Chapter 13

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Tifre's parents thought she was asleep, but the noise awakened her. She heard the conversation between her parents.

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Jihlem: I must go, Mag has been kidnapped. King Throduk needs all of us apparently.

Share: She's barely more than a child, who would kidnap her?

Jihlem: It could be anyone. Some think it's a radical faction of Orks oppossed to peace. But even if she married into one of these five tribes, the other four might be very dissapointed. Some think it's a group of pirates, maybe even Selkath.

Share: But Selkath brought us here, he protected us from his own crew.

Jihlem: And if that bartender hadn't declared me the winner of the bet, if she hadn't gotten sentimental in her old age, Selkath and his crew would have raped you.

Share: I know, but he still brought us here.

Jihlem: Yeah. I hope it's some other pirate. But, if it is him, if he really kidnapped the princess, we'll do what we have to do to get her back.

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Tifre heard this conversation, and was shocked. For as long as she could remember she'd heard stories from her parents about the noble pirate Selkath, how he'd rescued her and her parents from the evil Harpers. Maybe things weren't as clear cut as she'd been led to believe.

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Jihlem went to his local militia, headed by Raghat. By now there were several dozen Orks, ready to fight to get their princess back. The five Trogolodite princes, who all hoped to marry Mag, were here as well, along with their personal bodyguards. This was the first time Jihlem had ever seen Orks and Trogolodites working together in any meaningful way. They were all willing to fight, and perhaps even die, to save the princess, and prevent war between their peoples. It was inspiring to Jihlem, but this also meant he might have to fight his old friend Selkath.

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Jihlem was one of perhaps 100 men on this journey. They took one of the king's ships and set sail for a nearby island. This island was known as "The Isle of Dread." There was no land that could be used for farming, and few ways unto the island that avoided the rocks. There were many stories of ships being destroyed trying to get here. This ofcourse made the Isle of Dread the perfect place for pirates to smuggle goods, or hold hostages. The kidnappers had left a ransom note, threatening to kill Mag unless her father paid the ransom. King Throduk feared that if he paid the ransom, others would kidnap his daughter later, and he had five other children. On the other hand, if he were to make examples of these particular pirates, others would hesitate to try anything. During the voyage Jihlem noticed that two Trogolodite princes, Skrad and Slar, seemed to genuinly be in love with Mag. They didn't seem to like each other, but both wanted Mag to be safe. The other three princes seemed more interested in tribal alliances and power. Their concern for Mag was limited to good relations between their own tribe and Glantri. Raghat made them wait until after sunset to row to the island. They would need the cover of darkness to attack. And hopefully the pirates would be passed out drunk from rum. Jihlem hoped it was some other pirate, that he wouldn't have to fight his old friend. But if he refused, Raghat would think him suspicious, and the Orks might not be so hospitable anymore. Just after sunset the crew rowed ashore. Upon reaching the island they heard noise, it sounded like men acting like drunken fools. This was good, they would be less alert. Slar and Skrad recognized the songs the drunk men were singing, they were clearly Trogolodite songs. Still, Selkath was hardly the only Trogolodite pirate. As they crept to the pirate camp, they encountered a guard. Raghat and Jihlem acted quickly, putting their daggers to the guards throat and threatened to kill him if he alerted his friends.

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Raghat: Make any sound, other than to answer our questions, and you're a dead man. Do you understand?

Guard: I do.

Raghat: Good. Now, my king wants to make an example out of you pirates, but I'm willing to spare your life if you help us.

Guard: I understand. I have just one request. Zal, she's the captain's daughter, I ask you to spare her life as well.

Raghat: You in love with her?

Guard: Yes, but it's unrequited.

Raghat: She might never forgive you if you help kill her father.

Guard: Maybe, but she'll be alive to hate me.

Raghat: Okay, how about this. Will your friends be passed out by sunrise?

Guard: Most, some will be coming unto guard duty, but they'll be a little drunk by then.

Raghat: Take the girl, make sure she's out of camp by then.

Guard: Agreed.

Jihlem: What is your captain's name?

Guard: Selkath.

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Jihlem was dissapointed that he would have to fight his old friend, but he prepared himself for what had to be done. The guard returned to his camp, many of the pirates were listening to the poet. This poet hung with the pirates, entertained everyone with his stories. About three pirates were guarding Mag, each one seemed to still be a little but drunk. Mag was tied to a tree, although the pirates were drunk she was still too afraid of them to try and escape. The guard waited until nearly sunrise. Zal was talking to her father, but Raghat and his men would attack soon. After Selkath left the guard knew it was now or never. He grabbed Zal and ran off with her. Zelkath heard his daughter's cry, so he and two of his men went after the guard. Jihlem came to his aid, and was indeed forced to fight his old friend. While this fight occurred, Raghat and his men attacked the pirate camp. A few Orks and Trogolodites were killed, but for the most part the pirates were too drunk to put up much of a fight. They slaughtered every pirate in the camp, even the poet who merely entertained the other pirates. The guard killed the pirates, and Jihlem was forced to give Selkath a mortal wound. It was clear by this point that the other pirates were all doomed, and Jihlem allowed Zal to comfort her father in his final moments, and give him some water.

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Selkath: Thank you. You look familiar somehow.

Jihlem: Nine years ago, you brought me and my wife to Glantri.

Selkath: I think I remember you, we had a bet, and Thess declared you the winner.

Jihlem: I suppose she was sentimental in her old age.

Selkath: Yes, she was. Just make sure my daughter is safe, she deserves a better life than me.

Jihlem: Raghat promised to spare her.

Selkath: Good.

Jihlem: Why did you do this?

Selkath: I'm a pirate and a thief, we were desperate.

Jihlem: I'm sorry it came to this.

Selkath: So am I.

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Raghat kept his word, spared the guard and Zal. She would likely always hate the man who betrayed her father, he was okay with that. Skrad and Slar were especially happy that their beloved was okay. Who she might choose was anyone;s guess. For now, Jihlem just wanted to return home to his wife and daughter.