Chapter 6: Defending Outset
Aryll was walking along the beach, collecting shells just as she always did. It was something she had recently taken to doing at night. She knew it made finding sea shells harder, but it was an added challenge and she always liked a challenge. Besides, she thought, the sea always looks so beautiful and elegant at night. She always loved the broken reflection of the moon on the water. She looked out at the sea and sighed with satisfaction.
She suddenly spotted movement. There was something splashing into the water and something larger gliding on top of the water. It was a row boat. She felt fear bubble up from her stomach as she thought the pirates had returned. But on closer inspection, she saw a familiar face.
She looked down at the surf, staring at the water and blinking, trying to wake herself up. This wasn't real. She did not just see his face from that row boat.
She looked up again and he was still there. Now she was sure of it. This had to be real.
Every time before when she saw his face once, it always disappeared again into the world of dreams.
But this time, he was still there and he was watching her from the boat.
"Link" was all she could say. She knew the day would come when he would return, but she never could predict how she would react when it did happen. She just stood there a while, watching the boat drawing nearer to the island. She didn't know what to do. She was so struck with joy that she had no idea what to do in that instance, so she just froze.
As the boat kept getting closer, she still stood there. A reaction would not come. But she knew that joy filled her heart upon seeing him once again.
The lead boat finally reached the shore and Link jumped over the side and walked toward her. He stood in front of her and they just stared at each other for a while.
"Hi" Link said, awkwardly after a long pause. Aryll reached out and touched his face and then, when she withdrew her hand, she jumped at him and threw her arms around him, knocking him to the ground into the surf of the beach.
"You're finally back, big brother! I missed you so much!" She was almost smothering him but Link was so glad to be holding his sister again. Brin chuckled at the scene but moved inland with Dmitri. Aryll finally let Link up and when he stood, he had to brush the sand from his tunic.
"I missed you too, Aryll" he said when he stood up. "I've been thinking of you a lot lately. I heard pirates attacked this island and had to return."
"Pirates did attack, Link. A brave swordsman managed to save the island by giving himself up."
"Yes, he and I have recently met. He was on the ship that saved Tetra, me, and the crew after we were shipwrecked. His name is Dmitri, correct?"
"Yes, Link. He came here a few years ago but he never told us where he came from." Dmitri had heard the mention of his name and he came over to see what they were discussing.
"Did someone mention me?" Aryll turned around and saw Dmitri standing behind her. She ran over to him. "Dmitri! You're all right! I'm so glad to see you again."
"As am I to see you, Aryll. Your brother and I have recently become acquainted."
"Yes, so he told me. How long ago did you meet?"
"Just yesterday, in fact. We rescued him and his crew from their shipwreck."
"It's not technically my crew, Dmitri" Link said. "It was actually Tetra's crew. She'd always wanted me to remember that."
"Don't ever forget that, either!"
Tetra said as her life boat approached. She heard Link say that and she was travelling with all of her pirates. She had turned to them and shouted this command at them to ensure they remembered.
"Of course, Miss Tetra" said Gonzo, the only to respond. The rest all just nodded and kept rowing. The ship dragged in the sand as it hit the surf and the crew climbed over the side and walked onto the beach. Tetra saw Aryll standing in front of Link and nodded her acknowledgement.
"Hey there, kid. Haven't seen you in a while."
"Hello, Tetra" Aryll said. She remembered her time among the pirates, particularly Tetra, on their way back home after Link saved her. It wasn't the best of experiences but she no resentment of the pirate captain. "It is good to see you."
"Nice to see you too, Aryll" Tetra replied, using her name. This was rare for her to do for anyone besides Link or a member of her crew sometimes. Everyone was usually addressed as 'you' or 'kid' or some sort of insult. Aryll knew this too and was rather taken aback when Tetra used her name.
The third and final boat reached the shore and the Velgoros crew was now completely ashore on Outset Island. Brin then addressed Aryll.
"Hello there, young one. I am Brin Feralas, captain of the ship Velgoros. I understand you are Link's sister."
"Hello Brin. Yes I am Link's sister."
"Well, I bet your wondering why we've come here. Link was worried about the island here and he wanted to get back here before the return of the pirates. Since I am the head of an anti-piracy campaign, it is best that we came with him to assist in the defence of the island."
"Does that mean the pirates will return?" Aryll asked nervously.
"Not necessarily, though Link spoke to my wife on Windfall and found that they had no motivation to return there, but plenty to return here. Do you have a designated leader on this island?"
"No we don't, remember?" said Dmitri.
"That's right. You told me that already, Dmitri. I suppose you count then. And I also suppose that means we are welcome to stay here?"
"Of course, Brin. I'm certain everyone else would be pleased to have so many people help defend their island." Everyone began to move inland as they began to find places to settle. Dmitri had his own house and let Brin stay in it with him. However, that was all the room he had. The rest of the crew set up camp outside, not too far from the beach. Link invited Tetra to come with him and Aryll to their house.
"I hope grandma doesn't have a problem with it."
"I'm sure she won't, Link. She'll be elated to see you again and that's all that will really matter to her." They all reached the house on the island's east side, sitting right at the island's edge. Aryll opened the door and walked in first. Her grandmother saw her enter while sitting in her chair by the fireplace. "Hello, Aryll. Are you done collecting seashells?"
"Yes, grandma. I have a surprise for you, too."
"Oh? What sort of surprise?"
"It's a fairly big one, grandma. You will be pleasantly surprised." Aryll stepped aside and held her arms out in front of her as she revealed who was behind her. Milia did not know what to say when she saw him. How amazing it was to see his face again. "Link?"
"Yes, grandma. I've come back home."
"Oh, my dear Link." Milia said. She put her arms around her and planted kisses all over his face. After she let go, Link's face turned red as he wiped his face. Tetra couldn't contain her amusement. She giggled as Link grinned sheepishly. "This is Tetra, grandma" Link said as he composed himself. "Would it be all right if she stays here?"
"Yes, Link. That would be fine. I'm curious, though. What brings you back?"
"I was worried about the island. I heard pirates had attacked and needed to get back here to defend it. There is a crew here with me looking for the pirates, too. We should be prepared if they are to attack." Milia was fascinated and kept quizzing him about his adventures from the past two years all through the night. Tetra would join in the telling of Link's stories and the four people in that house had wonderful conversation long into the night.
The sun shone its brilliant face to greet the new day. But that was about all that seemed positive at this moment as people were all about the island, scrambling to get ready. Get ready for what? Golargo and the pirates had been sailing for this very island all through the night and had reached it by the morning.
Link was awakened by Tetra as she heard shouts from outside.
Dmitri came to the door and frantically told her of the pirates' arrival.
Link immediately leapt from his bed and grabbed his sword and shield. He rushed out the door and ran with Dmitri to meet with the rest of the crew. Tetra's crew were there as well, all shaking with fear and unable to keep calm. Tetra joined them soon after and the entire crew was now on the beaches of Outset. They could see Golargo's ship nearing now.
"He may start firing. Be ready for that."
"What do we do if he does?" asked Alfonzo, nervously.
"We may have to get to Velgoros before he gets the chance. Time is not on our side, though. I don't know if we can reach her in time."
"Brin's right" said Link. "The pirates will have reached shore by the time we get out to Velgoros. We'll have to wait for them here."
Thankfully, Golargo's ship was coming in from the east rather than the north because he would have seen Velgoros anchored just off shore. No doubt he would have taken the opportunity to destroy her. As the pirate ship neared, another ship appeared just behind it. The two ships were now side by side on a direct course for Outset Island. Golargo decided that two ships were all he needed to take back his former home. He did not know who was there to defend the island nor how many would fight him.
Even with the two crews combined there were seventeen of them and Brin new that at least fifteen pirates manned each of Golargo's ships in his fleet. They were outnumbered nearly two to one. The pirates' ships sailed nearer and the defenders of Outset readied themselves. Golargo's ship had one canon placed on the bow and his pirates were loading it.
"They're loading their canon, captain" Milik said, turning to Brin.
"Yes, Milik. I see it." That was all Brin could say. He knew they would fire on the island. There was nothing they could do but move out of the way.
"Everyone, move off the beach. We have to get out of the canon's range."
The Velgoros crew moved inland as the pirates readied to fire. Golargo gave the command and the canon fired off a volley. The massive projectile contacted the watch tower at the end of the dock. It shattered and toppled into the sea, sending splinters of wood in all directions.
Now the ships were near enough that the pirates began to flood over the side onto the shore. The Velgoros crew rushed to the beaches again and awaited the charge of the pirates. Golargo shouted orders to his pirates but suddenly fell silent.
He saw the young man dressed in green ready to defend Outset. It was the cursed child. Link suddenly felt strange and looked to the pirate leader standing on one of the ships. What he saw from this man confused him, but he could also feel a chill. This man stared at Link with burning eyes of hatred and ill will. Link was confused at this. He had never met this man so why was he staring at him like that?
Link didn't have any more time to think, though, as the pirates raced ashore and he had to join the fight.
Golargo leapt down into the shallow water of the surf and drew the sword at his back. He continued to stare at Link and he walked toward him as he began engaging the pirates.
Brin fought the pirates two at a time with his incredible skill. Mandrake never dared stray too far from his captain as he felt it his personal duty to protect him. One of the pirates howled as he charged straight at Mandrake.
Mandrake braced himself and ducked down low as the pirate approached. Once the pirate reached him, Mandrake pushed his arms upward and hit the pirate full force, flipping him up and over his head. Mandrake plunged his sword into the pirate's chest when he hit the ground.
Then another rushed him. He quickly pulled the sword out and met the pirate's sword with his own. The pirate stepped back and swung again. Mandrake ducked and then ran forward, tackling the pirate to the ground.
The pirate lost his sword as it skidded away and Mandrake quickly jumped up. He stabbed this pirate as well, quickly disposing of two of them in mere moments. This is how the battle went for the pirates.
None of the swordsmen could be touched, and Tetra's crew helping any way they could made matters worse for the pirates. They would use anything as a weapon. They didn't have swords of their own but they would throw rocks, pick up stick and throw them or swing them wildly. Niko liked to throw sand in their eyes and watched the swordsmen finish them off. Soon the odds were even as seventeen pirates remained fighting on the island.
Of course, that didn't include Golargo. He was focussed on Link and just kept walking slowly toward him.
Brin noticed him but every time he tried to get to him, a wall of pirates barred his way.
Mandrake noticed this too and watched as Golargo kept getting closer to Link.
Link had his back to Golargo as he fought with three of the pirates. They couldn't touch Link as they were repeatedly wounded by his sword strikes.
One would swing their sword at his head, and he would duck as another swung horizontally he would jump back, swinging his sword at the same time to cut the pirate standing behind him before he could attack. But he couldn't see Golargo and he was just a few paces away.
Mandrake had to protect the Hero of the Great Sea.
Golargo was just behind Link now as Mandrake raced toward him. The pirates saw him and rushed to block his path.
Dmitri and Boro fought side by side and saw the pirates rushing to their captain's aid. They gathered the other swordsmen and barred the way of the pirates, slashing and cutting them down. Mandrake could almost reach him. Golargo raised his sword in the air as Link continued fighting.
"Cursed child!" Golargo cried.
Link heard this and jumped back as Golargo brought his sword down. He had jumped right into the path of a pirate's sword and should have been cut down. But the pirate's sword was flung away as Mandrake reached Link's side.
Mandrake disposed of this pirate and rushed Golargo. Golargo swung his sword at Mandrake who deftly leapt aside and rolled through the surf. He jumped back up beside Link. They both rushed Golargo this time, but the other two pirates were there.
Mandrake leapt clear over their heads as they thrust forward with their swords. Now Link and Mandrake were cut off from one another. Link was now busy fighting off the attacks of these two determined pirates and Mandrake was left alone with Golargo. Golargo smiled as he saw Mandrake.
"I remember you, young man" he said. "You fought bravely for Windfall. That Brin must have trained you. You and he are rather similar. He wouldn't join me but perhaps you will."
"Why would I join you?" Mandrake asked, angrily. "You destroyed my island and threaten the life of my captain! You will pay for your crimes." Golargo always found such blind courage amusing. So many times he had been told that he would pay. Heroic words meant nothing to him. Every man who ever spoke such words to him would never speak again.
Golargo said nothing more as he rushed for Mandrake. He readied just as he had for the first pirate that charged him. When Golargo reached him, Mandrake tried to push him again, but Golargo simply moved aside and swung his sword, catching Mandrake's shoulder. This blow knocked him sideways as he splashed down into the shallow water, blood dripping from his shoulder.
He stood up quickly again and stared toward Golargo. But he had disappeared. He looked around frantically and couldn't see him. Golargo appeared behind him and Mandrake tried to swing around to face him but Golargo simply shoved him forward and he fell into the water again.
Brin saw what was happening and tried to reach Golargo to stop him.
Time seemed to slow as Mandrake rolled over to try and get himself up. But Golargo was over him and wouldn't let him up. Mandrake brought his sword up but Golargo kicked it out of his hand. Golargo brought up his own sword, the tip pointed at Mandrake's chest.
With triumph in his eyes, Golargo brought the sword down as Brin leapt for Golargo, in an attempt to stop him. The sword went right through Mandrake's chest as Brin tackled Golargo to the ground.
Mandrake cried out in pain as the sword went in and Brin stood back up and swung down at Golargo, only to see that he had disappeared yet again. He was on his ship, retreating. Only thirteen pirates survived the battle. They all boarded Golargo's ship, abandoning the other one. It was ablaze as the pirates didn't want the Velgoros crew to utilize it.
Mandrake was soon dead in the water as Brin watched the pirates leave. He looked down at his dead friend and then looked back out at Golargo. He and his crew left the island in defeat as the island defenders gathered around their fallen brother. Link looked at him with admiration.
"This man saved my life. He barely even knew me. That takes a brave soul." Brin could not speak.
He was devastated that yet another person from Windfall Island had fallen. He was only twenty-four years of age and full of potential. His life had barely even begun before it was over. Brin could feel something else rise from the pit of his stomach. It was a feeling so awful it nearly made him sick. This was guilt.
He felt guilty for having brought the young Mandrake into this hell. Brin picked him up out of the water and placed him in one of the lifeboats.
"Rest here, my friend. We will not leave you behind. I will be certain to bring you home."
Dmitri came up behind Brin and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"He was a fine swordsman, Brin. A good man as well."
Brin was still silent as he wandered back onto land and up the hill leading to the forest. No one knew how to take Mandrake's death at this point but they knew they'd have to persevere. But, there was light at the end of this darkness. They had defended Outset Island with ease and driven the pirates off. The rest of the crew walked back onto the land to follow their captain. Their victory had come at a terrible price.
As bad as the price was to pay for the Velgoros crew, the pirates had suffered a devastating loss. Thirty pirates had begun the fight, seventeen of them fell. Golargo knew it was a devastating defeat for him and he would have to take more drastic action.
He had thought of their defeat at Dragon Roost Island when they had Velgoros on the ropes. They had been saved by Valoo, the massive dragon spirit of the Rito. A dragon with great amounts of power capable of mass destruction. How perfect it would be to have a dragon on his side. That is what he would do.
Golargo went down below the deck of his pirate ship and closed the door to his quarters, ordering the pirates not to enter. They wondered what was happening as they stood on deck, waiting for their leader's return. They noticed storm clouds suddenly forming in the sky and lightning leaping out of them from all directions. The clouds began to take on a strange shape as they swirled in the sky. They got darker and darker until becoming fully black.
The cloud sprouted a long neck with a head on the end of it, four limbs sprouted from its bottom and wings grew out of its back. Soon, it began to take on a more solid shape and after a few more moments, a huge black dragon was hovering above the pirate ship.
It let out a thunderous roar after it had been born from the clouds.
Golargo had come back out onto the deck and looked to the sky at the dragon following his ship. He was mightily pleased with his creation. He then pointed a hand to the northeast and the dragon took off at great speed in the direction he had pointed. He was going to get his revenge on Valoo.
The guardian of Dragon Roost would finally meet his match. The dragon hurtled toward Dragon Roost Island and could already see the red giant perched atop the island.
Captain's Log
Ship: Velgoros
Day 200
Tragedy struck us all as well lost a brave soul and an honourable man. He saved the life of the Hero of Winds. Golargo took another life and I will ensure justice will be done to him. Mandrake, my friend, you were too young. You always wanted to fight with courage but I never wished this campaign upon you. I wish you would have chosen to stay home on Windfall. It's my fault that I didn't make you stay home. I should have done that. You will be missed, my friend. May the gods grant you eternal rest and comfort. I will ensure that Golargo will pay for your death. We will pursue him as soon as we can leave this island. All I can hope for is that nothing else will transpire to devastate the Great Sea any further.
Captain Brin Feralas of Windfall
