Marl frowned for a moment. “This figure held a great sword and rode on a ship piled high with the corpses of pirates. Blood trailed in his wake.“
Elias interrupted him. “This is not the vision you told your tribe about around the fire last night.”
Marl smiled slightly. “The members of my tribe are a simple people. They don't often have the ability to be discerning about that which they hear, as some of them have never left the island they were born on. There are those who live in my village who have never even been to the port of men. They only know humans from the pirates that attack us, and fear them all as devils with short lives.
“In this way, I can interpret the visions that the gods give me in a way that they can understand. It is not only my privilege to receive the visions, but it is my duty to bring them to my people in such a way that they can grasp them.” He glanced at Elias, quirking a brow. “Which is now what I am trying to do for you.”
Elias looked down, chagrined. Marl laughed, flicking a pebble at Elias. “You're so serious, all of the time! You need some joy in your life. I hope that is what Coral will be for you.”
Elias shifted uncomfortably. “I... she is a very fine girl. Woman. I look forward to getting to know her better.”
“As does she, I am sure. Would you like to know the rest of what I saw?”
“Yes, of course. Sorry for the interruption, please continue.”
Marl raise his eyebrow at Elias again. “So serious. Anyhow. As the ship rode into the harbor with the giant figure at its bow, the black, skeletal form of the ship was transformed into a great red vessel, carved out of the wood that grows on your shores, the great redwood trees of the mainland. The figure disembarked, and moved through the city, waiting at the far side, on the mountain. I saw myself walking beside this figure, whose shadow billowed behind him like a torn sail.
“This figure walked with me, and his ship kept pace with him along the shore. As it traveled, pirates fled from its path. Each ship that did not flee was cleansed red and devoured by the shadow figure's vessel, causing it to swell in size until it was the largest ship I have ever seen.”
Marl paused, furrowing his brow. “I could see all of the islands, and they all burned. Port Greenreef was burned and riddled with cannon fire. The pirates destroyed my village, even shattering the Seagate with their attacks.“
Elias looked up from listening. “The Seagate? You mean the arch that leads out to sea from the cove?”
Marl nodded. “Yes. It is sacred to our people, as it allows clean, fresh water to bring in fish and clams, crab and kelp. It is the arms of the mountain god, that shelters us from the fury of the sea when she rages.“ He twirled the pole against the ground. “When the figure and I reached the cove, there were so many dead that I could not go on. The figure took his ship and sailed west. When he reached the Hollow Island, he brought it down with fire and cannons.
“It was at this time that the figure's shadow left him, and flew east, back to the mainland. The figure's ship chased it to the west, and that is when the vision ended. I awoke with great sorrow, but as I headed down the mountain, I could see the ship we arrived on, and it all made sense to me. You are the warrior from across the sea that I prophesied, and the gods showed me thus in the vision they granted me.”
Elias pondered as he leaned against the tree. Marl's vision seemed to be accurate, at least in a metaphorical sense. He wasn't sure how much he believed in gods and visions, but if Marl's visions were true, then it would seem that his coming was indeed foretold.
“Coral said that her promised would be the one to battle the pirates, and that since I was the one foretold, that person was me.”
“Do you have an issue with this?“
Elias pushed off of the tree. “Not precisely. I like her, very much, but I don't know her, and she doesn't know me. What if she doesn't like me?”
“That is a decision that is hers to make.”
Elias frowned. “Not if she feels that it's been made for her by a prophecy or a vision.”
Marl laughed again. “Methinks you underestimate my daughter. She is much like her mother. Jayd was given a prophecy that her husband would be the seer, who was an older member of our tribe at the time. He fancied her quite a bit, but she did not love him, so pursued her heart instead.” Marl shrugged. “I became the seer of our tribe on my two hundred and eightieth year, and married Jayd that spring.”
Elias nodded. “As you say. I suppose we'll see what happens, won't we?”
“We definitely will. Come, the heat of the day is nearly upon us. We'll want to get this walk done as soon as we can.”
~ ~ ~
There was a very slight breeze in the port, for which Elias whispered a thankful word to the sea. Even Marl seemed relieved that the walk ended with a bit of a reprieve from the heat. They filled their water skin from a small fountain near the western edge of the city and drank their fill. After their thirst was sated, they paused at the beach to cool off in the waves where Elias could see the pier.
The ship was still at port, of course. The tall masts dwarfed the fishing boats that were docked all around it. Dock workers bustled to and fro, transporting supplies to the ships and cargo to the shore. There was significant activity on Delain's ship, as well as a scaffold hanging over the starboard side, and the word “Iron“ painted in white lettering. It seems the repairs for the ship were well underway. Delain was wasting no time in restoring his ship
After Elias and Marl rinsed the sweat of the walk off of themselves, they made their way along the shore front towards the pier. Falling in with the flow of men, elves, and sea elves carrying crates to and from the deck, they made their way aboard.
Delain stood at the door of the aftcastle while workers bustled about, a large roll of paper in his hands. He waved to Elias when he caught sight of him, setting the papers on a crate and beckoned him over. It seemed as though he was regaining his vigor by being able to oversee his ship again.
“Elias! It is excellent to see you! Are you well?”
Elias shook the old man's hand. “Yes, I am. What is all this?” Elias gestured to the workers bustling about.
“My ship had been poorly maintained by the bastards that took it from me... they may have been passable sailors, but they weren't shipwrights, by any means. She was barely seaworthy when we docked here, and I aim to remedy that.” Delain frowned, unrolling the papers. “The hull needed new pitch to seal the cracks, and the deck was in dire need of repair. Luckily the mast is still sound... there's nary a tree on this island that could replace it.”
Elias shook his head. “How can we afford all of this? The bounty on the pirates that we captured wouldn't pay for it all, would it?”
Delain grinned wide. “The pirates had a significant stash of loot in the hold, more than enough coin to retrofit the ship and resupply! We've divided the excess amongst the survivors, and we're working on selling the remaining cargo that we don't need. Each man has gotten his share of the coin, and will from the profits as well. Yours is in a chest in my chambers.”
Elias was taken aback. He hadn't expected to return to this, but was pleased nonetheless. He opened his mouth to speak, but Jonas's voice cut him off from the other side of the ship.
“Redwood! You giant bastard! Where have you been?”
Elias turned to see Jonas standing in the doorway of the forecastle, his head wrapped in fresh bandages, a patch covering his left eye, leaning on a cane. Turning back to Delain, he said, “I actually need to speak with you and Jonas. Any of the other mercenaries that were captured with us as well, if they're present.”
Delain squinted at Elias, looking askance at Marl, who had remained silent to this point. “What's on your mind, son?”
“I'll tell you when we're all together.”
Delain sighed. “A flair for the dramatic, eh? Well, I suppose you've earned it. These blokes can work unsupervised for a moment.”
Jenna stepped through the doorway behind Delain. “Am
I invited to this conspiratory meeting?” she asked, hands on her hips.
Elias could almost feel the challenge in her words. “I wouldn't dare exclude you! Of course!”
Delain laughed. “Wise beyond your years! Except that you've got a bloody great deal more of them than any of us.” He turned to Jenna. “How exactly would that work then?”
Jenna sniffed. “You're all men. It's a wonder no matter what age you are.”
~ ~ ~
Most of the men that had been freed from the oar deck were still on shore, reveling in their freedom, however, Martin and Geoff were present, as well as Jonas, Jenna, Delain, and Marl. Elias closed the door and sat on one of the beds.
Jonas interrupted Elias before he could start. “Alright, boyo, before you spill the beans, I've got something for you.“ He gestured to Geoff and pointed to a long, tall, cloth wrapped bundle propped against the hull. Geoff brought it over, grunting under the weight of it, and handed it to Elias.
He knew exactly what it was before he even unwrapped it. It was the sword he had purchased so long ago in Jetty, just before their capture. The blade and hilt were still polished, and reflected the light of the sun from the open windows. “Where did you find it?”
Delain smiled. “I had a feeling it was yours when I was cataloging the items left in my quarters, so I showed it to Jonas. He said you'd be rather perturbed if we sold it.”
“No I didn't, I said you'd be a right pissy old elf.”
Elias chuckled. “Indeed I would be. Thank you for returning it to me.”
Jonas reclined on one of the beds, closing his good eye. “Right, no need for hugs and tears then, get on with it. What have you to tell us?”
Elias cleared his throat, suddenly anxious. He didn't know how exactly to go about pitching the idea to his companions. “Right. So. As we all know, pirates are a problem here. I don't think any of us here would argue that point. In the day that I have spent with Marl and his tribe, I have been told and shown how much of a problem they are for him and his people. From what I have heard, over half of their people are imprisoned on an island and forced to grow food for the pirates and their stronghold. They repair their ships and raise livestock for them.”
Delain nodded. “Seems likely enough. There's been an embargo against selling or buying anything from known pirates for as long as there has been a port here. Doesn't stop everyone, but it does mean they need to come up with their supplies elsewhere.”
Elias nodded as well. “Right. They also harry and attack merchant vessels in the port, which is why there's a bounty on the heads of any pirate captured or killed.”
Jonas chuckled. “Aye. Twenty coins a head if brought back alive, fifteen if not. Not a bad take.”
Geoff and Martin nodded. The money was definitely talking, for them.
Elias took a deep breath. “I propose that we retrofit the ship as a privateer, and hunt these pirates. In this way, we can collect bounties that make it worth our time, and we can help Marl and his people. We are well paid, and we do a good deed in the meantime.“ He spread his hands. “It makes our trip over not a complete loss, and we can return home rich men, just by doing what it is we do.“
Jonas scoffed. “We're a security group, not a private army, lad. This is a job for soldiers, mariners with the navy. We're more there as a presence to scare off any highwaymen what might come for a wagon of loot.”
Martin snorted. “That worked out so well last time, didn't it?”
Jonas frowned. “You weren't complaining when I was counting out your coin, ya shit.”
Geoff shook his head, looking at his hands. “No, we weren't complaining, but we didn't expect the job you found to be for a slave trader in disguise.”
Jonas threw his hands up in disgust. “Bloody hell, neither did I! It was supposed to be easy money, just a quick trip to the mountains and back! You've both done that run a dozen times!”
Martin held up his bandaged hand, sporting four fingers. “Aye, and none of those times ended like this one began. I'm considering buying a farm for all the trouble this has been!”
Jonas narrowed his eye, glaring at Martin. “That's funny. I never pegged you for a coward. I suppose looks can be deceiving.”
Martin growled. “Call me a coward again, and you'll be sporting another eye patch, old man. You're the one who thinks hunting pirates is too dangerous.”
Jonas sat up. “Said those words, did I? I don't think I did, you impudent shit!”
Martin stood, clenching his fists. “This impudent shit killed pirates and lost a finger while you were out cold.”
Elias stood now, hammering a fist against the hull, the blow like a drum beat. “For the love of the gods, that's enough!” he boomed, his deep voice resonating in the room. All eyes were on him. “Fighting amongst ourselves gives nobody any blessings! If you don't want to hunt the pirates, then don't! Go home, go back to what you were doing before this. I will stay and fight, even if I have to take a ship by myself and steer it to the edge of the world and back! It will be done, with or without you. What I offer is a piece of the bounty and the chance to kill the same kind of ilk that put us where we are now!”
Everyone else had sat back down and was staring at Elias. His outburst spent, he felt silly standing there. He sat back down, setting his hands on his knees. “Like I said. If you're in, you're in. You get a share of every bounty. Any ships we capture, we return the cargo to the owner if we can. If we can't, we sell it and divide the profit.”
Delain held up his hand. “The Port Authority would be the ones issuing the letter of marque. They may demand a share.”
Elias shrugged. “Then their cut comes off the top. No matter what, we still profit, pirates still hang, and Marl's people are freed.”
Jenna paced in front of the door. “I don't know. I don't like it. What if we fail in taking a ship? I don't know about the lot of you, but I've spent enough of my life chained to an oar. What do the sea elves plan to do for us?”
Marl stood. Leaning on his walking stick, he addressed those present. “My people will furnish food, water, and repairs to vessels. We've been a seafaring people for thousands of years, we know how to waterproof a ship, even those of men. We can repair any damage that occurs, and tend to any wounded. Your overhead costs would not exist.”
Delain raised his eyebrows. “You have a dock deep enough to accommodate a proper vessel?”
Marl looked straight at Delain. “Who do you suppose owns most of Port Greenreef?”
Delain was silent, thinking about what Marl said. “Fair enough. I'm in.”
Jonas sat up, blustering. “What? You've got almost no life left to you! You want to spend it getting killed by pirates?”
Delain shrugged. “I don't have much life left to me,” he repeated back to Jonas. “Seems like a good enough way to go. Besides. My life was stolen from me. May as well try to steal some back.”
Martin nodded. “I'm in. The bastard that took my finger might be dead, but all of his buddies still breath. That doesn't sit right with me.”
Geoff sighed. “I'm in as well. I don't think I could not join up in good conscience. Besides, the money sounds pretty good, and if we have the element of surprise, then we have the advantage.”
Jonas lay back. “I don't believe it. You've all gone mad. I wasn't aware that I was signed up with a bunch of damn paladins.”
Suddenly, Jenna whipped the door open, grabbing a figure from the other side and throwing it into the room. The figure, dressed in a broad-brimmed, woven grass hat and poncho sprawled on the deck, rolling to its back. As they all jumped to their feet, the figure threw back its hat, revealing long, raven black hair and sky blue skin. Emerald eyes flashed up at Jenna, then over at Elias.
Elias swore, and Marl shook his head. Jenna looked up at them, raising an eyebrow. “I suppose you two know this one?”
Marl sighed and nodded. “Yes. That is my young, impetuous, disobedient, and headstrong daughter. She means well, but is sometimes more wil
lful than she is intelligent. Her name is Coral.”
The young elf rose to her feet, adjusting her poncho accordingly. “I had no desire to stay behind while the 'menfolk' went ahead and secured our futures for us,“ she said, angrily.
Jenna scowled. “You told her to stay behind? Why?”
At this point, Elias was completely at a loss for words. Marl shook his head and opened his mouth to speak, but Coral cut him off.
“It was thought that I would discredit Elias, that his request would not be taken seriously if it was known that he was involved with a woman of the tribe.”
She crossed her arms, facing off against the seven others. “My presence discredits no man. I am not a distraction, nor am I just some silly girl to wait behind at camp.”
Elias dropped his hands. “That is definitely not what I meant to say.”
“But it is what you said! Speak plainly!”
Jonas glanced between Coral and Elias. “So. You're doing this for a girl?”
Elias pointed vehemently at Jonas. “See!? See!? Didn't I tell you he was going to say that?”
Jonas snorted back a laugh. “Of course I would! It's the truth!”
Jenna set a hand on Coral's shoulder. “His opinion doesn't matter. He's not even going to help anyways. Come with me. I want you to tell me about your people and the pirates.” She turned to Delain. “We're going to use your quarters.”
It wasn't a request, but Delain waved it off anyways. “By all means.”
The two women left the forecastle, and the men sat and stood in silence for a moment. Then Martin looked up at Elias and grinned. “Damn, son. I'd murder a fleet of pirates for that one too. Good catch.”
Elias dropped his head in his hands amidst the laughter and shoulder-slapping of the other men while Marl stood to the side and chuckled.
~ ~ ~
Rising Thunder (Dynasty of Storms Book 1) Page 16
