DISCLAIMER: I do not own the rights to The New Adventures of Sinbad - all this recognition goes to the Creater, Ed Naha.
Hello all! I feel like it's been forever since I submitted another chapter. I hope you like this one.
I've updated my profile too - for those of you who have looked and seen nothing! :) I'm not really good at writing about myself...but decided to share a little more.
Chapter 10
"Gunnar!" Bryn walked up to her brother's side the second she saw him. He and Doubar were sitting inside Firouz and Rongar's room in The Inn. They both looked like a mess. Gunnar's right sleeve was torn by a blade and there was no hiding the blood that was seeping through it. Doubar took a blow to his jaw. His lip was already starting to swell up. Firouz made his way to tend to Gunnar's arm first. He instructed Gunnar to remove his shirt, which he slowly obliged. He threw the blood stained shirt to the floor. "That's ruined", Gunnar sighed.
"What happened?" Bryn stepped aside for Firouz and looked at Gunnar than to Doubar. She saw Sinbad trying to examine the cut on Doubar's lip and Doubar pushing his hand away. He gruffly told him that he was fine.
"It was Felix", Gunnar responded, "He got into some trouble and Doubar and I had to intervene".
"What sort of trouble?" Sinbad asked.
"He was messing with the wrong woman", Gunnar replied, "You lucked out, Sinbad, it was Katrina. Her husband showed up to gather her and he was not pleased to see her within the arms of another man". Gunnar's look that he gave Sinbad told him that it was a close call.
Sinbad did not miss the small snort of disgust coming from Bryn. He glanced at her but she didn't make eye contact with him. "Where's Felix now?" Sinbad turned to Doubar, "Where's Rongar?"
"Felix left and Rongar followed," Doubar replied, "He wanted to make sure he didn't get into anymore trouble. Felix did not have the best temper the last time we saw him".
"If he's smart, he would have just gone home", Gunnar replied through gritted teeth. Firouz was in the process of cleaning the wound and would soon start stitching him up. He watched Firouz's hands during the administration.
"Did Felix get hurt?" Bryn asked as she sat down on one of the beds.
"We came out of The Tavern and that's when we saw him getting attacked by those ogres!" Doubar explained. "I'm sure he's hurting a little bit".
"He too, may have had too much to drink," Firouz exclaimed without taking his eyes off Gunnar's' arm.
"Too?" Bryn wondered who else Firouz was referring to. She looked at her friend, but he didn't answer her.
"I'm going to see if I can catch up to Rongar", Sinbad replied. "Hopefully I will see him on his way back from Felix's". He didn't want Rongar to be in a situation where he needed help and had no one to watch his back.
Doubar stood up making his way towards the door way, "I'm coming with you. I'm too riled up to fall asleep right now".
Firouz turned to Doubar, "Doubar! Did you want me to look at your lip?"
Doubar waved his hand away, "No, It's just a cut. I already washed it up".
Sinbad let Doubar through the doorway first, "We will be right back".
Gunnar nodded his head and gave him direction to Felix's home just in case they didn't know it. "It's not far from Aunt Meg's"
"Thanks!" Sinbad waved before he and Doubar left.
xxxxx
Felix was smart. He made his way home with Rongar in tow. It didn't take very long for him to realize he was being followed. Rongar purposely made himself known by stepping on twigs and branches that were near the side of the road. It was too dark for Felix to see who it was but when he heard Dermott cry out and saw him land on a branch above him, he immediately thought it would be Bryn. He relaxed and stopped at the clearing to his home and waited for her to catch up. He was surprised to see, one the moonlight hit him, that it was Rongar that was on his trail
"I'm sorry about that back there" Felix said to the warrior approaching. "I had to leave".
Rongar just nodded his head. Felix gestured for Rongar to come inside and join him. He offered him water and Rongar accepted it with another nod.
"It's too bad you can't speak. I could use some advise", Felix said out loud. He immediately thought he should be more sensitive about that matter, "I'm sorry, I hope you didn't take offense".
Rongar shook his head and dismissed it with a wave of his hand as if to say, 'it is what it is'.
"I don't seem to have the best luck with ladies", Felix continued, "It just gets a little frustrating at times when things don't go your way", Felix sighed, " I had no idea Katrina was married!"
Rongar sat at the same table Felix shared breakfast with Bryn. All he could do was listen. Felix seemed to be in need of open ears. This was something he was good at; especially whenever Firouz gets talkative. Tonight, Felix seemed a little more intense and on edge than when he's seen him in the past. He appeared agitated.
"For a few days, I thought there might be something there with Bryn", Felix confessed, "I was wrong". He looked to Rongar for confirmation and he got what he expected. Another nod.
"It's a shame. She is rather fascinating", Felix took a gulp of his water, "Once your Captain arrived, I knew there was no chance", Felix continued, " There's definitely something between them". He looked at Rongar again and yes, there was another affirmative nod.
"It must be just timing", Felix replied, "That's what I keep telling myself. I grow tired of this life. Living here alone". Felix started to rambled, "This city is so big yet so small at the same time".
Rongar tried so hard to not appear disinterested. He really wanted to just see that Felix made it home okay and head back to his own bed. The ale, dancing and fighting was starting to get to him. He finished his water and stood up. He patted Felix's back to let him know that all will be well. He also gestured to his heart and pointed at the sky outside the window. Felix understood.
"Yes, you are right", Felix looked outside his window, "Everything is written in the stars...I just need to be patient."
xxxxx
"She was in her cups", Sinbad shook his head and smiled, "It was probably the worst timing to tell her how I feel".
Doubar gave a loud laugh. "I'm sure you could have found far worst situations than that".
The brothers were walking towards Felix's home in hopes to run into Rongar. During that time, Doubar couldn't help but ask Sinbad about his earlier goal that he had this evening and how is night was.
He was amused by what Sinbad shared. Doubar touched his lip and winced. He almost forgot about his cut. He cursed out loud.
"That's what you get for laughing at my predicament", Sinbad joked beside him.
"What did the little lady have to say about your confession?" Doubar asked, "Did she share the same sentiment?"
Sinbad thought about their conversation. She didn't say anything as clearly, but he found his answer between the lines, "Yes".
"About time!" Doubar slapped his brother on the back. "The crew were questioning it for some time".
Sinbad looked at his brother, "How does the crew feel about it?"
"They are fine with it. 'Happy Captain, happy crew', is how they see it". Doubar laughed, "Don't worry about it".
"I thought the phrase was, 'Happy woman. Happy Life', " Sinbad replied.
"You are thinking about 'Happy wife. Happy life', " Doubar laughed, "I don't think you are there yet".
"No, definitely not," Sinbad responded with a smile.
Just than Dermott flew low past them. They heard the sound of his wings before his distinct call reached them. If something was wrong, he would have called more than once. Within moments they heard a rustle in the woods. Another person was on their path walking towards them. It was Rongar.
"Rongar! We were just looking for you", Doubar greeted his friend. "Felix okay?'
Rongar nodded his head and continued walking. Doubar and Sinbad turned to walk along side him. Sinbad took a quick look at Rongar. He did not get one single injury from the night's event. He also appeared rather tired.
"Let's all call it night", Sinbad said, "The hour is growing late".
Rongar and Doubar both nodded. They walked back in comfortable silence.
xxxxx
When they returned to The Inn, Gunnar was walking out. He was happy to see they made it back and bid them all good night. He was on his way back to Aunt Meg's. Once they entered Firouz and Doubar's room, they were greeted by a "shh…" from Firouz. On Rongar's bed was a sleeping Bryn. She was sitting on the side closest to Firouz propped up against a pillow.
"Did you guys bore her to death?" Doubar whispered quietly.
Firouz responded with an annoyed look, "We were talking and she dozed off", Firouz explained, "Gunnar and I didn't want to wake her".
Rongar looked at Sinbad.
"Let her sleep", Sinbad replied. He nodded his head at Rongar to let him now that he was fine with her staying. Rongar made his way towards the washroom before settling down for bed himself. Sinbad walked over to Bryn and gently adjusted the pillow behind her. She didn't wake but in her sleep she moved lower. Sinbad saw that she was in a more comfortable position to sleep through out the night. He gave her a quick kiss on the forehead before leaving her side.
"I will see you tomorrow", Sinbad whispered to Firouz, "Sleep well".
"Good night, Sinbad", Firouz replied while settling himself under the covers.
While Doubar and Sinbad were leaving the room, Rongar slowly made his way into his own bed on the other side. He didn't want to disrupt Bryn. Doubar gave a light chuckle.
"What's so funny", Sinbad asked while shutting Firouz and Rongar's door. He and Doubar were now in the hallway of the Inn.
"The night you pour your heart out to Bryn," Doubar explained, "She is in bed with another man".
Sinbad shook his head at his brothers amusement, "At least she is with trusted friend", he pointed out.
Doubar gave another chuckle and winced again from his cut lip.
"That's what you get for laughing at my predicament", Sinbad said again and patted his brothers back, "I'm going back to The Nomad. Good night, Doubar".
"Good night!", Doubar replied before entering his own room.
xxxxx
Bryn woke up early. The sun was just starting to rise. What surprised her was waking up on her side to find Firouz across from her. She realized she was not in her own room at The Tavern. She looked over her shoulder and slowly sat up. Rongar was fast asleep next to her. She smiled, the warrior did not look at all intimidating while sleeping. Aunt Meg would be so jealous of her right now. She thought about the night before and remembered why she was there. She remembered everything. She remembered the wine, the ale, Katrina, Anders, The Nomad…
"Anders!" Bryn nearly woke Rongar when she threw the covers off of her to stand up. It hit him over his shoulder. He shifted and she stood still. Looking at Firouz, she was pleased to see that he didn't move nor wake. Slowly and quietly she exited the guys room and made her way downstairs back to The Tavern. She still needed to speak with Sinbad about Anders. Anders told her that he would find her this morning to get his answer. The sun was barely up and Sinbad would probably still be sleeping. She took the time to freshen up and change.
xxxxx
The sun was higher when Bryn stepped onto The Nomad. There were two lumps up on deck that she recognized. They were Bijan and Evan sleeping and snoring away. She decided to leave them alone and go below deck to see if Sinbad was around. In order to get to the Captain's cabin she would have to pass her quarters first. Her door was left opened. She couldn't stop herself from peaking into her own room when walking by. She didn't realized she missed it until she saw it. When she got in front of Sinbad's door she knocked.
"Come in", Sinbad answered from inside his quarters.
When Bryn opened the door she saw him sitting at a wooden desk hovering over some papers. When Sinbad glanced up to see who entered, he did a double take. He expected to see another crew member in front of him.
"Hi", Bryn smiled while approaching him.
"Hi", Sinbad greeted her. He stood up from behind the desk and walked towards her. He met her halfway. He couldn't stop himself from touching her. He gently placed both hands on her shoulders and look into her brown eyes, "How are you?'
"I'm really good", Bryn smiled up and him, "Slept well". Bryn noticed that his hair was wet and he had his white shirt on. His blue vest was laying on his bed. He must have just gotten out of the shower.
"Sorry about leaving you with Firouz and Rongar last night," Sinbad smiled, "We didn't want to wake you".
"I'm surprised I fell asleep so quickly. I must've been tired", Bryn replied, "I feel bad for Rongar. I may have stolen the covers from him". She and Sinbad both shared a laugh at Rongar's expense.
Sinbad than turned back to his desk but at the same time grabbed her hand for her to follow, "There's something I want to show you". He walked back behind the desk and sat back down. Bryn was surprised when he pulled her on to his lap. There was no where else that she could sit.
"What am I looking at?" Bryn look at the papers in front of them.
"This is the nautical chart that Benson left for me yesterday." Sinbad explained, "This will help me find safe passage to Genoa for the ship and crew".
"It's very detailed", Bryn observed the map of the island. She pointed at a box close to the shore, "Is this where Benson's friend lives?"
"Yes. We're lucky it's not too far inland. Less of a haul for all of us". Sinbad replied. "It should be an easy journey."
While sitting on Sinbad's lap Bryn became hyper aware of him. She watched him as he pointed out different landmarks that Benson wrote out for him. She was transfixed at his facial features when explaining the chart. She watched his lips move when he spoke and his blue eyes narrowing at different points on the map as he described them to her. She also couldn't help but notice the feel of his strong arm wrapped tightly around her waist to secure her onto his lap. She couldn't believe how lucky she was to be where she is now. She couldn't believe that she was alone with him and he, who could possibly have any woman he wanted, said he wanted her. She remember everything he said the night before.
Sinbad noticed her silence. He looked up at her and he caught her staring back at him. There was something in her eyes that told him what she wanted. He placed a hand at her neck with his thumb brushing against her cheek. He slowly brought her face to his and kissed her softly. She responded with the same softness; shy at first. When she responded the way she did in her room at The Tavern, he kissed her more deeply. Neither of them really cared about the chart at this point.
Between kisses Sinbad asked her a question he's been thinking about since he woke up, "Bryn….Do you remember….what….I told you last night?"
Bryn stopped kissing him, smiled and nodded her head, "You don't want anyone else?"
Sinbad was pleased and nodded his head with a wide smile. He pulled her in for another kiss. After they parted her smile was as wide as his. She felt so happy and giddy at the same time. She brought her attention back to the desk and saw Genoa written on the bottom of the paper in front of them. She placed a finger on it and remembered why she sought Sinbad out in the first place.
"Anders", Bryn said out loud.
"The name's Sinbad," He joked while giving her a curious look. He started to caress her back with the hand that was around her waist.
Bryn laughed, "No", she unwrapped herself from him and stood up. She felt she couldn't concentrate with him so close right now. "Anders wanted me to speak with you".
"Who's Anders?" Sinbad leaned back in his chair.
"He was at The Tavern last night, " Bryn explained, "He bought me a drink to get my attention".
"What else did he want?" Sinbad grew more curious.
"He wanted you to take him to Genoa", Bryn replied. "He found out about the wine transport from Benson. You may have seen him. He works at Benson's vineyard." She explained, "He says he will pay up front".
"We don't usually take passengers", Sinbad pointed out, "What's in Genoa for him?"
"A woman he cares for very much", Bryn tried to remember their conversation outside The Tavern. "Her family moved out there and they took her away from him".
"Is this something you want to do?" Sinbad asked.
"Yes, I didn't sense anything off with him. I believe he is telling the truth", Bryn replied. "He says there is very few transports to Genoa from Capua and that he was desperate".
"Where do I meet this Anders?" Sinbad stood up and walked over to his bed to retrieve his vest. He put it on while speaking, "Before I make a decision I need to speak with him and Benson. I don't want to take away an employee of Benson without his knowledge".
"He said he was going to look for me this morning at The Tavern", Bryn answered, "I meant to ask you last night…but I got distracted".
"It's okay", Sinbad walked up to her and gave her a quick kiss on her temple. He placed his hand on her back to guide her towards the door. "Let's go meet him".