Chapter 8: Heave To

It was the night before arrival that Morgan was forced to make an admission, she was happy. She had spent a considerable amount of time pondering, reflecting, and generally perplexed by this fact. It was hard to pin down the very moment that it had crept up on her, yet she realised the state amidst a hotly contested round of Captain’s bastard, the jovial atmosphere bringing yet another smile to her face. Marlo, who was grumpily firing jibes at Sha, threw his cards down, his complaints heard ship wide, “There is no way you didn’t cheat. It’s not possible to get the fool, three hands in a row,” Sha’s infectious smile inflaming things further.

“Well, then, you aren’t going to like this either,” Sha announced, before placing his cards down with an exaggerated flourish. A round of boisterous laughter followed, the crew’s amusement insufficient in drowning out Marlo’s profanity, his selection which involved Sha’s mother, further escalating the crew’s mirth. The day’s activities had mostly included working on the ships disguise. The Brothel Beauty was able to change masts, sails, flags, name plates, and even armour plating, now it simply looked like a fast-trading vessel of average size; the ships new name was The Tempest. Morgan regularly used the name when visiting a pirate hostile port. Luckily, The Tempest had a good reputation, as a trader of rare and high-quality goods. Sometimes, papers were falsified or sometimes goods were actually traded, just to keep The Tempest’s good name intact. Whisky and good company weren’t the only reasons that she felt warm inside, it had been a little over a week since Sha had shared with her, after sporadic flirtations and stolen moments. Morgan had always inwardly and as a by-product outwardly affirmed that she didn’t need a man, or any type of deeper connection, such fancies involved effort, and more importantly, time that she simply didn’t have, they were for her friends, and crew. Yet a confusing mix of uplifting emotions was staring her in the face. A shocking thought arrested her, “It’s all just excuses, it’s all to hide your fear.” Morgan excused herself and rose, her heart no longer on the cards.

She was achingly close to the confines of her cabin, when she heard a concern laced enquiry, “Are you okay?” Sha’s typically expressive features met her in the lamplight.

Morgan returned his gaze. Thankfully Sha stayed silent amidst her mental preparation. Even so when words broke free, she was not equal to the task of separating them from emotion, “Sha, I think it’s time that I tell you about a pirate captain named Rorg.”

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The Tempest had heaved to, awaiting an optimal tide before its approach, their entry into port, under the shadow of The Great Southern Bridge. Sha watched the city appear before him; a bittersweet homecoming filled with familiar sights and sounds. Despite the welcoming sight of Bastien port, he only felt like he was truly home after taking a deep breath. It is said that you can only get a whiff of a particularly pungent smell in this part of Mierma, the cause natures beautiful force. A large part of the inner city and Citadel rested on a rocky crag, the seaward side incessantly pounded by waves, the resulting foamy air carried into the city. Bastien was unlike any other city, made up of aged older parts, new parts filled with modern advancements, and finally natural beauty. The city could be broken into three clear areas, the first is the Citadel. Tornbaer’s seat of power overlooked the city, a stark monument to the royalty that resided within. Second and only slightly less elevated in height and importance was the inner city. Resting upon receding land the inner city is where the merchant’s, artists, and guilds could be found. Finally, and most importantly to Sha was the outer city, the great leveller of class, all visitors by sea and land passed through. The outer city was on flat land and although one can use its roads, it can also be traversed by canals. The operators of the canals could transport wares from harbour to city and back again. Directly outside the city’s south gate was the harbour and on either side of two massive stone bridges, aptly named the Northern or Southern Bridge. Sha was taught as a child, that a great magician had crafted the bridges, now he thought such silliness to be childish, what he did know was that the bridges connected the city to the mainland and the fertile farmland that surrounds it.

Unsurprisingly, The Tempest had no problems getting past a reputably strict harbour master; Sha quickly learning not to doubt the crew’s craftiness. Once the ship had passed clearance, Morgan handed command over to Gruth, an abled sailor, normally it was a job for the captain’s second, but Marlo had made it clear that he wanted dry land, and that was that. The crew had departed for shore as soon as they were able, their nondescript sailor garb matching the ruse. It was the drab dress of those around her that pulled Sha’s attention, Morgan wore a dress in the upper Bastonian style, boned bodice with a plunging neckline. Sha noted the dress was more refined than the typical example of such garb, its fanning skirts and turquoise hue expertly paired with ruby hair. Morgan played the role of a rich merchant to perfection, right down to bearing and manner. Sha noted, however, that there were subtle slits in her dress, which would enable quick movement if required, he would also wager that there were daggers hidden behind them. Morgan mounted an impressive looking horse and before long was heading towards the gate at a gentle trot, not that side-saddle allowed much else. Sha added horseback riding to a growing list of Morgan’s skills. So engrossed was he in his appraisal, that a large hand being placed upon his shoulder sent him upwards in fright, Marlo the hands owner spoke words that were accompanied with a knowing smile, “Come on lad, time for a well-deserved drink; it’s customary to have at least one no matter the time to celebrate a safe voyage.”

Sha glanced upwards as they walked through the Southern Gate, the impressive but ancient arches and their connecting walls were said to make the city impregnable to an invading army. No force had ever lain siege to Bastien and succeeded. They made straight for the Horney Sailor, a tavern just inside the Southern Gate. The stables must have been out the back as Morgan came around the corner to meet up with them, before they all filed into the building. Sha was happy to follow, this wasn’t an establishment he had frequented, and the crew clearly knew the proprietor.

After making a beeline towards a well-appointed back room the crew took the weight of off their feet, talking amongst themselves, happily partaking in tankards which were delivered regularly and seemingly without request. It was all quite peaceful, that was until a squeal of glee sent Sha on a desperate search for the source of the untoward sound. At first, he thought it had emanated from a small child. Instead, the noise came from a tall man who gracefully descended into the room. After embracing Morgan in a forceful hug, the man proceeded to lift her into the air easily swinging her around, sending her feet flying outwards, her smile advertising the fact that it was a normal occurrence. The man then gave the same treatment to Bella, who squealed happily, clearly enjoying the contact. Marlo respectfully declined the embrace and Meena just scowled, affirming her point by toying with a dagger. Luckily, the man knew not to push it. Sha was struck by his appearance, he had long black hair that was tied up in a bun, tight black leather pants that clearly weren’t meant for breathing, and a loose-fitting silk shirt, lightly tucked in. The man stopped in the middle of his greetings to openly consider him. “Well, now, this one’s got layers that I would just love to peel,” The man declared, before heading in his direction.

Confused by the statement and the effeminate way it was spoken, Sha froze like a deer evaluating a sound. “Denza, this is Sha, Marlo’s new helper. Sha met Denza, the proprietor of this lovely establishment,” Morgan offered, amusement evident in her voice.

Sha held out his hand, but was waylaid by Meena who had placed herself in-between, “Where can we find the black cloaks?” She demanded; hands planted firmly on hips.

Denza, who was still trying to get to him, responded in a distracted manner, “Oh darling, we’ll get to that later. To get that information, I had to pull many favours, from the biggest, ugliest thug in town.” Finally getting past Meena, Denza ignored his outstretched hand, instead he was embraced in an apparently characteristic hug.

After what felt like an excessively long period, Sha was placed back onto his feet. Denza turned towards Morgan who was watching the whole interaction with bright eyed delight. “I could just fall into those eyes, where did you find him, I want one.” Sha was gifted understanding. Half sitting, half falling he found the nearest chair.

By the time midday had turned into afternoon, the conversation had made it into safer waters. Yet, to Sha’s annoyance and despite repeated requests, Denza still hadn’t imparted any information about black cloaks. Thankfully, Morgan’s enquiring words pulled him from a rather impressive internal mope, “Where did Meena go? I haven’t seen her in a while.”

Confused, they all glanced around, a heated discussion broke out about when they had each seen her last. Then, Meena strode into their midst, Sha noted that she looked frazzled, sweaty, and fiercer than usual. After stopping at Morgan’s table, she slammed her palms downward. The resulting sound forcing a surprised squeak out of Denza. If it wasn’t for Meena’s bristly nature Sha would have demanded a hug, her next words beyond welcome, “The biggest ugliest thug in the city and his gang have reluctantly helped us. The black cloaks have been operating out of a warehouse near the entrance to the inner city.”

Denza casually waved his hand in Meena’s direction as if he was slowly batting a fly, “Oh darling, I could have told you that.” He said, Sha managed to suppress his mirth when he saw the look of utter disbelief upon Meena’s face.

The crew got busy thereafter, the short of it was that they would wait for nightfall to do some inspections. Sha was just happy that he was finally moving towards revenge. Impatient to get started, he was going over everything in his head, only half paying attention—a conversation shunting him back to awareness, “Does he like the exotic kind of sweets or is he more interested in the normal ones?”

Realising he was the topic of Denza’s comment he blurted a response, “Normal, definitely the normal.”

That is when he noticed Denza holding a bowl of sweets, it wasn’t long before he was an impressive shade of red. “Sorry, Denza’s just kidding,” Morgan offered apologetically, she gave Denza a stern gaze, “Okay enough, he’s clearly not used to your kind of interaction, take it easy,” she scolded.

Laughing Denza leapt up from his seat, their host once again, “Okay then, I will get someone to ready your rooms. You know where to find me later if needed,” as if it wasn’t already clear who the comment was aimed at Denza winked in his direction.

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Weariness edging, Morgan stretched before raising from her seat, she had nearly made it to the top of the stairs before Denza stopped her progress, “You don’t get away that easy.”

“I’m okay, really you don’t have to worry about me,” she affirmed, offering warmth in a smile.

“I always worry about you, it’s my duty. You have saved my life more times than I can count; it is about time someone looked out for you.” Denza placed a lengthy arm around her and pulled her close, lowering his voice before continuing, “Besides, I noticed a certain handsome blue-eyed, blond-haired, young man wants to fill that role, so I’m feeling a little jealous.”

“No one could ever replace you, Denza. You are one of a kind,” she countered, grinning despite herself.

“I would say by the fact that he can’t take his eyes from you that he has it bad. How do you feel about that?” The sudden serious nature of Denza’s words left her in awkwardness. Morgan paused to think, before her hesitant response, “I’m really not sure, to be honest, why don’t you come to my room, let’s talk while I get ready?” Nodding, he obliged.

Morgan didn’t stop to rest, despite her desire for it, there really wasn’t a home for her wary mind, a fact that was further confirmed by Denza’s diverting words at the closing of her door, “I have a little something for you, the latest flyer.”

“How much am I worth?” She asked.

“The price on Bloody Mary’s head has reached 1,000 crowns. My, my you have been busy,” Denza replied. Morgan blinked, her mind trying to process. Not finding order in panicked thoughts she let out a squeal of disgust and threw the flyer in the direction of her saddlebags.

“This is crazy, I was an inconsequentially boring youth, now I am a stressed but infamous adult,” she grumbled. Allowing herself a sigh, she forced her thoughts back towards the night at hand.

 

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The midnight gong sounded, Sha pondered if the monks, who chimed the gongs, could in fact tell the time using the stars. He opened the door to his room only to encounter Morgan and Denza in the hallway, “Look after her,” Morgan said.

‘The her’, Sha assumed, was Piper, “Look after yourself, darling. Piper will be fine.” Denza replied. Morgan nodded, hugged Denza, and turned to leave. Although the exchange was fleeting it left Sha sitting in unease. He followed Morgan to the stables where they joined up with the others.

Marlo was on fine form when they arrived, his profanity tailored to the typical street thug, apparently Marlo had a curse for every occasion and location. “What’s wrong with Marlo?” Sha exclaimed, directing his question to no one in particular.

 “He hates heights, with a passion,” Morgan replied, Sha’s bewilderment must have been clear, even in the lamplight, Morgan’s next words tinged with amusement, “Oh, Sha, really, you are from Bastien, yet you didn’t know, it has three highways, Roads, Canals and Rooftops.” He wanted to ask what she was referring to, but she was climbing a ladder that he had previously thought led to a stable loft.