Runefell: Crossroads

by Shawn Sodman

  “I mean that Sven is not good for any woman,” he says. “Sven would only hurt her, and Sven would rather hurt self than Lyra.”

  “I don't understand,” Yentroc replies.

  Sven sighs and says, “It is not important. Just promise Sven that you will not say anything to Lyra.”

  Yentroc looks over to Lyra who is still reading, and says “Alright, I promise.”

  “Good,” Sven replies. “Now, I have a favor to ask.”

  “What is it?” Yentroc asks.

  “You are healer of group, so maybe you can help Sven,” he says. “Do you have any spells that you can help keep Sven awake?”

  Lyra's voice makes them both jump when she asks, “Why do you need something to keep you awake?”

  Sven, startled, laughs and says, “Sven is very tired, and wants to stay alert in case of orcneas.”

  “Why are you tired?” Lyra asks. “Did you not sleep well?”

  “Sven is used to warm soft beds at night,” He explains. “Sven was asking Yentroc for something that can help keep him awake. Sven will make sure he puts bed in good place tonight.”

  Ja'noa overhears them and says, “I have something that can keep you alert.” She opens her backpack and digs through it for a moment. She pulls out a small pouch and says, “I have some Tofeen leaves. Just chew on one when you are tired, but don't swallow it.”

  “Thank you,” Sven says as he takes the small leather pouch from Ja'noa.

  “You're welcome,” she replies.

  “Alright,” Evelena says, “A couple more hours, and we will make camp for the night.”

  Everyone rises and continues down the pathway. Yentroc and Lyra walk next to each other, and Lyra asks, “Did Sven say anything else to you?”

  “No, why?” Yentroc asks.

  “I was just wondering,” Lyra says.

  “Oh,” Yentroc replies as they follow behind the rest of the group. “He was just describing the rock that was in his back all night.” She looks at Lyra and adds, “So how did you sleep last night?”

  Lyra smiles and answers, “I slept great. Sven is so warm, and I can't really describe it but I feel safe when I am with him.”

  “Well, he did pull you up from the bridge,” Yentroc says, “and took an arrow for you. Not to mention keeping you warm at night.”

  “I guess that is probably it,” Lyra says with laugh and a smile.

  Yentroc thinks for a moment and says, “He is also big and strong as well as handsome.”

  “Yes,” Lyra says with a smile while looking ahead at Sven.

  Yentroc notices the smile on her face and says, “I knew it.”

  As if from out of a daze Lyra looks at Yentroc and questions, “What?”

  “You like him, don't you?”

  “No,” Lyra replies quietly as she stops walking. “I don't know...maybe. It doesn't really matter though.”

  “Why?” Yentroc asks.

  “Because,” she answers, “I am not going to leave the sisterhood.”

  Yentroc asks, “What if Sven has feelings for you?”

  Lyra's smile disappears and she says, “It wouldn't change anything. I would just end up hurting him. I am not worried about that though. Sven has been with enough women that I doubt I am anything special.” She looks down and adds, “He won't say it, but I am sure he still just sees me as a little girl.”

  “You never know,” Yentroc says as they continue walking.

  Chapter 43

  Midnight Run

  In the modern day apartment, Kel'ana continues to tell the story to Josh, Haley, and Laura. She says, “Now as night falls over Bruen, The Seven Sisters of the Silver Moon finally make camp on ground that isn't frozen. Princess Kianna and her group finally make it out of the caves, and the two groups are unaware of each other even though they are only separated by two miles.”

  Kelik then continues where she leaves off and says, “On the front lines of the war, it was an uneventful day as Arioch and Chance planned what to do next. Still anchored at Bastion, Ariella prepares to leave under the cover of night.”

  “What about Fernando?” Josh asks.

  “Well,” Kelik explains. “When Fernando showed up at the tavern on this day to meet with whomever he was waiting for, the inn keeper gave him a message telling him to be there the next night.”

  “Who is he trying to meet?” Haley asks.

  Kelik smiles and says, “Well, you will just have to listen and find out what he does, but first...”

  *****

  The sun sets over the sea to the south, and Ariella walks out onto the deck of her ship. “Are we ready to depart, Chris?” she asks.

  “Yes, Captain,” Chris answers. “We can go at any time.”

  “Good,” Ariella says as she takes out her looking glass and looks at the horizon. “There are two ships out there and I want to avoid any conflicts if possible. I just got the Red Dawn repaired, I don't need holes in her hull already.”

  “Yes, ma'am,” Chris replies.

  Ariella then opens the door to her cabin and says to Annalee, “Come, my dear, let's introduce you to the rest of the crew.”

  Annalee comes out from the cabin in her new clothes. She has blue leggings and a mid-length blue and white skirt. Her white silk blouse shows her feminine curves. The blouse is highlighted with a dark blue vest. Her sandy blonde hair has not been brushed, and is a chaotic contrast to the new clothing.

  John elbows Jacob as they watch from below and says, “That defiantly ain't no child.”

  “Now then!” Ariella announces. “This is Annalee, she is currently our guest, and with any luck she will join us as my new assistant. If I ever hear that one of you touches her without her permission, you will have to explain to my father in the afterlife why exactly you are there. Do I make myself clear?”

  The crew all answer with a collective, “Yes, Captain!”

  “Excellent,” Ariella says. “Now who would like to be a gentleman and show Miss Annalee around the ship?” All of the thirty men currently on deck raise their hands enthusiastically. Ariella laughs as she leans over to Annalee who looks embarrassed and quietly says, “I figured there would be no shortage of volunteers.”

  “Alright,” Ariella says loudly, “John and Jacob, you two show her around. As for everyone else, make sure the ship is ready to go at a moment's notice. We plan on making a midnight run out of here.”

  The other men get to work as John and Jacob quickly run up the stairs. They stand before the captain and Annalee with their hats off. John nervously says, “My name is John, ma'am and I will be showing you around the ship.”

  Jacob adds, “I am showing you around the ship too...oh, and my name is Jacob.”

  Annalee, who is not used to being tended to, smiles and says, “Thank you.”

  Jacob and John lead the way as Annalee follows them for a tour of the ship. Torgus says to Ariella, “Are you expecting trouble, Captain?”

  “The Makon warned me that there have been more attacks in the waters lately,” Ariella explains. “I don't need some overzealous captain to try to become famous at our expense.”

  “You know that most pirates wouldn't stand a chance against us,” Torgus says.

  “I know,” she replies. “I just don't want to have to make repairs again so soon. We haven't made much gold lately, Torgus, and since Mr. Greythorn betrayed us, I am not sure what out next step will be. Although, if we find him before some bounty hunter does, he is at least worth five hundred gold.”

  “Well, he certainly made some enemies other than us,” Torgus says as he leans on the railing.

  “Apparently so,” Ariella says, “but until we find him, what should we do?”

  “We could always attack the orcnea ships,” Torgus suggests.

  “I am not so sure we would fair very well against them,” Ariella says. “Those weapons they had were like nothing I have ever seen.”

  Torgus thinks for a moment then says, “You know, only the one ship had them. The oth
er just had the shamans.”

  “Either way,” Ariella replies, “I am just not sure how long we would last out there against them. We are short on spell casters.”

  Torgus nods his head and says, “Aye, Captain, that we are.”

  Below deck John and Jacob are showing Annalee the crew's quarters. There are several other men following them. A man named Steven leans on a hammock and says, “Hey, sweetheart, this is where I sleep, so any time you are lonely you come and see me, alright?”

  The other men laugh. Annalee doesn't seem to be phased by the comment. John says, “You all heard what the captain said.”

  “That I did,” Steven replies. “And I ain't touching her.”

  “Well,” Annalee says as she slowly walks up to the man. “She said you can't touch me without my permission. How about I let you touch me once, and I get to touch you back.”

  Now the crew is in an uproar as Steven laughs. He leans down to Annalee and says, “Sweetheart, you have yourself a deal.”

  Annalee smiles and replies, “Alright then, you go first.”

  The men now quiet down as the man takes a deep breath. He seems to be thinking about what to do as he looks Annalee over. Annalee just stands there with a smirk. Finally he reaches his hands around and grabs her on the rear. He holds her for a moment looking her in the eyes as she just smiles back. The men are now cheering it on.

  John and Jacob look at each other confused. After a few moments Annalee backs up and asks, “Did you enjoy that?”

  “You bet I did,” Steven laughs.

  “So now it is my turn to touch you,” Annalee says with a smile.

  “Oh yes, sweetheart,” the man replies. “Touch me.”

  Annalee just looks up at Steven and says, “One touch deserves another.” She clinches her fist and before the men realize it, she lands a hay maker right into his nose.

  The punch knocks Steven to the ground, and the men start to laugh at him as he holds his hands over his face. He gets to his knees and blood is dripping down through his hands and onto his shirt. He yells, “What the hell did you hit me with?”

  John looks at her hand and doesn't see anything in her fist. She replies, “Just my fist.” She then walks up to Steven and because he is on his knees she looks down at him and says, “Would you like to touch me again?”

  “Maybe later,” Steven says with a bloody grin. “Welcome aboard Miss.”

  Later that evening Ariella tells her crew to get under way. Annalee has finished her tour and John and Jacob bring her back to the captain. “Well then, did you have a nice time?” Ariella asks.

  “Yes,” Annalee says with a smile.

  “Any problems?” she asks John.

  “Nothing she couldn't handle, Captain,” he replies.

  “Very well then,” Ariella says. “Now if you gentlemen would return to your posts, we need to be ready. Then she calls out, “All lights out!” The men cover or blow out any lanterns and candles.

  “The wind is favorable, Captain,” Chris says. “We should be able to get out and around the peninsula quickly.”

  “Then set sail back to East Artos,” Ariella orders.

  “Aye, Captain,” Chris replies.

  Ariella turns to Annalee and says, “Alright, my dear, let me show you were you will be sleeping.” Ariella leads Annalee through the officers’ quarters and opens the door to Ariella's quarters and they go inside. “This is my room and over here is the way to your room and to the lounge upstairs.” It is dark and the Captain pulls a small glowing stone from her pocket. It gives off enough light that they can make their way through Ariella's room. After they reach the far left corner of the room Ariella opens a door. They enter a much smaller room that contains another door to their left and a stairway leading up. “That is the stairs to the lounge,” Ariella explains, “and this is your room over here.” Ariella opens the other door, and on the other side there is a long narrow room. There is a porthole above a small dresser. On the other side, built into the wall, there is a bed. “It isn't much,” Ariella says, “but it is all yours as long as you wish.”

  “Thank you, Captain,” Annalee says as she walks into the room and looks around. “I love the porthole. It makes me feel less...”

  “Like a prisoner?” Ariella asks.

  “Yes,” she says with a smile. “Thank you.”

  “Here, take this,” Ariella says as she hands her the small glowing stone. “We are trying not to be noticed right now, so only use it if you have to.”

  “Yes, Captain,” Annalee replies. “If it is alright with you, I would like to turn in now. I haven't slept in a bed in a long time.”

  “Of course,” Ariella says as she turns to leave, “Sleep well, Annalee.”

  “Thank you, Captain,”

  Chapter 44

  Day 12

  Reputation

  The morning's light shines down on the waters of the south sea as the Red Dawn sails to East Artos. Trailing behind them is a ship with unknown intentions. Ariella looks closely at the ship with her looking glass. “How long has that ship been following us?” Ariella asks Chris.

  “The crow’s nest spotted it about an hour ago,” he replies. “I think it is gaining on us.”

  Annalee is also next to the Captain and she asks, “May I see it, Captain?” Ariella hands her the looking glass and as she looks through it she says, “Captain, that is the same ship that attacked the Misty Water a week ago.”

  An intense feeling of rage comes over Ariella. “Are you sure?” she asks.

  “Positive, Captain,” she replies as she hands back the looking glass.

  “Well then,” Ariella says as she walks down the two flights of stairs and to the main mast, “they must have been following us all night from Bastion.” She yells down the stairs to Drake, “Get everyone topside now!”

  “Aye, Captain,” the seasoned veteran replies.

  “What are we going to do?” Annalee asks as she follows the captain back up the stairs.

  Ariella says with a sly grin, “We are going to do what my men do best.”

  From below deck the crew quickly emerges up the stairs. Soon they fill the deck and await word from the captain. Drake comes up from below and he nods to Ariella. With a bold and confident tone in her in voice she announces, “Gentlemen, behind us is a ship what wishes to test us!” Her words resonate with the crew as they begin to look at each other with smiles. “It has been a year since my father was killed, and now we have returned to where he once ruled the sea.” The crew listens closely to the captain, hanging on her every word. “The captain of that ship hopes to make a name for himself at our expense!” Now the crew becomes riled as they clinch their weapons in their hands and shake their heads no. “They believe that without my father the Red Dawn in now weak!” A dull roar of the crew can be heard as she asks, “Are we weak?”

  With a collective yell the crew answers, “No!”

  “You're damn right we aren't,” Ariella replies. “Just because we tried to avoid conflict last night does not mean we are afraid of a fight. The Red Dawn does not run from anyone!” The crew cheers loudly as Ariella smiles and yells, “Bring us about, and let's show them why the Red Dawn is still the most feared force on the seas! Men, prepare for Sleeping Serpent!”

  The men roar and all scatter in an organized fashion. Some of the men lift up small hatches on the deck and enter them. Others enter the officer's quarters beneath the quarterdeck. Within twenty seconds the deck is completely empty. Ariella turns to Annalee and says, “I want you to go into your room and wait. This won't take long.”

  “But, Captain,” Annalee says.

  “Now, Annalee!” Ariella snaps.

  “Yes, ma'am,” she replies as she quickly runs off.

  “Torgus, are you ready?” Ariella asks.

  “Of course, Captain,” Torgus replies.

  Now the ships are heading right for each other. Only Torgus and Ariella remain up top at the helm. The ships come closer as the enemy ship fu
rls their sails and raises a black flag making their hostile intentions known. “Well then,” Ariella says to the old dwarf, “it begins.” The other ship fires arrows into the air. The arrows arc and fall onto the deck of the Red Dawn as Ariella and Torgus look at each other with a smile. The arrows fall harmlessly all around them as Torgus has cast a spell to protect himself and Ariella.

  “How pathetic,” Ariella says. “I believe they have no spell casters at all. Torgus, please show them what a real volley looks like.”

  Torgus summons a large stone and hurls it into the deck of the oncoming ship that is now off their port bow. Ariella casts a bolt of lightning that shreds the mast of the other ship. The men on the other ship scatter away from where the spells impact their ship. Then they gather themselves and use grappling hooks to tie the ships together.

  They begin to board the Red Dawn and stop and look around at the empty deck, confused. A tall thin man yells out, “Captain Stormrage, you will surrender your ship to me at once!”

  Ariella laughs and says, “If you want my ship, then come and take it!” Just then the sound of a horn blasts out from the crow’s nest above, and the crew of the Red Dawn springs into action. Trap doors in the deck open downward and the men standing on the planks fall down into netting and are surrounded by the men waiting below. The rest of the crew of the Red Dawn rush out from hiding and take the enemy crew by surprise. The captain of the other ship jumps over the rail to the Red Dawn. Ariella quickly approaches him as Torgus follows right behind her. He summons smaller stones in each hand and hurls them those who would try to attack Ariella.

  “I have you now, Captain,” The tall man with dark hair says as he draws his sword.

  “I would love to duel with you,” Ariella says as her hand starts to glow with dark mystical energy. “But I don't have time to play today.”

  “Do you have enough time to die?” The man asks as lunges forward and thrusts his sword at Ariella. She spins around avoiding the blade and steps next to him. Side by side, she places her hand on the man's arm before stepping back. The other ship's captain looks at Ariella, confused for a moment, before he suddenly drops his sword. Then as the pain of her spell over takes him, he drops to his knees and lets out an agonizing cry. The fighting immediately stops as the other ship's men watch their captain lying helpless on the ground at Ariella's feet.