Dearest Readers, may your sailing days through the realms be always of tranquil waters. :)
THE HIDDEN SWORD: A TALE OF BALDUR'S GATE
Book One : From the Earth | Chapter 8 : Aground
For such a confined space, it seemed there were no end of things to do in a boat. If she wasn't scrubbing an unending pile of pots and bowls in the galley – so many for so few people, wiping the railings, mopping the deck, helping her teacher with coiling the lines, leaning over the bow to watch out for any floating debris in their path, checking the water barrels if they were leaking… then she was checking them again.
At least, she was never ordered to inspect the bilges for leaks – the unsavory chore of crawling through the cramped space filled with filthy and slimy collected water was reserved for Dotie. Each time the dwarf went down there, Irse spent as less time as possible in the cargo hold, imagining the other woman making good with her threat by thrusting any of the kitchen's rusty knives and cleavers through the planks to get to her.
"I let you off last time; you ought to give me a warning in return," the elf solemnly reminded the un-scraped crud on the floor. She took its silence as a yes.
By a happy chance, the winds were favorable and working with the sails to nudge them along albeit leisurely. Somehow haste seemed to be the last thing on the captain's mind. Not once were they ordered to bring out the oars. One complaint from Dotie that her legs were cramping, and they would find themselves aground for an hour.
Likewise at night they put in to shore, commencing their journey well after the sun had risen. If Okami was impatient about the delays, he did not show – simply far more attentive to the tasks at hand during the day and to their lessons at night. Nells, on the other hand, was something else. For each stop, she appeared the one most relieved among them yet visibly fretting when Shar-Teel seemed inclined to keep them grounded for longer.
Only one time did Nells suggest they use the oars but Shar-Teel's sole response was to storm off the deck and into the quarters she shared with the first mate. What followed was an argument behind closed doors, only bits and pieces Irse had managed to grasp that afternoon as she passed by.
"I don't like this anymore than you do, but you know too well the consequences!" It was Nells, her voice raised to an uncharacteristic pitch.
"Oh ho! Coming from the dear friend who threatened to walk away when I did all that I could to get us out of the hell hole!"
"And still I didn't. Because I am your friend, and I care what happens to you!"
The door to the cabin flew open, hinges squealing in protest. Shar-Teel hadn't bothered to answer back, marching towards the deck and into the galley perhaps for a stiff drink, wrath blinding her to the elf straining to flatten herself against the wall.
"Patience, patience. It'll be over soon. The gods forgive us."
A prayer uttered thinking no one else was around to hear and the door closed once more.
Irse leaned over the railings by the bow, sounding line in her hands. Her Teacher stood beside her.
"Keep lowering the rope until the plummet dips into the water and touches the bottom. The plummet will not float as it is made of lead," Okami instructed. As she did, the line went deeper until the surface of the water reached the third mark on the rope. "It means that this part of the river is about three fathoms deep. Now you know how to measure the depth of the water."
She began pulling the line back to her, allowing the rest of the rope to remain slack upon the deck. Okami had warned her not to coil the rope in her arms lest the plummet get snagged into anything below and drag her down with it. Another day's work at the boat.
As her Teacher walked away to check on something else, Nells approached the girl, the usual friendly smile on her face.
"How are you doing?"
"Learning much," Irse replied with an eager grin. "Though, can I ask you something? About this boat?"
For the briefest of moments, a hint of apprehension flashed in the half-elf's eyes.
"I mean, we've been sailing for a while now and… I don't even know what this boat is called. All ships have to have a name or it's bad luck, right?"
Relief seemed to wash over Nells as she laughed, "Goodness! I thought it was something serious!" The first mate moved closer to the bow and pointed at the side where the remains of faded paint could still be seen. The way the whole thing had been scratched out, the wood hacked and cracked in some places, suggested the use of something bladed with extreme vengeful prejudice.
"This vessel was lovingly christened by Captain Shar-Teel as Men Are Pathetic Pigs and They Deserve to be Sarded Sideways in the Arse with a Barbed Mast, A Rusted Anchor, and a Giant Shark on a Harpoon Then Their Flaccid Pricks Hacked Off with a Dull Axe Rubbed with Peppers and Fed to the Same Shark."
Nells had said that with a straight face.
Irse also leaned over and nodded. "I think I can make out the Anchor and the Shark."
"You can imagine the other sailors and harbor hands not as pleased to have that staring them in the face each time we dock. Whether Shar-Teel had been counting on them to be illiterate… no, I think she was hoping they weren't and surprisingly she was right."
Both of them giggled, their laughter interrupted by a powerful squall that unexpectedly surged across the waters and ripped through the deck.
As her hair whipped about her face, Nells looked frantically around as if seeing with her eyes the wind's true direction. "The main boom! Make sure it's secured!"
The warning came too late as they heard a snap followed by a heavy groan. To their horror, the boom - a massive spar used to secure the bottom of the main sail, had broken free and swept violently across the deck.
"Everybody get down!" Nells shouted and had tried to grab at the girl. As it came upon them, the first mate ducked but lost her grip on the elf and Irse sloped herself backwards, narrowly avoiding the beam as it swung inches above her nose. However, she tilted too far and slipped completely over the railing.
The world turned upside down as she plummeted headfirst overboard. Right before hitting the water, her ankle was caught in a viselike grip. As she dangled helplessly, Irse tried to right herself enough to catch a glimpse of her savior.
Dotie was smiling down at her but in a manner far from friendly. Don't let go, Irse wanted to plead but knew it might only goad the other to act otherwise. Vulnerable, she stared up at the dwarf, ready to close her eyes and prepare for the inevitable plunge when the first mate peered over and grabbed her other leg. Together, they hauled the girl up and into the deck. The wind had yet to stop and the boom continued to swing back and forth, the entire ship now rocking from the momentum.
"If we're dismast, we're done for!" Nells cried as she crouched protectively over the others.
A figure darted before them. Okami. Helpless, Irse looked on in fear for her Teacher, unable to do anything else but watch his attempt to gain control over the main boom. Yet with uncanny speed he solidly dodged the great beam each time it came at him, sliding across the floor multiple times to gather the loose lines, charging to meet the boom, hoisting the ropes, ducking again, dashing to follow the spar each time it changed direction.
When enough lines had been coiled and the boom nearing to where it was to be secured, Okami pulled down at the ropes, using his bodyweight to steady himself. Irse broke free from Nells' hold and ran to her Teacher. She grabbed the lines behind him and held them down as well. They were joined by the captain who had managed to stagger out of the galley. Soon the entire crew were at the ropes while Shar-Teel secured the lines. By that time the wind had died down and the ship had already stabilized. When the captain was done, everyone let go and collapsed on the floor, exhausted but relieved.
"An accidental gibe. Winds gone contrary and the stern caught in their eye. Good thing, Mister Okami was here to help," Nells exhaled along with the breath she had been holding.
Shar-Teel squatted next to the blacksmith and clapped him approvingly on the back, though with force enough to rattle bones and make one prefer her disapproval instead. "Looks like you're not completely useless after all! Gotta' admit myself, never seen anyone move that fast."
Okami bowed his head modestly. "I did what was needed. Nothing more."
But the captain wasn't done. "Sure, just as fast as men runnin' out the door to dodge their obligation like the cowards they are. 'That why you jumped on the first boat to nowhere? Knocked up some girl in Kara-Tur and now the whole clan's after chopping off your head, both of 'em. Heh."
The elf made a wry face. Did she always have to bring every conversation to that?
Okami got to his feet, unflustered by Shar-Teel's taunts as always.
"I can assure you, Captain. The reasons for my journey are far from the abdication of duty to a dishonored maiden."
Irse narrowed a skeptical eye at him. Perhaps if her Teacher were to shave his face, comb his hair, didn't dress in such shabby clothes, and sounded less like an old geezer, then there would be no shortage of maidens throwing themselves at his feet for dishonoring.
"Are you hurt? You nearly fell overboard but I thank the gods that Dotie was there to catch you."
The elf looked up at her Teacher, now crouched in front of her.
"I'm fine. Thought I'd be making myself into a life-size sounding line back there," Irse joked, but the look of concern remained in his eyes. She grinned and mouthed - not a scratch, as she pulled back her sleeves to show her arms and wriggled her fingers around her head. Satisfied, Okami nodded and stood on his feet, walking over to join the captain and first mate in their discussion.
Irse herself got up and approached Dotie. The dwarf was about to go down into the cargo hold.
"Hey."
Sullen as always, Dotie glared at her.
"Thanks, anyway."
"Yer awfully heavy for a damned grass-chomper. Yer gonna eat us outta' ship an' home before the next port," the dwarf grunted and turned away.
Irse smirked, stretched her arms over her head and looked at the horizon.
Not even Nells disputed the captain's order to put to shore. After a near disastrous accident with the boom, it was agreed upon that they stop and inspect the sails, rigging, the mast, and everything else for possible damages just to be sure. Sunset would not be long in coming and they might as well rest for the night.
With all things secured and supper boiling in a pot over a campfire, the crew settled down to wait out the remaining hours of the day. Whilst the others stared bored at the fire, Irse fidgeted in her seat upon a fallen log and hoped none of them had this crazy notion that elves were talented singers and dancers. Fortunately, or more unfortunately, the captain had other ideas about their entertainment.
Shar-Teel rose from her seat, hefting a sheathed sword and pointing it at Okami. "I see you got yourself a toy knife at your hip. Is that for decoration or are you waiting for someone to shove it up your tight little heinie?" she heckled.
Everyone else stiffened at the challenge. Nells gave a look that screamed – not again, but coughed, "Captain, it seems you 've had a bit too much of the drink today. Perhaps you should retire for the -"
"I'm damned sober as a desert and bored as the nine hells frozen over!" the woman interrupted. "You, smith! As captain of this crew, I demand you amuse us by facing me in a duel!"
Is she serious about this? Irse stirred in her seat to voice a protest but Okami placed a hand on her shoulder.
"What are the stakes, Captain?"
Shar-Teel grinned at him, cocksure. "I win, you pay us triple the fare. Each of you."
"And if I prevail?"
"You and the girl sail for free."
Nells threw up her hands. There goes their sure gold.
"But you'll keep working 'til we get to Iriaebor. I'm not carrying deadweight. Especially, deadweight with a bottomless stomach."
Noticing the captain glaring at her as the woman spoke, Irse leaned back and pretended to look elsewhere.
"I accept. Name your rules so long as the outcome is not fatal to the defeated."
"Don't you worry, sop. That fancy show you put up earlier convinced me to keep you intact for future use, well mostly. I say a good thrashing's allowed but the winner draws first blood."
"That is reasonable."
"Best out of three! You'll see I'm not so easily entertained."
Bewildered, the elf turned to Nells who only shook her head in resignation. It seemed the tension of the previous days between the captain and first mate had come to a head, and Shar-Teel would have been itching to let out steam. And blood for that matter.
A clearing right beside the campsite served for the makeshift arena. Okami bowed respectfully at his opponent who scoffed at the gesture. Shar-Teel drew her shortsword with her right hand and made to circle him but shifted and stepped sideways, apparently searching for an opening.
But he's entirely open. Okami made no attempt to match her maneuvers, blade still sheathed and both hands at his sides, feet planted on the ground and slightly spread in a stance. Even his eyes looked straight ahead as if the other were keeping still. Casually his left hand moved to clutch at the scabbard, the only movement a slight jerk of the guard.
First blood, the captain had said. What if her idea of drawing first blood was a stab in the gut, a chopped-off hand, a slash across the face? Irse bit at her knuckle. The others watched as well, Nells with evident worry and Dotie with malicious interest.
A moment of stillness then Shar-Teel charged. A flash of steel and a cry of surprise. Okami had darted past the captain, ending up a good way behind her, his sword now raised in the air.
Irse blinked. She just knew she saw him unsheathe his blade, but not when he struck. How did he move so inhumanly fast?
"Nine bleedin' hells!" Shar-Teel had dropped her weapon, blood pouring from a deep gash on the back of her sword hand.
"Looks like noodle stick be drawin' first blood," the dwarf cackled and slapped her thigh. The mirth seemed lost on Nells who frowned instead at Dotie.
"Captain, you might wish to have that taken care of before we resume."
"Why? Teeny drop making you weak in the knees so soon?"
"You are at a disadvantage; the injury might affect your grip."
"Shar-Teel, listen to him! We need to bandage that!" Nells fretted but the captain waved her off.
"I can use either hand! Doesn't matter to me which one gets you first!" the woman snarled as she picked the weapon with her left. She twirled the sword, proving the deftness and skill that she had with the other.
Okami sheathed his sword, bowing once more before his opponent. He had barely finished when Shar-Teel charged at him again, her swings now more furious, quick to draw back and return. Yet the man calmly evaded each strike, sidestepping the attacks with ease. At one point the blade narrowly missed his cheek by a hair's breadth. Irse was sure her heart had stopped at that.
Shar-Teel drove her weapon forward, Okami dodged but it was a feint. Instead, the captain swiped her bleeding fist at him. He blocked the punch with his left forearm but it was another feint.
Irse screamed a voiceless warning as the blade flew at her Teacher who was still unarmed. And just as swiftly as he had been earlier, Okami pulled the sword from his sash, but still in its scabbard, to block the strike. Without breaking momentum, he moved to the side, Shar-Teel and her blade sliding in their forward velocity. The head of the katana hilt bashed into the captain's face.
Again, the blacksmith dashed clear from his opponent's range. Shar-Teel stumbled and cupped her mouth. She removed her hand, now red and slippery with blood this time from her nose.
"The duel is decided. It has been an honor, Captain." The blacksmith said as he tucked his sword into his sash.
"Bastard! I'm not done with you yet!" Shar-Teel raged and charged once more, weapon gripped with both bloodied hands and raised overhead. She brought it down upon his head but Okami caught the blade flat between his palms. The captain struggled and tugged at her sword to dislodge the blade but the blacksmith held them steady. Irse's eyes widened. So that's how it's done.
Nells sprang from her seat and grasped at her friend's forearm. "Captain, please. Stop this, now."
Shar-Teel slowly turned her eyes to the half-elf, teeth bared and breath heaving. Undaunted, Nells continued to cast a gentle look at the other woman as she slid her hand over to the captain's. After what seemed like an eternity, Shar-Teel loosened her grip, allowing the blacksmith to let go of the blade as well. Nells gently pulled her friend away while Irse rushed to her Teacher's side.
"Do not think yourself truly bested, Captain. Had this been a contest of strength and endurance, you would have been perfectly capable of overpowering me."
Shar-Teel wiped her bloody nose with her forearm. "Save your charity for someone else! You only got me with your funny eastern tricks. But you're right, had this been a wrestling match –"
"Dotie's eating up everything!" Irse interjected with supreme urgency and pointed accusingly at the dwarf. Everyone whirled to stare at Dotie bent over by the campfire and slurping the stew straight out of the pot. She merely sneered at them and licked the ladle all around before plunging it back into the stew.
"Disgusting dwarf! You think I'm not gonna eat that?" Shar-Teel growled and tramped over to her. Nells laughed in a mixture of embarrassment and relief but mouthed a quick "thank you" at the pair before going after the captain.
Master and student remained standing apart, watching the crew argue over supper.
"Are you all right? Did she get you anywhere?" A tentative finger poked at her Teacher's arm.
He spread out his hands, inspecting them. "I am unscathed. Thank you for your concern."
"How did you? And that fast?" she buzzed.
Okami closed his eyes and smiled. "Supper first. Lessons later."
Left to herself and watching as he walked away, Irse scratched the back of her neck and wondered how she could have forgotten about the most important thing in the world.