***
A fat, pockmarked Gynkesian with lank, greasy black hair plastered over the sides of his head hurried swiftly along the road under the night sky. He moistened his lower lip with his tongue, small, brown eyes darting around at the various trees and undergrowth he passed by, fat hands pulling the thick cloak tighter round his ample body as he moved on towards his desired destination. After about 10 minutes, he went off the path, into the woodland to his left, glancing briefly at the small harbour now viewable to his right as he did so. The fat man moved deeper into the woodland with surprising mobility and stealth, untill stopping at a clearing, resting one fat hand against a branch, and taking a breath, his eyes flickering around the empty clearing, a look of irritation passing over his features.
'Oh good. It seems you are punctual at least, mister.. what was your name?'
The speaker; a tall, hooded man flanked by two others, also cloaked, stepped out from behind a tree, waving a dismissive hand as he stated this in a low drawl. The fat man turned round with a jump, and pressed his fleshy back up against the tree, before giving a nervous chuckle as he looks to the hooded man.
'Ah.. you thcared me Lord.' He speaks in a high, slightly nasal tone with a heavy lisp, his chuckle morphing into a grin, his teeth a bright shade of yellow. 'Clienth.. and employeeth.. call me the thquid lord.'
The central cloaked man seemed to click his teeth at that, speaking lowly, as the man to his right guffawed.
'..apt. Well.. Squid. I have, as my messenger outlined, a job for you.' The voice of the central figure became emotionless and cold then, the disdain substituted for a more business-like edge. The 'Squid' nodded enthusiastically, running a tongue over his teeth as his eyes gave a glint, roaming over the man, lifting a sweaty, fleshy hand and resting it under his chin.
'The payment?'
The central cloaked man took a pace forwards at that, pulling from inside his cloak a heavy, leather money bag, his pale hand clutching it round the middle. He carelessly tossed it forwards, the bag landing with a heavy clink onto the earthy ground at the squid's feet. The squid grinned happily, falling to his knees and bending forwards, hands grabbing at the money. As he did so, the cloaked figure lifted his left steel boot, resting it on the squid's head, causing the man to stiffen instantly, speaking quickly and clearly.
'80 silver coins. With another 80 coming your way after i have my son delievered to my estate within the next two months, bound and.. gagged.'
The fat man attempted to raise his head, but the boot increased its pressure, before easily pushing to the left, sending the fat man flailing to the side, his face meeting the earth with a thud. 'And unspoiled. I know your reputation. Do we have a deal?' The squid lifted his head then, and spat dirt from his mouth, before squinting up at the other man, and slowly nodding, before grabbing for the coin once more.
'Ath you wisth thir. I will do ath you athk.' He clutched the bag to his chest, breathing heavily as he stumbled to his feet, narrowing an eye at the others. 'My reputathion.. ith no faliureth. Where ith the boy?'
The central man flexed his left hand, glancing to his left, where the man beside him whispered quickly.
'I believe he is currently residing on one of the small islands of the coast. Why..' Seemed to stop, as if gritting his teeth, before continuing. 'He has golden hair, and Albarian features. Not hard to miss. Now get out of my sight.' The central figure seemed to spit the last sentence, and the squid turned, not bothering to bow heading off into the night, money bag, hidden away deep inside his cloak.
The central figure watched him leave, before lifting his hood with a snarl, his golden hair tousled and lacking their usual care and attention. He turned cold blue eyes onto the two men beside him, and spoke in a slow, deliberate manner.
'Let us leave this cesspit.'
***
It was early light, and gregory hardcast woke slowly, opening an eye and squinting up at the sun, before grumbling and pulling the old cloak he had used as a cover over his face. After a few lazy moments, he got up, and walked towards the ocean in his underclothes, yawning as he did so, blearily kneeling down and quickly splashing water over his face. Feeling fresher, he rubbed his unshaven chin, straightening again, halflooking around at his island surroundings. He vaguely supposed kaelyn had wandered off earlier. She didnt like to stay in the same place long. Paranoid female. Greg smirked to himself, and walked barefoot through the sand back to his makeshift bed, and pulled out some bread from his bag, breaking some off, and settling with his back to a palmtree as he ate.
Greg ate contentedly, thoughts of the previous few days leaving his mind, being replaced by simpler, more natural ones. He finished his breakfast, and stood up with another yawn, turning and walking up to a thicket. He untied the top part of his trousers, and began fullfilling that natural process, when he suddenly blinked, his body going cold. He could hear, or at least thought he could hear.. faint breathing. He quickly pulled up his trousers, his body tensing, glancing quickly around.
'..Hello?' He spoke up, frowning. 'Someone there? ..Kae?' At first there was no response, and then there was a high, nasal chuckle, coming from the tree just to the left of him, before a lisp ridden voice followed.
'Nithe.. view..'
Greg snapped his head to the left, his eyes resting on what appeared to be a fat, ugly man with red, pockmarked skin, seated on a large branch, and grinning horribly at him. Greg stepped back, and opened his mouth, but his shout was cut off by a thick, heavy hand clamping its way over his mouth, and a massive arm grabbing him round the chest. The Albarian struggled wildly, attempting to bite down on the hand and break away from the arm. As he did so, the fat man in the tree calmly took out a sling, loaded it and let fly, the small, hard river pebble slamming between Greg's eyes, causing him to go limp instantly. Hooded men in brown cloaks, armed, their different hair and facials suggesting they all came from several nations. They worked swiftly, binding the albarian with rope, gagging him, and putting him on a leash, instructed by the squid, who had lowered himself from the tree.
The Squid clapped his chunky hands togethor, and motioned for Greg to be kept with a large, darkskinned, well built man, who simply nodded in response, holding Greg up by his left arm. 'Quickly boyth. To the thip.' The squid clambered onto a pony, and the group moved off, in the direction of the harbour, Greg halfcarried, halfdragged along with them, blood trickling from where the stone had hit.
Later that day, a small, longish ship with no colours or identification left the dock, bound for the mainland.
***
A Father's Madness. (rp closed to po ayla)
Moderator: Gamemasters
-
Gregory Hardcast
- Posts: 152
- Joined: Tue May 06, 2008 9:01 pm
It was early morning, the hour just before sunrise when the sky is a darkish grey and the land is cold. Waves broke across the sandy beach of the small island soundly, eventually waking the sleeping figure beneath one of the large palm trees. The air surrounding her was laden with the scent of salt and fish, so different from the stale air she had woken up to in the cave for a good couple of weeks now. Bleary eyes blinked away the last remaining effects of sleep as Kaelyn stirred in response to the high tide coming in over the beach. For a long moment, she remained still where she lay, not particularly eager to stir the still-sleeping figure beside her. Instead, she took to looking to the sky, a hand lifted to play with the carelessly cropped hair she had more so mutilated in an attempt to hide herself. Her thoughts took her from the island where she now sat in seclusion, drifting back to the day before. The face of a heartless Albarian lord before her, his hands at her throat, whispered threats of death which had become simply too common for her lately. Her lips formed slowly into a sadistic sort of smile before she pressed up from her lounged position.
As she stands beneath the palm tree, Kaelyn looks off over the ocean in silence. So she remains for a long moment before her gaze falls away and she steps forward, bare feet treading over the gritty sand with familiar ease. Her still weary steps take her over the wooden bridges that connect the small islands, moving along without much thought to where she was going. There was a certain restlessness about her as she moved, chin lifted to the breezes that washed salt-filled air over her. She draws to a stop as she comes to the center of the largest island. Her eyes drift over the little pool of water set amongst the trees before she steps up and kneels aside it. She pulls her hands forward, running them through the water before she scoops up a handful and runs it over her face slowly. Fingers comb through the cropped, reddish-brown hair slowly as she rises from her kneeled position, dark eyes running over her fairly deserted surroundings. As she rises, a strange look crosses the face of the woman, her eyes having locked on something in the distant waters. It was a ship of sorts that she had not seen about the island before. Bottom lip drawn between her teeth, Kaelyn eases around the trees surrounding her, watching the horizon and the small, swaying silhouette of the boat against the brightening sun. From its direction, it had come from the main island and was heading toward her... Fast. A low sound comes from the woman as she pulls back into the long shadows of the trees, kneeling against the ground once more as she watches the ship roll over the oncoming waves.
Long minutes passed in complete silence as dark eyes follow the approach of the unmarked ship. With each passing yard that drew the boat closer, Kaelyn could sense herself growing all the more tense. Yet she too began noticing that the boat was turning. It wasn't headed for the island she stood on but instead for the smaller one along the east. Her face grew pale slowly. Whoever was on the boat had known she had stayed on that particular island over the night. If it was her they wanted to begin with. With clenched jaws, Kaelyn watched silently as the boat docks in the slight distance and silhouetted figures step onto the sand before moving into the trees. She waited patiently for them to arrive near the bridge that led to the second island, her hands shifting slowly about the material of the dress she wore. But as moments passed and no figures emerged, the realization slowly struck the woman, causing her to hesitate before leaping up from her hiding spot like a startled animal. It wasn't her they were after...
'Gregory...'
With gritted teeth, Kaelyn ran toward the bridges, stumbling over them as she moves along the sandy shores. Her sprint was only stopped abruptly as she catches herself along one of the palm trees, eyes widening at the sight that progressed before her. A stone's throw away, between the shadows of the trees surrounding the small island, walked the group of men. Among them, Kaelyn spotted the unconscious figure of Gregory being pulled along. She bent low, resisting the urge to barrel right into the midst of the group. If she were killed now, all would be for loss. And so she let them pass, hands trembling with growing hatred as her dark eyes follow the parading group until they reach the boat swaying visibly between the trees she stands along.
------------------------------
Almost an hour had passed, the boat having never pulled from the dock upon the island. Kaelyn sat amongst the shadows of the trees, watching the ship with an expressionless face. She had found herself at a complete loss for what to do, so she sat, mulling over ideas. However, it was beginning to look hopeless as only one solution stuck itself in her mind.
'Sneak onto the ship...'
With a brief look to the sky above, she took note of the slightly overcast day that it was. A chuckle escaped from her lips, more sadistic than anything as she noted how well it matched the atmosphere. Then she rises from her seat on the ground, stretching slowly. A grunt is heard, giving a disdainful look to the dress she had been clad in, so restricting of motion. With a shake of her head, Kaelyn steps forward, moving through the trees as a hand carelessly tears the sewing of the sleeves apart, freeing her arms from the confines of the tawdry dress. She continues on, stepping from the seclusion of the trees onto the bare sandy beach, making no particular move to hide herself as she moves to the dock. The woman pads quietly along the wood, listening alertly to each creak of the fairly large ship she draws even with, eyes running over the upper deck. No figures about. The were all elsewhere, below deck tending to whatever business there may be. Slowly, the woman shakes her head.
"Too easy..."
Drawing up to a ramshackle rope ladder that appeared to never be cared for, Kaelyn takes a deep breath. With a grimace, she reaches forward to grasp the wet, torn bits of rope. As she moves up, she could feel her heart skip a beat, for the flimsy bits of fiber didn't exactly act like they wanted to bear her weight. Face twisted in a grim look, though, Kaelyn continues making her way up without pausing for each slight snapping sound that followed her as the rope gave way a bit more. As she manages to grasp the side of the ship and pull herself over, the woman exhales a breath she had not known she had been holding. Trembling slightly from the brief but nerve-wracking climb, Kaelyn looks around quickly over the deserted deck of the ship. Biting her bottom lip frantically, the woman darts toward the aft of the ship, out of sight of the ladder that leads down below. It was there that she found a few barrels that reeked of waste material. With a resenting look and a despising shake of her head, the woman moves toward the large barrels and works her way behind them, a retching gag coming from her. But from where she chose to sit and watch, despite the far more than unpleasant smells, she considered herself well-hidden and yet able to watch the movements of all that came up from below deck.
Flopping an arm mercifully over her nose, Kaelyn settled back for the passing day until life made an appearance in the form of men coming forward, preparing to set sail. As she sat behind the few barrels, curled and tucked away, only one snide comment crossed her mind with each waft of the disgusting stench she got.
'That bastard owes me big for keeping to my deal....'
As she stands beneath the palm tree, Kaelyn looks off over the ocean in silence. So she remains for a long moment before her gaze falls away and she steps forward, bare feet treading over the gritty sand with familiar ease. Her still weary steps take her over the wooden bridges that connect the small islands, moving along without much thought to where she was going. There was a certain restlessness about her as she moved, chin lifted to the breezes that washed salt-filled air over her. She draws to a stop as she comes to the center of the largest island. Her eyes drift over the little pool of water set amongst the trees before she steps up and kneels aside it. She pulls her hands forward, running them through the water before she scoops up a handful and runs it over her face slowly. Fingers comb through the cropped, reddish-brown hair slowly as she rises from her kneeled position, dark eyes running over her fairly deserted surroundings. As she rises, a strange look crosses the face of the woman, her eyes having locked on something in the distant waters. It was a ship of sorts that she had not seen about the island before. Bottom lip drawn between her teeth, Kaelyn eases around the trees surrounding her, watching the horizon and the small, swaying silhouette of the boat against the brightening sun. From its direction, it had come from the main island and was heading toward her... Fast. A low sound comes from the woman as she pulls back into the long shadows of the trees, kneeling against the ground once more as she watches the ship roll over the oncoming waves.
Long minutes passed in complete silence as dark eyes follow the approach of the unmarked ship. With each passing yard that drew the boat closer, Kaelyn could sense herself growing all the more tense. Yet she too began noticing that the boat was turning. It wasn't headed for the island she stood on but instead for the smaller one along the east. Her face grew pale slowly. Whoever was on the boat had known she had stayed on that particular island over the night. If it was her they wanted to begin with. With clenched jaws, Kaelyn watched silently as the boat docks in the slight distance and silhouetted figures step onto the sand before moving into the trees. She waited patiently for them to arrive near the bridge that led to the second island, her hands shifting slowly about the material of the dress she wore. But as moments passed and no figures emerged, the realization slowly struck the woman, causing her to hesitate before leaping up from her hiding spot like a startled animal. It wasn't her they were after...
'Gregory...'
With gritted teeth, Kaelyn ran toward the bridges, stumbling over them as she moves along the sandy shores. Her sprint was only stopped abruptly as she catches herself along one of the palm trees, eyes widening at the sight that progressed before her. A stone's throw away, between the shadows of the trees surrounding the small island, walked the group of men. Among them, Kaelyn spotted the unconscious figure of Gregory being pulled along. She bent low, resisting the urge to barrel right into the midst of the group. If she were killed now, all would be for loss. And so she let them pass, hands trembling with growing hatred as her dark eyes follow the parading group until they reach the boat swaying visibly between the trees she stands along.
------------------------------
Almost an hour had passed, the boat having never pulled from the dock upon the island. Kaelyn sat amongst the shadows of the trees, watching the ship with an expressionless face. She had found herself at a complete loss for what to do, so she sat, mulling over ideas. However, it was beginning to look hopeless as only one solution stuck itself in her mind.
'Sneak onto the ship...'
With a brief look to the sky above, she took note of the slightly overcast day that it was. A chuckle escaped from her lips, more sadistic than anything as she noted how well it matched the atmosphere. Then she rises from her seat on the ground, stretching slowly. A grunt is heard, giving a disdainful look to the dress she had been clad in, so restricting of motion. With a shake of her head, Kaelyn steps forward, moving through the trees as a hand carelessly tears the sewing of the sleeves apart, freeing her arms from the confines of the tawdry dress. She continues on, stepping from the seclusion of the trees onto the bare sandy beach, making no particular move to hide herself as she moves to the dock. The woman pads quietly along the wood, listening alertly to each creak of the fairly large ship she draws even with, eyes running over the upper deck. No figures about. The were all elsewhere, below deck tending to whatever business there may be. Slowly, the woman shakes her head.
"Too easy..."
Drawing up to a ramshackle rope ladder that appeared to never be cared for, Kaelyn takes a deep breath. With a grimace, she reaches forward to grasp the wet, torn bits of rope. As she moves up, she could feel her heart skip a beat, for the flimsy bits of fiber didn't exactly act like they wanted to bear her weight. Face twisted in a grim look, though, Kaelyn continues making her way up without pausing for each slight snapping sound that followed her as the rope gave way a bit more. As she manages to grasp the side of the ship and pull herself over, the woman exhales a breath she had not known she had been holding. Trembling slightly from the brief but nerve-wracking climb, Kaelyn looks around quickly over the deserted deck of the ship. Biting her bottom lip frantically, the woman darts toward the aft of the ship, out of sight of the ladder that leads down below. It was there that she found a few barrels that reeked of waste material. With a resenting look and a despising shake of her head, the woman moves toward the large barrels and works her way behind them, a retching gag coming from her. But from where she chose to sit and watch, despite the far more than unpleasant smells, she considered herself well-hidden and yet able to watch the movements of all that came up from below deck.
Flopping an arm mercifully over her nose, Kaelyn settled back for the passing day until life made an appearance in the form of men coming forward, preparing to set sail. As she sat behind the few barrels, curled and tucked away, only one snide comment crossed her mind with each waft of the disgusting stench she got.
'That bastard owes me big for keeping to my deal....'
-
Gregory Hardcast
- Posts: 152
- Joined: Tue May 06, 2008 9:01 pm
‘Hey. Wake up noble boy.’
The harsh, mocking tone of a burly, muscled looking crewmember filtered through Greg’s ears, and he opened a single eye, only to give a splutter and a shout as a bucket of cold water was hurled into his face. Dripping onto the wooden floor, the blonde haired man opened both eyes, and took in his surroundings with a grimace, the memory of his capture flooding back. He was chained to the wall of what appeared to be a ships cabin, fairly large, his arms and legs manacled to the walls, dried blood on his head, his clothes ripped and worn. The burly crewmember, with his cropped hair suggesting he had once been a soldier, was standing over him, expression cold and ruthless. A desk and bunk was situated to the right of the cabin, and seated at it, though not facing him, Greg instantly recognised the fat, sling wielding figure who was his last memory before losing consciousness. At the fat man’s side was a tall, athletic, handsome darkskinned man with a scimitar at his waist, whose expression, like the burly crewman was cold and businesslike.
A small groan escaped Greg’s parched lips, and his throat ached, letting him suddenly realise that he was incredibly thirsty. He coughed weakly, and attempted a smile at the fat man, who appeared to be writing on a parchment, his hair plastered over his face, wild, wet from a mixture of blood and sea water.
‘Sir..? If you wouldn’t mind, im thirsty.’
Greg spoke in a cracked, hopeful voice, ‘Some water?’ The darkskinned man shifted a little to his left, the fat man pausing in his writing and giving a high, nasal laugh, lifting a pudgy hand in response.
‘Awake are we? Bran, give him thome water. We muthn’t let our friend become.. thpoiled.’
He giggled at his own joke, his round bulk rising from the chair, while the burly crewman in front of greg took out a small gourd, uncorked it, and roughly gripped his nose, forcing the Albarian’s mouth open, and letting the water pour in. Greg coughed and spluttered, choking as he swallowed as much as he could, before the gourd was pulled away, and he dropped his head down to his chest, half-closing his eyes in anguish.
‘May I ask why I’ve been captured.. sir?’
‘Pleathe, call me thquid dear.’
The fat gynkesian giggled, pushing past the darkskinned guard, and walking up to the captee, as Bran gave a grunt, turning to leave the cabin. Greg gave a grimace as the Squid approached him, patting his cheek with a fleshy palm. ‘You mean you don’t know?’ He asked, looking down at him with bemusement, taking out an apple and biting into it. Greg lowered his chin, eyes shifting down, not answering. He almost certainly knew, but he was hoping.. praying for some other cause. ‘It theemth that your Daddy ith motht upthet with you. And your Daddy payth uncle thquid well.’ The fat man leered down at him, bits of food still in his mouth, his small darkish eyes flitting over the Albarian. Greg gave a dull nod at the mans words. He had been a fool to ever imagine his father would just give up. He had been a total, complete fool. He supposed that he had been hoping, against all hope that his father would see sense and leave him in peace.
‘And I suppose there is nothing I can say or do to convince you otherwise hm?’
Greg muttered angrily, his eyes flitting over at the open cabin door, the rolling deck sending a small wave of nausea up through his stomach. The Squid gave a shrieking giggle, and he patted Greg’s cheek again, before sending a grin over at the darkskinned guard as he spoke.
‘Oh there are plenty of thingth you can do for the thquid dear, ithnt that right Drett?’
The darkskinned man turned his head a bit, giving the fat man a blank, emotionless glare, causing the squid to quaver, and turn away, grumbling at Greg. ‘Oh heth no fun. Well anywayth.. your father wantth you ‘unthpoiled’, tho im afraid that ith out of the quethtion. Perhapth another time.’ A few flecks of spit hit the blonde man’s face, and he grimaced, glancing aside, before speaking again, his voice dull, bored, almost surrendering.
‘So how long till we reach.. home?’
The squid tossed the half-eaten apple over his shoulder, and began counting on his chubby fingers, before cursing and glancing over his shoulder at Drett, who gave another shift forwards, speaking in a deep voice.
‘Two weeks captain, provided our weather holds.’
The squid gave him a nod, before looking back to Greg with a sigh, lifting his shoulders in a shrug.
‘It theemth we only have 14 dayth together my dear, but thuch ith the will of the godth eh?’
He gave him a simpering smirk, but the blonde haired man was already ignoring him, lost in his thoughts. Kaelyn would find out he was missing soon enough, he was sure of it, and she knew about his father. Maybe she would put two and two together, hire a vessel and follow? He glanced to the side, pulling at his chained ankles, trying to escape the man’s breath. At least it was something he could hope for..
‘Captain! Captain!’
There was a hammering on the cabin door, and the squid’s grin vanished, his dark, greedy eyes snapping away from Greg onto the door, turning aside, and grumbling at the interruption, speaking a single word.
‘Yeth?’
The door opened, and the man known as Bran stood in the doorway, slightly out of breath, but with a triumphant smirk on his lips. He stepped inside, and glanced around before speaking.
‘Me and two others found someone. Or, caught someone rather. Some female stowaway. She was hiding behind the piss buckets, stupid thing. Pretty though. Thought you’d like to know captain.’
The squid gave a gleeful little laugh, clapping his hands together and rubbing them, licking his lips, before giving an impatient wave of his hand.
‘Yeth yeth.. fine work Bran dear. Bring the little thparrow here would you? And make thure the (she) ith bound. Thith ITH exciting!’
Squid gave a gurgling laugh, and the military looking Bran smirked in response, saluting and turning away. Greg, throughout all this, had stiffened, his heart beating fast, brain working feverishly as he prayed the person wasn’t the person he thought it was. Gods Kaelyn..
There came the hurried sound of feet from outside, the sounds of someone being dragged, before the cabin door swung carelessly open, and in stepped three people with a figure bound and gagged. Greg closed his eyes.
The harsh, mocking tone of a burly, muscled looking crewmember filtered through Greg’s ears, and he opened a single eye, only to give a splutter and a shout as a bucket of cold water was hurled into his face. Dripping onto the wooden floor, the blonde haired man opened both eyes, and took in his surroundings with a grimace, the memory of his capture flooding back. He was chained to the wall of what appeared to be a ships cabin, fairly large, his arms and legs manacled to the walls, dried blood on his head, his clothes ripped and worn. The burly crewmember, with his cropped hair suggesting he had once been a soldier, was standing over him, expression cold and ruthless. A desk and bunk was situated to the right of the cabin, and seated at it, though not facing him, Greg instantly recognised the fat, sling wielding figure who was his last memory before losing consciousness. At the fat man’s side was a tall, athletic, handsome darkskinned man with a scimitar at his waist, whose expression, like the burly crewman was cold and businesslike.
A small groan escaped Greg’s parched lips, and his throat ached, letting him suddenly realise that he was incredibly thirsty. He coughed weakly, and attempted a smile at the fat man, who appeared to be writing on a parchment, his hair plastered over his face, wild, wet from a mixture of blood and sea water.
‘Sir..? If you wouldn’t mind, im thirsty.’
Greg spoke in a cracked, hopeful voice, ‘Some water?’ The darkskinned man shifted a little to his left, the fat man pausing in his writing and giving a high, nasal laugh, lifting a pudgy hand in response.
‘Awake are we? Bran, give him thome water. We muthn’t let our friend become.. thpoiled.’
He giggled at his own joke, his round bulk rising from the chair, while the burly crewman in front of greg took out a small gourd, uncorked it, and roughly gripped his nose, forcing the Albarian’s mouth open, and letting the water pour in. Greg coughed and spluttered, choking as he swallowed as much as he could, before the gourd was pulled away, and he dropped his head down to his chest, half-closing his eyes in anguish.
‘May I ask why I’ve been captured.. sir?’
‘Pleathe, call me thquid dear.’
The fat gynkesian giggled, pushing past the darkskinned guard, and walking up to the captee, as Bran gave a grunt, turning to leave the cabin. Greg gave a grimace as the Squid approached him, patting his cheek with a fleshy palm. ‘You mean you don’t know?’ He asked, looking down at him with bemusement, taking out an apple and biting into it. Greg lowered his chin, eyes shifting down, not answering. He almost certainly knew, but he was hoping.. praying for some other cause. ‘It theemth that your Daddy ith motht upthet with you. And your Daddy payth uncle thquid well.’ The fat man leered down at him, bits of food still in his mouth, his small darkish eyes flitting over the Albarian. Greg gave a dull nod at the mans words. He had been a fool to ever imagine his father would just give up. He had been a total, complete fool. He supposed that he had been hoping, against all hope that his father would see sense and leave him in peace.
‘And I suppose there is nothing I can say or do to convince you otherwise hm?’
Greg muttered angrily, his eyes flitting over at the open cabin door, the rolling deck sending a small wave of nausea up through his stomach. The Squid gave a shrieking giggle, and he patted Greg’s cheek again, before sending a grin over at the darkskinned guard as he spoke.
‘Oh there are plenty of thingth you can do for the thquid dear, ithnt that right Drett?’
The darkskinned man turned his head a bit, giving the fat man a blank, emotionless glare, causing the squid to quaver, and turn away, grumbling at Greg. ‘Oh heth no fun. Well anywayth.. your father wantth you ‘unthpoiled’, tho im afraid that ith out of the quethtion. Perhapth another time.’ A few flecks of spit hit the blonde man’s face, and he grimaced, glancing aside, before speaking again, his voice dull, bored, almost surrendering.
‘So how long till we reach.. home?’
The squid tossed the half-eaten apple over his shoulder, and began counting on his chubby fingers, before cursing and glancing over his shoulder at Drett, who gave another shift forwards, speaking in a deep voice.
‘Two weeks captain, provided our weather holds.’
The squid gave him a nod, before looking back to Greg with a sigh, lifting his shoulders in a shrug.
‘It theemth we only have 14 dayth together my dear, but thuch ith the will of the godth eh?’
He gave him a simpering smirk, but the blonde haired man was already ignoring him, lost in his thoughts. Kaelyn would find out he was missing soon enough, he was sure of it, and she knew about his father. Maybe she would put two and two together, hire a vessel and follow? He glanced to the side, pulling at his chained ankles, trying to escape the man’s breath. At least it was something he could hope for..
‘Captain! Captain!’
There was a hammering on the cabin door, and the squid’s grin vanished, his dark, greedy eyes snapping away from Greg onto the door, turning aside, and grumbling at the interruption, speaking a single word.
‘Yeth?’
The door opened, and the man known as Bran stood in the doorway, slightly out of breath, but with a triumphant smirk on his lips. He stepped inside, and glanced around before speaking.
‘Me and two others found someone. Or, caught someone rather. Some female stowaway. She was hiding behind the piss buckets, stupid thing. Pretty though. Thought you’d like to know captain.’
The squid gave a gleeful little laugh, clapping his hands together and rubbing them, licking his lips, before giving an impatient wave of his hand.
‘Yeth yeth.. fine work Bran dear. Bring the little thparrow here would you? And make thure the (she) ith bound. Thith ITH exciting!’
Squid gave a gurgling laugh, and the military looking Bran smirked in response, saluting and turning away. Greg, throughout all this, had stiffened, his heart beating fast, brain working feverishly as he prayed the person wasn’t the person he thought it was. Gods Kaelyn..
There came the hurried sound of feet from outside, the sounds of someone being dragged, before the cabin door swung carelessly open, and in stepped three people with a figure bound and gagged. Greg closed his eyes.
Ever since life began to show itself on the deck of the ship, in the form of burly men shouting out crude orders and setting the sails of the large ship, the figure curled up behind the large, stench-filled barrels had become alert. Crouched on her knees, Kaelyn sat patiently watching the crew move about their business. There was a certain tension about her as she idly chewed on a nail of her thumb, eyes flicking over each man that passed by. It didn't help that she knew without a doubt that she was probably in the worst possible hiding place imaginable.
And such a point proved itself blatantly before long. It had barely been two hours since the ship had pushed off from Gobaith's wharf that a bellow from a large, dark skinned man made Kaelyn's heart skip a beat. As the man stepped from the cabin of the ship, arms folded over his chest in military fashion, the woman could see his eyes turn directly toward her. Seconds later, the man had reached out to stop another, pointing a massive hand toward the barrels she sat behind.
"Dump those damn piss buckets now. It'll have the whole crew smelling if it else!"
The scrawny, rat-like man that got assigned such a joyful task stopped short with a glare to the larger man. However, he turned about with a rather prominent curse and walked forward over the wooden deck, shoulders rolled forward and thin, pale lips moving with voiceless mutters. Kaelyn instantly drew lower, her hands bracing against the floor beneath her as the man walked closer. She grimaced as her fingertips slid over the wet surface, resulting from a mixture of water spray and Gods know what else. With a quick look to either side, Kaelyn muttered a low curse to herself now. She had no chance to escape unseen.
With the help of another man that he had called over, the rat-like sailor reached the barrels and began shoving them aside. It was then that Kaelyn jumped up, attempting to skip past the two men before they had even known what happened. However, luck would have that the second man, the bulky sort with cold eyes and huge arms, had much better reflexes than anyone would have thought. As the woman darted between them, a loud shout came from the larger man as he reached out with a ham-like fist. Kaelyn, already sliding along the deck for her bare feet an inexperience aboard ship, stumbled as her arm was caught in mid swing. A yelp came from the woman as she slammed hard into the deck belly-first, her free hand just barely breaking her fall. Her other arm, caught well in the iron fist of the large man, was twisted behind her back. Shouts rang up, inaudible to Kaelyn's ringing ears and swaying vision as she hesitated in order to catch the breath that had been solidly knocked from her in the fall.
As her vision cleared, the woman let a strangled, angry sound come from her as she pulled forward in a rather vain attempt to escape. It was then that both men near her took over, one shouting aloud to call over the large, dark skinned Bran. A knee landed between Kaelyn's shoulder blades with bruising force and her other hand was grabbed, twisted behind her ruthlessly. Another groping hand seized a fistful of her cropped, darkish hair to pull her chin up from the floor. The action allowed her to look at the approaching Bran, a reckless grin on her lips despite the bottom one having been busted and bleeding. Bran reached down to take one of her arms, pulling her up with force as he nodded to the rat-like man again.
"Rope. I'll hold her as you get her tied up."
The small man nodded as Kaelyn found herself wrenched up fully. It was then that a laugh came from her as she thrashed against Bran's grasp. With another anguished shout, she threw her shoulders forward to break the man's grasp that was held on her. With a grunt in return, Bran once more wrestled her to the ground, pinning her there with a curse. The rat-like man hurried over, handing the rope to the larger man. With almost practiced ease, Bran took Kaelyn's arms behind her and bound the wrists together solidly. Again, the woman felt herself pulled to her feet. Another irritated sound was cut off suddenly as she found rolled cloth shoved against her mouth, gagging her briefly as it was tied behind her head.
The other, pale large man that had originally caught her took over at that point, sneering at Kaelyn as Bran breathlessly straightened and moved off to the cabin. Once the dark skinned man had disappeared below, Kaelyn felt a hand slam between her shoulder blades as she was forced forward. Teeth clenching down on the gag in her mouth, which tasted sickeningly sour, the woman moved forward grudgingly to avoid the pressure on the bruise already spreading across her skin.
"Thith ITH exthiting!"
As Kaelyn was pressed down the stairs to the cabin, she could feel the hair on the back of her neck stand up at the annoying, lisping voice that reached her ears. The door opened before her and she found herself herded in by the two men that had caught her. As she stepped into the cabin of sorts, she couldn't help a muffled chuckle. Dark eyes flicked over Bran, then to the roll of lard that enjoyed calling himself the Squid before last landing on the shackled, alert form of Gregory. A reckless look sparked in her eyes then before it was just as quickly extinguished, replaced solidly with irritation as she found herself forced to one knee, her bound hands writhing against the rope behind her back. A bony hand, that of the rat-like man, reached forward to grip the tie of her gag, forcing her chin back as the fat Gynk strode up. The look he received was pure retaliation and dare.
And such a point proved itself blatantly before long. It had barely been two hours since the ship had pushed off from Gobaith's wharf that a bellow from a large, dark skinned man made Kaelyn's heart skip a beat. As the man stepped from the cabin of the ship, arms folded over his chest in military fashion, the woman could see his eyes turn directly toward her. Seconds later, the man had reached out to stop another, pointing a massive hand toward the barrels she sat behind.
"Dump those damn piss buckets now. It'll have the whole crew smelling if it else!"
The scrawny, rat-like man that got assigned such a joyful task stopped short with a glare to the larger man. However, he turned about with a rather prominent curse and walked forward over the wooden deck, shoulders rolled forward and thin, pale lips moving with voiceless mutters. Kaelyn instantly drew lower, her hands bracing against the floor beneath her as the man walked closer. She grimaced as her fingertips slid over the wet surface, resulting from a mixture of water spray and Gods know what else. With a quick look to either side, Kaelyn muttered a low curse to herself now. She had no chance to escape unseen.
With the help of another man that he had called over, the rat-like sailor reached the barrels and began shoving them aside. It was then that Kaelyn jumped up, attempting to skip past the two men before they had even known what happened. However, luck would have that the second man, the bulky sort with cold eyes and huge arms, had much better reflexes than anyone would have thought. As the woman darted between them, a loud shout came from the larger man as he reached out with a ham-like fist. Kaelyn, already sliding along the deck for her bare feet an inexperience aboard ship, stumbled as her arm was caught in mid swing. A yelp came from the woman as she slammed hard into the deck belly-first, her free hand just barely breaking her fall. Her other arm, caught well in the iron fist of the large man, was twisted behind her back. Shouts rang up, inaudible to Kaelyn's ringing ears and swaying vision as she hesitated in order to catch the breath that had been solidly knocked from her in the fall.
As her vision cleared, the woman let a strangled, angry sound come from her as she pulled forward in a rather vain attempt to escape. It was then that both men near her took over, one shouting aloud to call over the large, dark skinned Bran. A knee landed between Kaelyn's shoulder blades with bruising force and her other hand was grabbed, twisted behind her ruthlessly. Another groping hand seized a fistful of her cropped, darkish hair to pull her chin up from the floor. The action allowed her to look at the approaching Bran, a reckless grin on her lips despite the bottom one having been busted and bleeding. Bran reached down to take one of her arms, pulling her up with force as he nodded to the rat-like man again.
"Rope. I'll hold her as you get her tied up."
The small man nodded as Kaelyn found herself wrenched up fully. It was then that a laugh came from her as she thrashed against Bran's grasp. With another anguished shout, she threw her shoulders forward to break the man's grasp that was held on her. With a grunt in return, Bran once more wrestled her to the ground, pinning her there with a curse. The rat-like man hurried over, handing the rope to the larger man. With almost practiced ease, Bran took Kaelyn's arms behind her and bound the wrists together solidly. Again, the woman felt herself pulled to her feet. Another irritated sound was cut off suddenly as she found rolled cloth shoved against her mouth, gagging her briefly as it was tied behind her head.
The other, pale large man that had originally caught her took over at that point, sneering at Kaelyn as Bran breathlessly straightened and moved off to the cabin. Once the dark skinned man had disappeared below, Kaelyn felt a hand slam between her shoulder blades as she was forced forward. Teeth clenching down on the gag in her mouth, which tasted sickeningly sour, the woman moved forward grudgingly to avoid the pressure on the bruise already spreading across her skin.
"Thith ITH exthiting!"
As Kaelyn was pressed down the stairs to the cabin, she could feel the hair on the back of her neck stand up at the annoying, lisping voice that reached her ears. The door opened before her and she found herself herded in by the two men that had caught her. As she stepped into the cabin of sorts, she couldn't help a muffled chuckle. Dark eyes flicked over Bran, then to the roll of lard that enjoyed calling himself the Squid before last landing on the shackled, alert form of Gregory. A reckless look sparked in her eyes then before it was just as quickly extinguished, replaced solidly with irritation as she found herself forced to one knee, her bound hands writhing against the rope behind her back. A bony hand, that of the rat-like man, reached forward to grip the tie of her gag, forcing her chin back as the fat Gynk strode up. The look he received was pure retaliation and dare.
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Gregory Hardcast
- Posts: 152
- Joined: Tue May 06, 2008 9:01 pm
'Leave uth.'
The squid snapped at the ratty man and other crewmember, who reluctantly left, closing the cabin door shut behind them, leaving the room occupied by Greg, Kaelyn, the squid and the darkskinned sellsword named Bran. The squid then clapped his hands.
'Wine, if you pleathe.'
Bran turned around, walking swiftly over to a wooden cupboard on the other side of the room, opening it, retrieving a corked bottle with a dark liquid inside, and two glass goblets. Gregory, trying to make eye contact with Kaelyn, mouthed, how did you get caught? He blinked, looking away as the wine was placed on the desk, and bran hoisted kaelyn to her feet, and ripped the gag roughly from her mouth. The Squid gurgled happily, pouring himself a large glass, raising it to her as she was made to sit in the chair opposite him, before pouring the dark, dirty looking wine down his throat, drops pouring down his chin. He licked his lips, before speaking.
'Tho what are you doing on my thip, my dear thparrow?'
He gave her a simpering smile, yellow teeth stained red from the wine, offering her a full glass in a fat hand, as Greg gritted his teeth, looking from one to the other.
The squid snapped at the ratty man and other crewmember, who reluctantly left, closing the cabin door shut behind them, leaving the room occupied by Greg, Kaelyn, the squid and the darkskinned sellsword named Bran. The squid then clapped his hands.
'Wine, if you pleathe.'
Bran turned around, walking swiftly over to a wooden cupboard on the other side of the room, opening it, retrieving a corked bottle with a dark liquid inside, and two glass goblets. Gregory, trying to make eye contact with Kaelyn, mouthed, how did you get caught? He blinked, looking away as the wine was placed on the desk, and bran hoisted kaelyn to her feet, and ripped the gag roughly from her mouth. The Squid gurgled happily, pouring himself a large glass, raising it to her as she was made to sit in the chair opposite him, before pouring the dark, dirty looking wine down his throat, drops pouring down his chin. He licked his lips, before speaking.
'Tho what are you doing on my thip, my dear thparrow?'
He gave her a simpering smile, yellow teeth stained red from the wine, offering her a full glass in a fat hand, as Greg gritted his teeth, looking from one to the other.
As the two men reluctantly turn to move off, Kaelyn jerks her shoulders forward upon release. A muffled growl of sorts is heard as she keeps her eyes on the fat man before her, a reckless and daring look to them. Her eyes follow him pointedly as he shifted, calling upon the large bodyguard of a man to retrieve the wine. Only after the dark-skinned Bran had stepped aside do Kaelyn's eyes run over to Gregory, briefly catching his mouthed words. With gag still in place, she can do no more than give him a slow, reckless grin into the material that matches the look in her eyes with ease.
Her look is shattered though, replaced by irritation once more as she is hefted onto her feet. The sensation of the bitter rag being jerked from her mouth causes her to wince, eyes closing briefly as she works her jaw to either side. Shaking her head with a low chuckle, she opens her eyes once more to watch the man Squid. Her knees lock in resistance before she is forced down into the wooden chair, her hands forced to stop their incessant writhing against their rope bonds.
After the Squid asks his question, Kaelyn inhales deeply, a low sound made before she blatantly spits at the feet of the simpering man. Her reply is snapped, if nothing more.
"Like it damn well matters why I'm here, you vile, obnoxious chunk of Gynkese lard.."
She rocks forward to the man, a sneer on her lips before she finds her daring advance halted roughly by large hands that grasp either shoulder and slam her back against the chair she sits. Her chin lifts up, the twisted grin remaining on her lips as she watches the man seated before her passively, blatantly refusing the goblet handed her.
Her look is shattered though, replaced by irritation once more as she is hefted onto her feet. The sensation of the bitter rag being jerked from her mouth causes her to wince, eyes closing briefly as she works her jaw to either side. Shaking her head with a low chuckle, she opens her eyes once more to watch the man Squid. Her knees lock in resistance before she is forced down into the wooden chair, her hands forced to stop their incessant writhing against their rope bonds.
After the Squid asks his question, Kaelyn inhales deeply, a low sound made before she blatantly spits at the feet of the simpering man. Her reply is snapped, if nothing more.
"Like it damn well matters why I'm here, you vile, obnoxious chunk of Gynkese lard.."
She rocks forward to the man, a sneer on her lips before she finds her daring advance halted roughly by large hands that grasp either shoulder and slam her back against the chair she sits. Her chin lifts up, the twisted grin remaining on her lips as she watches the man seated before her passively, blatantly refusing the goblet handed her.
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Gregory Hardcast
- Posts: 152
- Joined: Tue May 06, 2008 9:01 pm
The fat gynk's small, piggy eyes blinked at this, before he gave another gurgling laugh, withdrawing the goblet and taking a sip. Greg bit back the urge to shout out, focusing on a wooden plank a few paces to the left, his body tensed. The squid sat back on his chair, and grinned happily, looking from kaelyn to Greg.
'Oh but i think it doeth, little thparrow.. why are you looking at my friend hm?'
Gregs face remained emotionless as the squid got up, ignoring kaelyns reaction, and moving with surprising speed over towards Greg, and tapping the mans cheek, and grinning, bending close to his ear, spittle flying from his mouth as he spoke.
'Who ith the?'
Greg lifted his chin, and looked from the woman to the gynk, expression puzzled, before shrugging, and glancing away.
'I have never seen her before. Perhaps she sneaked on board by mistake?'
The squid stared at him for a few moments, before smiling, straightening up and adjusting his belt. Then, in a single movement, he flicked out a knife, and held the point just against Gregs left eye. He turned to look at the woman, smirking, as Bran moved to stand behind her, arms folded over his heavily muscled, bare chest.
'It theems you have a choithe, my dear. If you can correctly tell me thith manth name, i will leave him intact. If not.. i will take hith eye.'
Greg stared up at the knife in abject horror, pulling back his head as far as he could, deliberately not looking at Kaelyn. The gynk kept his knife in place, his smirk now replaced with a more businesslike, cold expression as he eyed the woman.
'Oh but i think it doeth, little thparrow.. why are you looking at my friend hm?'
Gregs face remained emotionless as the squid got up, ignoring kaelyns reaction, and moving with surprising speed over towards Greg, and tapping the mans cheek, and grinning, bending close to his ear, spittle flying from his mouth as he spoke.
'Who ith the?'
Greg lifted his chin, and looked from the woman to the gynk, expression puzzled, before shrugging, and glancing away.
'I have never seen her before. Perhaps she sneaked on board by mistake?'
The squid stared at him for a few moments, before smiling, straightening up and adjusting his belt. Then, in a single movement, he flicked out a knife, and held the point just against Gregs left eye. He turned to look at the woman, smirking, as Bran moved to stand behind her, arms folded over his heavily muscled, bare chest.
'It theems you have a choithe, my dear. If you can correctly tell me thith manth name, i will leave him intact. If not.. i will take hith eye.'
Greg stared up at the knife in abject horror, pulling back his head as far as he could, deliberately not looking at Kaelyn. The gynk kept his knife in place, his smirk now replaced with a more businesslike, cold expression as he eyed the woman.
The woman's lips remained in their sadistic little grin after her snapped words. She expected a malignant reply in the least, an insulted gasp, a slap across her face or perhaps a return of insults. When the man simply sat back with a heavy chortle, Kaelyn felt herself slightly confused. At least the bastard had some sort of control, she idly thought to herself.
Her eyes dropped slowly to the goblet in the man's hand, shifting her bottom jaw in thought as he spoke. The implied reference to Gregory made her eyes flick back to the disgusting pudge of a face. She made no move to answer his question, which was all well as he stood directly after and made his way to the Albarian. Kaelyn's chin tucked slowly against her chest as she watched the large back of the Squid with clear resentment, more harsh words bit back in her expression.
In silence, she watched the brief discussion exchange between the Albarian and Gynk men, only a shrug given in reply to Gregory's words. Nothing new to her, to be suddenly unknown in a tense situation. And she would have been fine with it left there, had the Squid not suddenly turned to face her. At the sight of the blade near Gregory, Kaelyn tensed all but visibly. She took a slow breath, as if retaining herself as she stared pointedly to the fat Gynkese man.
A choice. Interesting predicament he put her in. She chuckled lowly before tilting her chin up and answering in a calm but resenting voice.
"His name? Why, of course I can give you his name, as he found need to shout it every time he walked the streets of Troll's Bane, the Albarian bastard."
It was there that her eyes flicked over to Gregory, believable hatred in her eyes though the cold look wavered vaguely.
"Sir Gregory Hardcast, son of Lord Hardcast of Albar. Suppose he thought that title of his would get him special treatment and maybe a bit of fear from women."
Again, the words were snapped. Kaelyn hesitated there, running her tongue over her lips as they twitched up into the sneer once more.
"But please. Save his pretty blue eyes so he's not a shame to his family for being a bit ugly. Wouldn't do well for you to make the Lord's son a horror to look at, eh?"
Her eyes dropped slowly to the goblet in the man's hand, shifting her bottom jaw in thought as he spoke. The implied reference to Gregory made her eyes flick back to the disgusting pudge of a face. She made no move to answer his question, which was all well as he stood directly after and made his way to the Albarian. Kaelyn's chin tucked slowly against her chest as she watched the large back of the Squid with clear resentment, more harsh words bit back in her expression.
In silence, she watched the brief discussion exchange between the Albarian and Gynk men, only a shrug given in reply to Gregory's words. Nothing new to her, to be suddenly unknown in a tense situation. And she would have been fine with it left there, had the Squid not suddenly turned to face her. At the sight of the blade near Gregory, Kaelyn tensed all but visibly. She took a slow breath, as if retaining herself as she stared pointedly to the fat Gynkese man.
A choice. Interesting predicament he put her in. She chuckled lowly before tilting her chin up and answering in a calm but resenting voice.
"His name? Why, of course I can give you his name, as he found need to shout it every time he walked the streets of Troll's Bane, the Albarian bastard."
It was there that her eyes flicked over to Gregory, believable hatred in her eyes though the cold look wavered vaguely.
"Sir Gregory Hardcast, son of Lord Hardcast of Albar. Suppose he thought that title of his would get him special treatment and maybe a bit of fear from women."
Again, the words were snapped. Kaelyn hesitated there, running her tongue over her lips as they twitched up into the sneer once more.
"But please. Save his pretty blue eyes so he's not a shame to his family for being a bit ugly. Wouldn't do well for you to make the Lord's son a horror to look at, eh?"
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Gregory Hardcast
- Posts: 152
- Joined: Tue May 06, 2008 9:01 pm
Gregory remained tensed throughout the exchange between her and the squid, not moving a muscle as his mind worked feverishly. He stiffened at Kaelyn's words, slowly turning to look at her, before glancing away quickly, biting his lower lip to avoid the grin which threatened to escape. He remained silent, the gynk focusing on the woman, his previous happy look turned to irritation. He lowered the knife, and hurled it at Kaelyn, missing her head by inches and biting into the wooden wall behind her. The squid waddled forward, a vicious scowl on his face. He grabbed the goblet of wine, and emptied it, before flinging it at Bran, who calmly caught it.
'Tho thatth it ith it? Your jutht thome common thtreet rat whothe theaked onto my thip? How dithappointing.'
He walked towards her, arms hanging clumsily by his flabby sides, and he pressed his face close to hers, leering, his breath heavy and reeking. He gave her a look of disdain, before speaking vaguely.
'Well then. I thuppothe the boyth can have you for the night. And when my boyth get a thparrow, the thparrow dont thurvive. A little thparrow starved are my boyth, you could say.'
He smirked triumphantly down at her, placing a fat hand, several fingers ringed on her left leg, his breathing still heavy. At this, Greg managed to relax his body somewhat, collect his desperate thoughts, and clear his throat, causing the squid to turn his head, before speaking clearly.
'Im not sure thats such a good idea.. squid.'
Greg's lips curved into a sneer, as the gynk snapped around, lifting his hand and narrowing an eye. The Albarian gave him a look of utter disdain, before nodding simply at Kaelyn, expression one of noble indifference, moistening his lip before speaking up.
'That woman there is called Felicity Trent, and is the daughter of a highranking noble in Ann-Korr. A noble who is famed for his wealth in emeralds, i might add. You want to pass on an oppurtunity for ransom?'
He lifted a brow as he finished, smirking calmly at the fat man. The gynk gave another high, nasal laugh, and jabbed the tattooed, side of her face with a chubby, sweaty, sausagelike finger.
'You think me a fool boy? That thayth thith one ith a dethert rat. Not thome ann-korr princeth.'
He sneered at him, though he seemed less certain. Greg smiled evenly, and shrugged as best as the chains allowed him to, his eyes drifting over kaelyns face before he replied.
'Actually, desert tattoos have become a fashion among the ladies. Though it doesnt surprise me that you would be ignorant of such a fact.. besides.'
He tilted his head, flashing a smile at him.
'Even if i am lying, are you prepared to risk the possibility of a ransom just so your men can have a few hours pleasure?'
The squid giggled at that, before turning back to kaelyn, licking his lips slowly, adjusting his leather trousers.
'That jutht meanth we dont have to kill her. We can thtill have the pleathure..'
'No you cant.'
Greg cut in sharply, causing the gynk to turn around, and glare at him, before lifting a pudgy hand to wipe his dripping nose. The blonde man offered another calm, slow smile, before speaking once more.
'The nobles in Ann-korr are very particular about the virginity of their daughters. Lord Trent would find Felicity worthless without her maidenhood, and you would receive nothing for her.'
The squid's face reddened, but his glinting eyes suggested he was coming round. Then the natural colour returned to his face, and he grinned at Bran, before speaking to Greg, his tone almost sweet.
'Very well. It theemth Bran and the boyth will go thirthty. But her being a maiden doeth not exclude everything..'
He giggled, covering his mouth with a fat hand, before turning round to face the woman, offering a simpering smile. Greg stiffened at that, narrowing an eye, and jerking his left leg forwards a bit, straining at the shackle. The gynk strode up to the bound woman, and lowered his head, his face set in a horrible leer, before puckering his lips, and attempting to kiss the woman's mouth.
'Tho thatth it ith it? Your jutht thome common thtreet rat whothe theaked onto my thip? How dithappointing.'
He walked towards her, arms hanging clumsily by his flabby sides, and he pressed his face close to hers, leering, his breath heavy and reeking. He gave her a look of disdain, before speaking vaguely.
'Well then. I thuppothe the boyth can have you for the night. And when my boyth get a thparrow, the thparrow dont thurvive. A little thparrow starved are my boyth, you could say.'
He smirked triumphantly down at her, placing a fat hand, several fingers ringed on her left leg, his breathing still heavy. At this, Greg managed to relax his body somewhat, collect his desperate thoughts, and clear his throat, causing the squid to turn his head, before speaking clearly.
'Im not sure thats such a good idea.. squid.'
Greg's lips curved into a sneer, as the gynk snapped around, lifting his hand and narrowing an eye. The Albarian gave him a look of utter disdain, before nodding simply at Kaelyn, expression one of noble indifference, moistening his lip before speaking up.
'That woman there is called Felicity Trent, and is the daughter of a highranking noble in Ann-Korr. A noble who is famed for his wealth in emeralds, i might add. You want to pass on an oppurtunity for ransom?'
He lifted a brow as he finished, smirking calmly at the fat man. The gynk gave another high, nasal laugh, and jabbed the tattooed, side of her face with a chubby, sweaty, sausagelike finger.
'You think me a fool boy? That thayth thith one ith a dethert rat. Not thome ann-korr princeth.'
He sneered at him, though he seemed less certain. Greg smiled evenly, and shrugged as best as the chains allowed him to, his eyes drifting over kaelyns face before he replied.
'Actually, desert tattoos have become a fashion among the ladies. Though it doesnt surprise me that you would be ignorant of such a fact.. besides.'
He tilted his head, flashing a smile at him.
'Even if i am lying, are you prepared to risk the possibility of a ransom just so your men can have a few hours pleasure?'
The squid giggled at that, before turning back to kaelyn, licking his lips slowly, adjusting his leather trousers.
'That jutht meanth we dont have to kill her. We can thtill have the pleathure..'
'No you cant.'
Greg cut in sharply, causing the gynk to turn around, and glare at him, before lifting a pudgy hand to wipe his dripping nose. The blonde man offered another calm, slow smile, before speaking once more.
'The nobles in Ann-korr are very particular about the virginity of their daughters. Lord Trent would find Felicity worthless without her maidenhood, and you would receive nothing for her.'
The squid's face reddened, but his glinting eyes suggested he was coming round. Then the natural colour returned to his face, and he grinned at Bran, before speaking to Greg, his tone almost sweet.
'Very well. It theemth Bran and the boyth will go thirthty. But her being a maiden doeth not exclude everything..'
He giggled, covering his mouth with a fat hand, before turning round to face the woman, offering a simpering smile. Greg stiffened at that, narrowing an eye, and jerking his left leg forwards a bit, straining at the shackle. The gynk strode up to the bound woman, and lowered his head, his face set in a horrible leer, before puckering his lips, and attempting to kiss the woman's mouth.
With her shoulders rolled forward and hitched up in a straining attempt, hands writhing once more against their rope bonds, Kaelyn simply chuckled at the irritation upon the Gynk's face. As his irritation grew, the woman tilted her head to the side as she mirrored his previous simpering grin with one of her own, a mock to it. At the twitch of the fat hand, one of Kaelyn's shoulders dropped sharply, pulling her face away from the side that the dagger passed over, the edge of the blade just slightly grazing against her skin. With the resounding thud of the blade biting into the wall, Kaelyn could not help a full-out, brief laugh.
At the Gynk's words, particularly the sound of "street brat" rolling off his lazy tongue, the laughter faded as did the honest look of mirth on the woman's face. As he approached, Kaelyn once more rolled her shoulders up, holding her face away from the reek of his breath. However, at his voiced, suggesting threat, a slow, bitter smirk replaced the laughter. She did nothing against the fat hand that landed on her leg as her eyes ran down to meet the man's, lips parting to snap a reply.
"I prefer the term des-..."
Gregory's words broke in, drawing the Squid's attention from her before she could finish. With a slow breath in place of the unfinished words, Kaelyn let her gaze run back to the Albarian. In the words that followed, Kaelyn gave Gregory a questioning look from over the shoulder of the Gynkese man. Only when the Squid turned back to her did she let the look drop away flat, a look of disgust on her face as his fat finger prodded against her temple. Her tongue was drawn between her teeth, unseen by the others as she literally bit back another snap at the vile man, instead settling with turning her face away as best she could.
A brief glint of amusement then touched behind her irritation as the men's words continued. Upon Gregory's words of virginity, Kaelyn again gave a mockingly sweet smile and lifted one leg slightly to cross soundly over the other in "modest" fashion. So she remained, poised and silent amidst the talk of the men as her eyes flicked between the two in turn.
But as the Gynkese said his last words and approached her, Kaelyn could feel a cold bristling along her skin. The bastard was adamant, and he didn't plan to play nice at all. Letting her chin drop upon his approach, the woman lifted her eyes to stare pointedly at the fat man. Yet she did not pull away from his approach. Instead, she smiled sweetly, the look seeming honest on her tinted lips before she took another breath and let her eyes turn to Gregory. A look of apology passed over her eyes, head tilted away slightly from the advancing man. Just afterward, she turned fully to the Gynk, a grimace on her lips. Instead of trying her best to avoid the man's kiss, she instead freely allowed it, lifting her chin up to accept the bitter, old taste of alcohol and grime on her lips.
Four, five seconds, she let the contact continue, only to forcibly draw away from the Gynk before her. Turning her head away slightly, it was then that she murmured in a rather soft voice to him, her eyes holding cruel amusement.
"I hope you like the lip paint, dear. Another of the latest fashion from the desert that we Ann-Korr women have picked up."
A wink followed her words as she sat back soundly, eyes settling on the large man before her calmly as she pressed her lips together.
At the Gynk's words, particularly the sound of "street brat" rolling off his lazy tongue, the laughter faded as did the honest look of mirth on the woman's face. As he approached, Kaelyn once more rolled her shoulders up, holding her face away from the reek of his breath. However, at his voiced, suggesting threat, a slow, bitter smirk replaced the laughter. She did nothing against the fat hand that landed on her leg as her eyes ran down to meet the man's, lips parting to snap a reply.
"I prefer the term des-..."
Gregory's words broke in, drawing the Squid's attention from her before she could finish. With a slow breath in place of the unfinished words, Kaelyn let her gaze run back to the Albarian. In the words that followed, Kaelyn gave Gregory a questioning look from over the shoulder of the Gynkese man. Only when the Squid turned back to her did she let the look drop away flat, a look of disgust on her face as his fat finger prodded against her temple. Her tongue was drawn between her teeth, unseen by the others as she literally bit back another snap at the vile man, instead settling with turning her face away as best she could.
A brief glint of amusement then touched behind her irritation as the men's words continued. Upon Gregory's words of virginity, Kaelyn again gave a mockingly sweet smile and lifted one leg slightly to cross soundly over the other in "modest" fashion. So she remained, poised and silent amidst the talk of the men as her eyes flicked between the two in turn.
But as the Gynkese said his last words and approached her, Kaelyn could feel a cold bristling along her skin. The bastard was adamant, and he didn't plan to play nice at all. Letting her chin drop upon his approach, the woman lifted her eyes to stare pointedly at the fat man. Yet she did not pull away from his approach. Instead, she smiled sweetly, the look seeming honest on her tinted lips before she took another breath and let her eyes turn to Gregory. A look of apology passed over her eyes, head tilted away slightly from the advancing man. Just afterward, she turned fully to the Gynk, a grimace on her lips. Instead of trying her best to avoid the man's kiss, she instead freely allowed it, lifting her chin up to accept the bitter, old taste of alcohol and grime on her lips.
Four, five seconds, she let the contact continue, only to forcibly draw away from the Gynk before her. Turning her head away slightly, it was then that she murmured in a rather soft voice to him, her eyes holding cruel amusement.
"I hope you like the lip paint, dear. Another of the latest fashion from the desert that we Ann-Korr women have picked up."
A wink followed her words as she sat back soundly, eyes settling on the large man before her calmly as she pressed her lips together.
-
Gregory Hardcast
- Posts: 152
- Joined: Tue May 06, 2008 9:01 pm
The Albarian stared at the two, his expression a mixture of confusion and incredulity. He lifted a brow at kaelyn's words, before looking at the squid curiously.
The gynk lifted his head as well, a wide grin plastered over his face. He licked his lips, taking the half-full bottle of wine, and taking a sip, sitting himself down on the chair. He gave a gurgling chuckle, nodding to her, rubbing the palms of his hands togethor.
'Oh yeth, very nice. Perhapth our young friend ith right, you didnt tathte like a peasant.'
He looked at her thoughtfully, taking a seat by his desk again, arms folded in his lap. He pushed her the glass of wine again, saying idly.
'Drink it. It ith unwithe to refuthe food and drink when a captive. If there ith one thing i hate, it ith a perthon who dithrethpectth my refrethmentth.'
Bran, the military looking, darkskinned sellsword smirked, though didnt say anything, standing with his arms folded by the exit. Greg couldnt prevent a small smile appearing then, glancing at kaelyn before back to the fat man, who was now taking out what appeared to be a large, meat pie. The squid waddled over to the cabin wall, pulling his knife free, before hurrying back to his desk, and cutting himself a slice, stuffing it into his face, and looking up with a grin, bits of food falling onto the desk as he chewed. He grabbed a handful of pie, offering it to Bran, who instantly without thinking stepped forwards, accepting the food with a muttered thanks. Greg eyed the bizzare scene, one brow lifted, shooting kaelyn amused looks when the others were not watching. The squid leaned back in his chair, speaking as he ate.
'Tho... what to do with you.. what to do. We will arrive on the mainland in a week. Onthe there, we will deal with the cute blonde firtht, before moving onto the noble girl with dethert markingth. If the ith not, ath i thuthpect, noble, we will naturally..'
Suddenly the Squid stopped midsentence, his vague, happy expression stalling, and his mouth closed, bulging a little as he shifted in his seat, before the man let out an almighty belch. His face went pale, his mouth repeatedly opening and closing as his eyes appeared to widen. Gregory could not prevent a choked laugh, and even bran appeared amused. The squid then turned his head, and vomited all over the floor beside his chair, his face suddenly completely pale. He stood up shakily, his chest heaving, his breath coming out in heavy pants.
'We will.. adjourn thith.. meeting.'
He staggered over to the large bunk in the corner, and sat on it, his flabby belly sagging forwards, his chubby hands clasped over it as he gasped for air.
'Bran.. take the girl and keep her in the hold.. you are rethponthible for her. Our other friend will thtay here.. with..'
He didnt finish the sentence, his head lurching forwards, a fresh wave of vomit coming forth. Greg was now staring suspiciously at kaelyn, his mind working fast. Bran wordlessly grabbed kaelyn by the waist, his large arms dragging her upright and pulling her roughly forwards, and out of the room, closing the door behind him. Either kaelyn was right to refuse his drink.. or that wasnt a normal kiss. The albarian smirked, his blue eyes fixed on the Gynk, who was now lying on his back, small moans of pain coming from the corpulent, lisping squid, before he let out a long wail.
'Oh.. godth.. IT HURTTH!!'
The gynk lifted his head as well, a wide grin plastered over his face. He licked his lips, taking the half-full bottle of wine, and taking a sip, sitting himself down on the chair. He gave a gurgling chuckle, nodding to her, rubbing the palms of his hands togethor.
'Oh yeth, very nice. Perhapth our young friend ith right, you didnt tathte like a peasant.'
He looked at her thoughtfully, taking a seat by his desk again, arms folded in his lap. He pushed her the glass of wine again, saying idly.
'Drink it. It ith unwithe to refuthe food and drink when a captive. If there ith one thing i hate, it ith a perthon who dithrethpectth my refrethmentth.'
Bran, the military looking, darkskinned sellsword smirked, though didnt say anything, standing with his arms folded by the exit. Greg couldnt prevent a small smile appearing then, glancing at kaelyn before back to the fat man, who was now taking out what appeared to be a large, meat pie. The squid waddled over to the cabin wall, pulling his knife free, before hurrying back to his desk, and cutting himself a slice, stuffing it into his face, and looking up with a grin, bits of food falling onto the desk as he chewed. He grabbed a handful of pie, offering it to Bran, who instantly without thinking stepped forwards, accepting the food with a muttered thanks. Greg eyed the bizzare scene, one brow lifted, shooting kaelyn amused looks when the others were not watching. The squid leaned back in his chair, speaking as he ate.
'Tho... what to do with you.. what to do. We will arrive on the mainland in a week. Onthe there, we will deal with the cute blonde firtht, before moving onto the noble girl with dethert markingth. If the ith not, ath i thuthpect, noble, we will naturally..'
Suddenly the Squid stopped midsentence, his vague, happy expression stalling, and his mouth closed, bulging a little as he shifted in his seat, before the man let out an almighty belch. His face went pale, his mouth repeatedly opening and closing as his eyes appeared to widen. Gregory could not prevent a choked laugh, and even bran appeared amused. The squid then turned his head, and vomited all over the floor beside his chair, his face suddenly completely pale. He stood up shakily, his chest heaving, his breath coming out in heavy pants.
'We will.. adjourn thith.. meeting.'
He staggered over to the large bunk in the corner, and sat on it, his flabby belly sagging forwards, his chubby hands clasped over it as he gasped for air.
'Bran.. take the girl and keep her in the hold.. you are rethponthible for her. Our other friend will thtay here.. with..'
He didnt finish the sentence, his head lurching forwards, a fresh wave of vomit coming forth. Greg was now staring suspiciously at kaelyn, his mind working fast. Bran wordlessly grabbed kaelyn by the waist, his large arms dragging her upright and pulling her roughly forwards, and out of the room, closing the door behind him. Either kaelyn was right to refuse his drink.. or that wasnt a normal kiss. The albarian smirked, his blue eyes fixed on the Gynk, who was now lying on his back, small moans of pain coming from the corpulent, lisping squid, before he let out a long wail.
'Oh.. godth.. IT HURTTH!!'
'Yes, peasants taste a bit less tainted' came the thought across Kaelyn's mind as she sat back quietly. She was in a state of revulsion at her own allowances, idly chewing on her colored bottom lip as her eyes coolly watched the fat man. As he returned to his seat on the far side of the desk, the woman lowered her chin to look at the goblet shoved forward. Again, he had seemed to forgotten that her hands were snared behind her bruised back, which pressed up against the chair she sat in. Besides, as Kaelyn stared down into the well of the goblet to the dirty-looking wine, she felt a sickening twinge in her stomach at the mere thought of drinking the vile stuff.
"I am a light eater, sir. Any more and I may well find myself a bit.. Sick.. Especially with the rocking of this ship."
The words slipped from her lips calmly as she turned her eyes back up to the man before her, nose wrinkled in disdain as he pulled out the meat pie. As he stood up and moved around to retrieve the blade stuck into the wooden wall, Kaelyn let her gaze drop over to Gregory, one corner of her lips playing in a sly grin. There was a touch of cruelness to the look she had given him, unusual in her appearance to the man.
Upon the Squid's return to his chair yet again, the woman turned her now slightly bored look to him. She watched in idle silence as he sliced the meat pie and handed over the portion to the large Bran before indulging recklessly in his own share. As the time passed, Kaelyn's eyes slowly narrowed into a cool glare of sorts. Her lips moved just slightly in her silence, as if she were counting off something, yet the words formed on those lips seemed foreign, of her own native tongue. She ignored the Squid's talk, paying no attention until he stopped suddenly.
At the loud belch, instead of a chuckle or snicker that Bran and Gregory shared, Kaelyn simply raised both brows. Her wordless counting came to a stop, watching the Squid and his bulging eyes passively. When he twisted to the side, the sound of retching coming from him, her only reply was that same, sly grin crossing her lips in a satisfactory manner. She watched the man heave up and stumble toward the bunk, herself giving a placid air as she uncrossed her legs and stretched them slowly before her.
"Tisk. Seems the sea sickness got to you as well, dear. What humiliation for a sailor."
She spoke around the man's breathless words, her eyes resting on Gregory once more. She met his suspicious look evenly, the smile remaining on her lips even as she was pulled up from her chair. Kaelyn let herself be pulled forward without a fight, moving before the large Bran out of the door, walking as steadily as she could over the shifting floor of the ship.
Once exiting the first room, Kaelyn found herself steered down a narrow corridor of sorts into another, less grand room. As the door was shoved open by the massive hand of Bran, the woman walked into a dim-lit room, consisting only of a hung lantern and a single chair that tended to slide about a bit with each dip of the ship. Not even a bed was set in the dust-filled room, which caused a low sigh to come from the woman.
"I thought he said to take me to the hold, now?"
Kaelyn idly muttered over her shoulder as she came to a stop in the midst of the empty room. She only got a grunted reply as the door closed, the sound of a key scraping against a lock meeting her ears. Turning on the balls of her feet, Kaelyn looked over the large man that had been commanded to accompany her, raising a brow in question.
"This locks. Smaller than the hold too."
Such was the only reply she got as the man knocked a knuckle against the heavy but well-worn door. With an irritated roll of her eyes, Kaelyn looked about the place before she shifted her hands behind her, grunting.
"Good, good. It locks. Now... Since I'm stuck in a locked room... In the middle of the ocean as it is... Are you still afraid I'm going to suddenly vanish and run off?"
The words were muttered irritably as she hitched a shoulder up, motioning to the tight rope bonds about her wrists. With a brief hesitation, Bran grunted and leaned from the door, a hand grabbing her shoulder and turning her about roughly as he set to untie the rope. As he pulled the bonds away, Kaelyn brought her arms before her with a slight wince, shaking her hands a bit before rubbing the already raw circles along her wrists. Her head lifted, then, as the muffled echo of an agonized wail came from down the narrow passageway. Turning once more to look past Bran to the locked door, Kaelyn gave a breathy laugh. One hand dropped to the folds of the worn dress where a thin but strong rope encircled her waist, a pouch having sat hidden beneath the draping material.
Two fingers drew out a small circle object, her fingernail unsnapping the dainty clasp. As she set the pad of her small finger against the base of the now open container, Kaelyn let her eyes shift up to Bran. Pulling her finger away and lifting it, she turned it to and fro to allow the color on her small finger to be hit by the dim light of the lantern. The color there was a soft pinkish hue, yet it had a strange oily sheen to it as she idly applied it to her lips in the same fashion any noble lady would set rouge on. Pursing her lips afterward, she clasped the tiny container and set it away quickly.
"They never quite learn. Poor man. Why do you follow command beneath such a blubbering, thick-headed fool, sir?"
Her hand lifted afterward, tucking a strand of brownish hair behind one ear as she spoke, turning her eyes to the large man as she stood aside carelessly.
"I am a light eater, sir. Any more and I may well find myself a bit.. Sick.. Especially with the rocking of this ship."
The words slipped from her lips calmly as she turned her eyes back up to the man before her, nose wrinkled in disdain as he pulled out the meat pie. As he stood up and moved around to retrieve the blade stuck into the wooden wall, Kaelyn let her gaze drop over to Gregory, one corner of her lips playing in a sly grin. There was a touch of cruelness to the look she had given him, unusual in her appearance to the man.
Upon the Squid's return to his chair yet again, the woman turned her now slightly bored look to him. She watched in idle silence as he sliced the meat pie and handed over the portion to the large Bran before indulging recklessly in his own share. As the time passed, Kaelyn's eyes slowly narrowed into a cool glare of sorts. Her lips moved just slightly in her silence, as if she were counting off something, yet the words formed on those lips seemed foreign, of her own native tongue. She ignored the Squid's talk, paying no attention until he stopped suddenly.
At the loud belch, instead of a chuckle or snicker that Bran and Gregory shared, Kaelyn simply raised both brows. Her wordless counting came to a stop, watching the Squid and his bulging eyes passively. When he twisted to the side, the sound of retching coming from him, her only reply was that same, sly grin crossing her lips in a satisfactory manner. She watched the man heave up and stumble toward the bunk, herself giving a placid air as she uncrossed her legs and stretched them slowly before her.
"Tisk. Seems the sea sickness got to you as well, dear. What humiliation for a sailor."
She spoke around the man's breathless words, her eyes resting on Gregory once more. She met his suspicious look evenly, the smile remaining on her lips even as she was pulled up from her chair. Kaelyn let herself be pulled forward without a fight, moving before the large Bran out of the door, walking as steadily as she could over the shifting floor of the ship.
Once exiting the first room, Kaelyn found herself steered down a narrow corridor of sorts into another, less grand room. As the door was shoved open by the massive hand of Bran, the woman walked into a dim-lit room, consisting only of a hung lantern and a single chair that tended to slide about a bit with each dip of the ship. Not even a bed was set in the dust-filled room, which caused a low sigh to come from the woman.
"I thought he said to take me to the hold, now?"
Kaelyn idly muttered over her shoulder as she came to a stop in the midst of the empty room. She only got a grunted reply as the door closed, the sound of a key scraping against a lock meeting her ears. Turning on the balls of her feet, Kaelyn looked over the large man that had been commanded to accompany her, raising a brow in question.
"This locks. Smaller than the hold too."
Such was the only reply she got as the man knocked a knuckle against the heavy but well-worn door. With an irritated roll of her eyes, Kaelyn looked about the place before she shifted her hands behind her, grunting.
"Good, good. It locks. Now... Since I'm stuck in a locked room... In the middle of the ocean as it is... Are you still afraid I'm going to suddenly vanish and run off?"
The words were muttered irritably as she hitched a shoulder up, motioning to the tight rope bonds about her wrists. With a brief hesitation, Bran grunted and leaned from the door, a hand grabbing her shoulder and turning her about roughly as he set to untie the rope. As he pulled the bonds away, Kaelyn brought her arms before her with a slight wince, shaking her hands a bit before rubbing the already raw circles along her wrists. Her head lifted, then, as the muffled echo of an agonized wail came from down the narrow passageway. Turning once more to look past Bran to the locked door, Kaelyn gave a breathy laugh. One hand dropped to the folds of the worn dress where a thin but strong rope encircled her waist, a pouch having sat hidden beneath the draping material.
Two fingers drew out a small circle object, her fingernail unsnapping the dainty clasp. As she set the pad of her small finger against the base of the now open container, Kaelyn let her eyes shift up to Bran. Pulling her finger away and lifting it, she turned it to and fro to allow the color on her small finger to be hit by the dim light of the lantern. The color there was a soft pinkish hue, yet it had a strange oily sheen to it as she idly applied it to her lips in the same fashion any noble lady would set rouge on. Pursing her lips afterward, she clasped the tiny container and set it away quickly.
"They never quite learn. Poor man. Why do you follow command beneath such a blubbering, thick-headed fool, sir?"
Her hand lifted afterward, tucking a strand of brownish hair behind one ear as she spoke, turning her eyes to the large man as she stood aside carelessly.
-
Gregory Hardcast
- Posts: 152
- Joined: Tue May 06, 2008 9:01 pm
------------------------
'There is.. one thing that concerns me.'
The cold, disdainful voice of Andrew Hardcast echoed around the marble, expensive looking chamber, the tall figure facing a pillar as he spoke. The room was filled with several people, all dressed in the garb of nobles, most of which were seated at a long, wooden table. Duke Hardcast was standing, one hand resting on a cold marble pillar as he faced away from the rest. The Albarian general was dressed in full regalia, an expertly crafted full bodyarmor, with elegant looking boots and trousers. He ran a hand through his well groomed blonde yet flecked with the odd grey hair. The people at the table stopped their conversation at his words, several taking on a frown, as they looked to their Duke for an answer. He did not turn around, removing his hand from the pillar and resting it on the emerald hilted sword at his waist, pausing before speaking once more.
'The girl.. my son was with. She had.. markings. Desert.. markings.'
'An assassin? One little desert bitch is hardly a problem, Duke.'
A large, bearded man wearing a heavy cloak snorted his response, glancing back to the beer in his hand, which he lifted, taking a fortifying gulp as he sniggered. Andrew seemed to freeze at the response, before slowly turning round, fixing the man with a steely gaze, stroking his chin with finger and thumb, before speaking sharply.
'It is not so much the girl which concerns me, but what she did upon meeting me.'
The Duke walked swiftly round the table, accepting a glass of wine from a servant, the eyes of the people sitting down accompanying him. He stopped, taking a sip of wine, and making a sour face, before continuing.
'She sent of a hawk, bearing some message. And she threatened my life. I have had dealings with these people before; their threats are not idle. I do not intend to take.. risks.'
The bearded man stood up, slamming his beer down onto the table, a bellowing laugh coming from him as he replied.
'Hardcast.. you worry too much. You have a full garrison of men here at the castle and town. Besides, there's only one entrance. Noone's getting in or leaving without some form of help from the Gods.'
He chortled, lifting his mug to his lips again, only to freeze as a hand gripped the back of his head. Duke Andrew Hardcast leaned forwards, sneering into the mans ear, every syllable sounding akin to ice.
'See that they dont Samuel. See that they dont.'
With that, he slammed the mans face into the beer, which drenched his beard and front of his cloak. The Duke released him, his eyes flickering briefly over the others, before he turned without another word, moving swiftly towards the exit leaving the chamber caked in silence.
------------------------
'Why did you sneak on board a ship like this, and hide in the place you did?'
The darkskinned man smirked at her, before turning his back to her, and walking over to the door, sitting down on the damp boards with his back to the exit, drawing a curved sword and a whetstone, running the stone along the edge as he watched the captive with a fairly blank expression. A few moments passed, as if he was considering her question. Then he shrugged, speaking in a low, steady voice.
'Blubbering, thickheaded.. maybe. But a fool? No lady.'
He shook his shaved head, pausing in the motion of sharpening his blade, before continuing.
'The squid is good at getting jobs done, and making money. As long as we get paid.. we dont complain.'
He lifted his head, resting it against the door, body tensed as the man's eyes seemed to follow her, suspicion passing over his strong features. He gave a small grunt, and produced a gourd of some liquid, tossing it at her.
'Thirsty?'
The man then folded his arms, sword put away, silence filling the small room as he payed no attention to whether she accepted the drink. He slowly rubbed his chin then, and spoke again.
'He took me in.. gave me a paying job.. who am i to complain? Its either this, or living rough on the streets of salk. When your only skill is how to fight, and the army doesnt want you.. you dont get choices.'
Bran stared at her, before blinking once, and resting one arm over his knee, halfdrawing it to his chest, looking away, apparantly not wanting to say any more on the subject.
------------------------
Greg screwed up his face in displeasure, careful to breathe through his mouth. The gynk's condition had been getting steadily worse, and the smell appeared to be following a similar path. The fat man was lying face down on his bunk, small moans coming from him as he clutched a full sick bowl under one arm. Occasionally, the ratty little man would enter with Greg's meals, and clean up the Squid's mess. Greg almost felt sorry for the corpulent captain. However this was damaged by the fact that he was being forced to share the bastards misery, listening to the constant whinings of headaches, the obscene flatulence, and the regular vomiting.
Maybe the man would die? It was difficult to tell. Greg was not particularly knowledgable of sea sickness.. if that was indeed what it was. The squid, in addition to his problems, had not touched food since first contracting the illness. He passed the hours in his bunk, paying Greg no attention, sobbing wails of pain coming at familiar intervals.
'Thith.. ith not.. normal..!'
The gynk gasped out, lifting his head and vomiting into the bowl again. The Albarian sighed, closing his eyes out of boredom more than anything, his thoughts turning to other things. He waited.
------------------------
'There is.. one thing that concerns me.'
The cold, disdainful voice of Andrew Hardcast echoed around the marble, expensive looking chamber, the tall figure facing a pillar as he spoke. The room was filled with several people, all dressed in the garb of nobles, most of which were seated at a long, wooden table. Duke Hardcast was standing, one hand resting on a cold marble pillar as he faced away from the rest. The Albarian general was dressed in full regalia, an expertly crafted full bodyarmor, with elegant looking boots and trousers. He ran a hand through his well groomed blonde yet flecked with the odd grey hair. The people at the table stopped their conversation at his words, several taking on a frown, as they looked to their Duke for an answer. He did not turn around, removing his hand from the pillar and resting it on the emerald hilted sword at his waist, pausing before speaking once more.
'The girl.. my son was with. She had.. markings. Desert.. markings.'
'An assassin? One little desert bitch is hardly a problem, Duke.'
A large, bearded man wearing a heavy cloak snorted his response, glancing back to the beer in his hand, which he lifted, taking a fortifying gulp as he sniggered. Andrew seemed to freeze at the response, before slowly turning round, fixing the man with a steely gaze, stroking his chin with finger and thumb, before speaking sharply.
'It is not so much the girl which concerns me, but what she did upon meeting me.'
The Duke walked swiftly round the table, accepting a glass of wine from a servant, the eyes of the people sitting down accompanying him. He stopped, taking a sip of wine, and making a sour face, before continuing.
'She sent of a hawk, bearing some message. And she threatened my life. I have had dealings with these people before; their threats are not idle. I do not intend to take.. risks.'
The bearded man stood up, slamming his beer down onto the table, a bellowing laugh coming from him as he replied.
'Hardcast.. you worry too much. You have a full garrison of men here at the castle and town. Besides, there's only one entrance. Noone's getting in or leaving without some form of help from the Gods.'
He chortled, lifting his mug to his lips again, only to freeze as a hand gripped the back of his head. Duke Andrew Hardcast leaned forwards, sneering into the mans ear, every syllable sounding akin to ice.
'See that they dont Samuel. See that they dont.'
With that, he slammed the mans face into the beer, which drenched his beard and front of his cloak. The Duke released him, his eyes flickering briefly over the others, before he turned without another word, moving swiftly towards the exit leaving the chamber caked in silence.
------------------------
'Why did you sneak on board a ship like this, and hide in the place you did?'
The darkskinned man smirked at her, before turning his back to her, and walking over to the door, sitting down on the damp boards with his back to the exit, drawing a curved sword and a whetstone, running the stone along the edge as he watched the captive with a fairly blank expression. A few moments passed, as if he was considering her question. Then he shrugged, speaking in a low, steady voice.
'Blubbering, thickheaded.. maybe. But a fool? No lady.'
He shook his shaved head, pausing in the motion of sharpening his blade, before continuing.
'The squid is good at getting jobs done, and making money. As long as we get paid.. we dont complain.'
He lifted his head, resting it against the door, body tensed as the man's eyes seemed to follow her, suspicion passing over his strong features. He gave a small grunt, and produced a gourd of some liquid, tossing it at her.
'Thirsty?'
The man then folded his arms, sword put away, silence filling the small room as he payed no attention to whether she accepted the drink. He slowly rubbed his chin then, and spoke again.
'He took me in.. gave me a paying job.. who am i to complain? Its either this, or living rough on the streets of salk. When your only skill is how to fight, and the army doesnt want you.. you dont get choices.'
Bran stared at her, before blinking once, and resting one arm over his knee, halfdrawing it to his chest, looking away, apparantly not wanting to say any more on the subject.
------------------------
Greg screwed up his face in displeasure, careful to breathe through his mouth. The gynk's condition had been getting steadily worse, and the smell appeared to be following a similar path. The fat man was lying face down on his bunk, small moans coming from him as he clutched a full sick bowl under one arm. Occasionally, the ratty little man would enter with Greg's meals, and clean up the Squid's mess. Greg almost felt sorry for the corpulent captain. However this was damaged by the fact that he was being forced to share the bastards misery, listening to the constant whinings of headaches, the obscene flatulence, and the regular vomiting.
Maybe the man would die? It was difficult to tell. Greg was not particularly knowledgable of sea sickness.. if that was indeed what it was. The squid, in addition to his problems, had not touched food since first contracting the illness. He passed the hours in his bunk, paying Greg no attention, sobbing wails of pain coming at familiar intervals.
'Thith.. ith not.. normal..!'
The gynk gasped out, lifting his head and vomiting into the bowl again. The Albarian sighed, closing his eyes out of boredom more than anything, his thoughts turning to other things. He waited.
------------------------
Kaelyn wrinkled her nose in slight distaste at the question she was asked, waving a hand before her in a dismissive manner. What was there to tell him that would not completely give away her intentions, anyway? Turning again on the balls of her feet, the woman slowly began a path across the small room, pacing back and forth as she listened to the man's words. Her eyes were cast down in thought, the index finger of her left hand tapping a monotonous beat on her bottom lip.
Upon his speaking of the Squid being so adept at getting jobs done, Kaelyn lifted her hand away from her lips as she came to a stop. With a shake of her head, she gave a sidelong look to the man before speaking.
"All good and well, but he is greedy. He will get his job done no matter what risk it is he must take. A greedy mind and a careless tongue will eventually get him into a situation that will ruin the lives of him, you and the entire crew."
She kept her shoulder turned to the man, content with her sidelong look for now. As he spoke around her own words, tossing the gourd in her direction, she caught it in a careless manner. A hand idly tugged the cork out of the gourd, allowing her to peer down into it for a moment. With a sniff of the liquid, she shook her head once more.
At the man's next words, Kaelyn blinked slowly. Her mind worked over an idea in a matter of seconds before she lifted her chin up and quietly sat the cork back into the gourd. Pursing her lips, she wandered forward to the dark skinned man, handing him the gourd back.
"Of course you get choices. Instead of following orders of an gluttonous fool that only sees coins and riches, you could have taken up a place with a few of the wandering mercenaries. Or perhaps a band of travelers that needed a guard. Go off to Lor-Angur and work there instead of Salkamar."
She idly listed off her ideas as she stood before the man, looking down at him as she folded her arms over her chest. A grin touched her lips, taking a moment's thought before she lifted a hand away to wave it about slightly.
"Truth be told, I'd hate to see that pig of a man get his grubby hands on the spoils my father will offer. I know it sounds blasphemous, speaking lightly of my own ransom, but even as a captive, I'm wary of where my father's prized work is going. I think you'd make a more sensible choice with it, if you ever mustered up the courage to take the ransom from beneath that bastard's nose."
A brow is lifted slowly as Kaelyn watches the man before her. Her voice was light yet straight-forward no real amusement in her eyes for the moment as she seems to let him mull over the idea. In the meantime, amidst the silence that falls between them, she stepped back once more to return to her slow pacing.
----------------------
For over a week now, a large figure had tirelessly glided its way high above the clouds in the direction of the mainlands. Resting only to feed and restore essential energy, the massive hawk would alternatively brush along the rolling waves of the ocean before sweeping high out of sight. But now, its flight slowed as its sharp eyes ran over a boat of sorts, bearing a flag with a black spiked circlet upon a red field. A tall hooded figure stood at the bow of the ship, eyes set to the west where the mainlands rested only a couple of days away. He remained still for the most part, until a mournful, screeching cry of the large hawk met his ears. With a tilt of his head, he extended a sleeved arm, where beneath the cloth rested leather armor. The hawk dropped down, talons extended to grasp the arm of the man as it came to a rest there, the arm dropping a bit for the weight of the creature.
The hawk turned its head to the left, extending its wings as it let out another wavering cry, keeping its beak parted afterward. The man whom watched the strange actions of the hawk simply smiled, apparently understanding a meaning beneath the bird's antics. His unoccupied hand dropped to a leather satchel at his side, digging around before producing a strip of dried meat for the hawk. The bird greedily took it as the man spoke softly to the animal, only to throw up his arm to send it back into flight. The bird circled around before taking off in the same direction the boat was turned, heading on to the southern tip of the mainlands. For a long moment, the hooded man watched the bird disappear, only to turn on his heel and move along to the cabin.
Throwing the door of the cabin open, the man stepped in and dropped down lazily into a creaking chair, dark eyes flicking to the others that sat around. With a low chuckle, the man lifted both hands, cracking the knuckles soundly as he spoke in a low, smooth voice.
"Seems our little exile is getting herself into trouble. What say we head around after restoring and have a brief reunion? Sure Kae misses us."
One of the other men, head tilted back to stare at the ceiling, quickly looked up with a frown. A moment passed before he leaned forward to set a broad hand on one knee.
"Kai... If some of the others find out where Kaelyn is, she'll be killed. She's not exactly an exile for nothing, you know."
The hooded man sat back, studying the other quietly for a moment before he shakes his head.
"No... No one will find out that doesn't need to know. Just a little get together for the old party, is all."
A slow grin crossed his lips then, lacing his gloved fingers together as he nodded curtly, dismissing any more talk of the subject. The other men around quietly murmured amongst one another as Kai stared off past the cabin, brows furrowed in thought.
Upon his speaking of the Squid being so adept at getting jobs done, Kaelyn lifted her hand away from her lips as she came to a stop. With a shake of her head, she gave a sidelong look to the man before speaking.
"All good and well, but he is greedy. He will get his job done no matter what risk it is he must take. A greedy mind and a careless tongue will eventually get him into a situation that will ruin the lives of him, you and the entire crew."
She kept her shoulder turned to the man, content with her sidelong look for now. As he spoke around her own words, tossing the gourd in her direction, she caught it in a careless manner. A hand idly tugged the cork out of the gourd, allowing her to peer down into it for a moment. With a sniff of the liquid, she shook her head once more.
At the man's next words, Kaelyn blinked slowly. Her mind worked over an idea in a matter of seconds before she lifted her chin up and quietly sat the cork back into the gourd. Pursing her lips, she wandered forward to the dark skinned man, handing him the gourd back.
"Of course you get choices. Instead of following orders of an gluttonous fool that only sees coins and riches, you could have taken up a place with a few of the wandering mercenaries. Or perhaps a band of travelers that needed a guard. Go off to Lor-Angur and work there instead of Salkamar."
She idly listed off her ideas as she stood before the man, looking down at him as she folded her arms over her chest. A grin touched her lips, taking a moment's thought before she lifted a hand away to wave it about slightly.
"Truth be told, I'd hate to see that pig of a man get his grubby hands on the spoils my father will offer. I know it sounds blasphemous, speaking lightly of my own ransom, but even as a captive, I'm wary of where my father's prized work is going. I think you'd make a more sensible choice with it, if you ever mustered up the courage to take the ransom from beneath that bastard's nose."
A brow is lifted slowly as Kaelyn watches the man before her. Her voice was light yet straight-forward no real amusement in her eyes for the moment as she seems to let him mull over the idea. In the meantime, amidst the silence that falls between them, she stepped back once more to return to her slow pacing.
----------------------
For over a week now, a large figure had tirelessly glided its way high above the clouds in the direction of the mainlands. Resting only to feed and restore essential energy, the massive hawk would alternatively brush along the rolling waves of the ocean before sweeping high out of sight. But now, its flight slowed as its sharp eyes ran over a boat of sorts, bearing a flag with a black spiked circlet upon a red field. A tall hooded figure stood at the bow of the ship, eyes set to the west where the mainlands rested only a couple of days away. He remained still for the most part, until a mournful, screeching cry of the large hawk met his ears. With a tilt of his head, he extended a sleeved arm, where beneath the cloth rested leather armor. The hawk dropped down, talons extended to grasp the arm of the man as it came to a rest there, the arm dropping a bit for the weight of the creature.
The hawk turned its head to the left, extending its wings as it let out another wavering cry, keeping its beak parted afterward. The man whom watched the strange actions of the hawk simply smiled, apparently understanding a meaning beneath the bird's antics. His unoccupied hand dropped to a leather satchel at his side, digging around before producing a strip of dried meat for the hawk. The bird greedily took it as the man spoke softly to the animal, only to throw up his arm to send it back into flight. The bird circled around before taking off in the same direction the boat was turned, heading on to the southern tip of the mainlands. For a long moment, the hooded man watched the bird disappear, only to turn on his heel and move along to the cabin.
Throwing the door of the cabin open, the man stepped in and dropped down lazily into a creaking chair, dark eyes flicking to the others that sat around. With a low chuckle, the man lifted both hands, cracking the knuckles soundly as he spoke in a low, smooth voice.
"Seems our little exile is getting herself into trouble. What say we head around after restoring and have a brief reunion? Sure Kae misses us."
One of the other men, head tilted back to stare at the ceiling, quickly looked up with a frown. A moment passed before he leaned forward to set a broad hand on one knee.
"Kai... If some of the others find out where Kaelyn is, she'll be killed. She's not exactly an exile for nothing, you know."
The hooded man sat back, studying the other quietly for a moment before he shakes his head.
"No... No one will find out that doesn't need to know. Just a little get together for the old party, is all."
A slow grin crossed his lips then, lacing his gloved fingers together as he nodded curtly, dismissing any more talk of the subject. The other men around quietly murmured amongst one another as Kai stared off past the cabin, brows furrowed in thought.
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Gregory Hardcast
- Posts: 152
- Joined: Tue May 06, 2008 9:01 pm
Bran looked up at her as she stood before him, eyes narrowed, making no real visible reaction to her words. He remained silent for a small while, before slowly lifting himself up, leaving his sword on the floor behind him. He rolled back his shoulder muscles, face set in a stolid, unreadable look as he took a step forwards, standing behind her. He snapped out a hand, gripping her right arm, pulling her towards him and muttering in a low, angry voice just above her ear.
'I know what your trying to do.. you think im a fool?'
He kept his hand there for a moment, nails digging into her arm, before slowly releasing it, his breath heavy on the back of her neck. He stepped away from her, arms hanging by his sides, sharp, brown eyes fixed on her back.
'As long as i have food in my stomach.. i dont care what that fat bastard does. What you suggest will get us both killed. Im.. happy in my position. I dont need anything else.'
His voice sounded a touch akward, the small hesitations suggesting that he was trying to convince himself more than anything. Bran said nothing for a few minutes, before another long, highpitched, nasal wail from the corridor outside broke the silence, causing the mans head to twitch sideways in irritation. He stood a few paces away from the woman, arms folded over his chest in a challenging fashion, standing in a tall, practised, military manner.
'I know what your trying to do.. you think im a fool?'
He kept his hand there for a moment, nails digging into her arm, before slowly releasing it, his breath heavy on the back of her neck. He stepped away from her, arms hanging by his sides, sharp, brown eyes fixed on her back.
'As long as i have food in my stomach.. i dont care what that fat bastard does. What you suggest will get us both killed. Im.. happy in my position. I dont need anything else.'
His voice sounded a touch akward, the small hesitations suggesting that he was trying to convince himself more than anything. Bran said nothing for a few minutes, before another long, highpitched, nasal wail from the corridor outside broke the silence, causing the mans head to twitch sideways in irritation. He stood a few paces away from the woman, arms folded over his chest in a challenging fashion, standing in a tall, practised, military manner.
Kaelyn's lips curled into a sneer as the man stood and moved around her. Her eyes lift to the ceiling of the room, letting her shoulder be jerked back in his painful grasp. As she found herself pulled back against the chest of the man, she gave a breathy, amused sort of laugh. Purposely leaning into the man, chin turned to allow her a glimpse of him over her wrenched shoulder, her only reply to his first words is an innocently quirked brow.
Her smile did not fade in the least as his fingers dug into her arm, her hand flattening out to relax her arm and in turn make his attempt at hurting her a bit less effective. She remained silent until he released her and stepped away. With lips pursed once more, Kaelyn drew her arm before her and rubbed over the bruising prints with the other hand. A low hum came from her before she turned slowly to face Bran, head cocked to the side as a sweet but defiant look met her eyes.
"You're starting to prove yourself quite the fool, yes."
The words were said coolly as she turned, her eyes dropping away before returning to meet his own. Biting her bottom lip, Kaelyn took a slow step up to the man. Pausing just away from him, she turned her eyes up to his with a warm sort of grin, her voice soft and low as she spoke.
"Yes, I can tell you absolutely love the position you're in, dumping piss buckets and going about on orders from a fat Gynk. Quite the life indeed. Now if you tell me that you much prefer just being fed to having a little extra for a bit of.. Leisure time... I know you lie."
Her words were spoken flatly, brows lifted in a judging look. A moment passed before a hand lifts, settling on the large man's chest as that same teasing grin touched upon her face.
"You would have enough to escape this rat-hole, move away to your heart's desire, start anew and still have enough left over to tickle your fancy. What I suggest... is far better than the alternative."
She hesitated there, tilting her head back as the agonized whines from the room nearby echoed through the wood into the room she stood. A tut comes from her as she looks back to Bran slowly, tapping a finger against his chest in a slow, rhythmic beat.
"Either you will start to come around to my little idea of taking control and having that large ransom for yourself... Or you may very well find yourself in much the same position as your dear Captain there."
Kaelyn paused to let her words sink in, one brow raised in a believably innocent look. Then, she gave a soft laugh, speaking a word in a mock of the "sailor" accent.
"Savvy?"
Her smile did not fade in the least as his fingers dug into her arm, her hand flattening out to relax her arm and in turn make his attempt at hurting her a bit less effective. She remained silent until he released her and stepped away. With lips pursed once more, Kaelyn drew her arm before her and rubbed over the bruising prints with the other hand. A low hum came from her before she turned slowly to face Bran, head cocked to the side as a sweet but defiant look met her eyes.
"You're starting to prove yourself quite the fool, yes."
The words were said coolly as she turned, her eyes dropping away before returning to meet his own. Biting her bottom lip, Kaelyn took a slow step up to the man. Pausing just away from him, she turned her eyes up to his with a warm sort of grin, her voice soft and low as she spoke.
"Yes, I can tell you absolutely love the position you're in, dumping piss buckets and going about on orders from a fat Gynk. Quite the life indeed. Now if you tell me that you much prefer just being fed to having a little extra for a bit of.. Leisure time... I know you lie."
Her words were spoken flatly, brows lifted in a judging look. A moment passed before a hand lifts, settling on the large man's chest as that same teasing grin touched upon her face.
"You would have enough to escape this rat-hole, move away to your heart's desire, start anew and still have enough left over to tickle your fancy. What I suggest... is far better than the alternative."
She hesitated there, tilting her head back as the agonized whines from the room nearby echoed through the wood into the room she stood. A tut comes from her as she looks back to Bran slowly, tapping a finger against his chest in a slow, rhythmic beat.
"Either you will start to come around to my little idea of taking control and having that large ransom for yourself... Or you may very well find yourself in much the same position as your dear Captain there."
Kaelyn paused to let her words sink in, one brow raised in a believably innocent look. Then, she gave a soft laugh, speaking a word in a mock of the "sailor" accent.
"Savvy?"
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Gregory Hardcast
- Posts: 152
- Joined: Tue May 06, 2008 9:01 pm
The darkskinned soldier tensed at her hand, suddenly seeming far less assured of himself. He stood with his arms by his sides, lifting his gaze from her hand to her face, his eyes studying. He slowly moistened his lower lip, eyes shifting once to the side, letting her words wash over him, taking a small step backwards. At the word 'savvy' a smirk appeared on the mans face, despite the situation, and he seemed to take a moment to speak, giving a quick glance over his shoulder, his chest rising unsteadily after each breath underneath her hand. He spoke low, almost mockingly.
'I am no fool.. Felicity.'
He grunted at her, eyes roaming over her before he continued.
'And you would kill me while i slept.'
The soldier smirked then, his voice low, barely above a whisper. He took a moment to study her reaction before he suddenly grabbed the wrist of the hand over his chest, his grip strong, though not necessarily painful. He pulled the hand away a bit, muttering to her as his chin tucked low.
'But like i say.. i am no fool. There is.. truth in what you say.'
He smirked at her, slowly releasing her hand, and folding his arms across his chest as he spoke again, his voice still low and murmured, attempting to look her in the eye.
'I might even be tempted.. but theres two things i want to know.'
He uncrossed his arms, holding up one finger, just below her chin, his expression businesslike.
'One.. how big a ransom are we talking?'
The business like expression became a grin after that, and he flicked up a second finger, shifting a bit closer before he muttered again.
'And two.. something tells me that virgin story was a lie.'
He shifted backwards, lifting his chin, his face set but for a small smile, arms crossed over his chest once more his eyes glinting with what could be interest, his stance confident, waiting her response.
'I am no fool.. Felicity.'
He grunted at her, eyes roaming over her before he continued.
'And you would kill me while i slept.'
The soldier smirked then, his voice low, barely above a whisper. He took a moment to study her reaction before he suddenly grabbed the wrist of the hand over his chest, his grip strong, though not necessarily painful. He pulled the hand away a bit, muttering to her as his chin tucked low.
'But like i say.. i am no fool. There is.. truth in what you say.'
He smirked at her, slowly releasing her hand, and folding his arms across his chest as he spoke again, his voice still low and murmured, attempting to look her in the eye.
'I might even be tempted.. but theres two things i want to know.'
He uncrossed his arms, holding up one finger, just below her chin, his expression businesslike.
'One.. how big a ransom are we talking?'
The business like expression became a grin after that, and he flicked up a second finger, shifting a bit closer before he muttered again.
'And two.. something tells me that virgin story was a lie.'
He shifted backwards, lifting his chin, his face set but for a small smile, arms crossed over his chest once more his eyes glinting with what could be interest, his stance confident, waiting her response.
As the large man stepped back away from her, Kaelyn quietly moved forward, keeping her commanding advance steady as she watched him with those devious eyes. She gave another soft laugh at his shifting gaze and unsteady posture, her hand remaining placed firmly against his chest. Her fingers lifted, only to fall back against his chest in a wave-like drum as she steps forward with each step he took back. As he came to a still at last, she smiled crookedly, a brow remaining raised as she listened to his low words.
Her eyes dropped down in boredom as the man's hand lifted without warning to grasp her wrist. Letting it be pulled away, Kaelyn shifted her weight to the side as her fingers curled into a fist. A simple response broke between his own words as her eyes ran back to his own.
"While you slept? No, love, killing a man in his sleep is boring and, for the most part, unjust."
A wickedness touched her grin as he muttered and pressed her hand to the side. Letting the palm fall to rest on her hip, she tilted her head once more, giving him silence in order to speak. As he fell silent, she gave another quiet, shameful tut of her tongue as she pursed her lips.
"Virgin story a lie? Why, you insult me dear man. It's true enough, I simply.. Ah.. Know how to talk my way around men."
Her smile broadened into a tease, accompanied by a wink before the woman straightened. With a dismissive wave of her hand, Kaelyn turned her back once more on the burly man, wandering forward to the door in silence. Only a few steps are taken before she hesitated, placing the hand back on her hip.
"As for the ransom, I'd say 500 gold coins and your weight in the finest emeralds at the least. However, I have certain conditions to be applied if you think you'd rather have that amount instead of watching it be handed over to the pig."
Kaelyn spoke lowly as she kept her back turned to the large man, her weight shifted to the left as she idly chewed on her bottom lip once more, her eyes turned to stare just slightly over her shoulder.
Her eyes dropped down in boredom as the man's hand lifted without warning to grasp her wrist. Letting it be pulled away, Kaelyn shifted her weight to the side as her fingers curled into a fist. A simple response broke between his own words as her eyes ran back to his own.
"While you slept? No, love, killing a man in his sleep is boring and, for the most part, unjust."
A wickedness touched her grin as he muttered and pressed her hand to the side. Letting the palm fall to rest on her hip, she tilted her head once more, giving him silence in order to speak. As he fell silent, she gave another quiet, shameful tut of her tongue as she pursed her lips.
"Virgin story a lie? Why, you insult me dear man. It's true enough, I simply.. Ah.. Know how to talk my way around men."
Her smile broadened into a tease, accompanied by a wink before the woman straightened. With a dismissive wave of her hand, Kaelyn turned her back once more on the burly man, wandering forward to the door in silence. Only a few steps are taken before she hesitated, placing the hand back on her hip.
"As for the ransom, I'd say 500 gold coins and your weight in the finest emeralds at the least. However, I have certain conditions to be applied if you think you'd rather have that amount instead of watching it be handed over to the pig."
Kaelyn spoke lowly as she kept her back turned to the large man, her weight shifted to the left as she idly chewed on her bottom lip once more, her eyes turned to stare just slightly over her shoulder.
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Gregory Hardcast
- Posts: 152
- Joined: Tue May 06, 2008 9:01 pm
Bran simply raised a brow at her answer to his second question, his arms uncrossing, lifting a hand to scratch his shaved head as his eyes accompanied her round him and to the door. At the mention of the ransom sum, he coughed, eyes widening in surprise at the quantity. He stared at her, turning round, his hands flexing slightly at his sides, his lips mouthing the words five hundred. The man who had grown up on the rough streets of salkamar found it difficult to even imagine such a sum. Memories of an army sergeant barking at him; once a street thug, always a street thug, seemed to return momentarily. He took a slow breath, his mind racing. He supposed she could be lying.. but the possibility that she was telling the truth was too alluring to ignore. If he ignored this, he may regret it the rest of his life.
After the few moments silence, the burly salkamaerian took a few steps towards her, eyes flickering over her as he twitched his head to the side nervously once. He walked a little further forward, closing the distance between them, placing a large hand firmly on the window bars on the door, leaning close as he muttered urgently.
'Gods.. im probably making a mistake but.. what are your conditions.. Felicity?'
His watched her restlessly, body tensed for her response, occasionally glancing worriedly into the corridor outside, before adding, neurotically.
'You have no idea what kind of a risk this is..'
His eyes shifted back to her, holding a tinge of fear in them.
After the few moments silence, the burly salkamaerian took a few steps towards her, eyes flickering over her as he twitched his head to the side nervously once. He walked a little further forward, closing the distance between them, placing a large hand firmly on the window bars on the door, leaning close as he muttered urgently.
'Gods.. im probably making a mistake but.. what are your conditions.. Felicity?'
His watched her restlessly, body tensed for her response, occasionally glancing worriedly into the corridor outside, before adding, neurotically.
'You have no idea what kind of a risk this is..'
His eyes shifted back to her, holding a tinge of fear in them.
Kaelyn's eyes gleamed in a look of satisfaction as she saw the hand plant itself against the door just before her, a smug look on her face as she sensed the man right behind her. Silence is all he gets after his words for long, passing moments as she remains statuesque where she stands. Her chin drops, then, another low chuckle coming from her as she turns to face Bran directly. Her tongue runs over her bottom lip slowly before she lifts her dark eyes to the man. In a cool, unbothered and hardly frantic motion, she lifts a hand to his chin, forcing it up a bit as she lets her lips turn up in an even smile.
"On the contrary, dear man. I know precisely the risk I'm taking."
Her smile turns into a blatant sneer after a moment, her hand shifting as she taps an index finger against his lips. She slips back and away from him then, rolling her shoulders back in a stretch as she takes measured steps around the room, one arm folded about her chest and the other elbow resting against it, fingers playing with a lock of cropped hair. She makes no hurry to answer the man's question, seeming to be mulling over the idea as it is. A good few minutes pass before she stills again and looks at him.
"First condition... That blonde Albarian you have captive is actually a friend I've known for a while. Court goings and such. He asked me for a little bit of help getting out of a sticky situation. The first thing I ask of you is that, instead of letting that pig take me off to Ann-Korr immediately, we stick to Albar. You will help me fulfill a trust deal with this Albarian. If I succeed, my ransom could be raised with ease."
Kaelyn returns to her idle pacing as she speaks, refusing to look at the man now as she places one foot before the other. A moment passes in silence before she continues.
"Second condition is that you will listen to my commands. I know the plan in mind and I will have it done in that fashion, no other. And lastly..."
She stops fully, turning to look at the man with a sudden direct and almost severe gaze, her chin held in arrogant fashion.
"You will speak to the rest of the crew. The more you can talk into following you and thus following me, the more I will guarantee you get paid."
A hand is lifted up then, only to be placed against her chest where her heart would be, giving a slight curtsy before looking back to the man.
"I swear on my honor and maidenhood that you will be paid in full the amount I told, if you can do this for me."
As she falls silent, the woman raises a brow. Her hand extends slowly before herself, offering to take the man's own in a shake to seal the deal she proposed. And there it remains, her eyes set even on Bran.
"On the contrary, dear man. I know precisely the risk I'm taking."
Her smile turns into a blatant sneer after a moment, her hand shifting as she taps an index finger against his lips. She slips back and away from him then, rolling her shoulders back in a stretch as she takes measured steps around the room, one arm folded about her chest and the other elbow resting against it, fingers playing with a lock of cropped hair. She makes no hurry to answer the man's question, seeming to be mulling over the idea as it is. A good few minutes pass before she stills again and looks at him.
"First condition... That blonde Albarian you have captive is actually a friend I've known for a while. Court goings and such. He asked me for a little bit of help getting out of a sticky situation. The first thing I ask of you is that, instead of letting that pig take me off to Ann-Korr immediately, we stick to Albar. You will help me fulfill a trust deal with this Albarian. If I succeed, my ransom could be raised with ease."
Kaelyn returns to her idle pacing as she speaks, refusing to look at the man now as she places one foot before the other. A moment passes in silence before she continues.
"Second condition is that you will listen to my commands. I know the plan in mind and I will have it done in that fashion, no other. And lastly..."
She stops fully, turning to look at the man with a sudden direct and almost severe gaze, her chin held in arrogant fashion.
"You will speak to the rest of the crew. The more you can talk into following you and thus following me, the more I will guarantee you get paid."
A hand is lifted up then, only to be placed against her chest where her heart would be, giving a slight curtsy before looking back to the man.
"I swear on my honor and maidenhood that you will be paid in full the amount I told, if you can do this for me."
As she falls silent, the woman raises a brow. Her hand extends slowly before herself, offering to take the man's own in a shake to seal the deal she proposed. And there it remains, her eyes set even on Bran.
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Gregory Hardcast
- Posts: 152
- Joined: Tue May 06, 2008 9:01 pm
The darkskinned salkamaerian tensed visibly every time she made contact with him, his body remaining in that tense, stiff pose, staying silent and unresponsive to her words, his eyes constantly darting to the window to check for listeners. Once she finished speaking, leaving her hand in front of him, he appeared to relax, his eyes resting on her palm for a long moment as the soldier appeared to debate with himself what to do. Then, slowly, he stretched out a large hand to meet it.
Just before his fingertips made contact with hers however, he stopped, his eyes shifting up from his hand to her face, a serious, cold expression on his face. His hand remained fixed in the same position as he spoke.
'I accept, bar one thing. I refuse to talk to the crew.'
He glanced sideways, before back to her, a flicker of emotion crossing his features, giving a simple shake of the head, his words coming thick, fast, and low.
'You dont know them like i do.. they are all in the captains pocket. I dont have your silver tongue.. one word of your plan and my life would be over.'
He smiled then, revealing one gold tooth, stepping a bit closer, keeping his hand in place, placing his body right in front of her, clearly blocking any escape.
'No.. felicity. You do this with my help, and mine alone. Otherwise the deal is off. Besides.. you learn in my line of business not to put to much faith in honour or oaths. I see no reason why once ive helped your friend, you wont kill me. So aye.. ill listen to your commands, and head to Albar. But dont forget whose holding who captive.'
The man then turned his back to her for a moment, and bent down, picking up the gourd she had ignored earlier. He uncorked it, taking a sip, before offering it to her with a nod, his other hand still held out for her to shake.
'Salk officer issue whiskey. I save it for special occasions.'
Just before his fingertips made contact with hers however, he stopped, his eyes shifting up from his hand to her face, a serious, cold expression on his face. His hand remained fixed in the same position as he spoke.
'I accept, bar one thing. I refuse to talk to the crew.'
He glanced sideways, before back to her, a flicker of emotion crossing his features, giving a simple shake of the head, his words coming thick, fast, and low.
'You dont know them like i do.. they are all in the captains pocket. I dont have your silver tongue.. one word of your plan and my life would be over.'
He smiled then, revealing one gold tooth, stepping a bit closer, keeping his hand in place, placing his body right in front of her, clearly blocking any escape.
'No.. felicity. You do this with my help, and mine alone. Otherwise the deal is off. Besides.. you learn in my line of business not to put to much faith in honour or oaths. I see no reason why once ive helped your friend, you wont kill me. So aye.. ill listen to your commands, and head to Albar. But dont forget whose holding who captive.'
The man then turned his back to her for a moment, and bent down, picking up the gourd she had ignored earlier. He uncorked it, taking a sip, before offering it to her with a nod, his other hand still held out for her to shake.
'Salk officer issue whiskey. I save it for special occasions.'
An exasperated sigh was Kaelyn's first reaction upon the man's response. She narrowed her eyes at the hand that seemed stuck just above her own palm. Irritation passed unhindered over her expression as she lifted her gaze to lock upon the man's own. Running the tip of her tongue over her bottom lip again, the woman let silence stretch between them for a long moment, almost to the point of awkwardness. Then, with a low chuckle to accompany her actions, she lifted the palm just beneath the mans. Her fingers curled about his large hand in a rather firm shake.
When the man moved to turn away, Kaelyn released the grasp and let the hand shift back to one hip. She watched the man with judging eyes, her expression passive in thought as he straightened and turned back with the gourd and hand. When the gourd was passed in her direction, the woman simply lifted a hand up with a shake of her head.
"Don't do whiskey. Though if it's saved for "special occasion", why did you offer it to your prisoner before a deal was even brought up?"
The last sentence was muttered lowly as her eyes rested on the gourd before her. Then, they slowly trailed back up to the man as a questioning look is given to him. At that same moment, she could hear yet another groan of pain echo from the hall. Biting her bottom lip slightly, Kaelyn spoke up once more before the man could answer her question.
"And how long am I trapped here before I can speak to the Albarian again? Poor man, I'm sure he's sick himself, having to put up with that sickly Gynk."
When the man moved to turn away, Kaelyn released the grasp and let the hand shift back to one hip. She watched the man with judging eyes, her expression passive in thought as he straightened and turned back with the gourd and hand. When the gourd was passed in her direction, the woman simply lifted a hand up with a shake of her head.
"Don't do whiskey. Though if it's saved for "special occasion", why did you offer it to your prisoner before a deal was even brought up?"
The last sentence was muttered lowly as her eyes rested on the gourd before her. Then, they slowly trailed back up to the man as a questioning look is given to him. At that same moment, she could hear yet another groan of pain echo from the hall. Biting her bottom lip slightly, Kaelyn spoke up once more before the man could answer her question.
"And how long am I trapped here before I can speak to the Albarian again? Poor man, I'm sure he's sick himself, having to put up with that sickly Gynk."
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Gregory Hardcast
- Posts: 152
- Joined: Tue May 06, 2008 9:01 pm
The soldier glanced down at the gourd in his hand, grunting and shrugging his shoulders at her comment, not looking back at her as he responded.
'I was feeling generous is all. You looked like you could use a drink.'
He recorked it, stuffing it in his belt, before walking back over to the wall, and picking up his scimitar once more, sheaving it, sitting down again. He took a moment to answer her question, tilting his head to the side as he examined the blade.
'Aye.. such a thing could be arranged.. how urgent is your need, and what do you need to speak to him about?'
His eyes shifted up to her face as he put forward the question.
'I was feeling generous is all. You looked like you could use a drink.'
He recorked it, stuffing it in his belt, before walking back over to the wall, and picking up his scimitar once more, sheaving it, sitting down again. He took a moment to answer her question, tilting his head to the side as he examined the blade.
'Aye.. such a thing could be arranged.. how urgent is your need, and what do you need to speak to him about?'
His eyes shifted up to her face as he put forward the question.
(( Eh, sorry for the.. Two days it took to post this. >.> No time, no idea what to write. ))
A yawn suddenly found itself working over Kaelyn's face, the woman idly lifting a hand to block the gaping appearance until it passed. Afterward, a heavy sigh escapes her as she steps around to the very back of the room. There, she turned and planted her back up against the wall, only to slide down to the floor. In the haphazard manner, she sat with her knees drawn. Her eyes turned up to the man across the room as she wrapped her arms about her legs, a hand fumbling with the torn material of the ripped and now sleeveless dress. At his question, she smiled slowly.
"My need is devastatingly urgent and what I have to speak about with him is hardly any of your business, sir."
Her gaze dropped away, averting toward the door exactly opposite of where she sat. A finger tapped against her bare bicep slowly, one of many monotonous habits she did when thinking. A shoulder lifted in a shrug amidst the passing silence.
"I'm sure he'd be thankful to get out of that room, as well. Perhaps you could bring him in here."
The grin on her lips broadened as she turned her eyes back to the large man as another muffled sound of violent retching met their ears. She tilted her head slowly, letting a mock sense of sweetness appear on her expression once more as she dropped quiet, waiting for him to either speak or do as she told.
A yawn suddenly found itself working over Kaelyn's face, the woman idly lifting a hand to block the gaping appearance until it passed. Afterward, a heavy sigh escapes her as she steps around to the very back of the room. There, she turned and planted her back up against the wall, only to slide down to the floor. In the haphazard manner, she sat with her knees drawn. Her eyes turned up to the man across the room as she wrapped her arms about her legs, a hand fumbling with the torn material of the ripped and now sleeveless dress. At his question, she smiled slowly.
"My need is devastatingly urgent and what I have to speak about with him is hardly any of your business, sir."
Her gaze dropped away, averting toward the door exactly opposite of where she sat. A finger tapped against her bare bicep slowly, one of many monotonous habits she did when thinking. A shoulder lifted in a shrug amidst the passing silence.
"I'm sure he'd be thankful to get out of that room, as well. Perhaps you could bring him in here."
The grin on her lips broadened as she turned her eyes back to the large man as another muffled sound of violent retching met their ears. She tilted her head slowly, letting a mock sense of sweetness appear on her expression once more as she dropped quiet, waiting for him to either speak or do as she told.
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Gregory Hardcast
- Posts: 152
- Joined: Tue May 06, 2008 9:01 pm
After a brief moment of meeting her gaze, it seemed like he would point blank refuse the request, before his head gave a small twitch to the side, and he grunted passively.
"Three minutes. And you speak to him from behind this door."
The last words melded with the slam of the cell door, the salk not bothering to measure her reaction as he strode away.
***
Greg was resting his head back against the cold wooden planked wall behind him. He looked.. bored. There was only so many times you could witness the squid retching before it became mundane, and thats what had happened. He half wanted them to reach their destination. As they were, things looked out his control anyway. He wanted something to happen.
Then something did.
The oak cabin door in front swung open, and Bran entered, giving the prone figure lying on the bed a quick look before marching towards Greg. The soldier took out some rope, and skillfully bound the blonde knight's hands with it before unchaining him, and yanking a nonplussed noble to his feet.
'Ooo, is it time for the morning beating?'
He smiled fakely at the larger man, who simply ignored him, gripping his arm and half-dragging him out the door, his eyes watchful.
'Shutup.'
The words came muttered as they climbed down steps to the hold. It seemed the crew were in their quarters, and the ship was oddly quiet. They headed downwards, into the hold, and Greg raised an eyebrow as he found himself being led towards what looked like a holding cell. Then before he realised what was happening, his face was painfully squashed against the barred window, and an apparantly edgy Bran growled.
'Three minutes felicity. This could get me in trouble.'
"Three minutes. And you speak to him from behind this door."
The last words melded with the slam of the cell door, the salk not bothering to measure her reaction as he strode away.
***
Greg was resting his head back against the cold wooden planked wall behind him. He looked.. bored. There was only so many times you could witness the squid retching before it became mundane, and thats what had happened. He half wanted them to reach their destination. As they were, things looked out his control anyway. He wanted something to happen.
Then something did.
The oak cabin door in front swung open, and Bran entered, giving the prone figure lying on the bed a quick look before marching towards Greg. The soldier took out some rope, and skillfully bound the blonde knight's hands with it before unchaining him, and yanking a nonplussed noble to his feet.
'Ooo, is it time for the morning beating?'
He smiled fakely at the larger man, who simply ignored him, gripping his arm and half-dragging him out the door, his eyes watchful.
'Shutup.'
The words came muttered as they climbed down steps to the hold. It seemed the crew were in their quarters, and the ship was oddly quiet. They headed downwards, into the hold, and Greg raised an eyebrow as he found himself being led towards what looked like a holding cell. Then before he realised what was happening, his face was painfully squashed against the barred window, and an apparantly edgy Bran growled.
'Three minutes felicity. This could get me in trouble.'
The boat seemed to roll unsteadily beneath her bare feet as a wave washed up against the creaking wood. That creak was the singlemost sound that accompanied Kaelyn for a long moment as she awaited a reply, any reply from the burly Bran. She watched him with keen eyes, reading his emotions passively. Her heard skipped a beat as what she read said that she'd be refused. No, she would not have that for an answer. Lips parting to belt out a sharp and cold command, the woman instead found herself choking back words bitter enough to see her beheaded as Bran spoke a contradiction to his expression. Three minutes.
Fine.
Stepping back with a satisfied and rather arrogantly victorious grin plastered on her rouge-painted lips, Kaelyn rocked back to lean upon the rough wooden wall of her "holding cell", blatantly trying to ignore the rolling sensation beneath the pads of her feet and the uncomfortable moisture closing in on her in the silence. Her eyes drifted closed in the momentary solitude, her arrogant mask melting away to reveal a weariness that creased her brow and disturbed the elegance of her inked features. She was really no longer sure what she'd gotten herself into.
Blinking lazily, Kaelyn found herself drawn from her tired and musing thoughts by the sound of a body being slammed none-too-carefully against the thick oak door that held her captive. Turning her eyes up slowly to the meager excuse of a barred window where Gregory's face was unceremoniously plastered, she couldn't help a quiet chuckle despite the circumstances. His "noble glamour" always seemed so dull in such awkward situations. Leaning up from the wall she lazed against, Kaelyn took measured steps forward to the door, reaching her palms out to rest them against the cold and damp wood, her eyes looking past Gregory to the shadow of Bran.
"Three minutes, guaranteed. The crew's asleep, aren't they? And your dear captain could hardly do a thing by now."
Glancing slowly back to Gregory's face between the bars, the woman gave a sly wink. Her voice dropped low at that point, a heavy accent tracing through her words that would make it rather hard for Gregory to comprehend if he didn't listen close, much less for Bran to understand. Her face grew serious as she spoke quickly.
"Forgive me for doing this and just getting you in more trouble, Gregory. I couldn't sit by idly, you should know that... "
She glanced away from him, looking to her enclosure before returning her gaze.
"Three minutes, right. I just need to know two things. Are you alright? And... What should I expect whenever we arrive... Wherever we're going?"
She wasn't sure if it was wise to act so ignorant to Gregory. She knew very well where they were headed. With Gregory being the useful little ransom, there was only one logical destination. Albar. Shaking her head subtly, she looked to the blonde man before her with almost unreadable eyes, barely belying a foreign glint of what could only be fear.
Fine.
Stepping back with a satisfied and rather arrogantly victorious grin plastered on her rouge-painted lips, Kaelyn rocked back to lean upon the rough wooden wall of her "holding cell", blatantly trying to ignore the rolling sensation beneath the pads of her feet and the uncomfortable moisture closing in on her in the silence. Her eyes drifted closed in the momentary solitude, her arrogant mask melting away to reveal a weariness that creased her brow and disturbed the elegance of her inked features. She was really no longer sure what she'd gotten herself into.
Blinking lazily, Kaelyn found herself drawn from her tired and musing thoughts by the sound of a body being slammed none-too-carefully against the thick oak door that held her captive. Turning her eyes up slowly to the meager excuse of a barred window where Gregory's face was unceremoniously plastered, she couldn't help a quiet chuckle despite the circumstances. His "noble glamour" always seemed so dull in such awkward situations. Leaning up from the wall she lazed against, Kaelyn took measured steps forward to the door, reaching her palms out to rest them against the cold and damp wood, her eyes looking past Gregory to the shadow of Bran.
"Three minutes, guaranteed. The crew's asleep, aren't they? And your dear captain could hardly do a thing by now."
Glancing slowly back to Gregory's face between the bars, the woman gave a sly wink. Her voice dropped low at that point, a heavy accent tracing through her words that would make it rather hard for Gregory to comprehend if he didn't listen close, much less for Bran to understand. Her face grew serious as she spoke quickly.
"Forgive me for doing this and just getting you in more trouble, Gregory. I couldn't sit by idly, you should know that... "
She glanced away from him, looking to her enclosure before returning her gaze.
"Three minutes, right. I just need to know two things. Are you alright? And... What should I expect whenever we arrive... Wherever we're going?"
She wasn't sure if it was wise to act so ignorant to Gregory. She knew very well where they were headed. With Gregory being the useful little ransom, there was only one logical destination. Albar. Shaking her head subtly, she looked to the blonde man before her with almost unreadable eyes, barely belying a foreign glint of what could only be fear.
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Gregory Hardcast
- Posts: 152
- Joined: Tue May 06, 2008 9:01 pm
Greg blinked as kaelyn's face appeared, his expression one of total puzzlement as to why he had been brought here. Not that being brought here was a bad thing. With his face turned away from the dark-skinned salkamaerian, he allowed himself a grin. He was upset with her for following like this, but he wasnt going to deny it was good to see her face. Then the grin vanished, and a mask for Bran appeared.
'What is it? Yes yes.. you have nothing to fear.. Gods you women are feeble.'
He spoke in a clear, bored, sneering voice, before dropping the tone to barely below a whisper as he sensed Bran relax. His eyes took an oppurtunity to flick over her as he answered.
'Im fine. Kaelyn.. they are taking us to Albar. Our friendly neighbourhood squid was chartered by Andrew. Expect armed soldiers when we get there. Lots of them. He wont be taking chances.'
He glanced swiftly behind him, before pressing closer to the bars as he muttered.
'Listen.. Kaelyn.. be careful. Promise not to get killed.'
He stared at her, hoping that she took his words seriously. He licked drylips, and seemed about to say something else when Bran yanked him away. The large man looked nervous, glancing down the corridors as if he expected the squid to appear at any moment.
'Enough flowery noble crap. Three minutes or whatever is up.'
He pulled Greg from the bars, down the corridor, and the Albarian grinned impishly at the woman as he was led away.
'What is it? Yes yes.. you have nothing to fear.. Gods you women are feeble.'
He spoke in a clear, bored, sneering voice, before dropping the tone to barely below a whisper as he sensed Bran relax. His eyes took an oppurtunity to flick over her as he answered.
'Im fine. Kaelyn.. they are taking us to Albar. Our friendly neighbourhood squid was chartered by Andrew. Expect armed soldiers when we get there. Lots of them. He wont be taking chances.'
He glanced swiftly behind him, before pressing closer to the bars as he muttered.
'Listen.. Kaelyn.. be careful. Promise not to get killed.'
He stared at her, hoping that she took his words seriously. He licked drylips, and seemed about to say something else when Bran yanked him away. The large man looked nervous, glancing down the corridors as if he expected the squid to appear at any moment.
'Enough flowery noble crap. Three minutes or whatever is up.'
He pulled Greg from the bars, down the corridor, and the Albarian grinned impishly at the woman as he was led away.
Kaelyn didn't care for the initial reaction she got as Gregory snapped out words in that once common-place Albarian demand. Nor did she care to let her face be shielded by a mask of fallacy, it was dark enough where she stood that Bran would have difficulty seeing it anyway, not to mention that the large man's eyes had been darting here and there in his absolute nervousness. Thus, the expression Gregory was offered was an honest one, her eyes possessing the uncanny hint of fear in those dark, normally daring eyes.
Her hands slid up along the rough oak door that barred her way, fingers baring their painted nails curling up and around the bottom of the cold, moist iron bars before her. Attentive to Gregory's whispered words, she allowed a frown to crease her brow and draw her rouge lips down at the corners mildly. Albarian soldiers, they were hardly the nicest lot of men out there. The plan that had been writhing and conjuring itself up at the back of her mind was quickly laid to rest. She'd have to bite back her pride and dignity to get past such groups. Playing prisoner was the only way.
In her musings, Kaelyn's eyes had cast down to the floor beneath her as she shifted one foot along the edge of the door. The mild worry in Gregory's next words drew her eyes back up to his face. "Promise not to get killed", he said. This allowed a cool, sadistic smile to curl over the woman's lips, replacing the thoughtful frown. Just before Bran's baritone voice broke in, she managed a brief reply.
"I never make such promises, dear."
Just as she finished the quiet reply did Bran jerk Gregory back by his wrists, snapping out the alarmed comment. Kaelyn allowed her eyes to shift aside, her hands sliding away from the bars as she was left deserted once more. Moments passed that she was accompanied only by the swaying, creaking embodiment of the boat around her before she eased back along the wooden floor and began pacing. Being enclosed like this... It was enough to drive one insane, especially one so used to freedom. She felt trapped, suffocated.
And it would remain so for the entirety of a week.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Get up, noble brat..." came the low and irritable growl of the rat-looking, scrawny excuse of a man as he slammed the heavy oak door open. The air above-deck was crisp, the sky just now a faint grey that always fortold sunrise. And just ahead of the ship's bow was a stretch of land covered in an early-dawn dew, waves lapping up against docks that bore the Albarian flag to each end. Despite the impressive scene ahead, the figure that had just been rudely awakened as she rested, curled upon the floor, could really care less.
Grunting beneath the meager cover of a musky-smelling blanket, Kaelyn sat up grudgingly in reply to rat-man's indignant demand. Immediately, he was thrown an irate but mildly curious sidelong look, the scorning glare meant to somehow punish him for waking her so early. It did little good as he stomped forward and reached for the bicep of her closest arm in order to force her to her feet. Struggling briefly against the man's grasp, Kaelyn rose with a snap.
"What in the Gods' names are you doing? Where are you taking me?"
In the past week or more they had been travelling, Kaelyn could not recall ever being awoken by the crew, aside from Bran shoving in food or checking to make sure she was still alive. Nor had she been allowed out of the hold for even the most basic needs, resulting in Kaelyn feeling horrid and disgusting, having not been allowed any decent bath she had begged for. Any bath she was allowed apparently included the demand she bathed with the crew. Thus, she had gone... The entire trip without one. Aside from that, the crew had basically ignored the "noble stowaway". So the man's sudden entrance and demand for her to follow him set Kaelyn on guard. Something was up, and the fact that he refused to answer her only made it all the more irritating.
It wasn't until Kae was hauled up the flight of stairs and onto the top deck, where she could get a clear view of the docks they were heading to, that she understood. And when the concept grasped her, her entire body locked up. They were there at last, in the breadth of great, magnifiscent Albar. And it put a vile, bitter taste in her mouth.
Her hands slid up along the rough oak door that barred her way, fingers baring their painted nails curling up and around the bottom of the cold, moist iron bars before her. Attentive to Gregory's whispered words, she allowed a frown to crease her brow and draw her rouge lips down at the corners mildly. Albarian soldiers, they were hardly the nicest lot of men out there. The plan that had been writhing and conjuring itself up at the back of her mind was quickly laid to rest. She'd have to bite back her pride and dignity to get past such groups. Playing prisoner was the only way.
In her musings, Kaelyn's eyes had cast down to the floor beneath her as she shifted one foot along the edge of the door. The mild worry in Gregory's next words drew her eyes back up to his face. "Promise not to get killed", he said. This allowed a cool, sadistic smile to curl over the woman's lips, replacing the thoughtful frown. Just before Bran's baritone voice broke in, she managed a brief reply.
"I never make such promises, dear."
Just as she finished the quiet reply did Bran jerk Gregory back by his wrists, snapping out the alarmed comment. Kaelyn allowed her eyes to shift aside, her hands sliding away from the bars as she was left deserted once more. Moments passed that she was accompanied only by the swaying, creaking embodiment of the boat around her before she eased back along the wooden floor and began pacing. Being enclosed like this... It was enough to drive one insane, especially one so used to freedom. She felt trapped, suffocated.
And it would remain so for the entirety of a week.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Get up, noble brat..." came the low and irritable growl of the rat-looking, scrawny excuse of a man as he slammed the heavy oak door open. The air above-deck was crisp, the sky just now a faint grey that always fortold sunrise. And just ahead of the ship's bow was a stretch of land covered in an early-dawn dew, waves lapping up against docks that bore the Albarian flag to each end. Despite the impressive scene ahead, the figure that had just been rudely awakened as she rested, curled upon the floor, could really care less.
Grunting beneath the meager cover of a musky-smelling blanket, Kaelyn sat up grudgingly in reply to rat-man's indignant demand. Immediately, he was thrown an irate but mildly curious sidelong look, the scorning glare meant to somehow punish him for waking her so early. It did little good as he stomped forward and reached for the bicep of her closest arm in order to force her to her feet. Struggling briefly against the man's grasp, Kaelyn rose with a snap.
"What in the Gods' names are you doing? Where are you taking me?"
In the past week or more they had been travelling, Kaelyn could not recall ever being awoken by the crew, aside from Bran shoving in food or checking to make sure she was still alive. Nor had she been allowed out of the hold for even the most basic needs, resulting in Kaelyn feeling horrid and disgusting, having not been allowed any decent bath she had begged for. Any bath she was allowed apparently included the demand she bathed with the crew. Thus, she had gone... The entire trip without one. Aside from that, the crew had basically ignored the "noble stowaway". So the man's sudden entrance and demand for her to follow him set Kaelyn on guard. Something was up, and the fact that he refused to answer her only made it all the more irritating.
It wasn't until Kae was hauled up the flight of stairs and onto the top deck, where she could get a clear view of the docks they were heading to, that she understood. And when the concept grasped her, her entire body locked up. They were there at last, in the breadth of great, magnifiscent Albar. And it put a vile, bitter taste in her mouth.
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Gregory Hardcast
- Posts: 152
- Joined: Tue May 06, 2008 9:01 pm
'Hold him Lieutenant.'
The order was snapped by a broad, bearded man wearing the full armor of a knight. Immediately the soldier to his left raised two mailed fingers, and two men at arms stepped forwards, taking the prisoner by his shoulders, leading him away. Bran watched from the squid's side as the bearded albarian general turned away to inspect the young man. Apparantly satisfied, he gave a nod to his lieutenant. 'It is him. Inform the duke. We will follow on behind.'
The scene was taking place on the edge of the city docks, with the sprawling, glittering albarian capital laid out behind them. There was a full legion of imperial albarian soldiers, some 1600 men, all wearing the traditional, and some would say overly flashy albarian uniform and equipment. It was a spectacle to say the least, and Sam Rivers, Or General Rivers, disliked it. Keep things simple, he had said. We dont want to draw a crowd. But the duke had laughed, claiming that a few extra dead civilians was not getting in the way of centuries of albarian military custom. So here they were, the albarians on one side, and the pirates on the other, with elements of the mob scattered round like rats. The commoners stared in awe at the soldiers, while others seemed to grin, as if they felt they might get to see blood.
The squid, still sickly but getting better, was wearing an expensive naval officers coat, probably stolen. He also wore a wig, and if gregory hadnt been in the position he was he'd have laughed. At least they left kaelyn in the ship. She'd just get caught here. He managed to spit in the face of one of the soldiers holding his arm, and received a backhanded mail fist to the face.
'Um.. excuthe me..'
The squid's face was bright red with rage, and he waddled a few paces forwards. Bran stayed where he was, though a hand rested on the blade at his hilt. He had never liked albarians. Flashy, sneaky bastards. Give me a squad of salks over 100 of these idiots any day. The squid forced a smile, and the bearded general finally turned, as if acknowledging him.
'You want something?'
The gynkesian pirate lord made a motion with his hand.
'Yeth.. actually. My 80 gold cointh. I got your brat, now give me my money.'
General Rivers stared for a moment at the fat man, before nodding once, and raising his sword, causing the squid to flinch.
'You are correct of course. The Duke is a man of his word.'
His voice was gruff and to the point. He accepted a leather bag from a soldier behind him, before tossing it to the gynk. Every pirate eye fixed itself on the bag, and the squid caught it like a beggar catches food. He licked his lips, ripping it open and immediately beginning to count. His men, apart from Bran whose eyes remained on the general, crowded behind him, expressions gleeful.
'Oh yeth.. OH YETH!!!'
The happy cries of the squid and his men were cut short by the general's cough.
'The noble Duke of Albar asked me to tell you something else.'
A few pirates glanced up, but most ignored him. If they hadnt, they may have noticed a change of expression in some of the soldiers. Bran narrowed his eyes. Gregory was guarded by six men near the back of the albarians, and he raised an eyebrow at his captors. Were they wearing perfume?
'He asked me to inform you.. that although you receive your payment, that payment does not prevent you from being what you are. Which is pirates. In Albar, pirates are criminals.'
The gynk and his men stopped what they were doing, there attention reclaimed. Bran swore silently, and began to back away from the group. The colour slowly left the fat Squid's face, and he began to babble. The bearded general grinned.
'In Albar, criminals are executed.'
At his words, 1600 swords were simultaneously drawn from there scabbards. The general stopped grinning, and growled a single word.
'Advance.'
Six things happened at once. The Pirates swore, screamed, and stared, backing away towards their ship, blades drawn. The Albarians charged forwards, and the Squid let out an earshattering howl. Bran turned, head low, and charged towards the ship, while members of the rabble watching whooped with excitement, pressing forwards to watch the ensuing slaughter. There were barely 30 pirates present and the subsequent fight did not last long. They were pressed back, the albarians relentless and efficient with their long slim swords. General rivers literally crushed the head of a scrawny ratlike man with his mace, and sent another reeling with his sword. Despairing, the pirates turned and ran, men wetting themselves and jumping from the pier in their terror.
As Bran reached the gangplank, he stopped for a moment, glancing back. He had been seen. A group of soldiers were charging towards the ship, several holding lit torches. Gritting his teeth, he turned, a faint voice he could not help but recognise reaching him as he charged onto the vessel.
'NOOOOOOOO! NOT THE FATHE!!
The last words of the squid echoing in his ears, the dark-skinned ex-soldier hurtled down into the lower deck, his face determined. He would not die. Turning sharply on his heels, he sprinted down a corridor, his breathing getting heavier as he turned on his heels, entering the hold. His eyes fell on the holding cell, the brig, and he leaned against the wall, speaking harshly.
'Stand back from the door.'
Pulling back the bolt to make his task easier, he took a few paces back, before charging forwards, and ramming the locked door with his shoulder. It creaked, and he heard the sounds of voices up on deck. Ignoring them, he repeated the action, and the lock splintered, the door swinging open violently. Chest heaving, he stood in the door, giving the woman inside a quick glance, before stepping forwards. He shook his head at her, and muttered as he grabbed her arm roughly, ignoring any struggles. 'No time. We have to go.' Dragging her out of the cell, Bran wasted no time in heading towards the upper deck. His grip was strong, and in his left hand he held his sword, eyes occasionally darting side to side for signs of movement as they headed back upwards.
As he felt the fresh air of above deck hit him, a voice, loud and confident broke through.
'Theres two of them. Move boys.'
Bran moistened his lower lip, and payed the men behind him no attention, focusing on the port side of the ship. A small rowing boat, left tethered in the water there by him for just such an event, had not yet been discovered. They just had to reach it. Unfortunately, there was an Albarian standing between them. Running in front of the young noble girl, the salkamaerian went headlong for the albarian, who glanced up surprised and caught of guard. He lifted his thin sword in a lame attempt to parry, but he was too slow, and Bran buried the edge of his weapon in the mans neck. Yanking it free, he shouted for felicity to climb down the rope into the boat below. The other albarian soldiers, enraged, ran towards them, bellowing and brandishing blades. Bran backed off untill he felt his spine brush against the ship's rail, waiting for the woman to make it to the boat.
They were not going to be quick enough. Before he could follow her, the first man reached him, and the tall ex-soldier was forced to parry the man's slice. There were too many to fight. Ducking the first man's attempt to take off his head, he slammed his knee into the albarian's midriff, while parrying another blow from the next soldier to arrive by the rail. Swearing inventively at his assailants, he threw the man he had knee'd to the side, before lifting up his left arm to block the second mans swing. The swing was weak, and caught itself in his leather shirt sleeve, but it still sent a searing pain through his body, blood instantly apearing. Bran brought his blade down over the second man's hand; slicing it off with a scream of defiance, before turning and diving over the rail, landing with a ripple in the seawater below.
Nursing their wounds, the albarians decided that dying over a couple of pirates was not an albarian thing to do, and began setting light to the ship. Meanwhile, Bran resurfaced, spitting seawater, and focusing himself on the boat with the young woman inside. He stretched a desperate hand, sword lost in the dive, kicking against the currents.
'Felicity... pull me up.. please. I fight better than i swim.'
The order was snapped by a broad, bearded man wearing the full armor of a knight. Immediately the soldier to his left raised two mailed fingers, and two men at arms stepped forwards, taking the prisoner by his shoulders, leading him away. Bran watched from the squid's side as the bearded albarian general turned away to inspect the young man. Apparantly satisfied, he gave a nod to his lieutenant. 'It is him. Inform the duke. We will follow on behind.'
The scene was taking place on the edge of the city docks, with the sprawling, glittering albarian capital laid out behind them. There was a full legion of imperial albarian soldiers, some 1600 men, all wearing the traditional, and some would say overly flashy albarian uniform and equipment. It was a spectacle to say the least, and Sam Rivers, Or General Rivers, disliked it. Keep things simple, he had said. We dont want to draw a crowd. But the duke had laughed, claiming that a few extra dead civilians was not getting in the way of centuries of albarian military custom. So here they were, the albarians on one side, and the pirates on the other, with elements of the mob scattered round like rats. The commoners stared in awe at the soldiers, while others seemed to grin, as if they felt they might get to see blood.
The squid, still sickly but getting better, was wearing an expensive naval officers coat, probably stolen. He also wore a wig, and if gregory hadnt been in the position he was he'd have laughed. At least they left kaelyn in the ship. She'd just get caught here. He managed to spit in the face of one of the soldiers holding his arm, and received a backhanded mail fist to the face.
'Um.. excuthe me..'
The squid's face was bright red with rage, and he waddled a few paces forwards. Bran stayed where he was, though a hand rested on the blade at his hilt. He had never liked albarians. Flashy, sneaky bastards. Give me a squad of salks over 100 of these idiots any day. The squid forced a smile, and the bearded general finally turned, as if acknowledging him.
'You want something?'
The gynkesian pirate lord made a motion with his hand.
'Yeth.. actually. My 80 gold cointh. I got your brat, now give me my money.'
General Rivers stared for a moment at the fat man, before nodding once, and raising his sword, causing the squid to flinch.
'You are correct of course. The Duke is a man of his word.'
His voice was gruff and to the point. He accepted a leather bag from a soldier behind him, before tossing it to the gynk. Every pirate eye fixed itself on the bag, and the squid caught it like a beggar catches food. He licked his lips, ripping it open and immediately beginning to count. His men, apart from Bran whose eyes remained on the general, crowded behind him, expressions gleeful.
'Oh yeth.. OH YETH!!!'
The happy cries of the squid and his men were cut short by the general's cough.
'The noble Duke of Albar asked me to tell you something else.'
A few pirates glanced up, but most ignored him. If they hadnt, they may have noticed a change of expression in some of the soldiers. Bran narrowed his eyes. Gregory was guarded by six men near the back of the albarians, and he raised an eyebrow at his captors. Were they wearing perfume?
'He asked me to inform you.. that although you receive your payment, that payment does not prevent you from being what you are. Which is pirates. In Albar, pirates are criminals.'
The gynk and his men stopped what they were doing, there attention reclaimed. Bran swore silently, and began to back away from the group. The colour slowly left the fat Squid's face, and he began to babble. The bearded general grinned.
'In Albar, criminals are executed.'
At his words, 1600 swords were simultaneously drawn from there scabbards. The general stopped grinning, and growled a single word.
'Advance.'
Six things happened at once. The Pirates swore, screamed, and stared, backing away towards their ship, blades drawn. The Albarians charged forwards, and the Squid let out an earshattering howl. Bran turned, head low, and charged towards the ship, while members of the rabble watching whooped with excitement, pressing forwards to watch the ensuing slaughter. There were barely 30 pirates present and the subsequent fight did not last long. They were pressed back, the albarians relentless and efficient with their long slim swords. General rivers literally crushed the head of a scrawny ratlike man with his mace, and sent another reeling with his sword. Despairing, the pirates turned and ran, men wetting themselves and jumping from the pier in their terror.
As Bran reached the gangplank, he stopped for a moment, glancing back. He had been seen. A group of soldiers were charging towards the ship, several holding lit torches. Gritting his teeth, he turned, a faint voice he could not help but recognise reaching him as he charged onto the vessel.
'NOOOOOOOO! NOT THE FATHE!!
The last words of the squid echoing in his ears, the dark-skinned ex-soldier hurtled down into the lower deck, his face determined. He would not die. Turning sharply on his heels, he sprinted down a corridor, his breathing getting heavier as he turned on his heels, entering the hold. His eyes fell on the holding cell, the brig, and he leaned against the wall, speaking harshly.
'Stand back from the door.'
Pulling back the bolt to make his task easier, he took a few paces back, before charging forwards, and ramming the locked door with his shoulder. It creaked, and he heard the sounds of voices up on deck. Ignoring them, he repeated the action, and the lock splintered, the door swinging open violently. Chest heaving, he stood in the door, giving the woman inside a quick glance, before stepping forwards. He shook his head at her, and muttered as he grabbed her arm roughly, ignoring any struggles. 'No time. We have to go.' Dragging her out of the cell, Bran wasted no time in heading towards the upper deck. His grip was strong, and in his left hand he held his sword, eyes occasionally darting side to side for signs of movement as they headed back upwards.
As he felt the fresh air of above deck hit him, a voice, loud and confident broke through.
'Theres two of them. Move boys.'
Bran moistened his lower lip, and payed the men behind him no attention, focusing on the port side of the ship. A small rowing boat, left tethered in the water there by him for just such an event, had not yet been discovered. They just had to reach it. Unfortunately, there was an Albarian standing between them. Running in front of the young noble girl, the salkamaerian went headlong for the albarian, who glanced up surprised and caught of guard. He lifted his thin sword in a lame attempt to parry, but he was too slow, and Bran buried the edge of his weapon in the mans neck. Yanking it free, he shouted for felicity to climb down the rope into the boat below. The other albarian soldiers, enraged, ran towards them, bellowing and brandishing blades. Bran backed off untill he felt his spine brush against the ship's rail, waiting for the woman to make it to the boat.
They were not going to be quick enough. Before he could follow her, the first man reached him, and the tall ex-soldier was forced to parry the man's slice. There were too many to fight. Ducking the first man's attempt to take off his head, he slammed his knee into the albarian's midriff, while parrying another blow from the next soldier to arrive by the rail. Swearing inventively at his assailants, he threw the man he had knee'd to the side, before lifting up his left arm to block the second mans swing. The swing was weak, and caught itself in his leather shirt sleeve, but it still sent a searing pain through his body, blood instantly apearing. Bran brought his blade down over the second man's hand; slicing it off with a scream of defiance, before turning and diving over the rail, landing with a ripple in the seawater below.
Nursing their wounds, the albarians decided that dying over a couple of pirates was not an albarian thing to do, and began setting light to the ship. Meanwhile, Bran resurfaced, spitting seawater, and focusing himself on the boat with the young woman inside. He stretched a desperate hand, sword lost in the dive, kicking against the currents.
'Felicity... pull me up.. please. I fight better than i swim.'
It had only been a moment's glance to the Albarian flags flying in the wind, the silhouette of a distant settlement rising up against the horizon that Kaelyn was allowed. The ratlike man that held a shackle-like grip about her bicep gave a crude chuckle that made the fine hairs along the back of her neck stand on end. His words were no better, the gravelly voice bad enough to make anyone cringe.
"Yer destiny, wench. Ransom or not, yer gonna be Albar's whore.. Or dead, one."
The absolute way he stated his vile words made Kaelyn nearly grimace for the taste of bitterness that had touched her tongue. That was a lie. No bastard of an Albarian Duke would hold her chained in any form or fashion, ever. Growling softly as she felt herself wrenched back, Kaelyn turned her head to the shore once more, just in time to catch sight of a glinting mass of an army heading to the docks, the roar of a thousand pairs of feet or more causing her flesh to erupt into goosebumps. Gregory had been right, they were coming for him in force. His father, Andrew... He was anything but a graceful loser. Stumbling back into her hold quietly, Kaelyn leaned against the dark wall and closed her eyes, her heart racing a nervous crescendo against her chest. There was no way...
- - - - -
An hour, possibly two had passed since the initial look of what was to come was allowed to Kaelyn. She had heard the sound of heavy doors earlier, signalling the very heavy reality that Gregory had been dragged up just as she had and sent to the docks to face his inevitable fate of the Albarian army. Ever since the near tangible silence had settled about Kaelyn along with the solitary darkness of her hold, she had felt a cold chill trace up along her spine once, twice.. A million times. It was amusing how she thought she had gotten her act planned out perfectly, anticipating the Albarian reaction and all only to have it blown to Hellsbriar and beyond. Leaning her head back slowly against the grimy wall of her hold, Kaelyn tried to steady her thudding heart with a deep breath, releasing it in a heavy sigh. Her eyes stared ahead in the meager light that shown through the filth-covered glass porthole against the far wall. Set back, taken off guard, yes. But she wouldn't let this end just like that.
Unaware to what had commensed at the docks, or of the fact that the now familiar Bran was racing her way, Kaelyn immersed herself in deep thought, trying to strategize herself again. She had almost come up with a safe idea when her heart leapt, body instinctively tensing to the sound of the hold door slamming open. Kaelyn opened her eyes suddenly, giving an almost startled look to Bran as the man made his way to her and grabbed her arm, dragging her forward. About to instinctively snap an indignant order to the man, Kaelyn found her words strangled and forgotten at his own.
"No time, we have to go."
Kaelyn stumbled her way up to the top deck, her face twisted into confusion. It didn't take long to clear up such confusion to Bran's rough-housing though, as she saw the Albarian soldiers charge toward her and the man once they were spotted. Swallowing roughly as she tried in vain to keep up with Bran's long strides, Kaelyn shoved a hand down to her hip and fumbled about before pulling a dagger forward. It was useless, really, as Bran seemed to be perfectly fine in doing all the dirty work as he guided her to the edge of the boat. Watching the first Albarian fall after being impaled through the neck, Kaelyn shook her head and caught herself in a skidding halt against the ship's edge, her eyes running over the small boat below. It didn't take much of Bran's shoving demands for her to slip the dagger away, scramble over the edge of the ship and drop down onto the boat. The rowboat rolled beneath her land, causing her hands to grasp to either side quickly. Gods, don't roll over, Kaelyn caught herself praying. It would be the last of her if it did, she just knew it.
Steadying the boat and shoving it away from the edge of the ship, Kaelyn turned her eyes up to watch Bran wrestle with the Albarians. She had frozen in a half-crouched position, every muscle tensed as she heard the echoing shouts and yells of the fighters. In fact, she did not move until Bran dove over the edge of the ship, landing with a loud splash and causing Kaelyn to rock back against the small boat's edge. Gasping briefly, Kaelyn shook her head and scrambled to the edge as Bran surfaced and swam as well as he could toward her. At his pleading words, Kaelyn hesitated. Would she be a fool to save the life of a man that would only use her for a ransom that didn't exist to begin with?
Curling her upper lip in a brief, sneering look, she leaned over the edge of the boat tediously and reached her own hand out to Bran's, grasping it and pulling back to help the massive man all that she could. Hellsbriar, maybe it'd be worth having his help later on..
- - - - -
Only a matter of leagues out from where the Squid and his crew were being horridly massacred and where Kaelyn was flirting with the possibility of death, five ships drifted along with the current, their sails full out. Each ship in the strange formation bore a single flag on its highest mast, one which flapped and danced in the breeze. It was the mark of a tribe of the Iron Desert, one any Albarian would know and probably fear. It was a blood red flag, its center holding a black circlet with spikes around its outer edge, the flag of the Yrzana.
Standing at the bow of the leading ship was the familiar figure, a black cloak about his broad shoulders. It was almost as if he could feel the tension so many miles off, around the stone cliff that momentarily blocked their way. A sneer rested on his lips as he leaned down, steel-gloved hands curling about the low rail. The occasional sidelong breeze whipped golden-brown hair into his eyes though the straightforward, eagle-like stare was transfixed and unmoving. A low chuckle came from him before he straightened and lifted his chin up slowly.
"I hope you haven't started the fun without us, my little exile..."
"Yer destiny, wench. Ransom or not, yer gonna be Albar's whore.. Or dead, one."
The absolute way he stated his vile words made Kaelyn nearly grimace for the taste of bitterness that had touched her tongue. That was a lie. No bastard of an Albarian Duke would hold her chained in any form or fashion, ever. Growling softly as she felt herself wrenched back, Kaelyn turned her head to the shore once more, just in time to catch sight of a glinting mass of an army heading to the docks, the roar of a thousand pairs of feet or more causing her flesh to erupt into goosebumps. Gregory had been right, they were coming for him in force. His father, Andrew... He was anything but a graceful loser. Stumbling back into her hold quietly, Kaelyn leaned against the dark wall and closed her eyes, her heart racing a nervous crescendo against her chest. There was no way...
- - - - -
An hour, possibly two had passed since the initial look of what was to come was allowed to Kaelyn. She had heard the sound of heavy doors earlier, signalling the very heavy reality that Gregory had been dragged up just as she had and sent to the docks to face his inevitable fate of the Albarian army. Ever since the near tangible silence had settled about Kaelyn along with the solitary darkness of her hold, she had felt a cold chill trace up along her spine once, twice.. A million times. It was amusing how she thought she had gotten her act planned out perfectly, anticipating the Albarian reaction and all only to have it blown to Hellsbriar and beyond. Leaning her head back slowly against the grimy wall of her hold, Kaelyn tried to steady her thudding heart with a deep breath, releasing it in a heavy sigh. Her eyes stared ahead in the meager light that shown through the filth-covered glass porthole against the far wall. Set back, taken off guard, yes. But she wouldn't let this end just like that.
Unaware to what had commensed at the docks, or of the fact that the now familiar Bran was racing her way, Kaelyn immersed herself in deep thought, trying to strategize herself again. She had almost come up with a safe idea when her heart leapt, body instinctively tensing to the sound of the hold door slamming open. Kaelyn opened her eyes suddenly, giving an almost startled look to Bran as the man made his way to her and grabbed her arm, dragging her forward. About to instinctively snap an indignant order to the man, Kaelyn found her words strangled and forgotten at his own.
"No time, we have to go."
Kaelyn stumbled her way up to the top deck, her face twisted into confusion. It didn't take long to clear up such confusion to Bran's rough-housing though, as she saw the Albarian soldiers charge toward her and the man once they were spotted. Swallowing roughly as she tried in vain to keep up with Bran's long strides, Kaelyn shoved a hand down to her hip and fumbled about before pulling a dagger forward. It was useless, really, as Bran seemed to be perfectly fine in doing all the dirty work as he guided her to the edge of the boat. Watching the first Albarian fall after being impaled through the neck, Kaelyn shook her head and caught herself in a skidding halt against the ship's edge, her eyes running over the small boat below. It didn't take much of Bran's shoving demands for her to slip the dagger away, scramble over the edge of the ship and drop down onto the boat. The rowboat rolled beneath her land, causing her hands to grasp to either side quickly. Gods, don't roll over, Kaelyn caught herself praying. It would be the last of her if it did, she just knew it.
Steadying the boat and shoving it away from the edge of the ship, Kaelyn turned her eyes up to watch Bran wrestle with the Albarians. She had frozen in a half-crouched position, every muscle tensed as she heard the echoing shouts and yells of the fighters. In fact, she did not move until Bran dove over the edge of the ship, landing with a loud splash and causing Kaelyn to rock back against the small boat's edge. Gasping briefly, Kaelyn shook her head and scrambled to the edge as Bran surfaced and swam as well as he could toward her. At his pleading words, Kaelyn hesitated. Would she be a fool to save the life of a man that would only use her for a ransom that didn't exist to begin with?
Curling her upper lip in a brief, sneering look, she leaned over the edge of the boat tediously and reached her own hand out to Bran's, grasping it and pulling back to help the massive man all that she could. Hellsbriar, maybe it'd be worth having his help later on..
- - - - -
Only a matter of leagues out from where the Squid and his crew were being horridly massacred and where Kaelyn was flirting with the possibility of death, five ships drifted along with the current, their sails full out. Each ship in the strange formation bore a single flag on its highest mast, one which flapped and danced in the breeze. It was the mark of a tribe of the Iron Desert, one any Albarian would know and probably fear. It was a blood red flag, its center holding a black circlet with spikes around its outer edge, the flag of the Yrzana.
Standing at the bow of the leading ship was the familiar figure, a black cloak about his broad shoulders. It was almost as if he could feel the tension so many miles off, around the stone cliff that momentarily blocked their way. A sneer rested on his lips as he leaned down, steel-gloved hands curling about the low rail. The occasional sidelong breeze whipped golden-brown hair into his eyes though the straightforward, eagle-like stare was transfixed and unmoving. A low chuckle came from him before he straightened and lifted his chin up slowly.
"I hope you haven't started the fun without us, my little exile..."