Chapter 11

Once night had fallen, Trout's otters and their guests boarded the Starfish, and headed out to sea. Those that remained with the wives and kits waved farewells and wished them luck from the entrance in the shallow cave.

Atheria was dressed in corsair rags and silks, having used dirt and sea coal to contour her face to look more like a rat. She leaned on the railing with Violet at her side. The little mouse was dropping pebbles she had collected from the shore, into the black ocean below them.

Trout had told the female warrior his idea he had kept hidden from her and she was not thrilled. Violet seemed to notice her aunt's change in mood and tugged on her sleeve. "Why can't we just slip by the Big Island? Isn't it dark enough?"

Atheria smiled down at her. "If only it were that simple. It's a clear enough night that the lookouts on the shore would see us."

"Even with the lanterns off?"

"Yes, even with the lanterns off." Atheria knelt down so she was eye level with her. She stroked Violet's face lovingly.

"Promise me you will be a good mouse and look after old Wally while I'm gone?"

"Yes." She shrugged. "I'm used to it." Violet made a face and Atheria smiled. A wiry otter leaped up on the quarterdeck and bowed to them.

"Trout's ready to go, yer highness."

Atheria nodded to him. "I'll be right there, thank you." She turned back to Violet. "If anything happens, I want you to continue on to Noonvale."

"You're coming back, Atheria. You always do." Violet protested. She embraced her and Atheria held her tightly, fighting back tears. Even though the plan was well thought out, there was still danger.

Trout was waiting with the others when the two mice joined them. The big otter shook his head when he met Atheria's eyes. "Nice o' you to show, yer Majesty."

Quincy had to cover Wally's mouth before the hare could utter a nasty insult.

"Well, this is it, lads." Trout addressed them. "The moment we've all been waitin' for. If we're goin' to get out of 'ere without any pirates on our rudder, we got to be swift and on our toes." He paced up and down the aisle, paws behind his back. "Verang the Vile has eyes on the lookout for us "fugitives", no doubt. This is the only way we can pass by without being seen."

He turned to his brother. "Quincy, your five otters will go on ahead and wait under the docks for my signal. Once all is clear, you put holes in the hull of each ship. Then, you will split up and set fire to the first five ships on the dock. That'd slow the wretches down and leave 'em stranded." He turned to two otters burdened with their bows.

"Sharktooth and Gaia, you're me best archers. You'll come wit' me and the princess in the longboat. There's always two fools watchin' the docks while everyone else 'as a good time in the taverns. You two will pick 'em off quietly." He paused and looked at the two otters sternly. "If we're 'eard, our lives are at their mercy." They nodded and he continued. "The princess and I 'ave a secret mission to complete, so-

"Excuse me, you buffer!" Wally protested. "What secret mission? That wasn't part of the plan!"

"Wally, please." Atheria tried to calm him. He shook a paw at her. "I'm surprised at you, old gel. You trust this fish guzzler with your life?"

Atheria nodded. "I do. I understand your concerns, Wally but I feel that it needs to happen to aid in our escape."

"Then I'm comin' with you. I won't-

"As your princess, I command you to stay at your post, here on this ship, Captain Cornwallis." Atheria cut him off. There was an awkward silence. Under the dirt and rags, was their true leader and formidable ruler of the Kamwian Islands.

The old hare was about to say something but then sighed and nodded his head. "Yes, your majesty."

Trout smiled at his surrender. "Right. The rest o' ya…" he trailed off; his smile faded into a grim line. "If we don't come back, full speed t'the Mainland. Understand? Noonvale doesn't have warlike creatures and they will need some assistance if the Vile One has found them." The remaining crew nodded their heads.

Violet wiped her eyes on her sleeve and sniffed. Wally patted her on the back. "Its alright, little one."

As Atheria boarded the longboat, she looked at Wally and Violet one last time before she and her companions were lowered down to the water. Quincy and his five had already left, leaping into the sea with hardly a splash and swam strongly towards the Big Island docks. Atheria watched as the Starfish was anchored, safely out of view. Trout and Sharktooth rowed the longboat, staring at the lit taverns grimly. Gaia patted Atheria's paw.

"They'll be alright, Majesty."

Atheria smiled. "Thank you. It's just… Violet and I… all we have is each other. I don't know what I'd do if I lost her."

"We'll come through. We have to believe that." Gaia replied.

"Shh! 'Old yer tongues gels." Sharktooth warned them. "Our voices will carry over the water."

They sailed the boat to the far end of the island that wasn't inhabited by vermin. Pulling the boat up on the shore, the four friends hid it in the thick leaves. Once that was done, Trout nodded to the two archers. "Right. Off ye go, now."

They nodded and ran off silently into the darkness. Trout had put on borrowed rags himself, and with Atheria's help, she made him look like a sea-hardened weasel, complete with an eye patch.

"Now we look like a couple of rogues." She smiled at him. Trout shrugged and motioned for her to follow. As they walked, he outlined their plan one last time, handing her a packet of powder.

"This powder would put even the strongest bloke t'sleep. Now, we're after two specific targets. Ye listenin', milady?"

Atheria nodded.

"Old Bentback is in the tavern I'm sendin' ye in. 'E's the eyes an' ears on the island for the Vile One. Verang comes to 'im fer news when he returns from his voyages." He pointed to the packet in her hand. "Don't let him see you sneak the powder in his drink. Make him take a swig. Once he's out, 'e can't say nothin' cause he'd be out like a light once we make our move."

"How am I going to get him to drink without making him suspicious?"

Trout stopped and stared down at her as if she'd grown horns. "Yer a female. Put on that wily charm o' yours."

Atheria sighed. The big otter smiled. "Don't tell me the great warrior 'erself is scared?"

"No." Atheria retorted.

"Good." He nodded. "I got t'rely on me own wit for this one. Old Urchin is cap'n of the entire fleet. That rat 'as a nose fer trouble before it even starts."

The two walked on in silence until they got closer to the torch lit jetty. They paused where the jetty made its way for the docks, twisting around and up the slope to the taverns.

"Off ye go, Lady Atheria. Once yer done, slip out and 'ead back t'the boat. Understand?"

"What about you?"

She saw him look over at a tower of crates with a mischievous glint in his eye. "I got some other business to attend to."

Atheria followed his gaze. "That's crates full of grog." She tilted her head. "We're on a mission and you want to steal grog for yourself?"

Trout looked up at the sky and shook his head. "No Lady Atheria. I'm gonna blow it up." He pushed her towards the jetty. "You're wastin' moonlight. Get goin'!'

She sighed and headed for Bentback's tavern. As she passed, drunken cat calls and antics of the pirate vermin made her clench her fists in annoyance. She fought back the urge to hurl insults at them. Trout couldn't help but chuckle as he watched her.

Old Bentback was a ferret who missed nothing. Though he was old and fat and couldn't bear a trip out to sea anymore, his eyes were sharp and his wits still keen. Before the Vile One had left, he had paid the old ferret to keep an eye out for an undersized female rat. The ferret didn't ask why. He took the small gems willingly. For nearly a week, he kept his eyes peeled but saw nothing. He was just about to forget about Verang's request when Atheria walked into his tavern. He looked up from wiping out a tankard and saw her.

As she walked up to the bar, he put on a charming smile, leaning his bulk against the edge of the counter.

"Aye, yer a pretty one. Wot kin I do ye fer, lass?"

Atheria slipped into her corsair accent, giving him a wink. "Been out t'sea fer a while. I was 'opin' to get some o' that kelp beer ye keep on 'and."

"Of course, love. 'Appy to oblige." He turned away and Atheria reached into her pocket and clutched the packet nervously. The tavern was packed, as usual. How would she get away with drugging the old ferret without being seen?

Quincy held on to the bottom of the dock, floating up and down as the tide rolled in. His five companions were silent as well. The large otter was getting nervous. The longer they stayed, the more dangerous their mission could become. Hearing a couple of thunks in the darkness, he saw the two guards go down. Two otters dragged them off quietly. Quincy exhaled. So far, so good. He motioned his group and they slid through the waters towards the fleet to put holes in each of the ship bottoms.

Violet declined to go to bed in the forward cabins below deck. Being her only guardian at the moment, Wally allowed her to stay up on the quarterdeck with him and watch for Atheria and the otters. The Big Island was peaceful despite the loud, raucous noises coming from the taverns.

"What's taking so long?" She asked quietly.

Wally patted her head. "You can't rush these things, young'un. But I know whatcha mean. I'm nervous myself."

Atheria thanked Bentback when the ferret placed a foaming tankard in front of her. She took an unladylike swig, wiping the foam off her mouth with a sleeve.

"Wot's a lass like you doin' among corsairs?" He asked, fangs beared in a charming smile.

Atheria smiled back. "Ah, ye know. Wot else c'n a lass like me be?" She winked.

Bentback returned the wink. "Yer a sharp one. 'Ow long were ye out t'sea fer?"

"Near t' a month. Seems like longer though." She took another swig. Bentback smiled, wrapping his paw around the hilt of his dagger hidden in his apron.

He knew she was lying. He had seen her in the tavern over a week ago. She was up to something.

"You ever been to the Mainland, afore?" She asked him, unwittingly. Atheria bit her tongue when she realized what a dumb mistake she had made.

"A few times. When I was slimmer an' younger. Not much there, y'see. Now these islands… this is what I call paradise. With the royals out o' the way, these natives don't 'ave the 'eart to fight back. They're at our disposal."

He detected a flash of anger in the ratmaid's sea green eyes.

Atheria forced her anger down and gave him another smile. "'ow's about you join me fer a swig?" She invited.

Bentback raised an eyebrow. "I 'ave work t'do." She forced herself to look disappointed. It seemed to do the trick. The old ferret smiled at her. "But since a pretty lass like you offered…" he reached for a bottle and another tankard and sat down across from her. "I accept."

Trout joined a game of cards, his intended victim sat next to him, his paw on his tankard. To Trout's annoyance, the old rat rarely let go of it. And he was too invested in the game for small talk. The disguised otter had to think of a new plan and fast.

Urchin, normally sharp-eyed and missing nothing, had already been drunk when Trout walked in. In an intoxicated haze, he played the game, cackling and thinking he had won it. The disguised otter soon realized the boozy rat wouldn't need to be drugged after all. He was doing it himself! After a while, he decided to drop out and stood up to leave. There was ships to burn.

His heart flipped when the drunken captain grabbed his paw.

"Where you off to, lad? Ya jus' started!" Urchin's words were slurred. Trout patted his paw reassuringly.

"Ah ya know. Back to my bunk on me ship. Past me bedtime."

Urchin hiccupped. "The night's still young. 'Ave another glass, young'un." The old rat motioned for the bartender. Trout tried to protest but he felt some beast behind him push him back to his seat. It was a very large weasel.

Reluctantly, Trout nodded, keeping an eye on the weasel. "Alright, Cap'n. You win. One more fer me."

Atheria was having troubles of her own. She was running out of things to talk about and she was getting nervous. They had been on the island too long. Trout was probably waiting for her at the docks. She looked away from the rambling ferret and gazed about her. What could she do to distract him long enough to put the powder in?

"Fer a lass that wanted to talk, you sure ain't listenin'."

Atheria turned back to him. "Sorry mate. What'd y'say?"

Old Bentback stood up from his seat. "Never mind that. I got me work t'do. It was nice chattin'." To Atheria's annoyance, he took the tankard with him. She groaned inwardly. Leaving her payment on the counter, she slipped off the stool and walked outside the tavern.

Unbeknownst to her, Bentback watched her go. Untying his apron, he summoned three rats who sat nearby and pointed at his intended target.

Urchin had finally passed out and Trout was able to make his escape, bidding good night to his 'friends'. He nearly ran into Atheria on his way down the jetty and startled her. He grabbed her shoulders and she relaxed when she realized it was him. He stared at her inquiringly.

"Well?"

Atheria shook her head. "I tried but-

Trout closed his eyes and rubbed the side of his head. "Wonderful. Well at least mine was far gone without bein' drugged. We'll just 'ave t'take our chances." He let go of her. "Head back t'the ship, milady."

"No, I'm not going yet. Let me help."

Trout shook his head. "You've done enough. I shoulda known better than to bring you 'ere like this."

"I'm not leaving, Trout."

Trout grit his teeth. Before he could argue, Atheria had turned away and gasped.

Bentback the ferret stood behind them, dagger drawn. The three rats stood behind him.

"You two ain't pirates." Bentback's bloodshot eyes roved over Trout. Then he turned to Atheria. "Ye thought you could drug me, huh lass?"

"Well… uh…" Atheria was lost for words.

Trout rolled his eyes and pushed her behind him. "Get out of here!" He lunged forward with his cutlass and Bentback tried to deflect it with the dagger but the blade was shorn off. Seeing the disguised otter meant business, he dropped the bladeless hilt and ran, the rats following. To Atheria's dismay, he was sounding the alarm.

Trout sheathed the cutlass and grabbed Atheria's paw. "He's bringin' reinforcements. We gotta get those ships torched now!"

As they ran down the docks, Trout let out a sharp whistle.

Swiftly, Quincy and his group left their hiding places and moved into action. The ships had been scuttled and were slowly sinking.

Gaia and Sharktooth had just finished dragging the bodies of the lookouts to the sea and dumping them. Trout pushed Atheria towards them. "You two get the princess back to the Starfish. That's an order!" He ran to help Quincy, leaving Atheria staring after him. Gaia grabbed her paw but Atheria pulled it away.

"Please, Lady Atheria. You 'eard him!" Gaia pleaded. Hearing shouts and war cries, they saw the pirates spill out of the taverns and onto the jetty, led by Bentback who carried a sword.

Sharktooth groaned. "Right. Let's go gels!" With Atheria between them, the three friends ran down the jetty and into the darkness.

Quincy had finished lighting his ship, and was waiting with four of the otters in the water. Trout was helping with the last one to make sure it was done correctly. Quincy was about to shout to his brother to hurry up when an arrow came shooting through the darkness and found its mark, deep in his shoulder. Supported by two of his otters, Quincy was moved out of range as the arrows kept flying.

The ships were starting to smoke now, one ship's deck was completely engulfed in flames. Cries and shouts lifted on the night air.

Trout and his companion leaped overboard and into the water.

"Off ya go mate! I got one last job t'do!" Trout swam for the dock and pulled himself up. In the chaos, the pirates were more occupied with their ships and didn't see him run for the crates of grog. He groaned when he saw Bentback and six rats take off after Atheria and the two archers. Taking out flint and tinder, he decided the three of them could take care of themselves.

Bentback was breathing hard but he was determined to catch up to the ratmaid who had tried to deceive him. With six armed rats, they raced after their targets. Sharktooth had seen them and forced Gaia and Atheria to keep going.

"We can fight!" Atheria protested.

Sharktooth glared at her. "That young'un of yers needs someone t'care fer her. Now go, yer majesty!"

Gaia tugged on her and they fled, looking back worriedly at the lone otter.

Bentback stopped and held out his sword, laughing at the scowling otter.

"Yer a fool. One against the seven of us. And I know fer sure that ain't no rat!" He pointed at Atheria's retreating form.

"Yer right, mate. That's our queen!" Sharktooth flung his sword and it impaled itself in Bentback's gut. The ferret went down with a look of shock on his face. The six rats, having lost their leader, dropped their weapons and fled for their lives, not willing to stay and duel with the furious otter. He pulled his sword free from the dead ferret's stomach and ran after his companions. When he got there, Gaia was the only one by the boat.

He looked about him. "Where'd she go?"

Gaia pointed helplessly behind him. Sharktooth shook his head in admiration when he saw Atheria racing for the docks.

Trout was not surprised when Atheria found him behind the crates, but he was furious that she had disobeyed him. "I told ya to go back!"

"I'm not leaving you behind."

"Yer a stubborn mouse!" He growled.

Atheria grabbed his flint and tinder from him. "I know. Shut up and start burning." She ran between the crates to the other side. Trout scowled and pulled out more flint and tinder and walked to the opposite end. Once he got a good fire burning, he took off running, retrieving Atheria as he went. She had just barely started her own.

"I'm not done!" She protested.

"I ain't stayin' to get blown t'pieces!" He shouted. They high tailed it onto the docks and were immediately seen in the light from the burning ships. Several vermin ran after them, weapons drawn and snarling. Atheria turned back and gasped. "They saw us! They saw us!"

Trout saw them and pulled her closer to him as they ran. "Don't panic, milady! Get ready to jump!"

They hit the water, just as the first crates exploded, incinerating half of their pursuers. The explosion set off a chain reaction big enough to ignite the first few taverns and spread to the docks, connecting with the already flaming ships. Many vermin lost their lives. Some were able to escape by jumping into the water. It was like a huge bonfire.

Those on the Starfish, saw the explosion too. Violet cried out in terror and tried to pull herself over the side and into the water, screaming Atheria's name. Wally and another otter had to grab a hold of her to pull her away.

"Let me go, let me go! She's hurt!" The little mousemaid squealed. Wally held her tight as she sobbed, staring at the huge plumes of smoke in shock. For once, the hare was lost for words.

Quincy, half conscious, stared at the exploding dock. They were half way to the ship, floating in the sea. Sharktooth and Gaia had left the longboat on the island and swam for it. They met the others there as well and watched guiltily.

"I couldn't stop 'er." Gaia sobbed. "Milady took off so fast and I…"

Sharktooth wrapped his arm around her. Quincy shook his head. "No one could 'ave survived that." He winced in pain. Sharktooth took command. "Let's get to the ship, mates. If we go back to look for 'em, we'll run into trouble."

Quincy, with some help, pulled himself up the rope ladder and Wally dragged him onto the deck. He grabbed his face, shaking him.

"Don't you go to sleep on me, old lad. Where is she?"

All Quincy could do was point. The arrow was still stuck in him and the pain was immense. Finally, the wet otter blacked out. Wally shook his head and held Quincy's unconscious form. "Confound it!" He looked at the burning island, many emotions battling inside him.

Sharktooth was the last one up the ladder. He sat down slowly with his feet hanging over the side, shaking his head.

"I tried to get 'er out of there, Cap'n. She's a stubborn beast." His voice was thick with grief. "I don't know if Trout got away. I think t'was him and Lady Atheria that made that explosion."

The ship's crew were silent, save for Violet's sobbing. She was kneeling next to Quincy. Gaia gathered the tiny mouse up in her arms and held her, rocking her back and forth.

"We need to leave." Gaia said quietly. "I think we're safe enough t'slip away now."

Violet shook her head. "No. No, we can't leave Atheria!" She protested.

Wally got up and leaned on the side, trembling with grief and fury. "That tattooed buffoon! I'd give anything to strangle that neck of his!"

"Who you callin' a tattooed buffoon ya overgrown dumplin'?" Came an angry shout from below. They all ran to the side and looked down. Trout glared up at the fat hare, Atheria clinging to his back. She was trying hard not to laugh.

Wally rubbed his eyes. "Well, I'll be…"

Violet laughed. As Atheria pulled herself up on the deck, Violet wrapped her arms around her, ignoring her aunt's soaked clothes. Trout saw Quincy and knelt down next to him.

"Your brother's fine. Looks like a clean shot. He just passed out on us." Wally explained. With practiced ease, Trout removed the arrow and called for bandages.

"Our princess is a crazy one. But, I don't think I'd 'ave made it without 'er." He winked at Atheria who grinned back wearily.

Wally draped a blanket over Atheria. She gathered it arounder herself and stood next to Trout, dripping and gazing down at Quincy worriedly.

"But I didn't get Bentback taken care of."

Sharktooth and Gaia shared a grin before turning back to their princess. "Don't worry 'bout that ol' spy, milady." Sharktooth laughed.

"Why?" Atheria asked.

Gaia answered for him. "Let's just say, the old ferret got wot 'e deserved."

Trout chuckled while he tended to Quincy's shoulder. "Well, I've 'ad enough excitement for one night. Let's get out of 'ere! We got business on the Mainland to attend to."

This was a long chapter but it was fun to write. :)