Rolling in the Deep Chapter 5 Whisper on a Scream, a labyrinth fanfic

Rolling in the Deep

By: Nikki Kelly

Disclaimer: I do not own the Labyrinth or any of the other movies, video games, etc. that I reference…

Chapter 5: Whisper on a Scream

After the serpent attack, the Merrow Wind made an unscheduled stop on at the port of Finfolk Bay on the Isle of Man to repair damage to the ship. Since the attack, Alyx had remained distant from Morven and the others, unsure of where their true allegiance belonged. This did not go unnoticed by the men, so as she tried to leave the ship when they docked, Morven blocked her progress.

"Hold it right there, mate. Yer not takin' one step off me boat 'til ya tell me what's eatin' at ya."

She gave him a glare. "Nothing. Now, let me by. I have to get stuff to repair your ship."

"Belay that. Yer orders are to tell me what crawled up yer backside. You've been avoidin' everyone like the plague. What gives?"

"I've been avoiding your new helmsmen. It's not my fault that you spend the majority of your time with him. Now, let me pass. If I don't get to market soon, they'll be out of tree sap for the repairs."

Morven looked a little hurt at her outburst. "Now, I know ya donna like-"

"Do you want your bloody ship repaired or not? Shove off!" Alyx snapped and moved around him to stalk down the gangplank.

"Oy! You be back on this ship in one hour or I'll put out a bounty on yer head!" Morven threatened. "An' for the sake of the God's, try to stay out of trouble!"

Alyx grumbled at the good natured grin that the captain tossed her and disappeared into the crowded port. She was still muttering curses in Goblinese when she approached market. Even the ogre that sold her the tree sap recognized her foul mood and barely blinked when she haggled him down to nearly half his asking price. She barked orders for it to be delivered to the Merrow Wind and stalked away. Rounding a corner, she found a small pub called The Jolly Captain and went inside for a bit of privacy. Sequestering herself in a dimly lit booth at the back of the pub, she flagged down the Nereid bar wench to order a mug of ale and a bowl of stew. While she waited, she packed her long pipe and soon smoke was flowing in tendrils around her.

Alyx was contemplating leaving the Merrow Wind. If it was not for the fact that all she had on her person was the glass slippers on her feet and the sword at her hip, she would have just disappeared into Finfolk Bay and left them all far behind. Hell, the idea was still an option. She had made it in this world with far less. Ever since the conversation that she had overheard after the attack, she had remained distrustful of her friends. She knew that they would never sell her out to the Unseelie Court, but knowing that they were possibly in cahoots with the Seelie Court somehow hurt her more. She also found it very disconcerting that somehow Patch knew that she was a woman. Who had sent him to watch her? The Seelie royals? Jareth? Possibly even Jaron?

The Nereid returned with her food and drink, flashing her a pretty smile at Alyx's grumbled thanks. Digging into her meal, Alyx began to weigh her options. She had a decent amount of gold left on her person and her shoes. Of course her shield and her axes were aboard the ship, but she did have her sword. Surely, she could find some work as a travelling healer or something. She could keep herself to the backwater towns and always stay on the move. It would be virtually impossible for anyone to track her down, Seelie or Unseelie.

Alyx was lost in her thoughts, so she barely noticed the Nereid barmaid approaching her table. When she neared, the young woman's blue skinned hand reached out to topple the remainder of Alyx's ale. Before Alyx could even open her mouth to complain, the wench gave a flurry of apologies and leaned in close to clean the mess.

"My apologies, sir!" She was a tizzy until her lips were closer to Alyx. The Nereid's voice then lowered when she spoke directly. "There is a dark man asking questions at the bar…"

Alyx's head snapped up from the mess and she locked eyes with the waitress. The look in the young Nereid's pale blue eyes was one of pure terror.

"Bad questions… Unseelie questions." The wench trembled and licked her lips, nervously. "You sail on the Merrow Wind, yes? I think I remember you from Squall's crew."

"Yes." Alyx replied, her throat dry.

"You must hurry to your ship and warn the Captain. Unseelie seek the Girl here."

Alyx gave a slow nod and shoved her plate away. Throwing a few coins on the table, she moved to leave, trying to avoid looking at the bar. She was almost at the door when a tall cloaked figure stepped in front of her and impeded her progress.

The Nereid was right in her description of him, because from his looks down to his very aura, he oozed darkness. The pressure of his dark magic was almost enough to make Alyx gasp in alarm. He felt as if he was the bastard creation of a haruspex and a fanged grimoire. It was obvious that he was a highly skilled necromage indulging in the darkest of the arts. He wore a hood low over his face and a cracked half mask of a skull. His scared lips barely moved as he spoke and the very sound of his voice made her want to vomit.

"You there… Elf…" The abomination looked over her with the barest flash of yellow eyes. "I'm looking for a girl."

"Whorehouse is down the block." Alyx replied and tried to move around him, but he stopped her again.

"You misunderstand. I do not seek a whore, but rather a fugitive from the Unseelie Court. I have 500 gold coins for whomever can produce this girl."

The dark man held up a battered drawing and Alyx was unnerved to find a fairly accurate rendition herself staring back. She shook her head, praying that the magic of her glamour and her shoes would stay strong.

"Onliest girls I seen is the ones servin' me drinks an' the ones spreadin' their legs. An' both be in short supply these days." With that, she moved to pass by him again and this time he relented, moving on to question the next patron. Once that she was a few paces outside the tavern door, she began to walk faster. By the time she got to the other side of the market, she was at a full-fledged run. Nearly tripping over herself as she raced up the gang plank, she ran into Krollin. His eyes were full of worry at her frantic behavior.

"Anuerin! We was just getting' ready to search for ya! What-"

"Unseelie!" Alyx hissed trying to catch her breath. "There was an Unseelie bounty hunter at The Jolly Captain."

"Were ya followed?" Krollin's eyes flew to the crowded docks.

She shook her head, her breath coming in short gasps. "I don't think so."

"Are you hurt?"

"No… I ran the whole way here."

"We must set sail. Inform the Cap'n an' I'll ready the ship."

Alyx nodded as the elf dashed off to his duties. She rushed to Morven's quarters and was more than a little dismayed to find he was there playing cards with Patch. Both of their heads snapped in her direction when she slammed open the door. Morven was relaxed in his chair, his feet propped up on the desk.

"`Bout bloody time! I was gettin' ready to send out the search party." Morven grinned and then noticed how distressed the girl looked. "Oy, what's-"

"Ship's sailin', Mister Patch. Get to yer post." Alyx ordered as she strode to Morven's desk.

"Oy, it be Quigli's shift!" Patch complained.

"It wasn't a request!" Alyx snapped at him.

"As Master Anuerin orders, Mister Patch. To yer post." Morven ordered, his worried eyes on his First Mate.

A sour look crossed the one eyed pirate's face and as he rose he threw his hand of cards on desk. He muttered, gloomily, as he made his way to the door and left them alone. "Figures… Just when I were startin' to win…"

"Alright, kiddo…" Morven lowered his legs and leaned across the desk to study her, intently. "Now, ya wants to tell me why ya came in here lookin' like death were on yer tail?"

"Sweet Gods, Morven…" Alyx sunk into Patch's abandoned chair, weary from the frightening encounter, and shaking uncontrollably. "It fucking touched me."

The minute that Patch left the cabin, his joyful attitude was gone. His one blue eye studied the crowd on the dock, intently, and he made his way towards the gangplank. Taking a deep breath through his nose, he sneered when he caught the scent.

Dank.

Rot.

Like a moldy skeleton in a long forgotten tomb.

It was faint, but the scent of the dark magic was there just the same. It hung over the city like smog. At the end of the gangplank, the pirate drew a dagger from his hip. With a wince, he sliced open his palm, letting his blood drip onto the stones of dock and muttered an old incantation. His magic cloaked the ship, rendering it virtually invisible to the dark shadow that skulked in Finfolk Bay. Satisfied with the spell work, he quickly wrapped his wounded hand with a scrap of cloth and began to draw in the gangplank. Krollin was there in a second, helping him.

"My thanks, mate." Patch said.

Krollin did not have time to reply before they both felt it. The dark magic of the Unseelie bounty hunter encompassed the docks. Patch's eye narrowed as he looked out over the crowd until he saw it. It moved like a shadow. Its dark form haunted the docks, searching for its prey.

"Will it see us?" Krollin asked and Patch returned his attention to the elf.

"Not likely." Patch flexed his wounded hand. "I used blood in the spell. It won't know she's aboard. Likely, it won't even notice the ship."

"Many thanks for that."

Patch scoffed and smirked. "So, does the little lady realize she's got a Lich after her now?"

"She was quite shaken." Krollin confessed. "It's been some time since I saw her so distressed."

"Seems like it takes a lot to shake that one." Patch drew out the makings for a cigarette from his jacket pocket and began to deftly roll one as he watch the Lich's movements.

"She is quite brave."

"Aye, but there be a fine line between bravery an' stupidity. An' she uses that line like a jump rope! I mean the gal's got a fuckin' Lich after her!" Patch lit his cigarette as the ship began to leave the docks. He concealed his sigh of relief with the exhale of smoke from his lungs. He wanted as many miles as possible between them and that thing. He groaned, rubbing his face with his free hand. "Bloody hell, Krollin… A fuckin' Lich! When I prepared for this job, I prepared for a lot o' possibilities, but a fuckin' Lich weren't one of them."

"You managed to hide us."

"This time, yes, but it still knew she was in Finfolk Bay. May not of realized how close it got, but it knew she was there somewheres."

"Your spell will hide her."

"Aye, but for how long? I'm not as accomplished as a sorcerer as that Lich will be. I didn't even sense it in the city when we landed. Hell, I didn't know it was here until she came runnin' aboard like her ass were on fire!" Patch shook his head, mournfully.

"At least now ya know what specter stalks her. We can be prepared at the next port."

"I hope yer right…" Patch chuckled. "To be honest, I'd give me weight in gold to see its face when it realizes how close it got an' still lost her."

Krollin made the sign of the evil eye and spat at the sea. "Not I, Mister Patch. Not I."

When she sunk into the chair, Morven was there immediately, thrusting a mug of some dark alcohol into her hands and wrapping a cloak around her shaking shoulders. After making her take several long swallows, he went back to his seat. Curious, he picked up Patch's discarded hand of cards for a peek. He snorted. "I knew that bloody bastard had all 'em aces an' kings."

Tossing the cards, casually, he leaned forward to rest his arms on the desk and study Alyx. "Whenever yer ready, lass."

Alyx took a deep breath and tightened her grip on the cup so much that her knuckles turned white. "I went to The Jolly Captain for a drink and a meal that wasn't salted fish… The Nereid bar wench warned me. Said she remembered me from your crew."

"Aye, that'd be Clio. I knows her. What did she warn ya of?"

"That there was a man at the bar asking questions… Bad questions. Clio wanted me to warn you that the Unseelie were looking for the Girl in Finfolk Bay. I tried to leave before the man got to me, but he stopped me before I got out the door. He had a drawing of me." Alyx shuddered. "Only he wasn't a man. Whatever it was… It was horrible."

"What was it? Can't ya describe it fer me?"

Alyx took another long swallow of her drink. "I don't know, but it fucking touched me and I wanted to die when it did. It wore a skull mask and it smelled old… Like a room that's been shut up for years. Its lips were scarred and weathered like a mummy."

Morven pursed his lips in thought. "Sounds like they've sent a Lich after ya then. The Dark Queen's still got a few at her disposal."

"What's a Lich, Morven?"

"Nasty buggers. They were once wizards or sorcerers who were twisted into livin' cadavers by usin' the vilest of dark magics. Most are little but shadows of the Fae they once was, but some are quite powerful wielders of necromancy. Mab uses 'em for her special jobs. Few people meet a Lich an' live to talk 'bout it."

Alyx paled, considerably, and slumped in her chair. "I feel sick, Morven."

"Don't you dare heave on me desk!"

She gave him a angry look. "Morven! I'm serious! I'm terrified!"

"Aye, an' ya should be!" Morven exclaimed. "Mab an' that Swamp Hag ain't playin' games, lass. As mortal's say, 'shit just got real'. Yer not leavin' the ship alone anymore, savvy? Yer ass be officially grounded to this ship 'til we make port in the Genkis, ya gots me?"

Alyx nodded, slowly, and Morven could see silent tears sliding down her cheeks as her shaking hands sat her drink on his desk. He groaned and came around the desk to pull the upset girl into his arms. She sobbed against his chest and he smoothed her hair while whispering soft words of encouragement. He was glad when he felt the ship begin to move and he knew that they had set sail.

"Listen, kiddo. Why don't ya head to yer quarters an' get some rest? You've had quite the scare an' to be frank, ya look like shite."

Alyx gave a weak laugh. "I feel like shite."

He chucked her under her chin and smirked. "Go get some rest. Them's orders."

She nodded and left his quarters to head for hers. When she got to her door, she found that someone had hung a small charm in a leather bag there. She leaned in closely to sniff it. Angelica… Hints of clove and myrrh… Some lavender and jasmine. It was full of powerful protection. She nearly blushed when she realized that one of the crew had seen her so frazzled back in Finfolk Bay. She looked around for the guilty culprit but there was no one nearby. She ducked into her room, hoping for rest. Stressed as she was, she did not even notice thed runes written in fresh blood above her door jam.

Jareth was in his study, going over a map when Sarah burst into the room with a tear stained face and fury in her eyes. He cocked one eyebrow at his wife's distress. When he had last seen her merely two hours ago, she was in a fairly pleasant mood while she addressed grievances amongst the goblins.

"Who the fuck is Lady Wren Isolde Finnea of Nairn?" Sarah asked, and threw a letter across the desk at him.

"I am assuming the daughter of a noble from Nairn?" Jareth looked over the envelope. "What is this?"

"A letter announcing the betrothal of one Lady Wren of Nairn to Jaron Armande Sindhe, Prince of the Goblins!" Sarah spat, beyond furious. "So, you guys went ahead with an arranged marriage for him anyways? And while he's not even here to defend himself?! Is this how you are going to treat our child? Like some political bargaining chip?"

Jareth gave her a blank stare, blinking occasionally in bewilderment. Finally, realization set in and a soft smile came to his face. She was hormonal due to the pregnancy and had jumped to the wrong conclusions upon her discovery of this letter. He gestured for her to sit, but she remained standing, crossing her arms over her chest.

He sighed at her stubbornness. "Sarah, love, I do not know anything about this. I assure you that we did not force Jaron into an arranged marriage and nor would we do that to any child that you and I have together."

Sarah huffed. "Sorry… I just read the announcement and it made me so angry."

Jareth scanned over the announcement. "This is the first I am hearing of such a betrothal. Perhaps this is where Jaron has been spending the last six months."

"Oh, it gets even better. I got another letter from this Lady Wren inquiring when she could call upon us to 'meet her new family'." Sarah replied.

"Well, it is the custom, my dear. After all, marrying Jaron would make her a Princess of the Goblin Court and our sister-in-law."

"Jareth, I'm swollen and miserable." Sarah groaned, sinking into the chair. "I do not feel up to entertaining Seelie nobles. Especially ones that I've never even heard of!"

In a burst of feathers and glitter, suddenly Jora and Jiera were with them in the study, both with matching announcements in their hands and anger upon their beautiful faces.

"What in the Bog is this rubbish?!" Jiera was the first to speak. "I learn of my own son's betrothal in a letter?! When were you going to tell me? I'm mad, but Jorall is beyond furious!"

"Easy ladies. Jareth and I got blindsided by it too." Sarah replied, dryly.

"It seems that our dear Jaron has been quite busy as of late." Jareth replied, looking over the letter in his hands. "This must be what has been keeping him from gracing us with his presence."

"If that is so, then we must send a missive inviting the girl to visit as per custom. Perhaps even hold a Midsummer Ball as a welcome."

"Not more people! I loved having Telyn and Mina as guests, but I've only just now got the Goblins calmed down after they left for Amarantha." Sarah groaned and gestured to her enlarged belly. "Besides, that I'm in no shape to entertain."

"You are in perfect shape." Jareth teased, running his hands over their babe in her stomach.

With an eye roll, Jiera brushed her son to the side and came to her daughter-in-law's. "Don't you fret about such things! Jora and I will handle everything. You just worry about growing that grandbaby of mine."

"Excuse me? I am planning nothing until we have Jaron here to explain this nonsense!" Jora exploded, furiously. "How can he just disappear for months and then suddenly bombard us with a letter announcing his betrothal to some random chit?! The last that I knew, he was off to Ireland to bed some mortal girl there."

"When has Jaron ever been known to tell the truth about his comings and goings?" Jiera conjured a chair to sit next to Sarah. "For all we know, he never left the Underground and was merely wooing this Lady Wren all the while. Although, I can't say that I recall a Lady Wren of Nairn."

"She's probably newer nobility." Jareth pointed out. "You know how fond Grandfather is of dispensing titles when he is in the cups."

"I can't sincerely believe that Jaron would give up on Alyx so easily." Sarah added. "It seems so unlike him to just suddenly propose marriage to a random woman."

"Perhaps he is using this Lady Wren to make Alyx jealous. My brother is not known for his planning skills."

Jora scoffed. "Our brother is no fool, Jareth. If this betrothal was his idea, it is definitely part of a bigger scheme."

"Maybe like one to draw Alyx out of hiding?" Sarah offered, thoughtfully.

"Exactly!" Jora gave a triumphant smile. "It is my belief that he hopes to draw her out with this news of his supposed betrothal."

"Then we definitely got to invite Lady Wren here!" Sarah replied, her aches forgotten in the delight of possibly seeing her dearest friend again. "Maybe it will make Alyx come here to us too!"

"I find that highly unlikely. She is quite like my brother in the aspect that she will only let herself be found if she wishes it." Jareth remarked and tapped one finger against the announcement. "Yet, I find myself rather curious about this woman… Let us invite this Wren to be our guest. Perhaps she can shed some light upon this mystery."

The Knight of Death spent three days stalking the entire town of Finfolk Bay before he relented to the fact that the girl was long gone. He had tasted her fear on his tongue, but lost all trace of her at the docks. There was no way for him to tell where his quarry had disappeared to, but the Lich did know that she had recently been in the city. Someone else's magic shielded the girl from him. It seemed that she had quite powerful protectors.

Sir Claec of Volkan was not always a Lich. Once, he had merely been an Unseelie noble of lower rank with a passing interest in the dark arcane. Over time, he had slowly succumbed to the temptation of dark magics and became the creature that he was now. With each new spell and sacrifice, life was drained from his skin, and it stretched tight over his bones. For a time, he would replace his decaying limbs, organs, and patches of skin from those unlucky enough to fall under his blade. That was, until he stumbled upon an ancient spell carved into the deepest caverns of the Wild Mountains. The spell ceased the decay of his patch-work body and transformed him into a Lich. Death living in the flesh. It was only then that, at the insistence of the Dowager Queen, King Carsys had appointed him as the right hand of doom for the Unseelie Court. The King had made him the Knight of Death. Since then, he had been at the service of the Unseelie monarchs… Bidden to do their darkest deeds.

Claec snarled when he realized that this would be yet another report of failure to Queen Mab. Failure that led to bouts of torture under her unforgiving hand. There were few things that could make the dead flesh of a Lich crawl and feel pain, but the Mad Queen was an expert in them all. Dread filled the sandy veins of his heart as he made his way out of Finfolk Bay and transported himself to the Queen's Quarters in Taveres Castle in Magesblood. To his surprise, it was not Queen Mab, but the Dowager Queen Zefiryn that awaited him. She was seated at her vanity, her trim body draped in a sheer red nightgown with a glass of dark liquid in one hand. Despite his shock, he fell to one knee, bowing his head before her.

"Your Grace."

"Rise, Sir Claec, there is little need for such formalities betwixt us." Zefiryn gave him a beautiful smile and cupped his scarred chin with her pale hand. "Former lovers needn't be so proper when away from the eyes of the Court."

Years before his transformation, Claec of Volkan had also been a lover of Zefiryn's when she had first became Queen of Air and Darkness. It had been her that had taught him his first curses and introduced him to his love of the Dark Arts. It had been her that sent him in search of spells in the Wild Mountains when his skin began to decay. Up until her banishment, the Dark Witch of the Forked River Swamplands had been his prime benefactor. The years of dark magic had taken its own toll on her own body, mainly sapping her of her eternal youth, but as he was there before her now, she looked the very same as her coronation day some hundreds of years earlier.

"Thank you, Queen Zefiryn." He rose to his feet. "I come bearing reports of the Girl for Queen Mab."

"Oh, she is abed." Zefiryn waved her glass towards the poster bed in the middle of the room. All the curtains had been drawn, making it impossible to see inside. Setting down the glass, she began to brush out her long blonde hair. "Poor thing has been a bit under the weather. From now on, all reports concerning the Girl Who Saved the Goblin Prince will come directly to me."

"Of course… May I, Your Highness?" Claec took the brush from her fingers and began to gently comb her hair as he had once so many years ago. He could almost feel the silken tresses on his dead skin.

"What do you have to tell me, my Knight of Death?" Zefiryn's cool blue eyes stared at his reflection in the glass as she took another sip of her drink.

"She was in Finfolk Bay three days ago, but vanished. Someone powerful is shielding her from me. I have failed you."

"You have not, dear Claec. You have helped me to send the little rabbit scurrying from her burrow. She cannot run forever. Her protector cannot hide her forever. Mistakes will be made and you will be there to snatch her up."

"If you command it, it will be so,Queen Zefiryn."

"Sweet Claec, you are the most loyal of my subjects." She pressed her ruby lips against one of his scarred hands. "After I complete the ritual, I will reward you most handsomely…"

"I live to serve you, Queen Zefiryn."

"Continue your search, Sir Claec. Find that Girl."

There was the breeze of cold wind and the Knight of Death was gone. Zefiryn smiled into the mirror and downed the last of her drink. Crossing to the bed, she threw back the curtains to reveal Mab, bound and gagged to the posts. Her eyes rolled about madly in her head, but a simple silencing spell kept her quiet as a mouse. Taking an ancient dagger made of white crystal, Zefiryn cut open another shallow wound on Mab's already bloodied arm, and added the blood to the potion in her cup.

Due to their impromptu departure from Finfolk Bay, Morven had no choice but to stop at the port of Miron on Nevan Island on their way to Genkis for much needed supplies. It was a busier port than he would rather frequent, what with a Lich being on Alyx's trail, but he was out of choices. In the voyage, Alyx had barely left her quarters, relinquishing her duties to Krollin for the time being. Morven barely even saw her at meal times, making him worry that the girl was not taking care of herself.

Morven rapped sharply on Alyx's door, trying to ignore the fresh charm hanging from it. "Oy! Rise an' shine, bucko! We've made it to Miron an' I needs me First Mate!"

From within the cabin, he heard small noises and then Alyx cracked open her door. Her voice was low when she spoke. "Have Krollin do it."

"Now, now… Ya canna hide in yer quarters forever. 'Sides you'll be with me the whole time."

Alyx sighed and opened the door wider and Morven nearly gasped at her appearance. Under her eyes were dark and she was beginning to look gaunt.

"Good Gods!" Morven cursed and swept her back into her room, closing the door behind him. "Have ya not been sleepin' or eatin'? Ya look horrid!"

"I've been studying Lichs." Alyx replied, sounding as exhausted as she looked. "Such nasty things. Did you know that once a Lich ruled the Unseelie Court for over a hundred years?"

"King Morfran Abigor Hemlock… Never had the pleasure, but me Nan used tale of 'im to scare me into behavin' when I were a babe." Morven gave her a stern look. "Now, just cuz yer studyin', donna mean ya don't need vittles an' rest. When were the last time you ate? When was the last time ya slept?"

"Sometime yesterday." Alyx dismissed his concerns with the wave of one hand. "I'm fine."

"Bollocks. Ya look like hell. As Captain I'm orderin' you to head to the galley an' scare yerself up some lunch an' then it's to bed with ya."

"I thought you were in dire need of a First Mate." Alyx replied, dryly.

"Well, good fer ya that I gots me a back-up." Morven gave her smirk and swung open her door.

As the door opened, it revealed Patch standing outside smearing his bloody palm across her doorframe. He froze in the midst of his spell, his blue eye going wide at being caught in the act. Alyx's jaw opened in shock and Morven gave them a happy grin.

"Cap'n… Master Anuerin." Patch nodded his head at them and finished his spell with a few runes drawn in his blood.

"What in the name of Davey Jones's Locker are you doing?" Alyx asked, appalled.

"Just a bit o' spell work, Mister Anuerin." Patch grimaced as he bandaged his wounded hand.

"You've been the one leaving the charms on my door!"

"Aye." He nodded. "Keeps away them Lichs, ya see."

Alyx shot an angry look at Morven. "Tellin' all my secrets then?"

"Oh, fer Danu's sake…" Morven scoffed. "Every soul on this ship saw ya come runnin' aboard like the Sluagh was after ya. I dinna 'ave to tell 'em spit!"

"The Lich followed ya to the docks an' I saw it. I threw out a few spells to throw it off yer scent." Patch explained and added, gruffly. "Keepin' them up were the Captain's orders."

"Told ya this bloke were handy." Morven said to Alyx, proudly. "Now on to the kitchens with ya an' ya make sure ya eat two servings of whatever slop Spoonie's shovelin' out today an' get some rest. Them's orders!"

She gave him a foul look and slammed the door to her cabin shut, nearly knocking off the fresh charm that Patch had placed there. Patch turned his attention to Squall.

"Well, that went well." Morven said.

"Oh? How so?"

"Anuerin dinna try to gut us or hex us. I call that a win. Follow me, mate. I gots an errand to run."

With that Morven strode away and Patch hurried to follow, hoping to get as much space between him and the enraged First Mate as possible. As Morven and Patch disembarked from the ship, Patch cleared his throat.

"Ya think that wise, Cap'n? To be leavin' Master Anuerin aboard the ship alone?"

"Anuerin's not alone. Krollin an' Quigli are both aboard." Morven replied, dismissing the helmsman's concerns. "'Sides, after a bit o' thinkin', I've come to the profound conclusion that I'd rather me First Mate stay with the ship as much as possible. Safer there methinks."

"Aye, I'll agree to that." Patch nodded and began to follow his captain through the crowded docks of Miron.

Morven gave the other pirate a sideways glance. "The lass knows that ya know that she's a woman."

"How do you know this?"

"The way she acts… She ain't said more than a dozen words to me as a friend since the serpent attack… Least until the Lich got after her in Finfolk Bay, but she donna trust me, anymore. An' that I don't like."

"What has she said 'bout me?"

"Loads! But fer my ears, they mainly be complaints on yer skills as a helmsman, not 'bout what ya know of her secrets." Morven laughed. "She really, really don't give a lick fer ya, mate, an' she ain't afraid to voice her opinions. One o' the many things I like 'bout the gal, honestly."

"Well, Cap'n, I ain't here fer the gal to like me. I gots me a job to do." Patch reminded him as Morven traversed them down narrow alleys and hidden paths to a more rundown side of the city.

"I understand, but I'll be warnin' ya that she's likely to try to take ya on 'fore we reach the Genkis. In fact, I got a fair amount of gold wagered on it." Morven gave his old friend a cheeky grin. "I donna wanna be in yer boots that day, mate."

Patch scoffed. "I ain't a-feared of that girl."

Morven snorted. "The girl is likely to take ya up on that promise to slit ya from neck to nuts."

"She can try." Patch changed the subject. "So, where we off to today? Dinna me ears hear ya bellyachin' fer yer First Mate for this special excursion? 'Sides death being on her tail, why replace her with me?"

"This excursion is one best left to yer hands, methinks. Anuerin is the finest First Mate I've had… 'Sides you o' course."

"Naturally." Patch added with more than a bit of smug confidence.

"-But Master Anuerin lacks yer flair for me more… illegal excursions."

Patch snorted. "Ya mean the gal is sick o' savin' yer hide when yer half-cocked ideas go sideways?"

Morven gave him a sour look. "Oy, not all me ideas are half-cocked!"

"Oh? Need I remind ya about them lamias ya swindled in Naga Coast an' I had to save yer arse from their whips? Or what about that time in Piran when ya got the whole Harpy Flock after us?" Patch rattled off the occurrences and held up fingers for each event. "Or me personal favorite, the time ya talked me into helpin' ya steal Roc eggs in Havelock?"

"Belay that!" Morven frowned at his companion. "I'm beginnin' to regret bring ya with me today. Yer startin' to sound like Anuerin."

The other pirate gave the captain a smug grin and followed as they headed down a deserted alley. Morven stopped them both before a nondescript door, a concerned look on his face.

"Are all me ideas as half-cocked as they end up?"

Patch squinted his green eye and waved one hand in an iffy gesture. "Eh, fifty/fifty…"

Morven pursed his lips as he thought it over and shrugged. "Oh, what the hell. I like them odds."

Patch ignored him and gestured to the door. "Ya want I should do the honors?"

Morven paused in thought and rotated his shoulder carefully. "Honestly, me back has been a bit weak…"

With a nod, Patch moved forwards and kicked open the door to the musty home. There was a squeal as the sunlight invaded upon the creature hiding there and the crash of objects as it tried to escape. The helmsmen lunged forward and grabbed the small creature by the back of its ratty shirt. With ease, he lifted its squirming form off of its feet.

"Ugh… A Changeling?" Patch shot a disgusted frown at Morven. Changelings had a poor reputation in the Underground for their dangerously mischievous ways. "Donna tell me yer bringin' him back to the ship with us?"

Morven ignored him and bent down so he was face to face with the struggling creature. "Ahoy there, Gero. Miss me?"

The thing in Patch's grip stopped squirming to free himself and gave Morven a glum stare. The tiny creature resembled a male child of about five years old, but hosted very pale skin and wide bright eyes peeking out from beneath long curls of red hair. Its ears were long and pointed, each hosting at least three golden hoops up the lobes.

"`Ello Master Morven." Gero replied, glumly. Even his voice sounded like that of a child. "I was just on me way to-"

"Belay that, Gero." Morven ordered and gave him a smile. "If I be rememberin' correctly, you owe me 'bout 5,000 in gold."

"Now, Master Morven, you know I ain't got-"

"`Course I do! In fact, I was countin' on it." Morven tweaked the Changeling's nose. "That's why yer gonna come back to the Merrow Wind with me an' me mate here to perform a few favors for me… Should the need arise."

Both the Changeling and Patch looked at one another and then the captain in confusion.

"Or I can just 'ave ya keelhauled an' be done with ya… Yer choice." Morven added, cheerfully.

The Changeling swallowed hard. "What kind of favors?"

Upon finding out it had been the helmsman that left the charms on her door, Alyx had been furious. She was tempted to shove the charm that he had hung down his throat. She slammed her door shut and leaned her back against it. With a frown she returned to her books, but soon her stomach grumbled. She realized that Morven was right. She had not ate since the day before and was starving. Shrugging on a jacket, she headed for the galley. Normally, it was busting with crew, but most were ashore while they were docked, so the hall was empty. She made her way back to the familiar kitchens to find Spoonie their Hobgoblin cook, hard at work on supper. When he saw her coming in, his crooked smile widened and he gestured to a spot at the prep table.

"Good 'morrow, Mister Anuerin! No shore leave for you today?"

Alyx gave the Hobgoblin a wry look before seating herself at the table. Goblins were notorious gossips and Spoonie was no exception. She was certain that he had already heard of what had happened in Finfolk Bay.

Spoonie chuckled at her attitude and wiped his hands on his apron. "Understandable, mate. I'd be skittish too if I ran into a Lich!"

"You can still be bumped back to cabin boy, Spoonie." Alyx warned. "Last I checked, I was still First Mate on this rig."

"'Course, Master Anuerin! I were only makin' jest." Still chuckling, Spoonie busied himself at the stove and began to put together a simple lunch for Alyx. He spoke over his shoulder to her as he worked. "Not a soul aboard thinks any less o' ye. Hell, I've seen grown Redcaps piss themselves at the mere mention o' a Lich!"

Alyx groaned, putting her face in her hands. "Can we discuss something… Anything else?"

"Were a good thing Cap'n Squall hired that new helmsmen, eh?" Spoonie continued, deliberately ignoring her. "Right good with his spell work, that one! Donna think Danu herself could find this ship after he done his magics."

Alyx gritted her teeth and was prepared to abandon the kitchen and her hopes for a meal when the Hobgoblin slid a plate of thick crusty bread and hard cheese in front of her. Atop the bread was a few thick slices of bacon to make a simple sandwich.

"You missed both meals yesterday. Eat up!" Spoonie poured her a tall glass of grog from his personal stash with a flourish. Humming a sea shanty, he returned to the concoction he was preparing at his stove. "An' I'll expect yer hide to be in the mess hall this evenin' fer vittles too! Canna 'ave our First Mate starve his self to death!"

Alyx dove into the food with gusto. She had not realized how hungry she really was. Chewing thoughtfully on her sandwich, she paused only to take occasional sips of her drink. Spoonie threw her occasional amused glances as he worked.

"I gots me a letter from me cousin Lumpy in the Goblin City today!" Spoonie broke mid song to tell her. "He's an armorer for King Jareth, ya know? Tells me, me niece gots on at the Castle Beyond the Goblin City. Gots her sewin' fer the Ladies and Queen Sarah herself!"

"Ya must be proud." Alyx spoke around mouthfuls of her lunch, trying to ignore the feeling that the mention of the Labyrinth brought to the pit of her stomach.

"Ol' Lumpy says that the Castle is a madhouse these days. Seems the Goblin Prince went an' got himself betrothed! Now, that's a weddin' I gots to get back to the Goblin City fer!" Spoonie said, enthusiastically. "Can ya imagine the spread they'll 'ave? An' the booze!"

Alyx's attention snapped back up to the Chef. "The Goblin Prince?"

"Oh, aye! Said the gal is some wellborn Lady from the Highlands, she is. The Goblin Royals are awaitin' her visit as we speak. Dinna ever expect the Prince to marry, let alone to some fancy Lady." Spoonie scoffed and stirred the giant pot before him. "'Course I also lost meself 5 quid to Lumpy now. I'd always bet our Prince would marry that one girl… What do them Goblins in the city call her?"

"The Girl Who Saved the Goblin Prince." Alyx muttered into her food.

"That's the one!" Spoonie grinned and pointed his stirring spoon in the air. "That's the gal! Now that's a story fer fairytales!"

"I could only imagine." Alyx said, dryly.

"Ya ain't 'eard the tale of The Girl Who Saved the Goblin Prince?" Spoonie gave her a flabbergasted look. "Why they say she rode in a on a white and winged unicorn when she saved the Prince, ya know. An' she wore bright golden armor that had been enchanted by the Gods themselves."

Alyx could not help but chuckle at how extravagant the tale had become from the mouths of Goblins. She chewed, thoughtfully, on a piece of cheese and replied. "That sounds a little farfetched, Spoonie."

"I swears it! Me fifth cousin, thrice removed, were part of the horde that fought fer the Prince that night! He said the girl rode in gleamin' of the sun. With a flaming sword forged in the belly of a dragon, she smote down the Sluagh one by one until she reached the Prince!" Spoonie acted the tale out, enthusiastically, waving the spoon in his hand like a sword.

"Oy! Watch where yer flinging supper!" Alyx barked and tried to dodge the splatters of tomato sauce that flipped in her direction with each swing.

"Then as she kissed 'im with True Love's Kiss, she placed a crown o' gold and starlight upon his 'ead an'… BOOM!" Spoonie waved his arms open wildly. "The room exploded with magic!"

Scowling, Alyx reached for a dish towel to mop up the tomato sauce he had managed to splatter all over her with his animated retelling of the tale. Slow clapping drew their attention to the kitchen door. Patch stood there, leaned against the doorframe with a smirk and Spoonie gave him a crooked grin, happy to have entertained the old pirate.

"Good 'morrow, Mister Patch! I were just tellin' Master Anuerin here the tale o' the Girl Who Saved the Goblin Prince."

"It ain't been more than a year since that little tart drug that brat prince outta the spider's lair an' you Goblin's already got it soundin' like a bloody legend." Patch snickered at his own joke and shook his head.

Alyx scowled at the pirate as she continued to clean off tomato sauce. "I thought you were accompanying the Cap'n."

"I like to expedite our little excursions. Cap'n wants ya in his quarters. Prompt-like."

Shoveling the last of her meal into her mouth and washing it down with her drink, Alyx wiped her mouth on the sleeve of her jacket. She crossed the room to leave and Patch took her seat at the table.

"Oh, an' Master Anuerin?" Patch called as she was almost out of the room.

"What?" She asked through gritted teeth.

"Ya got a tomato in yer hair."

Standing at the balcony of the tallest tower of the Castle Beyond the Goblin City, Sarah saw the Lady Wren's caravan approaching well before it was even close to the Goblin City. She bit at her lip with concern about the mystery girl. This was the first time, besides her wedding, that she had ever hosted guests as Goblin Queen, but somehow this visit was different. No one knew anything about the girl. Oberon had said he remembered bestowing the title of Duke of Nairn to a Sir Colm Finnea some years back, but was unaware the man had a daughter. Especially one of marrying age.

If this was all some elaborate prank by Jaron, by the Gods, she was going to murder him.

Heading back to her quarters, Sarah changed into a flowing green gown. Her fingers were shaking when she rested her informal crown upon her dark curls. Never before had she been so nervous in her position as queen. The tiny life in her womb fluttered as if it could sense her nervousness and she rubbed her stomach with a soft smile. Giving herself one last look over in the mirror, she headed down to the castle foyer where Jiera and Jora awaited her. Upon her arrival the trio began to discuss their guest in hushed tones.

Meanwhile, Jareth and Jorall prepared for the guest in their own way. Both men were seated in Jareth's office with a tumbler of whiskey before each of them. Jorall grasped his drink and downed it in one swallow, before placing it on the desk and tapping the rim to indicate that Jareth refill it. Jareth obliged and, with a grimace, his stepfather repeated the process.

Jareth raised one eyebrow. "Are you quite sure-"

"Just fill the glass." Jorall ordered and with a shrug, Jareth refilled his stepfather's glass for the third time. Jorall hissed as he took a sip of the drink and focused his attention on Jareth. "It's not every day that a Da's only boy gets betrothed."

"You are unhappy with this news?"

"Concerned is all… Your brother isn't known for his good ideas." Jorall swirled the whiskey around in his glass, thoughtfully.

"Maybe this time he shall surprise us." Jareth replied.

Abby entered the office. "The Lady Finnea's carriage is approaching, Your Grace."

"Thank you, Abby. Shall we, Jorall?"

"Bloody hell…" Jorall downed the remainder of his drink. "Let's get this over with."

The two men joined the woman in the foyer, but when they approached the trio of women stopped their hushed chatter.

"By all mean, ladies. Don't stop yer cluckin' on our account." Jorall teased.

Jiera gave him a foul look. "Have you been drinking?"

"Only a snifter or two to calm me nerves, love."

"Jorall, you Irish lush! Here we are, about to meet your only child's bride-to-be and you have the audacity to show up three sheets to the wind!" Jiera began to busy herself with tidying his suit and hair.

"Now, love-"

Jiera silenced him by popping a peppermint into his mouth. "You are to keep your mouth shut and do not even think about pulling any sort of your foolish nonsense… Not today!"

"Of course, love."

"What will the girl think of our family with such a first impression?"

"Actually mother, I believe it was Jaron who gave the Sindhe family's first impression to the girl." Jora replied, testily. "I cannot and will not be part of this charade! The only girl whose hand that he should be asking for in marriage is our dear Alyx, not some random daughter of a duke! Whatever this is, is a farce!"

Sarah added. "Jora is right, Jiera. There is definitely something fishy about this whole betrothal thing."

"Do you all feel this way?" Jiera blinked and looked at the group before her. They all gave some nod of acknowledgement and she squared her shoulders. "I see. So, you mean to condemn this girl before she even arrives?"

"Please understand, mother." Jareth interjected. "We only want to understand why Jaron made such a rushed and drastic decision."

"I wish to make one thing clear right now. There is nothing more that I could wish for in my deepest heart than for my son and Alyx to reconcile, but we must remember that it is their choice as to what their relationship will be and, whether we like it or not, we must respect and support whatever decision they make. We will do so, because we are their family and it is our duty to do so."

"Oh, mother, you can't expect us all to just accept this!" Jora replied, exasperated at the situation.

"I expect nothing less that just that!" Jiera snapped. "The lot of you will not make this girl feel uncomfortable in the family home of her future in-laws. Case closed!"

But mother-" Jora began.

Jiera held up one hand to silence her daughter. "Here and today we shall respect Jaron's choice and welcome his intended with open arms. Do you all understand me?"

"You have our word that we will treat the girl well." Jareth replied, attempting to soothe his angered mother. "Not a one of us will act in any other way that is not befitting of our station."

"I promise nothing." Sarah held up her hands in defense and rubbed her stomach. "Pregnancy has made a dumpster fire of my hormones and I can't be sure if the mouthy mortal won't pop out at any time."

"I believe that we could plea temporary insanity in your case, my dear." Jiera gave Sarah a weak smile.

"Damn Jaron and his silly games!" Jora gave a frustrated sigh. "I will mind my manners, mother, but my baby brother and I shall have words in private over this, believe you me!"

"I understand that this is frustrating, especially since your brother is nowhere to be found to explain this mess. Believe me, I have half a mind to throttle him if he shows his mangy little face." Jiera gave a sigh. "He has aged me prematurely, you know."

"Ya don't look a day over three hundred, love." Jorall swept her into his arms.

"Let me go you oaf!" Jiera's voice was filled with laughter as she attempted to avoid his bearded kiss. "You'll rumple my dress!"

The horns of the herald caused the group to snap to attention and take their places with Jareth and Sarah at the front and center and the rest of the family behind and to their left. The Goblin herald cleared his throat and read from the scroll in his hands.

"Presenting the Lady Wren Isolde Finnea, Daughter of Lord Colm Dahy Finnea, Duke of Nairn!"

The family presented their best smiles to welcome their possible future in-law.

After going to her room to clean off tomato sauce, Alyx made her way to Morven's quarters. Though she was quite curious about what business he had in the port, she managed to cast a disinterested look about her as she tapped her knuckles on his door.

"This had better be good, Morven." Alyx drawled as she entered. "You interrupted my lunch."

"Oh, this is better than good! Tada!" Morven held out his arms and Alyx saw the Changeling standing beside him. The childlike figure gave her a nervous smile and a tiny wave. Alyx blinked and returned her attention to Morven.

"After all the grief you gave me for kidnapping, and you show up with a kid? Don't we have enough trouble on our tails without kidnapping charges?" Alyx asked, unamused by Morven's enthusiasm.

"Oh, but this ain't no mere child! Alyx, I'd like ya to meet Gero the Changeling. He's yer new cabin boy!"

"Ugh, a Changeling? Why in the world would you want that little rat on the ship?" Alyx wrinkled her nose and shrugged at Gero. "No offense."

"Understandable." Gero shrugged. Changelings were not ashamed of themselves and knew what their reputation was in the Underground. Very little offended their kind. "Love us or hate us, we are what we are."

"See, that's exactly what I'm talking about. Within a week, he'll be impersonating you and then we will have a full scale mutiny on our hands." Alyx gave Morven a foul look.

"No, he won't. Gero here promised to be on his very best behavior, under the threat of broken kneecaps." Morven replied with a cheeky grin.

"How much gold do you owe him?" Alyx asked the Changeling, dryly.

"He owes me enough that he's gonna to be yer own personal body double!" Morven interjected.

Alyx groaned and put her face in her hands. "Good Gods, Morven."

"Trust me! Show her, Gero!"

Alyx, slowly, lowered her hands from her face, nervous about what she was going to see. To her surprise a perfect replica of herself was there, complete with the flabbergasted look upon her face.

"Looky there! 'Tis like lookin' at twins, I'd reckon!" Morven clapped his hands with glee.

"Are you insane?! What happens if that Lich finds him as me?"

"A Lich? Morven you didn't say nothing 'bout no Lich!" Gero protested.

"Minor details, me bucko. Ya donna 'ave to worry… Neither of ya. I gots me best men on the case should such an occasion arise." Morven assured them.

Gero turned to Alyx and said, glumly. "That's what he told me the last time he had me impersonate him. He made me replace him in Queran for a shotgun wedding after the town mayor found him tumbling in the hay with his daughter. I was thrown in a dungeon and nearly burnt in a wicker man."

"Nearly… Nearly burnt because I managed to break ya out." Morven replied, smugly, to the pair's glares.

"He broke both of us out, on the account that the lout had gotten himself arrested before he could escape town. He was drunk at the tavern."

"That sounds about right." Alyx replied, dryly.

"Oy, ya both are gettin' entirely the wrong point 'bout this story!" Morven slumped in his chair and pouted. "The point bein' that I managed to save 'im!"

"Morven, the point was that you never seem to manage to think these hair brained plans through!" Alyx replied.

"The past is the past! 'Sides, I gots meself an excellent plan this time."

"That's what you always say." The pair said, simultaneously, to Morven's frown.

"You two have no faith."

"Gero, go and find Master Krollin. He will assign you your daily tasks and I will be along shortly to check on your work." Alyx ordered and gave the Changeling a wry smile. "Do me a favor before you go and change back to yourself. The last thing the Merrow Wind needs is two of me running around."

"Aye, Master Anuerin." Gero blushed and returned to his own form before leaving the pair in the cabin.

Once the Changeling was gone, Alyx turned her attention to Morven with a look of complete disbelief upon her face. "Now, you've come up with some idiotic plans, but this one really takes the cake, Morven."

Morven frowned and began to protest. "Hey, now-"

"In the history of your epically bad ideas, this one ranks at the very top." Alyx ignored him and continued, heatedly. "If that Lich finds that Changeling masquerading as me, it will torture him… Or worse. I'll not let some innocent creature be harmed, just to save my sorry hide."

"Gero will be safer than a bug in a rug! 'Sides we may not even need 'im. Last stop 'fore the Genkis is only Roane Island! Good winds an' we may not even 'ave to make port!"

"This is definitely the worst idea that you have ever came up with!"

"Oy, now I don't know about all that. I mean, I 'ave had a few doozies in my time…"

"The answer is no, Morven."

He frowned at her. "Patch said that you'd react like this."

"Speaking of wretched ideas!" Alyx bristled at the mention of the pirate. "I'd rank you letting that mangy bilge rat on this ship as the second most moronic idea in the history of your awesomely bad ideas!"

"Now, Alyx I know ya donna care fer-"

"Oh, no you don't!" Alyx warned. "I heard you all talking after Patch was bitten by the serpent. Why does that pirate know all my secrets, Morven?"

Morven's face went blank. "I donna know what-"

Alyx slammed her palms down on his desk. "No! No more lies! How does he know who I am? Why am I not to know why he is here? Why have you all been lying to me?"

Morven sighed. "I 'aven't been lyin' to ya, Alyx… It's more like we was withholdin' some truths."

"That's the same thing as lying, Morven." Alyx gave him a harsh glare.

"Not really." Morven gave her a sheepish look. "It's kinda different."

Angry tears began to well up in Alyx's bright silver eyes and she choked out. "Friends don't lie!"

"Oh, donna do that, lass… Don't cry! Quigli yells me ear off anytime I make ya cry." Morven was at her side in an instant, trying to dab at her face with his handkerchief. She batted his hands away and gave him a hard, sad look. "Damnation, donna look at me like that…"

"Are you gonna tell me the truth, Squall? Or are you gonna get yourself a new First Mate?" Alyx asked, her voice low but firm.

"Oh, fine!" Morven groaned. "I hired 'im, alright? I hired 'im to keep an eye on ya."

"What? You hired that ratty old pirate to protect me?"

"Well, I dinna as hire 'im as much as call in a few old favors on 'im." Morven explained. "Ya see, one time we was-"

Alyx glowered at Morven. "You could have at least told me!"

"Why? So you'd throw a hissy fit like ya are now?" Morven snapped back.

"I'm getting awful sick of the lot of you acting like I'm some damsel in distress! I think I've proven that I can take care of myself!"

"Oh, ya daft little girl!" Morven took her by the shoulders and gave her a shake. "If ya dinna whisper Jaron's name that night at the Keep, you'd be dead!"

"I've had worse-"

Morven shook her again, a little harder and stopped her speech. "Ya stopped breathin', lass… You was dead!"

Realizing how serious Morven was looking at her, Alyx calmed and a confused look came across her face. "I don't understand…"

"You was dead, Alyx… By the time Jaron broke through yer wards an' such, an' could answer yer call, you weren't breathin' no more. He said when he found ya, yer lips had went all blue. It took him nearly five minutes to get you breathin' again. Five minutes an' magic that I canna even begin to guess about. Took him nearly an hour to get ya stitched up an' then he-he rushed ya to Firth 'fore somethin' else nastier came a callin'."

"I-I was dead?" Suddenly, Alyx felt weak in the knees and as if expecting it, Morven pulled her shaking form into his arms before she collapsed. The implications of what he had revealed to her had her quite shaken. It was no wonder why Jaron had looked so gaunt and worn when she had awoken. She remembered the silver streak in his hair and realized that it had not been feathers. The toll of whatever magic he had conjured, had shocked a lock of his hair grey. She groaned and gripped Morven's shirt in her shaking hands. "I died?"

"Well, technically ya only died a little bit…"

"Morven! How could you not tell me? And Jaron! What magic did he do? Is he okay?"

"Whoa, slow down! The Goblin Prince is fine… Least he were when I gots to Firth an' picked ya up." Morven ran his hand over her hair in a soothing matter. "I dunno know what spell he used, but regardless, the lad brung ya back."

"But Morven, his hair! It had went grey in one spot!"

"Twern't nothin' he canna handle, lass. He told me to keep ya safe, so I contacted the best bodyguard I knew. We kept it a secret from ya, 'cause we knew you'd react just this way."

She gave him a weak smile. "Am I so predictable?"

"Only to yer best mates, lass." Morven gave her a tight hug before releasing her.

She took a deep breath. "I'm sorry, Morven. I just hate this. I feel like I'm putting all my friends in danger just by being here."

"Oy, we're yer mates! We got yer back to the end an' doncha forget it!" Morven gave her hair a tousle and gave her a smile. "Now, ya best get along an' see 'bout yer new cabin boy! Them's orders."

"Aye-aye, sir." Alyx gave him a weak smile and turned to do just that.

When she left his quarters, Morven's jovial face fell and he sunk down into his chair with a deep sigh. A knock sounded on his door and gave a frustrated groan.

"Go away!"

The knock persisted.

"Great Odin's beard, I swear some git had better be dyin'!" Morven growled as he crossed to the door and swung it open. "Oy, I said bugger off!"

Patch stood before him, a foul look on his face. Shouldering his way into the cabin, he snarled. "What did you say to her?"

Shutting the door behind him, Morven sighed. "A bit of truth, but a pack more lies."

"What does she know?"

"That she died at the Keep that night."

Patch winced. "An' how did the girl take it?"

"Like you said she would. Told her I hired you to do a bit of bodyguardin' for her. That wee lie dinna make her very happy, 'til I told her the truth 'bout her own untimely death."

"And she believed that ya hired me?"

"'Course she did. The girl trusts me… Breaks my heart to lie to her."

"The lies are a necessary evil." Patch shrugged, but Morven could see that the lies were wearing him thin as well. "Besides, we'll make port in the Genkis soon. We can hide her much better there."

"Hidin' that lass be but a merely temporary solution. She's done spent the better part of a decade hidin' from one thing or another."

"That is partly due to her own bloody stubborn nature." Patch returned. "Damned bull-headed girl…"

"True." Morven conceded. "Mayhap, it be high time we take the gal back to Merial an' the Golden Court… Better yet, I say we haul her hide all the way to the Goblin City, her protests be damned! The way I see it, them's the two safest places in all the Underground fer her these days."

Patch scoffed. "She'd disappear like smoke in the wind before we could even get her inside the city gates. You know that as well as I do."

"Aye, that I do… It were merely wishful thinkin' on me own part, mate." Morven said, woefully. "She worries 'bout others gettin' hurt in her stead… Even refuses to use Gero as a decoy if times get tough."

"It is her nature." Patch said, softly, and took a deep breath. "Our best bet is gettin' her to the Genkis. Them jungles are a nightmare if yer lookin' fer someone who don't want to be found. We should skip makin' port on Roane Island an' make a beeline for the Genkis."

"I agree. To yer helm, Mr. Patch, and make course fer the Genkis."

"Aye-aye, Cap'n."

Sarah had been quite surprised at her first sight of Lady Wren. The girl was tall with pale blonde hair that came down over one shoulder in a thick plait. Her lithe body was encased in a flowing gown of peach and cream. She was delicate and well-spoken when asked of her trip to the Castle Beyond the Goblin City. Her voice sounded like bells when she spoke. Polite and well mannered, she was nothing like Sarah had ever known Jaron to prefer. Ever the hostess, Jiera suggested tea in the solarium, and that was where they were congregated now. Stirring honey into her tea, Sarah kept her eye on their guest.

"I believe that you will find your accommodations quite to your liking, Lady Wren." Jareth gave the young woman a pointed smile. "I reserve the finest rooms for esteemed guests such as yourself."

"You should not have went to such trouble for only me, Your Majesty, but I am confused." Wren gave him a confused look. "Am I not staying in Prince Jaron's wing?"

Jareth smiled, ruefully. "My brother does not have his own wing, but instead he has his own tower. Its magic is… Unruly to those other than Jaron. Without my brother's presence and for the sake of propriety, I would much rather host you in my eastern wing."

Wren blushed and stammered. "Oh, of course! My apologies, Your Majesty… I was just hoping that I would get to spend time my betrothed on this visit."

Jareth cocked one eyebrow. "Prince Jaron was planning on meeting you here?"

"Of course. He asked me to mail our betrothal announcements and when you invited me for my visit, he was to return to see me."

"Return from where?"

"He is Aboveground… Tying up his loose ends before our wedding." Wren blushed. "I am aware how inappropriate that sounds, but Jaron and I decided to cut ties with the past to start anew together."

"Sounds as if my son is quite smitten with you." Jiera replied, sweetly, as she stirred her tea.

"We enjoy one another's company." Wren clasped her hands in front of herself. "It is true that we do not love each other, yet. Ours is merely a marriage of convenience for now, but I hope we will grow quite fond of one another in the future."

Despite all of her years of queen training with Wyntr on etiquette and how to behave with royal guests, Sarah could not help it when she snorted into her tea cup. Jareth shot her a look and she gave him one cocked eyebrow.

"As could be the hope for any arrangement like this." Jiera covered, swiftly, with the same sweet smile. "Was it your father's wish that you marry into the royal family then?"

"My mother's." Wren replied.

"Will she be joining you on this trip?"

"I am afraid not. Father leaves much of the running of our estate in Nairn to my mother. As you can imagine, it keeps her quite occupied. She has sent me with my lady's maid to act as my chaperone." She took a delicate sip of her tea with delight. "My, Queen Sarah, this is the best honey amber tea I have ever tasted!"

Sarah gave the girl a weak smile. "I'm afraid it's the only tea that agrees with me since the beginning of my pregnancy. Jareth insisted that we all drink it in solidarity."

"It is a delight!" Wren gave the table a beaming smile. "I am quite enjoying getting to know my future in-laws, you know."

"So, how is it that Jaron and you came to your… arrangement?" Jora asked, doing her best to mask how irritated she was with this entire situation.

"We met in Merial, when my mother brought me to Court for the season. He found me pleasing and suitable for what he required in a bride. He then negotiated a marriage contract with my father. We hope to be wed before the next Yuletide."

"I was unware that my brother was spending so much time at Court." Jareth added. "The Golden Halls are not his normal stomping grounds."

"He did look rather out of place when I first saw him." Wren agreed. "When we returned to Nairn, my father extended an invitation to Prince Jaron and he came with us as our guest. It was our attempt to get to know one another before we began to plan our wedding."

"This betrothal has moved quite quickly, hasn't it?" Jora asked. "Does such a quick engagement not unnerve you?"

"It is a bit frightening, yes, but I am proud to be doing my duty as my father's daughter and to the Seelie Court."

"It is nice to see that some still honor the old traditions." Jora replied, a bit salty.

Jiera shot her daughter a fierce look and replied. "It is nice to see a young lady that remembers familial duties."

Blushing, Jora busied herself with her tea and Sarah cleared her throat. "Lady Wren, I'm sure that you are exhausted after your travels. Would you like to rest before suppertime?"

Wren gave her a beaming smile. "Oh, that would be lovely! Mother insisted that I take the carriage so that I could see the Enchanted Wood and the Labyrinth first hand on my way here. As beautiful as it was, it made for a long trip."

Jareth summoned an elfish servant to take Wren to her quarters. As soon as the girl had left the room the group looked to one another.

"Bollocks!" Jora spat and slammed her glass of tea down onto the table.

"Jora, watch your tongue!" Jiera scolded. "The girl seems quite lovely."

"Oh, yes, she's quite perfect, mother. This betrothal is a sham!" Jora said, sarcastically. "That girl is entirely too bubbly for Jaron's tastes!"

"She said as much herself." Jareth reminded her. "She called this a marriage of convenience and admitted that there is no love between the pair."

"How can that little louse do this?! I swear I am gonna wring his neck!" Jora fumed crossing her arms over her chest.

"Does anyone know exactly where Jaron is?" Jorall broke into the conversation, his face stern.

"He said he was going to Ireland, but who knows with him?" Sarah reminded him.

"The little brat." Jiera sighed. "There's nothing to do, but make the girl feel welcome and wait for him to show back up."

So wait they did. For the next three days Lady Wren was their guest in the Castle Beyond the Goblin City and as far as guests went, she was probably the most polite that Sarah had encountered in her time in the Labyrinth. Even Jora could not raise any valid complaints about the young woman. Though the girl was pleasant, Sarah did begin to wish that Telyn and Mina were still around because the Goblin Queen felt that having someone of her own age would help ease the Lady Wren's nerves. Still the women of the Goblin monarchy did their best to make the girl feel welcome in their home.

Still there was no sign of Jaron.

To combat the horrid heartburn that came with her pregnancy, late evenings often found Sarah wondering the halls of the Castle Beyond the Goblin City aimlessly. For some reason, walking cured the ailment faster than anything the healer could provide. Therefore on the fourth night of Lady Wren's stay, Sarah had done about three laps around the castle, but still felt little relief. Ashe had long since retired from her side to his nest outside Jareth's tower. Deciding that she would try milk from the kitchens, she cut down through the wing of the castle where they had placed Lady Wren. As she came around a corner, she was shocked to find a cloaked figure outside of Lady Wren's door. Ducking back out of sight, she peered down the hall at the stranger. Though a hood was pulled low over the man's face, she saw the glint of Jaron's royal medallion on his chest. She narrowed her eyes.

After all this time missing, what was he doing skulking about the castle like this? He raised his hand and tapped his knuckles on the door. Wren answered and gave a giddy laugh, wrapping her tiny arms around his neck. Her face disappeared under his hood as they kissed, and he backed her into the room, shutting the door behind them. Sarah eyes widened and her jaw dropped. Jaron was already sleeping with the girl?

Her heartburn long forgotten and moving as fast as her pregnancy would allow her, Sarah made her way to Jareth's study. When she burst through the door, he looked up from the book in his lap, perplexed at her ragged breathing.

"Jaron! I just saw him go into Lady Wren's room!" She gasped and sunk into the chair across the desk from Jareth's desk. "He was kissing her!"

"Well, I'm glad the little weasel is here to explain his actions. I'm not thrilled that he's already deflowering his intended, but-"

"I don't like this, Jareth. I don't like this one bit. This is not like Jaron at all." Sarah cut him off. "He was skulking about like a criminal."

"Well, my dear some premarital trysts are still frowned upon amongst the nobility of the Seelie Court. Perhaps, he is merely trying to keep rumors from following his newly intended."

She gave him a foul look. "Since when has something like a rumor ever bothered your brother?"

"True, but he said he was attempting to reform himself." Jareth pointed out.

"Yeah, but this whole thing is so out of character for him."

"I will go to him and speak with him. Surely he had returned to his tower by now."

"I sincerely doubt that. They were all over each other and she dragged him into her room. It would probably be better if you wait until morning to talk to him." Sarah replied.

"And have you fret at me all night? I think not. I'm sure Jaron is at his tower and if not, the fairies will tell him of my arrival." Jareth came close to her to press a kiss against her furrowed brow. "To bed with you, my love. You and our babe need the rest."

It took all his coaxing, but Jareth was able to talk his wife into going to bed while he dealt with his wayward brother. He made his way to the Western Tower's steps and was surprised to find the foot of the steps was blocked by the vines that grew up the tower steps. His eyebrow arched in surprise as he approached. The vines did not yield to his presence and he could see the fairies, angrily, flitting amongst the leaves.

"Curious…" He murmured and tapped one finger against his chin. Usually the fairies always welcomed him to his brother's tower, but something had them in a fit tonight. He ordered. "Fairies, let me pass."

One of the glittering little fools had the audacity to hiss at him through the vines and when he reached for it, the little blighter bit him through his glove. Snatching back his bleeding hand with a curse, Jareth watched as the vines tightened into a near impenetrable wall. It seemed that he was quite unwelcome in his brother's tower. With a frown, he left the tower steps, curious as to why his brother would deny even him entrance. As he left, he did not notice Lady Wren as she escaped from her hiding place in the shadows. She cast a foul look at the still hissing fairies and disappeared towards her own quarters.

Upon arriving inside her door, she was tossed upon her bed and a body was atop her. Wren was pressed against the bed by his form, writhing and moaning as his lips traveled down her neck. One of his hands had tugged her skirts up and was caressing her. Slowly, the cloaked form above her melded and Prince Ramsden was there, with a smirk.

"I can't decide which look I prefer on you." Wren cooed to him. "You do wear the Goblin Prince so well…"

"I could say the same for you, Your Grace…" Ramsden responded by nipping at her neck. "This look of youth and innocence becomes you, Queen Zefiryn, but I must say that you are brave to flaunt your true face to the Goblin Monarchs."

"Few remaining monarchs of the Seelie remember the glory days of my beauty. Oberon might, but when he knew me, I enjoyed dying my hair as dark as pitch. The others would only know me as I had aged… As the Swamp Hag." Zefiryn gave him a smile. She had taken on the foolish young Duke as a temporary lover and for the convenience that he knew the halls of the Castle Beyond the Goblin City quite well. Casting a simple glamour upon him as the Goblin Prince would keep others from searching the prince out and keep her safe in her role as his supposed intended. "Did anyone see you come here?"

"Just enough goblins and staff to get the rumor mill going."

"You have done wonderfully then, my sweet." Zefiryn gave him a deep kiss.

"Were you able to get into Prince Jaron's tower, my Queen?"

She frowned. "No… It is enchanted. The vines would not let me ascend the staircase and the fairies tried to bite me. I would have just blasted the damned thing to oblivion if it weren't more important to keep up appearances."

"What if the Goblin Prince does return?"

"My spies have found no trace of him in all of the Underground. I believe the bratty little prince is still nursing his broken heart in the Above. Not one creature has whispered his name to me in quite some time. Have you heard any word of the Girl on your treks about the Goblin City?"

"All those damned goblins can talk about is the whelp in the Queen's belly and Prince Jaron's sudden betrothal to a Lady from the Highlands. Not one of them will even use Alyxandrea's nicknames in fear of the ears of your Court finding her."

Zefiryn pursed her lips. "A pity. I had hoped for some whispers of the little tart when she heard the Goblin Prince was to be wed."

"The Girl fears the Seelie as much as your own Court. She would not be caught dead in the Labyrinth."

"Oh, my sweet boy, you have much to learn about women. Her mother is here. Her best friend is the Goblin Queen. This is the place that her true love calls home. She cannot help but be drawn here."

Alyx frowned as Gero held out the rope he had been practicing his knot work on. "That's not right, Gero. Try again."

The Changeling groaned. "I've done it a hundred times already!"

"And you'll do it a hundred more until you get it right." Alyx replied and returned her attention to the tome in her lap. After discovering about her near death experience, she had delved deeper into her study of Lichs and how to defeat one. She would not let the Unseelie that sought her to catch her unawares again.

"I don't understand why I gotta learn to tie a stupid rope." Gero grumbled as he attempted the knot again. "All Morven wants me here for is to be a diversion if that Lich tries to get you."

"Which is still a plan that I don't even remotely approve of, but since you're here, you're a cabin boy as well. Ergo, cabin boys learn knots."

"So, what you got a Lich after you for anyways?" The Changeling asked as his fingers fumbled with the rope.

"Because I cheated the Queen of Air and Darkness." Came Alyx's dry, but honest reply. She thumbed to another page in her tome as Gero gave an appreciative whistle.

"Really? I didn't think anybody was that dumb. Well, 'cept the Girl Who Loves the Goblin Prince." His eyes narrowed as he studied Alyx and then he broke into a wide grin. "You're her, ain't ya?! Yer the Girl Who-"

Leaping to her feet, Alyx clapped on hand over the Changeling's mouth and gave him her fiercest scowl. "Listen here, I am Anuerin of the Genkis, First Mate aboard the Merrow Wind and that's it. Savvy?"

Gero nodded against her hand and she removed it from his face. "You know the Goblin Prince is gettin' hitched then, right?"

She frowned. "Gero…"

"Did you really slay a dragon? Cuz my cousin, Tilo is his name, well, Tilo says that he was in Taureg when you killed the dragon and-"

Alyx leaned forward and pinched his lips shut to quiet him. "Okay, new plan for today. Forget knot work. Go find Krollin and have him give you a new assignment. I want you to leave me alone for the rest of the day. Do you understand?"

He nodded against her grip. "Yesh."

"On with you then." Alyx sighed in relief when the small Changeling took off and left her be. She resumed reading her book until the sound of ruckus from the other end of the ship broke her concentration. It sounded like a fight. She sighed, heavily, and closed her book to deal with the disturbance. A crowd had gathered around a pair of the men, and Alyx was not surprised to see that Patch was one of them. The other was the bossy and burly boatswain who was a bit fonder of his cat o' nine tails than Alyx liked. Said whip was in the boatswain's hands at that very moment and he swung it at Patch's retreating form. The one eyed pirate whirled around to grab the ends of the cat o' nine tails with one gloved fist.

"You'll be puttin' no whip to this skin!" Patch snarled and he pulled hard on the whip, throwing the boatswain off his feet. Eyeing the offending weapon with a look of disgust, he tossed it overboard.

"Why you bilge-suckin' sorry excuse fer a deck scrubber! I ought to wring yer-" The boatswain was at his feet in a moment, angered over the loss of his favorite toy. He made to attack Patch, but froze when Alyx stormed into the fray, throwing her arms out to stay both men. Despite her tiny stature, both pirates froze in their tracks.

"Belay that an' the pair o' ya stand down 'fore I 'ave ya both keelhauled!" Alyx ordered and she turned to face Patch. "What's the meanin' of this disturbance, Mister Patch?"
"No one is gonna put a whip to this skin." Patch barked, angrily.

The boatswain snarled. "He disobeyed a direct order, Master Aneurin! I told the lout to-"

"An' I told ya that I ain't no mere deck swabber, ya addled-brained nancy! I steer the ship, 'less I gots to go see a man 'bout a horse." Patch snarled and jerked his thumb towards where Quigli was manning the helm. "An' when I gots to go see a man 'bout a horse, then he's steerin' the bloody ship!"

"I were 'bout to teach this insolent dog the meanin' of rank, Master Anuerin. He disobeyed a direct order to clean the deck an-"

"I don't give two fucks 'bout yer so called rank!" Patch responded and moved as if he was going after the boatswain again. Krollin held him back with a firm grip on his arm.

Krollin cleared his throat and interjected. "Now, Patch… Remember you ain't-"

"I know that I ain't First Mate 'round these parts no more, but I ain't no bloody cabin boy neither!"

"I don't care if yer a bloody prince! On this ship I out rank you!" The boatswain had a cocky grin on his face.

"Aye, an' as current First Mate, I outrank the pair o' ya!" Alyx reminded them both, her voice stern. "If anybody is decidin' punishments, then it's me."

Patch turned his eye on her in slight shock, almost if he was amazed at her moxie. Then he startled her even more, when he gripped her upper arm, gently, and said. "I'll not beg, Mr. Aneurin, but I'll ask… Will ya not let a whip be put to me skin?"

For a moment, Alyx wasn't sure how to respond as she stared into his bright green eye. In its swirling depths, she saw some dark, hidden fear that very nearly sucked the breath from her lungs. His pain frightened her and she jerked away from his grip, steeling herself to keep her body from shaking.

"I'll make no man beg, but I'll appreciate when he asks…" She responded, taking a deep breath. "No whip will touch yer skin, mate. I swear it."

"But he-" The boatswain began and in an instant Alyx was in his face, one finger poking at his long nose.

"Oy, did ya not 'ear the words comin' from me lips? Ya ought to consider yerself lucky I don't 'ave him toss ya overboard with that bloody whip. I catch you with another in yer greasy mitts an' I'll break yer fingers myself, savvy?"

"Aye-aye, Master Anuerin." The boatswain swallowed hard and began to back away slowly.

She turned to the rest of the men watching the confrontation with wide eyes and barked. "Oy! That don't save the rest of ya from kissin' the gunnar's daughter! Ya lazy dogs get back to work!"

As the rest of the crew scrambled to do her bidding, she turned back to Patch, who wore a very unreadable look upon his face. He moved to brush by her and she stopped him with one hand on his shoulder.

"Not so fast there, Mister Patch."

"I thought me orders were to get back to work, Master Anuerin?" He grumbled.

"Not even close."

"What then?"

"You… Captain's Quarters… Now." She ordered.

"Now, Anuerin-" Krollin began and she gave him a sharp shake of her head.

"Yer in charge on deck an' keep Quigli at the helm." Alyx did not even wait for his reply before turning on one heel and heading for Morven's cabin. When she burst through his door, she found the Captain sitting at his desk, studying a map. He face brightened when he saw it was her invading his quarters and he opened his mouth to speak. She cut him off by raising one hand.

"Get out, Morven. Me and Patch got words to be said."

Morven frowned and looked about his cabin in worry. "Aneurin… Canna ya do this outside? I donna want me nice things broken…"

She snatched the bottle of rum from before him and gave him her fiercest glare. Morven swallowed hard, knowing that she was angry.

"Right then. I'll be in the hold, playin' cards if ya need me. Donna break all me shiny things." Morven swooped by her, abandoning the even the mere notion of asking for his rum. He met Patch at the doorframe and gave the other pirate a good natured pat on the back. "Good luck, mate!"

Patch gave him an odd look as Morven left and then turned his piercing gaze to Alyx. His voice was droll as he closed the door behind him. "Ya wanted to see me, Master Anuerin?"
"Let's get one thing straight…" Alyx set the bottle down on the desk, hard, and sat in Morven's vacated seat. "I am First Mate on this ship."

Smirking, Patch swiped the bottle from before her and took a healthy swig. "Oh, aye. I noticed that much."

She frowned and rose to her feel, slamming both palms down on the desk. "Enough bloody games! Me First Mate, you Helmsman. Savvy?"

Mirroring her actions, he slammed his palms down on the desk, trapping her smaller hands beneath his. "Trust me. Yer words are as clear as crystal, mate."

Her eyes widened as she struggled to pull away. He only tightened his grip on her hands, and stared her down.

"Who are you?" Alyx whispered, slightly frightened of the pirate before her. "You've haunted my every move since you stepped foot on this ship."

He smirked. "I'm no one."

"Liar. You know I'm a woman."

He nodded, slowly. "Oh, aye. I do."

"Morven told me he hired you to watch me after what happened to me in the Enchanted Wood." Alyx narrowed her eyes at him and tried to free her hands from his, but to no avail. "But there's more to it than that… Isn't there?"

"You tell me, lass. You seem to 'ave it all figured out." He countered, smoothly.

She cocked one eyebrow. "Jaron sent you then… Or Jareth? Did someone from the Golden Court send you to keep an eye on me?"

"What does it matter who sent me as long as yer protected? All ya need to know is that, I'm here to protect ya an' I'll be doin' just that until I feel like ya don't need my protectin' anymore. Savvy?"

"Let go of my hands." Alyx hissed and tried to tug away from him again.

"In a minute. I wanna get something clear between us, lass. I'm not afraid of ya, like most these fools, but I'm awful scared of what you got chasin' ya. You ain't got no clue what kinda evil hunts you. So, we'll be stayin' right here 'til you get it through that thick skull of yers that you're in some seriously deep shit."

Alyx snarled and in one quick movement, head-butted him. Cursing, the pirate stumbled backwards, releasing his grip on her hands. Using his momentary daze to her advantage, Alyx came around the desk like a flash, picking up the biggest candlestick holder she could find. As she moved to bring it down upon his head, he grabbed her wrists in his hands. He squeezed her wrist slightly, causing her to gasp, and drop the makeshift weapon. In one quick twist, he pinned that hand up behind her back and the other above her on the wall. In doing this, his lean body pressed her against the wall, and despite her struggles, she could not move.

"As much as I adore your tenacity, I'd like to keep my head in one piece, thank you." He growled.

"Let me go!" Alyx hissed. "Or I'll scream and call in every deckhand an-"

"Will ya know, lil miss? You really wanna risk the rest of this crew findin' out about yer little secret 'twixt your nethers?" Alyx hadn't noticed, but somehow he had maneuvered his leg between her legs, and at that comment, nearly had her astride his knee. "I think not."

"You think the men on this ship don't know who I am?" Alyx countered. "I scream and they'll hang you from the highest mast."

He smirked. "So, that's how you've been hidin' so good then? You've gathered quite the loyal following. No wonder it took so long to track you down."

Fear flashed in her eyes at his statement and she struggled against his grip. "What are you talking about?"

"Now, donna you worry yer pretty little head 'bout that…"

Blind fear raced through her and she slammed one booted foot down on the inside of his other knee, causing him to curse in pain and stumble, freeing one of her hands. That hand clawed down his face, leaving red welts in their wake. Shoving her fighting form away, he sent her sprawling to the floor. He clapped one hand to his injured face, focusing his only eye on her as she scrambled to her feet. Retrieving a dagger from the desk, she held it pointed at him.

"Ya little hellcat! Ya got this all wrong!" He spat, checking his face for blood.

"You get out of here 'fore I spill yer guts." Alyx returned as she jabbed the dagger in his direction.

He scowled at the sight of the dagger in her hands. "You don't want to do that, Alyx."

Her eyes widened in fear and she nearly choked. "How do you know that name? How do you know that name?!"

"Does it matter?"

"Names have importance." Alyx hissed and jabbed out again with the blade when he tried to move closer.

"Put down the knife, Alyx."

"Make me."

He lunged at her and she evaded him, putting the giant desk in between them, feigning right to his left and vice versa each time he tried to go around the desk after her. He tried leaning over the desk to grab her and she slashed at him with the small blade. The dagger caught the flesh of his already bandaged hand and he jerked back with a hiss of pain.

"Dammit girl, put that pig sticker away!" Patch snapped and came around the desk after her again. For a moment, Morven's chair caught her up and caused her to drop the dagger. Before he could grab at her coat, she shoved the chair into him, catching him, full force, in his midsection. He choked for air as the wind was knocked out of him and she took that opportunity to race for the door. Her fingertips were on the handle when she felt his hands in an iron grip around her upper arm. A gasp of fear escaped her throat as he spun her around to face him. Unexpectedly, her back was slammed against the door of the cabin and he had both of her hands pinned above her head with both of his. Her fearful face looked up to that of her captor.

Morven had barely left his cabin, when he could hear the muffled arguing within. He gave his head a shake and took a seat upon the railing to wait out the argument. Krollin and Quigli soon approached, concern written all over their faces at the sound of raised voices inside the cabin.

"Should we uh-" Quigli started to speak, but was at a loss for words.

"Perhaps, we outta go an'-" Krollin tried to add, but also had no idea what needed to be done.

"Belay that. Business as normal, gents." Morven shook his head.

A crash sounded from the cabin and Krollin moved to go to the door. Morven threw one arm out to stop him.

"But Cap'n, what if-"

"At ease, Mister Krollin." Morven insisted.

Another series of thuds, raised voices, and another crash sounded. This time Quigli was the one to bristle. "Squall, ya can't mean to-"

"It's best to let 'em fight this one out themselves." Morven replied and produced a small cigarillo from his jacket pocket. "Ya lads wanna burn one with me while we wait?"

"Ya canna seriously mean to let them two keep fightin' like that in there." Quigli stared at Morven in disbelief. "What if he-"

"He won't lay no hand on her that that girl don't need. I'm actually hopin' he takes her over his knee an' whups some sense into her. Vice versa, I hope she shows 'im what kind o' mettle she's got an' makes 'im work fer it."

A sudden and unexpected slam against the door of the cabin make the trio jump a little bit, but Morven just shrugged and offered the lit cigarillo to his mates.