Disclaimer: I don't own anything of Tolkien's, more's the pity. I do own the Sea Hawk and Arthond, and would like to be asked before they're used in other fics. I'll say yes, I just like to know where my babies are LOL
A/N: This story is AU. Boromir did not die at Amon Hen. For details, please read Evendim's fics Behind Closed Doors, Beyond Closed Doors, and Beyond the Third Age.
A/N: My heartfelt gratitude to Evendim for allowing me to play in her sandbox. This AU was created by her and used by permission.
Acknowledgments: To Evendim, for letting me use her ideas, And to all my loyal reviewers! Thanks, guys, keep it up! The more reviews I get, the more story you'll get!
Dedicated to Evendim and my darling AJ whose support and patience have been quite above and beyond the call of duty. I love you guys so much!
"Sir, there's a small boat off to our port side. Looks like two passengers, though how they got this far out to sea with no sails is beyond me." The lieutenant paused just below Ancir's spot on the bridge. "They appear to be paddling our way."
Ancir peered in the direction the sailor was pointing and drew in his breath sharply. It couldn't be!
"Trim the sails and ship the oars! Helm, hold a steady course!" Ancir wasn't Boromir's second for nothing. The commands were short and clipped, and quickly carried out. He went swiftly to the rail, still wondering if his eyes deceived him. "Quickly, now, linesmen, let's bring her in!"
The line was thrown with eerie accuracy and the occupants of the little craft used it to pull themselves in. Ancir could not believe his eyes!
"My lord!" he exclaimed as Boromir swarmed up the rope, Hawk close behind. Ancir gave his Captain-General a very proper salute. "How did you escape? Although I think you could have planned it better, if that craft is any indication. You should have at least brought water with you."
One of the crew brought water, which the pair eagerly accepted and drank, though not too much. Boromir then dumped his excess over Hawk's head and pulled Ancir into a manly embrace. "It wasn't my choice of vessels, I'm afraid," he almost laughed as Hawk shrieked and stepped backward. "In fact, our escape was very much unintentional at the time, though it proved quite useful." He reached around and grabbed Hawk by the hair as she made to move away from them. "Ah, ah, ah, no disappearing acts today, Hawk." He dragged her forward into Ancir's clear gaze. "This is the creature we have been hunting, Ancir," he explained, his voice smug. "The Sea Hawk."
"Get your paws off me, you misbegotten spawn of a Balrog!" Hawk demanded as she gave his wrist a twist. "I'm not going anywhere. In case you've forgotten, that swine stole my ship! I want it back!"
"As I wish my brother safe," Boromir hissed back. "You give me your word you won't try to escape, and that you won't try mayhem on any of the crew or myself, and we'll go from there." His face was set into what Ancir had occasionally called his "take no prisoners" expression.
"Fine," she snapped back. "Just don't forget, you owe me. Remember what you promised."
Ancir turned again to regard his commander, wondering just what in the name of all Arda had happened between these two. He was starting to get a stiff neck from all the back and forth movement.
Boromir's eyes narrowed, then he nodded. "I have not forgotten, Fileg," he said, his voice deadly. "I will sponsor your people to the King, but only once Arthond is in irons, and only if your people agree as well. And you will be in the brig, under guard, the entire time. I want no chance of you pressuring them into agreement."
She regarded him furiously, her own eyes narrowing in return, and then her fist connected with his by now much-abused cheek hard enough to send him to the deck. He quickly rose, motioning Ancir's men away from her. "She's no danger to any of you," he growled. "She's give her word, and she is at least honorable enough to keep it. Besides, I'm the one she wants to murder, not any of you." He glared at her. "Are you through assaulting me?" he demanded.
"Quite. Now, let's get to work." Hawk drew Ancir into a huddle with herself and Boromir. "There are catacombs under the Garrison at Cair Andros, which you probably already were aware of," she qualified when Boromir opened his mouth to speak. "Be quiet and listen. Those catacombs are where my people are hidden. Yes, Boromir, right under your very nose. Be still. There's an access tunnel from our hiding place to the Garrison basement, which in turn has a hidden passageway to the dock. Arthond will have to leave Aergil out of the bay, unless he wants to chance a trap. And whether you want to admit it or not, he's too smart for that."
Ancir spoke up quickly. "And why should we trust your word on any of this?" he demanded. "You're nothing but a pirate, a thief, and a murderer. How do we know you're not leading us into a trap?"
"She isn't." Boromir's voice was grim. "Arthond was responsible for the sinking of the Fortune, not Hawk. She and I have a sort of… understanding of one another." He gave Hawk a shrewd glance. "So you're going to turn the tables on him, and the hunter becomes the hunted."
"We are," she corrected. "Sir, if I may?" and she turned to Ancir. "You mustn't breathe a word of Boromir to his brother. We need to remain unfound for this to work. Boromir and I will use the passages to emerge at the dock, and will then secure the longboat,cutting off Arthond's escape. The crew is loyal to me, not Arthond. He is maintaining discipline through fear, he always did. They will help us. And once Arthond is dealt with, I will bring my people up and we can take them to Minas Tirith, to your King."
She extended her hand for a shake to close the bargain, trying not to think of what it would mean to her. Whether she had personally killed the Fortune's crew or not, she was responsible for their deaths. She would have to accept the consequences of her chosen course, no matter the outcome.
Boromir nodded to Ancir and took her hand, his own grip firm and steady. "We've a few hours yet before we're in sight of the Garrison. Ancir, we'll need somewhere to freshen up." He pointedly kept his voice neutral, but he knew he smelled of sweat and blood, and he hadn't changed for days. Hawk would be grateful as well, if he'd read her correctly.
Ancir signaled one of the crew, who led them belowdecks and showed them two different cabins. "Make yourselves comfortable. I'll have someone bring some water for washing, and clean clothes too. There's bread and cheese set out, too, and some of that wine you like from Lebennin." He bowed low and left them.
Boromir gave a tiny bow to Hawk and let himself into the cabin, thankful for the respite from Hawk's temper. He found the snack and fell to with gusto, then poured a goblet of wine and finished it off. By that time, there was activity in the passage and he heard Hawk's voice raised in anger.
"Either you bring me something practical to wear or your Captain will get you back in pieces!" she raged.
Boromir stepped into the passage. "What is this?" he demanded of the cabin boy.
Hawk turned to him, her eyes flashing. "This 'boy' brought me dresses to wear!" she answered, her voice clipped, curt, and furious. "I can't bloody well go traipsing around in the catacombs with skirts on, now can I?"
Boromir laughed, a full-throated booming roar of amusement. "And here I thought it was something life-threatening! Cartis, bring the lady some of your clothes, they should fit. Breeches and tunics. She'll need them where we're headed." He turned away from her, still chuckling, and retreated into his appointed cabin, closing the door firmly behind him.