Ambushed

It wasn't until the sky went from cobalt to purple and again to lavender that the party finally began to wind down. Having celebrated a little too much, most of the crew slept where they fell, snoring loudly. Alanna and Will had retreated to the cabin, fast asleep themselves. As the sky lightened, a thick, ominous fog rolled in, quieting almost every sound. It was then that Felix had emerged from the shadows and crept to the side of the ship. Keenly aware no one would hear him, he made a sound mostly resembling a birdcall and waited. Sure enough, the outline of the Raven began to emerge from the mist. They had followed the Dutchman throughout the night, using the cover of darkness to conceal them. Now it floated silently on the water, gliding until it was beside the Dutchman. Within the cabin, Will awoke suddenly, his nerves twitching. Why he felt apprehension, he knew not. Disregarding it, he laid back down, snuggling closer to the woman in his arms.

Whispering words of caution, Felix gave the signal and the crew slipped aboard. This time they took no chances, brandishing their weapons with a greedy glint in their eyes. They were beaten back last time, but they were certain they would claim the victory today. Judging by the activities on the Dutchman the night before, the opportunity couldn't be more perfect. Ever so silently, they made their way around the deck, using the fog to their advantage. Before anyone could alert their comrades, they were silenced instantly as the cold steel of the blade met their flesh. Lounging by the mast, Christopher's eyes snapped open, hearing the dying screams of his comrades. Before he could react, a tall, dark-skinned man thrust his sword between his ribs. As his breath left him, Christopher sent up a prayer to the gods, pleading protection for his soul. Those that could defend themselves woke abruptly, alerting the crew to the surprise attack. For them, it was a little too late. Most of the men that remained were bound, unable to resist. Now gagged, they could do little to warn their captain or his lady. While some guarded their captives, a few others branched off and slithered toward the cabin doors, which were propped open. The next few moments happened very quickly. By the time Will snapped to consciousness, Erebus's men were already inches from them. Alanna shrieked as two rough hands grabbed her by the waist and attempted to pull her from Will's grasp.

"Will!" she screamed, trying to free herself from the brute's iron hold.

"Alanna!"

In a last-ditch effort, she thrust her hand toward his. Their fingers met and, for a moment, held. Eyes wide with terror, she looked to his, looking for comfort. In that one split second, she found it. Somewhere within his chocolate orbs, he assured her that somehow, some way, things would be all right. In the next instant, they were ripped from each other, with one carrying a thrashing Alanna into the pale light while the other held Will back. He punched him hard, then fled to join the others. Growling with fury, Will leapt to his feet and ran to catch up with them, praying he would reach her in time.

As hard as she tried, Alanna could barely make headway with the massive thug that held her. Amongst all the chaos, she happened to look down, only to be faced with the open eyes of Christopher's corpse. She screamed in horror, the fight draining from her. Seeing the weakness, the guard half-carried her to where his comrades stood. The instant Will made it into the light, a pair of giant arms seized him. He struggled hard, but barely budged against the man's embrace. Will's gaze flashed to Arthur, who was having the same difficulty.

"How'd they know?" he asked furiously. "How'd they find us!?"

"I believe I'm to be credited for that," said a velvet voice. Will's eyes snapped to his addresser, only to be surprised. Felix came forward, neither bound nor gagged, and smirked at him.

"Traitor!" Will roared, struggling against the man that held him. "You betrayed us all the moment you stepped onto this ship!"

Felix's smile widened. "Pretty much," he sneered. "I took advantage of your hospitality, yes. But your quarrel isn't really with me, now is it, William?"

"Too right you are, Felix," someone agreed, and Will stiffened. Across from him was Erebus, holding a dagger to Alanna's throat. Will's eyes widened, his heart lurching to see her at the mercy of his enemy.

"Interesting concept, leverage," he said matter-of-factly, tapping the blade against her ivory skin. "It can bring the strongest man to his knees, making him submit to whatever the other desires."

Will couldn't move. Whether from his human blockade or his fear for Alanna's safety, he stayed frozen on the spot, his eyes locked with hers.

"Let her go, Erebus," he said slowly. "She has nothing to do with this."

Erebus sighed and shook his head. "On the contrary, my friend," he replied. "You see, she was my key to getting to you. It's funny how the very thing you swore you'd never do again comes back to bite you in the end. Can't blame you, though. She really is a magnificent creature."

As he swept a hand over her neck and hair, Will nearly snapped.

"Don't touch her!" he bellowed.

Erebus stopped mid-stroke and turned to him, his eyes glittering. "Oh I'll do more than that, I can assure you," he sneered. "You'll be lucky if there's any more of her left when I'm through."

As his men chuckled, Felix came to where Will stood and moved until he was within inches of his face.

"All's fair in love and war," he whispered into his ear. "Of course, you would know all about that, now wouldn't you?"

After a tense moment, he slammed his fist into Will's stomach, sending him to his knees.

"See you in Hell, Turner," he called over his shoulder, and went to join his crew.Though he put up a mighty struggle, the men that held him merely grunted as they hoisted him and his crew onto the ship.

Aboard the Raven, Erebus finally faced his captive. She was indeed a beautiful woman…all the more reason to enjoy his spoils.

"So," he said, cupping her chin. "This is the woman our dear William has been infatuated with these past few months. I'm going to enjoy this."

Alanna thrust her chin out of his grasp and glared at him. "You arrogant bastard," she hissed. "You'll pay for this."

Erebus simply smiled. "You've got some spirit, I see. You'll take a while to break, but break you will."

She spat at him furiously. "Try me."

His temper flaring, his shot around and slapped her hard, knocking her unconscious. "That'll teach you to defy me," he snarled. He turned to the man that held her now limp form. "She'll be feeling that when she wakes up," he said. "Take her to my cabin. Make sure she's…. prepared by the time I return."

"Aye, sir," the man said gruffly, and walked away, Alanna still in his arms.

Erebus turned and dispatched orders to his men. "Take Will and the others to the brig. Secure a line to the Dutchman. I want to make sure everything he owns belongs to me." As the men hurried to follow orders, Erebus smirked, watching as his former rival was taken below.

"It's about time," he said to himself. "I'm going to make absolutely sure you suffer tonight. After what I've been told, it should be interesting…. very interesting indeed."

Chuckling to himself, he turned his back on the Dutchman and walked toward the cabin, untying his tunic as he went.