Thesson sat at the inn’s bar and gripped his hair between his hands. What could the woman possibly be up to? Mira’s mischievous smile worried him. Any time he saw it, he knew he could do nothing to prevent what followed. He took a large swallow of his ale when a slender hand rested on his shoulder. He looked up to see one of the bandits smile at him. The small woman with dark brown hair and eyes pointed to the seat next to him.
“Taken?”
He motioned for her to sit. She adjusted her flowing, low-cut top to better accent her breasts. Thesson tried not to notice that fact too much. He cleared his throat to get the barkeep’s attention. The busty woman swayed over and handed Val a goblet of wine.
“You seem stressed,” Val sniffed the goblet.
“And you’re not?” He chuckled, “Do you even know what she’s doing right now?”
“She told us she wanted to be alone,” She shrugged, “I imagine she’s alone doing whatever it is she wants to be alone for.”
“And you aren’t concerned what that might be?”
“She seems to be a woman of her word,” Val leaned over and clinked her goblet against his glass, “You should be thankful for that.”
He rubbed his hands over his face, “I’m aging every moment I spend with you lot.”
Val threw her head back in laughter, “I wouldn’t imagine you as the best company either.”
“Yeah? Why exactly did you bring those orcs here?”
“The leader –Bo,” Val ran her finger around the lip of the glass before picking it up again, “He told me he wanted the same man she wants dead. People with similar goals are hard to come by in my type of… business.”
“He didn’t mention her at all?” Thesson raised an eyebrow.
“He asked if I had seen her. I said yes,” She took a sip of her wine, “I asked some questions, but I didn’t hear anything false in his words. I couldn’t have –”
She took a deep breath and exhaled loudly. Thesson clinked his glass against her and took a swig.
“I didn’t know he would attack her,” Val ran her hands through her hair, “I’m just glad she didn’t kill him. He’s a sweet kid.”
“Kid?” He raised an eyebrow, “How old are you, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“Halfway to forty,” She winked playfully, “But I won’t say what the other half is.”
He chuckled, “What are your plans for the night off?”
“Hopefully filling my bed with company and information,” She stretched, “I’m off to do just that. I only stopped because you looked lonely.”
He sighed, “I’m waiting until I’m summoned because she did something. I know she will. I’m just waiting.”
Val placed a hand softly on his shoulder, “Get some sleep. I’m sure she won’t do anything too terrible. Just a jailbreak and stalking the streets. Maybe light robbery and murder. Don’t worry, though. She’ll be back by morning.”
She titled the goblet to her painted lips and finished the wine quickly. He looked at the black rose mark that swirled around the wrist of the hand on his shoulder. It was a beautiful reminder of her affiliation that he had to remind himself of. Had he been a weaker man, he wouldn’t be thinking of how much he missed his wife in moments like these. The woman he loved waited for him at home and he needed to be strong enough to make it back.
Val gave him a slight squeeze and turned, “Don’t turn too grey.”
“Goodnight,” He nodded as she walked away.
When Val opened the door to the inn, a rush of armored guards swept across the street. She turned back to Thesson and smiled knowingly. He groaned and finished the rest of his drink.
Across the tightly packed city, Amethyst sat on the docks next to Bobabano. He recanted tales of her home after her mother forced her to leave. With nearly forty years between them, she still felt the enthusiasm of his stories and remembered the warm sands that Bo spoke of. As the strongest in Agrowl, the Cauldronbone tribe reigned over a vast majority without any problem.
“The Black Lagoon is still the same as when I was a child?” She chuckled, “I miss the summer house there.”
“You could always return,” He shrugged and passed her a chunk of bread, “I’m sure it would be different now. If you truly married your wife, then Yteva would have to recognize the relationship.”
“Doubtful. Firstly, she was a thrall. Secondly because she’s a woman. Would you?” She snorted, “Besides, I don’t want to live anywhere but Saceida with her. The little village we share is quaint and life is good.”
“What’s so special about it?”
She stretched and laid her back against the wooden planks of the dock. With the lights of the city polluting the sky, only the strongest stars of the night were seen above. Even the full moon that bounced off the rippling water seemed dull. She bit into the bread and thought of her little human lover alone in their bed.
“It has nothing special. That’s what makes it special,” Amethyst grinned and closed her eyes, “My wife is a talented earth mage. She has her own small farm. I teach the youngsters of the village how to fight. It’s a simple life.”
“It sounds boring,” He plopped down beside her.
“Boring is nice as you get older,” She elbowed his ribs, “I don’t have to worry about politics or the safety of those I love. My biggest concern is laundry and what lessons I plan. Besides that, I’m free.”
“That does sound nice,” Bo sighed, “Plus, you only have to worry about one lover. Yteva has yet to let anyone claim me. I’m worried I’ll be claimed by someone with multiple or I’ll be sent to bed her strongest ally.”
He scrunched his nose in disgust at the thought.
“You’re a strong warrior,” She shrugged, “I’m sure that you can champion whoever you want to be with.”
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Bo frowned. He knew that whatever woman gave his aunt the best offer he would belong to. It was his duty as a man of Agrowl to please his woman and provide for her. Any woman that gave him the time of day was as older than his mother. Any woman his own age was mysteriously sent elsewhere if she even dared to look at him. Even those he fancied he had to hide from his aunt, or the poor woman would face possible assassination.
“You’re still young. Your mother didn’t claim your father until she was about two years your senior,” She chuckled, “He was a scrawny thing back then. We didn’t know what she saw in him until he serenaded her at their claiming night.”
“My father, serenading?” Bo scoffed, “I would’ve had to see it to believe it.”
“Well, the prophetess blessed their union and claimed your mother as next in line for the throne,” She shrugged, “It was an interesting night.”
The pair sat in silence for a while until Amethyst noticed lights along the sandbar snuffing away. She looked closer and felt a familiar strength pushing back against her own aura. Her enhanced eyes saw the sparks of mana flying about. She grinned at knowing where her Vessel was, even if Mira didn’t know.
“Why did you leave all that behind to follow the girl?” He snorted, “She doesn’t seem worth it. She looked pathetic entering the city. If she was so strong, why didn’t she stop them from making a mockery of her?”
“You don’t understand politics and image as well as you think, Bobabano,” She shook her head, “What do you think would happen if she came into this city and appeared combative? She is to be put on trial for plotting against Zrud with her master and the wraith. Angry and combative, she would acknowledge she is to blame. Appearing fearful and weak is good for her image.”
He scratched his beard, “I didn’t think about that.”
“She’s smarter than I thought,” Amethyst grinned, “Sneakily so. I’m not sure if she knows exactly what she’s doing but it’s working.”
“The dwarf says he’ll hire my boat to ferry you lot to Hangral,” Bo sighed, “My men want me to accept.”
“Oh?” She sat up, “And you don’t?”
“She killed my parents. Yteva has entrusted me to protect my cousin as well,” He stretched, “Ravenna hasn’t been allowed to leave the boat. I’m not sure anyone knows she’s here.”
“Little baby Ravenna?” Amethyst squealed in delight, “I haven’t seen her since she was only a few months old.”
“She is nothing like her mother, thankfully,” He grunted, “She’s very shy. She hasn’t claimed anyone either. That angers Yteva and I enjoy it.”
“Is there someone you think she wants to claim but can’t?”
“A friend of mine, I think,” He shrugged, “Tiero would gladly accept her claim and make her happy. He is a shaman from another tribe that we absorbed.”
“A shaman and a princess?” She laughed, “What a pair.”
“Do you want to see her? She’s on the ship.”
“Would you allow me to walk her off the ship? I’m sure she’s cooped up,” Amethyst stretched, “Besides, it could be a good bonding experience.”
“I would have to join, Auntie. I gave my word.”
“That’s not a problem for me.”
Bobabano got to his feet to escort her. They arrived at his ship quickly from their spot on the dock. The modestly sized vessel had three masts, enough room to hold a month’s worth of cargo, and beds for fifty men. Only twenty were free men, the rest were thralls to his family. As they climbed up the rope ladders, he pointed to the captain’s quarters on the main deck. They walked to the door and knocked on it lightly.
“Come in,” The soft voice said.
Amethyst opened the door and saw the young woman sitting on the bed, reading a book. Ravenna was a pink-skinned orc with black hair messily thrown up into a bun. Her khaki trousers had dark red suspenders that rested at her sides. Her white tunic was tucked in and stained with sweat. Ravenna’s large, round glasses with red frames complimented her slim, mousy face. Her red eyes skimmed over the pair before stopping to examine Amethyst. The thin woman stood up and placed her book on her nightstand.
“Hello, Elder,” She stood and bowed formally, “I am Ravenna Cauldronbone, of Tribe Cauldronbone. Only daughter of Queen Yteva. It is an honor to meet you.”
“Young Ravenna,” Amethyst smiled, “You may call me Amethyst. I was once called Aldreanna Cauldronbone. Daughter of late Queen Terrianna.”
Her eyes grew wide as she looked at Bo, “Auntie Aldi? The one you spoke of?”
“The very same,” He grinned.
“I haven’t seen you since you were just a wee babe. Come give your auntie a hug,” Amethyst outstretched her arms.
Ravenna looked to her cousin for approval. He nodded and she ran to hug the older orc. Amethyst wrapped her arms around the young woman and squeezed her tightly.
“Bobabano and some of the older men have told me stories about you,” Her eyes twinkled with glee, “There’s even a book in the library about your adventures in the Black Lagoon. It’s an honor to meet such an esteemed elder.”
“I’m not that old,” She laughed and patted the young woman’s back, “And I’m sure it’s exaggerated. Bobabano has agreed to let me walk you about the city if you want.”
“I would love some new clothes,” She down at her outfit, “They haven’t been able to clean these properly in weeks. The smell is still around after washing.”
“Such is life at sea,” Bo shrugged.
Amethyst pushed him playfully, “The poor woman needs to look her best when she’s presented to Hangral.”
“I have some gowns I plan to wear,” She nodded thoughtfully, “But I need to wash properly.”
Amethyst looked at her glasses closely and noticed the runic carvings on the inside of the glass. She looked at them curiously.
“Oh,” Ravenna blushed, “I’m a Seer. They’re to help curve the powers so I am not constantly entranced in visions.”
“Fascinating,” Amethyst grinned, “Please, read me.”
Ravenna pushed her glasses up her nose, “I’m not that good. Only a few days into the future at most. I prefer to take them off when I fight.”
“Oh, a fighter? Are you here for the tournament as well.”
Her pink cheeks reddened as she nodded, “I think I’m strong enough to make it at least past the initial round. Mother has let me escort Bobabano and the others as the ambassador of Agrowl. She wishes for me to find a suitable warrior to claim and bring back.”
“Well,” Amethyst squeezed the young woman’s shoulders, “I can’t wait to see what you can do. Still, I would love for you to read me.”
Ravenna nodded and pulled her glasses off her head. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. When she opened her eyes, her pupils turned from a cherry red to black and her lids flickered rapidly.
“You run your hands over a dark blue, sparkly dress. It’s much too small for you. A wave crashing over the boat knocks you to your feet. Then –” She squeaked and pushed her glasses back over her nose, “I’m sure I’m mistaken over the last thing.”
Her eyes hinted as a shadowy monster looming over the woman in anger as Amethyst smiled smugly at it.
“What did you see?” Bo asked.
“I don’t think it was right,” She shook her head, “Sometimes I’m wrong.”
“I don’t think you are,” She patted the girls back in reassurance, “If it’s what I think it is.”
“I heard there are isle monsters here,” Ravenna whispered, “But I see one on the boat you’re on.”
Amethyst grinned, “I can’t wait. That will be a fight to remember.”
“That doesn’t concern you?” Her eyes widened, “At all?”
“Not with the company I keep,” She winked, “You said a sparkly blue dress? Let’s go find it.”
“Who would it be for?” Ravenna asked.
“My lady,” Amethyst grinned, “She needs to be introduced to Hangral as well. You two may get along. She’s also the quiet type.”
Bo scoffed and grumbled under his breath something that caused Amethyst to slap the back of his head.
“Bobabano!” Ravenna frowned, “We may not be in Agrowl, but you must respect our elder’s lady. Even if women do not marry in our culture its –”
“Oh, she’s not my wife,” Amethyst chuckled, “I serve her.”
“Yes, and –” He scolded her, “Her ‘lady’ is the one that killed my parents.”
Ravenna looked between them to see if he joked. When neither budged, she nodded thoughtfully.
“Then I understand why you aren’t accepting of her,” She nodded, “But still, we are representing our tribe. If we want our family to be taken seriously outside of Agrowl, then we must take others seriously as well.”
“You are wise for your few years,” Amethyst grinned, “Come, let’s go walk through the city.”
“Can Tiero come as well?” Ravenna blushed, “He seems to be very protective of me.”
“Of course,” Bo nodded, “I’ll have someone fetch him.”
The three waited for a taller, yellow orc with tribal patterns shaved into his head to crawl down the rope of the ship. He bowed to each of his superiors before smiling shyly to Ravenna.
“I am here, Lady Ravenna and Elder…”
“Amethyst,” She nodded, “You should know that, Garnet.”
“I’m pleased to finally meet you,” He grinned, “I haven’t advertised my position as well as you. I still follow my given name.”
Bo looked between them quizzically before deciding he didn’t need to know, “Come, Ravenna saw our elder purchasing a blue dress for her lady.”
“Did she now?” Tiero nodded, “Then, let us find it.”