|
Post by Ringulf on Sept 30, 2010 15:01:14 GMT -5
In a few moments the Barron came in through the small doorway to the table that Tony was sitting at.
"My Admiral has informed me that our large Friend and someone else trussed up like a Christmas goose accompanies him, really Antonio you must see that royalty is treated better than that. When in my employ, I hope you shall keep that in mind as it reflects upon me as well as yourself. Speaking of proper treatment has Maureena worked out some of that tension in your frame? We must be limber to meet the challenges life puts before us don't you agree? She is good though I must say." and with that he lifted her delicate hand from Tony's shoulder gave it a courtly kiss and a playful little nibble as well, a very uncharacteristic thing to do after seeing the Barron earlier.
"Well I hate to conclude our time together but if we are not present on deck when the king arrives it would be remiss, I have the letters and will be happy to surrender them to you discreetly after the king is aboard. please accept this as a retainer and some measure of compensation for the damage to your ship, you see Antonio, good things come to those who wait!" With that he produced another black pouch and plopped it in front of Tony with the metallic chink of coins jostling inside.
"Come let us greet his Highness" The Barron said standing and motioning Tony to lead the way up to the deck.
|
|
|
Post by Brandwyn on Sept 30, 2010 22:23:20 GMT -5
Tony shrugged at the Baron’s comment about the treatment of the King. “I am sure that was our friend, Wesley’s idea. That was the same way he brought him aboard the Razor. I assure that while he was in my care he lacked for nothing, except freedom of course and was treated with the utmost respect and courtesy due his rank. He is also a formidable chess player, I should warn you. Trounced me quite regularly and it was rare that I got a game over him during this past week. Always thought I was pretty good at the game myself, until now,” Tony mused. “Anyway, you shall see what I mean about Wesley. He is a likable enough fellow, but very – inflexible.”
Tony took a look at the bag of coins on the table for a moment, trying to determine if there were any further strings attached to it, but it was a bit late to worry about that now. Ever the entrepreneur, he scooped up the coins and nodded to the Baron. “Much appreciated, Your Excellency. I must say I was a bit concerned over the damage.”
Tony considered the question he wanted to ask for a moment, debating on whether he should or not, then he decided to ask it anyway. “Might I enquire,” he looked at the Baron, “do you happen to know how I might get in touch with the Lady we both know had all this arranged? I know she was in Araluen on the night the King came aboard my ship, but I suspect she has since left and it is obvious she made certain – arrangements – with you. I really would like to speak with her again – soon.” He didn’t figure to get a useful answer from the Baron, but it was worth a shot on the off-chance the Baron did know right where to find the woman in question.
Then he followed the Baron up on deck to make his apologies to the King and collect the promised paperwork from the Baron, the compensation that would help ease the sting of this little incident – somewhat.
|
|
|
Post by Ringulf on Sept 30, 2010 22:32:44 GMT -5
Tony considered the question he wanted to ask for a moment, debating on whether he should or not, then he decided to ask it anyway. “Might I inquire,” he looked at the Baron, “do you happen to know how I might get in touch with the Lady we both know had all this arranged? I know she was in Araluen on the night the King came aboard my ship, but I suspect she has since left and it is obvious she made certain – arrangements – with you. I really would like to speak with her again – soon.”
The Barron leaned over the table and for the very first time looked tony in the eye not as a superior but as a man,
"Tony, my advice to you is to go on with your life and never look back, grasp your opportunities, stay alive to spend your money!"
Then he got up once more and followed the pirate on deck.
|
|
|
Post by JezusBagels on Oct 1, 2010 14:50:34 GMT -5
Ulrich climbed up the side of the Barron's ship and looked around. Tony and the Barron were just emerging from beneath the deck. He was worried for a moment, but then saw that far from being hurt in any way, Tony seemed more relaxed. He looked back over the railing and saw Wesley hoisting himself up. He could have sworn that the ship leaned a little as it took on the giant's weight, but that could have been the current of the sea toying with his imagination.
As Wesley neared the deck, Ulrich saw something change on the man's face. His eyes squinted and he frowned a little. Then he looked up and said to Ulrich, "Take king," and proceeded to lift the king up over the railing with one hand, holding onto the ship with the other. "Or he falls into the water when I come up. Then no one is happy."
Ulrich hurried to the edge and, using both arms, lifted the King out of Wesley's grasp and set him down on the deck, sitting, as he would have fallen over with his legs bound as they were. "My apologies, sir. It's hard to argue with a fellow of that size," Ulrich said to the King, grabbing the knife out of the nearest sailor's scabbard and severing the ropes on his person. The King didn't respond, just scowling at him. Oh well. What did he expect?
He turned to Tony and the Barron. "Here he is," he said, gesturing to the King. Then Wesley came bounding over the railing of the boat. "And... Here he is." ________________________________
Wesley released and held his axe tightly, having strapped it to his back for the dingy ride and sequential climb. It calmed him to have the instrument of death in hand once again. He heard what Ulrich said and looked at the audience, eyes squinted with scrutiny. There was pirate-man, Tony. Next to him must be the new man.
Ulrich took one hand off of his axe to walk forward and extend it in greetings. "Hello, new man," he said, a smile on his face. "I am Wesley. I guard the King."
|
|
|
Post by Ringulf on Oct 1, 2010 17:22:03 GMT -5
Wesley took one hand off of his axe to walk forward and extend it in greetings. "Hello, new man," he said, a smile on his face. "I am Wesley. I guard the King."
There were numerous guardsmen on the aft deck and around the gunwales of the flagship, they all had their heavy crossbows trained on the boarders.
The Barron raised his hand slightly to make sure the guards held their fire even as the man advanced on him axe in hand. "Greetings Wesley," said the Barron as the big man moved toward him, "No, no, you keep the axe you have done a fine job guarding the king and we want you to go right on doing it! You can call me Barron, now I have to greet His Majesty, so will you bring him to me?"
|
|
|
Post by Brandwyn on Oct 2, 2010 10:09:01 GMT -5
Tony watched Ulrich and Wesley bring the king on board and approved of Ulrich cutting the King loose. He was getting quite nervous again, wondering how the Baron was going to carry on with the illusion that he was rescuing Duncan from the clutches of an evil pirate. Tony saw all the armed men and took a step closer to Ulrich, all the while trying to appear calm on the outside.
One crossbow bolt and it would be over for Tony, the Barron would be a hero in the King’s eyes and Tony’s crew would be at the mercy of the Baron and his men. He was holding out hope that the Baron was truly a man of his word. So far he had been.
Tony knew that to say anything to the King now would be a fatal move on his part. So he just stood back and let events unfold in front of him. He made a mental note of where the nearest weapons were and wondered if he could beat a crossbow bolt to that loose crate top two steps to his right. He had seen the glitter of sword blades inside the crate as he’d accidently bumped into it while stepping around it a few moments ago. If it came to having to fight, that was his target.
He looked at Ulrich without saying a word and his eyes flicked to the Baron who was watching Wesley with a slight look of suspicion on the Baron’s handsome face. Then Tony caught Ulrich’s eye and rolled his eyes to the crate next to him that contained the swords. Quickly he glanced at the crew, wondering if any of them had seen the exchange. It seemed most of them had their attention focused on the giant, the Barron or the King who was glaring angrily at all of them, most especially at Tony himself.
Tony waited, tensed to spring into action at the hint of anything going wrong, but to all outward signs, he was standing calmly with an unhappy look on his face, his shoulders slumped in defeat, playing the part of a defeated pirate about to face capitol punishment.
|
|
|
Post by JezusBagels on Oct 2, 2010 12:11:16 GMT -5
Ulrich caught Tony's motion, but was unsure of what he meant. They were scott-free now, weren't they? What could he possibly want him to know? Ulrich took in the situation around him for the first time, having been previously distracted by the King's disdain. Lots of sailors with sword and crossbows trained on either Tony, Wesley or himself. He wasn't too worried about Wesley though. The man looked like he could take a hammer to the chest and it would bounce off of him. Now Ulrich understood though. Tony was getting ready to fight, if the need arose. Ulrich found his captain's eyes again, quietly slapped one hand onto the scabbard that held his rapier, and raised an inquisitive brow. But what chance did they have either way? __________________________
Wesley nodded and walked back to the King, lifting the man by his collar and floating him over the deck to the Barron and set him down again. "King. This is Barron. He is a new man," he said. "You stay with him now and we continue our journey." He looked at the Barron and gestured with to the King with his free hand, palm up, as if presenting him.
|
|
|
Post by Ringulf on Oct 2, 2010 15:33:27 GMT -5
Wesley nodded and walked back to the King, lifting the man by his collar and floating him over the deck to the Barron and set him down again. "King. This is Barron. He is a new man," he said. "You stay with him now and we continue our journey." He looked at the Barron and gestured with to the King with his free hand, palm up, as if presenting him.
"Thank you Wesley, I will make sure that you and the King are very comfortable while you are aboard, and have no worries you and the king are safe and among friends, The Steward is preparing a big meal and I happen to know that there is a keg of Tuetland ale that you are welcome to enjoy. If you are hungry or thirsty you can go with him for a short time while I talk to the king."
The Barron then turned to the king and for the first time since he came aboard, looked carefully at him to make sure he was in fact the king, then he bowed keeping his eyes on Duncan and said,
"Your Majesty I am Barron Radnat Falistir Rathbone of Gaulica, I would make all manor of pleasantries but I am most concerned with your Majesties present condition are you hurt or in any way discomforted?
The Barron straightened and gave a nod to the admiral, "Please your Majesty follow me out of the sun and into more comfortable environs." He escorted the king under the covered open deck that had been previously his Audience chamber. The admiral walked to Tony and Ulrich and handed Tony two letters in a rolled leather tube as the Barron escorted the king under the deck,
"The Barron instructed me to give you these and to let you certify they are what was agreed upon, but please do make haste and depart for your ship, you are free to go and as you can see your ship has been released, the Barron said he would be in touch shortly."
He gave them both a curt nod and moved up to the bridge deck to make ready to get under way, after he left and Tony had his documents in order two minor officers escorted them to the waiting gig that was to deliver them back to the Razor.
|
|
|
Post by Brandwyn on Oct 2, 2010 21:26:55 GMT -5
Duncan knew there was trouble when the ship seemed to lurch in a tight turn and then cease all movement. He paced his small cell on the Razor until the giant that had kidnapped him came into the room. Duncan eyed him with distaste and backed away from him, but Wesley had no trouble grabbing him and trussing him up. The ropes cut into his wrists, but that was nothing compared with having to breathe in the giant’s rather pungent odor as he was slung unceremoniously over the giant warriors shoulder and hauled up on deck.
From upside down, the King had a great view of the crossbows trained on the pirates and had to smile in satisfaction. Seems someone had caught up with the vermin and they were getting their just rewards.
It was a few moments before the angle was right so that he could see the Gallican flag flying high on one of the ships that held his captor’s boat at bay. Duncan looked around the deck for Tony, but did not see him anywhere.
Then he was dumped into a smaller boat and transferred to another Gallican ship. The giant hoisted him up on deck with the help of one of the pirates. Duncan wracked his brain a moment for the man’s name and recalled it just as the man was cutting the bonds on his hands and feet. Ulrich, that was the pirate’s name. He seemed to be the most honest and caring of the group of pirates he had interacted with. Perhaps Duncan could make a deal with him to get free. Duncan looked around, trying to determine how his fate had changed. He saw Tony, the captain of the Grey Lady – or whatever ship he had just been removed from. The pirate was looking none to happy and Duncan had to admit he felt pretty good about that. He rubbed his raw wrists as he looked around, taking in the three warships all flying Gallican colors and then the Grey Lady all trussed up. Whoever these Gallican’s were, they certainly knew their business. Duncan hoped he wasn’t going from the frying pan into the fire.
Duncan glared at Tony as the giant conversed with someone who looked like he was in charge. The king hoped that his unwavering glare would unnerve the pirate. Then Wesley was hauling him across the deck and he stood before a rather striking man that exuded confidence and an air of being used to being obeyed without question. Definitely the man in charge now.
"Your Majesty I am Barron Radnat Falistir Rathbone of Gaulica, I would make all manor of pleasantries but I am most concerned with your Majesties present condition are you hurt or in any way discomforted?”
Duncan was still rubbing his wrist, trying to relax the welts from the tight ropes, but it was nothing serious. He shook his head and studied the Baron, wondering what his game was. Had he just been rescued or was he now to become a prisoner of Gallica, to be held for a ransom that would most likely bankrupt Araluen? He had no way of knowing.
“Other than a headache, I am fine, Your Excellency.” He said dryly, not smiling. His head had been aching constantly since the original thump the giant had given him in the hallway back in Castle Araluen.
"Please your Majesty follow me out of the sun and into more comfortable environs,”
Duncan nodded for him to proceed and followed behind him, looking back over his shoulder at the Pirate Captain until he nearly tripped over something on the deck. As they entered the chamber, Duncan’s curiosity got the better of him. Not wanting to wait around for the pleasantries, Duncan got straight to the point.
“So, am I a guest here or your prisoner?” He pinned the Baron with an imperious stare and crossed his arms on his chest, one eyebrow raised. It was obvious to anyone that he was masterfully controlling his anger. He was running out of patience and needed to know if he needed to devise a plan of escape. Being captive of a pirate was bad enough, but being held as a political prisoner by a foreign country was another kettle of fish alt together. The sooner he got some answers, the better he would feel.
|
|
|
Post by Brandwyn on Oct 2, 2010 21:56:05 GMT -5
Tony impassively accepted the King’s glare, not altering his face or looking away guiltily. He hoped the King would remember their conversation about his part in all of this, but if not he would deal with those complications when they arose. Meanwhile he hoped he had made the right choice here. As the King followed the Baron out of sight, Tony sighed regretfully. He hoped everything would work out ok and that Duncan would end up back on his throne in Araluen. Meanwhile he was eager to get back to his ship. He glanced across the water and saw his men removing the sails from the mast and scowled. They were obviously doing it under duress and the threat of being filled with arrows like a pincushion sports sewing pins.
The Baron’s admiral approached and handed him a tube. "The Barron instructed me to give you these and to let you certify they are what was agreed upon, but please do make haste and depart for your ship, you are free to go and as you can see your ship has been released, the Barron said he would be in touch shortly."
Tony took a moment to quickly examine both documents to ensure they were the same as the ones he had seen earlier, and then he walked to the gig. They had already given Ulrich back his weapons, but Tony paused before climbing down into the small row boat. “If you would be so kind, I would like my knife back.” He said to one of the men guarding him. The knife was quickly produced and Tony nodded in satisfaction as he slipped it back into its sheath. Then he jumped into the gig and was soon back on the Razor, being pelted on the back by Mort who was giving him a huge bear hug.
He turned to Ulrich and held out his hand, “Thanks Ulrich. You did good out there. Let’s just hope I made the right decision.” Tony took in the state of his ship and scowled. “Get some men on the oars and let’s get the hell out of here.” He said to Mort. “I want us to start rowing due north – for now. And for the love of Poseidon, get these sales back where they belong!” He strode off to his cabin then and locked the door behind him. His hand was shaking a bit as he poured himself some rum and downed it hurriedly, following it with another, this time a bit slower. He sat down at his desk and pulled out the two documents from the Baron and began to examine them with a magnifying glass. Slowly his hands stopped shaking as his nerves calmed and the rum helped him to relax. This definitely had to go down in his journal as being one of the closest calls he had ever had in his life.
Then his thoughts went to that woman who had hired him and he grew angry all over again. He was going to have some words with her, even if he had to track her all the way to Hell and back, he vowed.
|
|
|
Post by Ringulf on Oct 2, 2010 22:34:42 GMT -5
The Barron led the way through the audience chamber to a very small private cabin in the stern of the ship. He dismissed the guard who stood outside the door, The placard read "ADMIRAL". The cabin was very small but it was the largest private cabin on the warship. It had a fold down bunk that was like a box with bedding in it that was tipped up on the wall a settee birth underneath that had several pillows a very small desk, chair and trunk. It did however have a window that looked aft.
The Barron closed the door behind the king and motioned to the chair at the desk, offering it to Duncan.
“So, am I a guest here or your prisoner?” He pinned the Baron with an imperious stare and crossed his arms on his chest, one eyebrow raised.
The Barron raised his finger to his lips, Then he listened at the door, They then heard the sound of booted footsteps and a curt knock at the door. The Barron opened it and the Admiral came in, He bowed to them both individually and then said to the Barron,
"Your excellency the pirates are back aboard their ship and their sails lay upon their deck as you requested, We are making way due east with our two other ships in line behind us."
"Very good Archibald you have done well wait until we are almost out of aided sight, then perform the maneuvers, that will be all, oh and make the giant comfortable give him the "best" ale will you?"
"Aye..I mean, yes your excellency." Then he turned to the king and said, "Your Majesty I am glad to see you are alright, it is good to see you again sir, please do not hesitate to ask if there is anything I can do for you while aboard." Then he bowed to them both and turned on his heel and left.
The Barron re-closed the door.
"Now he said to answer your question, Duncan, I would like you to feel that you are my guest but I must warn you that for the moment you are still a political prisoner of Gaulica until the Nobility of my adopted country decides what they will do with you!"
The Baron said with a smirk.
"It is good to see you old Friend, I am sorry that I have not let you know what had become of me after my Father was executed for treason, but as you see things have turned out alright for me." He moved to the cupboard and removed two glasses and a bottle of champagne. He poured them both and gave one to his old classmate.
"You must trust me and follow my instructions to the letter and you will be back in Merry old Araluen before the summer's end I assure you!" He raise his glass to the king with a familiar smile and made the vintage disappear down his throat.
"Cheers!" He said.
|
|
|
Post by Firehead on Oct 5, 2010 13:05:44 GMT -5
Hugging close to the edge of the horizon, the Waveblade bobbed at anchor, masts lowered. On deck, and standing at the rail with a spyglass to his eye, was Captain Henry Renade Sklaw, better known as simply Sklaw....At least, to his friends. All of which were, at the moment, on his ship., and the best of which, was standing beside him now, squinting across the distance through a telescope of his own at the cluster of ships on the other side of the horizon.
"I dunno about this Sklaw. Do you really want to try approachin' Tony, if it is Tony, out here? Won't have no back up, an I doubt he's gonna let us get within shoutin' range, now that we're sailors of the King. He's still a pirate, remember."
"Relax. No one knows that we're in King Duncan's service....yet. He didn't exactly publicize the event. I don't even have the papers on board to prove we're in the King's service."
Vick looked at Sklaw in astonishment. "What d'ya mean? Thought you got 'em up at the castle when you agreed to this."
"Nope. Was supposed to go up and get them after the ball was over, but you boys wanted to kidnap a cook, and I agreed to let you do it. Then you boys came back with Landon the Spy, and I had a choice of setting sail that night or seeing some of my best sailors get hanged for kidnapping a King's Official." He lowered the glass and finally looked in Vick's direction. "And which do you think I'm going to do?" he asked.
Vick nodded ruefully. In kidnapping their cook, they had put their captain into a tight spot. And, Sklaw being Sklaw, he'd set sail and lit out down the river with no excuse but, 'No sense in wasting time'. A quick layover in Caraway's port to add supplies to their hold, had kept them there long enough for a message to reach them concerning the King. Apparently, Sklaw's crew hadn't been the only ones with an interest toward kidnapping.
They had left the next day, and gone in search of the ship that had left port at roughly the same time--the Grey Lady. As time had passed, Vick and Sklaw had slowly come to notice the similarity between the Grey Lady and another ship they had once seen, the Krackatown Razor--owned by another well-known pirate known as Tony the Razor. This fact being just a little to much to ignore, they had started planning a more careful approach then had been previously decided upon.
And now, there it was. The ship they'd been looking for. Surrounded by three large Gallican warships. Not known for such reckless behavior as that, Sklaw had opted to stay near the horizon, drop anchor and sails, and watch for a while. See what developed.
Now, as the three Gallican warships pulled away from the ship in question, and sailed sluggishly off, Sklaw gave the order for up anchor. "Raise the masts. Let's see what kind of a reception he'll give us."
"An if it ain't good?"
"We dodge. Waveblade has plenty more speed than his ship, even if we aren't as big."
Sklaw carried complete confidence in the speed and maneuverability of his ship. Small and unarmored, but with reinforced storm sails of Sklaw's own invention, the Waveblade could out-sail almost every ship on the high seas, even when fully loaded. Given also Sklaw's skill, experience, and pure flat-out instinct when it came to sailing, the crew could brag regularly that the Waveblade couldn't be caught by any ship--at least, when underway and in good condition, as she was now.
The Waveblade skimmed the water, approaching quickly and at an angle that allowed Sklaw to veer off without harm, should the captain of the Gray Lady not feel inclined to hospitality. As the distance closed, Sklaw ordered for them to raise the flag. Here, however, Vick encountered a problem. "Cap'n, which flag would you like us to raise?"
Sklaw turned to fix a scowl on Vick. "What do you mean, which flag? My flag. We don't want to be asking for trouble!"
"Right, sir! Jib! Raise the wolf's head!"
"Aye, aye, sir!" The sailor gave a strong pull and the black, snarling wolf's head on a white field, Sklaw's personal standard, climbed gradually up to the mast's pinnacle.
As they drew closer, Sklaw purposely slowed the Waveblade's speed. he didn't want the other captain to get the wrong idea, after all. When they were within hailing distance, Sklaw eased movement down to a crawl and shifted his ship broadside to the other. Leaving the steering in Vick's capable hands, Sklaw moved to the railside nearest the Grey Lady, and hailed her. "Ahoy, the Gray Lady! Speak with the captain, ya mind?"
(OOC: Sklaw has a sense of humor, don't you think?)
|
|
|
Post by Ringulf on Oct 5, 2010 22:47:02 GMT -5
"Yes Admiral ah am sure zat ze ozer sheep iz now zloing down tew hailuh ze pirate hwe just left, but Ah can barely make zem out in zee glass." Said the young Gaulic Leuftenant with the telescope.
"Alright signal the other ships to start the maneuver please Messr. Peugeot" Said the Admiral.
The three ships started to turn hard to port each following the other until they all circled in a very tight ring bow to stern only yards away.
"Feather the port banks I want no port oars touching water, this turn needs to be tight!" the Admiral yelled and whistles trilled and officers ran below to instruct and exhort the crews.
King Duncan and the Barron sat in the tiny admirals cabin sipping their champagne and speaking civilly about the past as the maneuver began. The King had grasped hold of the arm of the chair to steady himself as the Barron stood and looked through the aft window to see the ship behind him following in the tight turn.
"Ah, very good Archibald has started the maneuver we must be just on the edge of sight through the glass."
"What are you up to now Falastir?" Duncan said a bit uncomfortably as the ship listed to starboard in the tight turn.
"Standard Naval procedure for evading pursuit when safeguarding an important cargo old friend. It is the nautical version of the old shell game and I must say these Gauls know how the game is played!" sneered the Barron.
After the ships had circled around several times they all broke ranks by steering out of the circle and with both banks of oars moving in different directions pirouetted in place once then raising Their sails. Each ship was now dressed in scarlet red sails and each headed off in a different direction. One went North East, one went Due East, the other went South East. Each had caught a bit of breeze on their respective tack and pulled in their oars streaking away on their new courses. In seconds they were all out of sight of their unsavory Friends.
"Zat ought to keep zem gussing Mon Admiral!" The young officer said.
"Yes Peugeot I think it will, I think it will." The admiral snickered as he started to remove himself from the quarterdeck and go below.
|
|
|
Post by Brandwyn on Oct 8, 2010 13:45:46 GMT -5
Tony watched closely as the Baron’s ships pulled away, their oars allowing them to cover a vast distance far quicker than Tony’s ship was moving with its far smaller rowing crew. The deck hands were scrambling to get the sails and rigging back up in record time since it seemed there was just a hint of a breeze beginning to stir in the early morning air.
“Sail ho! Far to Aft.” The lookout cried, indicating another ship behind the Razor.
“Damn it! Now what?” Tony swore irritably. He trained his glass on the horizon but did not see a mast over the bobbing waves. Quickly he scurried up the main mast and into the crow’s nest next to the sentry on watch duty. Mortimer watched from below and marveled that Tony could get his rather large frame up there so fast. The sailor pointed and Tony turned the glass on the new ship. “Hard to see from here. Keep an eye on it.” He told Jim Blue, the man in the nest with him.
Tony turned around and watched the Baron’s ships as they drew farther away. He wondered why the other two ships were in a straight line directly behind the Baron’s ship and drawing in the distance between the ships as they got farther and farther away. That was not a normal sailing pattern for the open sea.
Switching back to the ship behind him, Tony could finally make out some features as that ship was fast approaching them from behind. He saw that Mortimer was watching through his glass down on the deck. “Hey Mort, is that the Waveblade?”
“Looks to be, Cap’n, but I don’t see her flying any flag so it might not be.” Mort called back up. “Hard to make out many features from here, but she is closing fast.”
Tony watched for a minute more, trying to catch a glimpse of someone on deck, but it was too far away. “Keep an eye on her.” He hollered to Mortimer then turned his glass back on the Baron’s ships.
The three Gallican war ships were fast drawing out of sight and as the Razor bobbed in the waves, Tony periodically lost sight of them through the glass. He watched them until they were just specks on the horizon and then saw them do something very strange. They closed ranks and then started to turn in a circle. Tony watched intently, keeping his eye on the one in front that contained the King.
They kept turning in a tight circle and then their sails suddenly disappeared and reappeared red instead of white. Tony could barely make out anything and it was very difficult to tell which ship had been the one in front. They almost looked like one big ship from this distance. Suddenly they peeled off back into three separate ships and sped off in different directions. Tony kept his glass on the one he thought contained the King and saw it pulling away to the northeast. He wasn’t certain however.
While he was watching the Baron, Mortimer had confirmed that it was Sklaw on the Waveblade and the ship was closing on them fast. “Ta arms, but don’t make it obvious.” Tony called down softly to Mort. He wondered what Sklaw wanted, but was occupied by the Baron at the moment. He had to know what direction they were sailing to have any hope of rescuing the King back.
“Keep him at arms distance.” Tony ordered. “I don’t want him setting foot on this ship. Fire a harpoon at him if you have to.”
Mortimer carried out Tony’s orders, readying the ballista and the harpoons as well as getting the sailors ready to fight should the need arise. He saw Sklaw’s flag go up the pole and the ship begin to slow and pull into a broadside alongside the Razor, but not too close in. “Looks like he aims to parlay.” Mort called up.
“Not now.” Growled Tony so that only Blue could hear him. But by now the Baron’s ships were out of site beyond the horizon and the chances of Tony catching up to the one he wanted were growing slimmer by the minute. “Set a course northeast and get ready to catch that morning breeze that is about to kick up.” Tony bellowed to the crew as he slid back down the rigging and dropped to the deck.
"Ahoy, the Gray Lady! Speak with the captain, ya mind?"
“As a matter of fact, Sklaw, I am in a bit of a hurry just now.” Tony replied. He turned back to survey the progress on the sails and noticed two men were struggling with one of the ropes that seemed to be tangled up. “Get that sail up now! You two, go help them with that!” He pointed to two sailors and then to the sail that had yet to be tightened and was fluttering loosely in the rising breeze.
Then he turned back to Sklaw. “What’s on your mind, and make it fast.” He growled, but somehow he managed to bellow that growl across the distance between the two ships so they could hear him perfectly. Anyone with half a brain could see that Tony the Razor was not a happy man right now.
Mort came up beside him and handed him his rapier, daggers and cat. Spook climbed up onto Tony’s shoulder in her usual spot and after strapping on his sword and depositing his daggers in their usual locations, he stroked her as he waited for the other pirate captain’s reply.
|
|
|
Post by Firehead on Oct 8, 2010 14:00:35 GMT -5
“As a matter of fact, Sklaw, I am in a bit of a hurry just now.”
Sklaw leaned casually against the rail of the ship, searching for Tony--it was undoubtedly Tony, who else could it possibly be now? he finally spotted him standing on the deck, barking orders at his men. then he turned to face Sklaw.
“What’s on your mind, and make it fast.”
Sklaw did a fast debate with himself, then staked everything on his choice of words, and spoke. "I'm kinda curious, what did them Gallican ships want with you?" He bit his tongue as he awaited a response. Then he made a gamble and added, "It wouldn't have anything to do with King Duncan, would it?"
|
|