Wishes and Commands, A Star Wars Story

            “I said, let go!” Cora growled, as she attempted to wrest her arm from the human that looked more like the bastard son of a hut and wookie than his own race. When she couldn’t, she tried to pull her other arm from the gammorian. Unsuccessful there as well, she sighed. Where ever they were going, she was going, too.

            Quickly, she searched her mind for who could have sent these goons after her. Her last smuggling job with her brother Rikard had been a success. Enough spice to choke a herd of Batha was now on the outer rim of Naboo. Her part of the payment was safely back on Blackstar Blue, a little vessel they had scraped the payment together for a few jobs back. She had been drinking away a handful of credits in a seedy little dive when these goons burst in, grabbed her, and dragged her out of the bar. No one tried to do anything to help. This was the type of place that everyone was just happy that it wasn’t them going away for a beating, or worse.

            She didn’t owe money, she hadn’t pissed anyone off, and now she was being taken into the back of some ally in a very lower level of Coruscant. The moment the door opened, her nose burned with the stink of deathsticks, decades of grime, unwashed bodies and shit. Not figurative shit, this was actual shit. This was bad.

            At first, she saw nothing but as her eyes cleared of tears and adjusted to the dim lighting, her heart sank. Rikard was in chains, his back covered in lashes. Again, she struggled against her captors, but the result was the same. A scattering of sentients was in the room, and a torture droid, eyeing her with sentience and malice. A humanoid smoking a deathstick, dressed in much better clothes than the others eyed her with a far more appraising look.

            “Rikard!” Cora stomped on the foot of the hut/wookie/human. It was enough to break free. Running to her brother’s side, she tried to protect him. “What the fuck is happening here?”

            The human smiled, showing far too many teeth. “Your brother Rikard here fancies himself something of a Saabac player.” Now Cora knew it was bad. Her brother had a problem, but whatever happened, it couldn’t have warranted this.

            She braced herself, picturing the money she had stashed on her ship. “How much does he owe?”

            “Cora, “ It was Rikard. His voice was weak, coarse.

            Cora sighed. “Don’t talk, Rikard.”

            “No, I fucked up,” tears started choking him. The sound of it made her turn. They had been though some shit in their lives, but she had only heard him cry once, more than a decade ago when their parents died. “It’s all gone, all gone.”

            “Fuck, did you gamble my share, too?”

            “And the ship,” answered the toothy suit.

            The Corelian girl turned, facing him. Her eyes were wild. “You can’t! That’s mine, too!”

            “Oh, he did, girl. He lied about how much he had, but he lost. He now owes more money to the Pykes than your plain little ship, or the change you had on board. We already have that garbage scow in our custody. Rikard was nice enough to give us the security codes. However, he owes more than he will ever pay back in his lifetime, so we need another source of payment.” He stepped forward, into Cora. Instinctively, she stepped back only to he stopped by her brother’s suspended body. The toothy suit reached forward, leering, his hand stopping just shy of her breast. “Now, you can pay it back one way…” he violated her with his gaze before meeting her horrified stare, “or you can pay it off with other odd jobs for the Pykes. You’ve smuggled spice before.”

            “Smuggling sounds better.” Though she meant to speak with her normal confidence, her voice did not break a whisper. “But how the hell am I supposed to do that without a ship?”

            “You’ll figure out something. After all, the alternative exists.”

            Cora tried unsuccessfully to suppress the shivers racing across her spine. Trying to cover her horror, she straitened her back, tugged down on her vest, and demanded, “Well, cut Rikard down. He’s my partner.”

            “Not anymore. You’re on your own, or with who we tell you. When I said that your brother owes more he can pay in a lifetime, I was not being dramatic. He’s ours for as long as he lives. But how long that is, or how much suffering it entails depends largely on you.”

            Deep helplessness threatened to drag the girl down into a mental sarlacc pit from which she’d never escape. Instead of allowing those tentacles to take hold, she looked the Pyke captain in the eye. “When do I start?”

TFB - A Dark Sun Very Short Story

So, this is one that requires a little explanation before I just post. This story takes place about 6-8 months ago in our current Dark Sun game, when Trakas was leaving. The writing challenge of the week was to write about something that you both respected and hated. Only one answer came to my mind. Zarnian respects Oronis, the Avangion who is attempting to save all of Athas. How Zarnian came to hate him is a long and complicated story. This is a taste.

P.S. Dark Sun is full of psionics. Therefore, because Oronis's mission depends on secrecy, the players never refer directly to him. Therefore, He and Him are used instead of names. Zarnian's code for him is TFB, which stands for 'The Fucking Bug'.

                “Do you have enough food for Mekillot and the other two codlu?”

                “Yes.”

                “And enough water? It is a long journey.”

                “Yes.”

                “And enough food? Sorin is growing.”

                This time Trakas flinched under the barrage of questions. As he packed his traveling kit, he sucked in a long breath, holding it past reason. Finally exhaling, he turned to Zarnian. A few candles lit the room, but he could see her well enough, holding up the wall with her crossed arms and knit brows. For an ex-gladiator whose life depended on concealing her next move, she wore her emotions like a dancing girl’s colorful scarves. Now, she was angry, sad, and managing it by making sure he had more than what he needed. It was her way. He loved this about her even as it made him insane. “Yes, Zarnian. I’ve made this journey many times.” Even as he said it, he knew he had shot an unintended arrow.

                She stiffened at the wound. “I know.” Those were the spoken words. Many more lay unused but clearly visible. “I know you have to do what you must do.”

                Trakas tried to not rise to the accusation. Pausing his packing, he raised his gaze to meet hers. “It’s what we all need to do. Zarnian, He is trying to save the planet. I don’t see why you hate Him so much.”

                “I respect Him. I don’t hate Him,” but from the fire flashing behind her jade eyes, the later statement was highly suspect. “I just cannot do this anymore. I cannot be in relationship where I come second, or third.” Trakas opened his mouth, but she held her hand up. “I know, and understand that you do what is needed, as do I. I value your friendship, Trakas. I want to preserve that before He manages to take that, too.”

                “You’re not being fair.”
                “Perhaps. All I know is that I start to depend on something, and TFB removes it or alters it in a way that I cannot tolerate. Yet, when I need assistance, He has other matters.”

                “He is trying to save the planet. He can’t protect every single person.”

                “I see. Just the ones He cares for.” Finally, her shoulders dropped. “I don’t want to do this again. I’ll leave you to pack. Timmuth and Sorin are in their room, asleep. I’ll be on patrol if you need me.” Placing her hand on the door, she stepped out, pausing in the doorway before leaving Trakas alone.

Pirate Hammer notes 9 4 13

 

The assault on the Young Wolf’s ship began when Rubio, disguised as the Young Wolf and Jacque, posing as his assistant rowed with Baldemaro and Scara as their prisoners. Behind them, waiting just out of view were two longboats. One had Hugo, Captain Francisco, Sven, Eduardo, Lorenzo and a few others. The second boat had Le Chevalier, Jean Paul, Imperial Otto, Black Margaret and four others. Myrmidia’s Spear was anchored on away from the port in a cove and was guarded by about 10 crew members. Adding the assault was the darkness of the moons, who were almost completely black that night.

 The little boat with ‘the Young Wolf’ rowed up, illuminated by a single lantern. The crow’s nest called out to the boat. A rough looking man came and talked to ‘the Young Wolf’, shocked by his captain’s sudden appearance.  However, the Wolf was gruff, barking he had new slaves he wanted to take below. Shoving Scara and Baldemaro forward, they started downstairs to the slave holds. There, they saw men chained, two per row down each side of the ship, for a total of about 34 slaves. Seven of them were former crew members of Myrmidia’s Spear. One of them was Baldemaro’s friend, Alesandro. A total of five guards milled about downstairs. The slave master was the one following us, and he recognized Jacque. Jacque said she was left by the Shark Tooth to wait for the Young Wolf, and their business was between the captains. The quarter master seemed unconvinced.

After the others disappeared below deck, Hugo waited ten minutes as was agreed and started rowing toward the ships. He knew his part of the mission was dangerous, because there were Gatling guns on the deck. They were less than 100 yards away when the Young Wolf’s ship spotted them, calling down for identification. Soon, the ship was on alert and getting ready to man cannon and guns.

Hearing the commotion, Jacque tried to shot the Quarter Master and the fight began. ‘The Young Wolf’ started casting spells, and Scara and Baldemaro broke free of their bonds and joined the battle trying to free the slaves and fight off the guards. One of the guards was knocked into the slaves, who started attacking him. Jacque got the keys from the Quarter Master and tossed them to Scara who started freeing people. Baldemaro fought off two or three guards at one time alone, but was getting heavily wounded. One of Rubio’s spells backfired, turning him into a statue. Jacque played dead, and the fight seemed to be taking a turn for the worse for the Estalians (and Bretonnians).

 Up top, the Young Wolf’s crew opened fire on the boats. Sven was gravely wounded as was Eduardo, but just then, the boats were able to begin climbing abord. Hugo was first up, and the hand to hand fight began. Sadly, Eduardo was killed early in the combat. Le Chevalier fought like a man possessed but was getting gravely injured.

 Below, many of the slaves were free, and joined the fight. Using their bare hands, they helped kill the Quarter Master who had tortured them and killed their friends. Scara gave a rousing speech to the slaves and with Rubio (who had turned invisible) helped lead the charge onto the deck.

 With everyone’s help the ship was taken. But, several rowboats were heading toward the ship, commanded by the real Young Wolf. Hugo used the ship’s guns to take the Young Wolf down, and struck the boat, but the fate of the Young Wolf remained unresolved.

Hearing the cries of the Authorities coming from the shore, they sailed away, parking their new ship by Myrmidia’s Spear in the cove. After parking came the healing and looting. All would recover, except Eduardo, but many would take a long time to heal.

Inside the Young Wolf’s office the group found a chest which contained 400 gold, a masterwork rifle, maps and rutters,  and Rubio’s book of porn. There were also directions for attacking Le Meilleur’s ship, another captain in the Shark Tooth fleet, and a map with possible locations of other pieces of eight.

The new ship came under the control of Le Chevalier who agreed to join in a fleet. Finally, the group decided to go back to port to find the Young Wolf and finish that fight before going after their crew on Le Meilleur’s vessel.   

Weathered - A Pirate Game Story

                Weathered, neglected, and slightly damaged, the dinghy sat on the shore, as the tide lapped lazy bites of the sand behind it. Scara surveyed her prize, realizing just how much this small craft of wood mirrored her own life. With a sigh, Scara pushed up her sleeves, dipped her rag into the frothing bucket of soap, then began her work. Winning the dinghy had been a welcome victory, one of a tapestry of prizes which included a new ship for their fleet and most importantly, gaining the freedom of more of their friends.

                Scara looked up at the Munt en Sward bobbing gently in the cove, already under repair. It would take a bit of time to be at its peak, as would their friends. Fernando was almost well enough to leave his bunk, a thought that made her smile, and her newly freed crew enjoyed her homecoming gifts of cheese, sausage, and wine from her own stores. She’d also given them the best medical care she could manage. They would all recover in time.  

                Her thoughts drifted back to her current task. A spot of clean erupted in the midst of the grime. Cleaning and wringing out her rag, the girl sighed. There was much more to do.

                There was more of everything to do. There were more of her crew, her friends, tapped on ships in the Shark Tooth fleet. Her friend and mentor was last spotted in Araby, having been sold as a slave. Earlier in life, she thought she wanted to discover exotic animals. Now, she just wanted to help people.

                Well, helping people was not all she wanted. There was more, much more than was currently possible. But, perhaps later, when everyone was assembled, free and happy, there would be time for the rest. Finding someone to hold, a voice of her own, and a modicum of independence – these would come in time.

                Looking down at the craft, there was another clean place. Again, she smiled. The dinghy could be saved and so could she. All they needed was work and care, to serve their purpose and have someone there to help guide them and wash off the dirt. Looking back from her own small vessel to the fleet, the young woman felt hope. Soon, all those she loved would be free. Then, she could find her own path.  

Embers - A Dark Sun Story

                A myriad of soft sounds assaulted Zarnian’s ears as her eyes scanned the perimeter of their small camp. Timmuth’s soft breathing was reassurance he was finally resting. He’d spent the early evening meticulously cutting apart his trail rations of dried meat and pickled cactus with his iron dagger, while asking if he could go and kill various members of the Merchant’s Council. In truth, the mul would like nothing better than to kill them all herself in one glorious bath of blood. It was not to be… yet.

                Tomorrow they would complete the journey to Tyr. Right now, in the middle of the desert with Logan also on guard duty, she held her psionic damping crystal tight in her hand, allowing her thoughts to drift to honey colored curly hair, warm brown eyes, and a smile that lit up a city state. Somewhere in the Tyr valley Jingleheimer was with his own trading house, hopefully sleeping, resting for the coming day’s trades. Zarnian loved him, yet, closed her eyes praying to all the elements it would be a long time before she saw him again.

                There were many reasons. She needed to prove that she would not cause his death. He needed to prove himself to be his own person with his own success. This is what she told herself, but the truth was different.

                In reality, she had lost nearly everything he cared about or loved. Trinidas died while she watched psionically, Malik died before her eyes, C’aro died in her arms, and her relationship with Trakas died a slow death. Only the faintest embers of hope or happiness remained within her. She took those, burying some in Timmuth, the rest in Jingleheimer. Kellis. She was alone. She could call him by his actual name. Timmuth she protected with all she had. Kellis she protected with his absence from the war. If either were to fall, her mind could not bear the strain. Nothing would keep her from dying inside, with her body soon to follow.

                Looking over at Timmuth’s sleeping, peaceful little face caused a light to fill her. Timmuth would someday be a merchant prince. This alone made her own fires of optimism to flare for a moment before she extinguished them again. First, she had to keep him safe. Shoving all thoughts of anything aside from protecting her camp, Zarnian stared off into the unknown, ready for the next challenge.

Dark Sun Game Notes 9 2 13

Zarnian

Timmuth was pouting because Zarnian was going to leave him behind to help watch the warehouse, so she took him along and bought him a new iron dagger. They left with six guards, plus Zarnian’s personal body guards for the meeting with the league.  

On the way there, they were attacked by bandits. One of the crodlu died, and two guards were serious injured, but they killed five of the raiders and took their kanks. Though the raiders had little in way of loot, Zarnian gave Timmuth one of the clubs as a reminder of the battle.

A day and a half after the raid they arrived at an old stone fortress that was the sight of the meeting. Everyone else was already there. Medical attention was paid to the guards that needed it and Zarnian was kept waiting for her meeting.

Barok

In Urik, Barok was waiting with the slave army of the fake Rikus outside the gates of Urik. To pass the time, Barok engaged in much shit talking including the now infamous statement to the Urikites on the wall “Come down here with five of your friends and I’ll show you big and dark, dick!” Due to this and other taunts the Urikites on the wall were getting frustrated so they gathered Tyrian slaves and started launching them over the wall, killing them. In retaliation, Barok raided nearby farms for food.

At night, a Halfling came into the camp whom Barok recognized as Bazo, a known gladiator from Tyr. He came to speak to the false Rikus and Barok also went into the ‘general’s’ tent. The real Rikus had sent him with the information a major distraction was needed tomorrow morning.

The next morning, Barok and other gladiators from the school started taunting the Urikites in earnest. The taunts became so barbed and prolific that Hammanu finally took notice and sent his gladiator champion, Hammurabi the Bull to fight Barok.

 

When Hammurabi emerged from the walled city into the makeshift gladiator ring, he was intimidating with a steel hammer, steel shield, and steel helmet. He was also the most muscled human that Barok had ever seen. (Jason’s description was he was born the size of Bay and then he grew). Hammurabi was also a gifted psionicist who could make himself even larger, and more buff. He and Barok started to fight. Barok rushed, Hammurabi knocked him to the ground with a shield slam. Barok cut into him with the rainbow sword, but when Hammurabi rose he attacked, bashing one of Barok’s eyes and leg. Barok finally managed to deal a lethal hit, and beheaded the champion. Just then, a great series of cries erupted from the city as Rikus’ forces broke inside.

Zarnian

 Zarnian arrived at the meeting, bloody from the combat and fatigued from the pace of arriving in time. Because she was tired and more keyed toward battle than diplomacy, her initial meeting with the League did not go well. They were already meeting, but kept Zarnian outside and away.

 Iscolos, the man who was supposed to be the House’s mentor in the league came and said that the league would not hear her this instant, and her membership was in doubt. Therefore, he could not give her any information on trade routes. However, he had unmarked maps of the area, including Maps of the Tyr region, the Forest Ridge, the Sea of Silt, the Siren Song, and the Crescent Forest but she had to buy 1 unit each of Giant Hair rope, wine, olives, Balakian Cloth, ceramic pots and food. She also had to travel to Balik to get the items but the maps would be included in the price of 6.5 units. Zarnian hesitated because she was annoyed and the House’s resources were dwindling, but Timmuth broke into her mind. He said he scanned Iscolos and he was testing her, a test she was failing. So she agreed, but he still did not invite her into the tent to speak.

 Akkadian

Having just brought down the mountain on the Vordon soldiers and having very injured people he ordered everyone back to the Hejkin cave. After making threatening noises to force the Hejkin back in their holes he plugged the holes up so everyone could rest.

The next morning, he went to see the situation with the entrance to the fortress. It was guarded by five Vordon soldiers. The group attacked, killing them all. Mostly Akkadian and his ability to shoot a thousand perfectly accurate arrows killed everyone. Seriously. He’s a murder machine. Then, Red Tooth went down into the fortress and told everyone to rally, that they were escaping. Denning told everyone to get their gear and they began the long journey to freedom.

 Cael

Cael was in Raam with Dahn Gen and Aristophaneles. Aristopaneles was going on about how Barok should become a senator since he was so good with politics. Then, they were stopped at the gate by a templar who demanded a manifest. It took 20 ceramic to bribe him to allow them into the city. Once in, Cael made a manifest, but at every corner she was confronted by another templar who wanted a ceramic for a stamp on their manifest. The city had a desperate, dirty feel with under nourished children clamoring at the caravan for scraps and bits.

 Quickly, they were approached by Templar Bishwah. He said that Raam was a difficult place to navigate and he was prepared to act as their guide, taking them to the best places to do business. In exchange he wanted to know what their cargo was and also wanted 20 ceramic a day and 10% of profits. Cael said they had iron, ceramics, and food to sell. He reported he did have contacts in those areas so she made the deal.

Bay

Bay was sent by Mitzrah to a tavern called the ‘Dusty Trail’ to ask for Neela in order to begin assembling his Id Fiend hunters. He ordered a drink and asked for Neela. She was a weathered beauty who was wind bitten and sunburned, with a line of drinks already before her, finished. Bay replenished her supply and she introduced him to the two other members of her crew. One was obviously related to her, another was a half elf. They wanted to know if Bay had ever hunted Id Fiends or been trained in the Way. When he said he was trained in the Way, they told him to get some rest, because tomorrow they left early for Alteruk, and to bring money.

Demon Hunter Hammer 8 16 13 Game Notes

Present Time

The game began with a furious chase. The group was in a prison wagon, with Alf driving, Heinrich riding shotgun and the rest in the back. They were being chased by another wagon and four horsemen, with a Feathered Fiend riding on the roof of the wagon chasing them. Geita and Hans were barely conscious, battered and tortured, as the carriage bounced along, their getaway in jeopardy.  

Yesterday

Heinrich was back from the keep with a rescue party to discover the location of the others and rescue them. He had an iron breaker dwarf named Gotrek, a war dancer  elf named Alf, a initiate of Ranald named Rosenrot, and a Fire Wizard named Faya. The group went back to the Schmutzplatz. There, they debated about where to go. Heinrich confirmed the chaos bird was still in the bird seller’s shop and then went to the soup kitchen. The pretty priestess of Shallya was missing, and her fellows were very worried about her. She went missing earlier in the week, the same time that five wizards disappeared.

A Few Days Before

The game flashed to Hans, Geita, Franz, and Kat. They were being kept in a dark, damp room and Hans and Geita were strapped to torture tables. They were being tortured by the pretty priestess of Shallya who had just force fed more eggs to Franz. Bobo the parrot and his servant the bird seller were also there. When Bobo landed on Hanz the former watchman tried to bite the demon which caused more torture. Then, masked cultists led by one named Blue Orchid came and looked Kat over. With an ominous “you’ll do” the courtesan was led away as the others could only watch.

Present Time

The riders were gaining on the group with both parties trading gunfire. The bird creature seemed somewhat familiar, and attacked. Faya started attacking the demon, while Alf used the carriage to smash one of the riders into the wall.

Yesterday

With the group investigating the Schmutzplatz, Heinrich decided to concentrate on searching out any places the Priestess could have received medical care, but others wanted to investigate the sewers where the party was last seen. The compromise was a split party with the cleric and iron breaker sneaking into the old clock tower. Rosenrot made  huge distraction so the dwarf was able to sneak in. There, he almost immediately encountered a rat catcher. He bribed him with a great amount of silver for information. The Rat Catcher said that there was big commotion and described a cart with a noisy wheel taking everyone away.

Meanwhile, after checking on the hospitals and Shallyan temples in the area, the rest of the group left for the clock tower.  

Not who we were dealing with

Present Time

Rosenrot joined the attack on the demon bird and killed it, ending the life of the transformed Franz demon. Bullets continued to land around the cart even as Hans and Geita stirred to consciousness. Alf through his amazing driving continued to evade the riders and smashed one more.

Yesterday

The group reconvened in the clock tower and went into the sewers. The site of the battle with the bird demons and cultists was bricked up. They broke through, but it was empty, though the room smelled like death. They left for the bird seller.

Heinrich led the group to the bird seller’s shop. There, he found the other birds murdered and upstairs, also found the bird seller killed. He had been nailed to the wall with symbols of Tzeentch pained everywhere. Bobo was missing. They did find the bird seller’s journal where he talked about having a cart with a messed up wheel among other information.

They noticed there was a wagon repairman across the street so they went over. They paid the man to look at their own cart, then asked him about the bird seller. The wagon seller said he had always found the man creepy and had that the man had a cart with a noisy wheel. Recently, he heard that cart around the docks.

The group went to the docks and found the selller’s cart and a carriage that looked like a prison carriage with horses attached. After asking around and finding out that a hot blond chick matching the description of the Shallyan priestess had been going in and out of the area they located the right warehouse.

Bobo the Evil

They waited until 1am, then attacked. Inside they found Hans and Geita still alive, but barely. Torture implements were around, and the room smelled like blood and shit. The group rescued their companions and as they did the priestess attacked from her hiding place and was killed. Then, the group carried Hans and Geita to the cart in an attempt to get away. Quickly, they were spotted and pursued by cultist on horses, another wagon, and demon Franz.  

Present Day

Finally, with Alf’s amazing driving skills and some amount of sheer dumb luck, the group was finally able to kill all the riders and disable the other wagon, getting away. They were left with the lingering question of what to do next and where was the missing Kat?

Fireworks - A Pirate Very Short Story

                Cocking first her hips and then her rifle, Scara took careful aim at the target Amadeus pinned on a distant tree. Squinting her eyes, calming her breath, she started to squeeze the trigger. When the rifle erupted the concussion knocked into her shoulder, nearly knocking her backward. Lowering the weapon, she gingerly rubbed her shoulder. Abid clapped slowly twice from his place on the beach, sunning himself. “Such a little girl to have such a big rifle. Maybe you should learn magic like the boy wizard.”

                “Rubio’s magic is beautiful,” she confessed as she continued to rub. It was definitely unhappy and likely bruised. “The first time I saw his spells, all dazzling light like fireworks, I thought that being a wizard would be wonderful.”

                “Now?” This came from Alesandro, who had been helping with her rifle instruction. He was weak and battered, but being on land seemed to return a ghost of the former gentleman’s life he’d known.

A quick glance confirmed what Scara suspected, Abid’s eyes were closed, napping in the sun. So to Alesandro she replied, “You remember what he was like then, innocent, bright eyed. I remember right after we cast off and he bought the penny porn. We’d read it together. J, trying to figure out what to do when the time came. Now, just in a few months later, and he’s gone from fireworks to shadows. You should see what he can do now. His bright lights have turned into bright fires that burn people alive. His boyish face can transform into anyone, even the Young Wolf. Now, I’ve even seen him turn invisible.” She shuttered, despite the damp warmth of the jungle. “He’s becoming more powerful by the day.”

“And this disturbs you?”

“No,” she shook her head, “I am happy for my friend. He’s become a man, someone any family could be proud of. But sometimes, when I think about him wielding nothing more than bright pops of light, I miss the boy I knew.”

Celebrations of Freedom - A Pirate Story

Bawdy songs, belches of grog, and prayers to Myrmidia formed a raucous chorus on Myrmidia’s Spear. Yesterday, Scara had cleaned out half her stores of cheese, wine, and tobacco to provide some comfort and succor for those recently enslaved. Today, they were rich, free, and with friends long departed.

                It was not without cost. Most of the pirates’ linens were now torn into strips, used for bandages. Several of their number were badly injured, either in the fight with the Young Wolf’s crew or at the hands of the same crew while enslaved. Edwardo’s body was carefully wrapped, waiting burial on the shore. He’d paid the ultimate price. The celebration did not exclude their communal sadness but honored his sacrifice.

                Among the sea of celebration Amadeus’ lack of mirth burned a bright beacon. He stood in the physician’s galley, rolling the torn sheets into useful rolls as instructed, swabbing blood from the floor, handing Scara items as instructed. Finally, they were alone.

                Turning to face him, she watched him work. His hands were mostly uncalloused. He rolled bandage after bandage with precision. Though she had treated him for recent brassies and lashes, he had few of age, and retained his good looks. With his brown hair, blue eyes and well set features, he was even better looking than Hugo. Amadeus’ handsome visage initially triggered her purchase, however, she was glad. In their exchanges he was polite and well spoken. Since the celebration started he’d fallen into silence.

                Realization washed over her like water. Of course. The day was about celebrating the free. To the enslaved, there was only pain. Reaching into her personal chest, she produced a sheet of paper. Holding it up, she inquired, “Do you recognize this?” A nod served as his silent answer. It was his slave contract. The gleam of hatred in his eye spoke well as to his feelings of having it produced at a time like this. She ripped it in two, then again and again, before throwing the confetti in her waste bucket. “You’re a good assistant, and unless I’m very wrong, a good person. Stay with us and be free, or you can go back to shore. But, if you stay, I’ll teach you what I know about medicine. After all, we have a fleet now and we’re going to need more than one person in here.”

                “I’ll stay.” His glances darted between Scara and the bucket containing his contract. Words seemed to be sifting through his mind until he settled upon, “I didn’t know what to expect when I was sold into slavery. I figured it would be a short and hard life. The one thing I didn’t expect was you.”

                The Estalian laughed. “I hear that a lot. Let’s prepare.” she grabbed a handful to rags and started rolling. “There is a lot to do, and more to come.”