Two
When the crew stepped off the ship and onto the wharf of Port Royal, all movement seemed to have ceased. The citizens gazed upon people whom they had never seen before. The crew, whom consisted of over thirty men, was clad in similar attire, mostly consisting of white and mauve colored clothing. The six who protected Dolores were dressed in black and crimson. The close-fitting shirts had high collars and it draped down past the hips. Some were made with clasps, hidden beneath the folds, and some had none at all. Others had long baggy sleeves, and there were a few that were sleeveless. All wore the same colored cape, caught in the breeze and flailing without restraint. Anyone who looked upon the six immediately could tell that they were of higher class. Aaron, however, had on also a gold badge over his heart, a token of his ill past. But because he was also the biggest out of the whole group, the people automatically assumed that he was the leader.
"Pleasant folk, aren't they?" Lysander asked under his breath. He turned to his companions and studied quickly their faces. That was when he smiled, "It feels like we are welcome."
"Barely, they're only curious of who we are and what our purpose is. Don't be so quick to think that they have come to greet us warmly." Larz, the second tallest of the six, was the most solemn. When they had jokes or entertainment, he was the last to join and the last to laugh. He had auburn colored hair that was cropped at the shoulders and pulled back by string made from hide. He had bistre colored eyes that would only see the truth. Of them, he was the broadest in the shoulders and a master of the weapons he exerted.
"Perhaps they think we are a circus of some sort and are here to amuse them. We should throw Lys into the center of them and have him perform tricks and gain coin." Lucian was the brightest of the group next to Lysander. To match his cheerful personality, he had vivid blonde hair that was gathered at the nape of his neck. His dazzling emerald eyes were legend in his home land, always full of happiness and cheer. He smiled to Lys, that exquisite smile of his, and turned to his elder, Phineas.
Phineas only glanced at him and faced Aaron instead, silent. Phineas was the quietest of them all, speaking fewer than Aaron. In some ways, he was Aaron's contrast. He was nearly his height, and his figure was perfect, flawless as a child's innocence. His blue black hair fell down to his waist, held together by a black band. His cobalt eyes seemed to go deeper and darker than Aaron's. He was mysterious, stunning, and without fault. He was one of Dolores' favorite.
"Don't bother speaking to him, Lucian; Phineas doesn't like your sort. Now if you don't mind, you should start thinking about finding us a suitable inn." Benedict was the eldest of the six, wise, experienced, and trustworthy. He had long curly brown and red hair that was usually damp from constant activity. He was a unique one, different from the people for miles around. He had two different colored eyes, his left was a blue as clear as the sky and his right was a jade so deep that it matched the shade of forest moss. He held a staff, his weapon, but it seemed harmless though few knew its true self. His staff was like a personification of himself.
"I beg your pardon, but it is not free to let a ship of this size to sit at the harbor."
All six turned to this one man that had spoken aloud to them. He was old, perhaps older than Thatcher. He held a book and quill, and seemed very snobbish for a man. His spectacles hung at the tip of his nose; it was a wonder that they did not fall off. Lucian approached him, and held out a small purse full of coin. He tossed it to the man, who clumsily caught it. "It should be more than enough to situate our ship here. What does it usually cost; five shillings?"
"That it is." The man flushed, shoved the purse into his pocket, and licked the tip of his quill, putting it to the parchment. "And whose name shall I inscribe? I would be punished if it is left unwritten."
"You shall record the name of the ship, Diabolus, and that is all you shall write."
The quill scratched at the parchment furiously. The man trembled as the bulk of Aaron stood before him. Sweat began to form at his forehead and his breathing deepened and sped up. Then he stopped writing and glanced up surprised, "But who presides over this ship?"
"Ask no more, old man," Benedict told him. "It would be a wise thing to do. They, who are merciful, will not always be so willing to forgive and forget. Better yet, to please us, tell us the location of the best tavern in this harbor town."
He trembled upon eye contact with Benedict. The difference in his eyes frightened many; this man was one of them. He nodded and thought carefully. "There is one north of the square, towards the manors of the first estates. I have heard well compliments on it. I'm sure that my lords will enjoy your stay…"
"Well, you are almost correct."
The old man's eyes were curious at Lysander's words. But then Larz stooped to his level and said, "Please, make way. You will be quite bothersome if you block our path. I wouldn't mind if I had to cut some of that frail skin."
Mortified, he made room. The people that crowded the wharf could not tear their eyes away from the gathering of foreigners and the magnificent beauty of the ship. A ship of dark wood and brilliant white sails, there was a mysterious elegance to it that could not be explained.
Phineas moved gracefully onto the dock without anyone noticing until they heard the clicking noise of his boots hitting the wooden floor. The crew made way as did the six, who greeted her immediately. She was absolutely gorgeous in that gown of hers. It was a gown of black and a red that was darker than the color of blood. It fit her tightly above the waist, folding over at her collar and baring her shoulders. The strips of cloth flowed from the shoulders, free and loose, then caught together again at her wrists. The gown streamed generously from her hips, voluminous and smooth letting her move at will. Her cloak, a dye of a forgotten mixture, was put upon her shoulders. Her hair was held up by a pair of black ivory hairpins, decorative and pretty.
Escorted by Phineas, she took careful steps down the ramp and onto the dock. The six surrounded her and waited her commands. She scanned the wharf, taking in the scenery. She turned to her crew and said calmly but loud enough for them to hear, "Thatcher, chose four parties and go into the town to gather what necessities we need. Ten will stay behind to guard the Diabolus. If there are any troubles, you will find us and inform us. Is it clear?"
No one answered, not verbally. They nodded in union, and began to murmur amongst themselves, deciding upon the parties. The old man only stared in awe. Dolores, still clinging to Phineas' arm, began to walk towards the town. Lucian, Larz stood before her, where as Benedict and Lysander stood behind her. Aaron and Phineas always stood by her side when they docked and entered a city. They refused to leave her presence unless commanded. She didn't mind, she looked to these six as close companions, even if they were a bit odd.
"Aaron, I want you to take Larz, Benedict, and Lysander with you. Phineas, Lucian and I will await you in the town square." She pulled out a small envelope, sealed with wax and handed it to him. "When you find him, give him this, but do not let him see any of you. I do not want him to so quickly discover my arrival. I would rather him astonished than afraid." She sighed, "Oh, how I yearn to feel his neck pulse under my fingers."
Lys chuckled aloud, "Would your hand even fit around a man's neck?"
"If not, Lys," she responded. "I will have to resort to my fingernails. They're thick enough to pierce an animal's hide. Better yet, your skull."
"And that is something that cannot be penetrated easily," Lucian laughed. "I cannot even draw a drop of blood when I strike him with a kitchen knife."
She had to smile at that. They always teased Lysander about him having a thick skull that could not receive even the easiest of instructions. Aaron took the letter and it disappeared beneath his cape. He turned to leave, and his hand brushed her cheek, a habit and his way of showing his concern for her. Larz, Benedict, and Lysander turned on their heel and followed Aaron. Dolores, Phineas, and Lucian kept walking, without ever even glancing at the other four. They trusted each other. They knew that there was no one that could harm them.
"Dolores," Lucian asked. "What will you do when he does find you? You have made numerous amounts of letters, giving him clues to where you are and leading him to a trap. Do you think he will fall for it?"
"I am sure he will follow the clues, but I am not so sure that he will fall into the trap. He may seem stubborn, but he is a clever man. Do not underestimate him." She fingered the ring on her right hand, remembering the harsh things he had done to her. "Do not underestimate him if you want to live."
