Chapter Four
"A woman should pride herself in her appearance, you know."
"Then I should think I would rather be a man, for it seems they pride themselves only in drinking unto their own ruin."
"Hah! Well... you might be right about that. You certainly might..."
"Your glass seems to be looking mighty empty there, Miss... Can I offer you another?"
I glanced up from my drink to find a man with kind eyes gazing down at me as he held a bottle in his hand. I studied him for a moment, noting the sadness that lingered in his well-meaning smile that lingered beneath a rather sparse mustache, and after deciding I liked him well enough, I gave him a slow nod. However, as I went to take a sip of the thick amber liquid, I thought better of it and returned my attention to him.
"Mind telling me how a once respectable man like yourself happened to open up an inn- only to have it be overrun by pirates?" I asked, offering him the best smile I could manage. The man appeared to be taken aback at first, and so I did my best to assure him that I meant no harm. "Unless you feel it's one of those stories better left untold, of course."
"Not much of a story to tell," he admitted with a chuckle. "Just that even pirates need a place to call home every now and then. A warm bed and a good meal can do wonders for a man, you know."
"You are right on that account, sir," I agreed. "However... the magistrate may not be so understanding. You can be charged as an accessory to piracy... which, I'm sure you know, carries the same sentence." He thought on this for a time, his tongue rolling about in his cheek while he did so, but before he could offer me so much as a sigh or even a shrug, there was a sudden commotion to be heard outside.
The best I could describe it was a great roar- like that that of a merciless beast, and yet while I all but jumped within my own skin to hear the sound, the man with whom I was speaking only laughed and shook his mighty head. It was almost as if he expected nothing less on a quiet night, and as the doors flew open, he presented himself gladly to his new guests.
"Well... if it isn't Kai Viento an' his fine crew! How've you been ol' boy!"
Though I did my best to hide my curiosity upon hearing such an unusual name, I could not help but glance over towards the door to see just who this 'Kai' happened to be. Perhaps it was because of this that I was not certain what to make of his appearance, for while his name was curious enough on its own, the man himself was even more peculiar.
Standing in the doorway was a man of a modest height with a bandanna of a faded purple hue tied securely about his head. He was a scruffy looking fellow, not having shaved in some time, yet his grin was broad as he strode into the place. However, I could not hide my disgust when he happened to find himself at the counter where I sat, for though he smelled sweetly of the sea and its gentle breezes, there was also a heavy odor of sweat and soured drink that clung to him.
"Pardon the intrusion, Doug," the man laughed, "but it seemed like a fine idea to drop in for a bit of rum. Wouldn't you agree?"
"Indeed I would," the innkeeper replied, taking his hand. "As long as you be havin' the mind to pay for it, of course."
"Now would I ever cheat you- the only man who has never wronged me?" he laughed again, leaning against the counter. It was then that he first took notice of me, and much to my dismay, he appeared to be rather glad to have me in his company. "Oh... and who do we have here?"
For whatever reason, I blushed, but although I was quick to turn away, I was already too late. Without any hesitation, he had drawn up the stool next to me, and while I prayed for release from any dealings with the rogue, I found no escape. "You know... I don't think you and I have ever had the pleasure of meeting," he began, wetting his chapped lips as he spoke. "Mind if I sit here for a while?"
"Suit yourself," I replied cooly as I kept my gaze steady on the lantern that hung above the kitchen door. Despite my sullen nature, it would seem that no one had taught the man any manner of social decency, for I soon found he had wrapped his arm about my waist and drawn me even closer to his side.
"Don't be causing a fuss now," he chuckled as I fought to push him away. His breath was heavy with the scent of rum, and at first I thought he must be drunk. That thought was only made all the more convincing when he brought his lips to my ear. However, in his defense, what he had to say was nothing of what I had expected. "You can't be acting all shy in a place like this... else you be looking for trouble, that is."
I had no time to even raise a brow or ask the man of what he spoke of before he stood upright, and not a moment later, there was a flash of metal in his rough hands. It was then that I spun about, and in that same instant, I heard a sharp cry call out from behind me. And there, not a step back from where I'd been sitting a moment before, was a dead man- a knife caught in his throat.
"Men about here have no shame," the rogue continued, effortlessly plucking the blade from the mortal wound. Then, turning back to face me, he grinned. "Now... where were we?" When I offered him no reply, he seemed not to notice, and he simply went on as if I had. "Ah, yes... We were at the introductions. The name's Kai Viento..." he explained with a deep bow. "And what might yours be, Miss?"
"Chelsea," I squeaked out, my mind still numbed by the rather unsettling incident that had come only moments before. "Chelsea Lourne..."
The rogue's eyes faded then as he fell silent, and I could only glance away as he took the time to study me fully. I felt a bit ashamed of myself while he did so, for it was then that I was suddenly made painfully aware of my crude appearance. After all, it was not so long ago that I had been reduced to wearing a man's garb, and though it had been my decision to make, it still did not stop me from feeling ashamed of myself right then.
"You wouldn't happen to know a man by the name of William Lourne... would you?" he asked, his gaze still heavy upon me. My chest tightened upon hearing the name, but I only turned away and offered him a curt reply.
"No, I'm afraid I cannot say that I have," I assured him, my voice firm in giving my answer. He remained quiet for a time, and at first I thought that perhaps he did not believe me. However, when I glanced back at the man, I found he was wearing a smile. One that while filled with something I could not quite identify, I felt I recognized it all the same.
"Forgive me then," he apologized with a nod. "I was clearly mistaken."
Before I could assure the man that he had done no wrong by me, the doors flew back once again, and I heard yet another mighty roar echoing throughout the place. This time, however, I realized that it was not one but many voices joined together and filled with a raucous laughter which had caused the earlier commotion.
The crowd was led by a rather impressive woman whose blonde hair was long and wild, ensnaring all those who ventured near to her. She was not a large woman by any means, being that she was no taller or fit than myself, but the way in which she carried herself was such that even I had to bow my head to her. Of course, it may have been her shameless manner of dress that had caused me to look away, for she seemed to have even less of an understanding of common decency than the man who still stood at my side- now sporting an impish grin at the mere sight of her.
Though she wore a man's coat as I had, she had chosen to forgo any underclothing. However, she stood as proud as any woman in high society with her chest openly presented to all those in her company, and had I known her better, I may have insisted that she learn at least a sense of modesty even if she chose to ignore it afterwards.
"There yeh are, ya ol' leacher!" the woman laughed, clapping my companion on the back. "Seems yeh found yerself a fair lady already."
"Ah, come off it, Claire..." he chuckled as he cast me a sympathetic glance. "She just had a lil' bit of trouble is all." She followed his gaze, her eyes trailing from me to the man still laying out on the floor. However, it was then that her demeanor took a rather disagreeable turn.
"What's all this then?" she demanded, gesturing towards the dead man and the pool of dried blood which clung to him. "As I keep tellin' yehs, ya be too willin' ta draw yer sword at times, me t'inks."
"Better to have killed the man than to have seen 'im carry her off," he replied, waving her off. Then he slid his arm about my waist once more as if his act of heroism was payment enough to allow him to place his hands on me. Despite this, I made no move to push him away, for though I still felt uncertain concerning his rather questionable nature, I had to admit I was certainly more at ease in his care than my own.
Especially with a woman such as that to contend with.
"Listen 'ere, you two," another voice chimed in. "Leave the poor lass alone. Can't yeh see she be scared stiff of yehs?" I glanced down to find a young woman, no more than a girl really, scowling at her companions, but when she happened to realize I was staring at her, she offered me a grin as bright as her red hair. "Don't worry 'bout them none," she assured me. "They're not so bad once yeh get to know 'em... though I wouldn' suggest bein' alone wit either of 'em in the dark- especially that one there," she muttered, pointing an accusing finger in Kai's direction.
"And this is why I can never find myself a good girl to bed down with," he groaned before releasing me, albeit grudgingly. Claire laughed to hear that, and once again, she laid a heavy hand on his back.
"Wha' yeh be squawkin' 'bout? Ya ain't e'en sure wha' ta do wit the lot of us as it is!"
I briefly wondered what she meant by 'the lot of us' being as there were only two that I could see, but I soon realized how very wrong I was. Since I had been so preoccupied with the conversation at hand, I had not seen just how many individuals were in their company. Though I only knew of Kai and Claire by name, there were easily five others gathered together in the place. They were all women, save for a Negro boy who lingered in the back, and while they were not much taller than myself, I could not help but feel as if I had somehow lost myself in a throng of laughing trees.
Even so, there was some comfort to be found in this, for because of their great number in such a small space, I could easily slip between them to make my escape. However, before I could leave the crowded inn, I felt someone take a gentle hold of my arm.
"I suggest you stay," a woman's voice purred from behind me. "If you're wanting to ask for the Captain's help in this matter of yours, dat is."
Upon turning to face the one who had spoken to me, my eyes widened to behold a dark, cloaked figure standing before me, but as she pulled back her hood, I found I many have preferred for her face to be hidden from my sight. It was not that she was hideous nor remotely unappealing to my eyes. She simply had a pair of the most peculiar eyes I had ever seen which unnerved me to my very core, for they were a fierce and fiery red colour like that of burning embers- a rare gift, no doubt, from the devil himself by the looks of her. After all, there seemed to be no other explanation for the tiny skulls of what appeared to be mice and other vermin that decorated her coarse clothing.
"Do not fear, enfant," the woman assured me with a grin. "I can promise you dat revenge will surely be yours should you truly desire it, for I have seen the cause of your anger and find it justified."
"What're ya talkin' 'bout now, Raine?" the youngest asked, crossing her arms over her meager chest. She had apparently overheard the beginnings of our conversation, and if only because I already felt she had a temper, it was clear to me that she was not pleased by what had just been said. "I told yeh that there'd be none of that magic stuff of yours in this here inn. My father be a God-fearing man, and he'll not let us stay 'ere if yeh keep running yer gums 'bout such things."
"Aye, dat I know, Annie Bell," the other agreed with a chuckle. "However, as I am the Witch Princess, I'm afraid that magic is merely in my nature." The youth was apparently not amused by this reply, for she only narrowed her eyes as if in warning. "For you, though, mon cher, I will certainly do my best."
While she sounded sincere enough, not a moment after we were left alone again, the supposed witch drew me back towards her and whispered another premonition in my ear. "Just heed my warning, enfant... Do not set sail on the day of the Lord's death, for the sea does not forgive those who would dare to dishonor such a being as he." Though I raised a brow, being as that day was far off, I did my best to assure her that I would heed her warning.
"How do I go about asking him, though? The Captain, I mean," I asked the woman. "I hadn't even heard of the man until now..."
"All one must do is act as a woman should," the witch laughed, her wicked eyes dancing while she did so. "You know what I speak of, don't you, my dear?" I nodded weakly, my embarrassment clearly showing itself in my warming features. "In any case, it shouldn't be too difficult to win him over... as long as you're willing, of course."
"I ask again- how exactly would I go about it?" I pressed, my heart growing heavier with the mere thought of what I was about to do.
"Oh, that should not be too much trouble, my child," she chuckled with a wink. "He won't suspect a thing- especially not in his current state."
As if to emphasize her point, there was a great cry that ran through the place, and standing atop the bar was the man, toasting all those who had come to join him and his crew. The language in which he spoke was unfamiliar to my ears; however, it seemed that everyone within the party understood him well enough as the whole room broke into a raucous cheer with the clicking of heavy mugs all around. The woman at my side grinned as well, but unlike the others, there was no joy in it. Only knowing.
Though I was cautious at first, she bade me to make my way towards the man, and while my steps were slow and uncertain, they became increasingly sure and steady with growing confidence. Of course, this lasted only until I found myself standing before him at which point all my convictions died away into nothingness.
"So, you're back, are you?" he chuckled, motioning for me to come to sit beside him. When I did so, he appeared to be quite pleased with himself, but he made no mention of it. He chose to compliment me instead by saying, "You're certainly a fine enough woman... Mind telling me what you plan to do in a place such as this?" I said nothing in reply, but he made no signs of having noticed. If anything, it seemed to me that he was far more interested in the woman I had come to know as Claire.
I, too, found her to be rather interesting though I must admit it was for a reason much different from his own. After all, I was certain by the grin which he wore that he had no complaints towards seeing her bend over a nearby table to speak with a few of the bar's male patrons.
"Meterse en problemas de nuevo, ya veo." I raised a brow to hear the man speak, but when he realized I could not understand him, he only offered me a smile as if it would suffice for an explanation. "Now, tell me, love... What's your business with me? You don't seem like the kind of-"
Before he could finish, I found myself all but thrown into his arms, and all it took was a glimpse of a billowing black cloth for me to recognize who was to blame. Apparently, it seemed that my companion knew her the same as I did.
"Well, she could've been a little more subtle than that," Kai laughed as he watched the witch take her leave. However, when he saw my flustered expression, his voice became unusually soft, and for a moment, I felt at ease- if only until I happened to realize just what had been suggested "If that's all you wanted, you could've just asked."
"T-that's... That's not what I-"
"Oh, come on now, love," he teased, drawing me near once again. "I'd be more than glad to help you." My eyes widened to hear his offer, but just as I was about to refuse him, I was swept up and carried off upstairs. It was all I could do not to cry out with surprise, and yet at the same time, there was a part of me that felt rather exhilarated to be tarried off in such a way.
Even so, the man was anything but considerate as we made our way up the stairs with him all but dragging me along behind him. I stumbled no less than three times, and in each instance, he made no attempt to slow his pace. I felt he was much like a little boy who had found a new playmate- one whom he did not realize was more fragile than himself. This was not to say, however, that I could not match his strength. It was only that I had to rely on different means.
"Please... You don't understand," I protested, trying my best to remain calm. However, when he chose to ignore me, my patience was spent, and I could no longer hold my vicious tongue. "Don't you know who I am?"
He finally came to a stop and looked back at me rather strangely then, his once smooth brow furrowed in confusion. "You're Chelsea Lourne. You told me so yourself..."
"That's exactly right," I agreed with a huff. "And you, sir, should know better than anyone that I am not a lady to so easily be won." Though at first the man seemed uncertain of what to do, he ultimately released his fierce hold of my arm at last. Something for which I was surely grateful. "That will do. And now... I do believe I have some business with you, Mr. Viento."
"Is that right?" he chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, whatever it is... just remember I expect to get paid for it."
"And so you will," I assured him. "I can offer you my entire estate if need be though I feel as if that may be a bit much with all things considered."
"Oh, you should know by now I'm not the kind of man to worry about such things." I sighed, my heart growing heavier with every moment I had to spend with this deplorable man, but I kept on. Even as he took a lock of my hair between his fingers, I refused to allow myself to become flustered or- God forbid- flattered by his persistent interest in me. "So how do you plan to pay for my services then?"
"You really are horrid. Do you have no sense of decency, or are you as shameless as your companion downstairs?" Kai only shrugged, a wide grin slowly creeping along his weathered features, and it took all of my strength of will to sigh and not simply leave the man then and there. "I suppose not... although I also suppose I should not have expected anything less from you."
"Let me ask you this..." The man didn't even finish his statement before forcing my back against the wall, his face only a mere breath away from my own as he tilted my chin upwards to have me face him. Though I had been caught off guard by his sudden change in behavior, my hand was still aware enough to slip down to my hip, yet he took no notice of this as he whispered to me in a rather husky tone. "Do you hate me because of what I am, or is it because of who I am?"
"What have I done to make you hate me so? If you would only tell me, then perhaps I could apologize."
"Perhaps, Mr. Viento... it is both and neither at the same time." The rogue rose a curious brow, but soon enough I was able to draw his attention elsewhere. "I suggest you heed to my wishes if you hope to keep what's precious to you." It was then that he took note of the placement of my hand and the sharpened dagger which rested below his waist. However, his reaction was not what I had expected.
"DeberÃa haber sabido mejor, supongo..." he sighed as he shook his head, a faint chuckle escaping him. "Especially after all I've heard of you... Widow Lourne."
"And just what is it you have heard?" I asked quietly, my voice never wavering.
"Just a rumor that the wife of William Lourne was making her presence known in the ports," he explained, his face unusually solemn. "Saying you were looking for the man who called for his hanging or some such if I remember right..."
"That you did. So tell me... Do you know of the man who had my husband killed?" He was silent for a moment, his brown eyes searching my face. For what, I did not know- nor do I suppose I truly cared. I was growing impatient, however, and so I tightened my grip on the blade in my hand.
"I wouldn't suggest it, love," he warned, his hand engulfing my own. "Not if you plan to get your answer." I nodded reluctantly, slowly lowering the weapon back to my side as I continued to keep him under my heavy gaze. He appeared unfazed by this, yet he did not hesitate to offer me the information I had so desperately sought for so long. In fact, had I known him better, I might have believed he was more than willing- perhaps even eager- to give it to me.
"Have you heard of Admiral Hurst by chance?" he began, his voice becoming rather dark and threatening at the mere mention of the man's name.
"I have heard of him, yes," I agreed. "He resides in Barbados and is known to be the head authority when it comes to the capture and execution of those who work under piracy." I paused for a moment, gathering my thoughts, before questioning him further on the matter. "Am I to trust then that you claim this to be the man who took my husband's life, Mr. Viento?"
"Not directly," he corrected me with a wicked grin. "I only asked if you knew of him." I glared at the man, my thoughts towards him having become increasingly bitter with each and every passing moment, but he only offered me a cruel laugh in return. "And that, I'm afraid, is all I can tell you."
"Am I to trust that you may be more forthcoming if I agree to offer myself as payment?" I asked to which he merely chuckled.
"You are a stubborn one, aren't you?" When I made no reply, he laughed again. "Although I hate to say it, especially after being given such a tempting offer by such a lovely lady, I honestly have nothing more to tell." Though I was more than willing to leave the man at that point, being as he was no further use to me, I was rather surprised by what he had left to say. "However... perhaps I can still be of some service to you."
"How so?" I inquired, my voice betraying my curiosity.
Kai smiled then, his eyes twinkling like the stars, yet he said nothing at first. He simply drifted past me and towards the stairs, but just before he left me to my thoughts for the evening and many days to follow, he glanced back over his shoulder to offer me a final question, one that would surely change the course of my life forever.
"Wouldn't you agree that revenge is all the sweeter when taken by one's own hand?"