They had been a week at sea and the Captain had barely been out of his cabin. Hours he spent with Rint, the first mate. The two plotted their course of action, going over the plan over and over, making sure there were no loops. This time, Frit Franzburg was going to get what he came for. His brother spent his time between steering the ship and scribbling in a little parchment book he always kept with him. He was the steersbeast and also kept a journal of all their travels.
The female had been woken up early by her crew mates to start on the more gruesome tasks of sailing on the high seas. It ranged from untying all the ropes they have continually and purposely tied in knots. By midnoon, and push away from the harbor she had untied all the rope, and re-tied all the rope so they could later be used for safety rope, or tying the sails down. She had moved supplies about the deck, and was swabbing the deck as the captain called for them to push away. The deck exploded with activity. She almost got ran over, and was told to get her "landlubbing ass up, 'nd make 'erself us'ful" So she did.
She helped pull the sails down so they could catch the wind, and propel the ship forward. The wind brushed her fur as she worked on top of the main mast, and tied the sail down in the appropriate places.
Night fell over the sea, which lapped fairly calmly against the ship's hull. Seaspray flew up in tis wake. Longeyes rubbed her bleary eyes, blinking against her weariness. She spotted Riggin on the deck and waved down to him. The young weasel scurried up the mast and seated himself beside her. "I'll take yer watch if'n ya want, matey. Cook's cookin' up a storm down below if'n ya wants a bite. I'll keep watch up 'ere whiles ya gets some vittles"
Longeyes nodded her thanks and climbed down. When she entered the belowdecks, the air was filled with the smell of cooking. Ship's stew was a watery meal, filled with whatever vegetables or fruit that was close to the cook's paw. This time it had fish, currants, carrots and cabbage. Longeyes grabbed a bowl and sat down next to Bisky and Mizzen to sup. The two greeted her friendly and made room.
The three friends set to their meal with a will as only young ones can.
The female had been adjusting to sea life all by herself. She didn't mind talking with Longeyes every once in a while, but it was in her nature to be by herself. So, while every one was below deck, and being merry the vixen was above deck near the aft of the ship, and whittled away at a piece of wood. She didn't know what she was making, but she hoped it would just come to her. There was a sea breeze that ruffled her fur, and played with the feather in her hat. The stars twinkled above, and there was hardly a cloud in sight. The ship creaked softly as it rode the waves. Ty was getting antsy. She wasn't used to being confined to a ship for so long. She sighed and continued to shave away at the wood, forming a shape with it.
After a bit, Longeyes appeared abovedecks. She made for the mast and was soon back in the crow's nest. She prodded Riggin, who was drifting off. "Psst, mate, don't want t' be caught wit yer eyes closed, now do yer, mate? I brought yer some soup. Eat up, aye!" Longeyes watched as her friend wolfed down the soup, then her gaze drifted over the sea. To the north, she saw a sudden flash of light, then she heard the distant rumble of thunder. "Looks like a squall comin' up soon, mate. Tell th' lads t' batten down!" Riggin nodded and climbed down the mast. He spotted Ty and walked up to her. "Yer might want to get belowdecks, mate. Rough weather comin' up!"
A dark form appeared out of the darkness, turning out to be Corr, the Captain's brother. The first drops of rain spattered on the deck. Corr headed past them and Riggin quickly followed, heading belowdecks. Up in the crow's nest, Longeyes could feel the first spattering of rain on her face and settled in to ride out the storm.
The female quickly placed the wood she had been working with, and stowed it away in her boot along with the other knives. "T'ank ye, matey." She said, but looked up as she saw Corr walk out of the shadows and head below deck. She stood still for a few moments while she debated on what to do. She could go up to the nest with Longeyes, or she could go below deck. While she was sure that her buddy would appreciate some company, she was somewhat curious what would go on below deck. So, she turned to follow in the direction Riggin and Corr had headed.
As she stepped down the ladder she could immediately smell the musky stench of the other beasts, and sighed. Now she remembered why she liked to be above deck. Besides, these cramped quarters were breeding grounds for all different types of diseases. Her emerald green optics were hidden by the brim of her hat as she stepped into the sleeping quarters.
Snores reached her ears as the majority of the crew were already in their hammocks, sound asleep. Riggin headed to the sleeping quarters while Corr headed to the Captain's cabin. Riggin made sure that word was spread of the coming storm and he and several beasts exited to go about battening the hatches and making sure all was shipshape.
Longeyes peered through the rain as a peal of thunder rumbled out across the skies. The seas became choppy and the ship creaked and groaned. Longeyes pulled her oilskin cloak tight about her and pulled the hood up, over her ears. Rain lashed down on the small vessel, coming down in sheets now. The wind howled and screamed above her. She watched several crewmembers as they tied lines and rigging and battened hatches. The ship gave a sudden lurch as it crested a tall wave, then rocked again as it reached the other side. Longeyes was used to the various swells of the sea and clung to the crow's nest rail. She had lashed herself to the mast, lest she be swept overboard, into the churning seas.
The vixen surveyed the sleeping quarters, and decided that she should have gone up to the lookout nest with Longeyes. She just walked into the meaning of boredom. The female turned fluently on her heel with her over coat fluttering behind her, and quickly moved up the ladder to the deck. The ship lurched and groaned as the waves beat it's hull, and sides. The vixen was wobbly as she walked for she had not been on a ship since her kit days.
She looked up, the raindrops pelting her face, and spotted the crows nest. She moved forward, and toward the main mast where the crows nest was located.
She began to climb up, and a flash of lightning seared the sky above. Thunder crashed, and rang in her ears. She reached the top, and nodded to the female rat. She reached for a rope, and tethered her self to the main mast. Her hat caught most of the rain, but she had to keep a paw on top of it to keep it from being snatched away by the wind. "T'ought ya cou'd use an 'xtra pair o' 'yes, matey."
Longeyes was resting her chin on her knees as the vixen came up. She nodded and peered into the darkness. The rat sat watching the waves as they reared and crashed. She blinked and spoke. "The sea's a tempermen'al beast, ain't she? Tho she does keep 'er own." She blew out a breath and watched the torrents as they lashed the ship.
The vixen nodded, and gazed into the swirling mass of water that pounded mercilessly at their ship. The rain pelted her, and soaked every stitch in her clothes. "Aye, t'at she is. Th' sea, she cain't be tam'd." She spoke, as if she was speaking from experience. Her voice almost was drowned out by a crack of thunder. Little did they know that the storm served a darker purpose, for a rival ship was near.
The storm passed with the dawn and late morning found the seas calm and not a cloud showed in a turquois sky. Atop the crow's nest, Longeyes watched the crew as they busied about their work. A few things had come loose during the storm and had to be refastened, a few small repairs made. Longeyes looked back at the sea. Great, vast blue surrounded the Sea Maiden on all sides, stretching to the horizon. The young rat blinked against the bright sun. There was a speck on the horizon behind them. Maybe just scattered sunlight on the waves. She blinked again and peered closer, her keen eyes watching the speck take shape. Cloud it be? Yes, it was a sail!
Longeyes cupped her paws around her mouth and called out, "Sail!"
"Where away?" came Corr's cry, from where he stood at the wheel.
"Aft an' starb'd!"
The vixen was on her feet in seconds, and moving to stand beside Longeyes. Her emerald gaze searched the horizon for the small speck that must have been a ship. It took her a few seconds until she saw it too. "Oi'll b' damned. Kin ya see what col'rs t'ey b fly'n?"
The rat peered closer as the ship became more clear. "I'd say twas some kind o' milit'ry ship." Below, the crew were all up on deck, each beast readying the ship for the inevitable meeting of the two ships. Captain Franzburg didn't seem too surprised about a ship in these waters and was speaking with Corr where he stood at the tiller.
The ship was now so close as to be clearly visible against the blue sky. She was a larger vessel than their own, longer and broader, with two decks of oars and two large sails and two smaller ones. Her hull was painted red and yellow, her sails an off-white. Her crew could be seen moving about and easily doubled the Maiden's in number.
Ty watched as they got closer to the much larger ship. A military ship? The female cursed silently under her breath from the news, and knew what their odds were of beating this ship if it were to attack them. Odds of it were, they were going to be attacked. The female nodded to the rat, and then turned toward the rope that lead down from the crows nest. The female slid down quickly, and secured some barrels that were rolling about. That's when she approached the captain and Corr. "'X'use me, Cap'n, but w'at b' o'r plan 'f ac'ion? Oi've n'v'r been 'board t'e Maiden w'en a battle 's imminent."
Longeyes steadied her breathing and stroked the hilt of her dagger, wide-eyed. She was a bit worried about this encounter as she had never been in a battle aboardships before. To tell the truth, the prospect of it scared the young rat.
Frit looked up from speaking with his brother. He looked at her over a parchment he and his brother were looking at. "My advice would be to keep your weapons close and hope to hell this is the ship we've been waiting for! We were blown off-course during the storm, but I believe we may be at the right spot. However, my calculations could be incorrect, as there is no way to judge without any landmarks." Corr slid his saber out of its sheath and grinned. "Tis awright, Cap. If they do turn out to be hostile, we'll show 'em blood an' steel, eh, won't we?" he winked at Ty and kissed his blade.
Ty gazed at Corr from under the brim of her hat as he spoke to her. Had they not been about to face a possible doom she would have rebuked the wink, but she only nodded her crown. "W'at makes t'is ship s' special? 'F you boys don' mind me ask'n." she added on, realizing that she was not entitled to know for she was only part of the crew. The female was calm, and collected. She had a fire in her eye that should scare the shit out of you.
Captain Franzburg was looking over the rail at the approaching ship, paws clasped behind his back. He spoke without turning. "You may address me as 'sir' or 'captain' or any variation of that. As to your question, that is something we shall see about soon." Corr made a face behind his brother's back then turned back to the wheel as Frit turned around. "We shall see.." He strode down from the stern to stand midships by the rail. Corr shrugged at Ty and peered at the other ship, which was so close now, that a beast could make out the faces of the crew. Standing at the bow were several officers, all dressed in uniforms of blue and white. The crew consisted of mainly rats, with a few ferrets, stoats and weasels tossed in. The Captain was a tall, sleek ermine, unusual in that his fur was still pure white as the driven snow, but for his tailtip, though it was already well on into spring. On the larger ship's glossy hull stood out gilt letters her name: The Jelandespar. From the rail, the Captain apparently recognized the ship, for he gave a halloo and waved a piece of cloth.
Longeyes tensed as the ship approached and drew up alongside them. She narrowed her eyes, wondering why they weren't either attacking or being attacked yet. The crew on the other ship looked none too pleased to see them and each bristled to the teeth with various weapons. Maiden's own crew lined the decks, each beast with a paw at their weapons and the air was tense with anticipation.
"A t'ousand pardons, Cap'n." she replied, and bowed her crown in apology. She arched a brow at Corr as he made a face behind his brothers back, and then shrugged his shoulders. They both looked at the other ship at the same time. She growled low to herself, her paw at the ready to draw her sword quickly if the need be. Her emerald green eyes narrowed from under the brim of her hat. What did their captain have in plan? The other ship didn't seem to be too happy to see them. Their crew lined up, their fur bristling, and eyes narrowing in hatred. "Corr, what 's goin' on?" She asked, her paw still held away from her, and bent at an angle.
Corr tied the wheel and grabbed the hilt of his saber. "I don't right know... That brother o' mine's a mystery at times." He started walking to stand beside his brother. "I don't right know what he's up to yet." The ermine Captain and the fox Captain eyed each other from their respective ships. The ermine looked down upon the fox from his higher vantage point of a taller ship. He spat in the water between the two ships then roared out. "Frit Franzburg or do me eyes decieve me? Fancy meetin' such a beast in these waters, eh? Come aboard, ye an' yer crew! We've got much to talk about, that's a-sure!"
Frit tipped his head to one side and roared back at the ermine in jovial fashion. "And if it isn't Fenten Scourgall, looking not a mite older than I last saw you! Invitation accepted, if you're still carrying that good plum wine aboardships? I'd have to board you myself if you hadn't given invitation!" he turned to his crew. "Look lively, lads and throw the boat over! Tonight'll be a night of comradeship and wine flowing like blood!"
Longeyes was a bit surprised by this turn of events, but she didn't leave her post as a boat was tossed over the side and the Captain, his brother and a select few went over to the other ship. Riggin stood by Ty and eyed the other vessel. "Wot I wouldn' give fer a flagon o' plum wine right now... mayhap the lads on that other ship'll toss us a keg aye?" he licked his lips hopefully and watched the crew on the other ship, who were still watching them, though with less open hostility than before. Still, they were none friendlier, despite their Captain's obvious acquaintance.
The female lowered her paw slowly, and looked over to Riggin who had appeared out of no where. The female didn't have a clue what was going on. "But... Wot 'n bloody 'ell 's go'n on?" She inquired, her emerald gaze turning once more to the ship, and their crew. The glares were a little less fierce, but still visible none the less. The female sighed, and shook her crown as she struggled to maintain rein on her emotions. She has done gotten too friendly with the Captain and his brother, and got rebuked for it. She hasn't meant to, her pattern of speech had slipped up was all. "Wot I wouldn't give fer som't'ing strong rig't now." She commented, her mouth fall into a pout.
Riggin leaned against the rail and threw a raspberry at a young rat from the other crew who was glaring at him. "Aye, know wot y' mean, mate. I've no idea as t' wot's goin' on but trust th' cap'n-" the rat had put a finger to his nose and was making funny faces at Riggin. Riggin paused and stuck his tongue out at the rat, crossing his eyes and wiggled his ears then got back to what he was saying "-trust th' cap'n, mate. I spose 'e know wot 'es doin'." The rat was giggling and making even funnier faces than before but was silenced by a stern look from an older rat and Riggin rolled his eyes and walked off. "C'mon, let's see about gettin' some grub belowdecks, eh?"
She smirked as the two made faces at each other, and nodded her crown. The vixen wasn't very keen on trusting only because she had had no one to trust before. She took a deep breath, and let it out. "I spose you're right, mate." She replied, and turned to go below deck with Riggin.
The group who had gone with the Captain gathered in the dining room, conversing with the officers of the other ship. The two Captains had gone to the Captain's cabin to get down to business.
The fox paced, paws clasped behind his back. "So you mean you haven't got the target? You've come all this way empty-pawed?"
Captain Scourgall pulled a wry face. "Plans 'ave changed, my friend. We've got a direct order from above. Suffice to say, My Lord was less than pleased with your services last time around, so 'e 'as a different mission for you, something to redeem yourself. 'is daughter."
"And what of his daughter?" the fox asked.
"She is 'eadstrong and willful and 'as decided to go off and become a lady of fortune and, against 'er father's wishes, she 'as become mixed with a very bad lot. 'e fears for her safety. You are required to infiltrate them and bring 'er back, willing or not. They are a very powerful family of... merchants, or so they say. Now 'ere's the plan..." The ermine took out a scroll, handing it to Captain Franzburg.
Riggin entered the galley where the cook was sending a vat of leftovers down for the oarslaves. He sat on a barrel and winked. "That's th' stuff to make 'em strong an' brighteyed, eh? Now Cooky, I've a mind t' 'ave a bit o' that good wine they be 'avin' t'other ship, aye! Now 'ere's th' plan..."
Longeyes leaned back in the crow's nest, waiting for Riggin to take her place for his turn at watch. The crew of the other ship had dispersed somewhat and she didn't feel those pairs of eyes burning into her anymore, so she was a bit more relaxed. She could hear laughter and the clink of chalices from belowdecks on the other ship and knew they were having a bit of revelry. She was just dozing off when something caught her eye. Several of the Maiden's crew members were leaning over the rail, talking with some of the other crewmembers and a rope was tossed aboard. A young rat from the other ship tied a cask to his chest with a length of rope and proceeded to scamper across to their ship. Shouts of glee rang out as the crew smelled the contents of the cask. The gathering quickly brought it belowdecks and the Jelandespar crewrat scurried back to his ship. Apparently, the Sea Maiden's crew were going to partake in a bit of revelry themselves this night!
As shouts of glee rang from above deck Ty looked up quickly, and tilted her crown to the side. She moved quickly from Riggin, and made lively up the steps and onto the deck. Her emerald green optics glanced about, and saw all the cheering face. She looked about as the crew was handing about cups and mugs to drink the wine from. The female smirked and said "Well, oi'll b damned. T'anks, matey." She added as a crew member handed her a cup of the wine. She slowly raised the chalice to her mouth and took a sip. This was wine, and was not meant to be drank like ale. The flavor exploded in her mouth like fireworks. She had to take another drink.
Hearing the noise abovedecks, Riggin rushed up and stopped, eyeing the gathered crew. The young weasel smelled the sweet aroma of good wine and pushed his way through. He grabbed a mug and filled her up, taking a good swig. The other members were already feeling the effects of the heady wine. Some were already a bit tottery and one rat broke into song, the others following suit. Pretty soon, nearly the whole crew was singing raucously, some jigging, some grappling for more.
Longeyes watched from the crow's nest and licked her lips, but since Riggin wasn't coming up to take her place, she knew she couldn't go and join them. She cursed and spat when she spotted the weasel, singing at the top of his lungs, his chin stained purple from the wine. The crew of the Jelandespar were having it good, watching the aftermath of their deeds and sniggering and guffawing at the Maiden's crew's expense. A hush fell over them as their Captain poked his head out of belowdecks. "What is this? You! Get back t' your duties! What're you layabouts doin' idle-pawed?"
Captain Franzburg appeared a moment later and strode quickly across the deck to the rail where he barked. "Ho! What is going on here? Cease and desist immediately! Attention, I say!"
Ty didn't let herself get drunk. Instead, she sipped on the wine for a few more minutes, making sure to save half of it for Longeyes. She deftly climbed up to the crows nest, and poked her head up. "It ain't much, but 'ere, 'ave a taste." She looked down, and frowned. They were all going to get in trouble if they weren't careful! "Oi'll b' back, mate." And with that, she slid back down to deck, and positioned herself in the middle of the ruckus. She frowned, and looked about the deck. Some animals had had too much to drink and were now spewing the contents of their belly all over the deck. Ty gasped. All her hard work soiled by the contents of a drunken rat? Hell no! She marched forward, and snatched the cup away from them. "You 'ave had enough, mate. Will you awl shut your pie holes? Are you tr'in to get us awl killed by t'e cap'n!?" No sooner had she said it the cap'n was barking orders at them. She froze, and looked up at the fox as he was leaning over.
Every beast in the crew that wasn't passed out came to attention, some saluting clumsily. One rat tipped overboard. Captain Franzburg swished his tail. "What a waste of good wine. You lot wouldn't know good wine from swill! Wine is not to be guzzled, it is to be sipped." He slapped a paw across his brow. "And here I thought we were under attack! I want this ship cleaned stem to stern before the morrow. Every crack, every cranny! Do I make myself clear?"
The crew shuffled their paws and there was a murmur of "aye aye cap'n"s.
"Good!" The fox turned to the ermine and they conversed for a bit, then he climbed back into the boat with those that had gone with him and they rowed back to the Sea Maiden. The sun sank below the waves, leaving a pool of deep red, as if blood had been spilled on the waters. The sky lit up in a myriad of colors. Pinks, blues, purples fading into the shadow of the coming night. Longeyes took a deep breath as she watched. Her eyes were heavy, as she had been up in the crow's nest all day. She twitched an ear at the sound of paws scrabbling up the mast. A moment later, Riggin's head popped up.
The young weasel was grinning to himself. She gave his ear a tug.
"Wot're yew grinnin' like a mole wid a cherry pie fer, eh? Yew 'aven't a thought fer yer mates, do yer? Oi've been sittin' up 'ere all day, waitin' f' yew t' take yer watch an' now yew comes waltzin' up 'ere wid a grin on yer mug."
The weasel took his place. "Er, nuthin', mate. Sorry 'bout that, er, heh, I were needed belowdecks."
She tweaked his whiskers "An' me mum's a rabbit an' me da's a bird." she climbed down the mast, grumbling.
The female started and woke up leaning against the stairs hugging the mop, and with a bucket of water right beside her. She had been swabbing the deck spotless for a second time that day. She remembered sitting down for a breather, but must have nodded off. How long was she asleep for? She raised both paws to her eyes, and sighed heavily. What was her fulfillment here? Was she just gonna be a 'bilge rat' for the rest of her life, under appreciated by all in her life. She heard footsteps. The female launched to her paws least it be the cap'n. She didn't want him or Corr to see her sitting on the job.
The beast turned out to be just that. Captain Franzburg glanced her way as he passed, heading abovedecks. "Abovedecks with you, sailor. The hall looks quite spotless." He gave her a brief and barely-noticeable smile, then he had passed and was out on decks. Abovedecks, all the crew were lined up, standing to attention as the fox paced before them. He nodded slowly.
"All's shipshape, my lads?"
"Aye, aye, sir!" came the reply.
"Good, very good. Let's see about getting under way, eh? Hop to it. We've a new destination: Malrock Isle."
A shudder seemed to go through the crew as a whole, like wind over a wheat field. They all knew Malrock Isle to be as deep into Lord Kirsch's territory as a beast could get. At the very heart of his domain, it was rumoured to be surrounded by tall and jagged rocks, many just under the water, lying in wait to tear an unwary ship asunder. What reason their Captain would want to travel to such a place, not a single beast among them could fathom...