by Shawn Sodman
“I know, but there are so many things happening right now,” Chance says, unable to keep the kiss he saw earlier between Ariella and Fernando out of his mind.
“So go back and tell king Arioch of the orcneas,” Ariella says, “Then come back.” Ariella then puts her arms around Chance. “Please come back. I don't want to lose you again.”
Chance embracing her tightly says, “If only it were that simple.”
“Why isn't it?” Ariella asks sounding frustrated. “What ever happened to 'No ocean or sea can keep you from me'?”
Chance kisses her on the forehead. “This time it isn't either of those things that are the problem,” he pauses and then says, “Unless you are willing to give up all this and come stay with me in Sheathelm?”
“What?” Ariella questions. “Leave my ship and crew? Chance, this is my whole life. I can't just walk away from it just like that.”
“I know,” Chance says.
“But you could come and be with me,” Ariella says.
“I still have my children,” Chance explains. “I can't ask them to leave everything behind to live on a ship.”
“Don't you send them to Dicean for magic training?” Ariella asks.
Chance asks, “How did you know that?”
“You live in the Palace with Arioch,” Ariella answers. “Why wouldn't you send them to the best magic school in all of Runefell?”
Chance sighs and replies, “I suppose.”
“Then come be with me when they are away,” she says.
“You know that wouldn't be the same,” Chance answers.
Ariella looks down and sadly says, “It would be better than nothing.”
Chance now lifts her chin and looks her in the eyes and says, “As long as the orcneas are a threat I cannot allow myself to...” he drops his eyes looking down for a moment. He looks back up at her and says, “I have already lost someone I loved to them. I can't lose you too.”
“Then come back and be with me,” she says grasping his hands. “Then you know I'll be safe.”
Chance thinks for a moment before saying, “You just continue west to Artos for now. According to the plans and maps it doesn't look like the orcneas are going there. I have to go back to Sheathelm. If the orcneas are planning an attack then I have to be there.”
Ariella realizes that she cannot stop him from leaving again. She lowers her head and says, “I understand.” She then smiles and says, “Can you at least stay the night? I promise I'll make it worth it.”
Chance smiles and says, “As much as I would love to...” he stops, and again the thought of Ariella kissing Fernando flashes in his head. “I just cannot.” He then lifts her chin and says, “Look at me.” He tries to look her in the eyes but she continues to look down. “Ariella, look at me, please.” She looks up with watery eyes and doesn't say a word. He then asks, “As you look into my eyes, can you honestly tell me that I am the same person you fell in love with years ago?”
A tear rolls down her cheek as Chance wipes it away. With a sad smile she says, “On the surface no, but I can see deep down you are still the same.”
Chance then says, “As I look into your eyes I too can still see the girl I once knew.” He wipes away more tears from her face and says, “I also see a whole new woman that I have never met. We have spent half our lives apart since we last saw each other. Yes, there is still a part of me that hasn't changed, but we both have been through so much.”
Ariella now thinks back to Chance on the orcnea ship earlier. With the fire all around him he burned the orcneas without remorse. She finally says to Chance, “I know. I guess after reading your letters last night I just felt like...”
“I know,” Chance says. “When I read your letters it was like I was eighteen again.”
“So now what?” Ariella asks.
“For us? I don't know,” Chance answers, “but I do know that I have to return to Sheathelm and help defend the kingdom from the orcneas. After that I just don't know. I promise I will come see you when I can.”
“You have made that promise before,” Ariella snaps.
“I will,” Chance tells her reassuringly. He puts his arms around her and holds her close.
She sighs and holds Chance tightly and says, “Can you at least stay and hold me for a while?”
Chance closes his eyes and says, “Of course.” Then in silence they hold onto each other tight.
On deck, many of the crew are distracted by the sight of the young and beautiful Marie as she walks with purpose across the deck to Drake and Leon, “Have you seen Allen?”
Leon laughs and says, “Aye, you mean the new Orcnea Slayer?”
Drake points down the stairs and says, “I think I saw him down below.”
“Thank you,” Marie says as she turns and head towards the stairs.
Drake and Leon watch her walk away as Drake turns to Leon and asks, “What do you think she wants with Allen?”
Leon laughs a bit and answers, “What do you think?” They both chuckle.
Marie cautiously walks down the steps below deck looking for Allen. She makes her way through the lower deck stepping around all the clutter as she finally comes across Allen sleeping in his hammock. She watches him for a while, then as she starts to lean in for a kiss, Allen opens his eyes. Surprised, he jumps and tries to sit up. In the struggle he only manages to fall out of the hammock and onto the floor.
“Ow!” he yells as he quickly stands up getting tangled in the hammock. “What are you doing here?” he asks.
“I just wanted to thank you,” Marie says shyly looking down.
“For what?” Allen asks as he untangles himself and pushes the hammock netting off his head.
“For saving me,” Marie says looking still at the floor.
“Oh,” Allen replies. He smiles then takes her hand and says, “Your wel—”
Before Allen can even finish the words, Marie grabs his shirt, pulls him close and kisses him. Allen, caught off guard at first, resists but as the kiss goes on he closes his eyes and gives in.
When they break Allen says, “Well that was awkward.”
“What do you mean?” Marie asks.
“I mean...I suppose it wasn't that good was it?” Allen asks unsure of himself.
“Oh,” Marie gasps. “I see.” Devastated by his words, Marie's eyes begin to water. “I am sorry,” she says as she turns to leave.
“No, wait,” Allen says as he reaches for her arm. She turns around and looks down as the tears fall to the floor. “That is not what I meant,” Allen says as he gently lifts her chin to look at her.
“Then what did you mean?” she asks.
“I was nervous,” Allen explains, “I don't have much experience with girls and...” Allen desperately searches for the words that will not make matters worse. “I just meant that I probably wasn’t that good, and that I am sorry if I...if I didn't do it right. I didn't mean to say that I didn't enjoy it.” He leans in closer and says, “Or, that I didn't want to do it again.”
He softly kisses her as she puts her arms around his neck. The kiss becomes a passionate one and by the time it is over both Allen and Marie stare at each other out of breath.
“You were right, Allen,” Marie says with a smile, “that was much better.”
Allen smiles and without another word Marie turns and walks away. Allen stands there for a moment with a smile on his face before sitting back down on his hammock. Then while lost in his thoughts of Marie, he lies back down and loses his balance falling onto the floor yet again.
Up on deck, Fernando watches out over the horizon, as Ariella and Chance emerge from the Captain's lounge. He turns his attention to them as he tries not to be too obvious that he is listening in.
“Are you sure you won't reconsider?” Ariella asks. “You could leave in the morning.”
“I am sorry,” Chance says, “We are heading in opposite directions. I must not delay any longer. If I leave now I can be there by morning.”
Ariella quietly says to Chance, “Chance, I am not waiting for you this time. I just can't. Not again.”
Chance replies, “I understand. I wouldn't expect you to.” Then he glances over at Fernando.
Ariella sees his look and says with a sigh, “I don't mean him. I am just saying that I will not wait for you or your letters this time.” Then with a smile she laughs and adds, “Who knows, maybe by the time you see me next, I will be the one who is married.”
Chance laughs and says, “Well, whoever has what it takes to make you settle down will be a lucky man.” He looks at Fernando who quickly looks away, as if he wasn't listening.
“No man will ever make me settle down,” She replies. “I am going to make my man do as I wish. He will follow me wherever I go and do as I please.”
He smiles at her for a moment then finally says, “Goodbye, Ariella.”
Ariella's smile fades as she replies, “Goodbye, Chance.”
Chance walks to the side of the ship next to Fernando, who is alone. He puts out his hand and says, “Mr. Greythorn, it was a pleasure seeing you again.”
Fernando shakes his hand and says, “The pleasure was all mine, Mr. Na'Moon.”
Chance shakes his hand and says quietly to him, “Take good care of her.”
“Of course,” Fernando replies quietly. “I understand.”
As Fernando tries to release the handshake Chance does not let go. He instead pulls Fernando close to him and says in a soft but intense voice, “I don't think you do, so let me make myself clear. I know of your reputation, Mr. Greythorn. You have a way with the ladies. If I find out that you are using her, or hurt her in anyway, I will find you.” Chance finally releases his grip.
“Of that, my friend, I have no doubt,” Fernando replies, as he looks around and smiles as if to show the crew that everything is fine.
John and Jacob are down on the lower deck watching. John asks Jacob, “What do you think that was about?”
“Not sure,” Jacob answers, “But I certainly don't think it was a simple goodbye.”
Chance walks over to the edge of the ship and transforms once again into a giant eagle and grabs the small bag containing the orcnea plans in his talons as he takes flight. Marie, who is still smiling from her kiss with Allen walks up and stands next to Ariella. They watch as Chance flies away. The Captain looks at her and asks in a teasing way, “So how is Mr. Allen? I assume that is why you have such a big smile on your face.”
Marie smiles and looks up at the sky. “He is wonderful,” she says.
Ariella replies, “Good for you, Marie. I am very happy for you.”
John approaches Ariella and says, “Captain, the orcnea that we captured is awake now.”
“Oh, yes, I almost forgot him,” she replies. Then she calls out to her two big enforcers, “Drake, would you and Leon please help prepare the orcnea for an interrogation. I will be down in a few moments.”
“Aye, Capt'n.” Drake answers.
Leon and Drake go below to the brig. Torgus asks, “What are you going to do with him, Captain?”
“I am just going to ask him a few questions,” Ariella answers. “He just better hope that he knows the answers.”
Chapter 10
Years Lost and Gained
A short time later Ariella is alone in the Captain's lounge. She walks over to the desk and opens a drawer. She lifts the bottom up revealing a hidden compartment inside. She pulls out a dark leather tomb before closing the drawer again.
Down below in the brig, Drake and Leon secure the orcnea to chains that are mounted on the wall. The orcnea struggles but they are able to handle him without any problem.
Ariella walks in holding the dark book. Leon says to her, “All set, Captain. Just let me know if you want me to kill it when you are done.”
“Thank you, gentlemen,” Ariella says, “that will be all.”
“Aye, Capt'n,” Drake says as they leave.
Torgus looks at the book Ariella is carrying and asks, “What is that?”
“It's just a little something that our old friend, Corthag, left behind,” Ariella answers with a smile.
“Corthag's dark book?” Torgus questions. “Ariella, you should not use those spells.”
“Your concern is noted, my friend, Ariella says as she sets the book on the table. “Let's just see if our friend here will cooperate without it.”
“I wish we had done this earlier while Chance was still here,” Torgus says.
“It won't make much difference,” Ariella says, “I doubt this grunt soldier knows anything that we don't already know from the plans.”
“You are probably right,” Torgus says, “but just in case he does say something important, I would feel better if Chance was here to hear it.”
“I understand,” Ariella says as she walks up to the orcnea. “To be perfectly honest though, I don't really feel comfortable with Chance watching me do this. I don't think he would approve of my methods.”
“Ariella, you saw what Chance did today on that ship,” Torgus says to her. “He has no sympathy for orcneas.”
“I know that,” Ariella says. “I am not worried about him feeling sorry for the orcnea. I just don't want him to see me causing the suffering.”
Torgus replies, “Judging from his actions today, I'd wager that it may not bother him as much as you fear.”
“You may be right, Torgus,” she says sadly. “We have both been through a lot in our lives, but I still prefer that he does not see my darker side. Now then, cast a spell that will allow this...thing...to talk to us.”
“Yes, Captain,” Torgus says as he concentrates and waves his hand over the orcneas face. Then looking at the orcnea he asks, “Can you understand me?”
The orcnea looks at him surprised and answers with a low rough voice, “Yes, dwarf, I can.”
“Good,” Ariella says, “I have to ask you a few questions.”
The orcnea laughs, “I know nothing, and even if I did I wouldn't tell you.”
Torgus walks back and sits down in a chair. The orcnea looks at the Captain and laughs as he says, “I do not fear you, female.”
“That's alright,” Ariella says, “soon you will understand why I am the one in charge here.” She removes her glove and a dark glow emanates from her hand as she places it on the orcneas head.
The agonizing screams of the orcnea can be heard through the cabin walls. Drake says to Leon, “Sounds like the Capt'n isn't going to leave you with anything left to fight.”
“Well, that's too bad,” Leon says. “I didn't get to see any action today.”
Drake says, “Allen did more fighting today than you.”
They laugh a bit and Leon says, “The boy did good though didn't he?”
“Aye, that he did,” Drake answers.
At the front of the ship Marie sits with the wind blowing through her hair. She is looking out over the blue sea watching the waves. Fernando and Allen are talking when Fernando notices her. He nudges Allen and says, “Now, Mr. Allen, is your chance. With the fresh air, the beautiful clear sky, it is the perfect opportunity to get close to her.”
“Thanks, Fernando,” Allen says. “For the record, though, we have already gotten pretty close.” Fernando gives him a smile as Allen turns back and heads towards Marie. When he finally reaches her he says, “Quite a view, isn't it?”
Marie, who did not see him approach, jumps a bit as she turns and says, “Oh, Allen. I didn't hear you coming.”
“Sorry,” Allen replies, “I didn't mean to startle you.”
Marie smiles and pulls her hair back from her face and says, “That's alright, Allen. And yes, it is a beautiful view.”
Staring at Marie, Allen says under his breath, “I'll say.”
“What was that?” Marie asks.
Allen nervously says, “I said, yes it is a beautiful view.”
“Hard to believe that only a few hours ago we were fighting an orcnea ship in the middle of a storm,” Marie says.
�
��I know,” Allen replies, “It was pretty intense there for a while.”
John, Jacob, and Fernando watch Allen and Marie. John says, “Ah, young love?”
“Yes, indeed,” Fernando says. “I remember my first love.”
“Oh, who was she?” Jacob asks.
“Her name was Elizabeth,” Fernando says as he thinks back. “I was just barely a man and she was,” he stops and smiles, “well, twice my age.”
“Really?” John asks, “How did you know her?”
“She was a bar maid in East Artos,” Fernando says.
“So what happened?” Jacob asks.
“Her husband came back after being away at sea,” Fernando answers with a laugh.
The men laugh as they continue to talk.
In the brig, the orcnea stops screaming as Ariella stops the spell.
Torgus says, “I don't think he knows anything, Captain, perhaps we should just kill him now.”
“They may pay good money for him in Bastion,” Ariella says. “They are always looking for entertainment in the arenas there.”
“You would sell him as a slave, Captain?” Torgus asks.
“I don't like the idea much either,” Ariella says as she walks over and picks up the book from the table, “but I don't like executions either. I do have one more thing that I need from him though.” She flips through the pages and stops when she finds what she is looking for. She says with a smile, “Ah, yes, this is the one.”
Torgus looks at her with concern and says, “Ariella, are you sure you want to do this? Once you start messing with the dark magics it is very hard to turn back. Corthag was the perfect example of that.”
“Corthag was always evil, Torgus!” Ariella snaps at him. “You know how twisted he was. You, he, and my father had known each other your entire lives, and he betrayed you both. I am not like him, Torgus.”
“I know you're not,” Torgus says as he takes the book from her. Then looking at the page he reads aloud, “Steal Youth? Ariella, these are dark spells you are dealing with indeed.”
“That is easy for you to say,” Ariella replies as she snatches the book back. “You dwarves live a lot longer than humans, and elves, well they...” She stands there staring at the pages.
