WR: Sorry for the wait ppl, and thanks for the comments.

Fina moaned in frustration, and winced at the twinge in her arm, causing the tip of one of her sabres to dip a little. Seven loopers had alighted on the deck of her small ship, which she had named Morin'star, the small creatures were persistent and she had been forced to go out onto the deck to drive them away. Now she cursed herself, the agile things were able to dodge her attacks and fired back with stinging electricity. Although their strikes were weak and did little harm, she had been subdued to so many that they were beginning to take their toll. She had not wanted to use her magic, wanted to preserve her energy for the voyage ahead. But now, it looked like she had no choice; frowning she sheathed her blades and raised her hands, preparing to call upon Ice Magic from the Purple Moon.

The monsters paused, seeming to regard her new actions, then, as swiftly as the pests had arrived they plunged over the starboard rail and were lost to the skies. She frowned, and followed over to where they had fled and leaned over to see if she could spy them… nothing. She sighed and cast her eyes out, during the fight her ship had slowed to a halt without a captain. She eyed the stone wall, there was a passage at the bottom, she would have to sail through to breach the sky rift and get to Sailors Island.

She turned to re-enter the cabin, however, before she could even reach the door something slammed into the hull of her ship, causing her to lose her balance, she fell to her knees, wincing as they struck the deck hard. She looked to the port side, and her eyes widened. What looked like a barbed harpoon jutted upwards from the planks of the deck, it was angled indicating it had stuck from a lower altitude. Before she regained her legs another shudder ran from stern to rudder. What was going on!

In the half light of the approaching dawn, the Princess found herself crawling over to the port side rail, and glancing over. She gasped.

The harpoon was attached to a thick wire cable, which in turn linked to a massive sailing ship. The thing was colossal, the largest Tall Ship she had ever seen it was almost the size of the Delphinus! The hull was a sickly red colour, the five huge masts boasted black sails, and on the prow of the vessel a carved woman lay naked, a look of pain on her face. The monstrous thing looked to have about five or six decks, some sprouting cannons, but at least three showed rows and rows of webbed oars which would help to propel the ship at great speeds through the air currents.

Morin'star trembled again, and Fina realised what was happening; her ship was being dragged towards it. She spied the sailors of the ship readying grappling hooks and boarding planks. She gasped as the truth hit her, and terror seeped into her body.

Slavers!

Panic rooted her to the spot as her air ship, tiny in comparison, was drawn closer and closer. She blinked… what could she do! Shaking off her fear, she forced her legs to move, she rushed to her small cabin, where she had stowed her two packs of belongings, and grabbed them. With the extra weight, she burst back onto the deck again, just as the first hook latched onto her rail. Looking away from the sight, she dashed to the opposite side where a minute life craft was secured.

She dropped her bags in, and began to follow, for a brief moment, it seemed like escape would be possible. But, then reality was shoved starkly before her as rough hands grabbed her from behind. She could not help it, she screamed as she was wrenched away from the boat. Tears of fright flowed down her face and she was shoved face down on her own deck, she struggled weakly as she felt her hands tied behind her.

"Jase! Stop 'er squirming!" A rough voice shouted.

She felt a dull pain on the back of her skull, before everything went black.

Farran watched as the massive ship descended towards the port at Maramba. He slouched near the entrance to the small town, an old sword lay across his lap like it always did, oiled to a fine shine, at his side a large black husky, which looked more like a wolf, sat on its haunches, growling at all who passed. He was the towns guard, a poor attempt at the laws on guards and soldiers Soltis had tried to enforce.

The slavers were back again. Although the empress had had slavery outlawed, it still continued. It was the black market of the skies, the men of this ship were undoubtedly the most vile specimens imaginable. Cut-throats, the lot of them, not a good bone in any one body. The people they caught and brought in for sale were not much better than dead. Hauling oars, and living off watery slop.

Farran sighed, it was always the same.

He contained his startled jump as someone clapped him on the shoulder, his uncle stood behind him.

"Up off your arse boy! I'll take it from here." He said jovially, Bartus was a lively man, and had taken in his sisters son when she died in child birth, no one knew who the boy's father was. Farran had grown tall, dark and strong under the Red Moon in the deserts. He was a handsome young man; his bronzed skin and dark hair contrasted sharply with his icy blue eyes, but he was always stoic, his usual silence and lack of interest in the ladies of the town had begun to make people think that perhaps he preferred males. So, for the past three years Baratus and his portly wife Amelia had been encouraging where they could, trying to get him to take action with some of the legible women, all attempts failed. The young man of sixteen summers had instantly taken up the job of city guard. His hard eyes, his blade and of course his wolf, Marius deterred most who might cause trouble in Maramba.

"Lad, I want you to go to the auction and see if you can find us one who isn't half dead. Your aunt could use a little help in the kitchens." Bartus said, pressing a few gold coins into Farran's palm.

Silently the young man stood, his eyes lingering on the massive hull where he saw the slavers were hoarding the pathetic looking wastes of life onto the jetties. He frowned, how were these creatures able to generate the strength to even walk? He doubted many of them could survive a week in the harsh desert heat.

"Get going Lad! Get to the front so you don't miss a strong one!" He uncle scolded, nudging him from his seat.

Farran jammed his sword through his belt, and clicked his tongue for Marius to follow. The black wolf was the only inhabitant of Maramba who's company he seemed able to stomach for mare than five minutes.

Striding into the small town square, a crowd had already gathered to inspect the new slaves that the blood red ship; Blood Rider had brought in. They did not have to wait long.

Through the gates came the captain of the ship. For the leader of such a band of villains it always surprised Farran to see how well dressed he was. The man was tall and pale, not a single hair adorned his head, he wore an impeccably white shirt, granting him coolness in the stifling heat, and black breeches which met with his high boots. A curved blade gleamed at his hip. Xin, was his name, the man's sharp blue eyes took in the area, one hand raising to tug at the gold earring that hung from his lobe. The crew entered the town behind him, these men were the typical pirates everyone expected them to be, from tattoos to eye patches. The captain seemed out of place when compared next to them.

Next, came the slaves. Farran looked quickly away from them, he did not want to see such weak creatures.

Xin stepped onto a small platform, and, without introduction, began the auction, bringing forward slaves one by one for sale.

Fina probed a split lip with her tongue. Why had she not brought something that could show her status here! But then… perhaps it was best that these men did not know of her heritage… she dared not think of what they may do to a princess. She was still groggy, only having come around as she was dragged from the hold of the massive ship. From casting a bleary eye skyward, she knew she was somewhere in the Red Continent, the heat choked her, she was used the soothing coolness of the Silver Moon, not this, she almost passed out again, and was having to be half carried with the other slaves.

By now she was strong enough to stand alone, and could watch the proceedings. Horror flooded her, she was to be sold as a slave! Her! The Princess of Soltis…Why? Why had she acted to rashly! She should have stayed in the tower, there at least she was safe, her father and brother loved and protected her! She felt tears stream from her eyes, how she now longed for her father, his silent, strong presence, for her mother and her warmth, for her brother and his love, for her home and its comforts…

She barely felt herself shoved forward. She allowed herself to stumble and fall to her knees beside the tall man who seemed to be the captain. She didn't care, her sobs took over her, and wracked her body, doubts that she would see her home again amplified in her mind.

Xin glared down without emotion at the broken girl. He had been surprised to find just this lone person aboard such a fine little ship, he had been even more surprised to see what good quality weapons she carried, not to mention her wealth! He had considered keeping the girl aboard The Blood Rider for longer but decided that she would fetch a high price, she was definitely the strongest one here.

"I shall start the bidding at two silver pieces." He said.

Farran watched the girl collapse to his knees, her heart wrenching sobs seemed to penetrate him. He blinked, she was beautiful…

He barely noticed his hand raise.

"Three silver pieces, thank you young sir." He heard Xin say.

Another hand rose, Farran scowled as he saw the greasy looking man eyeing up the girl with clear lust. His blood pounded furiously in his ears at such a notion.

Again his hand rose.

"Five silver pieces, do I have any higher? Yes, sir six silver pieces.."

The crowd was watching the battle between Farran the other man, Marius seemed to sense the tension. The great wolf turned its huge head, teeth bared and snarled at the challenger. The man had been about to raise his hand again, but faltered, seeing that the young man's hand also rested upon the hilt of his gleaming sword. Everyone knew Farran had never been bested…. He lowered his hand in defeat and shook his head to Xin.

"Sold, to the young man with the dog, for six silver pieces." The captain said, happy that he was getting such a large amount for one single slave.

Fina's sobs had subsided as she heard the auction for her begin. How could this happen? Perhaps she could escape…. She felt two of the pirates grab her to drag her to her new master.. perhaps…

Suddenly she stood up sharply, snapping her head back so it connected with the chin of one of her captors, she gritted her teeth against the pain, but from the crack and the scream of pain from the man, he had suffered more, he instantly let her go, leaving just one to deal with. She raised her knee, bringing it into his groin, then.. she was free. She made a dash for the gates, however, before she had taken two paces a massive black wolf leapt before her, barring her path.

She glared at the creature, and raised her hands, crackles of ice magic ran along her hands as she prepared to cast a spell which would clear her way… Then a hand descended on her shoulder. She gasped as a wave of dizziness over came her, she felt like her magical energy was being drawn from her body. From the groan of the person behind her, it was clear that they were feeling the same thing.

Farran's world spun, he could not remove his hand from her shoulder, and where his skin made contact with hers a golden glow had started to form. He felt her great energy, mixing with his own, and a strange ecstasy swelled through him. However, before this power could reach its crescendo the captain of the slave ship was beside him, a swift jab to the neck with the pommel of his sword knocked the girl out. As she slumped, Farran automatically caught her and lifted her lithe form in his arms, however, now nothing happened, the energy had died.

Xin was staring at the boy strangely, his sharp eyes confused and surprised.

There was a silent pause between the two, before the captain broke away. Farran was left cradling the girl against him, she looked to be a year or two younger than him, but now, this close, he saw her beauty so clearly. He blinked, and shook his head. What was he thinking! She was his slave! Not worthy of his attentions…

Aika opened her eyes, and saw the familiar wooden beams above her. She swung her legs out of her bed, and stretched. She was in her little room, dawn had just broken, and soon The Albatross would be departing. Her and Vyse needed to sneak aboard today, as they had been told they were not allowed to come this time, they had broken one of the cabin windows last time with their reckless play, and so had hindered the ship for repairs.

She quickly tugged on her dress and ran out into the early sunlight, Vyse was waiting for her, his smiling face lit up further when he saw her.

"Come, lets go, we have a long journey ahead of us today!" he said, gripping her hand and dragging her towards the docks below the island.

"Where are we going Vyse?" she asked breathlessly, she barely noticed the quiet of Pirate Isle, even this early normally a few people would be out and about.

"It's a secret! He said with child-like enthusiasm.

"Will it take us long to get there? I need to be getting back to Ramirez…" She said. Vyse paused and turned to look at her.

"What are you talking about Aika? Who is Ramirez?" he asked.

"My Husband…" she said with a frown.

Vyse laughed at her.

"Another of your silly dreams Aika, you always have had a very active imagination." He turned and tugged her through the stone doorway into the underground docks. Here too was deserted, nothing stirred, it was as if the whole island was deserted.

A dream? Surely Ramirez had not been a dream, had he? But, if he was real, then Vyse would no be here now, for she had seen him killed on the Silvite's blade…. Perhaps it was all just a dream.

"Yes Aika, Ramirez, and Soltis, it was all just a dream, don't think about it." Vyse said over his shoulder as they boarded the beautiful Albatross. She smiled, he was right. Ramirez was just a distant dream, she had woken, and now she was with her true love…

"I love you too Aika," he mumbled to her, "but you have to help me, for me to be free to be with you forever, you need to help me, can you do that Aika?" Vyse asked, turning and holding both her hands between his.

She didn't understand what he meant, but she would do anything for her dearest Vyse. She nodded and smiled at him.

"Of course I can!" She said. "I love you Vyse and I'd do anything to see you set free!"

He released her hands and turned to the wheel.

"Alright! Lets go then! We need to sail a long way Aika!"

She smiled again, Vyse was the best sailor there was, they did not need to wait for the rest of the crew to rise from their beds. The skies awaited, ready for flying. She nodded, she would follow him anywhere…

Ramirez paced beside her, barely containing his worry, and anger. She had spoken his name! He knew she did not speak of their son, but of her dead love. He snarled as her remembered her words.

"…I love you Vyse and I'd do anything to see you set free!"

It was then that he knew something was dreadfully wrong with her, he just knew it. Her spirit no longer occupied her body, she was somewhere else… where he did not know.

He looked up as the guards entered with the prisoner he had sent for; Celeste.

She glared icily at him, her arms folded beneath her ample chest. The dark woman was still strikingly beautiful, but the mere sight of her still repelled him, and it sickened him to ask for her help now.

He pointed at his wife.

"Is this your doing?" he asked bluntly.

"No." She said back.

"Well in that case, I require your assistance, I want you to see if you can find out what is keeping her in this state." He told her.

She barked out a short laugh.

"And what makes you think that I have the power to help?" she said.

"You are of Black Magic, it has qualities of both life and death, I want you to find out where her spirit is, for I know it has fled that vessel." He waved a hand at her limp body.

Celeste raised an eyebrow.

"Very well, I'll see what I can do." She mumbled.

"If she comes to any harm by you, I shall toss your boys from the Spire of Soltis." Ramirez growled out in warning.

Celeste bit back her sharp tongue and approached the sleeping woman. She placed her fingers on her temples and closed her eyes, preparing to delve into her consciousness.

Suddenly the doors banged open, causing Celeste's eyes to fly open again, she turned and saw the Emperor standing there, he ignored her, and his mother, his eyes trained on his father.

"What now Boy!" Ramirez snapped.

"Fina is gone!" He breathed.

WR: Tis all for now… :D