Chapter Ten: Insurgent

My head is banging, I squeeze my eyes shut and press my forehead against the rough oak door. Resting my palms on the frame I sway along with the motion of the ship, trying to still the throbbing. I clench my fist and knock sharply on the door, once, twice.

‘Come.’ Reve’s stern voice cuts through the wood.

I take a deep breath and push the door inward. The cabin is bathed in beautiful morning light that heightens the room’s majestic mood. It shimmers across the desks surface, and illuminates Reve’s seated form. Reclining in front of the Captain’s desk is Del, his booted feet casually resting on the cherry wood surface. Kalcha is seated beside him and I spy the apathetic dwarf leaning against the book shelf. Aerith is laid on the cot, her hat covering her face.     

All the men’s eyes, bar Kalcha’s, are on me as I squint around the room, wondering why I have been urgently summoned to this meeting.            

Del leaps up from his chair, grinning, and despite my discomfort I find myself beaming back at him. ‘Have my seat.’ He states, moving swiftly towards the cot. I watch as he playfully drags Aerith’s legs over the side of the bed, she curses and kicks out at his thigh as he drops down, his back resting against the cabins side. He hits back at her leg, not so good-heartedly this time. 

‘Thank you Del.’ I say softly, sauntering across the carpeted floor and sitting down. I glance quickly at Kalcha, he’s staring straight ahead his jaw so tight I fear his teeth may shatter.

‘You’re late.’ Reve snarls, his eyes narrowed.

‘I worked long into the night, I must have over slept.’ I explain.

I hear Horac snort derogatively. ‘Give her a taste of the cat.’ 

 ‘A tad drastic, wouldn’t you say Horac?’ The Captain keeps his eyes on me, one side of his mouth curling upwards, I feel myself blush. ‘Now, let us continue.’ He tears his eyes away from me and leans back in his seat, knitting his fingers together and gazing at the loose parchments that cover his desk. ‘We entered Pelorian waters in the early hours, there was a strong north wind in the night, so we’re making good time, if what Bailey tells me is correct then we’ll hit upon the vessel at noon.’ He moves his focus to Del. ‘You have the truest aim, so I need you in the crow’s nest. When you get a clear shot at the helmsman, take it. After he’s been disabled let loose on the rest.’      

Del nods his reply, squatting at Aerith’s legs as she tries to stretch them over him. ‘How many men are onboard, roughly?’He says giving the elf a brief, withering look.

Reve pulls a strained expression. ‘Somewhere in the region of forty, half of these will be well armed Knights so we need to be vigilant…Hesitation is death.’

Del’s eyes widen. ‘Oh, what ruin awaits us! Twenty trained Knights against eighteen buccaneers, not to mention the other twenty crew members, who are bound to have fighting experience...the numbers are not in our favour Captain.’ He gapes around the room at the others, in hopes of backing. 

Reve’s shark grin breaks out across his face; I shuffle uncomfortably in my seat. ‘We’ve defeated bigger foes.’

‘Bigger numbers yes, but these defeats are over fat, unwary merchants with little to no fighting skill. Knights are a different kettle of fish entirely; these fish are fucking fast and deadly!’ He flops back against the wall, exhaling noisily. ‘Doomed.’ He whispers.

‘Look around you man, our numbers may be small but our fish are twice as fast and thrice as deadly. Our fish are innovative, once you’ve fought one Knight you’ve fought them all... they’re predictable fish.’ Reve growls.

‘Fuck the fish!’ Del bawls throwing his arms in the air.

‘That’s the spirit man!’ Reve slams his fist down on the desk. ‘If I recall you said the exact same thing before we took The Ashard three summers ago, do you remember? The cargo ship bursting with dreamers tears? You and Bailey smoked half of it before we got back to shore, but still, we profited more that summer than the entirety of the previous year.’

‘I remember.’ Del says evocatively. ‘Although half is an immense exaggeration.’   

‘You threw your arms in the air and claimed we were all doomed then, granted they had an Eshian Priest onboard; and half our fighters were down with ague. But we took that ship despite the odds, and you lived to tell the tail, that helped you woo many a whore!’

‘It turns out Priests suffer the same fate as the profane, when taking an arrow to the face.’ Del grins, obviously proud of his exploit.

Satisfied he has been swayed, Reve continues with his orders. ‘Leron, I need you alongside me. When we over power the crew and take the hold you must identify the creature directly, and help restrain if needs must.’   

He nods slowly, his face set in stone. Although underneath his granite facade I know he’s mentally bludgeoning Reve to death.

‘Horac, you know the drill, grappling and stinkpots..canon as a last resort, I want the ship as undamaged as possible, taking it will be easier than transferring the beast.’ He smiles a thin smile then looks to Del. ‘Pay attention to the grappling hooks, kill anyone trying to divest, you have the vantage on this.’

‘Aye, aye Captain!’ Del bellows.

Reve ignores the blatant rag and continues; his interest now on the elf. ‘You’ll be in the hold with Rosalyn, as her shield.’

She bolts upright her hat falling into her lap. ‘Fuck off!’ She cries. I notice her cropped jet black hair for the first time.

Reve sighs heavily, leaning forward and placing his elbows on the desk, preparing himself for a barrage of ruthless protest.

‘Why must I miss all the fun? ... because I’ve got tits?’ She growls.

Reve looks at her, his expression completely straight. ‘Yes, because you’ve got tits.’

She squints at him, studying his face hard, trying to discern if the statement was delivered in earnest. ‘Twat.’

‘If Bastue shafts us, and the hold is breached then Rosalyn will be killed. If she is killed the mission is defunct and we’re dead. I’m giving you the post because it’s imperative, and I swear by your lethality.’ His face still blank, yet the tone of his voice making it clear that he believes staunchly in his words.

A smile flashes across her lips, but is gone almost instantly. ‘She better do as she’s told.’ She snatches up her hat and flops back down on the bed, jabbing Del with her heel in the process. He curses and knocks the hat from her hand, sending it flying across the cabin. ‘Fuck you Del!’

Reve ignores their show, his cold stare back on me. ‘I’ll send word to you as soon as we know the breed. Be as quick as you can with the preparation, once it’s completed you’re to entrust my man with it.’

‘I’ll bring it to you myself.’ I say flatly.

Reve shakes his head. ‘No, that is putting yourself in unnecessary danger.’

‘Not if I have Aerith with me, you swear by her lethality after all, so I imagine I’ll be quite safe. And you’re all so clearly skilled, I believe you’ll have suppressed the adversaries quickly and with little trouble. My passage to you will be assured. And if you think I’ve come all this way to not behold a dragon, then you are mistaken!’ I smile sweetly at him, hoping it will lessen my derisive tone.

He glares at me for a moment, his look causing my skin to tingle; the room around me begins to whirl; only the two of us seem to exist in this moment. He sniffs; pulling his eyes away from mine, and appears to chew the inside of his cheek. Backing down to me will perhaps make him look weak in front of his men, the accusations that his mind has been clouded by my cunt becoming a reality. But if he says no it will diminish his bolstering oration. ‘We’ll discuss it later.’ He growls, his eyes back on me, I involuntarily shudder. He draws back and addresses the room. ‘You have five hours to prepare yourselves.’ He turns to Kalcha. ‘Horac will supply you with weaponry, take whatever you need.’

Kalcha grunts his thanks.

‘Now, all of you...fade from view.’ His attention is back on me, I make to stand but he shakes his head very slowly, the coldness in his stare has vanished, he now practically smoulders.

I bite my lip, and force myself to look away, for if I stare too Iong I shall probably whimper.

Horac pushes himself away from the book shelf and trudges across the floor, followed by Kalcha’s loud footsteps. Aerith and Del go after; soon the room is cleared. Del begins to close the door very slowly; it creaks from the unhurried effort.

‘Close the damned door! Bellows Reve, biting at his thumb in frustration.

A loud tut is sounded from the other side then eventually the door clicks shut and I appear to be smirking to myself.

‘You have further instructions for me Captain?’ I ask.

He leans back in his chair, drinking me in. ‘Yes. You’re wearing too many clothes.’

‘Oh dear, would you like me to rectify that?’

‘Immediately.’ He nods gravely.

I laugh and unbutton my shirt. I’m still in my travelling clothes from the previous day and have not washed. The thought concerns me, but only for a brief moment; Reve will not care. I let my shirt fall onto the chair and gather around my buttocks.

He sighs contentedly at the sight. ‘In a few hours we may well be dead... Fuck me, like this is the end.’     

I lean back in the seat and let my fingers run over my breast, my nipple immediately hardening from the touch. ‘But you are the crew of Bastue’s Bitch! You are formidable, are you not? Surely death is out of the question?’ I lick two of my fingers and circle them around my hard nipple, the sensitivity arousing.  

Reve smirks. ‘It could be that Del has the truth of it. We make our living from lazy, unsuspecting merchants. My men have not faced Knights before.’ He does not look worried. ‘Come here.’ He beckons quietly.

I stand and move around the desk. He reaches up and places his hands around my waist as I straddle his lap. Smiling, I squirm forward, pushing my crotch hard against his. I strip off his waistcoat and begin unbuttoning his shirt, hastily. ‘I do hope you survive, I quite like you.’ I coo, pulling open his shirt and running my hands over his lean chest, tangling my fingers in his auburn hair. I gently press my nose to his and close my eyes, he smells strongly of sweat and grog; probably no worse than I. I begin to wiggle on his lap, encouraging the swelling.  

He chuckles and yanks my trousers down over my arse. I pull away from our embrace, stand and twist myself free from the britches and undergarments. He releases his cock and begins stroking up and down the shaft, until he’s firm, he watches fiercely as I bestride him. I wrap my arms around his neck lowering myself down, very slowly, gasping as his full length fills me. I shunt forward harshly, pushing my weight down onto him to feel the true extent of his cock. I clutch onto the arms of the chair and lift myself up, we both moan as he’s withdrawn. Gentle I move my arse up and down, relishing the feel of him inside.

We gaze at one another as I move slowly, his hands fixed to my buttocks guiding me. We begin to pick up speed, our breath becoming short and strained. I push myself as hard as I can to him, his cock fixed within me. I start to wildly hump his crotch, his rough linen trousers are rubbing against my pleasure point, and the heat of the friction causes an immense tingling in my pussy. I’m grinding against him with such force the chair almost topples backwards; Reve is watching me in astonishment. ‘Blimey girl!’ He cries, just as I come; my body convulsing on top of him.

I’m crying out at the top of my lungs my hands glued to his chest pinning him to the seat. I speed up to a ferocious rate, the faster I go the more intense the heat. Reve snatches my hands from his chest, restraining them behind my back; he’s beaming at me in delight as I peak. I throw my head back and cry out one last time, the feelings of bliss slowly dwindling. He leans forward and starts kissing my breasts and flicking his tongue over my nipple, looking me in the eye as he does so, I giggle and squirm free of his grip. ‘I don’t know what came over me.’ I pant, in feigned decorum.  

Reve laughs. ‘Now that’s a sight I wouldn’t mind being my last.’ He clenches my arse and pushes himself up from the seat, taking me with him. He places me carefully on the desk. ‘Turn around. He commands.

I smile and turn my back to him, leaning forward over the desk and offering myself up. He places his hands on my waist and pushes himself inside. He thrusts in and out, his cock hammering into me. I  moan with every drive of his hips. It doesn’t take long for him to come, his cry deep and strident, his body shuddering behind me.

I lean backwards, his cock still in me. My sticky back is pressed against his chest and his arm is wrapped around my waist, his beard tickling my neck. I let out a satisfied sigh. ‘Please let me see the dragon.’ I whisper.

He breathes out heavily, the balmy air caressing my cheek. ‘You will have chance later. I cannot risk your safety.’ His tone is concerned, I should feel reassured but his fear is puzzling to me, after all I am only his whore.

I laugh lightly and say. ‘I assure you I will be quite safe. Besides if harm does come to me, you will still have Aerith to deliver you your precious potion.’  I crane my neck so I can look him in the eye, gage his reaction, but his face is like stone. I have spent half my life studying these creatures, I should be present when one is finally uncovered, the idea of waiting is horrific.   

‘It’s not happening, do you understand? Do not push me on the matter, you are to stay in the hold until the ship is secure’ He growls, pulling away from me.

I can feel my anger rising. ‘Why the fuck do you care so much? I will have served my purpose.’

‘Enough!’ He bellows, and my whole body tenses from the viciousness in his voice. He turns his back to me and starts cramming his cock back in his britches.

I slump back against the desk, I feel like stamping my feet, but it will be worthless. Besides I know I shall defy him, when the time come.

****

 I’m leaning over the bulwarks, breathing in the salty air. The ocean’s breeze is cooling the suns burning rays and causing my hair to dance wildly behind me. Besides the occasion buccaneer roar and the beating of sails everything is peaceful. I glance up at the sun, it’s almost at its peak; it will be noon soon.

Bailey is at the helm, Reve beside him. They appear to be the midst of some deep discussion. I glance around the expansive deck and spy Aerith sitting on the steps sharpening her blade her hat tilted down, disguising her sharp features.

Del appears by my side, a large bow slung over his shoulder. ‘Remo’s on the war path.’ He grins.

I look at him in confusion. ‘Who? What?’ I splutter; my mind a thousand miles away.

He laughs, and shakes his head, dismissing the topic.  He then wraps his arm around me, pulling me close, and whispers. ‘Are you scared dear girl?’

I look up into his large eyes and find myself beaming; those eyes always have a way of settling me. ‘No.’ I reply, softly.

‘Well you jolly well should be! I’m shitting my britches.’ He looks out to the horizon, squinting against the sun.

‘Because of the Knights?’ I ask gazing at his profile.

He’s scowling at the expanse of sea in silence. A few moments pass before he shakes his head slowly and says. ‘Once this is done, I can never return to Vesale.’ He looks back at me, sadness consuming his manner.

‘I don’t understand.’ I say.

We stand looking at one another, eventually he opens his mouth to reply but a distant cry impedes his answer.

‘Ship Ahoy!’ I snap my head towards the voice, a tall, scraggy man who I know as Hagley is hurtling down the steps by the aft of the ship. His hand fixed on the hilt of his sword. ‘Half a mile east!’ He bellows, his grey mop of hair flapping in the wind. He stops by Del and slaps him on the back. ‘This is it matey, we’re about t’be rich or we’re about t’be fools.’ He glances at me and scowls. ‘We should throw this ‘un overboard, she be bad luck, don’t fancying being a dead fool!’ And with that he scarpers.

The deck abruptly burst into life. Men appear from nowhere shouting and bellowing at each other, and spreading out across the boards.  I strain my eyes into the blue vastness; where I can now make out the growing black outline of a compact ship.

Del squeezes me tighter and says. ‘Don’t take that to heart.’

I laugh nervously, my eyes darting around the deck. I spy Kalcha and Horac emerge from a hatch at the stern. Both equipped with long swords sheathed in leather scabbards, faces set in stone; they make for a menacing sight.  

‘Steel yourselves!’ Del roars, pulling away from me. ‘You know what to do!’ He ruffles my hair and I watch as he gracefully sprints across the planks and ascend the ratlines, as if he were born to it.

We’re advancing on the ship at a rate, the mark on the horizon transforming into a miniature brig. I look towards the helm, Bailey is still there manning the wheel, but I cannot see Reve. Men are lining up along the bulwarks now, I’ve never been this close to the horde before, and they look utterly terrifying; grizzly, worn men, who radiate brutality from ever fissure. Leather skin patterned with blue ink, gaping mouths, absent teeth, torn clothes and a prominent whiff of shit. I lean away from the one closest to me, his leer a muddy of hunger and loathing. I try to keep my face blank from fear but I know it is plain. ‘I’d move ya fucking cunt unless you want me to impale ya’ He nods down, towards his dirk or his crotch. I do not want to discover which, so I pull back into the middle of the deck, my eyes darting around aimlessly.

I feel a strong arm encircle my waist. ‘Get to the hold.’ Reve growls in my ear. Before drawing his sword and heading towards the small number of men, their swords clambering against the wood, their cries filling the limitless skies. He screams a list of commands, his arms directing the men into a more organized line of chaos.

I watch Kalcha fall in order and Horac place himself in the middle of the rabble, his own shouts far more vociferous than even the loudest mate.

We’re gaining on the ship at a fair rate. I can make out two masts projecting up to the gods, their sails bloated with the strong breeze. Just above the aft sail I spy the flag, although still a distance away, I recognise it immediately. Fear strikes me with a cold overwhelming fist.

‘That’s not a Pelorian flag!’ I hear Kalcha screams as he also realises the true extent of our transgression. ‘You fucking bastard!’ He’s barging through the men and making his way to Reve.

I’m frozen to the spot, my eyes wide and fixed to the blue and green striped flag of Edora. Below the realms colours, a red banner is flapping wildly, the silhouette of a lion visible between gusts. The emblem of Vesale, the depiction of House Soren. Although Vesale is tainted for me now, the idea of committing treason, becoming an outlaw is not something that I relish.

I draw closer to Kalcha, he’s nearly on top of Reve, he’s looming over him, spittle flying from his mouth, his face glowing with rage. ‘We’re to betray our own country! Are you fucking insane man?’ He reaches down and grabs him by the collar.

Irritation ripples across The Captains lined face. He dances free from his grasps, so quickly even Kalcha cannot repress his surprise. ‘Do not lay your hands on me.’ Reve growls. ‘I shall warn you only once.’

‘You lied to me Reve.’ He has his hand firmly on the hilt of his long sword. ‘There is no coming back from this. You have fucked us all.’

‘On the contrary, I have saved you, not just from a jail cell but from a life of obscurity. You are about to become wealthier than any Lord!’ A look of disgust flickers across Reve’s face, he shakes his head as if trying to reason with him is futile, which in all honesty, it is. Riches are of no use to Kalcha unless he has the title to match and pyrate is not a label he covets.

I’m suddenly knocked backwards a few steps as Aerith rushes past me, in a matter of seconds she’s between Reve and Kalcha. I cannot see her face but I know she is seething. ‘Save the mutiny till after mate.’ She spits. Both hands at her sides, resting on both hilts. ‘Now’s kinda a bad time, wouldn’t you agree?’ She nods towards the impending ship; it’s getting so close I can practically hear their crew.  

Kalcha is glaring at her, his rage redirected at the slender elf. ‘I want no part of this.’ He growls.

‘Then you fucking die.’ She grins, amused by the thought.

He breathes in heavily, his gigantic chest heaving. Before he has time to counter her, the sound of canon fire dominates the air. I cover my ears and duck.

It takes a second for me to realise that it was our canon that blasted. I look towards the Edorain vessel and watch as the foremast cracks, the canon ball a direct hit. It starts to slant backwards, as if time has slowed. The creaking of wood and bellowing of the other crew floods my ears.    

I look to the Captain, his face white and his eyes bursting with indignation. ‘I will keel haul the son of a swine that fired that!’ He screams, shoving past Aerith and Kalcha; the rest of the men quickly clear a path for him, no one wanting to impede his march. ‘Hoist the bloody flag!’ He commands, to anyone and everyone.  

Aerith turns to me and we stare at one another, flabbergasted. The she calls out. ‘Captain? We are to give no quarter?’

‘I want every last one of them dead! Do you hear me! Dead!’ He shrieks like a man possessed.

I watch as the red flag is raised. The deafening thump of my heart is surpassed only by the blasting from the opponents cannon fire. Aerith grabs my arm and leads me through the throng of madness.