Chapter 4
Chapter 3
The crash brought Astyr to one knee. He looked up to find a horrible monster before him, its large body taking up his entire vision. He snapped his head up to see the monster and Captain eyeing each other, the man having finally moved from his immobile state. He watched as Harry launched himself at the beast.
Harry was well aware that he was being watched. He could feel the eyes burning into his mind as he jumped for the snaky head. Even as he occupied himself with a way to kill a magic resistant sea monster, he hoped he wasn't making an ass out of himself. For some reason, he really wanted the young guard to like him.
He ran across the head as it tilted up, snapping at the offending human that had jumped on top of it. The monster vainly tried to dislodge the nimble mage, shaking and twisting its neck. In its preoccupation, it loosened its hold on the Dinghy. Using its scales as handholds, Harry scrambled the length of the head and found himself at an impasse. The neck sloped before him, spiked scales on either side of its vertebrae like a stegosaurus, and the entire thing thrashed wildly. The head seemed to be an island in the sky.
Harry's hesitation gave the beast the moment it needed and Harry found himself flung forward. He only just saved himself, grabbing a fleshy stegosaurus scale and hanging on. Later he would laugh. Here was another thing that had never happened to him before. The creature didn't seem to realize Harry was still on it and arched its neck so that it could better gobble up Harry's men. It screeched, causing the crew to hold their ears in pain.
The crew hadn't stopped to watch their leader, knowing he would be fine. Instead, they had endeavored to take down the sails as quickly as possible, saving the fragile canvas from tear. The mages in the group began to create wards and stabilize the hull but it was mostly precautionary. The creature could not be affected by magic, making its scales one of the most highly prized materials for making armor and neutralizing volatile potions.
Harry found himself laying on top of the thing's neck. Quickly he stood and called down to the most recognizable crewmember.
"Ben. Harpoon the eye."
Somewhere, he reflected as he crouched to take out his daggers, in some catacomb, a monk or scribe was recording each of his exploits to be published as a novel and circulated throughout the different universes he had visited. A monk or Rita. Hopefully he'd be dead by the time that happened.
Astyr, after telling his sister to hide in the hold, looked toward Ben as the boy retrieved a harpoon from a storage bin. He watched as he began sprinting for the bow of the boat to get the best shot. The beast's claws seemed to want to follow him and one clipped Ben's shoulder, sending him to the deck. Astyr cursed and summoned the harpoon to him wordlessly, hoping that nobody noticed. He tied a rope to the shaft's end and tied the other end to an unused cleat amidships. He aimed and, just as Harry dove off the thing's head, fired it into the creature's malevolent eye.
Harry's jump was strategic. He had his daggers out and, as he was falling, he dug them into the flesh of the neck where it was most tender near the head. In reaction, the monster reared its head up away from the ship in pain. It screamed in even more agony as the harpoon hit its eye. Knowing the eye on this side had been taken care of, Harry dug his daggers deeper and allowed them to rip the skin. It was a thick blue grey and held his daggers nicely.
The harpoon would have injured it severely, probably lodging in its brain. Even as Harry worked his daggers, the body was stiffening as it lost hold of its motor functions. Eventually it would die but Harry wanted a quicker end that wouldn't risk the health of his shipmates. Finding the most delicate skin was to his right, Harry drew back one fist and punched his right dagger as hard as he could into its windpipe.
It screamed and Harry felt the vibrations of it in his entire body, so close as he was to the source. Putting all his weight on his right dagger, he punched the left one in as well and allowed his body to fall free of the creature, putting his entire body weight on the bloody knives.
The flesh ripped beneath him and he and his daggers slid the length of the seizing sea monster. The stiff neck shook but could not move as it was paralyzed by the harpoon. Blood followed him down and Harry found himself nearly drowning in the thick red tide.
He fell as he hit the top of the rib cage with his daggers and plummeted into the bright red water below. The Sea Monster floundered and quickly lost its strength. Its body left the Dinghy altogether and its head and neck fell lifelessly to the water, causing a wave that rocked the boat. The line running to its eye socket ripped free, a small chunk of wood tied to the end, all that was left of the harpoon still residing in the thing's eye. It's body sunk out of sight.
Harry surfaced in a world of red. Vaguely he turned and spotted the ship to one side. He started to stroke towards it. He encountered the floating bit of wood and grabbed hold. One of the men began pulling him in.
Harry happily allowed himself to be towed through the blood-thickened waters. He was not inclined to swim through it. As he reached the side, he used the design setup in the wood to help him climb up. As it was, he still needed the rope. As he reached the deck, he swung himself unceremoniously over the side and managed to land on his towline benefactor and most recent love interest.
Harry found himself face to face and body to body with the man he had saved the night before. Just bloody wonderful. First contact and I'm head to toe soaked in blood. Fate seemed to love toying with him (Or maybe it was an amused fanfic writer?). Harry could feel the other's racing heartbeat, could feel his own matching its pace. Green eyes met hazel and for a fraction of a second, neither could look away. Harry pushed himself up, briefly increasing contact in order to lift off of him. He grinned sheepishly over at the other man who also got to his feet.
"Sorry about that. That was just pure, dumb, bad luck." He offered an uncertain smile, waiting for an angry or disgusted reaction.
Harry's accent was unique. Astyr didn't think he had ever heard anything like it. The sailor's accents had been slightly different as well, but not to the extent that Harry's was. He opened his mouth to respond but was cut off by the melodic ringing of a woman's trill.
"Commander! Oh that was absolutely marvelous! You were brilliant, Commander, brilliant!"
Esmeralda came from her hiding place behind the porthole of her cabin. She simpered up at him, laying it on thick and caressing Harry's arm possessively. Harry, out of sorts from his first introduction to Astyr, didn't notice. He was trying much too hard not to ravish the attractive man on sight and welcomed the distraction of the princess happily. He smiled slightly, looking down at her, appearing loving to Astyr. Something in the Prince died. He forced a smile on his face as he observed the couple.
Harry looked over to him and quirked a smile saying, "Forgive me?"
Astyr could only nod into his gaze.
"This is just another of your amazing accomplishments! The queen, my mother, will love you for this exploit, saving me from danger! It must have been but a trifle annoyance to you, my king. After all you are Commander F—"
"—Yes, well," Harry cut in, "No need to boast. My name…"
Here he hesitated. He did NOT want Esmeralda to know his name. Knowing her, it would be spread and he could no longer use his birthright. He wanted this man to know it however. He wanted to be friends with this person, whose name was as much a mystery as the thoughts behind those lovely hazel eyes.
Oshald cut in, "Sir! I hate to intrude but a matter concerning cut rigging demands your attention. If you would just step over here…"
Ah. Thank god for good men. Oshald sniggered as Harry followed him towards the stern.
"Oshald. You have dibs on my first born child."
Harry then began taking over the assortment of ropes. He wasn't really needed but he had to follow through with the excuse. It would give him more time to think of what he wanted Mr. Mystery to call him.
Astyr sighed as he watched the commander walk away. He had learned Harry's name last night. He just wanted to be properly introduced. The man was an enigma. Nowhere but in legends did Astyr find such heroism and triumph. There, walking away from him was a man. He was as human as Astyr himself and had the limbs, strength, and smell of a normal man. The hero who walked away was human. It struck him that he couldn't be much older than Astyr himself. Astyr felt he had a lot of thinking to do.
"Boy, fetch me some water. My voice has gone hoarse from fright for the Commander's life."
Esmeralda sneered down at him. She was a foot shorter and yet somehow managed to be above him in every way possible. Astyr recognized the demeanor from his own suitors.
"Excuse me, Miss…?" He tried.
"That is Her Highness Princess Esmeralda to you, scum. Water! Now!" She demanded petulantly, every inch the annoying highbred princess.
Raising an eyebrow and noticing the rolling of Gary's eyes behind her, Astyr decided to humor her and went off in search of water, after he checked on Isabel of course.
"No casualties, Harry, and two injured. We're lucky we aren't all dead."
Harry grimaced. "Who?"
Oshald sighed, "Vera got a cut. Ben got caught by a claw."
Harry frowned. The creature had let go of the ship once Harry was slitting its throat. How had the creature gotten him after he shot the harpoon?
"Did Ben shoot the harpoon?"
Oshald looked surprised. "No. No, the boy shot it. He has impeccable aim. It was fired just so that the tip ripped through the eye and out the back of the damn things head. The harpoon is still lodged there. The shaft snapped under the beast's weight."
Harry looked over to the guard, currently grabbing some water from a barrel lashed to the mast. He regarded him with new interest. So he had saved his life, huh? They were square. They had an even playing field now. Harry smirked.
"Have him and the little one eat in my cabin with me tonight. If the bitch asks, tell her I am trying to get information about the situation in Fray and can't spare the time to talk with her."
Oshald smiled knowingly. He knew the look on the young savior's face. He was just happy the boy had found someone to catch his interest. Oshald had feared he would turn hard and cold as he found no love in all the worlds he routinely helped. It was nice that Harry was finally getting his due from fate. Lord knows he had certainly earned it.
Making sure Gary would assign the guard sentry duty in the crow's nest, Harry made his way up to his favorite perch. When it was time, he hoisted himself up and balanced standing on the very tip of the mast. This was dangerous, even for Harry. He had an excellent center of gravity due to long bouts of meditation and occlumency in strangely high places but a large wave or something as jarring as the sea monsters arrival would send him plummeting to the deck below. Even with the help of a subtle sticking charm, Harry had to concentrate to hold the position. Harry had confidence that he could either magic himself to safety, or at least turn cat and land lightly. But then the game would be up, the young man would recognize him and he would be alienated forever.
Astyr climbed the mast, Harry hidden from view behind the many sails between them. He was sure he would enjoy the nest, seeing as Esmeralda would never climb up there and the last few hours had found him doing chores for her. He didn't want to but he knew he had to keep up the façade of being a guard so that the men would give his sister, the sole princess of Fray, priority should danger arrive. That and he didn't want to have to be formally addressed. He had come to love the companionship between the crew and didn't want to give that up. His presence would also be threatening to Esmeralda if she found out he was a prince and could likely win more favor with the Commander. Not that she needed more power, he thought bitterly. She probably had him wrapped around her little finger.
He ascended to the nest with little regard for his surroundings, allowing Harry to get a good look at him. He was powerful and confident on his own feet. He had quickly adapted to his sea legs, making Harry wonder if he had had experience on a boat before. He leaned lightly on the edge of the basket, looking longingly to the horizon and sighed. He was wearing a simple vest over a white shirt that was common for this world.
The world was not technologically advanced but seemed to have revolutionary agriculture. Their system was old and desirable and Harry could understand how Remus would love it. The young man's hair blew crazily in the wind and his shirt pressed against his chest, revealing tense muscles and strong arms. He was wiry, built much like Harry himself and had an unreadable face that enhanced his mystery.
Feeling his conversational vocabulary lacking and yet the undeniable need to address him, Harry blurted out, "Beautiful, isn't it?"
He inwardly cursed himself. Oh real suave, Potter.
Astyr jumped and looked up, a dagger raised before him and a hand ready to trace a defensive rune but he quickly lowered them. There, with his arms spread wide and a peaceful look upon his face, was Harry, standing like an angel on the highest point of the ship. Harry hopped down and held out a hand, smiling into Astyr's stunned eyes. Astyr shook it slowly.
"Harry." The Commander said, his eyes searching, obviously looking for a response.
Astyr thought quickly. What would he tell him? His name might be recognized as that of the youngest prince of Fray. It wasn't really a common name after all. He decided he would have to risk it. Harry deserved to know.
Inwardly cringing, he said, "Astyr."
Astyr. Astyr. It was gorgeous. The name flowed through Harry's mind like honey syrup. He briefly acknowledged that any name would have caused this reaction but he was a little too caught up by the guard to care.
"Astyr." He said, tasting it. "It is a pleasure. I have requested that you and the young Princess eat with me tonight. I would love to get to know my passengers. The Dinghy can get boring with so many familiar faces. It is refreshing to find a new one."
"Dine with me? I would be delighted, however I would think your fiancé would wish to join…" Astyr responded regretfully.
"What fiancé…? Oh, Esmeralda! No, she isn't my fiancé." He said with good humor.
"What is she then…?"
"An annoying git. Ahem. She is the Crown Princess of Saird Nole, Most Holy of Empires, Largest Country in Eastern Parsh, Highest of the Three Central Powers, Domineering power of Parsh…" He rattled off the titles in a bored and clinic clip, adding "Most Royal of the Pains in My Ass."
Astyr laughed. So Harry had a sense of humor. Good. Most generals acted like they had a broom stuck up their butts, interfering with walking and those funny nerves that illicit laughter.
Harry was delighted at the sound of Astyr's laughter. He wanted to produce more of it, as quickly as he could.
"She's probably not as bad as she seems. Somewhere deep down, she has a heart of gold. Very deep down…"
He trailed off and Astyr finished his train of thought with, "More like a kernel. And probably it serves her only as a dragon's horded gold, caves of cold and snobbery encircling it and glaciers of hatred covering it, denying access to us treasure seeking humans."
Harry was surprised into laughter himself. He did not expect Astyr to speak, having heard so little of his voice.
Harry sobered, addressing Astyr humbly, "Astyr, I would like to thank you. Had you not taken up the harpoon when Ben was felled, I would surely be dead. You are courageous, for one so young."
Amazingly (to Harry) Astyr scoffed. "I am certainly barely younger than you yourself. I have 19 winters and your courage surely outmatches mine."
Harry smiled. Good! They were similar in age. Harry wanted to croon in happiness but thought better of it. He had been worried that he looked old but was really 16 or even 15. Harry doubted he could in good faith think so lustfully of someone who hadn't finished growing yet.
"I myself am 20. It is the single year that makes all of the difference. During that year foolishness and courage increase dramatically because that is when you realize you are truly invincible."
"If my foolishness should grow, I doubt I will reach my 20th birthday." He responded, thinking of the cat that had almost mauled him last night, when he had flung aside his sword and left his life in the hands of fate.
Harry smiled, content to share this time with Astyr. He immediately jumped on guard however at Astyr's next question.
"Where did you grow up? I hear your accent that is so foreign to me. Never in any of the markets of the city or my father's—the ports of commerce have I heard its like."
Harry could find no answer and so said nothing. An awkward hush fell upon the basket.
Oh no. I have stepped too far. He will hate me now. Astyr thought frantically of how he could remedy the situation.
"I apologize." He said formally. "I went too far."
Harry looked over to the downcast face of the man next to him. His heart went out to him and he said kindly, "It is a sensitive issue. You did not go to far. It is a legitimate question. I am truly sorry but I cannot answer it."
Astyr nodded once, waiting to be dismissed. Sensing this, Harry endeavored to strike up their conversation once more.
"What does your name mean? I feel like it means star though I never was very good at astronomy."
"It does." He said quietly. Then he added, "I do not understand my parents' choice. I do not like it very much."
Shocked, Harry blurted without thinking, "But it's a gorgeous name!"
Both of them blushed and hoped the other would attribute it toward the cold or the wind.
"I appreciate your attempt but no one could possibly convince me of its merit."
"Perhaps I will have to find a way, Sparkle." Harry said, not really noticing his own words.
"What? What did you just call me?"
Harry grinned at Astyr's tone.
"Sparkle." He teased.
"How about I call you Shaggy or—or Furry and we'll see who's laughing?" Astyr countered, refferring to the meaning of Harry's name.
Harry started coughing. Was that a blatant referral? Harry wondered. But no. This world wouldn't have that slang. Harry's face went very red and he felt he was in school again, asking Cho Chang to the ball. Then he got a wicked idea. He wouldn't know the meaning, so where's the harm?
"Oh how much I'd like to shag you right now."
Astyr laughed, interpreting something more innocent out of the longing phrase.
"Shag me? Losing your hold on the English vocabulary, are you?"
If only you knew, Harry mused.
With a knowing smile, he said, "Perhaps."
They talked until dinnertime, the sounds of laughter echoing down to the crew below. They simply grinned, loving the sound of their hero being happy. A boy his age required more laughter than he had had in his short life. It was good for him.
Esmeralda discovered them, once.
She called up to Harry, screeching "Commander!" at the top of her lungs.
Harry responded to her pleas to come down with, at first, a feigned deafness, but soon he returned that he had to take up sentry duty and that she was welcome to join them. She asked why he could not replace one of the men on the deck where he replied, "And work harder than I must? Surely you do not want to find dirt beneath my fingernails, or rope burns on my palms." She had huffed but agreed. She stormed away, the laughter of the crew following her as she slammed her cabin door.
"Lets grab the little princess and a bite to eat, yea?" Harry asked Astyr.
"Sure."
Astyr shivered at the sound of Harry's voice next to his ear. He eagerly anticipated dinner where he could introduce his sister and continue their conversation. He was beginning to feel something for this young man. He knew somehow, that dinner would reveal some answers he desperately wanted.
A/N Before, this chapter was like the classic fight scene in Disney movies. Everything fell into place perfectly and hilariously. It threw me back to 'The adventures of Sinbad' and 'Treasure Planet' to name a few. I had Harry sliding down the monster's back and getting flung into the air to land perfectly on the deck of the ship next to the harpoon. The whole thing was hideously cliché and not something I'm proud of. Unfortunately, I didn't quite manage to remove all of the Disney aspects. Forgive me.
Tell me what you think.
