Faith – Chapter 17

I spend the last day staring into the sea, preferring sickness to my inner conflict. I'm eager to restore Sejuani, but fearful that she'll turn hostile. Back home, I have responsibilities. On board, Sarah manages everything while Quinn warms my bed.

Volibear can't hide his impatience. I half-expect him to dive into the choppy green water and swim to shore. He carries Anivia's egg in a strongbox, a present from Sarah. Few people could lift it, let alone steal it. We've learnt our lesson from Quinn's interference.

The box might draw attention from outlaws, but Volibear would enjoy cracking a few skulls.

I hear Quinn approach from behind. She plays with my hair while I nestle into the crook of her shoulder, making the most of the time we have left. I'm past caring what others think. Volibear can fume and the sailors can leer. This moment is too precious.

The Syren judders into dock. Engines spit out minor corrections to our course. We back away from the rail at Sarah's behest. I watch Quinn straighten out her bodice, ready to meet her liege. I do like that she's putting on a show. These prudish Demacians warrant a little hardship.

I sometimes wonder how they cope with Shyvana. Maybe they can't see the woman through the scales, their loss.

Once again, I'm down to my bra and skirt, sweltering in Demacia's warm climate. I'm covered in sweat and sunburn. Volibear pants in the shade of the forecastle. We notice our mutual discomfort and look away. He's mortified we share anything.

Sarah lowers the boarding ramp and whistles. 'Come on, little bird. You're the hometown hero. It's only fair that you go first.' Valor swoops onto the pier before anyone can object. He knocks over two dockworkers then perches, like a military standard, on a flagpole. The dockmaster roars expletives while Quinn covers her face in embarrassment. Sarah laughs. 'Ah, I forgot we had an actual bird.'

Quinn says, 'He can't bear someone else being the centre of attention.'

'You'll get your day in the sun.' With a playful shove, Sarah propels Quinn over the threshold. 'Enough holding back. You've got one life. Drink, fuck and fly, babe! If Jarvan gives you shit, your Auntie Fortune will burn down his harbour and treat you to the filthiest whores in Bilgewater.'

The crew cheer. Some of them offer the names of their favourite women. I hear an "Ashe" in there. Quinn smiles awkwardly. 'I'm sure that won't be necessary but thank you.'

'Pleasure's all mine.' Sarah gives Quinn's buttock a loud slap. 'Fuck, you're tight! Swing your hips and let Ashe know what she's passing up.'

I can love the sight of someone walking ahead, but not walking away. Quinn glances back and I nearly cry.

Next up is Volibear. He bows deeply before Sarah. 'Captain Fortune, you have done a great service for the Winter's Claw and for me, personally. Should you grace our lands, you will be a guest of honour until our stores grow bare.' Few can express noble gratitude so well. Diplomats would sell their firstborn to learn from Volibear's grace though I doubt he'd accept the compliment.

Sarah's bosom heaves in her corset. 'Ooh, they say the Winter's Claw know how to party.' She clears her throat. 'Look, I know I had my reasons but I'm sorry for hooking you up to our engines. I've made a lot of calls in my time but I'm not used to playing with the lives of good people.'

'I commend your actions with all my heart. Even if my life were forfeit, I would have begged you to stay your course.'

'By the kraken, you're every girl's dream.'

'I know plenty who'd say otherwise but thank you.'

'They're lying. Trust me.' Sarah takes his arm. 'Serious talk, I don't claim to know what's going on with the Freljord. I know Ashe is an awful tart, and you don't see eye to eye, but… she's bad in a good way. Keep her about, if you can.'

'You underestimate her. She's a danger to many people, especially Sejuani.'

Sarah doesn't budge. 'I want to see all of you when I visit.'

'You're asking the wrong person.' He cradles the strongbox. 'Only one of us can truly pass judgement on Ashe.'

'You think? I'd say there's one other.' Sarah's eyes follow Quinn along the pier. She cuts a lonely figure, hands in front of her low neckline while passers-by glance in disapproval. This is a real test for her.

Volibear drums his claws. 'Hmm… you may have a point.' He nods in farewell. 'Good hunting. If I don't pay my debt in this life, Captain Fortune, I will do so in the next.' He shuffles down the ramp.

It's just me and Sarah now. She says, flatly, 'Hey, girlfriend.'

'Interfering again?' I say. 'You're as bad as I am.'

'Show some gratitude. You need somebody on your side who's not fucking you.'

'My husband already fills that role.'

'So you both do whatever, huh? Do you have a similar arrangement with your crazy barbarian princess?'

'You could say that.'

Sarah looks unconvinced. 'So you're in trouble?'

'Not for the reason you think.'

'I won't ask.' She sighs. 'Your life is a mess. I'd sooner have my problems. At least I can shoot most of them.'

'I don't know. I couldn't bear the pain of losing my…'

'That's enough!' She checks our surroundings. 'I totally regret saying anything. Should've known you'd get all broody.'

'You should look her up.'

'I shouldn't.' She fidgets under my gaze. 'What are you perving at?'

'You should look her up.'

Sarah curses my persistence. 'Fine, but I have two conditions. I won't put out any feelers until Bilgewater's under my heel, and you're providing a home if it all goes wrong.'

'I'm sure there are better destinations.'

'Well that sounds like your problem, bitch.'

'I guess it is.' The time has come. I should take my leave as Queen of the Freljord. Instead, I hold onto my freedom as long as I can. 'I'll miss you, Sarah.'

She looks down with contempt at my open arms, but relents and embraces me. She's plucked soft and smells of rose water. Just as I'm falling asleep in her feminine cocoon, she surprises me with a kiss. 'Look after yourself, Ashe. I don't have many friends.'

'You said it.' She blows a curl out of her face in mock annoyance. 'We have to do this again sometime.'

'Definitely. You fancy a trip to Piltover?'

'Yes, I'd love to bring some of their technology back home.'

'Eh, the tech's good, but the people are dull as dishwater. Their black market is a man selling tax-free cigarettes in a bar. I get most of my gear from Zaun.' She waves off her tangent. 'I'm going because the Sherriff's marrying her woman… or her woman's marrying her, not sure who proposed… and I got a plus one. Can't think of anyone I'd rather take.'

My heart skips a beat. 'Women can marry there?'

'Caitlyn has money and power so she can do what she likes but… yes, apparently.' The possibilities are whooshing through my head. I'm already planning little ceremonies and outfits. 'Damn, girl, you're picking out your bridal gown already.'

'How did you...?'

She winks. 'Women's intuition.' What am I then? 'Ah, I think you and Cait would get along like a ship on fire. She's another gilded slut with a long stick up her fat ass. Massive tits as well, but you seem to like them small.'

'It's all about the person. While we're on the subject, I doubt even a fairy-tale wedding is worth your company.'

'Aw…'

'Joking aside, I'd love to go but…'

'Responsibilities, hey? Just remember the offer's there if a miracle happens.'

'I will. If it doesn't, you could always take Quinn.'

Sarah beams. 'Can you imagine? She'd be bawling her eyes out, running to catch the bouquet, fainting with happiness. You reckon she'd show up in a suit or a dress?'

'Either would work.'

'Oh, come on. You've got to have a preference.'

'Can she be naked?'

'You filthy mare, get off my ship.'

I depart The Syren with a spring in my step. A gentle sorrow, not unwelcome, touches my heart. Sarah and I probably won't meet for many years, but ours is a good parting, free of injustice and regret.

As I descend onto the pier, my legs feel stiff and wobbly. Two men await us. One is the ever-inscrutable Xin Zhao. The other is a lithe, dark-skinned man with a chiselled frown. He carries twin guns of obscure design.

Before any of us can exchange pleasantries, the newcomer says, 'You're alive. Did you find your lost soul?'

I keep silent. I've no idea who this man is. Quinn looks to Xin Zhao for guidance. When he doesn't oblige, she ventures, 'I think so, Lucian, but we nearly paid in kind.'

'I would pay anything to free Senna.' He turns with a flick of his heavy linen coat. How is he not melting? 'Thank you, my lady.' He departs.

With maddening serenity, Xin Zhao says, 'Why did you tell him?'

Quinn flushes. 'He deserved to know. If it were my wife in chains, I'd…' We're back in Demacia now. She has to mind her reputation. 'We know how determined Lucian is. If we hadn't told him, he might have interrogated Sa… Captain Fortune or struck a deal with Lux. He discovered our mission by himself. Isn't it safer to keep him as a friend if we can't hide anything?'

'I'm sure Lucian will remember your co-operation.'

'I wasn't manipulating him for my benefit!'

'Regardless, you've earnt his goodwill.' Xin Zhao lowers his voice, pronouncing each word with the laboured accuracy of an immigrant. 'I must warn you, as one low-born outsider to another. Be careful. I respect your boldness, and agree with your call, but referring Lucian to Prince Jarvan would have been protocol. Even if you act with wisdom, you risk looking like an upstart for acting alone.'

I'm getting angry with him. 'Don't you think that bird's already flown?'

'Quinn has to start assessing risks rather than simply taking them. Soon, she may be gambling with lives other than her own.'

Volibear steps in. 'Are you threatening us?'

'No, you are to be our guests until Quinn has delivered her report.' So Jarvan is taking us prisoner while he debriefs Quinn. I don't blame him. Anything could have happened to us out there.

Volibear clutches the egg a little closer. 'Fine, but Sejuani's soul is ours. Keep your non-existent mages at arm's length.'

'We will. The less our "non-existent mages" have to do with that vessel, the better.'