|
|
|
‘’Something wicked this way comes,’’ sang by a choir in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (the movie)
Prologue
Two men sat at a table, six items lay before them.
‘’How do you know this will work?’’ asked one man.
‘’It will.’’
‘’How?’’
‘’With little sacrifice on your part and revenge satisfied for us both,’’ the other man answered.
The man hesitated.
‘’What must I do?’’
The other man gestured to the table. The room, lit only by two scanty lanterns, was gloomy, but clearly were the objects illuminated. A candle, ocean blue; a small sack; a statue of a dragon, bluer than a sapphire with eyes redder than flame; a small green vial; a lock of straight blond hair…
And a dagger.
At first glance the blade appeared to be covered in blood, with a white bone hilt, but a closer inspection showed the blade was solid, blood red ruby; the hilt, a sickly white bone, with streaks of pale green and a shadowy black.
‘’A simple drop of blood, and the goddess whom turned your lover against you and killed my son will be bound in human form with no memory,’’ explained the other man.
‘’How do I know it will work?’’ asked the one man.
‘’You don’t,’’ the other man answered.
The other man’s face had been shrouded in shadow, for his hood had been up the entire night.
Now he let it fall back.
His hair was green as algae and as stretched, spiky, and sharp as the dagger upon the table; his deathly pale skin had a blackish sheen to it; his teeth, bright red…
But his eyes…
But his eyes were a menacing yellow, with long narrow cats slits…
Crimson cat slits.
The human paled, he knew this disturbing creature… This Harpy.
But… he remembered the look of his lover when she left. And her hate filled words. Not to him but what he had become…
‘’You were a good man, but even good men become corrupt. I will not stand by and watch you ruin the peace and lively hood of others,’’ the words spoken long past snuck through his head. Remembering he asked her of her love for him, begged her to remember it. And her cold eyes as they meet his, ‘’I could never love a mogul.’’ Then she disappeared into the mist…
‘’I’ll do it,’’ said the human.
‘’Good,’’ said the voice, as grating a nails, that belonged to the Harpy, ‘’let us begin.’’
He started to chant, low and soft, as he placed the candle in the center of the table. The Harpy chanted a pitch louder and higher as he picked up the sack.
‘’With a candle of Her tears and oil of Harpy youth…’’
The oil, compressed into a small black ball, floated in the Harpy’s hand. He held it over the candle and it burst!
The candle, now black, began to burn an ailing green flame.
‘’The Dragon, slain by it’s master’s flame…’’
Lifting the dragon figurine over the flame, it burned. Higher
and louder grew his voice.
Next the lock of hair and the vial.
‘’The Goddess be cursed to love a man, in the end she can not have… his hair called from beyond the Abyss, entwined with her essence…’’
Higher. Louder.
He placed the hair in the bottle; corking it, he shook it viciously.
‘’Together until her release…’’
He uncorked the vial once more…
Louder! Higher!
‘’Wrenched apart, he will burn! And her heart with him…’’
The Harpy pored the vial’s contents into the flame. A blue gas encircled with gold hovered around the flame…
Higher!! Louder!!
‘’A drop of blood to seal this fate…’’
Grabbing the man’s hand he picked up the dagger…
Louder!!! Higher!!!
‘’By a man driven with hate! And only shall this curse be broke, a child with the blood of the Goddess, through a sacrifice willingly made… with it’s life gone shall it’s mother be free…’’
Higher!!! Louder!!!
The Harpy pricked the man’s finger. A drop lay suspended on the edge of the knife. The Harpy tapped it into the flame.
A black light sped from the candle and with a roar flew into the troubled heavens. The man’s soul departing into the next life.
Silence.
‘’But not while there’s still life in me,’’ whispered the Harpy.
The human collapsed dead onto the table.
The Harpy picked up what was left of the candle and began the journey back to his people.
His revenge complete…
‘’You can take a road that that gets you to the stars, I can take a road that will see me through,’’ –Nick Drake.
Chapter One
Sorcha
Thwack! “Up you little whelp! Up!” Thwack! Thwack!
Opening my eyes, I caught the hard broom that beat me. Valerie’s pig like, fleshy face greeted me. She was not a pleasant sight. She had a squashed, over grown nose, disfiguring cheeks, and a double chin. Her wispy garnet colored hair was clumped in rat-tails around her hate filled face. How unpleasant to awaken to such a sight each and every morning!
‘’I’m awake,’’ I calmly said.
‘’I can bloody well see that, now can’t I Sorcha! I’ve got a bit more brains than you haven’t I? You little b***h!” she shrieked at me. Her blood shot eyes narrowed ever further.
Lovely, the first thing I’ll have to do is make her breakfast. Knowing her she’ll want anything but the food she needs the most, pancakes and coffee.
I studied her squinting eyes a bit closer… Great. You can barley see the yellow through the networks of red spider webs.
Vats of coffee we might not have enough.
“You should have been up an hour ago!” she hissed. “To make up for your slack you’ll make me breakfast.”
In the pleasant mood your in you probably woke me an hour early, didn’t you, you old prostitute?
“Yes Valerie,” I said meekly. Walking around her, I put my apron on and began her pancakes.
Valerie waddled to the other side of the bar and plopped herself down on a stool.
‘’Now then,’’ she said, beginning to ramble. ‘’I would like five delicately prepared egg whites, just cooked enough so they don’t run, ten pieces of buttered and jammed toast, some caramel candy apples, topped off with the finest of white wines.’’
Tossing a long black lock behind me, I rolled my eyes. As if we could afford such finery! And she expects it like that! As if I can just wave my hand and her majesty’s food will appear! As though I’m some sorceress of old! Goddess help me!
‘’What are you doing those are not my five egg whites-‘’
‘’I’m so sorry Valerie; I just started the pancakes! It would be a shame to let them go to waste… Would these be fine instead of your egg whites?’’ I asked. Of course it will; the old harpy can’t afford to waste food.
‘’Hmmm,’’ she mumbled, seeming to think it over. A real nail biter this one! Wonder what her answer will be!?
“I guess pancakes will do,’’ she said in a refined tone.
Of course it will be.
Coffee, coffee, coffee… Ah! Here it is!
Valerie was developing a twitch so I picked up my speed. The coffee was starting to brew and I slid Valerie’s first pancake over to her. I turned and checked the coffee, it was ok. I turned back to Valerie and… Nothing! Her pancake was gone. Good thing the second was almost done other wise she might eat me!
The coffee and her second pancake done, I got the food to her
as fast as possible. I snatched my hand away, the second she saw the food she attacked! I checked to make sure I still had all five fingers. Yep all there.
‘’Where’s the sugar?’’ she demanded.
‘’I don’t see it Valerie,’’ I said distractedly, quickly making the third pancake.
She grunted her displeasure, then inhaled the pancake I laid in front of her. She did the same with the next seven cups of coffee and pancakes. Now you see them… oh wait. Never mind.
As she began to take the last bite she paused and looked at me. I swear she looked like the forgotten relative of an ugly pig.
She took the bite and licked her chops smugly. ‘’Looks like there’s no breakfast for you. Oh well better luck at dinner!’’ she said breezily. ‘’Get to cleanin’ the steps. Now! And they better be damn good or ye’ll feel the broom upon yer back!’’
‘’Yes, Valerie.’’
Grabbing a bucket I dropped some soap in to it and filled it with water. Now- Oh wait! Can’t forget the rag!
After double-checking that I had all the materials I needed I walked through the small bar door. The inn was more of a pub than an inn. It has only three guest rooms, a master bed, a kitchen, and a drinking/eating area. When you enter the place you walk in to the “pub room”, keep walking and you hit the bar, look straight ahead and you see the pathetic kitchen, turn left and follow the flight of stairs you find the guest bedrooms. The entire place is confined and uneven.
Ah well. I stepped out into the dim light and set my bucket
down. I looked about the false dawn, soon to break into the twilight hours. It is always beautiful to look upon. In the morn it is almost like a battle being wagged between night and day. Maneuvering and feinting with deadly accuracy causing the sky to bleed with color. It continues until the day wins and victorious he rules the day. Then, as the day drifts to a close, an intense and graceful dance. The light and the dark switching leads with lithe and swift elegant steps, darkening the sky as they dance. Until finally the dance ends and the night can watch patiently over its domain, with the stars and moon at her side to guide us. It is my favorite time.
Enough lollygagging, I though and rung out my rag. I dropped to my knees and began to scrub the single sorry step that led to our door. Mud, muck, and dung was caked on to it. I scrubbed as hard as I could, but I daydreamed as I did it to keep my mind off such an unpleasant task.
So as I often do I began to think of my former home. And the events leading up to my being left here at this goddess forsaken Inn called The Good Pig. (Ironic isn’t it?)
All I know is that seventeen years ago I was left on this very step. Not even a day old according to my wet nurse, Mistress Jones. A kind old lady who runs a fruit stall in the market. She always let me barrow her books. Oh shoot! I need to give that one book back to her!
Anyways Valerie claims I was either unwanted or orphaned. Mistress Jones thinks my parents had to give me up because of hard times. It doesn’t actually matter either way, unless some long lost parent is going to show up out of nowhere and save me from this place. Yah right. That’ll
happen. I’ll simply have to save my self from the likes of
Valerie and her husband, William Fletcher. He used to be the kindest of souls until he began to realize what a self-absorbed pig Valerie is. The poor man couldn’t take the truth of it and used the whiskey to forget his pain. The man was always fond of me and kept Valerie from beating me when I was little, but after a while the drink broke him. He stopped fighting and Valerie began to raise me. Her way.
A corner in the kitchen, single blanket, one meal a day, and a beating before bed. This deteriorated to what I have now: a smaller shelf; no blanket; a single dress (other than the unacceptable dress meant for serving on busy nights); a scrap of food every few days that wouldn’t fill a dust mite’s aching belly; and beatings when every Valerie liked. Some would have cracked under such a despondent way to live, but I have survived these seventeen years past and I will continue to do so until I can be taken on as a maid or some form of apprentice.
Red colored the sky and Clive, the Baker’s apprentice opened the window to his room.
Stretching he shouted, ‘’Top of the morning’, Sorcha! Valerie have you hard at work already?’’
‘’Aye and she’ll have me at it awhile yet! The ships will be at port soon!’’ I replied.
‘’Will they now? Thanks for the tip! Stop by later and the master ‘ill give ya something for it!’’
‘’Anytime! And I shall, thank you!’’ I said placing the rag back in the bucket.
Dumping the water, I stood and walked inside as the sun broke over the horizon.
‘’Market!’’ snapped Valerie, from her stool.
‘’Yes Valerie,’’ I said.
Yes, the day is lovely, and doing your biding like a slave is equally lovely! Would I like to go to the market instead of eating bonbons on my fat but all day? Sure!!!
‘’Take £5 and get more meat and chocolates.’’
‘’Yes, Valerie.’’
‘’She handed over the £5 reluctantly, I tucked it into my bodice, grabbed a basket and set off.
The market place was fairly close to The Good Pig, it was still cool out making the walk very pleasant. As I approached, I heard the sounds of the market place vendors setting up. Even before it’s rush hour, the market place was a myriad of sights smells and sounds. It was about a block away from the docks. I love the hustle and bustle, how no one notices you yet everyone does. Everything’s so anonymous.
“’Ello, Sorcha, luv!’’ exclaimed Mistress Jenkins.
‘’Hello, Mistress! Isn’t it a lovely morn?’’ I asked.
‘’Da finest, indeed. Ye best be off ‘for all da good meats taken,’’ she said, waving me on.
I nodded and continued on my way to the chocolate stall. Jim greeted me, already bringing out the fine chocolates.
‘’Good morning, Sorcha,’’ Master Turnstal said, rubbing his hands with a cloth. ‘’What can I get you?’’
‘’How much for two bags?’’ I asked.
‘’£7.’’
‘’£7! You should have been arrested by now, this is thievery!’’
‘’Hard times my dear, all the prices are raising. And Valerie probably gave you less than the sum I just named,’’ he replied.
‘’Indeed she did,’’ I replied ruefully.
‘’Listen, you’re an old friend and I know how that b***h treats you, so I’ll lower it to £5.’’
I knew it was a very generous offer but I only had £5. If I came back with one but not the other Valerie would see me hung.
‘’Two,’’ said I.
He knew what I was doing but he pretended to be offended all the same.
‘’Two!? This is high quality chocolate, Kings and Queens would go traipsing around the continent to get this!’’
‘’Then go sell it to them, something that fine might give the old wrench a heart attack!’’ I said. ‘’Two and half, that’s the highest I’ll go.’’
His face split into a grin, ‘’Very well.’’ And handed me the chocolate. I placed it in my basket, took my change, and set off.
Every now and then, a friend, old and new, would stop me to chat.
‘’Sorcha!’’ cried Mistress Nell. I smiled and walked to her bread stall; her eldest was taking care of the newborn while she kneaded bread.
‘’Good day, Mistress,’’ I said.
‘’Good to see you, again, you’ve gotten thinner, haven’t you?’’ she said. ‘’Have you seen little Dove? Actually I don’t think you have; I haven’t seen you since I was eight months along.’’
‘’I haven’t! Oh my! She’s darling!’’ I exclaimed.
Little Dove was about half the size of a loaf of bread with eyes like wide saucers of gold.
‘’She’s beautiful,’’ I said and truly, she was.
‘’Thank you dear. Now how is that rat Valerie, treating you?’’ asked Mistress Nell.
‘’Like always,’’ I replied, Valerie hardly ever changed and if she did it was in some new form of punishment for me.
‘’Tisk! Tisk! Probably didn’t give you any breakfast neither, you poor mite! Here,’’ she said and handed me a pasty. Nothing fancy very plain and tasteless to a normal person; Mistress Nell knew as well as I that even this little thing would upset my stomach, but it was all she had in the way of plain things and I was grateful to her all the same. I tore off a very small bit and shoved it in to my mouth. Oh food! Thank the Goddess; I was going on three days with out a scrap!
‘’My goodness!’’ she exclaimed.
‘’Please excuse me Mistress for my lack of manners. Thank you kindly for the pasty!’’
I said my good byes and walked on, placing the bread in the basket.
I was truly grateful to the kind woman; that small kindness would keep me for as long as that bread stayed fresh. Times are getting to be so hard most these days won’t spare a slice of bread.
I smiled thinking about the time I met Mistress Nell. It was the first time Valerie had sent me to the market (for bread), and I came to Mistress Nell’s stall and asked for a loaf. She handed it to me and I gave her the money. She looked me over and gave me a small piece saying I was painfully thin. I thanked her gratefully; she gave me a look and asked who had taught me my manners. I asked her what manner was and that I was just being my self, and I was sorry if I had offended her. From then on, she told me what a queer polite little thing I was.
I arrived at the meat stall and was jolted out of my memories by a foul stench and rotting meat.
‘’Dear me, Demitre! Please tell me this isn’t all you have,’’ I begged.
‘’Naw, this is the oldest stuff. The kind poor folk like us wouldn’t even feed their dogs. And good morning to you Sorcha,’’ he said.
‘’Good morning, how’s business?’’
‘’Alright I guess,’’ he answered. That’s Demitre, always straight and to the point.
‘’What is with the rotting meat?’’ I asked.
‘’Keeps away the King’s soldiers,’’ he said. He bent down underneath the stall where he kept the ice for his meat. ‘’Here’s a good cut of beef.’’
I inspected it and agreed.
‘’How much?’’
‘’£5.’’
‘’Two.’’
‘’Three.’’
‘’Two and a half.’’
‘’Deal,’’ he said rapping it up. I put in the basket and forked over the money.
‘’Thank you,’’ I said.
‘’No, thank you, Sorcha, come again.’’
’’I will,’’ I called over my shoulder.
I to the Good Pig and grimaced. The ships were coming in tonight… Perhaps nothing bad will happen and Valerie will be in a good mood tomorrow because of the profits… I hope.
‘’Time tells the truth,’’ –fortune cookie.
Chapter Two
Jacob
Dusk had set an hour ago; bringing with it a torrential downpour and three ships. I love the rain, and the Sea, with all its calms and storms, but on nights like this, it brings more psychopaths in here that need to go find the nearest prostitute. Not what I want to deal with. Tonight or ever for that matter!
I looked out into the drinking room, and observed our only two customers. I sighed. They seemed the one seemed the sort who would get violent after a beer or two. The other seem a kind fellow…
Two more men stumbled into the door (did I mention that one filthy step leading up to the door was crooked?), and interrupted my thoughts. Four customers, Valerie might not beat me after all.
The pig signaled me to go check on our first two costumers while she “welcomed” the newbies.
‘’You two doing alright? Can I get you anything?” I asked.
‘’More ale please,’’ said one.
The other paid his check and handed me a decent tip. I tucked it in bodice quickly and thanked him warmly with a big smile.
‘’Don’t mention it,’’ he said and walked out.
I picked up the other’s mug, walked to the tap and filled it. I brought it back and returned to polishing the mugs.
This brings my tips to £7; I’ll need more. With the prices of
everything rising, I need more or-
Three more men walked in and sat down; I haven’t seen this many men in here all at once in years. It truly is a second rate inn.
Valerie waved me over to serve them. No doubt she would be over there later, harassing the poor folk. They probably just want to get drunk in peace the one night they have on shore. Or settle down with a nice whore…
Oh… Wait they aren’t all men… Studying the group a bit closer I realized that there was a woman among them. The woman had shoulder length, chestnut hair that was tied back; her face was slender and attractive, but not distinctive to either sex without close examination. She was wearing green trousers and a yellow shirt with a red sash around her waist.
The first man was short and stout, with a large snout (a large nose). He wore a large hat with a wide brim; a bright green feather with a red tip was attached to it. The man’s clothes were a plain brown on brown, but he carried himself in a way that showed honest, hardworking leadership.
The second man was handsome. His hair, several shades paler than straw, was cropped short in an almost military style. He was about 6’2’’, muscular, yet lean. He moved with a grace that was near to a dancer’s, but not quite… His clothes were plain enough, a faded blue shirt and brown trousers.
These three are different than our normal customers, I thought. As I seized them up, I knew that they were doing the same. It’s kind of an instinctive thing when you have been exposed to hardships; to try and ferret out the
dangerous people who want to hurt us and the kind good souls who would never hurt a fly.
I’m not much to look at, as Valerie would say. My hair is black as pitch, skin the color of honey, and eyes as blue as the Sea; at least that’s what I’m told. I’ve never seen a mirror in all my seventeen years.
Walking to their table, I met each of their eyes in turn. The woman’s green, Big Nose’s brown, and the Blonde’s…
For a short amount of time I must have stopped dead; all I could see were his eyes…
Bluer than, or as, the Sea… It was strange, how beautiful they were, and how they stopped me dead. I’ve an eye for color and I’ve never seen the likes of them.
I shook my head, as if shaking away the last fragments of a dream, as I finally reached their table. The blond man shook his head as though awakening from a dream as well, while his puzzled mates looked on.
‘’Good evening to you,’’ I said shakily. ‘’I’m Sorcha and I’ll be attending to you this fine eve. Is there any thing I can get you?’’
‘’Ale for all of us, lass,’’ said Big Nose.
I nodded and brought their drinks quickly. I thought about that man’s eyes while getting their drinks. I’d never seen anything that beautiful, save the Sea. The odd thing was I was interested in them as a friend would be, not as a serving girl’s ‘lovely, nice to meet you, how you doing?’ And at the same time I don’t feel anything out of the ordinary about they themselves except for his eyes. I probably don’t make any sense now…
I walked back and gave them their drinks. I turned to leave
but the woman called out, stopping me. I turned around.
‘’Come sit with us a spell,’’ she said.
‘’Alright,’’ I answered.
‘’I don’ believe we gave our name’s,’’ said Big Nose. ‘’Me name’s Victor, I’m the cap’in of the Lucky Wind. This be me quartermaster, Mallory, an’ me first mate-‘’
‘’Jacob,’’ said Jacob suddenly.
‘’It’s wonderful to meet you all!’’ I said. Victor did say the Lucky Wind, right?
‘’I’m sorry, did you say your ship’s name was the Lucky Wind?” I asked.
‘’Aye,’’ said Victor, looking as though he was used to this reaction.
Well he probably is by now, the Lucky Wind was probably the most well known ship sailing the Seas at this time. The ship and its crew were known for its mercy and kindness, but also its guts and sheer will.
‘’If I may what is it like to sail on the Seas for days on end?’’ I asked. It would be like heaven for me to live like that, out on the Sea, living just to live! Ah and there is no life in me without the Sea. If not for Her, I would be dead. Every time I go there She rejuvenates me; every time I feel like giving up She stops me… I used to play there as a child, and now, as I grow older, I go as an escape from Valerie and everything for that matter. It is the only place where I am truly complete.
‘’It is like nothing else,’’ said Victor. ‘’The salt ‘n the spray whip’in ‘ur face! The wind’s harsh fingers in ‘ur ‘air!’’
‘’The Sun beating on your brow,’’ said Mallory.
‘’Good company, and you’ll never see a more glorious sight
than the Sea at sun up, or down,’’ said Jacob.
‘’Enough about us,’’ said Victor. ‘’What of ‘ur life?’’
‘’I-‘’ I began.
But was interrupted by a shout.
‘’Ale! Ale! Ale! Ale!’’ shouted the drunkard at the next table.
Oh no, Valerie is going to kill me. ‘Your shirking your duties!’ is what she’ll say. I stood quickly and grabbed their tankards moving quickly to refill them. I got it back to the howling jackals as fast as I could.
‘’T’ank y’ luv,’’ stuttered one.
‘’Your welcome,’’ I answered.
I turned to leave, but something twisted me around and held me in an iron, shackle like grip.
‘’Wah’s a petty grrl lik y’ doin her’ sstill? How’sss ‘bout y’ com wiff me? Hmmmmmm…’’the drunkard slurred, his eyes swollen and red, with dilated pupils. His hands held me immobile still while groping clumsily at what he could. His friends egged him on. I weighed my options, quickly. A man across the room had passed out, the drunkard’s friends would probably want a turn with me after he was done, and Victor, Mallory, and Jacob? They are kind, but what do they care about a tavern wrench like me? And Valerie? The only other soul in here? She was over by the counter laughing her head off. ‘’Sorcha, Sorcha, it’s time ye got some,’’ she says.
No. I’m on my own, if I could just-
All my option weighing had happened in half a second, but it was enough time for the drunkard to think my silence was a yes.
The man shoved me to the floor, landing on top of me,
trying to undo my skirts. I kicked my assailant in the groin
and hit him as hard as I could (which was hard enough to knock out a full grown man twice his size), but he was so drunk he couldn’t feel anything. He punched me in the stomach forcing the little bit of air out of my corset bound lungs. I cocked my arm back as far as I could and swung. I hit him dead in the nose. Blood spurted from his face; I was certain it was broken since it was flat against his face.
Enraged, he grabbed hold of my neck and squeezed.
Pressure point! Pressure point. Where’s the pre…
Thud!
Suddenly the weight and the hands were gone. I breathed in as deeply as I could.
Looking to my left, I saw two men fighting. One was punching and the other was pinned to the wall. The one pinned to the wall was the drunkard and the other one was… Jacob!
Mallory had knelt down beside me as I watched, incredulous. She checked my neck and looked for any other injuries. Then, she slowly sat me up.
‘’Thank you,’’ I said. What was that loud noise in the background, I thought, looking around.
Ahh. Valerie.
Red and purple in the face, she screamed and shrieked at Jacob and I; as Jacob grabbed the drunkard by the scruff of his neck and threw him out into the storm.
‘’What ‘r ye DOING?!’’ she bellowed.
‘’Tossing out the garbage that tried to harm your highered help,’’ he said, angrily.
‘’This is all yer fault, Sorcha!’’ she said, turning on me. ‘’If ye would ‘ev jest taken the medicine that had needed to ‘ev ben given to ye long ago, we wouldn’t be needin’ to toss out a payin’ customer!’’
‘’That man tried to kill her!’’ shouted Jacob, as I got to my feet.
‘’It would’ve been a kindness to the world if ‘e ‘ad! Git out! Ye’ve been a plague in me ‘ouse long enough! Git! I never want to see the likes of ye ag’in!’’ she hollered.
I was slightly dazed still, and couldn’t believe my ears. As much as I hate this place I can’t leave until I have a place to go! I’ll NOT be left be to the mercy of the streets!
Dear Goddess…
‘’You can’t kick her out with nothing, surly,’’ he said.
‘’Of course I can! And will!’’ she yelled. ‘’Git out this instant!’’
It was a good thing I always carried my savings about with me! Valerie would never allow me to fetch anything from my sleeping quarters.
‘’I’ll not let a fine girl, like ‘er, be kicked out from under ‘er roof cause of me an’ then leave ‘er to the mercy of the world. Doin’ Goddess knows what ta git by,’’ said Victor. ‘’Come Sorcha. You work for me now.’’
My jaw dropped… but Valerie’s hit the floor!
I stood shock still, unable to believe anyone capable of such extraordinary honor and kindness.
I stood motionless until Jacob gently placed a hand on the small of my back and led me out.
Mallory and Victor followed.
‘’Mallory, go fetch the girl a suitable outfit,’’ said Victor.
Mallory nodded. ‘’I’ll meet you back at the ship,’’ she said to them. Then to me, ‘’Follow me.’’
Still dazed, I followed her through the streets; the rain soaked us both through in minuets.
We walked in silence, finally stopping in a quaint shop near the docks. We entered and the shopkeeper greeted us.
‘’Good day, Mallory,’’ said the wraith, manning the counter. ‘’What can I get you?’’
The woman was so small that if she were any thinner my eyes would not be able to see her. She had thin black hair that hung to the small of her painfully nonexistent back. Her eyes moved quickly between me and Mallory, trust for her and a wariness to me that I was all to familiar with.
‘’New clothes for my new ship mate,’’ she said. ‘’No dresses.’’
‘’Of course not! Now, blue and gold! Those are your colors! And a nice cream will do nicely with your skin…-‘’
‘’Alice,’’ said Mallory, cutting in.
‘’Of course. So sorry. I’ll get your clothes now,’’ said Alice.
‘’Sorry about that,’’ said Mallory. ‘’Alice has an over developed sense of color. Now then, do you have a knife or a sword?’’
‘’No.’’
‘’Do you know how to pick a decent blade?’’
‘’Knife, yes. Sword, no. I’ve worked with knives for a while now,’’ I replied.
‘’Good! You pick a knife and I’ll find you a trustworthy sword,’ she said, then turned and walked off.
I shrugged and looked about, finally finding a display of knives. Now there’s a good selection! After browsing, I finally chose the one with the best blade, and the strongest
hilt. This particular dagger was also a work of art. The hilt, straight and true, had the semblance of a dragon carved into it, like a flower on a decorative spoon. The carving was breathing fire and the blade it the flame. It was decorative but sharp enough to split a man’s bones in two with a good swing. I know this because there was a block of good strong wood beside the knife stand, and I took that knife and swung into it. It cut the wood like butter. Wow. Not a bad price either.
Mallory walked back with a sword that was eerily similar to the dagger I was holding.
She took the knife and inspected it, her eyebrows raised.
‘’One of the best blades I’ve ever seen this place spit out. Beautifully crafted… exquisite blade…’’ she looked up, her eyes quizzical, ‘’…fantastic price. How would a tavern wrench know quality and art like this?’’
I shrugged, ‘’A friend.’’
She smiled, ‘’I like you already.’’
I smiled back, ‘’I guess the feelings mutual.’’
We talked awhile about the crew and the ship; eventually Alice came back with a billowy shirt, sapphire trousers, and a gold sash for my waist.
She handed them to me and shooed me into a different room to put them on. As I left, the two women began to talk prices.
I closed the door on a little closet and undid my dress. The sorry bit of cloth had become to small for me three years ago. Luckily, all 5’ 4’’ of me had stopped growing a while back. My shift, underwear, and corset were all else I had. I wouldn’t need the corset where I was going and didn’t need it where I was. I was already bone thin, all it did was make
my waist disappear when I turned side ways.
I pulled the strings on it as well.
My shift was so thin it felt like gossamer made by fairy hands. It should have fallen apart years ago. It drifted from my body with a sigh.
I stepped out of the ring of clothes and put my pants on. Soft as down yet durable. I slipped on the shirt and then the sash, completing the ensemble. Gathering my old clothes I stepped out of the room.
‘’You look like a pirate already. Drop those in the waste bin,’’ said Mallory.
‘’Shoes!’’ exclaimed Alice. ‘’You have no shoes!’’
My bare toes curled on the floorboards.
‘’What’s wrong with that?” I asked.
‘’Your feet will get torn to shreds,’’ said Mallory.
‘’Here,’’ said Alice, thrusting a pair at me. ‘’No charge.’’
She moved closer and said to me in a small voice, ‘’I was in your situation once.’’
‘’H-‘’
‘’Mallory told me where she found you… I’ve heard the horror stories. I was like you and I got away. I started my life learning to make blades and clothes, because where we were, that’s not a life is it?’’
‘’I don’t know. I’ve never lived any other way,’’ I said.
Alice looked shocked.
‘’Not many people have lived that way their whole lives… It makes me even more grateful to know I’m helping you,’’ she said.
‘’I thank you for everything, the clothes, the blades, thank you,’’ I said.
She smiled.
‘’Come, Sorcha, we must leave,’’ said Mallory.
‘’Wait, I have one question,’’ I said.
They looked at me waiting to see what I’d say.
‘’Why do you have such good merchandise and not sell to nobles?” I asked.
‘’I’d prefer to give my goods to hard working, honest folk who truly need it,’’ said Alice, smiling.
Mallory handed me the sword and dagger, which I fastened to my sash.
New clothes and a new life.
Unsure of the marrow, but ready for the change I followed Mallory out into the storm.
domokun (its a divider)
We reached the ship in good time. We rushed to get on and below deck as the lightning flashed. I would’ve stayed on deck, but I’d rather not get flayed alive.
We walked up the gangplank and quickly climbed below.
Our ears were greeted by shouts of glee as Mallory was swept into the fray.
Lanterns lit the room, showing a man playing a fiddle and most of the other men in the room were swaying in time to the beet. The one not up and moving were sitting on the wall, clapping in time to the beet.
The men on their feet were hopping to and fro around a large pole, which I assumed was the lower part of the mast.
‘’Sorcha!’’ cried Victor. He stood, and managed to make his way to me through all the commotion.
‘’Welcome to our family!’’ he said. ‘’Let me introduce you to everyone. That’s Dustan, Jo, William, John, Tyler, Jasper, and Harry. You’ve already met Mallory and Jacob. If ye’ve any questions ask him. I’ll see ye in a bit lass. My feet won’t stay still!’’
Jacob, seeing me and Victor’s waving arms as he pointed everyone out to me, smiled and waved me over.
‘’Hello,’’ I said. ‘’I never got the chance to thank you for… saving me. I didn’t get the chance to say anything at the Inn.’’
‘’It was nothing,’’ he said, and then frowned as he though he thought that I was offended. ‘’Oh… Wait. I’m sorry… I didn’t mean that. I’m very bad with words. What I meant was it was nothing to hesitate about.’’
I smiled, ‘’I understand.’’
He smiled back, relieved, maybe?
‘’Want me to introduce you to everyone? Victor probably went a little fast didn’t he?” he asked.
‘’A little,’’ I said. ‘’Yes. That would be very kind, thank you.’’
‘’That’s Dustan,’’ he said pointing out to one of the men standing on the wall. His brown hair fell disarrayed into his mulberry eyes every now and then. His eyes were both light and serious at the same time. His clothes and boots were a simple brown garb.
‘’Dustan!’’ shouted Jacob. ‘’Get over here and say hello to our new ship mate!”
Dustan looked up from all the movement and walked to stand by us.
‘’So this is our new tavern wrench?’’ he asked jokingly.
‘’I believe so. Sorcha this strange person is our storyteller,’’ said Jacob.
I looked at them in confusion, ‘’You have a story teller?’’
‘’Yes,’’ answered Jacob. ‘’You see, once a week, not including when we got to port, all of us take one night off. We sing and tell stories-‘’
‘’And jump about like raving buffoons. Which I shall do right now, if you will excuse me,’’ said Dustan. ‘’A pleasure to meet you Sorcha.’’
Not at all, the pleasure is all mine,’’ I said. Then he walked off.
Turning back to Jacob, I asked, ‘’How long does this last?”
‘’Until dawn, usually,’’ he replied, he then proceeded to point out all of the ship’s crew.
Because it is hard to keep people straight, I think I will take a couple moments to commit everyone to memory. So…
Jo. Jo has red hair that curly in neat orderly sections. He has piercing golden eyes; they have a sincere merriness, but underneath lurks vast pain. His face is almost hawkish in its build. Jo is tall, about 5’ 11’’ is my guess.
Next is William. He and John are twins. These were the two providing the music. William’s black hair bounced up and down as he swayed to the tune of his fiddle. He is about 5’8’’ with shocking green eyes. He is muscular yet lean, something most of the crew seems to be.
John. John plays the recorder. He also has black hair, but unlike his brother, he has light blue eyes. A large woman’s square cross, typical of the growing religion Saphilia. This religion still worshiped the Goddess, but in a more
organized way. Though most people preferred the old ways,
I think it is fine as long as they don’t force it on others or become violent. Worship as your heart dictates, for it knows your ways best.
Moving on to Tyler… Tyler seems extremely lighthearted, happy-go-lucky person. His heart seems the most untroubled here. He had brown hair and chocolate eyes. He was about 5’9’’, muscular, but not particularly defined. Basically a healthy guy, body and mind.
Jasper. The first thing that strikes you about Jasper is the sheer size of his muscled frame. He was big but not with overly developed muscles. It was just that what he had was a little large. The second was how sad and serious his eyes are no matter how happy his face looks. He is 6’ and has dirty blond hair and brown eyes.
Harry. At 5’7’’, he was muscular but cubby as in the way of most cooks. Mark my thoughts, he is the ship’s cook! May the Goddess strike me if I’m wrong. Harry also has black hair and blue eyes.
Just to make sure I don’t forget anyone (although I doubt I’ll forget the people that liberated me and took me in) I will describe the three I have already met.
Victor. Victor is short, only 5’6’’, heavyset man. He has shoulder length dark brown hair and light brown eyes. They now shine with goodhearted laughter.
Mallory. Mallory is chunky in a muscular way. She looks like she could stand up to a hurricane and at the same time is very attractive, though her face is not distinctive to either sex. Her breasts are small and her shirt is big so if you don’t look close you can really get confused. She has shoulder length, chestnut hair and emerald eyes.
Last, and certainly not least… Jacob. He is 6’2’’, lean yet muscular. He has hair the color of straw and eyes the color of the Sea. I must be careful not… not to look at them to close. They’re so beautiful… looking at them makes my mind go blank.
As I studied him, I found he was also studying me! When stood there, frozen, until our concentration broke and we both smiled.
‘’Sorcha!’’ called Mallory. ‘’Come dance!’’
‘’Dance?’’ I asked.
‘’Yes, dance. Come on,’’ she said, pulling at my arm.
‘’But I don’t know what dancing is,’’ I said.
Mallory stopped dead. As she turned to me, I saw that her face was emotionless. And for some reason that scared me, more than anger, and anger has hurt me often, one way or another. I put my face into an emotionless “mask”. If there is no weakness to show, then there is nothing to hurt, I recited in my head.
But Mallory’s face quickly changed back to a joyful one.
‘’Don’t worry, I’ll teach you,’’ she said. She led me into the throng of men as I began to let down my mask.
That strange change in Mallory had reminded me that these people were to me for now. They are not saints. They wouldn’t hesitate to harm me if I got in the way… The reality of the situation dawned on me. What have I gotten my self into?
For now, the viper’s nest is kind and teaching me how to… what was the word? Dance? Yes, that was it.
Mallory took me through the steps. It took a couple minuets, but I go the hang of it. I smiled, this is fun. For
hours it seemed we all danced. When I finally sat down I was out of breath and my legs trembled. I watched the… What would the word be? Dancers? Yes, I watched the dancers as I rested.
 bite_me_edward_cullen · Thu Jun 05, 2008 @ 07:19pm · 0 Comments |
|
|
|
|
|
