Chapter 21: Twenty-One Whores and Sailors

When night fell, Evelyn went with Isabela to the Blooming Rose along with Aveline. I told her, "I am not leaving you alone. Not even for a second."

Evelyn tilted her head in response, more than happy for me to join. We left for the Blooming Rose, the local brothel and once there, Isabela pointed out a room. "That's his room."

Evelyn asked, "Are you ready?"

She sighed, "Yes, I think so." Taking a breath to steady her nerves, she ordered, "Now, this needs to be convincing. And you'll need to get creative… call me names, even hit me. Stick with it no matter what I do. Velasco's a clever son of a bitch. If you waver, he'll notice."

Evelyn smirked, "I'm worried about you. You're enjoying this a little too much."

Giggling, Isabela agreed, "I am, huh? Whatever you do just make sure he takes me to Castillon. I'll leave a trail for you to follow. Let's go."

Evelyn stared at the locked door. She muttered, "Being a mage has its difficulties", before lifting her robes and kicking the door open. The wood crunched and banged open. Inside was a man upon an elf, kissing. The elf ran off at the sight of Evelyn.

Velasco snarled, "Get back here, you. Skittish bitch. I hope you have a good reason for interrupting my private time."

With flippant tones, Evelyn gestured to Isabela and said, "Brought you a new plaything. She's much less timid."

Isabela spat out, "Are you insane?"

Evelyn eyed her with feigned amusement, "You should see that look on your face."

"This wasn't the plan! We were going to kill him!" yelled out Isabela.

"Whoops. Change of plan," said Evelyn, her tone cool.

Guards began taking Isabela by the arms and she struggled to keep up with pretences whilst shrieking, "You backstabbing little shit. You better start sleeping with one eye open."

Velasco threw Evelyn a coin pouch and she tossed it in the air, smirking at the heavy weight. He told her, "Castillon will be pleased. He's been looking for her for a long time. A token of appreciation, it's more than she's worth."

With Velasco gone, Evelyn motioned for us to follow. The Madame of the brothel screeched out, "What about my fucking door?"

Tossing the woman the coin pouch Velasco had given her, Evelyn didn't spare her a glance or even falter in her step. Something about her cold indifference fired up my blood. It was stylish.

Isabela had lined the streets with her jewellery. Evelyn pointed every few minutes and picked up more of Isabela's belongings. As we got close to the Docks, her jewellery had run out. Her last earring was thrown carelessly at the base of the defeated Qunari statue. Evelyn pocketed it and looked around.

Aveline pointed out a blue scarf, "Isn't that her head scarf?"

Evelyn laughed in relief, "Thank the Maker, Isabela hasn't run out of her ideas."

Oh, she hadn't alright. Right outside of Castillon's compound, Isabela had managed to hang a scrap of cloth upon the doorknob.

Evelyn, with a grin, picked up the lacy scrap of cloth but did not comment. We went inside to hear Velasco's lewd offer, "Why don't we work something out? If you're good, I'll tell Castillon to go easy on you."

"Contrary to popular belief, I do have standards." Isabela was not tied up as expected.

"You're going to do whatever I want. I own you," said Velasco with a growling undertone.

Evelyn leaned over the banister and shouted, "You sure about that?"

Velasco yelled, "You! I knew the bitch was up to something! Kill-" I show my arrow straight through his eye-socket. His voice was grating upon my nerves.

The mercenaries were easy to dispatch. Evelyn actually managed a yawn half-way through the battle. When all fell to the ground, Isabela went in search of information. As she picked a lock to a chest, we found incriminating documents. Castillon was a slaver.

Castillon arrived soon after, "And Velasco told me you were all tied up, a lovely present just waiting to be opened. I see he's paid for that little mistake. What a pretty smear he makes."

His Orlesian accent set my teeth on edge and Aveline grimaced. He addressed Isabela, "Well played, Isabela. Crossed and double-crossed."

She whipped out the documents, "You want to talk? Maybe we should talk about these documents. Slavery in the Free Marches? They're not going to like that."

Her opponent was not pleased about her find, scowling out, "Get to the point."

The request was simple, "Give me your ship and your word to leave me alone. And you can take these papers and go."

Evelyn interrupted with irritation, "If you want his ship, can't we just kill him and take it?" I was inclined to agree and from Aveline's expression, she too was happier with that option.

"You don't just kill a man and take his ship. That's crude and amateurish." Isabela had chosen this moment to speak with honour? Damn her.

Sarcasm marred Evelyn's tone, "And you can trust a man who trades people for money? Wonderful."

"Castillon's a businessman and this is a business deal. He'll keep his end of the bargain." It was delivered as a threat towards the man. Isabela seemed determined to win the game.

Aveline asked, "What happened to getting rid of Castillon?"

Sharp with annoyance, Isabela answered, "I am getting rid of him. Through peaceful means."

"And coming from her, that's priceless," said Castillon.

"I saw the ship docked in the harbour. She is splendid. I want her." Isabela told him simply.

"Give me the documents and you can have ship and its crewmen. And you'll never hear from me again."

"Swear it."

Castillon bowed, "I swear upon my mother's grave. Give me the documents."

Though Isabela wanted this, she glanced over at Evelyn. Out of loyalty, perhaps. Evelyn crossed her arms and gave the resigned reply, "You've made your decision. Do as you wish, Isabela."

Colour returned to Castillon's face, "The ship is yours. Let me say, my dear, that you would make a remarkable ally for any man able to tame you. Our business is hereby concluded. Forever. Be well, Isabela."

As he walked away, Evelyn protested, "He didn't deserve to walk free."

Isabela smiled but it was with understanding and warmth. She touched Evelyn's arm, "He'll get what's coming to him, someday. Doesn't need to be at my hand. Come on."

Using only her index finger, that lacy scrap of material was lifted from her pocket. Evelyn asked, "Want this back?"

Isabela grinned and put her jewellery and clothes back on. Evelyn commented, "Didn't realize that scrap of material counts as underclothes but sure."

I whispered in my love's ear, "It's more than what you were wearing last night." She blushed and nudged me with her elbow. Isabela, who had caught enough of my words to piece things together, winked saucily.

Evelyn asked, "How does it feel to have finally gotten the ship of your dreams?"

Leering, Isabela beamed, "Better than three greased up sailors. I really should haul anchor tomorrow morning, first thing but I've taken a shine to some of the people in Kirkwall. I'll stick around until we get to Starkhaven, at the very least."

Things were really pulling through. Our army was coming together. We had already made some headway regarding the Magi Circle matter now that Orsino was to be joining us. And we had a ship. Everything was going smoothly.

Finally.

Things are starting to come to a close for this fic. I'm thinking a few more chapters and maybe, even a sequel. I haven't decided.

Let me know what you think!
Love, Ann