*I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.*
Nelson Mandela
The prisoner was dragged from the hull, lashing and kicking. The First Mate snarled at him to shut his trap before it was shut for him. The prisoner ignored him and tried to escape the fate he knew awaited him. Blair stood at the helm watching the proceedings with professional disinterest and the second mate waited with a long rope, his face impassive. Some of the crew were laughing and joking as they placed bets, on what Alanna did not know. Lyn stood next to her as she watched the prisoner being dragged towards the stern of the ship. His face showed disgust mingled with horror and his jaw was set.
Alanna recognised the slave; he was the one who had started the Tavern fight at El'Midador, Alanna hadn't seen him since that night but she had listened to the talk of the crew and had discovered the Chief had sold the warrior to Blair in exchange for his forgiveness of the shame he had bought upon the tribe.
Basically, the warrior was now a slave and could never return to the islands, ever. He was the Captains to do with whatever he wished. And the Captain of the Crimson Dawn had decided to sacrifice the slave warrior to the Goddess of the sea, Oinomi Wavewalker. Alanna was unsure as to how the sacrifice would be made, but in shark infested icy waters, she could guess.
The second mate bound the prisoner around the wrists and ankles as well as tying the ankles to the wrists. Then a cord was tied to the slave, efficiently wrapping him in a coffin of rope, the rope was secured to the ship.
The second mate then assisted the first in blessing the offering and painting symbols onto his skin. Alanna flinched when the slave was dragged to the stern and thrown into the icy waters. His screams were muffled as he sank into the ocean, then the rope snapped taunt and the warrior could be seen screaming through the waves. The miles went by and the crew placed more bets, Blair watched silently and Lyn simmered as they crossed into warmer waters.
Alanna watched in horror as a great black fin cut through the white water behind the prisoner. The crew yelled excitedly and clapped each other on the back, calling out further bets. Unable to tear her eyes away, Alanna froze as a second large fin joined the first. Then it disappeared, along with the first fin. The crew peered into the water in anger and began cursing the Goddess.
The Captains face snapped towards them and the fury etched on its face made Alanna quail in fear. He opened his mouth to bellow at the crew when suddenly he turned towards the sacrifice. The water exploded around a great body as it launched itself from the depths. The shark twisted in mid air and came down hard on the sacrifice. The slave screamed in terror and began to thrash harder against his binds. The fin appeared again and then dragged the sacrifice into the depths. Through the cheers and yells of the crew Alanna swore she heard Blair mutter, "Mother, I hope you are pleased."
Alanna frowned; the sacrifice was to the Goddess of the Ocean... Alanna looked to Blair in wonder; he was a Demi-God! That explained a lot she realised as she appraised him. The ageless look in his ocean blue eyes, the way he carried himself on the vessel, how he seemed to know everything about the ocean and its inhabitants and it also explained the Dream State Blair said was his inheritance. His mother, Oinomi Wavewalker, must have made it for him and given it the power and concentration to hold animals in it. Now she understood, the Captain feared nothing of the sea, because he was born of the sea, he was a brother to the sea.
Captain Blair, son of Oinomi Wavewalker, felt her eyes on him and looked in her direction. He visibly blanched when he saw the awe and wonder in her eyes, then he calmed and held a finger to his lips, flashing her a pearl-white smile. Alanna grinned at him and nodded sharply, she would keep his secret.
Later that night Alanna crouched before the hearth in her room, her gift glowing on her fingers. After docking in a small cove within the arms of an unchartered, uninhabitable island, Alanna had gone in search of Lyn. She had found him supervising the preparation of a hunter-gathered crew. The group planned to go for a hunt, she was to find out later that what they were hunting wasn't exactly a traditional beast, and Lyn was making sure the magical devices they were to carry were able to function. Each member of the hunting party had a belt with three globes on it, one gave the wearer the exact location of every other wearer, and another allowed all the group to talk to each other by holding on to it and the final globe is a medical globe. If the wearer released the globe it would float high above the wounded and beam a light until it was retrieved when other globe wearers arrived to help the wounded.
Alanna waited impatiently while Lyn did his final checks and then hurriedly intercepted him as he entered the hold. "Lyn, "she called as she approached. The Sailor Mage turned to face her, a smile greeting her.
"Alanna, "he rumbled, "What can I do for you?"
Alanna stooped in front of him and looked up into his friendly face. "I was wondering, "she began, "If it is possible to scry someone, but like, move around with them...," she trailed off unsure how to voice what she wanted.
Lyn thought for a moment, "Like to be in the room and to follow them? To hear what they say? To appear to them?"
Alanna nodded eagerly, that was exactly what she wanted. Rubbing his jaw the sailor looked thoughtful, "I will have a look at some books I barely recall and lend them to you, "he instructed, "you will have to make the spell yourself though."
At Alanna's mortified look he smiled, 'Fear not little one, you are fully capable of such a task yourself." Alanna nodded, mute.
Yes, she had come far since being taken under the elder mage's wing and she had continuously met and gone above Lyn's expectations, but she was still terrified of her gift, especially the feeling that flooded her afterward. She didn't know if she could do it, without her teachers assistance and assurance when she was about to try a difficult step.
Most would consider it a plus to realise that their gift had grown stronger, but Alanna grew more and more cautious as she realised it was growing, it must have been the ship. Lyn had suggested it before; Alanna had scoffed and brushed it aside, but now was beginning to wonder if he was in fact correct. She also privately thought it was because of Blair as well, he was a Demi-God living on the spirit of his life, the ocean; his power would only be limited by his ability and the amount of ocean magic he could control.
When Lyn bought over several scrolls and books from the library it took Alanna several long minutes before she gathered the courage to read them. She started on the scroll Lyn had suggested first, The Basics of Scrying for the Apprentice Mage, Alanna had initially sneered at the thought of reading such a novice article, but common sense told her Lyn had never had her do or read anything she wouldn't learn from, so she began to read. It took her an hour to master the steps the scroll suggested to efficient scrying and she was pleasantly surprised. She had thought she knew all there was too simple scrying, but she was mistaken and made a mental note to go through the library and read all she could, she was willing to learn.
Next she blew the dust from the cover of an incredibly old, she could tell so by the wear on the pages and the faded flowing script, book. Alanna gazed with interest at the title, The art of concealed possession. She eagerly turned the page and was immediately absorbed in the letters written across the page. The letters merged as Alanna turned the pages and strained her eyes trying to read faster, she was barely aware when she used her gift to light the room as it began to darken.
As she turned the final page Alanna mentally kicked herself and swore violently, judging by how much the logs had burned she had been reading for well over three hours and had not yet learnt anything that could aid her in scrying, though she was sure she possess almost anyone she came across with what she had just learnt.
About to close the page in despair and retire for the night, or morning, her eyes snagged on a paragraph. Possession is usually without consent and is considered immoral for most races and many Magical Academies will usually banish any member found practicing such craft. However, some facilities, such as Tahakén, encourage or reward such disregard to others rights. This author does not recommend Possession, only under extreme circumstances.
Tahakén, there was that word again. So it was a place, Alanna mused as she closed the book and set it on the table with a sigh. She had discovered nothing and the stiffness in her entire body told her she had been still for too long and should sleep.
Alanna decided to relent to the temptation from her bed and scraped her chair back. She stood swiftly, her muscles protesting, and turned when an incredibly thin sheet of parchment blew from the pages of a book. Alanna turned back and glared at it for a moment before swooping down to pluck it from the floorboards. It had come from the Art of concealed possession book, that was strange. She had gone through everyone of the pages and had never seen a spare sheet of paper lying around. Frowning she turned the paper over and read the title, Ghosting. What was Ghosting? Alanna didn't know, but she was interested in finding out.
Settling back into the chair she peered at the faded ink. It was a soft and faded brown, barely readable against the yellow and curling edges. Carefully, as though it would crumble in her hands, she flattened it and called a candle light to her palm. She held the light over the scroll and tried to turn the scroll so she could read it. It was no good, the symbols wouldn't show themselves, maybe they would in better light. Real light.
Alanna rubbed her neck and leaned back, her eyes drooping. That was enough for tonight, she was ready for bed. Standing she shuffled closer to the table, too tired to push the chair back any further. In her tiredness she stumbled and flung her arm out to catch herself. The tender flesh of her forearm came down upon a rusted clasp of the Art of concealed Posession book and blood welled from the wound over the table. Alanna sat on the floor boards quickly, fighting back a wave of nausea. Breathing deeply she sent her mind into meditation and after a few moments she was able to open her eyes and look at the wound, she winched when she saw it. A long and deep gash stretched from her wrist up to her elbow, blood gushed from the wound and Alanna frowned.
Reaching for the ball of amethyst fire that prowled beneath her skin, bearing her teeth against the pain she sent her Gift to her arm and allowed it to seep there for a while. Purple threads slowly crept across the face of the cut and drew the wound together. Then healing magic entered the tissue and began to repair the damage. Alanna released her gift and leaned against the table while she waited for her mind to regain control of her body and then got to her feet. The pain had momentarily banished her weariness and her thought process restarted.
When she turned to the table she froze in shock and fear. Her blood had spilled over the Ghosting scroll and instead of staining it red, something opposite had happened. Old and almost un-repairable parchment had vanished; in its place lay a pure white sheet, as fresh as the day it had been made. The ink in flowing script was as red as blood and the corners were tinged in gold. It looked very expensive and Alanna was almost afraid to touch it. But she did so and as she ran her fingers down the page she realised the ink wasn't ink at all, it was blood, her blood. Somehow the scroll was written in blood and the magic leaking from the symbols made her nose itch.
Moistening her lips she began to read, the symbols, previously unreadable and undecipherable began to make sense. The runes formed into shapes she understood, within her mind the runes began to change into normal letters.
Originally I thought to call this spell Haunting, but to Haunt is to disturb, and to purposely unsettle one or many persons for fun or as an act of revenge. Such petty behaviour is not my original, and still is not, my purpose for such a spell. The spells use is to almost transport one's self to another area, either in the next room or to the opposite end of the world and have the senses remain as accurate as they are in normal time. The occupants in the room will or will not know you are there, the decision remains yours, you cannot be seen nor heard, unless you wish. You are also without substance, extensive Gift and experience will allow normal form to be taken but most users will find the easier functions of the spell adequate. You, the user, will be able to see and hear anything and everything said in the area around you as though you are actually there.
The following instructions will allow for Ghosting, named so because unlike Haunting, ghosts watch and listen.
Within Alanna's mind the symbols flew from one to another and her mind remembered the instructions even as her eyes continued to scan more. Eventually the basics were covered, followed by the more complicated steps and finally, the hardest parts along with an extra paragraph discussing the difficulties of taking the form of your body and of being able to touch something.
At the end of the scroll, so small Alanna almost missed it, there was an inscription and Alanna smiled as she read it. It was time to do some scrying.
Crouching Alanna called her Gift to her fingers and tossed a large portion of it into the fireplace. Violet flames hungrily climbed into the air until a wall of fire strained against the binds of the fireplace. Calling forth the image of her previous night's dream Alanna muttered the incantation, her excitement outweighing her apprehension.
An image formed in the fire and the sound of sobbing could be heard faintly. Alanna reached out her hand as the scene grew sharper and the sounds intensified and when her fingers caressed the fire she was inhaled into the fire. She was prepared, the book had explained what should happen and Alanna inhaled the fire as it swamped her body, ignoring the impulse to flee. Flames tickled her throat as the inferno spread through her body and the burning began to get uncomfortable. She was prepared for the burning, the manuscript had explained, but she wasn't prepared for the pain that increased as the fire within her got hotter. She grit her teeth against the pain and held back the scream she knew was coming. As the fire got to hot she opened her mouth to scream and then she exploded. Not literally of course, but magically.
The fire hijacked her Gift and twisted it into a shape, and then it burst through her skin, drawing her gift with it and dashed across the surface of the ocean, invisible to non-magic users. Reaching land the wave rolled up the beach and two forelegs grew from the surf, followed by a muscular body and eventually a long tail. The Gift-stallion dew itself together and charged across the surface of the earth, within its heart Alanna watched as the towns merged with forests and lakes with mountains as the Gift-horse speed for the direct rout towards a girl with brown hair and soft green eyes. Anya.
The room was small and dark, hardly a room at all, more like a cupboard. Alanna hovered in the air above Anya, not really in a form but still being. She was like veils of mist, purple mist just ghosting above Anya as she cried. Alanna's heart lurched and she wished she had a form so she could at least hold her, or just appear to her. Growling in frustration she could only watch as Anya's cries turned to sobs and then her sobs to exhausted sleep.
Snarling she stalked the room above while Anya thrashed in her sleep and tried to force the mists that were her being into a form so she could walked around. Her efforts grew more rage filled as she failed and she began to force her gift to control the mist, not the other way around. It fought her, just like the magic had the day she saved Jonathan's life from the sweating sickness, but she gritted her teeth and forced her magic over the mists. Her gift faltered and then evaporated and Alanna was flung back from the fire, she stumbled back across the animal skins to slam against the bottom of her bed. Wincing in pain she held her head and staggered up onto her bed, exhausted mentally and magically. Her gift had been drained and as of now she was too tired to figure out how and why. As her face was swamped by her soft pillows she fell into a dreamless sleep.
As the Crimson Dawn cut through the waters the crew peered through the veils of mist in search of a survivor among the bodies. Blair stood next to his younger brother his arms folded as they passed further into the wreckage of a ship. Beside him Lyn surveyed the damage with growing apprehension, though to the outside he looked calm and in control. Lyn suddenly stiffened and jerked his head once, like a sparrow, to the Captain. Blair took a great breath and drew himself up.
He snapped his fingers and lifted his axe slowly until the handle was leaning against his leg, within easy distance of his twitching fingers. The First Mate who heard his snap nodded and slipped between the crew, muttering softly. The members dispersed and weapons were slowly and silently lifted on deck and positions were taken. As still as statues the crew waited for the instruction and for the unseen enemy to appear through the hands of mist.
Suddenly Blair lifted his great axe into defensive position, next to him Lyn gasped and the crew drew weapons. Small waves from the motion of the ships passing lapped gently at the biggest gathering of wood and twirled around the cloak of the body lying on the piece of decking. Through the mist the vessel looked as though it had been ripped apart, pieces of planking were slashed in half, the sails were ripped beyond recognition as sails and the contents of the ships were sprawled on the surface of the sea, including the former crew.
Blair turned to Lyn, "Get Alanna," he instructed quietly, Lyn nodded and jerked his head to the Second Mate. The Mate cocked his head as though listening to a whisper before disappearing silently down the hatch and into the hull.
As the Dawn got closed to the body on the plank Blair tightened his grip on his axe and Lyn pulled back his sleeves in preparation for magic use. When the waves from the ship rolled over the face the crew recoiled as eyes snapped open. "Steady," Blair bellowed as the figure stood calmly and faced them. The mist parted like the wind when the figure raised his arms and he rose slowly into the air, wind snapping his coal clothes around him, banishing the water. Pushing back a cloak the crew were meet with frosty green eyes and shortly cropped brown hair.
"Raku," Blair hissed, his eyes never leaving the shamed Tahakén Princes'. A small smile crept into the side of Raku's face.
"Blair", he nodded.
The Captain moistened his lips, "What do you want?"
Raku sighed and walked forward, across the air towards the Crimson Dawn. The crew blanched and gripped their weapons with pale hands and glanced to the Captain for instruction. He lowered his axe and leaned it on the railing. Cautiously the crew sheathed their weapons but remained tense ready for action. Raku looked to them in amusement, "Keep those toys away. I am a Tahakén Prince, you possess no threat." The crew were all hardened men but the mention of Tahakén always sent them on edge and the few times they had docked there they had been jumpy all night but to meet one of the Princes was too much. Some bowed immediately and remained on their knees, others turned pale and fled beneath deck knowing they would be punished later, if they survived. Only the Captain and his half brother remained on their feet, though looking closely fear could be seen in their eyes.
"What do I want, "Raku drawled as he walked down the air as though he were on a staircase and onto the deck. "I want a great many things, and, unlike most, I can have those things. Anything I want essentially." He said with disdain, but then his eyes focused on Blair and he was furious. 'But what I cannot get is redemption." He paused and then turned slightly to watch as a red-haired girl followed a bury solder up onto the deck. "Alanna, "he rumbled, almost to himself.
Her purple eyes widened and she looked at him in shock, "Raku?" she asked hesitantly. Raku turned to Blair and Lyn snarled, he had a feeling he knew what Raku wanted. "Actually, " he smirked, "what I want is her," he pointed a gloved hand towards Alanna. The Second Mate growled and positioned himself in front of Alanna, weapon drawn. Blair tensed and his fingers strayed towards his axe before reluctantly resting at his side. Lyn frowned and prepared himself mentally for death, he couldn't hope to compete with Raku, but he would try.
Alanna looked from Raku to Blair and back again, bewilderment clear on her face. Raku scowled, "Let me make your option clear," he hissed, 'I either drag her from the carnage that will shortly be your vessel or you give her to me." Seeing no reaction from Blair he growled, "Now!"
Timidly, the remainder of the crew that had fled trooped back up on deck, taking stances alongside the Second Mate. The sailors that were kneeling cautiously got to their feet and moved alongside Alanna and her guards. The Second Mate was more respected and liked than the first, and if he was willing to risk his life for the girl then they would to, even though they were terrified.
Raku's scowl deepened as the stalemate was clear and he stared Blair down.
"No, "the silence was deafening and Raku blinked in shock, had Blair just disobeyed an order?
Gritting his teeth Raku barked, "So be it" and called to his gift. The sailors tensed and readied their weapons.
"No, wait!" Alanna pushed though the sailors, determination on her face. "You never asked me what I want, "she said coming to a halt between Blair and Lyn and Raku. Raku looked at her in surprise; it had never occurred to him that the girl would actually want to come with him. Blair looked annoyed, "Go below deck", he ordered.
Alanna looked as though he had slapped her in the face, "Excuse me, she gasped, her voice squeaking in outrage. "I am not to be ordered about like some soft-soft noble Lady!'
Raku could barely contain his amusement, that was the Alanna he had briefly come to know. She stood hands on hips glaring daggers at the most famous villain of the seas who was not only two or three times higher than her, he was also about as wide as she was tall.
Blair's jaw tightened, "Go below deck now." Alanna glared at him and then turned to Raku.
'If I go with you, you will let them go?" she asked gesturing to the crew and vessel. Raku appraised her for a moment, green eyes still.
Then he nodded slowly, "You come with me and they are free to go". Alanna looked at him for a moment, trying to decide whether to believe him or not and then realised she didn't really have a choice. "Okay," her answer was short and precise.
Blair growled and strode down from the wheel and stood before Alanna in fury. "No, "he snarled, "You do not know what he," he spat the word at Raku, "and his are about!" Blair towered over her and jabbed her with a callused finger. "They hold values that only the Goddess Chaos would support, they are-"
"Please, "Alanna cut him off, "I am only one life for all the lives here." Blair fell silent and looked down at her for what seemed like hours as Raku shifted impatiently.
Eventually Blair sighed and placed his hands on her shoulders and swooped down to her level. "Thank you, " he said quietly his voice sincere, "If there is ever anything you need, write it to the sea and I will come."
Alanna smiled sadly up at him, "Thanks, I will remember." She shifted away from him and walked towards Raku, then she pivoted, "Actually, there is something you can do for me."
She quickly explained what she wanted and Blair nodded and clasped his fist to his heart, "It will be done."
Alanna smiled softly at him again and then walked slowly over to Raku. The Tahakén Prince enclosed her in his cloak and then they were gone, vanished. Several of the crew rushed to the railing trying to find them, but no trace would or could be seen.
Captain Blair ordered the crew to return to their posts and wandered to the bowsprit distractedly. He remained staring off into the distance for the remainder of the day and at dusk he shook himself and turned, "To Merath!, he announced before retreating down into the hull.
Guards on the wall cautiously eyed the approaching vessel before reluctantly allowing it entrance into the harbour. All occupants of the harbour turned and watched silently as the ship slowly drifted into the dock. The Crimson sails were folded up but the glass ebony hull, deck and mast gave face to the identity of the vessel even before the inscription etched into the stern. The Crimson Dawn docked neatly and a gangplank was placed between the ship and the Warf and the sailors lifted great chests from the ship.
A man that could only be the Captain marched up the docks and to the Harbour Master. He tossed a pouch to the flustered man and continued forward. Sailors' followed him proudly as he stalked into the local port tavern. Other sailors piled the goods in an area and waited; several sailors disappeared back into the Crimson Dawn and returned leading several great horses. The horses snorted and strained against their tether as they were led onto the dock and up to the waiting sailors.
The Captain appeared from the tavern and barked an order; a sailor ran over to the gathering sailors and accompanied another sailor back to the Captain. Merchants gathered around the sailors and began to look through the opened chests, messengers galloped towards the palace in haste and women eyed the sailors from a distance. Captain Blair straightened his tunic and strode off towards the town stable, towns folk training at a distance and grubby street children ran between the crowds. The Stable owner blanched when he saw the big sailors and even bigger captain approaching. He quickly rubbed his hands and tried to straighten his dirty clothes.
The Captain looked around him in distaste before focusing on the flustered owner, "I want seven of your fastest horses with complete tack and gear," he rumbled folding his arms. The Horseman turned and quickly bellowed to the stable boys who rushed to collect suitable mounts for the large men. "I'll sell them back to you when I return," Blair added, his tone gave no room for argument. The stable owner nodded, eager to please the famous Captain.
Licking his lips the Stableman named a sum, far below what he could sell the mounts for, but he dared not anger the Captain, or his big crew. The Captain stared at the shorter man before silently reaching into his tunic and tossed two pouches at him. He turned and checked his mounts tack before mounting, he didn't want to risk the humiliation of a lose girth, unlike his crew that all sat like a sack of potatoes on their horses.
Nudging his horse forward he rose to the trot before asking for a canter, his crew would keep up. Cantering up the rise towards the Palace they passed a group of riders pushing hard for the docks, the banner of a snake twisted around a skull waving out behind them. The Captain and his crew moved to the side to allow the group of King's men, and the King himself, to pass. Blair watched them go, a foul taste in his mouth, for one who listened to the whispers in the dark he knew the newly crowned King had taken the throne by less than civil methods. Rather, he had paid to have the ruling King, Queen and newly born heir murdered so he could claim the throne.
"Cap'n?" The First Mate asked as he tried to urge his horse closer. Blair looked at him before frowning in the direction of the King of Merath.
The horsemen rode, somewhat badly, for the remainder of the day until they approached a fief with a banner of a star over a tower. Blair called a halt at the gate, aware of the eyes and arrows upon him.
"We wish audience with your Master, " he called up to the ramparts.
The guards clad in red and purple looked to each other before one yelled down at him. Blair frowned at this mans arrogance and drew himself up. He called to his gift and roared, "I am the Captain of the Crimson Dawn, formally the Red Sun and I wish an audience with your Lord!," the guards recoiled from the wall, "and if you do not let me in, I will let myself in!" Guards hurriedly opened the gates and Blair led his crew into the castle. The First Mate hissed, "Eyes open, "as they passed beneath the guards and into the courtyard. Men slowly walked from the barracks in various states of attire and watched as the crew dismounted and looked about them.
A small bald slave scurried forward and bowed submissively before speaking in hushed tones, "Nobility, Master will see you in resting room. Slave will lead, "before scuttling back through the doors. Blair looked to his five crew members, "Guard the horses, "he ordered, "Any sign of trouble give us a yell." The crew nodded and the First Mate followed Blair into the castle.
The Lord and his Lady were relaxing in leather chairs and sipping juice out in the sun. Slave girls were waving fans over their owners and some held trays of fruit. When the Lord saw Blair he visibly blanched and almost choked on his juice. The Lady eyed the big Captain and his First Mate with approval and failed at trying to seduce them with strawberries.
Blair took the offered seat and leaned back, watching the Lord watch him. His companion took the offered chair and easily helped himself to the fruit and juice upon the table. Blair initiated the conversation after several terse minutes, "I am here for one reason," he began and the Lord paled, "and I am not leaving until I get what I want."
The Lord nodded eagerly and snapped his fingers for a slave, "What is it that you want?"
"A slave, "Blair answered calmly.
The Lord looked up and began to feel more relaxed, he could handle this. "Ah, well, "he began, "I have many slaves and they are very valuable to-''
"Cut the horse shit, "Blair interrupted and the Lord quailed, "The slave girl I want you purchased at the Cornith Slave Market."
The Lord paled, "Um, well. She is no longer in my possession," he said cautiously. Blair raised an eyebrow and Lord Francis hurriedly continued, "She escaped when the former rulers were killed, rest their souls. I paid an incredible amount for her and-"
Blair sighed and leaned forward, "Not that slave," he hissed as he lowered his glass of juice, "the other girl slave. The one called Anya, I believe."
Lord Francis relaxed, "Ah, I do know the slave you are speaking of". He snapped his fingers and gave instructions to the bald slave before turning back to the Captain.
Blair narrowed his eyes, people such as Francis didn't know individual slaves, they were all nameless and faceless unless they were somehow special or used for a special purpose. Straightening the Captain suddenly became imposing and watched the Lord through dangerous eyes. Lord Francis began to sweat and his hand shook as he raised the glass to his lips. The First Mate glanced at Blair before easily helping himself to more food, making for a very strange air. The Captain was dangerous and angry yet the first mate was relaxed and over friendly.
The Lady, who up until now had been watching the proceedings with interest, looked on in amusement as her husband almost collapsed in relief when the bald slave returned dragging the small girl behind him. Anya stood behind the older slave and after casting a curious glance to the sailors swiftly examined the tiles.
Blair looked her over silently, noting how the girl was quivering like a horse about to flee and how she leaned away from the Lord petrified. He nodded sharply to the Lord, "This is the one, "he informed him mildly. Then he looked to his First Mate and spoke in another language, "We are leaving, anyone that tries to stop us...," he trailed off. The First Mate smiled and stood sharply before walking off with his pitcher.
Blair turned back to the now nervous Lord, "Sent him for some gold, "he lied easily. The Lord smiled and moistening his lips, began to speak.
"You, would like her?' he asked slyly, sensing a sale. The Captain folded his arms, "Yes".
"Isnt she a bit... small for you?' he asked looking the giant man over. Blair remained silent his brown eyes beginning to stir. An awkward silence ensured before the Lord gulped, "Ah, what do you think she is worth?" Blair looked toward Anya. "A few more years and she will be a nice young virgin fit for the bedchambers, "the Lord smiled encouragingly. Blair stiffened and slowly unfolded his limbs.
Towering over the Lord he reached into his tunic and bought out a pouch. The Lord began to feel excited as the twinkle of coins was heard. Two copper crowns were tossed onto the table and Blair gestured to Anya, 'Come."
The Lord turned crimson in fury, "How dare you!," he spat and lunged for Anya, grabbing her collar as she leapt away. She wrestled free and as she fell forward a gold necklace fell from her pocket. The Lord swooped down on it in glee, "What have we here?" he asked as he admired the necklace. Anya, who had crouched in the corner, suddenly became angry, "Give it back," she cried, "it's mine!"
The Lord sneered at her, "Slaves don't own anything, they are owned." The slaves around him shrank away and Anya recoiled as he strode over, hand raised. Blair sprung forward, knocking the table out of his way, and grasped the Lords arm in a snake like grip, the other hand going to his throat. The Lord gasped in furry, "Get your hands off me", his voice rose to squeak. Blair ignored him and snarled, "Give her back her necklace." When the Lord refused he began to squeeze, the Lords eyes opened in pain and he gasped for help as his air supply was cut. The slaves around him just watched silently from the shadows, the Lady only leaned forward in interest.
Eventually the Lord released the necklace and Blair threw him to the ground where he sat gasping for breath and rubbing his throat. Anya snatched the necklace and pressed herself against the wall. Blair crouched down in front of her, "I'm not going to hurt you," he said softly, "not like he has, " he jerked his head towards the furious Lord. Anya stared at him with wide eyes, "Come on." Blair stood and walked away without glancing back. After a moment's hesitation Anya got up and quickly followed him, shying away from the Lord.
Blair stood on the stone steps letting the sunlight soak into his skin as his crew all mounted, weapons ready to be grasped. A stable boy bought forward his horse and Blair walked up to it. Turning he found Anya and lifted her easily onto the front of the saddle, and then he mounted. Being God-born he was able to hear the hurried footsteps and the wheezing breath of the Lord. The soldiers saw him reach down to adjust his stirrup before flinging his arm behind his back and bowing mockingly. "A good day, gentlemen!" And then he nudged his horse forward and soon all that was left of them were memories and a trail of dust.
Later, when the sun began to set did they find the body, a single dart imbedded in the Lord's chest causing him to slip into the land of dreams. When he awoke the next morning he would not remember anything and the Lady, nor the slaves informed him of anything accept he had sold the girl Anya to the Captain of The Crimson Dawn.
Waves lapped gently at the hull as the ship sailed into the harbour. Four horses and five riders made their way from Port Cayan and through the mist towards the Capital. The riders made Chorus in good time , without pushing their mounts to hard and dawn saw them joining the crowds wandering among the stores. The leader, riding a great big grey, directed the group and a young girl sat in front of him looking about curiously safely caged within bands of muscle.
Suddenly a grubby child ran in front of the horses and the grey through his head back and launched into a half rear before the rider threw his weight forward and forced the grey to its feet. As his hoofs touched the cobblestones the girl was thrown forward and an amber pendant swinging on a chain of gold slipped from the front of her shirt.
The rider cursed at the boy and the group continued forward, the girl quickly hiding her necklace. A pair of hazel eyes watched them go before slipping into the shadows.
The Palace courtyard was bustling with people; squires ran errands and pages trained. Stable boys came and took the horses and a man came hurrying out of the stables to gaze at the horses in awe.
Blair dismounted easily and lifted Anya from the saddle, his muscles bulging.
A servant came up to the sailors and after glancing at them with wide eyes he asked what their business was. The Second Mate smiled a greeting and answered for the crew, "We wish to talk to Sir Myles of Olau, it is important that we see him as soon as possible."
The servant looked at the grim sailors, the way their muscle bulged beneath their tunics and the way they held themselves with confidence and the small girl that seemed at ease with them. He bowed slightly, "I will inform Sir Myles of your arrival," a bell began to ring announcing the change of class, "if you will follow me." Blair nodded and followed the servant up into the palace, Anya and his Second Mate following him, the other two sailors made their way towards the training ring.
They were led to a large but comfortably furnished room and asked to wait for someone to take them to Sir Myles. As the door closed Blair turned to Anya and tossed her a pack, "Make yourself presentable, "he ordered, though not unkindly.
Anya nodded and moved into a corner, the Second Mate and the Captain politely turning away. When she was finished she was standing in a new white dress, simple but elegant though the entire affect was marginally ruined by the worn boots peeking from beneath the skirt. Blair smiled at her and then lead the way from the room, ignoring Anya's look of mortification.
Passing a youth in gold and red he gestured for him to stop. The youth did so and stood bouncing from foot to foot on the spot. "Could you please direct us to Sir Myles?" The page looked between them and appeared to be making up his mind, did he risk angering the very big men and hurry to class or face the wrath of his teachers and please the sailors.
Blair, sensing the indecision added, "It will be in your best interest to tell us," and folded his arms.
The youth nodded, "If you would follow me," he moistened his lips hurriedly and began to briskly walk down the halls. After various turns the youth paused before a door, "Sir Myles has a class right now, so you may have to wait," he suggested, Blair nodded and tossed him a gold coin. The youth grinned and semi-bowed before leisurely strolling off, he was already beyond late and he would tell his teacher he was running an errand.
The sailors paused at the door and the Second Mate checked his sword before nodding to Blair. Blair drew himself up and then rapped sharply on the door before throwing it open, both he and the second mate missed the page watching them cautiously from the end of the corridor before turning and running for Duke Gareth.
Sir Myles was short and plump; his shaggy beard was ribboned with grey, as was his hair. His green brown eyes turned curiously to the sailors as they boldly walked into the room. The students all looked curiously at him before looking to the sailors.
Sir Myles was polite at such an interruption, "Excuse me, gentleman. May I be of assistance?"
"Sir Myles?" Blair asked, an eyebrow raised.
Sir Myles nodded, "Yes".
The second mate drew Anya forward, who looked at all the boys staring at her, before flushing and looking at the ground. "We have something for you,"
Sir Myles looked at the girl in surprise before answering mildly, "I do believe you are mistaken, I don't deal in slaves. Nor will you find such a practice legal in this land"
Blair sighed angrily, "She is no longer a slave, but she is for you."
Sir Myles stared at the sailors for a moment before looking to his class, 'Please take out your text books and begin an essay on the advantages and disadvantages of the Code of Chivalry. I will be back shortly."
Blair nodded before backing out, Anya sticking to him like burr. Sir Myles shut the door behind him and hurriedly tried to catch up with the sailor's long strides, his shorter stature causing him to trot.
Blair easily lead the way back to the meeting room and held the door for Anya, who flashed smile, his second and the short Knight. He snapped his fingers and the door locked and ocean blue fire encircled the room.
Blair sat leisurely on a chair and gestured for Myles to do the same. The second mate helped himself to a beverage and offered some to Anya and his captain before deciding to offer some to Myles. Only Anya and sir Myles accepted. Myles was looking between the sailors curiously, questions obviously on his tongue.
Eventually Blair stirred and reached into his tunic and tossing the Knight a scroll encased in a purple ribbon.
Sir Myles immediately recognised the crisp writing addressing him and looked to the sailors in shock before swiftly untying the ribbon.
Sir Myles,
I hope this letter finds you in good health. Otherwise I really don't know what I would do.
I understand you have questions and to be honest I don't even know if I can answer them. I also hope you can help me, and I will tell you all I can of what has happened to me in eighteen months. Eighteen months, it seems like such a short time and so much as happened.
I have already told you of how I came to be a squire so I will continue from there. I rode for Tusaine, I don't really know or understand why, I didn't have a direction or a purpose. I just rode. I crossed the border fairly easily( the Tusaine scouts aren't that efficient, or at least the ones I evaded aren't) and was beginning to ride north to Galla. It was foolish of me, I know. But I was so blind to my own safety, so filled with rage and sorrow I was nonchalant. Several days into my journey north a band of slavers caught me. I would like to say I fought valiantly, with honour and chivalry, but I did not. I fought as though possessed, with only one thought, to kill. Eventually I was dragged from Moonlight and captured. Miraculously I was uninjured, and we snuck from Tusaine and into Merath. Slavery is widely accepted there; almost everyone with money has a slave. I was bought by a Lord and served in his house for seven months when we went to the palace to celebrate the birth of the heir.
Sir Myles was so engrossed with his reading he never heard the pounding on the door, nor the warnings yelled through the wood.
The royals were assassinated and I found out that a slave I knew was meant to assassinate them, I don't understand what happened but they weren't killed by him. I escaped during the chaos but the guards thought I was the assassin. I ran for a cliff and jumped into the sea, I would have been tortured had they caught me. I awoke to find myself aboard the Red Sun, now the Crimson Dawn.
Sir Myles glanced up and met the captain's steady gaze, he now realised who he was sitting opposite. Hesitantly he returned to reading.
The captain and I made a mutual agreement and I was safe, feed, I had a bed to sleep in and their mage was teaching me to replace him. I came to enjoy their company and I liked the sailors, they do deserve their reputation but they aren't really that bad.
They tell me Tahakén (I'm sure you have heard of it) is a desolate place, a place of soulless beings. I hope not, I hope it will be okay. I'm scared Myles, I don't know what do to...
Enough of this, I am only depressing myself. I asked Blair, the Captain of the Crimson Dawn, to find Anya, the slave girl I was with in Merath. He will bring her to Tortall where I know you will take care of her.
I hope you do not share this letter with anyone, including George, Gary and Raul. I don't want them looking for me, and please do not. I don't want anything happening to you on my account.
I wish you well, Myles.
Love Alanna
P.S. I have a really big favour to ask. Would you please see to it that Faithful is cared for? And if possible hunt Moonlight down and see that she is well cared for. I don't mind if you sell my belongings, where I am going now I won't have any need of them.
Myles looked up from his letter in time to see guards come crashing through the blown open door, swords drawn. They flooded the room and surrounded the occupants, knocking over the table with the drinks. The Captain and his companion remained calmly seated and the girl-child after looking fearfully at the soldiers calmed considerably at the Captain reassuring nod. Duke Gareth, who strode in after the guards, hand on hilt, surveyed the room. His gaze came to rest on Anya, who had shuffled closer to the giant captain and he visibly paused. Then he looked to the ruffled Knight that sat unblinking like an owl.
Confident in his own ability he strode over to Sir Myles who didn't acknowledge his presence. Duke Gareth frowned and then began to wave his hand in front of the catatonic knight. After failing to gain Myles' attention he began to yell at him.
Blair stirred, "He's fine, just in shock I'm sure. Give him a moment and he will come back to us."
Duke Gareth looked at him sharply before relenting slightly.
"Is it true?" Myles asked softly of Blair. The Captain looked at him curiously, "Everything she said," he rumbled.
Myles looked as though his world had been turned upside down, "It exists?'
Blair sighed; he knew what the Knight was referring to. "Yes, it does exist, though it cannot be found on any map or in any memory."
Myles leaned back in his chair and rubbed his beard, the Duke reading the horror on his face spun back to the Captain ready to ask questions.
Blair spoke first, raising a hand, "No. I cannot and will not answer your questions. They are not mine to tell," He glanced to the shaken Knight, "nor are they Myles'".
The guards began to shuffle on their feet and Myles looked up at the Duke. "It's okay, Duke Gareth, we are not in danger."
The Duke appraised him for a moment before nodding and gesturing for the guards to leave.
Duke Gareth looked at the second mate before up righting a turned chair and slumping into it. Then he leaned forward, his eyes questioning.
"Okay, what is going on? Who are you?"
The second mate folded his arms. "I am Shae, this is Anya, "she smiled shyly at the Duke, "and I am Second Mate aboard the Crimson Dawn, formally the Red Sun." The Duke visibly blanched and pulled back slightly.
Shae jerked his finger towards Blair, "Cap'n Blair," his voice was educated but had the rough edges of a commoner.
"Fair not, Eastern Lord, "Blair reassured, "We will not raise our fist if you do not."
Lord Naxen relaxed, slightly, "Why are you here?"
Sir Myles answered for them, "To bring me Anya. And no, she is not mine, " Myles answered the Dukes questioning glance.
Blair sighed and got to his feet stretching, "We have stayed to long. A storm is building off the coast and if we hope to reach the Copper Isles safely we must leave within the hour." Shae nodded and tussled Anya's hair as he walked for the door, "Farewell little one,".
Blair looked at Anya as Myles and Gareth got to their feet, 'You will be safe here, Anya. Be well, "After nodding once to Myles and the Duke he was gone, out the door.
That night Myles got as drunk as he ever had, and the next night, and the night after that, and the nights after. Only a worried talk with Queen Lianne turned his escape away. After all, with Myles drinking himself unconscious every night who would help her help Jonathan. Anya was given a job as a maid, to Queen Lianne herself, because her experience working for the Lady of Goldenfeilds. After several weeks she began to relax and wouldn't flinch at every loud noise and for the whispers to cease. She continued to hide the pendant given to her by Alanna beneath her shirt and will never take it off.
The Crimson Dawn was never identified in Tortallan waters again.
Authors Note:
Sorry its taken a while. I've been busy with end of year exams and study. Anyway, review please.
Niger Unda: Hope this(Which you have already read) helps (Leave me nice reviews! (you know I can't spell/grammar is bad( I speaking good England )))
ZuliaGirl: Thank you.
CoTB: Thank you. Um, I kinda just write... it just comes out I don't know whether I can answer that... but I suppose what I just said is an answer :p
Fang: It gets better
Regards, Con Dar Lioness