Disclaimers? Chapter 1.
All right, so maybe that wasn't the midpoint. Maybe it was. Lets see how things go. I hope everyone likes pirates!
Ch. 21
Not to the swift, the race:
Not to the strong, the fight:
Not to the righteous perfect grace:
Not the wise, the light.
-Henry Van Dyke
"Thirteen leagues, Cap'n! An' gainin'!" The watch called down. The crew scrabbled about, making preparations and loading cannons. There hadn't been a sea battle in Hyrule for a long time, since most of the pirate raids happened very close to shore. Ichiro stood ready at the bow with the Royal guard, armed for battle. "Cap'n, I see the jack! Tis RedEye's!"
The Captain swore lustily and strapped his own cutlass on, joining Ichiro at the bowsprit.
"We're in fer a fight, Chief." He said, squinting fiercely out at the growing form of a ship. Soon, they could make out the outline, and a red flag billowing at the mizzenmast. It was only another few minutes or so that they felt the first attack, a cannonball, several hundred feet from the ship. The water shot up like a geyser, and hissed. "Come about!" The Captain roared to the crewmember at the wheel. The sailor spun the wheel, and they felt the ship start to turn against the wind to come around. In a few moments, they had turned at an angle, and the New Dawn began to make a half-circle towards the approaching ship.
*************
RedEye was the indisputable King of Pirates. Rumor said that he was the son of a Gerudo, for his hair was a fiery red and he was hailed and feared as the most cunning of all sea-thieves. He stood at the high deck of the BloodWave, and watched calmly as they neared the opposing ship. He was not a large Hylian, nor loud, but his eyes were narrowed cruelly, and he had many notches on his scimitar hilt: smaller ones for women and children.
He turned towards his crew, surveying them with his one good eye, which was a dark rose-color, hence his name.
"Unfurl that last sail," He said in his quiet way. His voice was soft and cultured, without the rough accent that usually accompanies the look of a corsair. The pirates went about there job briskly and without pause: there was respect mixed in with fear when it came to their captain.
He crossed down onto a lower deck, and walked towards the bow, his eyes narrowing slightly. "That's that old fool Deadleg, all right. Though it's a new ship. I wonder what they're doing all the way out here..." A burly, tattooed pirate raced up to him and saluted.
"Capt'n," He said. "That las' shot was abou' a hundred fee' off. Shall we fire ag'in?" RedEye shook his head.
"I've given him a warning shot. If he doesn't slow, then be ready." The pirate saluted, and raced back to his post. RedEye fiddled with the scarred hilt of his scimitar, and squinted his good eye thoughtfully.
"Well, well, old One Eye, you've brought me a fine gift from Hyrule... I'm flattered." He laughed softly, and turned back towards the main deck to overlook his crew's preparation.
*************
"Swing er' 'bout!" The Captain shouted to the man at the wheel. They had closed in close enough to be able to make out the pirates running about on the BloodWave's deck. Ichiro put a hand on the blade at his side, and turned to look at the leader of the Guard.
"Listen up," He said quietly. "This is going to be a sea battle, and none of you are well prepared for this. I advise you to do as the Captain and crew ask you to do, and stay out of their way as much as possible."
The Guard nodded, each man grasping his heavy spear tightly, eyes unwavering as they focused on their leader.
*************
The two ships came towards each other, passing by at full speeds. Both Captains ordered their crew to fire at will, and the afternoon sky was filled with the sharp scent of powder and burning wood. Although most shots were off, several hit either ship, and they circled 'round to come back, this time coming in close enough for a boarding. RedEye's crew, more adapt to sea battles, threw several hooked ropes across gunwalls to bring the ships together, and Deadleg's men quickly severed the ties.
Ichiro and his guards held back, prepared if there was to be an onboard battle. At last it came, as RedEye ruthlessly brought his ship in close enough to hit the New Dawn, splintering the hull. The deck beneath them shivered, and several of the crewmen stumbled under the hit. More hooked ropes were thrown over and secured, and the pirates began to swarm aboard their ship.
"Now's the time, me buckos!" Captain One Eyed Deadleg roared. "Giv' 'em fire an' 'ell!" The two groups clashed violently, knives and cutlasses shining deadly in the bright overhead sun. While the first wave of pirates swamped in on the smaller crew of the New Dawn, the remainder of RedEye's crew kept the cannon's warmed, firing off at several intervals, careful not to stow the maiden ship in. RedEye had already decided that he would like to keep the new ship, and didn't want to do too much damage to it. Ichiro and his Guard's came in behind the sailors, using superb soldiering techniques against the corsairs, and the two forces raged, none giving way.
*************
Saria grasped at the bed as the entire ship seemed to shake. She heard the dull roar of a cannon from far away, and turned to Tappor.
"Has it started?" She whispered, standing up. Tappor rose stiffly, and donned his glasses.
"I believe so." He muttered, looking around anxiously.
"I didn't know they were going to have...cannons," Saria said, heading towards the door to look down the hallway. Below deck was empty, the steady noise of battle coming in faintly from above. She gripped the 'sill of the door as another explosion, seemingly from above, vibrated the hull. "Do you think they could sink us?" She asked, gripping the 'sill tighter. Tappor came to stand beside her.
"That could be a possibility, my dear, especially if we are on the losing side. What are you thinking of?" He asked, seeing her worried look.
"Of going up there and helping... I don't know if we'd make a big difference or not, Tappor, but I don't think I could just sit here and do nothing... Link will be all right for awhile, I think..." Tappor nodded and clapped his hands together.
"Well, I think we should pursue this plan, then! No sense and staying here and worrying. As they say, 'Go down with the ship'! Or... at least I believe that's what they say..."
"Let's hope it doesn't come to that, Tap. C'mon." She made a quick stop in her own quarters to grab her bow, then joined Tappor in the hallway. The plump little scholar had decided to take an old, dusty mop handle as a weapon, and brandished it fiercely. They quickly went up the stairs and onto the upper deck, where the fight was still raging.
RedEye laughed lustily, swinging across several ropes down to the lower deck. He checked the progress of the fight, itching to get into it, and spotted the Captain of the ship, Deadleg, swinging a large cudgel sword around at several retreating pirates. RedEye narrowed his eyes, and took a running jump across the gap between the ships, landing in the midst of a skirmish. He brought his scimitar out and whipped it across a surprised sailor's chest, flaying him to the bone instantly. The sailor could only choke out a strangled cry before he fell, and Deadleg turned to glare at him.
RedEye chuckled, wiping his blade on the dead sailor's bloodstained tunic, and stepped over him.
"Well, well, my friend. So we meet again." He said in his low, seductive voice.
Deadleg gritted his teeth. "I ain't no frien' o' yors, ya lily livered cu'throat bilgerat blaggard!" He roared. He brandished his sword threateningly, and lunged forward to attack the pirate Captain. RedEye brought his own sword up and blocked the blow in a swipe, dancing back nimbly to lead the Captain in a joust. They traded blows for several minutes, the chaos of the bloody sea battle raging around them. Deadleg had the advantage of strength over his opponent, but RedEye countered with speed, and it wasn't before long that he lunged in to slash Deadleg across his sword-arm, causing him to drop his blade. RedEye laughed harshly, whipping the tip around to point at the Captain's bearded throat.
"Not friends?" He asked. "Well then, I guess I'll just have to-"
"You! Halt!" Ichiro shouted, running through the fray of pirates and sailors. He was followed by several soldiers, and advanced towards RedEye.
RedEye was about to go ahead and slash the Captain's throat and run, when all of a sudden he spotted another way out, and darted out into the fray to grab a young woman he'd spotted. She was wild looking, and roguishly beautiful, and he latched onto her, bringing his curved scimitar around and across her throat.
"Maiden on a maiden ship?" He asked in delight. He was glad for the scapegoat, for though his pirates were excellent fighters, they were outmatched by the desperate sailors plus the handful of trained soldiers. Saria struggled gamely against his hold, but he only held tighter, and touched the cool, blood stained blade against her pale throat. "Be still, lovely one. I wouldn't make a move if I were you." The Captain held out a hand to halt his men.
"'earken," He muttered. "Le' 'er go, scoundrel. She be only a lass."
RedEye walked backwards slowly, dragging Saria with him. He jerked his head to the side, communicating that his crew should retreat, and they did so, until only he was left. The pirates began to sever the ropes from the gunwalls, and RedEye turned abruptly, shoving Saria across the waiting hands. She made one more struggle to get away, biting a hand that was holding her, and cried out Link's name. Instantly, another fist came out to knock her back, and she fell under the crews' weight.
The crew of the New Dawn raced to the gunwalls in outrage.
"Return the girl!" Ichiro shouted angrily. Tappor nodded, shaking a fist that had been knicked from a swordblade. The Captain leaned over the side.
"This 'ain't over, ya 'elldog! We'll meet a'gin!" He snarled viciously. The crew shouted insults and threats at the grinning pirates, but could do nothing in fear of bringing harm to Saria. RedEye turned, chuckling to himself.
"Well, Deadleg. I always said we were friends, and as friends, I'll give you a final present. Ahoy, men! Fire one last round of shots for our buckoes!"
The pirates ascented, firing off each cannon in a row, riddling the deck and the mizzen mast with several tears. The last hit the hull with a dull thwack, and RedEye laughed fiercely. "I think that one did some damage! Truly we will meet again, perhaps in the next port? I'll be waiting for you, or shall I say, we will! I think I'll enjoy this young maiden's company awhile more. Full sail!" He called, and the crew of the New Dawn could only watch helplessly as they sailed away, gaining speed, until they were only a smudge on the horizon.
For a few moments afterwards, they could only stand about in shock, before the crewmembers began to move again, frantically checking damage. Already the hull of the ship was tipping slightly to the side, and the mizzenmast creaked precariously above them. Several soldiers and sailors were trying to loop ropes around it to keep it from crashing down.
Deadleg turned to Ichiro with a worried look, the first expression aside from anger or outrage he'd seen from the Captain since they'd met.
"I b'lieve we should set sail full speed t'wards lan', now, Chief. Tis the only thing we c'n do." Ichiro hesitated briefly, then nodded, and turned to accompany the sailors in trying to keep the largest mast from smashing into the upper deck.
*************
Link cupped his gloved hands around the ocarina, cradling it gently. The texture seemed smoother, the wood a more beautiful cream color, the faded holes a testament to some faith. He didn't look up when Tappor came to cut away the bandage from around his brow.
"Now there you are," Tappor said cheerfully, "You are looking much better, my friend! Only a few more days and there should be no sign at all! But tell me, how do you feel now?"
Link turned the instrument carefully, aching at how easily it fit into his cupped hands. He pulled off one of the rust-colored gloves, and clasped the ocarina in his left hand, running a callused thumb over the smooth hull. Finally, as if out of a trance, he looked up at Tappor, and blinked.
"Fine... I'm fine." His voice was hoarse with strain, and Tappor shook his head, turning to lay the bandage aside. Ichiro, his tall frame leaned in the doorway, folded his arms over his chest, and watched Link impassively.
"Good, I'm glad to hear it." He said. "A good soldier keeps his wits about him in all situations."
Tappor grumbled something under his breath, and turned with a sigh, handing Link a steaming cup.
"Mind that you drink all of it, my friend. It is an old recipe for a potion, and it should help to mend afflictions faster... Or so I've been told, though, between you, I, and the Hylian scholars, I trust no more than good, solid science." That said, he ambled to the door, and gave Ichiro a frosty look. "Pardon me, your Cheiflyness, but there are things needed to be done around here."
Ichiro gave him a dark look, but eased off of the 'sill, and stepped aside. Tappor passed him, and Ichiro turned to step fully into the room.
"Get yourself together," He addressed Link. "It's not over yet. We haven't even reached the shore." Link ignored him. "Do you hear me?" Ichiro snarled. "You were given a task, boy, a great task, by the Rulers of Hyrule! And by the Goddesses I won't let you sit there and-" Ichiro suddenly lost his voice as he was slammed up against the door.
Link pressed his arm in at the Chief's throat, and gazed up at him with barely-suppressed rage.
"No," He snarled, "You listen to me. We aren't going to some place to save your princess! You-"
Ichiro abruptly twisted out of his grasp, and slammed a fist into the side of Link's head. Link reeled back, and hit the floor hard, scrabbling to get back up. Ichiro lifted him bodily, and delivered a blow to his stomach, stepping back as he doubled over.
"I beg to differ," Ichiro said, in a low, dangerous voice. "I've been putting up with your shit since we started this mission, and now I'm finished with you!"
"No!" Link wheezed, lunging forward to grapple with him. Ichiro's strength was greater, however, and he twisted Link around, using the youth's own force to throw him down. Link rose again, but this time made a different approach, tackling Ichiro around the knees, and pulling him down.
"Damn it!" Ichiro swore, pounding Link on the back with a fist. Link made another wheezing sound, but struggled forward, and wrapped an arm around the Chief's throat, cutting off his air. Ichiro struggled, and Link brought up another arm to support the one already in action.
"I said, listen to me!" Link shouted in his ear. "We're going to find that pirate, and we're going to get Saria back! WE AREN'T LEAVING WITHOUT HER!" He twisted around, bringing a knee up into the Chief's back. Ichiro tried to get free, but felt his body locking up under the strain of the tangled move. Link began to feel his own muscles jumping under the strain, and he felt his grip start to loosen. He tightened it again, driving his knee even harder against Ichiro's spine. Finally, the Chief slumped, and Link released him, getting up and moving away quickly.
Ichiro gasped for air, pushing himself up into a sitting position. Down the hallway they could hear the approach of many feet, and several crewmen came rushing in.
"Wot 'appened?" The first one in said, eyeing the scene. One of the sailors left, and in a few minutes, returned with the Captain.
"Avast!" He cried, seeing them both. He squinted at them, tugging on his beard. "Wot took place, sirs?"
Finally, Ichiro pulled himself up, and stood stiffly. The Royal Guard, having only arrived, poured into the room, and tackled Link, quickly overpowering and capturing him.
"Wait!" Ichiro called, and they froze. He rubbed his neck, and came forward to kneel in front of Link, who was panting, and still trying to struggle. "You're a young fool to try a move like that. I could have you arrested for treason."
"Go ahead!" Link spat. "You coward, you have enough hands and arms!" The closest guard cuffed him, and Link was pushed to the floor again. Ichiro held up a sharp hand gesture, and they loosened their grip again. He grasped Link by the hair, and lifted his face.
"Not like you." He said quietly. "You're a fool, and you're a punk... but you're no coward. What you did took a lot of guts, and a lot of true grit. No Hylian has ever bested me in a fight. Let him up!" He commanded, releasing his hold, and rising again. Link dragged himself up, and held his aching side. The Captain ordered the crewmembers to depart, and all left until only Ichiro and Link stood alone in the room.
"We have to get her back," Link said weakly, feeling woozy. "I won't let them-"
"You can't do anything." Ichiro interrupted with a frown. "All you can do is start trouble, and maybe get yourself killed. However, it wasn't my intention to just let them go without a fight. I'm not that heartless, kid. We'll get your young heart back, but not yet. We have other problems to attend to, namely, the ship is flooding, and we have several weeks left of travel." Link looked up in surprise.
"I didn't know that," He muttered, rubbing his sore head.
"Of course you didn't," Ichiro said. "You were too busy sitting in this room, harrowing away about things you have no control over."
Link stooped to pick up his hood, and brushed it off with a sigh. His ribs hurt, along with his head and back. "How long do we have left?"
"Two, three more days, at the most." Ichiro responded. "There are some keel boats aboard for the crew, but they weren't made for cross-sea journey."
Link looked at him quietly. "I didn't even think about that stuff... All I could think about was getting Saria back..."
"We can't even get to her until we can first get ourselves in a safer position," Ichiro told him. "Always remember that. If you want to be able to help others, you must first help yourself."
It was a new kind of logic for Link, and he wondered about it quietly. Ichiro knelt on the floor, and picked up Saria's ocarina which Link had dropped. He set it on the bed, and turned to go. "Now get some rest, kid. You'll be of no use to us if you can't even stand."
Link nodded slowly, and watched the Chief leave the room in a stiff walk, his thoughts far away.