Chapter 15: The First Encounter

"Well gentlemen, would you like to surrender?" Isz asked as she jumped off the last step of the ladder.

Without a word the three men charged at them all at once. Mich replied when she was back to back with Isz," I think that means no." Mich fought one man with long dark hair who had a metal dragon symbol on a long chain. Clash, her sword seemed small as she blocked his Curved Turkish blade. It was a powerful enough hit that despite her block, the top of the blade was inches from the top of her head. Mich kicked him back hard with her right foot. He was forced back about a foot, but he did not stop in his attack.

From what seemed like a long distance away Isz shouted, "You've been practicing!" Without hesitation she responded," A month on a ship, what else is there for a girl to do." She took the moment to look back and pull her pistol out to shoot the attacker attempting to swing his sword into Isz's side. The shot landed in his shoulder. He had a long black beard and mustache. Even in the shadows Mich could make out Asian features but his eyes seemed wild and unfocused. One of Isz's daggers flew past her. It hit Mich's attacker in the eye. He was unfazed and pulled the dagger out. She could see Isz from the side, she was fighting two men and blocking every swing of their swords. However, Mich could see her tiring, and her opponents were not slowing down.

Mich turned back to her attacker as he walked slowly sword raised toward her with the dragon symbol swinging to the side. As if time froze, Mich remembered a history lesson from when she was younger. That dragon with the tail curling around its head, it pulled at her memory. Suddenly the vision of a younger Isz giving a presentation and a name; Vlad the Impaler. She didn't have time to think farther. He swung his sword horizontally aiming for her chest, this time she ducked down and moved behind him. The third man turned his sight on Mich, she noticed he was shorter but built he used his short sword to slash at her side. She tried to turn away to avoid his sword. While she noticed the dark haired henchman raised his sword over his head, to cut her down. Mich had moved over and turned back to block the blow to her head, but felt the sting of metal cut through her corset into her side. It wasn't as deep as it could have been if she had not moved. It still caused her to start to bleed. Still holding her ground, she pushed back the sword she had blocked and fell into a low crouch. She swung her sword wide to cut both men on the thigh before they could come any closer. They pulled back just a step and a low clapping sound could be heard beyond the light of the cave. Suddenly the three swordsmen stopped attacking.

"You two are truly impressive, perhaps you will listen to reason and join me."

Isz, who was out of breath from the fight, muttered," Katessa." The men all bowed and said," My Lady."

Mich tried to cover to cut across her side, cursing the fact she had chosen to wear light colors to the fight. She looked at Isz who had definitely noticed. Being seasoned at remaining confident in battle did not react. So she continued, she pointed her sword toward the dark haired lady. She looked to be in her late forties in a black dress that fitted her through to her waist, fit for any wealthy widow in port royal," At least we can put a face to the name now, although I can just settle for crazy lady who tried to destroy our lives over ancient revenge."

Mich responded," You could but it seems a bit long." Her best mate nodded," True, but it's accurate."

Katessa examined her nails while the women chattered," Shadow mentioned you two talked too much in his report. However, I am willing to allow you to leave with your men. If you lead me to Athena and Artemis to complete what I have started and your reward will be long life sailing the sea with your men working for me." Mich was well aware that they might not survive another round with these men, and they had found at least some of the crew. There was no telling who they had found yet.

Isz looked at Mich for a moment," If we do that we all live, yes?" Mich stared at her friend for a moment, was smart enough to know a plan b forming when she saw one. She nodded in acceptance.

"So if we accept are you going to allow your employee to bleed all over your cave floor." Katessa looked at Isz for a moment before she gestured they should follow her. Mich took that moment to tear a long strip of fabric from the bottom of her shirt below her short corset, and attempted to tie it around her torso in hopes of stopping the bleeding. Mich started to feel dizzy but Isz caught her and helped her finish covering the wound. She placed her best mate's arm over her shoulder and they followed. Both women were uncertain about following this power hungry immortal, but without being full strength or even the slightest hope that reinforcements might even odds in battle they had no choice.