The Squire and the Derelict
By: Caiti
Edited by: Juliette
Chapter Two: The Ghost
What's it feel like to be a ghost?
(Well, louder now, louder now)
So what's it feel like to be a ghost? Ahh
Are you up for, are you up for this?
Are you up for, are you up for this?
What's It Feel Like to Be a Ghost?- Taking Back Sunday
Summary: The war with Carthak has begun and Jzet has found that her life has changed drastically: a new knight master, new friends, and new enemies. Meanwhile, a girl seeks revenge against a man who has ruined her life. With the help of unexpected sources, she sets out to kill him one and for all. Sequel to Land Across the Emerald Sea.
Disclaimer: I own nothing. Tamora Pierce owns it all and Taking Back Sunday owns the music. Tada
April 7th,
Blue Harbor,
in the fourth year of the reign of King Roald of Conte II and Shinkonami, his Queen
482 H.E. (Human Era)
(Note: I messed up the year in the last chapter)
A raven haired girl walked down the main street of a busy market fief, ignoring the shouts of the boisterous merchants. Her hard, hazel eyes were studying, not the merchant's stalls and shops, but the people that were walking along with her on the street. She was very mistrustful of them and drew her rucksack closer to her chest to guard it from the thieves' hands.
It was the beginning of April when the raven haired girl had arrived in Blue Harbor. She found the weather there was similar to the winter months in Corus: blistery and cold. Even snow continued to fall on the ocean side fief, despite the fact that the spring month of May approached rapidly.
The inhabitants of the city believed the wintry weather was the result of a curse set upon them by the gods, regardless of the fact that other towns in Tortall were facing a similar situation. They thought the last noble that had ruled over them, Lady Jacqueline, who turned out to be a traitorous scum and died by the noose, was the reason for the curse. They were convinced that the gods were taking revenge on the people of Blue Harbor for her terrible deeds against the crown. The bizarre weather only added to the paranoia that they were cursed.
The girl sighed deeply and looked up at the sky. It was getting dark and night was approaching rapidly. She knew she would have to seek shelter soon.
She was approaching a baker's shop to buy her dinner, when, without warning, an old woman gripped the raven haired girl's arm. Her hair was white and tangled and her brown eyes were frantic and fearful. To the girl, the old woman appeared to live on the street just from the state of her clothing: they were practically rags.
"You must repent!" The old woman screamed madly at the top of her lungs. She shook the girl's arm so hard; it felt to her as if the old woman was going to yank it right out of her socket. "You must repent or the gods will doom us all!"
It took a few seconds for the raven haired girl to push aside her shock of the sudden attack, before she could pull herself out of the deranged woman's grasp. "Get away from me." She spat viciously, trying to cover up her shakiness.
"Please!" The old woman still continued, despite the obvious rejection. "You must repent!"
Now, the disturbed woman latched onto the girl's leg, tugging frantically at her breeches.
"I said… Get away from me!" The raven haired girl cried this time more forcefully. Fear was evident on her face, as her left foot connected with the old woman's jaw, sending her into the dirt.
A large crowd now began to condense around the frantic girl and the crazy woman to get a closer look at the fight between them.
"Get out of my way!" The girl shouted angrily. She would not show it, but she was nervous because of the crowd. She did not want to bring unnecessary attention to herself.
Swiftly, the girl broke through the wall of the crowd and took off in a run down the street, not even bothering to look back. She rounded a corner and dived into an alley way, stopping to catch her breath, which was visible in the frigid weather.
She didn't even have a moment's rest, before a scratchy voice reached her ears.
"Oi! Earl! Look at what we got 'ere! A pretty lass." A greasy haired man with a crooked nose held a sharp dagger to her throat. "Whatcha got in there lass?" He pointed to the rucksack that was still pressed against her chest.
"None of your business!" The raven haired girl shot back, spitting in the man's face.
Earl, who had arrived just in time to see her spit on the crooked nosed man, laughed at his companion, who was wiping the saliva off his face.
The crooked nose man growled and turned red in the face, "I oughta…"
"Relax 'Arold, no need to get worked up 'bout it." Earl said to the crooked nosed man and then turned back to the raven haired girl. "Just hand over the sack and we'll leave ye' alone, lass."
"I already told Harold over there," She jerked her head over to the crooked nose man, "that I am not giving you my sack."
Earl chuckled and appeared amused.
"You're a brave lass, I'll admit that, but ole' Earl needs to bring in some loot for King Paul or he'll have my head." Earl crouched down, so that he was now eye level with the girl. She almost vomited from the sight of his yellow teeth. "So, ye' either hand the sack over or we kill ya'. Your choice,"
After he was done speaking, the raven haired girl's fist collided with Earl's jaw, knocking him over and onto the ground.
"I'll take the second choice." She retorted and then drew her sword.
Harold was on her in a second, wielding a long dagger. He slashed at her throat, but she blocked it grimly with her sword. Even though Harold only held a dagger, compared to the longer blade on her sword, he made up for it with his skill. The girl had a hard time trying to stab him and finish the fight.
Earl was now up from the ground and he held a blunt looking sword in his left hand. He swiped at the raven haired girl, forcing her to step backwards.
"Filthy bitch," Earl shouted, furious that she had punched him. His attacks were rash and fast.
The raven haired girl brought her sword up to block a high thrust by Earl. He continued to push down, hoping that her knees would buckle.
Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through her leg. Harold had thrown his dagger and it was now embedded in her thigh.
I've come too far to be killed now. The girl thought, biting back her pain.
She grunted with effort as she pushed Earl off her. For that one second when he was unbalanced, the girl struck his chest, cutting it open.
Earl screamed as the blood poured out from the wound, soaking the ground and turning it red. Harold, his eyes suddenly filled with fear, made the motion to run away, but the girl was too quick for him. Her maroon Gift seized him by the ankles, tripping him. A second later, she was upon him and mercilessly drove her sword through his back and out the other side. Harold was dead.
The girl pulled the dagger out of her leg and then limped back to Earl, who was slowly bleeding to death on the ground.
"Please Miss," He begged. "Have mercy! I need a healer!"
"You wouldn't have shown me mercy." The raven haired girl told him coldly and then spat on him. "Fool,"
Without hesitation, she swiftly slit his throat, the blood splattering her breeches. She cursed. The stain was going to be hard to get out.
All of a sudden, the sound of clapping reached her ears. With great pain in her leg, she spun around and saw a tall, blonde haired man standing before her. He was grinning.
"Impressive," He remarked, pointing to the two dead bodies. "I've never seen a lass handle a sword like that before."
"What's your point?" She snapped warily. Her sword was raised in case he attacked.
"Direct little thing, aren't ye?" He told her, walking closer.
"Stay away from me." The girl shouted in warning. "I'll kill you just like them."
The man laughed. He treated it like an empty threat. "Do ye know who I am little lass?"
"No," the girl retorted, trying not to cry out from the throbbing pain in her thigh, "and I don't care either."
"I am the King of Thieves 'ere in Blue Harbor." He informed her, but his tone of voice was not cold.
"What do you want from me, your highness?" She demanded. Sarcasm was evident in her voice.
"I want ye to come wit' me back to my court at the Iron Pier." The King of Thieves told her, his accent was a thick Common. "It's a pub." He added.
"Why?" She wished she could stop the pain in her leg. It was becoming unbearable. "What do you want from me?" She repeated her question.
"I just want to give ye a room for the night, little one." He said kindly. "Ye look like ye have no place to stay." Paul's head jerked towards the rucksack that still was lying on the ground.
A bitter wind suddenly ripped at the raven haired girl's clothes, making her shiver. What did she have to lose? And plus, she needed a healer desperately. Maybe, as the King of Thieves, he had easy access to one.
"Fine, but you have to promise me that you won't steal from me." The girl said, her hazel eyes still stony. He might have been giving her a room for the night, but that didn't mean she had to trust him. "This is all I have left." She added solemnly, motioning towards the rucksack.
"I swear I won't steal from ye." Paul put his hand over his heart. "Scouts honor,"
"Shake on it." The raven haired girl spit into her hand and he did the same thing. They both shook.
"Okay," She put her sword back in its sheath and then picked up her rucksack off the ground. "Let's get going."
"It's not a far walk." He told her with a smile. He pointed to a shabby looking door that was five feet away from them. It was left ajar. "The back door of the Iron Pier actually leads right into this alleyway. I was gettin' some fresh air, when you got attacked."
The raven haired girl couldn't help, but sigh in relief. "Good," She said, still aware of her sluggishly bleeding leg.
"Do you need help walking?" He asked concernedly, noticing the blood pouring out of her wound.
"No," She replied defiantly and then started limping towards the door.
"Stubborn little lass," He mumbled with a shake of his head and then scooped her up easily from behind in his muscular arms.
"Let me go!" She shrieked, pounding her fists repeatedly onto his back, as they stepped inside the Iron Pier.
Paul ignored her and shouted. "Jane!"
A small, red haired girl appeared in front of them. She nervously twisted her ratty apron with her hands. She was clearly uncomfortable about being in the presence of the King of Thieves. The raven haired girl guessed that her shrieking probably didn't make things much better.
"Y-yes, K-king Paul?" She stuttered meekly.
"Fetch me Mary." He told her. "And be quick about it!"
The red head called Jane bowed towards Paul like she would for a real king.
"Yes, Sire," She squeaked and then scurried away.
"That's terrible," The raven haired girl told him, as he settled her down in a wooden chair. To her discomfort, the inhabitants of the pub were staring at her openly while sipping their drinks. She wished they would stop. "You aren't a real king."
"I am more of a king to 'em than the man in Corus." He said indifferently and then rolled up her breeches to see the wound. She winced as the rough cloth brushed against the gash. "Aye, that's pretty bad… 'Arold always had a good aim with daggers." He sighed deeply. "Too bad you 'ad to kill him."
"Eh… sorry about that by the way," She apologized. She could not risk angering the King of Thieves. He could probably kill her before she had time to blink.
Paul chuckled. "That's fine little lass, I can always replace 'im." He turned around just as a short, plump woman was approaching them.
She whacked Paul on the side of the head with her hand. "What did ye do to yeself this time Paulie?"
The King of Thieves winced and rubbed his head. "It's not me Mary. It's her." He told her gruffly pointing at the girl in the chair. "And that hurt!"
Mary chuckled and sat down in a chair next to the injured girl.
"Sorry laddie, I just assumed it was ye as usual." She then turned abruptly to the raven haired girl. "Trouble that one is," She pointed at Paul, "a sweet lookin' lass like ye should stay out of his way."
The raven haired girl became flustered and did not know how to respond. She glanced nervously up at Paul.
He rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Just ignore the ole bat." He advised. "She doesn't know what in Mithros name she's talkin' 'bout."
This earned him another whack on the side of the head. "Shut your mouth Paulie or I'll make ye!" Mary shouted furiously at him causing Paul to withdraw.
"Yes, ma'am," He hung his head low in defeat.
"Ignorant boy," The girl heard Mary mumble, as she inspected the gash in her thigh "and after all these years you would think he would learn."
The raven haired girl stifled a giggle.
"How did this happen?" Mary asked the king sharply. Her beady black eyes were now glaring at Paul.
"'Arold and Earl attacked her, but she got 'em both in the end. She sliced 'em through quite cleanly." He said, gazing down at the raven haired girl admiringly. "Best swordsmanship from a lass I ever saw."
Mary abruptly backed her chair away from the injured girl and looked repulsed.
"She killed two of your men and ye are letting me treat her?" Mary hissed. "Are ye mad in the head Paulie?"
"Nope, I admire this lass 'ere. She's got guts." Paul said, making the sixteen year old girl blush. She hoped he didn't notice it.
"Fine, but what are ye going to tell the rest of the boys when they find out 'Arold and Earl are dead and their killer is sitting unharmed amongst them?" Mary continued to whisper.
The King of Thieves groaned.
"Mary, just trust me." Paul begged. "I promise ye this lass won't be a danger to none of us. Can ye just keep all this a secret?"
Mary glared at both the raven haired girl and Paul, before sighing in defeat, "Fine, I will. But, it's only because I like you too much Paulie."
Paul beamed at the older woman and kissed her cheek. "Thank ye Mary," He said. "I knew I could count on ye."
Mary pushed him away. "Get away from me Paulie! Ye know I hate mushy stuff like this!"
"Yes ma'am." The King of Thieves was just like an obedient child.
Mary's fingers suddenly blazed a pale shade of yellow as she pressed them to the raven haired girl's wound. The girl could feel new skin closing over the gash and winced. It hurt.
"Don't fight me." Mary warned sternly, her fingers continuing to press down on the gash.
"I won't." The girl told her through gritted teeth. Her own fingers were wrapped around the legs of the chair and she squeezed them so tightly her knuckles turned white. She wished the pain would stop.
"All done," Mary finally said brightly. "Ye lost quite a bit of blood, but ye should be okay. All ye'll need to do is rest for a few days and ye will 'ave to get plenty of sleep and food." She turned to Paul. "Can I trust ye wit' her care?"
"Of course," Paul said with a smile.
"Good," Mary replied gruffly and then got up. "I'll see ye later than Paulie. I got things to do."
"Thank you Mary," Paul called after her.
The healer just grunted and walked away.
"So, should I show ye to your room?" Paul asked after Mary was out of sight.
"Sure." The girl said while covering up a yawn. Healings always made her tired.
"So… ye never told me your name lass." He remarked as they walked up the creaky wooden steps of the pub.
"Um… my name is Rose." The raven haired girl lied. It was the first name that could come to her mind. She couldn't have herself recognized, especially not here in Blue Harbor.
"Rose… I like that name." Paul told her and then pulled out a rusty key from his pocket. He stuck it in the keyhole of the first door on the right and it immediately swung open.
He ushered her inside. "Well… it isn't much, but if ye need anything just holler. I am usually up until the wee hours of the mornin'."
"Thanks Paul," The girl said sincerely. No one had ever treated her this nicely. "I appreciate all of this. You didn't have to do it."
He waved her off dismissively. "I know a gem when I see one Rose and ye are one."
The girl blushed at the compliment and was glad that the candle in the room was dimly light. She didn't want him to see that she was flustered.
"Well… good night Paul," She said.
"G'night Rose," He returned and then closed the door behind him.
The raven haired girl sighed and collapsed on to her bed, which was old and rickety. She felt so guilty lying to Paul about her true identity, but she couldn't help it. If he knew who she really was he would surely hate her. Everyone in the damn country already hated her, so why would he be any different?
But, everyone in the damn country also thinks you're dead. A part of her mind reminded her. You don't technically exist. So, even if you did tell him your true identity he wouldn't believe you. You're supposed to be dead.
Well, I don't like being dead. Another part of her mind argued stubbornly.
The raven haired girl let out a low growl and got up from the bed. She walked slowly over towards the mirror and started to study her own reflection. A girl with stony hazel eyes stared back at her.
Absentmindedly, she began to finger her raven black hair.
I need to dye this again soon. She thought grumpily and then limped towards the privy, where a small tub was inside. She needed to bathe desperately. She had been on the road too long.
And with a hard slam, former Page Jacqueline of Blue Harbor disappeared behind the privy door.
Dun Dun Dun... She's Alive! But most of you already guessed that. Oh well. Anyway, as you already know, this story is divided between two characters, Jzet and now you know Jacqueline. The chapters will alternate between the two.
Anyway, many thanks for my wonderful reviewers: sochop14, nativewildmage, Erytha, Confusedknight (who should update Fallen lol hint- hint), doow etteiluj, peddyviolin, On top of Cloud 9, and Lady Knight Susan
If you want to be apart of that awesome list of awesomeness all you have to do is one simple thing, review!
Review Responses:
Lady Sapphirea- Thank you... I don't think my first chapter should be compared to the great jk rowling's... (book 7 was awesome btw, except the epilogue)... but I'll take the compliment... Thanks for reading and reviewing... I appreciate it
THANKS EVERYONE
Quick Update: I already wrote chapter 3 (and it's edited), but I'll wait a few days until I post it. Chapter 4 is under construction as of right now. I am currently half way through it.
Thanks again,
Caiti (Bambi) and Juliette (Mrs. Oliver Wood/ Dr. Cox)
Note Well: Bambi and Mrs. Oliver Wood/ Dr. Cox are silly nicknames and should be ignored by you the reader. My editor is the only one who will understand these nicknames or if you watch Scrubs, then you'll understand too. Thanks again.
"Bust A Move"