a longbow.
"Good shot, Crow," Ja'Azul called to her.
Crow flashed a thumbs up and smiled slyly.
"Take the wheel, Rama," Ja'Azul nodded.
The Redguard bowed and trotted to the helm.
"You should have killed them," Eren advised.
"Then there would be no one to warn their friends," Ja'Azul chuckled.
An Argonian woman knelt fussing next to Gwinny while her Dunmer savior stood worriedly nearby.
"I'm fine, Kireeza, no need to fuss," Gwinny rubbed the bright red mark on her cheek.
"At least let me look at that wrist, darling," Kireeza insisted. She gingerly ran her hand along the afflicted appendage and after a moment set it down satisfied, "It's fine."
"Thank goodness," Gwinny sounded relieved at the diagnosis.
"That was quick thinking with that ward, Enos," Ja'Azul complimented the Dunmer, then concernedly asked Gwinny. "Are you alright, my lovely?"
"I'm good, Captain," Gwinny's beamed.
"Good girl," Ja'Azul tussled her hair, "Now, how about you whip up some of that lovely red deer stew for dinner?"
"I think I can manage," Gwinny giggled.
"Well then it's dinner on deck tonight." Ja'Azul stated for the whole ship to hear. A chorus of cheers rained down from the rigging.
"Kireeza, get down in the hold and sniff out the choicest rum," Ja'Azul ordered.
"Aye, Aye." Kireeza saluted and bolted off.
"Enos, go with Gwinny," Ja'Azul winked at the Dark Elf, "Put that fire magic to good use."
"Aye, Aye." Enos nodded.
"C'mon E let's go," Gwinny grabbed his hand and dragged him along below decks.
"Why aren't we cute like that?" Tara teased. Eren gave her a look, but she just laughed.
"Ja'Azul expected better hiding skill from someone such as you. You are lucky they did not turn around." Ja'Azul smiled.
Eren pointed to Tara.
"Hey! Come on!" Tara protested.
"And This One thought you have no sense of humor." Ja'Azul laughed.
"I don't" Eren shrugged, "Thanks for your discretion."
"You are welcome," But the captain's smiled dropped, "But let us not put Gwinny in such a situation again."
"She's a charmer," Tara said.
"Indeed, anyone who messes with her has This One and the crew to answer to." Ja'Azul said proudly.
"You don't say," Eren mumbled.
"Will you be joining us for dinner on deck?" Ja'Azul proposed.
"Absolutely!" Tara agreed in an instant.
Eren grumbled.
"You will break Gwinny's heart." Ja'Azul warned.
"Fine." Eren sighed.
"Excellent! And do not be jealous, Tara." Ja'Azul said quickly, "You would be no different. We gather as the sun goes down."
They left Velyn Harbor far behind on the empty sea, but kept the shore just in view. As the sun went down and the two moons rose, the crew climbed down and crawled up from their duties to gather all across the top deck. Eren and Tara found a spot to lean on the main mast as the rest of the crew made themselves comfortable against the railing. The captain perched on the stairs with a lute sitting beside him and Rama nearb the wheel lest the ship wander. Enos emerged from below and passed out bowls to the hungry crew. Then after a moment of anticipation, little Gwinny bounded on deck with a large steaming stewpot hefted in both hands. The crew cheered.
"Whooo's hungry?" Gwinny sang.
Everyone raised their bowls in the air. Gwinny danced from bowl to bowl and ladled out the wonderful smelling concoction of meat and broth. Everyone gave a nod and a polite thank you as each of their bowls were filled. Eren held up his bowl expectantly when Gwinny came around, and she chuckled.
"Manners," She chided comically.
"Please," Eren sighed.
"That's more like it," Gwinny said happily and filled his bowl to the brim.
"Thank you," Eren nodded.
Tara held up her bowl with a smile, but Gwinny halted a moment.
"Do you need assistance?" She asked concerned pointing at Tara's sling.
"Oh. No, I'll manage just fine," Tara flinched.
"Ok, but don't you make a mess now," Gwinny said sternly.
"You got it." Tara chuckled, and with a quick 'thank you' Gwinny filled her bowl and she nestled it in her lap. She leaned over to eat, but Eren caught her wrist before she could get a bite.
"Not yet." He whispered.
Gwinny finally arrived at the captain. Ja'Azul raised his bowl with a smile.
"If you please," He said.
"I got something special for you, captain," she said and reached into her pocket and produced a packet of moon sugar and sprinkled a copious amount of the substance into Ja'Azul's bowl. He took a sip and held it in his mouth thoughtfully.
"Almost as sweet as you, my lovely," He said at last.
"Captain," Gwinny blushed, "You're embarrassing me."
"Nonsense," Ja'Azul rose to his feet and ceremoniously raised his bowl, "Dig in."
"Now you can eat," Eren said to Tara.
"I got it." Tara said.
No one in Tamriel could ever say they had a finer meal. Everyone ate with gusto. Fortunately for Green Pact follower Eren, the stew had no vegetables in it. A benefit of having a Bosmer chef, and she was tasty enough that no one seemed to mind. Eren did not even have to deal with conversation as everyone stuffed their mouths. This did not last long, but when everyone had finished they were far too full and happy for talking.
Once the bowls were cleared away Kireeza rolled out the rum. Another cheer rose from the crew as all but helmswoman Rama rose to fill their mugs. Tara hesitated a moment before filling her own.
"Drink with me? I've had a long trip to see you," Tara asked.
"Yes," Eren nodded without standing.
"Well come on, get your own," She laughed.
Eren rose and followed Tara to the barrel. Up on the stairs, Ja'Azul tuned his lute but looked up just in time to notice Eren. He grinned a mischievous grin and sauntered over before Eren could get away.
"This One thought you liked to keep a sharp mind," Ja'Azul smiled.
"Rare exception," Eren shrugged.
"And how rare is this, Tara?" Ja'Azul asked.
"We'll see," Tara flashed a devilish grin.
"Perhaps we will see some movement from him tonight," Ja'Azul said hopefully.
Eren glared at him.
"I won't push him that far. I'm a little too tired for 'movement' myself," Tara said.
"Ja'Azul hopes you enjoy the music just the same, but do not let him off too easy," The captain said.
"Thanks, captain," Tara said.
The Bosmer settled back into place against the mast. Tara took long draughts from her cup while Eren took more measured sips. Most of the crew was already on their second mugs Ja'Azul strummed a light tune as the crew slipped into stupor. When Crow tried to climb back to her crow's nest with the grace of greased guar, the captain struck a discordant note. Gyda pulled Crow safely back on deck and the crew turned their attentions to the Khajiit. After a moment of suspense, Ja'Azul strummed a lively tune that had the crew on their feet instantly. They danced to and fro in drunken delight. Eren occasionally had to withdraw his legs to avoid them being crushed. Tara continued to take deep gulps.
"You should slow down," Eren warned.
"I'll be fine," Tara said dismissively.
"No, you won't," Eren said.
"Look, I need this right now," Tara said quietly, "It really was a long trip."
Eren detected the sadness of her voice, "We'll talk later. I promise."
"Really? Talk" Tara sounded incredulous.
"Promise. Once we're safe," Eren said in a hushed voice.
"Promise?" Tara said excitedly.
Eren held a finger to his lips, "If you keep quiet."
"If I must," Tara smiled and took another sip.
The dancing continued long into the night. Gwinny was everyone's favorite partner. At some point she even made her way to the wheel to put a smile on Rama's face. Round and round, they went until the hearty but clumsy Tazug toppled on his rear end. The thunderous crash stopped Ja'Azul's song cold, but after a moment of silence, the captain let out a hearty laugh.
"Time to slow down This One thinks," Ja'Azul picked a somber tune on the strings, "Perhaps a little something Ja'Azul picked up in Skyrim."
The captain played a tune new to Eren, but Tara's pointed ears perked up to the sound of The Dragonborn Comes. The tune was slow and haunting and the once rowdy crew was soothed back to their seats. Ja'Azul flawlessly plucked the strings of the Nordic tavern song. He held all aboard in a trance. Gyda raised her mug high above her head as the singing soared in crescendo. Eren flinched in surprise to the touch on his shoulder, but after realizing Tara had merely rested her head, he not only relaxed but wrapped an arm around her. Without looking, he knew she was smiling. He suddenly did not mind being in full view although Eren was sure it was only the rum.
Ja'Azul brought the song to a close. He was applauded with the enthusiasm of sleepy drunks. The captain stood up and lowered himself in a flourishing bow.
"Thank you, thank you," Ja'Azul flung his arms wide, "Now get to bed you sloshed sea dogs. Even you Crow."
"But captain," Crow whined, "I've gotta watch."
"This One will take the nest tonight," Ja'Azul said assuredly.
"That's my spot!" Crow protested.
"Now, now, off to sleep," Ja'Azul put a hand on her back and gently goaded her with compatriots down below decks.
Eren and Tara lagged behind. The captain gave them an ear to ear grin.
"Sleep well you two," He said.
"Goodnight, Captain," Eren said shortly.
Ja'Azul chuckled and disappeared into the rigging. Tara paused for a moment to look up at the sky.
"The stars are so beautiful," She said wearily.
"Yeah," Eren agreed. The corner of his mouth lifted.
Just out of the corner of his eye, Eren caught the flutter of orange leaves. The smile was instantly gone from his face. He would return to Valenwood soon enough.
3. Danger Along the Coast
The skies were clear and the seas calm as could be as the sun rose the next morning. The Mangy Cat sliced through the gently rolling waves. Gulls squawked from high overhead. Eren stumbled from his bedroll to find the crew hammocks empty. Cade ran up from below carrying a length of rope topside. Tara was still asleep. Eren left her that way and silently climbed up on deck to find everyone hard at work looking no worse of the wear. Ja'Azul stood portside and gazed towards the distant shore through his spyglass.
"How's it look?" Eren asked.
"We passed Woodhearth not long ago, so we should arrive in Haven before the day is out," Ja'Azul told.
"Good," Eren nodded thoughtfully.
"This One would not want to hold up your mission to protect all of Valenwood," Ja'Azul said.
"Someone has to." Eren shrugged.
"You take yourself far too seriously," Ja'Azul sighed.
"Don't worry about me," Eren crossed his arms.
"Well Tara cannot do it all by herself," Ja'Azul reasoned, "She has her hand full after all."
Eren twitched.
"This One could smell the poplar the moment you walked up," Ja'Azul said, "She will be alright. She seems tough."
Eren grunted.
"Yes, Ja'Azul, I agree Tara will be just fine," Ja'Azul mimicked.
"I don't know, Ja," Eren said grimly.
"Can your activities truly be so dangerous?" Ja'Azul asked.
"Yes," Eren said shortly.
"How we doing, captain?" Tara walked up behind them.
"Almost there, my friend," Ja'Azul said.
"What are you two talking about?" She asked.
Before either could answer Crow cawed from the nest, "Captain! Got something big beneath the waves!"
The three of them ran to the bow, but the sea seemed even calmer than it had all morning. Ja'Azul leapt onto the bowsprit to get a better view. He shadowed his eyes and peered far ahead. His tail flicked in agitation. When Ja'Azul turned back to them his face darkened.
"Bosun!" He called.
"Sir," Bosun Briggs answered from the prow.
"Haul in the sails," Ja'Azul ordered, "Ghost us through these waters."
"Aye, Aye," Briggs ran off without hesitation.
"What is it?" Tara asked.
Ja'Azul held a finger to his lips.
"Serpent," He hissed.
Eren picked out the shadow of the beast drifting below the surface. It was easily twice the length of the Cat and nearly as thick. A spine of razor points breached the water displaying gleaming green scales, and even beneath the waves Eren could see the monster's shining blue eyes. He froze on the spot. Suddenly slowing down did not seem like a good idea. Tara caught him before could run after the captain.
"Afraid of a little snake?" She teased quietly.
"On land, no. In the water, yes," Eren whispered.
"Quiet, you two." Ja'Azul hissed.
The sails rolled up and the ship drifted to crawl, but Cade, Tazug, and Bosun Briggs refused to leave the masts. Gyda had her axe in a white-knuckle grip. Enos spun his staff anxiously. Rama had one hand on the wheel and the other on her own weapon. The others anxiously clutched the railing and peered over. Eren and Tara could not resist joining them. The serpent wound its way beneath them. The hull rumbled and groaned as the creature scraped its scaly hide. A nervous Gwinny crawled up from below clutching a ladle in both hands and tucked herself against the railing. Even Ja'Azul stood tensely next to Rama.
The ship shuddered again beneath their feet. Gwinny let out a muffled yelp, and everyone tensed. Eren slowly walked back towards the main mast. Just before he put his back against the reassuring wood, a drop brushed the tip of his ear. He looked up and from the smell realized the drop was only a bead of sweat from the watchful Crow. Tara breathed heavily, but made kept her axe sheathed. The ship shuddered again and everyone jumped. Then a hushed cry came from the crow's nest.
"Captain! Aft!" She warned.
An Aldmeri warship knifed through the waves with incredible speed. The golden sails adorned with white eagles billowed in the wind. Glinting helmets of Altmer marines peaked above the sides. Ja'Azul set his jaw as the bigger vessel bore down on them.
"Enos, get rid of the beast," Ja'Azul commanded quietly.
Enos let out a nervous sigh, but he nodded. At first his intentions were inscrutible. The Dunmer closed his eyes and crouched low. The serpent let a low bellow ripple across the sea. Then there was a different sound. Eren risked a look over the side to find the source. The water was alive and bubbling. Enos slowly moved his hands aft and the bubbles followed. The dark shadow of the serpent followed close behind.
As soon as the tail slithered away Ja'Azul shouted, "Lower the sails! Go!"
The sails unfurled in an instant. As if blessed by the wind goddess Kynareth herself, a strong gust caught the sails and thrust the Cat forward. Eren hardly kept his balance and Enos tumbled face first. Rama furiously clutched the wheel, but the rest of the crew stared out behind in the hope Enos' magic had lured the monster away.
The serpent, thankfully, found something new to scrape against as the sea settled. A cry rang out from the Dominion warship as the leviathan approached. There was a flash of magic and suddenly the serpent towered above the water. It was met with magic and arrows that only seemed to make it angrier. The beast lunged and dragged a screaming sailor down beneath the waves. For a split second, the sea was still. Then the scaly beast burst to the surface and wrapped its body around the hull and stopped the warship dead in its tracks. The last the Cat saw, spells and arrows flew wildly as the leviathan dragged down the warship down to oblivion.
Once they were out of sight Ja'Azul let out a loud, relieved sigh.
"By the gods, This One's never seen a beast like that," He said.
"You nearly pissed yourself, Captain," Rama laughed.
"What? Ja'Azul will have none of this talk!" Ja'Azul protested with a smile.
"It's true," Bosun Briggs swung down from the rigging, "Saw it all the way from up there."
"Bosun if you were not such a damn fine officer, This One would throw you overboard," Ja'Azul said.
"Think I saw Gyda break a sweat," Tazug joked. Gyda cuffed him on the shoulder.
"Crow did." Eren said. The whole crew laughed although a moment passed before Eren understood what he said was funny. Tara rolled her eyes. Crow just crossed her arms all the way up in her nest.
"How are you, Enos?" Ja'Azul asked.
"Doing good," Enos answered holding his nose. A thin drop of blood leaked out.
"Oh no!" Gwinny fussed.
"I'll fix that," Kireeza said and with a touch of her finger the blood stopped.
"Thanks," Enos nodded.
"Did you see those Altmer arseholes? That snake got 'em good." Tazug laughed.
"Yeah, a true joy to watch," Cade grumbled.
"Sorry, Cade," Tazug rubbed his neck.
"Hey, enough you two. Everyone to stations. Let us speed on to Haven." Ja'Azul ordered.
The captain had been optimistic about their arrival time, or perhaps the sea serpent had held them up more than they thought. The voyage was one watchful night longer. Crow never came down from up top and everyone else hardly slept. The threat of the serpent weighed heavily on them. Fortunately, the night was calm and Haven was in sight in the first light of day. They glided into port with the aid of sleepy dockworkers.
Eren gathered his things. He secured his daggers, slung his bow over his back. He counted three arrows. Exactly as many as he had left with. Eren waited impatiently by the gangplank for Tara. She was busy saying goodbye to the rest of the crew. Ja'Azul caught him before Tara was finished.
"Pleasure sailing with you as always," Ja'Azul extended his hand.
"Thanks for passage," Eren shook it.
"We really do appreciate it," Tara joined them.
"You two take care of yourselves," Ja'Azul said, "Keep him safe for This One, would you?."
"Will do," Tara said happily.
"We will be in Stros M'Kai if you need us," Ja'Azul said, "Must let this whole 'threating Thalmor officers' thing cool down."
"Good luck," Eren nodded as he disembarked.
"Bye, Ja," Tara followed.
"'Til next time, my friends," Ja'Azul waved.
