Chapter 5

The evening wind was blowing gently. The sound of the propellers whined in the ears. The Delphinus was on its way to Nasrad, to the showdown.

Partly because of that Esteban had decided to take post up at the lookout.

Everything was prepared. It should work. If everything went as planned, that is. The whole plan was built on assumptions. And if it didn't work out as they thought… Esteban still had the leader's words in fresh memory. Murder out in the open should be avoided at all cost. So if he just went straight to the point, he should have a chance to scape all too heavy reprisals.

A knocking sound was heard from the hatch. It was probably Aika. More than once she had been up to see him. She was half-crazy and slightly flipped out at times, but still so understanding, wise and wonderfully kind. Already he could feel his spirits lifting.

Esteban bend down to turn the hatch open. He had expected Aika's red-braided face, but it was…

"Hello there," Nicole said.

Esteban couldn't help feeling a tad disappointed. He still felt ambivalent to the others. She vaulted up and closed the hatch.

"Are you nervous about the meeting?"

"Not much."

"You're very brave to do this. But I've heard from Vyse that you're very capable. I'm sure you'll fix it."

"What has he said?"

"Well… I just got interested when Fina said you'd rescued her from Black Pirates. I asked Vyse, and he told me about it. But not everything."

So Nicole wanted a summary report. Or she wanted to know just how reliable he was. Or if he was reliable.

"You don't have to tell, if you don't want," Nicole hurriedly said. "I mean… it was Giovanni, wasn't it?"

Already at the mention of that name, Esteban felt the sensation of fists in his face, whips against his back, acid in his eyes, and the jagged knife along his forehead. At once, he turned his gaze away. Nicole could see at once how overwrought the lad had been.

"I'm sorry, forget I said it," Nicole said.

"It's okay," he said, composed enough. He took some breaths. "It was in Ixa'taka, and we had plundered an old pirate nest. On the way back, we were attacked. During the battle, they took away Fina. I ran after, and managed to get her out, unfortunately they got me." He paused. It seemed as if he was thinking deeply. "Then the captain wanted to know the location of Cres… of Vyse's base. I told them I didn't know, but they didn't believe me. And so…"

"Okay, I got it," Nicole said quickly. "I've heard how that… devilment can be. Few have lived to tell the tale."

"I can see why. I sat there for a couple of days."

"Days!?"

He had been left out to the devil himself, and still slipped out in one piece! But now when she looked closer, she could see faint remains of black marks on his face. And that headband he always wore… Better not ask.

"You'll get through this," Nicole said. Not only to be uplifting, this time she really thought so. "I'm sure of it."

"Thanks," Esteban said, his eyes far off in the distance.

All Nicole had wanted to do was to give Esteban some fighting spirit, reminding him of his previous deeds. But now it seemed like she had worsened the case. Maybe there was a good reason why she hadn't advanced up to the rank of captain on her previous ship. Fate played nothing but pranks on her.

xXx

Being a messenger was not Vali's dream job. Truth to be told, he had been ready and willing to go the broad road to be successful in life, so he couldn't complain. But no one could stop him from privately nagging.

Vali could do his job well. Too well. He was a typical Nasradian with all-around looks and average height. So nondescript that he was practically invisible. No one could do the job better than he could. And if he couldn't be replaced, he couldn't be promoted.

The Leader always took care in placing the right man for the right post. There was nothing to do about it other than just like the situation. If anyone couldn't be replaced, she couldn't. She was brilliantly, frighteningly effective. Frighteningly indeed. For those who did well, there was nothing to fear, except for slipping up. And those who did make a mistake… take for instance the previous captain of the Red Fury. None had seen him since his failure, but horrifying rumours had been spread.

Of course, Vali could always resign. And he could always get a scimitar ran through himself. The apple was sour, rotten, and poisoned, but he had no choice but to chew.

Walking through the streets of Nasrad, he rehearsed the details in his mind. It would be best to start with the good news. Councilman Karadich had died, seemingly through poison. As expected. Vali hadn't heard all of the details, but he knew enough to puzzle together a theory.

Some weeks ago, the Leader had hired a mercenary to get a certain potion. Only days afterward, another operative had been ordered to strike at a certain position. Vali didn't know exactly where, but it was clear that it was at the top of the food-chain in the corridors of Nasr's power. The first mercenary was supposed to have returned here days ago, but hadn't shown up. In reality, that person was now a walking dead, a nonperson.

But what about Nilanthi? She had disappeared. Worse yet, she had taken the documents and map with her. A heavy loss indeed.

Last, and least; a ship from the Crimson Fear was approaching. To the secret harbour, as planned.

xXx

Evening had fallen over the city of Nasrad. The red moon cast a crimson light across the streets. The merchants at the bazaar were gradually beginning to pack their stands. Only a few remained to catch the last idle gold-coins wandering the streets, wanting to find new owners. Inns were starting to get packed with travelling traders and sailors on shore leave.

For some, this would be the last evening.

Esteban knew that. Therefore, he had prepared a letter back at the Delphinus. The first part had been easy to write: 'If you read this' and all that. The rest was hard. He wasn't used to putting his feelings and emotions into words, especially not now after all this. It had taken a lot of effort to jot down how he felt, all he wanted them to know if he didn't return. How thankful he had been for the short time they had together, all the joy and happiness.

None of that was on Esteban's mind, as he walked the streets of Nasrad, making his way to the shallow parts in the east of the city. Objectively, this was well-known quarters for Esteban. But now he felt as if it was a dream from another time and reality, which to some degree was true.

Up the stairs, in front of him were a long row of houses. More or less rundown. Distantly, he heard the sounds of running feet. Few had errands in this part of town. Anyone here could be a potential robber or killer.

There it was. The house. Previously it might've been a small store. Now, it served its purpose well as the hidden centre of Nasrad's underground activities.

Esteban walked up to the door and knocked three times. A small shutter was opened, revealing a pair of eyes. The door flung open, and a strong hand grabbed Esteban's wrist and swiftly pulled him in. As soon as he had passed the doorstep, the door was closed, and his arms were locked behind his back in a grip that thoroughly told him who was in charge.

"Search him," said the guard.

A man dressed in black walked up to the pair and quickly searched through Esteban, not forgetting his pockets. There would be no finding, since Esteban had discarded his weapons beforehand, apart from the long dagger. He wore it conspicuously enough so that no one would suspect any stealth moves on his part. Also, it was easy to spot and confiscate. In this neighbourhood no one would go unarmed. Doing so was a combination of total stupidity and greatest danger. Not to mention very suspicious.

"He's all clear."

The grip around Esteban's arms was relieved, and he was pushed forward. In the foyer was, except for the furniture, a door. Esteban knew what was on the other side. Or, who was on the other side.

"I'm sorry! Please forgive me!" a voice said, from behind the door. "I... I didn't know it was him."

"I do not enjoy seeing my efforts wasted," said a very familiar voice. "Your eyesight seems to lack. But I'll give you a chance to improve. Kali, remove the faulty organs."

A scared man screamed in horror, and then in pain. Then the door flung open. Esteban vaguely saw the shape of the man, just before they almost collided. Where his eyes should've been, there was only a bloody mess, and empty holes.

Esteban walked quickly to avoid being shoved all the way.

He walked in to the little room.

Nothing had changed.

It was the same room, the same guard, and most of all, the same client. Just like last time, like a frozen moment in time. Her face lay in shades, concealed by the cloak. The mouth was a flat, ignorant line. Total lack of emotion.

Esteban remained standing like that, until she gestured to him to sit down. He did so.

"You should've been back a long time ago," she said.

"I know," Esteban answered. "But I hadn't got opportunity for it."

"Your sense of prioritizing is obviously lacking. Unfortunately, you won't get to adjust it."

"Wait! I have something to tell…"

"If I want to know I say so."

More like pull out, along with his teeth and toenails, topped with glowing tongs. She wasn't much for humanity.

"It's about Vyse. The Blue Rogue."

"And exactly what is it with him that is so important that I should spare you?"

"I can deliver him to you."

Esteban couldn't for all his life see what that living statue's reaction was. Did she wait for him to continue, or did she ponder the best way to secretly dump his body?

"Big words for a little mercenary," she said at last. "How would you accomplish that?"

This was it. The moment of truth, one last lie.

"I haven't been on the dole since the last time we met," Esteban said. "The day after my previous mission, I stole a map leading to a long lost treasure in…"

"Ixa'taka."

"Wha…? How…?"

"Let it be said enough that I keep my eyes on you. Go on."

How in the hell could she know that? Had they been spied at that day, or was it only a remote chance? Was she trying to set him off-balance?

Well, if she knew it to be true, the lie would seem more truthful. Her trick had just backfired.

"After we got the treasure, we ran into Black Pirates. We had to fight, and I rescued one of Vyse's crewmembers. When we got back, he wanted me to join them. I realised then that by going with them I could turn him over to you."

"I don't see him here with you," she said, clearly unimpressed.

"Right now, I'm the lookout on the ship. After they're done here, we'll be going back to the base. On our way, I'll neglect to inform Vyse that we are being persuaded. You have resources, right?"

There was no reply. But it had been an obvious question.

"And when we've got to his base, it will be easy for you to overcome his crew, and then you'll have all his ships, including the Delphinus itself, and the treasure."

Slowly, Esteban brought his hand down to his belt and brought out the pouch. He opened it up, and put it on the table. The shine from the diamonds sparkled in the light of the candles. It sure got her attention. She didn't pay him near enough for him to buy something like this.

"A good plan," she said. "I approve it. Vali!"

The door opened up, and a slouched man appeared between its frames.

"Go tell Vyse that we have his lookout. We want a ransom of one-thousand."

"What!?" Esteban exclaimed.

"It's a cheap price for your friends to pay if they want you back, and for us to see if you really are aligned with their lot. One-thousand would be typical for some... lowlife scum, but for us it's hardly anything."

Esteban tried to process this new turn of events. Quick thinking wasn't his strong point, especially not under these kind of circumstances. But he had to convince her.

"Look, I haven't told him anything about you, or what I have been doing... lately. If you follow this through, he'll know I'm up to something."

"And doesn't he know that there is more to Nasrad than just a picturesque exterior?"

"Not more than anyone else. Just let me go down and talk to him."

She sat silently. This was the most creeping traits of hers. He never knew whatether he had pleased or offended.

"You have a good point. Now, go and tell Vyse that you have a friend who needs to get away from the city. I don't want to loose sight of you."

"Understood," Esteban said.

The thilling nervosity that had gripped him all night began give away for relief and eager. It had worked! She had bit herself in the tail, and was now chewing it down completely.

Esteban stood up and left the room. The guard opened up the door for him, and tossed out the confiscated dagger. Esteban walked out of the house and, without loosing speed, bent down and picked up his weapon. The blade had been just slightly corroded.

Quickly, Esteban set his steps towards the more habitable neighbourhood, passing two arguing thugs. It was an all too usual sight around here. Once out, he stopped by a street peddler to buy an armlet. With his official alibi around his wrist, he went off to the harbour.

xXx

"I wish he'd come soon, so it will all be over," Paco said.

"That's when it'll all start," Nina said, scouting the harbour from one of the cannon-ports.

When everybody was onboard, the Delphinus would sail away, not to Vyse's base, but to a secret Valuan ambush. With the tide turned, the syndicate leader's ship would be boarded. Provided she tagged along, of course. But Esteban had found out that she indeed had both an own flagship and a grudge against all types of Blue Rogues.

"I'm dying to punctuate 'em," Paco said, eagerly.

"Me too. Just you don't chicken out from the fire."

"Oh, come on! That was a long time ago."

"I know." She smiled proudly. "I know you'll do a good job."

"Thanks, sis."

And even if the leader remained behind, they would take out a large portion of the syndicate's personnel. That was worth a whole lot. At least that's what Nicole had said, but then it was probably true.

xXx

"Ah, there you are," Vyse said. "I was wondering where you had gone to. Did you find what you needed?"

"It took some time, but yes," Esteban answered.

They stood in the harbour. Vyse, Aika and Fina had been 'busy' going through the stores down at the docks, and talking to some person who apparently was from Nasrad's garde.

"Okay, we're more or less done here," Vyse said. "We'll set sail as everyone is onboard."

"I understand. There's just…"

Curious gazes from Vyse and his friends, and suspicious eyes from potential hidden spies.

"… an old acquaintance of mine… she has gotten into trouble, and needs to leave the city and her father. Would it be alright if she came with us?"

"Sure she can," Vyse said, having understood the concealed message. "Ladies are always welcome on this ship."

"Tssss, charmer, huh?" Aika said.

"Jealous, aren't you?"

"Hardly. Not when I got…"

Having said that, Aika walked up to Esteban for a hug. As planned.

"Is everything okay?" she whispered, lowly and quickly.

"She may bring company," he replied, equally quiet.

"The more the merrier," Aika said, and let him wrangle loose. Loudly, she said: "We'll leave a boat for you, but be back as soon as you can!"

"See you later," Fina said.

Suddenly feeling an urge to have this over and done, Esteban quickly spun around and darted away to the stairs. Then it was the same way back. Same old shabby houses, same old bone-hard atmosphere. The only difference was that the arguement he had witnessed earlier had ended. One of the contenders rested against a wall. He probably wouldn't wake up, concerning the sizeable blood puddle and the knife planted in his chest.

Why, oh why, was it so hard for people to live together? Why were there people who couldn't be happy and content with what they got, and just tried to gather more, on the cost of others? The world was hard enough, even without people who didn't give a damn about their fellow humans.

Idealistic or noble as it was, it came pretty close to double standards. Esteban had once been in the thick of all that. Backstabbing, scheming and vile plotting, where compassion was a weakness that was supposed to be used and exploited. He had been a link in the chain, a cog in the machinery, one of the many which made all that possible.

Did he have any right to complain? Even though he had never done anything bad directly, he was probably indirectly responsible for some poor human-scarve sitting in a culvert somewhere screaming for garpa-powder.

Well, this was not the right time for self-pity; Esteban had some guilt to atone for first.

Standing in front of the house again, he knocked and once again was dragged in. This time around a bit more civilized. He sat down on the chair.

"Everything is settled," he said. "All that…"

The leader made a small gesture with her hand. Behind him, Esteban heard some steps and motion. At the next second, he felt the cold sensation of hard and sharp steel against his throat.