Why one would ever want to be a sailor is beyond me.
Six months in a leaky boat,
*clap clap*
lucky just to keep afloat.
An amazing song, shite subject matter. But less about that, yes?
Hell, we hadn't been at sea a month and the problems started. The flotilla was caught in a storm, that alone sank 13 ships, 11 with all hands lost.
Then across the whole of the flotilla dysentery struck. Of course the little miss caught it and that threw me into a panic. Don't like seeing my loved ones ill or in any kind of pain.
One evening, late on, the sun was setting, I found Siegnette clambering up the Jacob's ladder. She was panting when she reach the fighting top, still not in the fittest of shapes.
She plonked herself down on my lap, with her legs dangling over the edge.
"I don't think you should be up here, sweetness," I was being cautious, "It's a long way down. What if you have to, you know, go?"
"I've already been," Siegnette shifted about, embarrassed about her condition.
"That means absolutely nothing, I've lived around you humans long enough. Just ask your uncle Vixen about the chicken incident, back before he was a god," The brute was hit the worst by that bout of food poisoning. I was also worried about Vexa throwing a fit when she realised where our daughter was.
My arms were around her securely, no chance of her falling.
"How is your tummy?"
"Sore," She replied, but she felt better up in the tops. The fresh air and the coolness was better medicine than anything else.
This wasn't what she had expected at all, Siegnette thought there would have been a little fun at least and not spending most of her time with her bottom over the side of the ship.
"Don't be vulgar, Father!" The young Milfanito scolded.
"Well it's true, the same goes for most of the men on this ship," I then changed the subject, "If nothing catastrophic happens in the next few days, we should be making land to pick up fresh water and the like. Bet you can't wait to get your feet on dry land for a bit?"
She nodded.
How long we would be on land was unknown, I had a hesitant guess at a week.
My daughter shivering took me from thoughts of dry land and so I draped the blanket I'd been given around us. Together we watched the sun caste a brilliant golden shimmer across the water and dip below the horizon.
Siegnette struggled to contain her yawn and attempted to stretch out.
"Hey," I tapped her arm, "You can't go falling asleep up here."
Siegnette rocked back and nuzzled her cheek against my shoulder, "But I'm comfy."
Ah, the Vexa excuse. Like mother, like daughter.
"Are you going to come back down before we stop for land? Mother is missing you."
I shook my head absently and chuckled to myself, "If she got off her fat arse..."
The redhead wasn't keen on heights and had refused to join me.
"I'm telling Mother you said that," The girl shifted again, so that she was better facing me. There was an evil glint in her brown eyes, Siegnette wanted something.
I smiled, "Go ahead, I'm safe up here."
"You will have to come down eventually, Father."
She had a point and there would be no hiding from Vexa. I asked her what she wanted in return for not telling her mother.
"Let me stay up here a while longer," She pulled the blanket tight and leant back.
Like Vexa before her, Siegnette started to ask questions about myself and where we were going to, our destination was still a mystery to the girl.
I wasn't going to allow her a look at my memories, for her I wanted Erebay to be a surprise. I wanted to see her expression.
"I still don't understand how you weren't born in Drangleic," She said.
"And I keep telling you I wasn't born, I just existed," The concept was lost on my daughter. People didn't just exist, they had to be born.
"No, I was always this young looking and pretty, unlike your mother."
Siegnette hummed, "I don't think Mother will like to hear that. Mother is very beautiful."
The wind picked up, whistling about our ears and despite the blanket Siegnette continued to shiver.
"Are you sure you want to stay up here? I don't want you catching cold as well." That would be disastrous and I would most likely get blamed for it.
Siegnette shuffled restlessly, "Ten more minutes."
"Alright, sweetness," I planted a kiss on the top of her head, "I understand wanting to spend time with your favourite parent."
My daughter cocked her head, "But Mother is in her cabin."
I repeated my daughter's last sentence, putting on a heart-broken tone as I went. This kind of cheekiness could only be dealt with in one way, I began to tickle her. It worked with Vexa and it worked with Siegnette.
"No, no Father. Stop, please!" The girl pleaded, half laughing, half in tears, "I'm sorry."
Had to stop myself before she had an accident, we really didn't want that to happen.
I whispered loudly into her ear, "Shall we try that one again? Which one of us is your favourite parent?"
With a defiant pout, Siegnette said, "Mother."
The woman didn't even want to look after Siegnette when she was little, how she wormed her way into my little girl's heart still remains a mystery. Nah, that's bullshit. I've told you before that Vexa's a wonderful mother and it wasn't hard to see why Siegnette claimed her to be the favourite.
That didn't mean I had to like it.
"Oh, well next time you come wanting something, remember who you're favourite is," I feigned hurt, "Remember who clothed and fed you, remember who taught you to read and write our language, remember who showered you with love, spoiled you even."
The girl smirked, "I remember, Father. Auntie Shanalotte."
"You're pushing your luck," I lightly warned.
Siegnette then proceeded to pull the sweetest face you ever saw, and with a similar tone of voice said, "I love you, Father."
That didn't work and it has never worked with any of my other children.
I returned the smile and with a sinister chuckle told her, "I hope you also remember I know every embarrassing detail about you and every embarrassing story from when you were little. One day, when you have a suitor or a husband, I'm going to tell one of those stories or perhaps all of them."
The smile on her face fell and she swallowed, "Mother would never do that."
Oh really?
"Would you like to put that one to the test?"
The girl gave a resolute nod and we both started to descend the rope-lattice, the most of which I spent helping Siegnette. A sudden case of vertigo had her pinned.
The moment she looked down she stopped.
There was a marine ready on the deck to take my place on the top, he gave a hand to the girl when she finally reached the bottom. She then disappeared in a hurry towards the ship's prow.
I didn't wait, heading below deck to find my partner.
The nicest of the cabins had been reserved for the royal family alone, it being the only room with an actual bed.
The cabin smelled of sweat and self abuse, the culprit was sat with her back against the hull-wall looking out the window. Plagued by boredom, she was trying to find amusement in watching the sea.
"Evening beautiful," I announced myself and the redhead perked up, "Think I could get a kiss?"
The redhead's lips twisted into a semi-snarl, "Those are not the words I want to hear, Jonathon!"
I let myself fall onto the bed, crawled over to the redhead and dropped my head onto her lap, looking up into her eyes.
"I'm sorry that I haven't been with you all that much, but if you moved that big bum of yours and joined me in the tops for a bit..." I trailed off.
Vexa pursed her lips, "It's too high up there."
"Our daughter managed to climb up," I informed her, neglecting to mention that making it down that the getting back down had been the problem.
She was none too happy to find that was where Siegnette had been for the past hour.
I reached up and brushed her cheek with my fingers, "She only wanted to spend some time with her father. I'm her favourite, you know."
"Don't start that again," Vexa flicked my forehead, "Was Siegnette alright with you? She hasn't slept properly since last week."
"Her tummy's still hurting, but she was fine," I closed my eyes and started to relax a little, "I think the worst has passed. She's been lucky."
Vexa cocked her head, "How many?"
"Thirty-eight," I said, "Twenty-five of ours, thirteen Dranglein. Don't know about the other ships, but what were we expecting? Can't cram so many people into one space and not have disease spread."
How many more would die before we reached Lordran I wondered, not really seeking an answer. I turned my mind to my partner. Her ruby lips inviting and her scent intoxicating.
Vexa placed her hands either side of my head and turned it away from her, "Don't sniff me, you freak. I haven't had the chance to bathe properly since we set sail."
I didn't care, it didn't change Vexa one bit.
The redhead leant over and gave me that kiss I had wanted. Very nice, very sweet.
"You're staying down here tonight," She ordered and who was I to refuse such a beautiful woman. The order was bookended with a second kiss, far deeper and more passionate than the first. This was just in time for Siegnette to enter the room
She immediately shielded her eyes and started to fuss.
Without notice Vexa thrust her hands under me and rolled me off the bed. The moment this happened Siegnette took my spot, our daughter bring up the conversation we had.
Vexa looked at me with brows furrowed, "Would I try to embarrass Siegnette before a prospective husband by telling him stories of her when she was younger?"
The young Milfanito was already giving me a look of victory, there was no way in her mind that Vexa could be so cruel.
"Yes, I've plenty of stories. In fact, there was one time."
Siegnette clamped her hands over her ears and let out a shrill 'no'.
I would have to say that was a victory for me.
Our daughter's reaction had us in stitches. Felt good to laugh and I couldn't stop myself, Siegnette's expression only furthered my mirth.
She was quick in taking her revenge, telling Vexa all the 'nasty' things I had said about her in the tops.
As the redhead was being regaled, I got up and perched on the edge of the bed. Her feet were placed against my back, gripping at my shirt with her toes.
"It's alright, I know your Father doesn't mean it."
Siegnette's plan of revenge was falling apart, until I opened my mouth.
"You do have a big bum though, it's objective fact," Instantly regretting saying anything, Vexa jammed the heel of her right foot between my shoulder blades. With the other foot she pushed me back off the bed.
Something was telling me she wasn't happy with what I said.
As punishment I was made to give said feet a massage; Vexa actually has quite dainty feet in comparison to the rest of her body, very ticklish too. I could have taken to opportunity to be a pest, but I stuck to giving my love the massage she wanted.
Siegnette asked me to sing for her through a yawn, getting herself comfy on Vexa's lap.
Took me some time to think of something appropriate, raking over every inch on memory for a good song.
Night sky's burning,
leading us astray.
The wheels of fate are turning,
to late to turn away.
Drawn in by mystery
and lost within it's maw.
Do you dare to follow,
swift of feet
and delve into the flame?
You are to be devoured.
In hindsight not the best song. It's about the Dauden expedition, they went of to explore the uncharted regions of the void. One afternoon the entire sky lit up, burning so bright and they wanted to see why. Lord Dauden and his men were never seen again.
Vexa suddenly shushed me, "Listen, Johnny."
I cringed, I absolutely hate being called Johnny.
Regardless, I did as she said. Siegnette was snoring softly and I hoped for her then a long, peaceful sleep.
"Have you ever wished that she was little again?" Vexa ran her fingers through Siegnette's hair.
"Yes," I answered quickly, "Every time she opens her mouth to argue and forgive me if I'm remembering wrong, but you were rather opposed to me adopting her?"
"I was," She admitted, "And I'm glad you didn't listen to me. That does not mean I want to have a baby now though, Jonathan."
How did she know?
Of course! Skin to skin contact, she was inside my head. How bloody rude of her.
I sighed, "Why did I ever make you one of us?"
"So that we could be together forever and because you don't think things through before doing them," The redhead hummed, "You gave me these abilities, don't complain when I use them."
Fair point.
"Oh, I am blessed to have you."
"I know you are, Jonathon. Try not to sound so sarcastic," Vexa returned to resting her feet against my back. She then walked them up so that one was resting against the back of my head, pushing it forward. I put up with her pestering as best I could.
"When was the last time you washed your hair? It's all greasy, Jonathon."
"Around the same time you last washed your feet," I reached behind me and took her by the ankle, "They are lifting, love."
The second I let go of her ankle Vexa extended her leg, getting her foot around by my nose. I could hear the smirk on her lips.
A groan came from our daughter, we had unfortunately disturbed her. She said nothing, only moving a few inches away from her Mother and falling back into sleep.
This hadn't deterred Vexa, still prodding at my nose with her toes.
"Tell me you love me, mister," The redhead sniggered, "Tell me you love me and maybe I'll stop."
"I love you so very much. Now get your stinking feet away from my nose," I twisted and caught the offending foot and started to rub my fingertips up and down her sole, "I'm feeling rather merciful, my love, but next time you may regret irritating me."
I dropped her foot and repositioned myself, getting nice and close.
My eyes grew heavy; the heat of her body was working some powerful magic over me and when I found myself on the verge of sleep, Vexa pushed me off the bed for the third time that night.
Vexa grinned, "There isn't enough room for all of us on here. Only room for me and Siegnette, I'm afraid."
"There's plenty of room."
"You decided that you would stay up on the masts and because of that, you lost any right you had to sleep on this bed," She stretched herself out with a moan, then narrowed her eyes at me, "And with a bum this big there was no chance you were ever going to fit."
I pinched the bridge of my nose and muttered swears under my breath.
"Go on mister, you know you want to say it," The redhead egged me on.
"I'm sure I could squeeze myself in," I grumbled through gritted teeth, "No matter how tight the fit."
"Not with Siegnette in the room."
Oh, she was proud of herself for that. Grinning smugly and patting the spot next to her.
I grumbled a little more and laid down as best I could away from Vexa and her innuendos. It wasn't far enough, for in a matter of seconds the redhead was snuggling up to me.
"How long were you waiting to use that one?" I asked.
"About thirteen years," The grin only grew wider, "You're that obsessed with my backside that it had to work eventually."
I went on a bit of a rant about using our time wisely and how she wasn't funny at all. Vexa placed her finger to my lips, "Stop talking and give me a goodnight kiss."
The redhead screwed her eyes closed and pursed her lips in anticipation. I left her waiting.
She cleared her throat twice, quietly the first time and forcefully the second.
I got the message and pecked her the tip of her nose, then her lips. She and I were definitely going to get lost for a few hours when we made land.
Perhaps spending a night inside the wooden coffin wouldn't be so bad.
Vexa's breathing slowed, so I slowed mine to match her and welcomed slumber.
"Sir!" It was Vixen.
Not five damned minutes had passed.
I kept my eyes closed, "This had better be important, brother."
"Several unidentified ships are gaining on us and at some pace," The brute stood crouched at the door, "The Viscount would like you on the quarterdeck."
I tried letting go of Vexa but my body wasn't listening, it refused to budge. I'm proud of that body, it's knows what I want. I still had to see if these ships were a threat however.
There was another trick we pure-borns could use that would allow me to get away. We can detach ourselves from our physical bodies for a limited time, unlike shadow-dancing or going naked, it drains our energy at lightning pace.
I was left with a tingly feeling as I became detached and stretched myself out, even though the act was unnecessary. Just a habit I suppose.
Felt somewhat liberating not being attached to a lump of meat and bone.
I waved my hand making Vixen stand to the side. Hopefully this would be nothing and I could go back to sleep.
"Have you always been able to do that, Sir?" The brute questioned
I nodded, "Yes, been awhile though."
The marines on the quarterdeck straightened up as we passed by, prompting Vixen to ask how they knew it was me.
"I haven't a clue, I can't tell other pure-borns apart like this," I admitted, "They do know what I sound like, maybe it's that?"
Vix shrugged.
Marius was up ahead, talking with the Captain of Marines. The Viscount, as with the rest of the nobility, had taken to wearing a powder-wig. Quite frankly I thought they looked ridiculous, but fashion is fashion.
He started to stare.
"My body is somewhat occupied, Marius. I had to leave it behind," I looked out over the side, "Where are these ships?"
"Somewhat behind the Artisan," She being the trailing vessel, "Five galleasses and three galleons, the acting Lieutenant expects them to gain on us by morning."
The watch-officer had though he he had spied the flag of Jugo flying from the lead ship.
"Jugonese privateers? Pirates?" I said to myself, "We should be able to see them off, surely."
Between our ship, theEnvy, and the Artisan was the Imperious. She was a first-rate with 98 cannon, one of two. Her sister was at the front of the fleet, the Imperator.
I wouldn't dare attack them and we had cannon, those Jugonese didn't. This would end in a heartbeat.
"I'm going back to bed gentlemen, I'll see you in the morning," This was nothing to worry about, so I wasn't going to.
"Your Majesty, I think it would be best to err on the side of caution," The Viscount said, collapsing his spyglass, "The Captain of the Marines has alerted his men and I want every able man ready in case something goes wrong."
I sighed and lowered my head, there was going to be hell to pay with Vexa.
"Ten minutes. We're meeting in the wardroom."
Couldn't complain, I'm the one who wanted to play soldiers all those years ago. I would be able to spend time with Vex when we were finished scaring off the pirates.
Now, when I returned to my partner's cabin my body was not where I had left it. No, Vexa had unceremoniously dumped it on the floor.
That's love for you.
I gave my body the once over to make sure the redhead hadn't done anything naughty with it. Nothing seemed out of place, except my hair which she had put into pigtails. The were undone the moment I reattached myself. Pigtails are cavalry and do not suit me one bit.
I knelt down and whispered into her ear that we had pirates on us, and that I wouldn't be in fact spending the night with her.
Vexa began to complain, but I told her to take it up with the Jugonese
She rolled over and held Siegnette.
"I'll keep her here. You go and show those pirate what happens when they spoil my night with you," She shook her fist in the air.
"I'll give 'em hell for you, honey."
I picked up my musket from the Master-at-Arms and went to find the wardroom. I didn't really need my musket, it was really a pre-emptive move.
Marius and Vixen were stooped over a table, with the Captain of Marines opposite them. Dotted around the rest of the room were the naval officers.
"Did you have any problems with my sister, Sir?"
"I'm to give those damned Jugonese a strongly worded message for spoiling her night with me," I told him, "Yet somehow I know it's going to be my fault."
It always was.
The brute dipped his hand into a pockets, pulling our a silver flask. It wasn't in his hands for long and my goodness, it was a smooth drink inside.
Gavlan had generously donated barrel after barrel of the finest alcohol to me, so that I would not go thirsty on our long journey.
"You're also getting the blame, brother."
If he hadn't woken me...
"If I was to say I'm sorry?" Vixen shrugged.
"Take it up with your sister, not me."
He knew then to keep his mouth closed, yet I would still get the blame.
Marius cleared his throat, "If you and the Lord Kellantine have finished nattering, I would like to get on with things."
The Viscount gestured to the naval men to his left.
They bowed, "Your Majesty."
They were both Dranglein and I recognised the first as the Captain of the frigate Harmony. Next to him was the Captain of theImperious.
After introducing themselves, they got down to business.
Not going to lie and say I understood anything they said, it was all nautical stuff and I wasn't going to have to worry about the ship combat, if it indeed came to that.
"I want you back in the top, Your Majesty," Marius looked up at me briefly, "Fire down onto the enemy deck when they get close."
"If they get past us, that is," The Imperious' Captain interrupted, then hastily added, "Your Royal Highness."
I nodded and asked Vixen for another nip at the flask.
This was an absolute farce and couldn't wait for it to be over. I still did as I was told, leaving the wardroom and climbing back up the top.
The marine already there nodded at me and I passed him over my canteen, and we sat, drank and waited for the Jugonese pirates.
It was three hours after dawn when the pirates hit, the Imperious opened up with a broadside on one of the galleons. 49 cannon blasting the absolute hell out of the smaller pirate ship.
It did however in no way deter the smaller, faster galleasses. They had switched to using their oars.
One was intercepted by the Harmony, leaving it dead in the water.
Those ships could do nothing to us, unless they used the prow to ram.
The marine got my attention and pointed down at the closest galleass, "They've got bow chasers, Your Majesty."
I was made painfully aware when the closest ship opened up, the balls landing short.
When I got a better look, I came to a realisation, "We sold them those bloody guns. They're our old bloody sakers."
The ship got in close, too close for our ship or any other to open fire with a broadside. The galleass pulled in it's oars, pirates on the top deck ready to board.
Our main force of marines were taking the odd potshot whilst the others were plugging in their bayonets.
"Aim for the ones that look important, Your Majesty. Destroy their command structure."
He needn't have told me, but I thanked him and took aim myself.
My target was a Jugonese in what appeared to be a uniform; The musket thumped against my shoulder and the pirate snapped back, a large ragged hole in his back.
The marine fired next, blowing the head off one of the bastards below. None of the Jugonese I could see had anything in the way of muskets, we were safe in that regard. Some were armed with bows and crossbows, but over all we had more firepower.
My next shot splintered the leg of a pirate. He fell back, cracking his skull against the railing of the galleass and fell between the gap of the two hulls.
I was getting into a good rhythm of loading and firing. My mouth dry and bitter from the powder and I had torn a nail on the flint, but I had a good feeling.
Another volley from the Marines and the Jugonese boarder were repulsed, the sleek vessel pushing away from us with its oars.
The second it was at a good distance from us, the cannon sang as one. Cannister round after cannister round tore at the pirates, the gun-crews working tirelessly to keep the guns fed.
It was a marvellous thing to witness, modern naval warfare.
The galleass stopped dead in the water, bobbing lifelessly. Men still ran about her deck, but they were out of the fight.
The Imperious then loosed another broadside, finishing off its prey.
As quickly as it had started it had ended, the Jugonese pirates defeated, crushed even, within a half-hour.
I was made aware that I had torn a second nail and it was hanging by a scrap of skin. The next minutes were spent painfully extracting the remaining nail from my finger, so that it could heal properly.
Several pirates had been taken prisoner and were at the mercy of the Marines, they were all bayoneted and the bodies thrown overboard.
This little action had proved me right, the pirates had stood no chance.
An hour later we reconvened in the wardroom to discuss the victory and to plan the next move. Mine was to get back to Vexa.
She was still in the cabin reading to Siegnette from one of her books. It was a pleasant thing to see and it put a smile on my face.
I sat with them and listened in.
It was a good story, but one that put me to sleep.
I woke up on Vexa's lap, the redhead running her fingers through my hair. Her eyes were shining and full of warmth. The kiss that followed was so sweet.
"Thanks for keeping us safe," She whispered, "And teaching those nasty Jugonese it's not alright to interrupt our time together."
I took her hand in mine, "Anything for a lovely lady. Though for you a few dead pirates."
Vexa clicked her tongue and pinched my nose hard, "Do you like living, Jonathon?"
Nasally I replied, "Is there a correct answer?"
Red hair shook from side to side.
"I love you," The words came so easy, but I meant them.
"You too. You infuriating bastard."
Oh, there was a beautiful tension growing between us. I sat up, nearly straddling Vexa, going for the nape of her neck. I found that I couldn't wait for dry land.
My fingers pulled at the waist of her breeches and brushed against the warmth of her womanhood, eliciting a purr from the redhead. Meanwhile my lips and teeth teased at her milky-white skin, and she was making use of her own hands.
Everything was aflame, burning wildly through the pair of us.
She called my name huskily and nipped my earlobe. I replied in kind.
Like animals we began tearing at our clothing, ripping it away like paper from a present. Her breasts fell free from her open shirt and...and…
"Mother! Father!" Siegnette exclaimed, shielding her eyes and turning away.
I think I had a heart attack; in that moment of passion I'd forgotten the girl. Vexa covered herself with the bedsheets and attempted to shoo our daughter away.
I too told her to go bother her uncle and leave us be for an hour. Siegnette however stood fixed to the floor and then was off like the roadrunner, only a faint after image a clue to anyone having stood there.
"I believe we've just traumatised our little girl," Vexa blushed.
"Our own fault for skirting around the whole sex issue. We coddled her."
Vexa cleared her throat.
"I coddled her," I corrected, "But you avoided the topic like I did, so you're not getting out of this."
We all get that clichéd question at least once, where do babies come from? Never could really explain it to Siegnette.
"Jonathon, she's not stupid. She understands it, she just doesn't want to see us doing it."
Fair point.
We sat in silence for a minute, the mood rather dead.
"Do you want to continue?" The redhead spoke up.
I shook my head, "No. I'm out of it, I'm afraid. But..."
I lowered myself down and started to peel back her breeches...and that's all your getting from me.
Self abuse only takes you so far, a second player is needed to make it enjoyable.
Anyway, Siegnette avoided me and her Mother like the plague for the following three days, too embarrassed to speak to us. I went back to my post in the tops.
A week and a half later we docked, it was staggered along different points to make it easier on the fleet.
Solid ground underfoot was the best and the smell of the grass was, oh…
I wanted to hug it and never let go.
We would have several days to find and store fresh water, and to kindle romance between lovers out of the view of certain children.
A few hours walk away from the coast and we found a lovely secluded spot on the slopes of a valley. Vexa had put on a dress, light and flowing in the wind, the occasion being special. Sort of, our anniversary would fall when we were back on the ship, so this was in lieu of that.
We had food, we had a tent and we had ourselves.
After escaping our escort we had free reign of the land, two days for us. Shot a wild goat, giving us fresh meat to roast. We cuddled up in front of a fire and cooked.
You can use your imagination to fill in what our other occupation was.
Early that next morning we were up and started playing about in the closest beck, the redhead naked as the day she was born and so was I. The highlight was when we laid together within the warm waters and it's still not the strangest place I've had sex.
Vexa suddenly gripped my arm, "There's someone watching us. Not our escorts."
Hurriedly we returned to the tent clothing ourselves and I readied my weapon. Vexa had left her sword on the ship, leaving me the sole defender.
Whoever those voyeurs were they were quiet and had stole up on our tent. Three men, two in rough-spun wool tunics with rudimentary pitchforks. The third dressed from head to toe in mail, only his eyes visible between the gaps in the nasal-helm and aventail. The warrior was hidden behind his round-shield, spear-tip in my face.
I pulled the cock back, disengaging it from the dog and putting it into the full position.
"Back away," I growled in Dranglein and fired over their heads, the two labourers bolting like rabbits.
The warrior stood his ground and growled something back.
Vexa whispered in my ear, "I think he wants a fight."
I nodded my head and fixed my bayonet. Far more primitive this warrior was, but no less a danger to me or Vexa.
The warrior shook the shield, I believe asking where was mine. I just brandished my my musket, trying to find the most advantageous position for attack.
Yes, I hear you cry, why didn't you reload the gun? The rest of you are no doubt calling me a daft cunt. We already knew I was one though.
Most of our bout was spent parrying each other's blows. I was struggling to get past his shield and I was always returning to a place outside his range.
Viscount Akandra and his heavy cavalry rode in before we could reach a conclusion. They were still wearing the same armour and using the same weaponry, but were now sporting a new title. They were the Emperor's Life-Guard and have remained so since.
The warrior was now held at lance-point. Granted, there were only 10 of them, thought that was enough to stop the warrior.
On the hill above us was a small company of line infantry, the standard flapping away alongside my flag, the Iron-Cross wrapped in Black Roses.
The warrior was not however ready to give up, jabbing at the cavalry.
"The bastard has a death wish," One Life-Guard spoke.
"He does that," I replied and then to our new friend, "Stand down, you daft bugger."
The warrior snarled back, "Not to you damned Drangleic raiders!"
So, the man did speak a language we knew. Took his damn time getting around to it.
"We're not Dranglein, stand down and back away from our Emperor," The same cavalryman ordered.
The warrior made the same remark that many do, "I don't care, you all dressed strangely. You will not take our land!"
It seemed though that sense won over bravado in the end.
With a harrumph the warrior grounded his spear and pulled back his helm. The transition between warrior and anger filled youth was shocking, he couldn't have been twenty.
I was in half a mind to put him over my knee and tell him to get lost. We instead decided to march him back to his family.
It was a short march over the far side of the valley to the boy's farm. Several smaller building were placed around a central long-house, fenced off areas of tilled land filled the remaining space for as far as the eye could see.
More armed men swarmed, we had disturbed the hive.
"91st form line," A Sergeant relayed the orders of his superior.
I had a word with the boy, "Call to them. Tell them if they do not halt, we will be forced to fire on them."
With all his might the boy shouted, the words reaching the charging warriors but failed to stop them. They cried back in a tongue unknown, vague threats I think from what the boy said.
"Try again," I urged him, not wanting to see blood shed.
The words fell on deaf ears and the armoured men continued their charge. The tightly formed shield-wall was not going to aid them.
The boy's cries became desperate the closer they got, too late. The first rank knelt, the second holding their muskets above the first rank and the third had their guns between the men of the second.
With an almighty crash all muskets spoke, sending their deadly hail at the advancing shield-wall. The bodies hit the floor heavily, kicking up dust, screaming bloody murder at the top of their lungs.
The boy ran to them with tears streaking his cheek, one his father. On the officer's orders the company reloaded, ready to fire on the men again if they hadn't learned their lesson.
The Life-Guard galloped in ending the chance of a second volley, trampling the bodies under hoof and running down the boy. The screams were only growing with each passing second.
Cavalrymen reeked havoc, the great mounts speeding towards the settlement. We infantry followed, Vexa staying with Markus.
A lust gripped us like poppy, driving us forward. The cries of women drown out those of the wounded and dying men.
A twitch reaction had me firing upon a defenceless farm labourer, smashing his shoulder to a red pulp. The arm was useless and now so was he.
My mind was lost, forgetting that we had only come to return the boy. Those men hadn't stood down, it wasn't our fault.
It was slaughter, pure and simple. A burning scrap of cartridge paper had set fire to the thatched roof, black smoke choking the skies.
It was over so quickly too, the 'battle' won.
The company of infantry and Life-Guard tore through the remaining huts, looting whatever they could and whatever wasn't nailed down. It was a good hour before their Major and Sergeant could rein them in.
Vexa's face was awash with pain.
I tried to comfort my partner, only to have her snap at me.
"That didn't need to happen! You could have stood your men down," She wouldn't look at me, "You didn't need to kill them."
I reached out and had my hand smacked away.
"Don't touch me, Jonathon. Don't-"
A dog pined in the distance, it was a pathetic sound, and was silenced by a gunshot. The silence came next, a deafening silence. The gravity of the situation heavy.
Vexa couldn't stand it and walked away, turning her back on me and the men. The standard bearers followed with a small guard.
Markus trotted up next to me, his mount kicking at the dirt.
"What are you thinking, Your Majesty?"
"That I've just upset my wife and that she was right," My gaze wandered from one corpse to another, "Order your men to bury the dead, then see if there is anything worth taking and slaughter a few of those cows. I'm going back to the camp."
The Viscount looked over the same bodies and sighed, "We gave them a chance and the rankers were a little over zealous. It happens, nothing to lose sleep over."
As always, the noble fussed about me not wanting to take an escort. I had a powerful weapon that I knew how to handle and I couldn't die, one day they would finally understand this.
When everyone was out of sight I lit up a fag, I'd been rationing them, and it was one of the best smokes I had had in a while.
The tent we'd spent the night in was gone, only the scorched grass where the fire had been. I knelt down and pressed my hand against the spot. My other hand went to the pendant.
"Haven't done this for a long time, my love," I kept my voice soft, "Still the same old thug it seems, I know you'd have words...about a lot of things. How much have I told you about Siegnette?"
Time hadn't dulled my love for her.
"Still missing you dearly, but I'm afraid I'm not giving up Vexa," A branch broke underfoot, my hand going straight to the cartridge pouch, "We'll continue this later, my love."
Spinning round on the balls of my feet, I faced my stalker.
I was face to face with another warrior and I didn't even chance it; the cock fell striking the hammer, the musket thumping into my shoulder shortly after.
A neat hole was punched through the round-shield below the boss. The warrior fell to his knees and collapsed backwards.
The fouling was staring to get heavy, I doubted I could get another good shot like that. The bayonet was back in the muzzle.
I wasn't going to let the warrior suffer.
I pulled back his helmet to find a girl with brown-blonde hair, no older than the boy that had challenged me earlier.
"Stupid girl," I muttered and drove the bayonet through her throat, her death throes bubbled out her mouth. I didn't mean it, just venting. Those men could have listened and not thrown away their lives.
I left the body to the animals and made my way back to the coast.
The tall masts came into view first, the flags hanging limply from the mains. White tents dotted the terrain and barrels of fresh water were stacked high.
The biggest tent was mine. von Strepp's Adjutant was sat outside with a pot of water over a fire.
"Bring that to me when it's done."
"But the Viscount said-"
I held up my hand, "Don't argue with me."
I found the Adjutant on his knees, grovelling and begging for my forgiveness. I clicked my tongue and entered the tent.
Siegnette was sprawled out over a carpet of cushions, a bowl of summer-fruits by her hand and the stones of peaches littered the empty spaces. From the moment we had made land she had lazed about, her plump form not leaving the comfort of the tent.
A gentle smile pulled at her lips, "Welcome back, Father."
She reached up with her hand, which I took and squeezed. Then scolded her for leaving a mess, she wasn't living in a palace now.
The girl made excuses and plopped a grape in her mouth, her smile growing at the sweet flavour. I sat close by, taking a handful myself, and started to strip my weapon.
The boiling water was brought in and I shooed away the Adjutant, he was a weedy man and I didn't have much like for him. Tea-leaf was placed in two pewter mugs; like myself, Siegnette had found a taste of the bitter drink.
Halfway through my cleaning a message arrived saying Vexa had returned to the ship. I was a little disheartened even though I knew we'd make things better eventually.
Our daughter decided she was going to stay on dry land for as long as she could, this I couldn't fault her for.
I would use the remaining time with Siegnette, it was only right.
The gun in my lap was clean and my tea drunk, I stripped off my hat and long-coat and laid down on the cushions. I found myself thinking 'no wonder she hasn't moved', it was extremely comfortable.
"Father!" She pushed against me, "You're taking up all my space."
I pinched her belly, "It's not your space and you're not exactly a petite girl any more."
Her face darkened.
I cupped her cheek and smiled, "That wasn't a go at your weight, sweetness. But you are sprawled spread-eagle over all the cushions."
Her expression lightened and she huffed, drawing her arms and legs up to her chest. Another grape found its way to her mouth, although it now looked like she was chewing on a wasp.
I got closer and folded my arms, then reached over and took a peach.
"Tell me about where we're going again," She rolled over to face me, "Pleeeeeease."
"Oh come on, that didn't work when you were a baby and are you talking about Lordran or Erebay?"
Her answer was both.
My knowledge of the former was from what I had read in Vendrick's library and from what the old man had told me, but Erebay, as you all know, I could talk about for hours uninterrupted.
As with Vex, I hoped she would love Erebay as much as I did. I told her where I was going to take her and her Mother when we arrived. Take them both to the Baye region where I was found, hence von Bayer, Jonathon-Frederick from Baye.
The girl didn't share the same enthusiasm, growing board and finding interest in a wine bottle. I snatched it from her before she could take a drink, I wasn't wanting her to fall to the same evils that myself and her Mother had. Not until she was 20 at least.
"I know," I took a swig of the wine and grimaced, "Why don't we go practice with the pistol your Auntie Katie gave you? The one that me and your mother aren't supposed to know about."
Siegnette's face lit up and produced the gun. A very expensive piece and highly ornate, the smiths that had made them 'lovingly' referred to them as Queen Vexa pistols. Beautiful, but volatile and dangerous at close range.
Unlike our muskets, the pistol was a true-flintlock. Now please don't confuse it with a Queen Anne, bless her soul, as the barrel was a single, solid piece and did not unthread from the breech.
Katie had paid through the nose for it. She confessed to me one evening before we left that she had given the girl the gun, just in case she had to defend herself. I understood where she was coming from, but Vexa was adamant against Siegnette ever using a gun. This I also understood, but we couldn't always be there to keep her safe and she would leave the nest eventually.
The light was still good and we retired to a safe distance away from the camp, a few targets set up and we were away.
She was a god awful shot, not that I was expecting any less. A familiar strop started when she failed for the third time. My advisement to take her time wasn't heeded and her careless actions had me worried.
I seized the gun from Siegnette.
"You keep this pointed away from yourself and other people!" I snarled, "It's not a toy. You use it wrong, people die."
"Isn't that the point?"
"Not with this it's not," I slotted the pistol in my belt, "I don't want you to kill anyone. And if we do our job properly, you won't need to. I'm only allowing you to do this so you know how to handle one, I never expect you to use it in violence. You understand me, Siegnette?"
The young Milfanito nodded meekly.
I needed to drill that into her head. The thought of Siegnette hurting herself with the weapon was terrifying.
I pulled it back from my belt and loaded.
"Don't be scared of it," I pulled on the trigger, "And take your time."
The little gun bucked against my hand and the target pot shattered to dust, a good if lucky shot. The range on these pistols isn't what you would call far.
I went back through the loading process, then handed the pistol back. Her next shot also missed, leading to another frustrated strop. Both lips wobbling and nostrils flaring, even tears pricked at her eyes.
Under her breath she muttered, "You make it look easy."
"Yes. I was shooting before you could walk, remember that. I was also shooting muskets far more primitive than we have now. I even blinded myself."
I rambled on about our adventure in Brightstone Cove. Then out of the blue Siegnette asked about Lucatiel, caught me off guard.
"She was a beautiful woman and I loved her, is that enough?" Old wounds I didn't really want to re-open.
The girl scratched her cheek and gave a cheeky grin, "More beautiful than Mother?"
"Yes and no," I went the diplomatic route, "Different people are beautiful in different ways. Like you're beautiful, but I don't see you like I see your mother."
A deep blush burned her cheeks and she tried in vain to hide her face. I've got a quota to fill, you know. How many times a day can you embarrass your child? It's a natural habit I suppose, I'm very good at it.
I beckoned her over, "Come on then, we'll give you one last shot before clean up."
We stood together with me behind, holding her gun arm steady. I gave her the same advice again and let her take over.
The shot went well wide of the pot and Siegnette gave a defeated sigh.
I gave her a hug and told my daughter not to beat herself up over it, she would get better the more she practised. These things took time.
She handed the pistol back. I took it, but she was going to have to learn how to take it apart and clean it.
The upset on her face persisted. The sour look didn't really suit her.
"What's the matter, love?"
"I just wanted to be good at it, like you."
That was sweet. I brushed away some unburned powder from her cheek, and repeated once more that it was going to take time. I wish she used her ears and listened.
"We'll try again tomorrow," I messed up her hair. There was still a day or two left before we would have to depart.
Over the camp the scent of both roasting beef and pork wafted setting my stomach off, and with a light chuckle led Siegnette back to the tent.
You might have though that she was a princess they way she whined about having to clean the gun, about how dirty it was and the like.
"You use it, you clean it. Don't argue," I hung about at the tent flap, "Get started and I'll go find someone to bring us food."
The girl groaned, "Alright, Father."
"Good girl."
On my return she hadn't made any progress, just sat staring at the fouled pistol.
"That isn't cleaning it, sweetness."
I sat down cross-legged beside her with the tools to pull it apart and gave her a hand. Afterwards we ate and settled down for the evening. She restarted the conversation about Lordran and Erebay, before settling back on the topic of Lucatiel. I hadn't seen such curiosity from the girl since she was little. I let her have a look at some of my less intimate memories with the blonde undead.
She was facing me on her cot, laid down on her tummy.
"So you really, really loved her," Siegnette chirped, "Even though she was a little bit mouldy?"
"Siegnette!" The cheek of the girl, "Don't be rude. I don't think you'd want to suffer the undead curse."
"No Father, sorry," She seemed to shrink.
I stood, rolled out my shoulders and moved to Siegnette's cot. Expending her last reserve of energy, she rocked onto her back to look up at me.
Everyday she was growing up and I had to remind myself of that, and that she had so much growing up left to do, so much to understand about the world. It's cliché I know, but I believe we all think it at least once per child.
"As a Milfanito you're closer to death than most, not as close as your Auntie Katie, but close enough that you should know that the living and dead can't be together. It didn't stop me or Luca though," I tapped her nose, "Sometimes it doesn't matter, you love who you love regardless of them being mouldy or not."
Forward thinking for such a time, don't you think? Now, I'm not going to get all preachy, think whatever you want to think dear reader, I have no say in the matter.
Anyway, my daughter yawned and stretched out. Bedtime.
I pulled the blanket up her her neck and gave her a kiss goodnight.
"Don't you think I'm too old for you to tuck me in?" She pulled the blanket further up, just over her chin.
I sat back down and push part of her fringe to the side, "When you were little you used to love this, getting tucked in by one of us. Then when it got all quiet and you thought it was safe, you'd sneak away from your own bed and into ours, and cuddle up with your mother."
Oh, happy memories. The girl thought so too.
"Aright, enough yapping. Head, pillow, sleep," I pressed gently on her forehead, followed by a flurry of kisses.
I received a playful bat to the face from the back of her hand.
"Stop it, Father. I get it," She giggled and returned the goodnight kiss, "Pleasant dreams yourself and I love you."
With another yawn she closed her eyes.
"Love you too, sweetness."
I used an oil lamp to light up a fag and returned to my own cot, looking at the empty space next to me.
What was Vexa up to? I settled back, blowing smoke to the ceiling. My eyelids were heavy and I stifled a yawn with my hand. Not wanting to waste the smoke, I crushed the tip and placed in on the small table beside me.
Sleep came quick. I'm not sure how long I was out, but I was awoken by shouting from outside. Officers called for their men to ready their muskets, the sound to the volley followed.
"What's happening, Father?"
"I don't know, stay here!" I ordered and threw on my uniform, grabbing my own musket and ran to find out what the commotion was about.
Outside the camp a cavalryman thundered past and not one of mine, he raised a spear and hurled it through the air. The spear landed with a wet thunk, buried deeply in chest of an infantryman. More lay dead around him. It was utter pandemonium. A shot brought the cavalryman down before any more damage could be done.
My legs pumping hard carried me to the formation of infantry where von Strepp was commanding, they were closing square. I entered before it fully closed, taking my place at the centre. Markus was also inside next to the standards.
"Who the hell are they?" I shouted above the noise.
"The natives," von Strepp shouted back, "You two had to go and kick the nest."
Three sides of the square gave fire, fending off the approaching horsemen. In return a hail of arrows fell injuring several men and killing one outright. I fired on a rider who's horse had reared rather than face the waiting bayonets, the ball punching through the mail and the man fell.
Marius revealed his spyglass, extended it in the direction of the neighbouring formations.
"Shit!" The Viscount cursed, "They've broken Heinrich's square. They can get to the inner camp now."
The inner camp…
"Siegnette!" I cried in fear, trying to break from the square to reach her.
Markus pounced on me at Marius' order, "Stay here you stupid bastard, you can't compromise the formation."
I wanted to scream 'damn the formation', my daughter was in danger! The Viscount Akandra spun me round and struck me with his fist. That didn't change a thing.
"Help repel the cavalry, then we help those in the camp," Marius spoke this time, calmly like a friend.
I took a deep breath, fought back the tears, and calmed myself.
The native cavalry charged in again, more than half being brought down under the musket fire.
A heavy sea fret rolled over us and every time a musket went off it cast a fearsome orange glow against the fog.
"Enemy infantry approaching. Shield-wall," An officer cried, "Form line."
The Sergeants repeated the order with added swearing; the square collapsed and the three ranked line appeared. I was in the third rank.
"Keep your powder dry," The Sergeant roared, "And if I find you half-loading Warren, I will personally flog you."
It was like the earlier skirmish at the farm, deja vu.
Spears bristled and axes were poised to split skulls. They were never going to get close enough to use them. What they did have was javelins and several whistled overhead, one pinning a man's leg.
The Sergeant silence the man's pained groans with a threat.
Then out of the silence the order came, give fire.
A second volley was given and a third.
"Fix bayonets."
The bloody work was coming, personal work, where we could get stuck in.
We were steadied by the officer, "Slowly now, lads. Don't charge just yet, wait for the order."
It was tense, the air, us, something was ready to snap.
"Charge you bastards!" We were finally let loose. The officer adding, "Give a cry my boys, and show them why they don't attack His Majesties army."
It was as if all the daemons of hell were coming down on the native attackers, screaming, screeching, shouting out every obscenity under the moon, guttural howls akin to base beasts. On we charged into the waiting melee.
The first rank slammed into the remaining warriors, forcing a gap. I was suddenly aware of the heat in the air, it was choking.
There were more warriors waiting behind the shattered shield-wall. I ran one through, howling some incoherent, driving the warrior to the ground. The bayonet stuck in between the man's ribs, so I reversed the musket and slammed it into the next warrior's face. Then...I don't rightly know what happened. My musket was gone and my sword was back in the tent, it was down to fighting with tooth and nail, and I wasn't the only one.
The next warrior managed to get me with his spear, that didn't stop me. Adrenaline dulled any pain and I ripped the spear from my belly, throwing it to the floor.
I gripped the shied and tore it from the man's grip, tripping him up in the process. He tried to scramble backwards when I fell upon him, tearing away at the helm. I struck him a few times with my fist, my knuckles slick with blood. With a sharp deliberate jerk, I pulled the warrior up and struck him back down with a headbutt. White hot pain spread across my temples, but I ignored it and continued with more punches.
I stopped toying with the warrior and tore out his throat with my teeth, spitting the bloodied lump of flesh and cartilage. The soldier next to me used his thumbs to gouge the eyes from the warrior under him and another used another warrior's shied against him, cracking his skull open.
There were no more natives in my view, a sudden lull swept in and I was made conscious of the pain racking my body. My hair had become loose of its ribbon, now matted with blood, dirt and other unpleasantness.
The closest soldier helped me to my feet, both of us breathing heavily and speechless.
My heart beat raced suddenly. Siegnette.
I ran back and was stopped short at the entrance, it was all burning and there were so many dead. I could only think of the worst.
Our soldiers, native warriors, camp followers, all together in their eternal sleep.
"Siegnette!" I cupped my mouth and yelled, "Siegnette!"
The hyperventilation began and the panic, the panic was far more terrible than the fighting. My tent had be razed, only the embers remained.
I think...i think my legs gave out, the memory starts to get fuzzy.
How was I going to tell Vexa?
"Sir."
I didn't react as Vixen placed his hand on my shoulder. The brute had seen fighting too, both arms covered in gore.
"Siegnette's alright," He stopped with an exhale, "I got to her and she'll live."
"What do you mean by that?" I managed weakly.
My friend led me to the surgeon's tent, both Zimmermann and Zecht were working tirelessly to save the men that had been dragged in.
Zimmermann had a saw in hand and the assistant was pinning the wounded man on the table down. Zecht finished with his own patient and came over.
"Your daughter is in the back and I've done my best, please try and understand Your Majesty, but there is a chance that she will lose the use of her left eye. It was a deep cut Siegnette received to the face," The doctor pulled back the flap to the other room.
My daughter was sat quietly, her head bandaged heavily. Streaks of blood dirtied the white cloth. She turned her head.
I ran to her side, sobbing. I cradled her gently in my arms.
"Dad's here. Dad's here."
My tears started hers and Siegnette gripped the front of my tunic. The forces that had remained stationed on the ships appeared with haste, Vexa among them. The redhead was reduced to a similar state.
How long we sat holding our little girl, I don't recall. It was light, revealing the horrors of the night before.
Burying all the dead was a long process, our dead. Their dead we had mounted on roughly made crucifixes, they would never be honoured in death.
They could be seen from the boats as we were ferried back to the ship. Damn that misunderstanding and damn those natives.
Vexa was right, none of this needed to happen.
Damn them!
I'm back and with another chapter of my beautiful mess.
Been a little while, hasn't it?
I hope you're all alright in these turbulent times and finding means to stave off cabin fever. I know I've been using my time wisely to procrastinate, beating Resident Evil for the umpteenth time which is getting to the point that even Barry's dialogue is getting on my nerves, trying to start writing other things (both fanfiction and original), and not edit any of this.
Anyway, I hope you all enjoy reading this and I would be more than happy to know your thoughts on me dragging the story into the equivalent of the early long eighteenth century and the War of Spanish Succession style army etc.
The title and song quotation are the 1982 Split Enz track Six Months in a Leaky Boat from the Time and Tide album. I am in no way obsessed with Split Enz...
Anyway, until next time I hope you all stay well and hopefully I'll have the next part out soon.
