Sorry about the long wait. I had to catch up with school and such, which took awhile. bad me was putting other things before school *look of shame* But non-the-less, here's chapter 4!

Fable Characters, Storylines, and places in the game are owned by Lionhead Studios.

The Characters that I've created, I own.

Do what you want, 'cause a pirate is free,

YOU ARE A PIRATE!

Yar har, fiddle di dee,

Being a pirate is alright to be,

Do what you want 'cause a pirate is free,

You are a pirate!

You are a pirate-from the show lazytown XD

" What is this thing that is so interesting, that I had to come down here to see, dirtying my clothes in the process I might add?" Reaver said with a noticeable hint of annoyance.

" You'll see when we get there sir...it's rather hard to explain."

It turns out that Russ, as good looking as he was, was too annoying for Reaver to even bear his company. His voice was nasally sounding it was unappealing high-pitched for a man. Reaver would be able to stay in the mans company without having the extreme urge to shoot him silencing him forever, if he kept his damn mouth shut.

As much as he regretted to ask, " How much longer shall this little journey be, I grow restless."

" Not that far sir, just maybe 300 yards more to go." Reaver cringed at his voice. How as it that this man has gone through his entire life and no one has tried to kill him out of sheer annoyance of his voice. Reaver tore his glare away from the man in front of him and in the distance saw..a statue, was it? Why would a statue be of any interest?

"Up there sir, that statue, do you see it?" " Of course I see it, fool, I am not blind" Reaver hissed making the man shrink in surprise and fear at the tone of Reaver's voice and death glare.

"My apologies sir. I didn't mean to insist-" "Shut up, and do not speak unless I give you permission." Reaver spat

Reaver walked ahead of the man and to the statue. 'What is this thing?' Reaver walked around the object examining it. ' It looks like a bird...' he moves to touch the bird-like model, and he feels the cold of the metal it was crafted from penetrate through his gloves and onto his skin, absorbing his heat. He quickly snatched his hand away rubbing it. 'What in Avo's name is this thing?'

Reaver stepped back to get another look at it. 'Hmm... it is an exotic piece and certainly one-of-a-kind. I believe it would do nicely in the parlor...I would just need to put up some railings around it to prevent people from touching it...' Reaver turned around to Russ who was twaddling his fingers anxiously.

Reaver clapped his hands together getting the attention of the mercenary. " I have decided that this...relic is going to return with us back to Albion where it will go in my parlor with no damage taken to it." " We shall both go back up to the surface and from there you and the other mercenaries shall come back down here and bring this statue back to the City of Aurora and onto the ship."

" Relay this exact message to the other men and that I will be waiting for everyone bringing back the statue on my ship. I do not wish to repeat myself, so do you have everything clear?"

Russ nods his head, then raises his hand.

Reaver rolls his eyes and sighs" Permission to speak."

" Well, um sir, how are we supposed to get that out of here? How are we supposed to get over the walls when the only way out of this cave involves constantly climbing over things?" Reaver starts to stroll away " Oohh, be creative! I'm sure you mercenaries will figure something out now, won't you? You all can't be that brain-dead." With one last look at the statue and around the dark spacious room, Reaver takes his leave with Russ standing motionless, frantically clawing at his brain for ways of how to get this statue out.

A couple hours later

Reaver was nearly back at the City of Aurora. He wondered how his mercenaries were fairing right now with the troubling task of maneuvering the statue out of the cave. The image of the frantic Russ popped into his mind and his expression was priceless. Reaver chuckled to himself. Other people's misfortune amused him so.

In the distance the outline of the city came into view. " Good, soon I'll be able to get out of this bloody heat, and clean up." With positive thoughts on his mind Reaver pressed on and ever a bit more quickly pace than he was going before.

Carmen approached the entrance to the city violin and bow in hand she moves passed the cracked open gate and stands in the sun. Looking up and squinting, she remembers how bright the city used to be before the darkness came. Now it's just dreary and lifeless. She looks to her right and seats herself upon a pillar's platform.

She lifts the bow to the violin and begins to play. The enchanting and haunting music made flies off the strings wrapping its bittersweet melody around her. Tears begin to form and fall one by one down her cheeks.

She plays this song for those who lost their lives. For the loved ones who have departed. For the new mother without her husband or babe. For the elders who live past their own children and grandchildren. For the children and people who had loving parents and siblings, now orphaned and alone. This song is for our dearly departed's march into the arms of Avo.

Too enraptured by her own song she failed to notice the approach of a flushed pompous man.

" You do know that water warps wood."

Carmen's eyes snap open and whips her head up cutting a note short. She gazed upon a slightly flushed Reaver, who surprisingly didn't look like he was dying out in the heat. It did seem he had sweat some, but was quick to take care of that problem by the swipe of a cloth and the shedding of a overcoat, which was now tucked underneath his arm.

" Oh I am sorry. You didn't have to stop. I just thought you should know that crying on wood destroys it, and would it be a pity if such a beautiful thing were to be destroyed."

" Right, well thank you for the lesson on the warping of wood, but even if I wanted to continue the song, you kind of ruined the mood so it would not sound as good as before." Carmen drawled

Reaver lifted a perfectly shaped eyebrow " Oh? Is that so?" Carmen nodded "Well, what is the mood for you now?" Reaver smirked.

Carmen smiled as she started to play a beautifully maddening song. Oddly enough the song reminded Reaver of that loon Benjamina. Not by any chance of love, hate, or sorrow, but because of how mad the song sounded. It fit her perfectly.

Carmen drew the bow from the violin and smirked. "That about sums it up." Reaver matched her smirk while looking at her "seductively" "So I am driving you crazy am I?" He moved in closer. Carmen rolled her eyes " More like driving me up the wall." she scoffed. "Hmmm, I think I like the sound of that." Carmen's eyes widen and her cheeks turned a light scarlet at the realization of the innuendo.

Reaver stared down at Carmen grinning. The light scarlet staining her cheeks was moderately alluring given the fiery nature of hers he experienced the other day, it softened her appearance. He liked seeing the woman speechless and embarrassed. It was completely against her nature, and it was hilarious.

Finally Carmen came out of her stupor, glares at Reaver, shakes her head, then sighs "Out of all the sperm to choose from, and you were the fastest." and with that remark she hops off the platform, grabs her violin and bow, and makes her way back into the city. Reaver watching her every movement until she was out of sight. Smiling to himself Reaver shook his head letting out a slight chuckle he too made his way back into the city and towards his ship.

Reaver sank into the warming embrace of the tub water and sighed. It felt good to finally relax after so much walking, especially in the heat and you get all sweaty and disgusting. Reaver took a swig of his wine, emptying the glass, threw it over his shoulder shattering it, and submerged himself underneath the water. After a couple of seconds Reaver reappeared from beneath the surface into the candle lit room shaking water from his head like a dog then leaned back and to relax again. Staring up at the wood ceiling Reaver started to drift off to sleep.

Meanwhile...at the legion of doom!( XD I'm sorry I just had the strong urge to throw that in there.)

"Jimmeh!, its yer turn to carry the 'ead."

"No it isn't! It's Pauls!"

"Can we stop? My feet are startin to blister."

"Shut up Arnie! Quit whinin' and pay attention! You almost dropped your end, idiot."

"It's cold out 'ere"

"Noooo, I tought, wes were walking out in tha tropics. Of course its cold you idiot!"

"Yeah thanks for pointing out the obvious Arnie."

"Hey! Shut up! Tis is technically the desert."

"It is the desert, stupid."

"So if its the desert, then whys it all freezin' cold n' stuff?"

"Tat's wut happens when it's nighttime Arnie. It cools down, and when the sun comes back up in the daytime. It 'eats up again."

"Whoa, everybody lookie at Paul. Such the academic."

"Haha, yeah. Would ya loike a big fancy wig and some powder to go with that edumaction Paulie?"

"Or should we calls ya, Sir Paul? Hahahaha!"

"Atlest I can tell the differnce 'tween a cow n' a woman...Jimmeh."

"Hey! I was stone drunk you twit, but besides Siiiir Paul...what is the difference between a cow n' a woman?"

" A cow can shut up for more than 10 seconds."

All the men burst out laughing

"...Jimmeh, I've been carrin' tha ead' of tis thing for hours. it's your turn to carry it!"

*Sigh*

" I can't take it anymore Lea! Everywhere I look I see the dead walking. I see my family staring at me with pain and anguish!" Carmen wept as she threw clothing and possessions together in some bags.

" Carmen, this is pain is hard for everyone to deal with, but we must stand together and be strong! Running away will not help anything." "And sitting here like chickens to be slaughtered, will?"

Lea studied her friend. Carmen has since wiped her tears away, her jaw was clenched and she had a strong look of determination on her face to just get out of Aurora.

"Running from our problems is never the answer..." "And just how our we solving this problem? Hmm? I see no one taking any immediate action to go and destroy this threat, besides the few small groups of people and some who went alone to never return or be heard of again."

"...Wait! What about the king!" Carmen looked over at Lea questioningly. " Awhile ago the King of Albion came here on an expedition with many of his men. They were attacked by the darkness all of them were killed, expect for the king. If it weren't for Kalin he would be dead." Carmen now sitting listening with great interest.

" That's amazing. Did Kalin actually fight off the darkness away from the king saving him? Or did she and a search party just find him in the desert?"

"I don't know, but in exchange for saving his life he promised that he would return with an army and be ride the land of the darkness for us!"

Lea was know grinning hugely. Maybe this will convince Carmen to stay?

"How long ago did this happen?"

"Oh, about 4-6 months ago...why?" "If this happened 4-6 months ago, then why am I just hearing about this know, and from you? Why didn't Kalin announce this news to everyone?"

" Well, when this was promised we just went the very first attack by the darkness. We all lost a lot during the first attack and were still coping with what just happened. Even though the king made his promise, he didn't know how long it would be before he would return. So I believe Kalin either didn't want to give us false hope or she was going to tell us when the king sent word that he was coming."

"So if she didn't tell anyone how did you find out?" "She told a select few. The elders and some of the older adults, yours and my father included."

A sharp pang went through Carmen at the mention of her father. His death was still fresh to her, and like an open wound if touched it's going to sting. It only reminded her how miserable she'll be if she stays here. With constant memories of her childhood around every corner.

"Before the darkness attacked again father felt like he should tell me about the king's promise. I'm glad he did, I don't like being left in the dark."

Carmen just nodded

"What are you thinking about Carmen?"

" Just going through memories that I have here, and how I'm going to miss Aurora." "So you're still leaving." Lea said with disappointment hanging heavily in her voice.

" I'm sorry Lea. Even with the help that's coming...it's...just too hard for me to stay here. I need someplace to start anew. Wipe my slate clean. I want to live a happy life."

"There's no convincing you to stay?"

Carmen shook her head with a sad smile, then starts to go back to packing her belongings. Lea walks over and stands behind Carmen, watching her pack.

" How will you get out of Aurora? I doubt you can man one of those big ships on your own, let alone I highly doubt Kalin will let you take one."

Carmen finished packing one bag, closed it and moved onto the next loading items into it. She picked her violin case about to put it in when a realization hit her. A slow smile crept across her face.

Carmen packed the violin. Grinning, she turned around to Lea. " I have an idea of who might be able to get me off of Aurora."

'Hmm I wonder how long it's been...' Reaver peered out the door a cold breeze caressed his faced and moved on when he stuck his head outside. The bright, hot, muggy climate of Aurora seemed to have diminished into a cold serene night.

'How long did I sleep?' Reaver stepped onto the deck of the ship, the wood creaking and moaning as he strode to the wheel of the ship.

The cool winds lightly rolling over him, ruffling his hair around a bit. He looked over to entrance of the village seeing the glows of the lights that came from the houses within.

Everything was silent. All Reaver heard was the lapping of the waves against his ship. 'So calming.' Reaver thought to himself. 'How can someplace so hellish transform into something so serene, and beautiful?'

This reminded Reaver of earlier. When he found Carmen sitting alone outside the city playing her violin. He had only seen the angry side of her, which was amusing, but seeing so her look so at peace, blocking everything out in the world so it was just her and the violin. She looked very... angelic.

Then she started to cry, and as amusing as it was that she hadn't noticed him at all, and that the song she was playing was beautiful. The crying had to stop and that meant interrupting the beautifully haunting piece.

And haunting it was, he couldn't get the damned thing out of his head.

He sighed, realizing just how empty the ship was, and that meant he would need to find another way to get something else on his mind, and the song out.

Reaver tapped his foot then came to the only logical conclusion...liquor! If anything a good couple cups or a bottle or two will certainly put his mind on other things! Heading back to his quarters Reaver threw open a cabinet full of different type of wines, brandies, vodkas, etc, etc.

Reaver scanned over the the alcohol, and finally pulled out a honey brandy. He glided over to a plush red silk divan made out of cherry wood, and sat down, and brought his feet up, leaning back against the divan.

He popped open the brandy and took a swig of it. 'Hmm, much better' he thought with a smile. He took another swig. 'I wonder where those worthless souls, who call themselves mercenaries are...' another swig, 'If they take too long bringing the statue back in one piece that won't be the only thing they'll have to worry about.' another swig.

"Bloody Avo, it's freezin!"

"Do ya 'av to keep rapteain' yaself Arnie."

"I'm jus tryin to make conversation."

"Ugh, well Arnie it's not much of a conversation if ya gonna keep rapteain' yaself!"

"Well it's true! I'm freezin' my bum off out 'ere."

"We don't want to hear about your bum Arnie."

"...What do ya think Masta Reava is doin' right now? You don't think we're takin' too long are we?"

"Hmm if we are I'll just blame it on you for slowing down the group with yer senseless chatterin, and maybe e'll sow yer mouth shut."

"Why are yous guys all so mean to me?"

" It's cause we all 'ave low selfs-esteems, and so we pick on people whos we think are weaka than us to me ourselves feel betta."

" Realla'? Tat's why ya all pick on me?"

" For Avo's sake, no Arnie!"

"We picks on you cause yous an idiot, making you gullible and easy target."

" That's not vera noice."

"...It's not supposed to be noice, nitwit!"

" Why can't we be noice?"

"We're mercenaries! Mercenaries aren't supposed to be noice Arnie. I tought yous would've gotten tha memo when yous joined."

"Well, why can't we be noice to eachotha?"

" Cause we're mercenaries."

"Tat's purtty non-descript."

"Tat's because I owes ya no exiplanation."

"Eh, Russ, why can't mercenaries be noice to eachotha?"

"I've stayed out of this so far, and I would like to keep it that way. I hate confrontation, arguments, and fighting."

" A mercenary who hates fighting? But that's wut we're hired to do mate. It completely contradicts the whole meaning of mercenary."

" Yeah...well I only joined cause I needed a job."

"So a non-violent person joined a violent job, that makes complete sense...I swear I'm surrounded by idiots."

"Not Paulie, Jimmeh! Paulie here is the academic out of all of us!"

"That's right! Isn't it, Sir Brainiac?"

"Shut up, Jimmeh."

"Ahahahahaha!"

"I swear, Jimmeh, I'll hit you upside tha 'ead wit tis thin'."

"I'll loike ta see ya try lil' girl!"

"Oi! Numskulls! Look ova there. It's tha gates to tha cita."

"Eh, so it is."

"Good! I'll be able to warm up and soak meh blisterin feet."

"I don't want to 'ear about yer blistered feet Arnie!"

"You really think Reaver will let you take passage on his ship to Albion?"

Carmen shrugs "Meh, I have some doubts, but I'm not overly concerned. If he says no, I'll just sneak on and hide under-deck."

"So what are you going to do? Are you just going to go ask him if he can let you join his ship, provide food, and a room for you until you reach Albion?"

"I'll come up with things to say as I go along."

"That is terribly impractical, Carmen. You should at least know what to say or something before asking someone to shelter you for a couple of weeks."

"You're making this a bigger than it truly is Lea." Carmen laughed. "It's just I got this kind of...I don't know, bad vibe, when I saw him. So you can't blame me for being a little bit worried."

"Yeah, well, I got more of a man whore vibe. Not necessarily bad, it's just going to be extremely uncomfortable to be around him." Lea looked at Carmen, her expression even more worried.

"It's alright Lea. I'm not utterly defenseless. I know how to fight people to defend myself."

"And that makes me feel much better." Lea sighed heavily.

Carmen moved towards the door, placed her hand on the handle then looked back at Lea. "If I don't come back within 30min-1hr I give you the utmost permission to storm the ship guns blazing." Carmen and Lea laughed. Carmen turned the handle opened the door and stepped outside closing the door behind her.

She took in a deep breath of the cool nightly air, and exhaled. "Here we go." she said aloud.

Carmen started walking towards the docks, placing her hand on her hips for reassurance to see if her pistols were still there. With every step her father's heirloom sword bounced against her body. Her dagger given to her by her brother as a birthday present was strapped to her thigh. Oh yes, she was definitely ready, if need be, to defend herself.

Lea is Latin for Lioness

The song Carmen dedicated to the people lost

http:/www(dot)youtube(dot)com/watch?v=19J8dO3T1S8

The "maddening" song. Skip to 3:15 and finish the video from there to see what Carmen was playing=]

http:/www(dot)youtube(dot)com/watch?v=u5WJtORobx8