Chapter 7 - The Theatre
For the next few days the newly found friends spent their time either on the ship or on the land, which Gail had to admit, it had its beauty. The young healer apprentice was definitely showing her some and the blonde secretly liked every minute of it. Holly managed to lure her friend into more sporty activities. In all honesty the sailor enjoyed it. She did not mind showing herself, making fool of herself, or even getting embarrassed. On the other hand Gail loved what she was taught, especially when Holly stood close to her and showed her things, mainly when it came to the archery. Gail learnt that when the brunette had glasses on, she hardly missed, on the top of that Holly with glasses got very attractive look that the sailor found very appealing.
It was Friday's noon and in this town they had their tradition of weekly shows. The evening before, Elaine came determined to knock some culture into her crew members. Nobody opposed, actually nobody dared, so they all got dressed formally and made themselves presentable.
The round theatre was made from stone with the stage down and the rows of seats went up as in some antique times. The old nations were clever, the sound was almost perfect. The scene not that much, but Gail hardly cared. Most of the time, her eyes were shifting to the front row of the mayor's family, to the dark locks that were loosened in gentle shiny waves.
The applause echoed the arena and people were standing, clapping and whistling. The actors happily bowed several times, saying their thank-you and bowing some more. Gail rolled her eyes, Really? So much gratitude?!
Before the visitors were able to get up and leave, a man from the spectators hurried up and spread his arm. "Amazing show, really very well done," he praised the actors again and turned to the audience. "If I may have a minute of your time, I would like to announce a wedding!" he proclaimed enthusiastically. "I and my beloved fiancée are going to get married, this Sunday during morning mass!"
Gail could see her friend's shoulders slump, and then she was forced to stand up and join the man on the stage. The terror flooded Gail's mind, So this is really happening? Holly faked a smile. Perik kissed her hand and bowed to the audience, but no one really rejoiced. There was heard more of a polite applause than anything joyful. To Gail he appeared creepier than the night at the Ball in the dim light. "Thank you," he continued talking with a big smile on his face. "We would be delighted if you could come and witness this happy moment. Unless of course you think differently and want to fight me for this beauty's hand in marriage," he chuckled at his own joke. Gail's hands started to wander over her coat, it was the same one she wore at the Ball, so hopefully, somewhere…
She found it! Standing up she reached for Dov's broad hat and quickly she pulled her mask over and hid her hair under the borrowed/stolen garment. She was descending the stairs of the gallery in fast speed, fumbling for a piece of clothes which was definitely not necessary in summer. Who wears gloves in their pockets during summer?! Ah, ME! Since he said the last sentence, there was still a hope. Most likely he did not really counted on the fact, that anyone would be so brave… or foolish.
Finally she reached the podium and jumped in. She stood up, slowly and calmly she reached an admissible distance from the pair.
"You again," growled the former physician. "What do you want?"
The blonde pulled out her left leather glove and threw it at Perik's feet, without a single word.
"You must be joking," growled the man quietly. It was obvious he was holding his anger as he could.
"No," Holly sighed in terror barely audible, shaking her head, willing her friend to back off.
"I accept your challenge. Pick the glove up or admit you are scared of me," Gail said, faking the same deeper voice she used at their first meeting. She did not want to attract more attention than necessary.
"Do you have any idea what I can do to you?" whispered Perik.
"Pick it up," Gail was not about to leave now. She was decided to save her friend from this creepy man.
After some more dead glares exchange, Ross bent down and picked up the fallen glove. He came closer to Gail and whispered, "When I am done with you, I will tie you to my table and do things to you, you could never imagine," he growled his threat into her ear.
"Challenge accepted!" the mayor proclaimed. He stood up, smiling he came closer to the podium but stayed under it. A relief and hope could be seen in his eyes, and a little worry about this new person fighting for his daughter. He positioned himself sideway to the scene on the stage and the audience. "Young lad, may we have your name? You seem new and we have some rules."
"I am the descendant of William and Elaine Peck. I am the citizen of this land and therefore I believe I have all the rights."
"But," the elder man looked confused, "Steven died during the plague stroke."
"Mayor," called a short woman, dressed in a white suite. "It is not well known fact, nonetheless Elaine Peck was indeed with a child when she left."
"In that case the fight may take its place." The mayor turned to the stage, "When and where?"
"Tomorrow, noon," decided Perik. "I want to get wed on Sunday."
"Deal," agreed Gail. "I choose cutting weapons."
"Deal," nodded Ross as well.
And just like that the fight of the hand in marriage of Holly Stewart was set.
Thank you for your time and still reading!
