~Chapter Nine~

Waiting...

'Day 42 of Fall

Castaway Cove

I followed the thief and his companion to Castaway Cove. From what I noticed, he's trying to pay back all the people he stole from, in order to attain their forgiveness. Anyone who forgives that criminal is a fool.

I would have attacked him right then and there, except that we're in Castaway Cove, one of the most peaceful villages in the land. If I were to engage in a battle with him, it would no doubt draw attention... besides, I can't kill him until he gives back what he took from me. IF he still has it.

I instead decided to keep it casual, blending in as a typical traveller until I could make my move. As I've learned in the past, it takes well thought-through tactics when it comes to thieves. I spent the whole week, watching as that thief went in-and-out of the villages, to various shops around the docks, apparently running errands and trying to make up for all he had done.

He and the girl have been staying at the Cat's Cradle here. I overheard them talking about plans about using a ship to sail to the Summerlands, next. The sailor, Sindbah, apparently is good friends with them...

I think I've finally got an idea on how to get my revenge on Swaine...

*0*0*0*

The drifter stepped out of the swimsuit shop, dressed in a blue swim-top with a dark-red stripe, and matching bottoms with a cover-skirt. It had been a while since she came to Castaway Cove- she rarely visited unless she needed a break from her bounty-hunts, or came here to handle a matter she heard about in Swift Solutions. One reason she hardly visited such a slice of paradise was because of the Chief's rule: "Everyone, whether they're locals or visitors, must wear swimsuits." Apparently it was used to keep peace in the village, as it was hard to conceal a weapon in swimwear...

And that was the reason she hated it. She never went anywhere without her gun-blade, which was stashed in her pack back in her hotel room. How badly she wanted to shoot a blade into the back of that thief's head! ...But such thinking was irrational. She couldn't just kill him until after she got back what he took from her. Plus there was that girl... What was her name again? Hester? No, wait, it was Esther. A young girl, of possibly 13 or 14, who seemed to foolishly trust the thief.

Right now, they were both walking around Castaway Cove. Swaine was lounging by the docks, soaking his feet in the cool water, while Esther was browsing shops, buying treats for her familiars. We'll see just how long your little friend trusts you, Swaine... the drifter thought, mapping out her plan carefully.

They were leaving tomorrow on Sindbah's ship, the sailor agreeing to give them a lift to the Summerlands... something the girl could not understand. From what I recall, Sindbah never allows shady characters on his ship. she thought, looking down at the ship from one of the upper-docks, watching as the crew was loading cargo. So why in God's name would he let a thief like Swaine aboard... perhaps because of that girl, Esther? Maybe he trusts her to keep him in line.

That thought alone made her ponder even further, remembering yesterday how Esther had managed to get Swaine to turn down a sack of guilders for his deed, even though the thief wanted so badly to accept the offer (and possibly punch the man in the face). Apparently, this girl knew Swaine quite well, as if they shared some sort of bond...

Perhaps she could use that to her advantage as well, if her first plan failed.

"Excuse me,"

The drifter turned, stepping aside as Esther walked around her to walk down the steps. She said nothing to her, just gave a nod and turned and walked away, going around a corner until she was on another deck that overlooked the ship. Esther was walking over to Sindbah, asking him how the preparations are going and thanking him once again for his help. She was quite a sweet girl...

The drifter could have retched. Sweetness always left a bitter taste in her mouth.

"Hey, Swaine! I'm going back to the inn!" Esther called to her friend still lounging by the water, as she made her way back up the stairs.

"Alright," He called back, then leaned back, enjoying himself.

Little did either of them expect that this may be the only time they would ever relax again...

*0*0*0*

A/N: What exactly is our drifter planning, and will Swaine and Esther be able to handle it? We shall see...

Yeah, I know this is a short chapter, but I promise there'll be longer ones in the future, especially since this is going to be a long story.

And more thanks for the reviewers!

Mike AZ 2: Yeah, I'll be adding a little more humor into the story as it goes on; Yeah, sorry about that typo, I need to watch for that (I always have a tendency to mis-hear things); That goes without saying... but it'll be pretty fun to write about lol; Thanks again for sharing some ideas. I always appreciate the feedback!

Reviews are welcome, constructive criticism is appreciated, and flames should die.