WR: OMFG.. an update!!

Fina's lungs felt that they were on fire. The small amount of cool air which blew in through the tiny port hole, did little to ease her. She had been dragged down through several decks, before she was roughly chained by her ankles to a long wooden bench. It was one of many, and all around her, other hapless souls heaved at the great webbed oars. She was alone on her bench, whereas most others had two or three slaves chained in place.

"Here you go Lass," The boorish pirate had said with a smirk, "Your own private oar, courtesy of the Cap'n!"

With a foul chuckle he had slouched away. When the drum beat had started, the rowing had not been too overly taxing. However, as the hours had worn on, the beat never ceased. A constant, everlasting thrumming, writing the pattern of the heave. Around her she saw that slaves would often take turns. Their hands might remain in place on the handles, but all the effort of rowing came from their partner. This was how it was done, one would row for an hour, then rest, under the pretence of rowing. For her, that luxury was not afforded. Sweat drenched her, causing her linen shirt to stick to her slender frame. She dared not slow or stop, for there was a cruel man, who's face reminded her of a rodent, wandering the isles between the benches, a whip in his hand.

Every now and then a cry of agony rang out from somewhere behind her, she dared not look back at the poor individual who had suffered the lash.

She gritted her teeth, her muscles were agony, she glanced around and closed her eyes for a moment, muttering a spell, she felt healing energy wash over her like a cool breeze. When her eyes reopened, she was able to pull her oar with renewed stamina. This had been her only saviour, it was clear that the captain was trying to break her, to wear her out. She knew not why… but what she did know, was that she wasn't going to make it easy for him.

She felt blisters beginning to form on her palms. She was used to savage sword training, and so her hands were usually quite tough, not perfectly soft and smooth as was befitting of a princess. But this…. This was beyond any labour she had ever had to undergo before, and her skin was being shredded from her bones with each stroke.

She felt the chain around her ankles, it was thick, solid iron. She could break though it with a mere thought… but then what? Run. Run where? She was weaponless, and besides.. she had never taken a human life. Sparring usually resulted in a few minor injuries, cuts and scrapes. True she had been hunting, she had killed loopers before, but that had mainly been during a special fishing outing with her brother, for their rubbery, fleshy meat. Never had she plunged steel into a man's flesh and watched him bleed and die as a result. She shuddered at the thought. She never wanted to either.

She glanced around at the other inhabitants of the oar deack, although they were able to rest periodically, they looked close to total exhaustion. She sighed, and closed her eyes again, she should conserve her strength, but she could not sit by when she had the power to aid them. She sent a sacri spell out around her, and it enveloped each person it swept over. She glanced around again, the slaves gaped at themselves in astonishment and the oars were pulled with fresh energy. Unfortunately, she had not taken into account that their tormentors would also benefit. She cried out in agony as she felt a searing rake of fire lance across her shoulders.

"Looks like we got ourselves a little miracle worker." Sneered the rodent-like slaver. Fina moaned softly, she could feel blood from the open wound staining her shirt. She felt her shackles undone and allowed herself to be dragged from the oar pits. She was not aware of her surroundings the pain to intense for her to concentrate on the correct healing charm. Eventually she was dropped to her knees, and she looked around. She was back in the captain's cabin. This time however, the dark haired young man she had seen at the city gates was present, sat before the ornate writing desk, the gigantic hound beside him. The creature looked nervous, it clearly had never flown before.

"Cap'n!" The slave driver said, saluting clumsily, "This girl was castin' healin' spells in the Pits."

Xin stood.

"Aye, tis' why I put her there, I had a suspicion that she would be magically talented."

The slaver kicked her forwards, so she fell on her front, her bloody back now exposed to the Captain and the younger man.

"I struck her well." He said, his booted heel descending onto the wound, causing Fina to cry out again. "I can punish her further if you wish…" He smirked, a sickening lust entering his eyes.

"Out!" Roared Xin. "I gave orders she was not to be struck you filth!!" Standing the captain came and stood before the startled man, wrenching the whip from him, he turned and thrust it into the hands of another crew member who was on guard.

"Ensure that this man receives twenty lashes and that he is thrown from this ship at the next port, until them, give him this girl's oar."

"Aye sir!"

"All that for this miserable little slave whore?!" Screeched the slaver.

Xin smirked coldly at him.

"Aye, for she is worth far more to me than you are. Take him away!"

The cursing slaver was dragged out, moments later his screams as the lash descended reached them.

During the fuss, Farran had stood and had gently lifted Fina into his chair, and was cleaning her wound. Xin lowered himself back into his chair and looked at the pair.

"I expect the pair of you are confused." He muttered, and sipped his loqua. "As well you should be. For after all, why should I, Xin, Captain of the Dread Ship, buy, first, an orphaned boy who has a sparse knowledge of the sword, and has never seen further than Maramba port, and why I should have one of my slavers beaten, for merely doing his job?" He sat back and looked at them. "Maggie," He said suddenly, "I want you to heal yourself, as I know you can, and you boy! Keep your bare hands on her skin. We shall see if I am correct…."

"What, Sir, is it you are expecting to happen?" Farren said. Fina shivered, his voice was low and husky, yet it seemed so warm.

"I did not buy your life to be asked questions, now do as I say!" Snapped the captain.

Farren glanced down at Fina, he pushed his hands through the gash in her shirt and laid them on her bare shoulders.

Fina sighed and closed her eyes, muttering the spell. Instantly she felt the warmth of sacri soothe the fire on her back, but then a second power washed over her. She moaned in ecstasy. Where Farran's hand touched her, she felt a raw power emanating, and from his groan he felt it too. As the feeling grew she felt connected to everything, she could see the air particles around her, she could see each living cell of her body, and she knew in that instant, that with this power she could do anything, she could destroy, create, and she could even alter time. Images started to enter her mind, she was a young boy, growing without a father or mother in a hot place. A black dog was always with her. Her name was Farran, she saw his whole life within seconds, and yet she knew, in detail, how he had lived out every minute of his life, what he had felt and why he had felt it. Then she saw an image of a raised platform, and upon it was a beautiful girl, blonde hair that caught the sun and blazed like fire, lavender eyes flecked with green, and she felt her heart beat faster, and a warmth settle over her.

"Enough!" Xin wrenched Farran away from her, and reality snapped back.

Fina turned and looked at him, he was gaping at her in awe. Suddenly she realised that as she had seen his life, he had seen hers.

"You…" Muttered Farran. "You're.."

"Please." She breathed, her eyes begging him to keep her identity.

Farran glanced at Xin who was smirking in satisfaction. He opened his mouth to speak.

Aika sighed happily, sailing was wonderful, the skies were clear of monsters. She still did not know where they were going, but she was at peace. Love for Vyse soared within her, she wished it would remain this way forever.

"I love you too Aika." Muttered Vyse in her ear. He always seemed to know what she was thinking, and it was wonderful. She turned to face him, and looked into his eyes, seeing lust there.

"I am yours Vyse…" She breathed, and then he kissed her. As his lips met hers, she expected warmth to rush through her and her heart to soar, but strangely it did not, his lips were cold, as were his hands. But she didn't care, she allowed him to lower her to the floor of the bridge. He left the wheel, allowing the ship to drift, and kissed her again and again. His hands smothered her naked body, where her clothes had gone she didn't know or care, but his were absent also, and her heart beat fast, for she had never before lain with a man….

"Everybody, out!" Shouted Ramirez. Celesete and Syna looked at him.

"But Lord," Syna said gently, "Her brow has grown warm, and she might be entering into a fever."

He glared at her.

"I said get out!" He repeated, and gestured at Celeste, "And take her with you! I'll call for you when you are needed again."

The two women did not argue further, and left, closing the door behind them.

At first, Ramirez too had thought she had fallen into fever. However, then he had heard her light moan, a moan he recognised well. Her hips had shifted slightly beneath the sheets, and he realised what Vyse was doing to her. Now alone with her, his hands trembled in barely contained fury. He knelt beside her, his hand brushing away the perspiration beading on her brow.

"I will chase you to Hell and back for this you scum!" Ramirez snarled.

Her hips bucked again, as if mocking him in response. He growled, and slipped his hand beneath the sheets, and felt between her legs, she was exceedingly aroused, and his anger, that it was not him to cause it, knew no bounds.

"Aika…" he murmured. "Don't do this… you know I love you more than the Moons themselves. Vyse is dead and gone, in your heart you know this… Come back to me." He breathed, and leaned down and kissed her. To his astonishment, she responded. It was like a fuel to the fire in his soul, and warmth spread through him.

Aika felt Vyse kiss her, but this time… the heat and passion she felt was awesome. She responded in kind and felt her heart bind to the man. She opened her eyes again as they parted, but the vision of Vyse had faded, she was no longer even on the Albatross. Above her she saw a pair of exquisite emerald eyes, and a handsome face framed with white blonde hair.

"Aika…" He breathed in amazement. His voice was rich and warm. He kissed her, with the same raw passion that Vyse had. However, this time she did not respond. Terror flooded her, where was she? Who was this man?

"Stay with my Aika." He breathed, Stay.. with… love. .you."

She felt herself fall away from the strange dream and she awoke again on the bridge. She sat up, she was fully dressed, Vyse was again, at the wheel. She stood and walked to him, linking her hand with his.

"I just had the strangest dream." She muttered.

"I know." He replied, "When you next see that man, you need to help me kill him. You understand?" He asked her gently.

"Aye, I do." She said, and kissed his cold lips, once again.

Ramirez snarled. She had opened her eyes, she had seen him! She had not recognised him. He had seen her falling back into the oblivion and called out to her.. hoping their bond would draw her back, but she had fallen away. He hung his head, for one perfect moment, he had thought it to all be over, but she had been snatched from him again and he was helpless to stop it.

Vyse strode down to the docks of Nasrad. His lavender eyes glanced around at the citizens who had gathered to see the arrival of the Emperor. Galcian stepped forward and greeted his best friend.

"Welcome to my Continent, My Lord." He said with a grin.

Vyse nodded to him.

"Its good to see you my friend. Any news of Fina?"

"None, but then we haven't yet received the signs. Once they are posted around I'm sure we'll get plenty of sightings." He said, trying to sound hopeful.

Vyse sighed.

"Lets hope so, is the port of Maramba far from here?"

"Around three hours by my ship." Galcian replied.

"Have they been informed of her disappearance?" he asked.

"Not yet, I was about to send out a runner before you arrived."

"Very well, my lieutenant has posters, they'll be hung around the Capital, I'll go to Maramba myself. In the mean time my friend, offer your Emperor a drink."

Galcian chuckled, and ordered his men to ready his ship, and to distribute the pictures of the young princess.

Once in Galcian's apartments, Vyse collapsed happily into a well cushioned chair, and gratefully accepted the ample glass of loqua that the young Lord Marshal handed him.

"How is your mother faring?" Galcian asked.

"She was showing no signs of improvement when I left." Vyse said, "And how does life under the Red Moon suit Belle?"

"Aye," Galcian said with a grin, "it suits her well, she loves the market. I believe there is a merchant who has caught her eye, she comes up with all kinds of excuses to go there."

The two men chuckled at the thought. Neither mentioned Vigoro. Galcian remembered his father well, with a sickening guilt. It was a strange thought, that the killer of his father was his best friend.

"I also have a piece of good news I wish to share with you, Vyse."

The Emperor raised his brows in expectation.

"And what news would that be Galcian?"

"Well…I took a mistress a while back, beautiful young thing. Two years younger than me."

Vyse chuckled. "I didn't know this. You keep your secrets well."

"Aye. Well, I became totally entranced with her, and I married her soon after."

"You're married?!" Asked Vyse in shock, "How did you manage to do that so quietly?"

The Lord Marshal chuckled. "Like you said, I keep my secrets well. I wanted you to be the first to know, and this is the first chance I've had to talk to you in private. Well, her name is Dila, and yesterday…." He looked at Vyse and smiled proudly. "I have a daughter."

Vyse stood and laughed.

"This is good news indeed Galcian! I can't tell you how pleased I am for you."

The Lord Marshal chuckled.

"I named Her Elena. But by the Moons she is perfect!" The young man shook his head, "Its incredible to think of it…. I've never felt so proud. My mother is overjoyed, and Dila hasn't stopped cooing to the babe."

Vyse grinned.

"Galcian, I have similar news. Before I left to come here, Syna came to me and told me to expect a child within the next eight months."

The two laughed and embraced.

"Ahh, but I remember when we were young and we would sneak down to the docks. It seems to me that it was only yesterday, now we are raising our own families." Galcian said.

"Aye, it's a strange thought." Vyse agreed, "But come, I wish to be swift in Maramba. I already have a yearning for Syna, I can't bear to be parted from her for longer than is necessary."

"Then lets be gone from here, Emps." Galcian said.

"Emps?" Vyse said with a wince, "You had better not call me that in front of the men."

"What just happened to us?" Farran asked, glaring at Xin.

Fina relaxed visibly, it seemed he was not planning on revealing her identity, yet.

Xin smirked at them, Fina's back was totally healed, he sat back down, remaining silent for a moment.

"You do not yet need to know. Just be aware of yourselves, and be careful not to allow your flesh to connect when spell casting." He stood and called a guard.

"Jace, take these two out on deck, these are my new deck hands, but be warned, if I see a mark on either of them, it will be your head. Other than that, feel free to work them to the bone. Once they are done, drop them in the free twin bunk cabin."

Farran growled and glared at the man, he looked like he was about to say something, but then stopped himself. Clickling his tongue, he called Marius to his feet, and then paused, and looked at Fina.

The young princess was swamped in utter confusion, yet she felt safe with Farran, so she stood and followed him out into the sun. They were at a very high altitude, and far below the City of Nasrad sprawled. Fina gasped as she saw Armada ships in the dock, among them was her brother's flagship; Orion. Her heart lifted.

"Vyse…" She breathed. Jace paused and saw her staring down at the ships, he laughed.

"Don't get your hopes up girl, we ain't docking, we're so high up so we can catch the currents and speed past the Armada."

"You can't out run the ships of the Armada!" She snapped at him.

"Oh Aye," he agreed, "In a race, I'm sure we couldn't, even with all the oar's stroking at double time, however, they ain't looking for us, and they don't know we are up here."

"Really?" Then where are we headed then?" Asked Farran. "Won't you need to dock for supplies?"

"Aye, but our ship is going to power through the reef to the West, and hide there while the Cap'n and some men go ashore in Nasrad. No point in trying to trade there, the Lord Marshal won't allow slavers, too damned far up the Emperor's ass for that."

Fina scowled at the comments, but managed to keep her voice calm.

"And where are we headed after getting supplies in Nasrad?"

"Right full of questions you two are, ain't ya?! Get bloody swabbing! These decks better damned well shine!!"

The two were forced to work for hours over the massive decks, barely speaking a word to each other. Under the hot sun it was exhausting work, and Fina almost wished she was below decks again, wrenching on the heavy oars. Once the sun had moved past its peak, Jace approached them with two tankards of water and some bread.

"Take a break you two, the Cap'n is about to go ashore to Nasrad, so fill yer bellies."

The pair eagerly fell upon the food and water. Jace chuckled, he was tall and lean, quite scrawny looking compared to the majority of the other members of the crew. Yet a wicked length of spiked chain hung at his side, and he oozed easy grace and skill, clearly not a man to be trifled with. He looked at Fina.

"Heh, if you still want to know, Lass. After here, we are headed right for Soltis."

Fina spluttered and choked on her water.

"What?! But you'll never be able to trade there!" She said confused.

"Aye, that's what you think eh? Well, you'd be surprised, Solits is one of our best trading grounds. There are hundreds of villages dotted around its base, and they are full of some very snobbish, rich people. Despite what our righteous High Lady says, there are still plenty of people who think its below them to wipe their own arse, and will pay money for others to do it for 'em." Jace chuckled. "But you two probably won't even go ashore, looks like the Cap'n has taken a shine to yer, unlikely to sell you."

"Jace!" Xin had emerged from his cabin. "Fetch that cur who beat the girl and bring him, we're to drop him in Nasrad."

"Aye Sir." Jace said, and strode away calling out orders.

Left alone Farran turned and looked at the beautiful girl beside him.

"Fina.." he said quietly.

It was the first time he had spoken her name, confirming her fears that he knew who she was. She felt his rough hand cover hers in silent comfort, and suddenly felt something within her snap. She sobbed and turned, burying her face on his shoulder. Farran stiffened, unsure of what to do, he clumsily put his arm over her shoulder. He smelled her hair, despite the grime and sweat, he still thought she smelled wonderful.

"Don't worry, they will find you Princess… and until then, I won't let anyone hurt you." He murmured.

"Why would you do that Farran?" She breathed, "You don't know me, we have barely spoken…"

"I know everything about you… just like you know everything about me, don't you." He said.

"Aye," She replied, nodding, "I even felt what you felt the first time you saw me." She looked up at him.

He reddened slightly.

"Aye, but its nothing." He glanced away from her, "You're the Emperor's sister, and I am an orphaned peasant. I just wish to see you safe."

She didn't reply, just leaned against him, contented. As the Sun sank lower, Jace returned and ushered them to their cabin. It was small and basic, two small cots against each wall. They didn't bother to strip out of their filthy clothes.. for they had nothing to change into. The two youngsters merely lay down together on one of the cots and slumbered side by side, Marius curled on the second.

Xin had dispatched his men around the market to collect supplies. He glanced up as he passed the apartments of the Lord Marshal, in the entrance stood the young Lord of Nasr, with him was a richly dressed, blonde haired man. Xin was surprised the first time he saw the Emperor, he knew the man was young, but he had always visualised him as a harder looking man. His left arm was bare, exposing a blue band around his arm, the rest of his clothes were white, rimmed in gold. At his side hung a magnificent pair of cutlasses. Xin sneered, the man looked so gentle he doubted he even knew how to use such weapons. Xin turned as the two men started down the steps to the street, and fixed his eyes vacantly on a poster attached to the wall, until they had passed.

"…Aye, well Galcian, when I return to Soltis, please come, and bring your family…." The Emperor was saying.

"Ahh, but I should remain here my friend, in the case of any reports on Fina…"

Then they had passed him by. Xin suddenly did a double take and stared harder at the poster before him.

"Princess of Soltis, Fina. A Reward of 100 Gold Coins Will Be Awarded For Any Information Leading To Discovery Of Her Whearabouts."

Below the words was a picture of a young girl, blonde hair, a beautiful face and pale lavender eyes, flecked with spots of emerald.

Xin stepped back from the poster, and went in search of his men.

She was totally immersed in sleep, Farran lay beside her, his warmth reaching her. For now, she was contented. However, it was suddenly ripped away from her, something snatched at her hair. A fist pulled her upright, dragging her from sleep, and causing her to cry out in pain. Marius barked, and Farran sat up groggily beside her. Fina was pulled to her feet, and found herself dragged onto the deck of the Dread Ship. Xin shoved her forward, releasing her, and causing her to fall to her knees.

"Heh, I knew you were from Soltis.. but never.. never did I think…." The captain drew his blade and stood over the girl. Farran had run out after them, but was being held back by two men, Marius had been shut in the cabin, and his furious howls reached those on the deck.

"Really Princess, did you think you wouldn't be recognised?" Hissed Xin.

Fina's eyes widened and she tried to inch away from him, but her way was blocked by Jace.

"So you're going to kill me then?" She asked icily.

Xin didn't answer, he merely stepped forward, again grabbing her silky locks in his fist and wrenched them up. Then his knife slashed down. Fina cried out, but found herself in no pain, but her hair was falling around her. She tried to struggle, but was restrained by Jace, she sobbed as Xin continued to cut away her hair. Farran had halted his struggles, and now just watched in despair. Eventually Fina's hair was only mere inches long, and she slumped in defeat to the decks.

"Jace." Xin said, "Take her below decks, and rub some pitch through her hair, I want it stained permanently black by morning."

He turned and looked at Farran who glared hatefully at him.

"Follow me boy, drink some loqua, there are words that must be said." He motioned to the men holding him and they released him.

As soon as he was free, Farran turned and drew a small blade from the belt of one of his captors, and he rushed at Xin, before he could be stopped, the knife raised high.

Ducking under the blade, the captain caught the boy's arm, and twisted his wrist. Farran cried out and the blade fell to the decks.

"I gave you an order boy!" With that he strode towards his cabin, dragging the struggling youth with him.

Once within the cabin, Xin shoved Farran into the chair before his desk, and sat opposite him. Pouring two glasses of loqua, he shoved one towards him. The dark haired boy ignored it.

"Drink it!" Roared the captain.

Sullenly Farran reached out and downed the fiery liquid, trying to resist the urge to choke on its potency.

"Now…." said Xin, "I want to talk to you, about your parents."

WR: DONE… for now…