CHAPTER 5

Act 5.1

Under the Olive tree Lomu plops out of the pond.

Vera- Well that was embarrassing.

Lomu tries catching his breath.

Vera- You'd basically die if presented with a wedding goblet.

Lomu- Well, I did assume you were no dandelion, but to a point.

Vera- Gods demand their devotees to be strong in body and spirit.

Lomu- Oh please, you held your breath a moment longer than me.

Vera- That moment cost you a victory and earned me a...

Lomu is shaken up by massive pieces of debris bumping his head. He looks up and takes in the sea air as he sees Reza’s ship half submerged with merchant barge link holding it down. Men from all sides clashing, he scouts around and sees Cardus slumped over a piece of driftwood. Lomu swims to him and drags to a nearby reef.

Meanwhile on the sinking ship Sarah flings away loose cargo and gets up, she removes the heavy rain-soaked cape and finds herself a sword, she begins her march through carnage searching for Reza. Although in pitched battle merchant ships were no match to Quaz frigates, Lomu and Sarah’s little outburst made two of the flanking Quaz ships brake formation which allowed inquisition to capitalize on the enemies' lack of focus to bash into the flagman, thus reducing other ships’ ability to assist from afar; as no one wanted to attack their own commander. And on such a plane of battle the advantage quickly shifted from sea farers to flame bearers. From masts to helm, from decks to quarters, every inch of that rain-soaked pile of timbers had been filled with sparks from blades, daggers, spears and axes. Sarah managed to rally a few of her comrades and marched through the confusion with a determination to catch up to the purple garbed princeling and fill every orifice on his body with a sharp implement. Halfway through her assault she ran into a bloodbath and in the middle of it stood her commander.

Ybagin- Ah..and here you are.

As he turned to approach her a couple of Quaz men jump from a mast to engage him. The wooden frame underneath high inquisitor gave way and they fell under. The others rushed down to assist him, but Sarah’s gaze was fixed right passed where her commander stood not a moment ago, for at the end of that gaze was Reza holding a chest in one hand and waving down nearby ship to come and pick him up. Ignoring her comrades, she rushes forward and after taking out a couple more guards she finally reaches him.

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Sarah- End of the line!

Reza- You are persistent, and your persistence has brought war between our kingdoms!

Sarah- Your actions did that, I just brought them to light!

Reza- You stupid cow! You brought only ruin! And the death of my friend!

They clash, blow for blow Reza kept up with Sarah, Reza has speed agility and dexterity at his side not to mention considerably greater experience at fighting. Sarah has the durability that her armor provides and an unquenchable thirst for vengeance. Neither lacked in rage and ferocity, should Sarah’s gauntlets reach Reza or his blades bite in her armor it could be over. Finally, a slaver frigate that Reza initially used to escape Laz brushed against the derelict, the ship buckled giving Sarah an opportunity to grab Reza by the shawl and deliver a powerful punch to the face, smashing in his left eye. As he fell, he covered his face. Sarah wished to continue but found herself unable as one of Reza’s blades was firmly imbedded in her abdomen.

She toppled over. Reza’s guards surrounded and brought him to his feet. Reza brushed his cohorts aside walking over to kneeling Sarah, his face bruised but his ego content he glowered at her and as he was about to deliver the killing blow his blade was intercepted by Ybagin’s own.

Ybagin- Mind if I ask some questions first?

Rezas guards rush Ybagin while Reza himself disengages and runs to grab his belongings and boards his escape ship….

Meanwhile Lomu swims to the nearest reef and place the monk in a cavern.

Cardus gasps and coughs up blood, Lomu inspect the monk and sees half of his torso and groin have been punctured by large splinters.

Lomu- Hold on we need to catch our breath and get back on board, red cloaks have healers.

Cardus- I saw..plans...I saw them...

Lomu- Later, we need to go.

Cardus- No, no..no..No, it's all about your father. Hahaha (cough)

Lomu snaps to attention.

Cardus- will reach...the throne...kill the fool...brilliant!

Lomu- Who will? what fool? Vance?

Cardus- But he knows...I saw… He will stop..stop king...kill them... save church...ohh Vera!

Lomu’s blood drains at hearing the old man mention Vera, a thousand thoughts and a thousand questions bubble up each drowning out the other until the noise in his head drowns out the ambiance of the sea and battle around him.

Lomu- Vera? Vera?! what are you talking about!

But the old monk had already expired, his spirit moved on.

Lomu- Vera?

Lomu sees a ship racing towards him and away from battle. He predicts that the ships erratic movement will graze the reefs to pass into the open sea; so, he rushes to the zenith and as the ship is sailing by, he grasps his sword and jumps from the outstretched finger of the reef onto the ship. The sound of the ship bumping into the reef muffles Lomu's landing as he dives onto the deck almost splitting the captain in two, rolls to the side and completes his maneuver by ending up next to clueless helmsman. As he looks at the man at the helm he sees distorted features of his once close childhood friend, Reza.