Chapter 11: Treasure Hunters
Gwen and Elyan emerge from the Captain's cabin laughing and talking. The entire crew relaxes to see the tension between the sister and brother eased and gone. They seem to have reconciled whatever differences that were previously troubling them.
Gaius is the first to approach the siblings. "I trust that the two of you have made amends." He smiles at the pair happy to see these two children whom he had practically raised reunited again.
"Yeah we got everything sorted." Says Gwen.
"Yeah once Captain Hot-Head cooled down." Elyan adds laughing at his sister.
"Well I am glad your father would be proud of both of you. I just know he would." Gaius pats them on the back and returns to his office below deck.
"Um Guinevere." She turns to find Arthur standing several meters behind them.
"Yes Arthur."
"We need to talk."
"Sure." She says walking away from her brother.
"Hey Pendragon." Gwen glares at her brother a look that could kill. "I mean Arthur; I need to know what your intentions towards my sister are?"
Gwen mouth drops wide open. "I cannot believe you, I could just-" She turns to face Arthur completely embarrassed. "Arthur you don't have to answer that."
"Guinevere I want to answer your brother. Elyan I love your sister with all my heart and if she'll have me I am going to make her my wife." Arthur states confidently.
Gwen is speechless and Eylan raises an eyebrow clearly impressed. "Well okay then, just don't hurt my sister."
"I won't I promise." Arthur smiles taking Gwen hand leading her to the Captain's cabins.
Once below deck in the privacy of her bedroom he wraps his arms around her waist pulling her body close to his in a warm embrace. Almond colored eyes gazes into sky blue eyes as they connect in a passionate kiss. He pulls away caressing her cheek gently.
"I have something to tell you don't be mad." He says his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Uncertainty and worry cloud her eyes as she gazes up at him." Uhh okay." She responds slowly.
"It's about the bet the ship mates were talking about earlier."
"Oh okay." She says lightly fearing it was something terrible.
"The bet was about us."
"Really."
"Yes."
"Well what was it?"
He shifts on his feet nervously not sure how to tell her or what her response would be. "Gwaine started a bet where anyone who wanted to get in on it just had to pick a time when they thought we would surface from last night's activities."
"He did what!"
"Guinevere I'm sorry please don't be upset I-"
He is cut off by the sound of her giggling he is dumbstruck one moment she looks as if she could murder anybody on site the next she is laughing to her heart's content.
"Guinevere?"
"Arthur its fine." She says through her amusement. "It really is okay I was a little surprised well, this is Gwaine so not that surprised just a little caught off guard."
"So you're okay then?"
"I'm perfect. So who won?"
"Apparently Annis did. She bet that we would the cabin at noon. Though according to Leon we actually left the cabin at 12:30pm. Gwaine tried to contest it according to Mithain but she said that Gwaine was just a sore loser."
"That does sound like Gwaine." She laughs. "Arthur um listen, about what you told my brother um..."
"I meant every word of it. Love you and I am going to make you my wife and perhaps make an honest woman out of you."
"An honest woman?" Her eyes sparkle with amusement.
"Well you did deceive your entire crew, threaten to kill innocent men and break into Pendragon Vaults. And by your own admission you knocked a few heads and nicked a few things?"
"First of all you and Merlin snuck aboard my ship that's called trespassing. Second you opened Pendragon Vaults for me I consider that an open invitation."
"Yeah so what about the other stuff?"
"Hey I'm not perfect but, if you keep going on about it I might knock your head around."
"Oh I'd like that."
"That's not what I meant and you know it. I think you've been corrupted during your time aboard a pirate ship."
"Yes, I think I have."
"Perhaps you should be punished?" She suggests.
"Yes please, Oh God I love you." He pulls her close again kissing and nuzzling her neck.
"I love you too." She smiles at his touch.
He pulls away from her suddenly his face serious. "There are a few issues that we need to discuss before we marry however."
"What do you mean?"
"It's complicated." He says smiling.
She takes his hand softly. "Whatever it is we can work through it. Unless you are secretly Uther Pendragon then we have a real problem."
He laughs loudly grabbing her by the hips and tickling her stomach. Causing her to erupt in a fit of uncontrollable giggles. Once their laughter subsides he takes her hand and fixes his face into a serious expression.
"Guinevere given my current situation, with everything that's happened with Uther, I can never go back to Pendragon Estates so that makes me homeless. I all the money I have in the world is a few gold coins that could last a few weeks if rationed properly. I don't have a job or any or means to support us or our family in the future. Wow this will go down in history as the worst marriage proposal ever." He clears his throat.
"From the moment I saw you I knew I loved you, and when you kissed me for the first time I knew I would never love another. I have nothing else in the world to offer you but my love, if I could give you the world I would. But I love you Guinevere I can't see my life without you will you marry me?"
Guinevere's eyes are welling up with tears as she cups his face kissing him softly. "Yes Arthur. A thousand times my answer is yes, I will marry you. I never dreamed that I could find someone like you, and the love we share. You complete me and when you hold me in your arms I know with all my heart there is no other place I want to be, with you is where I belong. All I want is you I don't care about your money or your families' wealth I just want you. We can have a small ceremony find a little chapel and get married, surrounded by all of our friends."
He takes his birthday present, the Pendragon ring off his pinky finger. "That sounds perfect. Here I want you to have this, it's not much of a wedding ring but-"
"It's perfect." She extends her left hand so he place the ring on her marriage finger.
"Are you sure because I can get you something else later."
"No I love it." She says smiling down at her hand. "And I love you."
He kisses her passionately. "I love you too."
"Arthur we can stay on the ship till we get our own place. Oh I need to tell you first Gaius has done some research on my father's medallion. It turns out the pendant is a key to a secret island filled with Poseidon's treasures.
He nods his head. "Really just like from your father's story that sounds amazing. Are we going there now?"
"The ship is headed there at this very moment."
"Good I am coming with you."
"I knew you would plus you can protect me from the curse."
"Curse what curse?"
"Not sure actually Gaius mentioned a curse haunting the island but there are so many rumors and legends no one really knows the truth about that place."
"Well curse or no curse if you going I'll be right there with you. I'll always be here for you."
"I know and I'll always be there for you too." She says wrapping her arms around his neck giving him a warm hug. "We might need to find another position for you though."
"Position I like where this is going."
She pushes him away playfully. "Arthur focus please."
"Well I can't focus or think straight when I'm with you it's your entire fault for being too beautiful." He says slipping his hands along her waist sliding his hands up her blouse trying to remove her top completely.
She laughs. "Arthur wait let's figure this out first and then we can play."
"Oh alright okay." He says pouting.
Guinevere tries to calm herself. Okay don't look at his mouth. God I do love it when he pouts those lips just look so sexy and sweet. God I want him so bad right now. NO focus, focus focus!
"Okay I want to give you another position" He wiggles his eyebrows suggestively. "Aboard the ship. What else are you good at I don't want people to think that I am giving you special treatment."
"Oh but you are giving me special treatment. I am the only one who gets to do this." He grabs her ass firmly and gives her gentle squeeze creating a moan from her lips.
"And this." He pulls her rear to his front and traces steamy hot kisses down her neck producing a gasps from her mouth.
"Arthur we can't its-"
"Shhhh we just have to be quiet."
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!
They both freeze Arthur sighs and Guinevere giggles righting her clothes.
"Come on out of there it's the middle of the day you to!" Shouts Elyan.
"Yeah have some decency! "Adds Gwaine.
"Dammit." Arthur swears clearly disappointed.
"We don't have time anyway I need to make an announcement to the entire ship." She grabs him by the hand and pushes him out of the door.
Once on the top deck Gwen calls for the attention of the crew. Everyone aboard the ship has gathered on the top deck in anticipation of what the Captain's announcement.
"All right listen up you lot. In a few hours I will be leading a small team to survey Poseidon's Island. There are legends of vast amounts of treasure hidden inside the island."
Whispers and excited chattered circulate throughout the crew. The entire ship is abuzz with the prospect of treasure.
"Hold it there is a catch. The island is rumored to contain a curse. We don't have details so I'll not force any of you to come with me I'll take any willing volunteers. I can only take a few people on the row boat and still have enough room for the treasure."
"I volunteer for the job." Arthur is the first to speak up.
She smiles at him knowing he would be the first to volunteer even if she didn't give him the heads up.
Elyan speaks up next. "Count me in sis."
"I would like to volunteer." Morgana says raising her hand in the air. She shoots a death stare at Arthur daring him to object.
Arthur raises his hands in submission. "What? I didn't say anything, I knew you'd want to come Morgana."
"I'm coming too Captain. Oh and don't worry about your little sister Arthur I'll keep my eyes on her."Gwaine eyes Morgana's figure seductively.
Morgana annouces."I'm Arthur big sister."
"Ohh even better." Says Gwaine winking at Morgana who rolls her eyes.
"I'm coming too." Says Mithian.
"Oh no you're not!" Gwaine shouts. "Did you just hear Captain Gwen mention the curse there is no way I'll allow you-"
"Allow me. ALLOW ME! I know more about Poseidon's Cache than anyone else on this ship I am going. Besides Gwen said anyone could volunteer."
"Captain please talk her out of this."
Gwen raises an eyebrow at Gwanie. "Mithian maybe your little sister but she is a grown woman free to make her own choices. If she wants to volunteer she can."
"Thanks Gwen." Mithian says as she hurries excitedly below deck to gather her things.
Gwen steps closer to Gwaine so that no one else can hear what she says next. "Maybe if you hadn't been placing bets about me I could have persuaded your sister to stay onboard. But as she stated she is the most knowledgable person aboard the ship her information on Poseidon's Cache will be invaluable."
Gwaine's eyes bulge wide almost popping out from their sockets as he gulps nervously.
Gwen is pleased by his reaction. "Oh yes I know all about your little wager."
"Captain I-"
"Save it I really don't want to hear it. Don't worry I'll not let any harm come to your sister, she'll be fine." She says clapping him on the back and laughing as she walks away.
Poseidon's Cache
The Vengeful Wench drops anchor several hundred feet away from the small mass of land that is Poseidon's Island. As the group of volunteers are preparing to board the row boat Guinevere hands Arthur a pistol that he stores behind his back just in case. The small row boat carrying Gwen, Arthur, Elyan, Mithian, Gwaine and Morgana slowly makes it was toward the tiny island.
All the passengers climb out once the boat reaches land and they pull the boat farther up the shore.
Mithian takes out a roll of paper with directions to the secret cache. "According to this there should be a small cave on the western part of the island." Mithain states. "This way."
They all follow Mitihan and Gwen in the lead and only have to walk a short distance before the small shape a cave appears. The entrance is narrow and almost hidden from view if they hadn't been purposely seeking out the cave they would have surely missed it.
Upon entering the cave the companions shutter perhaps from a chill in the air or from the overwhelming sense of danger, they discover that the seemingly small cave in actually a massive cavern on the inside. It appears that the cavern must reach deep into the sea. A few lanterns are lit as Gwen, Mithian and Morgana light the way. The team of six head inside with Mithian giving them directions on which way to turn. The journey is pretty easy they don't run into any problems or get lost until the meet a small pathway that veers off in four directions.
"Okay Mithian which way?" Gwen questions.
"I'm not sure none of the books I have mention this part." Mithain replies.
"We'd better be careful let's check out each one but don't go inside." Eylan adds.
"How about Guinevere and I check second path and you and Mithian check the fourth path on the left." Arthur suggests to Elyan.
"Princess and I will check the first path on the right." Gwaine says scooting next to Morgana.
"That sounds good. Be careful." Elyan says as he and Mithian head over to the path on the left side.
Gwaine and Morgana stand before the pathway on the right. Looking at the the jagged rocks with suspicion.
"How do you supposed we check these?" Morgana asks.
"Looks okay to me Princess let's go." Gwaine walks slowly over to the path his foot is raised about to step on a small engraved stone on the floor.
"Wait!" Morgana screams grabbing his arm abruptly making their bodies collide flush up against each other."You almost triggered a death trap see the marking on the ground."
Gwaine keeps his arms wrapped around Morgana's waist. She tries to pull away but he refuses to let her go giving her his most charming smile.
"Let me go." She huff in frustration.
"Never."
"Get off of me. We're safe now."
"You saved my life Princess. You really do care." He says with a flirty smile.
She runs her fingers through his shiny coffee-colored hair smiling gently, then she suddenly wraps her finger around a lock of hair pulling quickly.
"Ow." He lets her go quickly. " Not very nice Princess."
He throws a small stone down the pathway and nothing happens. Then Morgana throws a heavier stone about the size of the orange. The orange sized stone lands in the center of the pathway and hundreds of spikes emerge through the stone floor moving the rock around on the ground.
"Okay well we are definitely not taking that path let's see how the other's are." Gwaine takes her hand getting her far away from the deadly path.
The second path proves just as dangerous and deadly for the Gwen and Arthur. They gather a few heavy stones from the ground and through them at the patterned floor triggering a trap that releases giant blades from the ceiling. Anyone unfortunate enough to walk this path would be sliced to a bloody mess they quickly move away from the deadly blades.
Gwen and Arthur are standing in front of the third path, when Mithian and Elyan come back in front of the central path both out are breathing loudly trying to catch their breaths but from fear or running Gwen wonders so she asks.
"Both." Elyan and Mithian answer at the same time.
"That path we tried shot flames from the walls we threw some rocks to test the path like you guys did." Says Mithian.
"Our path was no good either." Morgana states as her and Gwaine return together.
"Well I guess that just leaves the third path. I going to through some more rocks just in case." Says Elyan.
"Brilliant idea." Says Arthur.
"I wouldn't even go any further until we tested the path." Remarks Gwen laughing nervously.
They all pick up rather heavy rocks throwing them down the center path and waiting for something anything to happen but nothing does.
"I think it's safe shall we continue?" Gwen asks her companions.
She gets a unanimous yes and they all venture down the third path. They walk along the path till they reach the end and they enter a small room, where a small but deep pool of dark blue water is resting calmly. The room have several other connecting rooms on the side but Gwen focuses on the small pool of water.
Upon closer examination the stones in front of the pool seem to be glowing and humming.
"Um Mithian, is this in your books." Gwen asks uncertain.
Mithian unfolds her sheet of paper, holding her lantern close for light."Hold on a sec let me check. Yes the stones of Poseidon they mark the entrance to his secret treasure."
"Great so how do we get in?" Elyan asks.
"You don't." Says a voice from behind them they turn to see Uther Pendragon emerge from the shadows of one of the other rooms.
"Father." Arthur calls out. "What are you doing here? How did you get here?"
"Uther?" Morgana asks confused.
"I could ask you the same question son. But seeing as how you broke into my vaults and stole my medallion I think I already know. I knew whoever had stolen my medallion would turn up here eventually, I had my servant drop me off by by two day ago. I've eaten some rations I packed, he should be returning later on this evening. I see you convinced your sister to join in this little scheme of yours. How could you betray me this way?" Uther asks.
"Betray you? BETRAY YOU! Oh that's rich coming from the man who drugged and kidnapped his own wife sending her to live as servant. Or perhaps the man who shot and killed and innocent man for no reason at all could explain to me all about betrayals how dare you!" Arthur steps closer to his father his anger boiling over.
"Arthur please be careful." Gwen says stepping over in Arthur's direction causing her medallion to slip from underneath her shirt.
At the moment Uther sees that familiar glint of gold he grabs Arthur by the neck and holds a revolver to his head. Mithian gasps as Gwen, Elyan and Gwaine each remove their pistols pointing them at Uther.
"Give me back my medallion and nobody has to get hurt." Uther commands.
"You would really kill me father over a medallion?" Arthur asks.
"Uther please be reasonable!" Morgana yells.
"SHUT UP MORGANA!"Uther yells back. "I'm so sick of you and your wretched mother!"
"Of course I would kill you, you don't have any idea all the wealth that I could have, that one pendant is the key to unlocking it all." Uther grins.
"But what about your money all of the savings and-" Arthur begins.
"We're broke I don't have a penny to my name the only thing I own is Pendragon Estates and that was inherited. I've tried to unlock this cursed treasure for years. So back to you, lady pirate what's it going to be Arthur's life or the medallion." Says Uther.
Gwen stores her guns behind her back and begins to unlaced the medallion from here neck. "Here take it."
"NO I want you to bring it to me, but first all of you drop you weapons in that pool of water." Uther commands.
Gwen, Elyan and Gwaine all watch sadly as their weapons sink to the bottom of the deep dark pool. Gwen walks over to Uther arm outstretched to hand over the medallion. Suddenly in one swift move Uther pushes Arthur to the ground and grabs Gwen by the waist holding his gun at her temple.
Arthur stands up rubbing his scrapped and bleeding hands on his pants he looks up to find Guinevere being held hostage by his father.
Arthur tries to reason with Uther. "Please don't do anything crazy, she's given you the pendant what more could you possibly want."
"I want to know how this bitch knows about the medallion. How did she know it was in my vaults?"
"Fine I'll tell you I know about the medallion because it belonged to my father Thomas Leodegrance who you murdered in cold blood. That reminds me how's the leg Uther?"
"WHAT?" Uther asks fruious.
"Oh you know that old injury that left you a cripple for the rest of your miserable life that was me, I maimed you Uther. How did it feel when that steel pipe crushed you bones? Does the damage I did all those years ago still hurt as you limp about? You ruined my life you took everything away from me!" Gwen yells.
"Why you little vengeful wench. You will pay for that. Since you know so much about the medallion I'm sure you know all about the curse of death to those who open Poseidon's Cache. Well, you are going to open it for me so I can watch you die!"
"FATHER NO!" Arthur shouts removing the gun Gwen gave him. "Don't hurt Guinevere don't make me kill you." He pulls the gun out taking aim at his father.
Uther laughs amused. "Come on son we both know you could never kill me. Put that gun away boy." Arthur hesitates. "Drop in the pool or I'll show you how it's done on your little bitch here." Uther loads a bullet into the chamber.
Arthur tosses his gun into the pool beside him feeling completely helpless knowing there is nothing he can do to save Guinevere. Uther forces Gwen closer to the pools edge and makes Arthur, Elyan, Gwaine, Morgana and Mithian to sit on the floor of the cavern with their hands out in front of them.
"Go on just place the medallion right on the center stone." Uther says almost sweetly. " If anyone of you moves and inch I'll put a bullet in her head so fast she'll be dead before her body hits the ground."
Gwen turns to look over at her companions her eyes water as she sees the hopelessness in both Arthur, Elyan, Morgana, Gwaine and Mithian's faces. Mithian is weeping openly and Elyan face is set in a stern mask tears pooling in his eyes. Arthur sapphire blue eyes are clouded with anger, sadness and unshed tears. Morgana and Gwaine are queitly fuming no doubt silently planning revenge on Uther.
She places the medallion on the center stone and the water in the deep blue pool begins to bubble. In the center of the pool they all watch as the figure of a person rises to the surface of the water. Once the water settles they are all gazing on the face of a beautiful woman with ivory colored skin and hair colored so red that her long locks look like a raging wildfire.
"Hello Uther back again I see." The red-haired woman states.
"Yes I would like access to your father's treasure."
"You know very well the consequences of the wrong person opening father's cache, and yet you have risked countless lives of innocent men and women to gain access. Are you so heartless Uther that you can send dozens of people to their deaths knowingly?"
"DON"T TALK TO ME ABOUT THE CONSEQUNCES JUST OPEN UP THE FUCKING TREASURE!"
"As you wish. Uther Pendragon you have planned and schemed and prevailed to gain access. Your determination is inspirational, so here is your reward come closer please." The red-haired woman states.
The red-haired woman stretches out her hands to Uther. Uther pushes Gwen out his way and she falls to the ground crawling and moving over to sit beside Arthur,Elyan, Gwaine, Morgana and Mithian. Arthur quickly wraps his arms around her holding her close.
"Out of my way. I'll take care of you later." He commands as he stands before the red-haired woman his eyes dancing in excitement. He waited years tricked and deceived so many people to their deaths and now he was finally going inside.
The red-haired woman extends her hands out to Uther and she asks him to kneel before her. He struggle to stoop that low given his leg injury but he manages to lower himself to the ground.
"I bestow upon you Uther Pendragon everything that you deserve and everything that is owed to you." And with that the red-haired woman touches Uther's face gently smiling up at him. In an instant dark green circles appears all over Uther's body. Some sort of rash is spreading all over his skin.
"What is this what have you done to me!" Uther screams out.
Now Uther's skin is peeling, cracking and bubbling like stew heating up over a campfire, his skin stretches and rises. Soon boils emerge all over his skin and the boils pop with a disgusting squashing sound as tiny black worms hatch from the open boils on Uther's skin. Gwen, Arthur, Eylan, Mithian, Gwaine and Morgana all stand and step back as they hear Uther scream out. When the worms erupt from his skin Mithian turns her body and holds on to Elyan for dear life shaking with fear she doesn't want to see any more, Elyan rubs her back to comfort her.
"Oh gods help what have you done to me?" Uther screams out in terror.
"You have done this to yourself Uther all your sins have finally caught up with you and now it's time to pay the price. You have been cursed with the Waithfear worms creatures from the Underworld. They devour not only the flesh and bone but they also bind the victims soul to their body so you will feel every painful tortuous bite."
"NOOOOOOOOO! HELP ME PLEASE ARTHUR! SOMEONE HELP!" Uther screams are frantic as the Waithfear worms are sinking the sharp teeth into his flesh. Arthur watches stunned as his father is struggling around on the ground.
Uther in on the floor desperately and unsuccessfully trying to claw the worms from his body with no avail. His body is convulsing and shaking as the creatures crawl and wiggle in and out of his body feasting on every morsel of his flesh. Blood and pus mix and mingle as Uther tears at his own flesh trying to remove the tortuous creatures from his body. Sickening sounds can be heard as the worms fill his mouth beginning to eat out his face and throat taking away his ability to speak. Even though physically Uther can not speak the desperate screams of his tormented soul can still be heard.
The ground in the tiny cavern begins to quake as the long purple tentacle of a monstrous beast raises up out of the water. The crew mates all gasps and step back several feet away from the water's edge. The giant scaly tentacle wraps around the remains of Uther's body or what's left of it, the Waithfear worms continue consume Uther and they is barely and skin left on his bones when they hear the familiar sound of bone snapping as the Waithfear worm start munching on his bones. The giant tentacle slowly drags Uther's body below the water until his screams can be heard no more.
The red-haired woman turns to Gwen completely unfazed by the gruesome events and smiles warmly at her. " Come here Guinevere and Elyan Leodegrance."
"Whoa wait a minute, just wait a second okay what was all of that and the giant tentacle?" Arthur asks nervously.
"Oh that was the Kraken." The red-haired woman responds.
"Where did he take Uther?" Arthur questions.
"To Hades of course. Your father has committed so many wrongs against so many people he had to be judged for his sins. Don't worry Arthur Pendragon I can see into the souls of men and you are nothing like the man you called father. Now Guinevere and Elyan come closer and bring my father's medallion with you."
Arthur holds on to Guinevere's hand tightly unsure of whether to trust this strange water lady. "Wait Guinevere are you sure? It could be dangerous I mean you saw what just happened."
Gwen smiles at Arthur bringing her hand to cup his face gently trying to reassure him. "I'll be fine Arthur I know this seems strange but I feel like I know her, it'll be alright."
Arthur reluctantly let's her hand go as she and her brother stand before the woman in the water.
"Welcome I have waited for quite some time for the children of Thomas Leodegrance to stand before me. Welcome to Poseidon's Cache I am Ariella daughter of Poseidon.
Pretty cool death scene for Uther huh? I had to dig deep into my horror movies for that shit. Writing that scene made my skin crawl it seriously creeped me the fuck out! Dayum that was so nasty but it had to be done Honestly I really enjoyed it sick huh? I don't care. LOL! You know that saying, the punishment should fit the crime, I had originally planned to have Uther get shot or imprisoned but I decided nah, that was too good for his ass I wasn't going to let him off easy. I wanted him to suffer and I think this death is an even trade for all the lives Uther ruined. Log in leave a review and let me know what you thought of The Vengeful Wench Chapter 11: Treasure Hunters. I love to hear your thoughts.