12. Rum and Spices

Fate looked in Evelynn's eyes and winked. He felt her sharp claws digging into his shoulder blade so with his free hand he pulled her waist in close to his.

"May I have this dance my dear?"

Evelynn opened her mouth and spoke.

"Fate!"

It certainly wasn't her usual hissing in fact the voice sounded more like…

"Fate!"

Fate groaned as he opened his eyes. The room he was swaying slightly and he realised he was still on the ship. He looked up and saw Gangplank seated next to him, clicking his fingers over Fate's face.

"Is it just me Captain or do you have a habit of waking me up whilst I'm sleeping?"

Gangplank laughed and slapped Fate on the chest causing the gypsy to cough.

"Well Fate it seems ye cheated death again."

"Cheating is just fancy word for winning."

Gangplank held out a bottle of Eclipse Rum to Fate who nodded in thanks and took it. Fate spoke as he took a drink from the bottle.

"Do you ever run out of rum Captain?"

"Unless ye want the crew to feed ye to the sharks then yes I always have enough rum."

With that in mind Gangplank withdrew a bottle of Black Pearl Rum from under his stool. Fate pushed himself up the bed so he was leaning on the backboard.

"How long have I been out?"

"About a week. Honestly t'was a bit touch and go with ye. Yer wounds healed fine but it was the cold that almost took ye. Been drifting in and out for a week."

"Have the crew missed me?"

"Like a worm in a pear."

"And the companions?"

Gangplank glared at Fate who quickly followed up with a reply.

"So they were asking for me then."

Gangplank huffed and took another swig of his rum. Fate drank and massaged his shoulder which still felt a little stiff.

"So how far from Ionia are we?"

"We'll be pulling in to The Placidium in a few hours so I decided to cut yer rest short."

"That's mighty thoughtful of you Captain."

"Ye'll be needing to put on a change of clothes. We don't want people to be recognising ye when we land."

"Yes and how do you plan to disguise an entire pirate ship and her crew might I ask Captain?"

Gangplank smiled and gave Fate a pat on the shoulder.

"I'll see ye topside Fate."

With that Gangplank turned, leaving the room and Fate to his own thoughts. Once he was certain Gangplank was out of earshot he groaned and gripped his head. The visions were getting stronger and more frequent.

"Keep it together old boy."

Fate's whispering did little to reassure him; he felt something was wrong. He looked at his hat which was resting on the bedside cabinet. He reached over to it and withdrew a card that was tucked into the inside of the rim. It was the card Fortune had given to him and he studied the strange 'F', baffled by its existence.

"Where did you come from?"

He turned the card over and over between his fingers but he couldn't decipher its mysteries. He replaced the card back inside the hat and looked around the room. Fate was dressed in a pair of loosely fitting trousers but he could see that clothes had been lain out for him. Fate looked at the blue outfit, gold lining and leather buckles. The blue hat was adorned with a leather buckle and a large white feather. Fate swiftly dressed himself and then took a moment to look in the mirror. His regal and somewhat suave appearance made him smile. He turned and opened the door. He gave one last glance towards his hat before closing the door.

Gangplank walked across the deck as the sun shone warmly on his face. He walked up to his cabin, entered and saw Shiv standing inside with his hand outstretched to a chair. Standing behind the chair was Meridoch who was occupied with sharpening a cutthroat razor. Gangplank looked at Shiv.

"Is this truly necessary?"

"Captain you said you wanted a disguise to fool the Ionians, this is the best we can offer you."

"I said a trader not a…"

Gangplank suddenly noticed the outfit that was fitted on a mannequin behind Shiv. Gangplank nodded his head in approval.

"Well it is certainly very fitting for me."

"Yes Captain but there is one slight detail we have yet to discuss."

"What?"

Shiv looked at the floor and gulped.

"Shiv what it is?"

Shiv nervously lifted his head and spoke.

"You're going to need to take a bath."

"OVER ME DEAD BODY!"

"What is all the racket about?"

Gangplank wheeled round to see Fate walk in adorned in his blue attire. Fate saw Gangplank's fuming expression and looked at Shiv for answers. Shiv nervously answered.

"If the Captain wants his disguise to successfully fool the Ionians then he will also be requiring a bath."

Fate roared with laughter and Gangplank pointed a finger at him.

"IF YE SO MUCH AS BREATHE A WORD OF THIS TO ANOTHER CHAMPION…!"

Fate could barely maintain his composure.

"I know, I know you'll be using me for chum."

Gangplank was still fuming when he turned back round to Shiv.

"So where is this bathtub ye intend on subjecting me to?"

"That's the part you're really not going to like."

The crew roared with laughter as Fate stood atop the railing of the aft shouting across the deck.

"I have ten gold on the right, fifteen gold! Any other takers for fifteen gold that he punches Tulio in the face now!"

At that moment Tulio, who was holding Gangplanks' right arm down, received a mighty head butt to his nose. Tulio fell to the deck causing the crew to roar with laughter. Tulio was swiftly replaced by Gregor who slammed Gangplank's arm back down before Gangplank could punch Shiv out. Gangplank was waist deep in water and was roaring at the top of his lungs.

"I'LL FEED YE ALL TO THE SHARKS WHEN I GET OUT OF HERE!"

Fate shouted from the railing.

"Keep it up Shiv I think you've almost scrapped the barnacles off of his back!"

The crew clapped and laughed as Shiv, who was knee deep in the bath tub, shouted to Sam.

"Sam I need the perfume."

Gangplank's eyes widened.

"PERFUME!?"

"Captain you need to smell like wealth and spices!"

The perfume was a small bottle that clearly to be used in small sprays but Gangplank's wild flailing made it difficult and suddenly Shiv smashed the bottle into the side of the bathtub causing the perfume to spill into the tub. Gangplank roared but Fate shouted over the top of him.

"NOW BOYS GIVE HIM THE BIG DIP!"

All seven of the crew holding Gangplank down pushed him down under the surface of the water and held him for a few moments as he fought wildly against their grips. Fate shouted at Shiv.

"Shiv I suggest you get out of there before the Captain drowns you in his sweat and salt!"

Shiv jumped out of the bath tub and shouted at the crew.

"Okay let him go!"

The pirates let go of Gangplank and all jumped back as the Saltwater Scourge exploded from the water bellowing at the top of his lungs. The crew were roaring with laughter as Gangplank jumped out of the bathtub stark nude, walked over to Tulio who had recovered, and punched him out with a single swing. Several of the crew were tearing up from watching the antics of their captain. Gangplank held out his hand as another member of his crew handed him several towels. The Captain quickly tried himself, wrapping one towel around his waist and the other around his beard. Shiv gestured for Gangplank to return to his cabin.

"Now that you are freshened up we can get down to the grooming."

Gangplank begrudgingly nodded and followed Shiv towards his cabin. Fate jumped down from the aft to join the pair. The trio entered the cabin and closed the door behind them. Fate closed the blinds so they earned seclusion from the bustling crew outside. Gangplank walked over to the chair and sat down in front of Meridoch who took a moment to assess Gangplank before speaking to Fate.

"I need some privacy."

Fate rolled his eyes as Shiv stretched out a screen to separate the gypsy from the pirate. Fate leaned back against the wall and spoke as listened to Meridoch begin to work on Gangplank.

"So Captain what is with the costumes?"

Shiv answered for Gangplank.

"We are posing as a trading vessel from the east, who have come to sell spices and rums to the Ionians."

"Where did you acquire spices from?"

"Several traders passed through Bilgewater not too long ago so we requisitioned their cargo."

"And the crew's disguise?"

"They'll be getting prepared now."

"Then why so much attention to the Captain."

"We're hoping he can personally address the harbourmaster and ask that we be allowed to stay for an extended period of time to allow yourself and the Captain to complete your mission."

"So my get up?"

"You will be posing as the Captain's bodyguard and you will speak on his behalf."

"This is all well and good but Captain what exactly is our plan?"

This time Gangplank spoke from behind the screen.

"Need to know basis Fate. Once we earn approval to extend our stay myself and ye will go to where those landlubbers are holding me Black Flame crystal. Ye will break in and retrieve it, then I will tell ye where Evelynn is."

Fate sighed.

"Captain what makes you think I can't just find her myself?"

"Honestly Fate I have no idea."

Suddenly the screen slid aside and Gangplank stepped out. His beard was dyed a light auburn and tied into two braids. He was wearing a silk, navy turban with a red feather that was pinned to the front. His velvet coat was navy with white fur lining. A thick belt held the coat over his torso and ammunition belt. His sword which was now a scimitar was fixed to the belt. He wore purple pants that puffed out at shin height and revealed his boots. Fate looked Gangplank up and down, impressed by the transformation. Gangplank walked past Fate as he finished his sentence.

"But something has ye sticking around, and that's what I want to know about. Why are ye after Evelynn so badly and why are ye willing to accept me help?"

Fate maintained his smug grin.

"I'm not sure Captain, it's hard to think with such a strong aroma clouding my thoughts."

Gangplank scowled and stormed out of the cabin. Fate followed close behind and squinted as the noon sun shone into his eyes. He looked around the deck to see its transformation had been completed. The sails were now a crimson red, the flag was adorned with a navy turban. The deck was occupied with bags and crates of goods that the crew were busy arranging. The crew themselves were dressed in clothes similar to Gangplank; many wore turbans and pants similar to Gangplank but were less affluent than their Captain. Gangplank walked round and climbed up to the aft and stood behind the wheel. From there he addressed the crew.

"Now gentlemen and ladies we are soon to arrive in Ionia. I know for some of ye the last time ye were hear ye were firing cannonballs into their ships and were raiding their goods. But today we are here for more peaceful purposes. Today we have to be…"

Gangplank mockingly shuddered for a second.

"Civilised."

He dragged the word out and the crew groaned with him. Gangplank put his hands up in defence.

"I understand how ye feel; but just for today I don't want there to be any explosions, or bar fights, or raids, or robberies, or questionable acts with animals."

The crew burst into laughter.

"I promise my friends that if we are successful here today when we return home ye will be bestowed with riches that ye have never known before seen."

The crew roared and Gangplank quickly shouted back.

"I said civilised ye bunch of sea rags!"

The crew laughed and dispersed to attend to their duties. Fate joined Gangplank at the wheel and spoke.

"Riveting speech Captain."

"Stand close Fate, ye are me bodyguard and voice."

"Your voice Captain?"

"Do I really sound like a bloody merchant?"

"Point taken Captain."

Fate looked out to the horizon and he peered closely at the details that started to appear against the sky. He spoke to Gangplank.

"Captain I can see ships against on the horizon."

"On what side?"

"Left."

"The what side?"

Fate looked at Gangplank with confusion on his face so Shiv jumped in.

"He means port side Captain."

"I know Shiv I was just hoping our friend was educated with proper language by now."

Fate turned round and leaned on the railing.

"Well I postulate that our dear Captain may feel threatened due to my extensive use of language and words that extend further than four syllables."

Gangplank chuckled.

"Fate ye don't need words to put a bullet through someone's eye."

"Well I can see more ships appearing now. We must be getting close."

"Of course we are, so time to stand at yer post. We need to sell this little act."

Fate smiled and shook his head as walked behind Gangplank. Fate folded his arms behind his back and stood still as he watched Shiv take control of the wheel. Gangplank walked down from the aft towards his cabin with Fate close behind. The pair entered the cabin and Fate relaxed as he walked over to Gangplank's drink cabinet. He withdrew a bottle of Eclipse and Black Pearl. He opened the Eclipse as he threw the Black Pearl to Gangplank who caught it smoothly even with the swaying of the ship. Fate took a swig from the bottle and spoke.

"So Captain how do you propose we avoid detection under the watchful eyes of the champions of Ionia?"

"Ye think the champions will be waiting for us at the docks?"

"No but if by happen chance they are walking through the streets, even with these disguises I am certain they will recognise us."

"Then we'll be needing ye to guide us through with yer cards. Can ye manage a simple smuggle through the city?"

Fate tilted his head forward as he thought to himself.

"Getting myself through is not a problem but with the two of us it might prove more of a challenge."

"And since when do ye not welcome a challenge?"

Fate smiled.

"Then Captain you best bring your lucky charms with you."

Gangplank took another swig of his rum and spoke.

"We're almost there Fate. Not too long now till I have the crystal in my grasp."

Fate was occupied by looking at the floor and did not respond which warranted a reaction from Gangplank.

"Fate, what be on ye mind?"

Fate tore himself from his trance but his voice remained distant.

"Nothing."

It was a lie that the pirate did not pick up on so Fate returned to his thoughts as Gangplank enjoyed his rum. Their silence continued for a while as Gangplank occupied himself with manifests and maps whilst Fate was wrapped up in his own thoughts. The pair had much to say to one another but no way to speak their thoughts. Rather they deepened themselves into their minds. Time passed by and soon their thoughts were disrupted by a knock on the door. They looked up to see Shiv poke his head through the doorway.

"Captain, we're ready to make port."

Souali sat still in her hut, eyes closed, legs folded over each other. She had her mind focused on the port and the images of the bustling traders, merchants, sailors and boats wafted through her mind.

The bamboo walkways were crowded with Ionians and foreigners alike. The long reeds that crept up around the walkways swayed gently in the wind and water. Souali found herself admiring the reeds and their slender figures tilting back and forth under the gentle guide of the wind. The wind suddenly spun around and created magnificent shapes with the reeds. Souali followed the wind and found her gaze upon a lone swordsman who sat on the edge of a wharf. He was sitting still, playing a flute that sung to the winds. The winds listened and danced to the swordsman's music but it was the swordsman face that captured Souali. His eyes were on the horizon, a gaze filled with loneliness and pain. He carried on playing the flute to himself; with only the wind as his audience.

She let her gaze float away from the swordsman across the docks over to the stalls and markets. She found herself fixed on the image of a rather affluent looking merchant who was selling spices to an Ionia trader. Souali wondered if she would be able to acquire some of those spices for herself but she brushed the thought aside and continued to observe the merchant. He was talking to the trader who pointed east towards Souali's hut. Souali intensified her focus on the merchant who took his gold from the trader and began walking through the bustling crowd towards the hut.

He was accompanied by a slender man who wore a blue soldier's uniform, possibly a bodyguard. The pair approached the hut and spoke to Heru who closed his eyes for a moment and spoke to Souali.

"Souali shall I let them enter?"

"Yes."

Souali opened her eyes and watched as the two men entered her hut. She looked around at the burning incense and the lamps that dimly lit the room. She gestured for the two men to sit on the floor in front of her. The affluent merchant sat but the soldier remained standing and spoke.

"Souali, may I present to you his excellence Ganplain."

Souali looked at Ganplain who was staring directly at her. She thought he was vaguely familiar but shook the feeling off and replied.

"And what is it you require your excellence?"

The soldier responded which didn't surprise Souali.

"He requests that you extend his ships stay for another six nights."

Souali looked to her right at a scroll which had on it long lines of writing detailing the ships docked, the length of their stay and the fee they paid. Souali nodded and spoke.

"There is space for your ship to stay. What is the name of your ship?"

"The Daring Paunder."

"It will be one thousand gold for you to stay six nights. Whilst here you will obey the Ionian laws and customs. Do you understand these conditions?"

"Yes we do."

The soldier retrieved a large pouch from his belt and placed it in front of Souali. Souali picked it up and placed it over a small panel that began weighing the pouch. When the Souali was satisfied she wrote the details onto the scroll. The pouch was surrounded by a swirling light and soon disappeared. Souali looked at the pair.

"Thank you for visiting Ionia. Please enjoy your stay."

The soldier nodded and Ganplain bowed his head to Souali before standing. The pair left the hut and left Souali in silence. She closed her eyes and spoke to Heru.

"Who is next Heru?"

Gangplank and Fate waited till they were amidst the crowds and out of sight of the hut. They looked at each and burst into laughter. Gangplank slapped Fate on the back.

"Ganplain?"

"It was the best I could think of on the spot."

"It truly is a mystery that ye haven't been caught by the authorities before."

The two men walked along the bamboo walkway, slipping through the bustling crowd. Fate drew his cards into his hands whilst keeping them hidden from prying eyes. Fate whispered to Gangplank.

"So Captain where to?"

"We're going northwest."

"Northwest?"

"How familiar are ye with Ionia Fate?"

"It is most certainly not my forte I can assure you of that."

"Then we move northwest. It should two days for us to reach our destination."

"Why not sail?"

"We want to move undetected so we will move by horseback through the countryside."

Gangplank suddenly stopped walking and looked at Fate.

"But Fate I need to know. I've always been willing to get this crystal myself and despite the fact I've told ye nothing ye are still willing to follow me. Why?"

Fate took a moment and looked at the crowd around him. He looked up the hills and waterfalls that stretched above him.

"Captain even if you told me where Evelynn was, I would still help you."

"And why in Runeterra would ye do that?"

"You have your secrets and I have mine."

Gangplank and Fate held eye contact for a moment longer before Gangplank looked up The Placidium. He looked at Fate and spoke.

"Come on Fate. We have a crystal to steal."