Runefell: Crossroads

by Shawn Sodman

  “Surrender now and I will let you live!” Ariella yells out over the ship.

  The tall, thin captain continues to scream in pain. He begs, “Please! Make it stop!” His men drop their weapons, and as quickly as the battle started it is over. Drake and Leon pick up the enemy captain before Ariella discontinues her spell.

  A short time later the crew of the enemy ship is lined up along the port railing of the Red Dawn. Their hands are tied behind their backs as Drake and Leon watch over them with large crossbows. Ariella's men are bringing crates over from the other ship as Annalee comes out onto the deck from the officer's quarters.

  “What is your name, Captain?” Ariella asks the captain of the other ship.

  “His name is Captain Rinehart,” Annalee says answering the question.

  “Annalee,” Captain Rinehart says. “It is good to see you again.” Some of his men laugh at the comment.

  “I see you already know the latest member of my crew,” Ariella says.

  Annalee walks up to Captain Rinehart, and as she stares at him angrily, he asks her, “What are you looking at, girl?”

  Ariella watches as her new, short companion makes a fist. She punches Rinehart in the face, and Ariella notices something peculiar about Annalee's hand as she hits him. The man falls to his knees with a broken nose. “Captain, are you going to let her treat me like that?” He says as blood flows down his face.

  Ignoring his question, Ariella looks at Torgus and quietly asks, “Did you see that?”

  Torgus nods and says, “I believe I did.”

  “Captain, this is no way to treat a prisoner,” Rinehart protests.

  “Shut up!” Ariella snaps back at him. “Leon, would you please bring Captain Rinehart here?” Leon steps forward and takes Rinehart’s arm. He leads him over to the captain as Annalee follows. Ariella then says, “On your knees, Rinehart.”

  He gets down on his knees and asks, “What is the meaning of this, Captain?”

  Ariella continues to ignore Captain Rinehart and says, “Annalee, would you please shut this man up?”

  “Yes, ma'am,” Annalee replies. She smiles sadistically before slamming her fist again into Rinehart’s face. Ariella watches closely as Annalee's fist appears to become metallic for a split second as she punches him. The blow knocks Rinehart unconscious. Ariella looks at Torgus who nods and says, “That is definitely magic, Captain.”

  “My hand, ma'am?” Annalee questions, “yes, it is. At least that is what someone told me once. I don't even know how I do it. I never studied magic.”

  Ariella eyes light up as she says, “Did you hear that, Torgus? She has never been taught magic and yet she is already casting a spell.” She then turns to Annalee and says, “Annalee, I would like very much to take you on as my apprentice.”

  Annalee smiles and replies, “I would be honored, Captain.”

  Ariella puts her arm around Annalee's shoulder and says, “Now then, are there any other men here that you have a score to settle with?” The captives all look down to avoid eye contact. Annalee slowly walks in front of them. She stops at one and says, “This one.”

  Ariella nods to Leon, and he walks up to the man Annalee identified. Leon pulls him forward as he begins to plea, “Please, Annalee! I am sorry.”

  Annalee kicks the back of his knee so that he falls to the ground. She then walks over to the main mast and picks up some rope. The man begs again, “I didn't mean to hurt you.”

  She wraps the rope around his neck, leans down, and says, “Let’s see how YOU like to be choked.” Annalee pulls back on the rope, and the man's face turns red as he struggles to breath. The other prisoners all look frightened except for one young man. The man, in his early twenties, tries to hide his smile, as Annalee continues to pull on the rope wrapped around his shipmate's neck.

  Annalee finally releases the rope, and as the man gasps for air she punches him with the same steel like fist. Blood now covers her hand as she steps back and looks at the line of men again.

  Annalee looks down the row as the men all look away. When she sees the man who was smiling she looks into his deep blue eyes for a brief moment before he looks down at the deck. Annalee smiles and Ariella asks her, “Is he another one?” Annalee walks over to Ariella and whispers something to her. Ariella approaches the blue eyed man and commands him, “You, step forward!”

  The tall muscular man steps forward, looking confused. Ariella looks back at Annalee who nods. She then says, “Come over here with me for a moment.” Ariella walks over to the center mast with Annalee as the man follows behind her.

  “Captain,” John calls out from the other ship, “I think we got everything!”

  “Excellent,” Ariella replies. “Get everyone back on board. We will release them soon and be on our way.”

  “Aye, Captain!” John answers.

  Ariella turns her attention back to the handsome young man. “What is your name?”

  “Seth, Captain,” he answers.

  “Do you know why I wanted to talk with you?” Ariella asks.

  “No, ma'am,” Seth answers, sounding nervous.

  “Annalee, here, told me that out of all the men on that ship of yours, you were the only one who treated her well,” Ariella explains.

  Seth looks at Annalee as she looks away. “Yes, ma'am,” Seth replies. “I am not like them, ma'am. I didn't like the way they treated her.”

  Ariella thinks for a moment and then asks, “Why do you serve Captain Rinehart?”

  The young man with sandy blonde hair answers, “I did not know when I signed on that he took prisoners for slavery. I just needed the work and didn't ask questions.” He then looks at Annalee and says, “I am sorry.”

  Ariella sighs and asks, “How would you like to work for me?”

  “Aboard the Red Dawn?” he asks, sounding excited. “I would like that very much, Captain.”

  Ariella says, “Let me untie you and you can go gather your things, but first I want you to look me in the eyes and swear to me that you will serve me loyally.”

  Seth looks her in the eyes and without hesitation he says, “I swear to you, Captain, I will serve you loyally.”

  “Excellent,” Ariella replies as she finishes untying the ropes from Seth. “Now hurry and gather you things.”

  “Aye, Captain,” Seth says as he runs off.

  Captain Rinehart regains consciousness, as Leon picks him up and stands him back in line. Ariella now addresses her captives and says, “Gentlemen, I am now going to have to ask you to return to your ship. It has been a pleasure having you all here. Before you go, however, I would like to make one thing perfectly clear.” Ariella walks up to the still bleeding Captain Rinehart and says, “Do not mistake my kindness for weakness. If I ever come across your ship again, Captain, I will give you one chance to allow us to board you peacefully. If you resist us, I will send you all to the bottom of the sea. Is that clear?”

  “Of course, Captain,” Rinehart replies. “But why would you be boarding us?”

  “When I board you,” Ariella explains, “I will be looking for one thing and one thing only. If I find that you have taken anyone as a slave, you will wish you were at the bottom of the sea. Now, is that clear, Captain?”

  Rinehart’s anger is only outweighed by his fear as he answers, “Yes, Captain.”

  “Excellent,” Ariella says with a smile. “Now back to your ship.”

  Seth returns with a small bag as the others all return to their ship. The lines are cut, and soon the Red Dawn is on its way once more.

  Seth stands next to Annalee and Ariella asks, “Now then, Seth, there is just one other thing.”

  “Yes, Captain?” Seth asks.

  “If this young lady here asks you to do something,” Ariella says looking at Annalee, “you will do as she says.”

  “Yes, ma'am,” Seth replies.

  “I don't care if she asks you to bring her a glass of water,” Ariella continues, “or cut her food. Unless I tell you otherwise, her
orders are as good as mine. Unless, of course, those orders are munitions.”

  “Of course, Captain,” Seth replies.

  “Annalee,” Ariella says with a grin. “This handsome young man is all yours.”

  “What?” Annalee asks.

  “You have had to serve others most of your life,” Ariella says. “Now it is time for someone to serve you.”

  “Thank you, Captain,” Annalee replies, “but I don't want someone to give orders to.”

  “I understand,” says Ariella, “but he is not a slave. If you don't have any need of him at this time, then I'll have John show him to his hammock.”

  Annalee nods then the captain calls out, “John!”

  “Yes, Captain,” John replies as he runs over.

  “This is Seth,” Ariella says introducing the two. “Seth, this is John.”

  “Pleasure to meet you, sir,” Seth says offering his hand.

  He shakes his hand and replies, “Just call me John.”

  Ariella says, “John, show him below deck. He can take Allen's hammock.”

  “Yes, Captain,” John replies.

  Ariella then laughs and adds, “It's fitting really.”

  “What is, ma'am?” Annalee asks.

  “I lost two of my crew recently,” Ariella explains. “A young man and a young woman. It seems that fate has found a way to replace them for me. Come, let's go up to the lounge and discuss your talent for magic.”

  Chapter 45

  Who's Following Who?

  Walking down the streets of Sheathelm, Fernando Greythorn is biding his time until he meets with his contact at the King's Shield. It has been a long couple days for him as he nervously checks around almost every corner for any of Ariella's men.

  He makes his way through the market district when he notices someone wearing a cloak seems to be following him. Fernando turns to see the person's face beneath the hood but the hooded figure looks the other way. Unsure if he is being followed, Fernando decides to try to lose him in the crowd. He pulls up the hood of his own cloak and begins to walk briskly through the crowded street.

  Checking behind him Fernando can tell that he is still being followed. Just as he comes out of the crowd Fernando runs down a side street before ducking into an ally. He waits as the hooded one makes his way around the corner, Fernando grabs the cloaked person and slams him against the wall. As he does the unmistakable sound of a woman's groan come from under the cloak.

  He grabs the hood and pulls it down only to reveal a familiar face. “Marie?” Fernando says. “What are you doing here?”

  Then Fernando can feel the point of a sword at his back as he hears Allen's voice reply, “We should ask you the same question. Now give me one good reason, Mr. Greythorn, why I shouldn't run this sword right through you.”

  Fernando slowly raises his hands over his head and turns. “Allen, is Ariella here?” he asks.

  “Thanks to you,” Marie says angrily, “Allen and I were kicked off the ship.”

  “I am so sorry, Allen,” Fernando say regretfully.

  “I bet you are,” Allen says, sounding unconvinced.

  “Really, I am,” He says, trying to explain. “I did not mean to cause you any problems.”

  “So, where is it?” Allen asks.

  “Allen,” Fernando says as he lowers his hands, “you don't understand.”

  “Then why don't you explain it to us,” Allen says pointing his sword at him. “Why don't you tell us why you lied to us for almost a week and then left without any explanation?”

  “I will tell you everything that I know,” Fernando replies. “Let's go find a place that we can sit and talk.”

  “Sure,” Allen says, “but first hand over the locket.”

  “I have hidden it somewhere safe, I promise,” he replies.

  Allen then looks at the gold medallion around Fernando's neck and says, “Alright then, give me the medallion.”

  “Allen, please,” Fernando begs.

  “Why do you want that, Allen?” Marie asks.

  “Because, unless I am wrong, that medallion is preventing Torgus from tracking him,” Allen answers.

  Fernando puts his hand on the round piece of gold around his neck and says, “Fine, I will give you this, but you have to hear me out.”

  “No, you are going to give that to me, then you are going to give me the captain's amulet,” Allen replies.

  Fernando takes a deep breath and sighs. “Have it your way,” he says, removing the necklace. “Here you go.” He tosses it to Allen and as Allen tries to catch it, Fernando quickly draws his sword. Before Allen has any time to react, Fernando disarms him. Fernando steps back so that Marie does not get behind him. “Now, listen to me,” Fernando says as he kicks Allen's sword to the side, “I know you have no reason to trust me, and I am truly sorry that my actions have affected the two of you, but you have to understand that everything I have done was not of my own choice.”

  “What are you talking about?” Allen asks.

  Fernando takes the medallion from Allen and steps back and places it back around his neck. “Come,” he says, “follow me and I shall tell you.” Fernando is careful to keep his distance from Allen and Marie as he walks around them and into the street where he sheaths his sword. Allen then picks up his sword and also sheaths it before he and Marie follow him down the street.

  Far to the north there is another group being watched. Kristieana has been scouting the area in eagle form. She lands with the others and transforms. She says, “We are definitely being followed.”

  “By who?” Evelena asks.

  “I don't know,” she replies, “but I am pretty sure they aren't orcneas. I am going to go back and try to get a closer look. Do any of you have a looking glass?”

  “I do,” Ja'noa replies as she sets down her pack and looks through it.

  “Sven,” Kristieana asks, “do you have a crossbow?”

  “Yes,” he replies.

  “I need it,” Kristieana says.

  “You are not going to shoot them, are you?” Gelana asks.

  Ja'noa hands her a small looking glass and Sven hands her a crossbow as she replies, “Not if I don't have to.” She slings the weapon over her shoulder and puts the looking glass in her belt and transforms again and takes flight.

  Evelena looks around at the large rocks and says, “Maybe we should set up here just in case.”

  “Agreed,” Sven says.

  The group starts to take positions in the nearby rocks.

  About one mile back over the rolling hills is the group in question. Princess Kianna and others have been following the same path that the Amazons of the Silver Moon have been on.

  “Well,” Kreeshaw says. “I think it is safe to say that I have fulfilled my end of the bargain. I am going to go back now to Copper Pass.”

  “Oh,” Kianna says, “Alright then. Thank you very much for your help. How are you going to get back?”

  “I can teleport,” he replies. “It only works for myself though. Thanks for your help with the spider, and good luck.”

  They all say goodbye as he disappears as the air around him pops.

  “Someday I am going to learn how to do that,” Kelik says.

  “Well, you aren't going to learn it,” Ya'leigh says, “if you keep skipping summer classes.”

  High above in the sky, Kristieana looks down on the Princess and her group. Isen says to the others, “Look, there it is again. That giant eagle.”

  “Could it be Father?” Ambra asks.

  “I don't think so,” Ya'leigh replies.

  Kianna looks up as the eagle starts to land about one hundred paces ahead of them. She says, “Isen, flank around behind it and stay out of its view. The rest of us will keep walking.”

  Up ahead, Kristieana lands behind a large boulder. She transforms back and pulls out the looking glass. She slowly gets down on the ground and crawls around to the edge of the giant rock and looks through looking glass. She can see them all clearly now
. “I thought there were seven of them,” she says to herself as she looks around for the missing Isen. Suddenly, she hears a noise behind her.

  Isen, who has run up behind another large boulder, slowly peeks around the corner to where he had just seen Kristieana. He can see the large boulder that she was hiding behind. He looks further and further around the edge trying to spot her when he realizes she is no longer there.

  Just then, he hears her voice behind him. “Don't move,” Kristieana warns. “I have a crossbow pointed right at your head.”

  Isen slowly turns around and doesn't see anyone there. “Why are you following us?” he asks.

  “I am not following you,” she explains. “You are following me.”

  Isen stands there with his hands up and asks, “How could I follow someone who can fly?”

  Frustrated by the questioning she asks, “Who are you?”

  “Isen,” he answers.

  Kristieana is now more frustrated and asks, “And why are you here?”

  “Why are you pointing a crossbow at me?” he asks as he now puts his arms down. “How do I know if you really have a crossbow?”

  Kristieana continues to aim the crossbow at Isen with her right hand while she pulls back the hood of her cloak with her left hand. As the cloak is removed she becomes visible once more. She asks, “Now, do believe me?”

  Isen puts his hands back up and says, “Yes, I do. Thank you.”

  Suddenly Kristieana hears a voice behind her say. “Drop the crossbow now!” It is Kianna and standing next to her is Ya’leigh with Incendia drawn. Kianna has her sword drawn as Ya'leigh aims her bow.

  Kristieana slowly lowers the crossbow and turns to Kianna and Ya'leigh. As soon as they can see the markings on her face they lower their weapons. “You are an Amazon of the Silver Moon.” Kianna says.

  “Yes,” she replies. “My name is Kristieana.”