Chapter 1b. Arneviste’s estate

	“GRAPPLING IRONS!” Black Patrick bellowed. “THEY AREN’T GETTING AWAY FROM US NOW! FORWARDS, FIVE HUNDRED CROWNS TO THE MEN WHO CAPTURE THE WHORE AND HER FOUR LEGGED FREAK!”

The men surged forwards, several jumping down onto the smaller ship, when they froze. A great roar filled the air, as if several large beasts cried in unison. Huge, pale green wings swept high, towering over his men, who were starting to back off. There was a flash of metal, punctuated by several screams. Men along the rail tried to back away, but the press of those behind slowed them and before they could go far, it appeared, leaping up onto the deck. Patrick’s face fell. A Dragon? Where the fuck had she found a dragon?

“DON’T RUN, YOU FOOLS, SWARM IT! SWARM IT OR IT’LL KILL US ALL.”

His men hesitated. He was right. Where to run to anyway? They could jump ship, but they were in rough waters, and a long way from land. No choice. They rushed. It did the same. The great sword swung in a tremendous arc, killing three instantly, and wounding a half dozen others. A Bull charged in from the left, only to have a bladed wing catch him in the groin. It’s tail lashed to the left as it continued it’s spin, catching a wolf in the chest, shattering his ribs and bursting his heart and lungs. It came to a stop, sword ready, facing the bulk of the sailors, and smiled. “Any who drop their weapons will be spared.” Kalisandra said sweetly.

Patrick stared. That was a woman? “CHARGE HER, HURRY, SHE CAN’T TAKE YOU ALL.”

They hesitated. She had a reach of maybe thirteen foot with that thing. At best, lightly armed for shipboard fighting, they had four. Nobody in his or her right mind would expect to be fighting something as big as this at sea. Certainly nothing as armoured as she was. Behind her, three Tigers and two Wolves had boarded. This was ridiculous; all wore fairly heavy armour. Were they all mad? It was at this moment, things turned. A cannonball smashed into her side. She staggered. On the other side of the deck, four hundred pounds of angry Rhino hefted another and threw it. It caught her on the side of the head. Her helmet took most of the blow but she reeled. “GET HER, FOR FUCK SAKE, YOU THINK I’M MADE OF CANNONBALLS?”

It was all they needed. They swarmed her as she shook her head clear. Her wings lashed out, taking an arm off an Otter, and almost gutting a Dog. Too late. They weren’t strong, but there were many, and they bore her down. Someone pulled her head back. “Hold her still, I’ll slit her throat.” A Tiger grinned at her. “Say goodnight.”

As the blade came up, an arrow struck him just above the collarbone, thrusting deep. He gasped and fell, dropping the knife. ‘Help’s coming, love, hold on.’

Taross and Thaily scrambled over, with her men following. As they’d been asked to do, they’d waited a few seconds, to give Kalisandra and Corwyn time to clear some room. Thaily gasped, it was a charnel house, with blood and bodies scattered all over. She caught a glimpse of Corwyn, and for a moment she saw it in his eyes. She’d seen the same bloodlust in Caitlin’s eyes, the same madness. He, however, seemed more in control. But just as determined to win. She dodged sideways as one of Corwyn’s guards, a Wolf, retreated past her, blood streaming from a horrible wound to his left arm, his retreat covered by the other Wolf guard. Thaily pointed to Kalisandra. “Help her.” Taross nodded and loped off. Where was he? Where was Black Patrick?

Patrick watched the scene, his face calm. It had been the initial shock. That’s what had thrown his men so badly that an inferior force had been able to overwhelm them. Even now, he could see people dropping weapons and backing away. The group that had born down the biggest threat was being assailed by Brimstone’s four-legged monster, lashing out with a huge maul with great efficiency, a Tiger with a pretty big sword, and an unseen sniper, whose accuracy was incredible. And then he saw her. Thaily Brimstone, his bane. Damn her bones.

“BRIMSTONE!” Patrick hollered, and she turned. “FACE ME IF YOU’VE GOT THE COURAGE, BITCH! Dargie, make sure nobody interferes.” The big Rhino nodded, and moved to let the cautious Thaily past.

“Though I smelt someone familiar.”

He bristled. “Prepare to die, half-breed.”

“Bring it on, boerenlul.” Thaily answered with a smile.

He cut and she dodged. She stabbed and he parried. What extra skill he had with a sword, was more than countered by her youthful speed and agility. She started defensively, but as Patrick began to tire slowly fought more aggressively. Finally, she saw her chance and took it, only to find it had been a feint, and only a desperate, twisting jump back had prevented his blade piercing her heart. As it was, she was left with a stinging reminder, a painful cut to her left breast just above the nipple. She yelped.

“THAILY!” Taross pushed her way across the deck. Most of the fighting had stopped once Kalisandra had regained her footing, and most people’s attention was on the two Captains. She found herself blocked by the big Rhino.

“Nobody’s going to interfere. Captain’s orders.”

“Out of the way, hornboy, or I’ll clean your clock.” She hefted her maul threateningly.

Thaily waved her off. “BACK OFF, TAROSS, THIS IS BETWEEN ME AND HIM!” Taross faltered, torn between friendship and loyalty to her captain.

“C’mon, old man, let’s finish this.” He swung, but she parried easily. He was slowing, visibly tired. They had only fought for a few minutes, and he was out of breath.

“You could always surrender. It’s not like you can keep this up much longer anyway.” His only answer was a lunge. She dodged.

“Of course, from what I hear you can barely get it up, let alone keep it up.” Again he let his sword answer for him. Ah, there. This time she had him. She twisted her sword, and knocked Patrick’s from his grasp. “Now, surrender.”

“Finish it.”

Her eyes narrowed as she raised her blade, the tip grazing his throat. “Is this what you want?”

“FINISH IT!” He pressed forwards slightly. A tiny trickle of blood soaked into the fur of his neck, making it glisten in the lamplight. “You’ve left me with nothing. I’ve lost too many crew tonight for them to keep me as captain. My reputation will be in tatters, beaten in a duel with a girl less half my age. Damn you.”

“Me? ME? You brought this on yourself, you bastard.” Tears came to the corners of her eyes. “Nobody forced you to attack me. To attack my ship.”

He glared, unrepentant. Her sword slowly lowered.

“No. You’re nobody now. After this nobody’d even sail with you in their crew, let alone as their captain. Half your men are either dear or wounded, and it’s all because you “ She stepped back. “I’m not like you. I’ll never kill in cold blood. Never be a murderer. If you’d rather die than end up in a Kessellon prison, then pick up your sword.”

Patrick knelt and grasped the hilt of his sword. It felt heavy in his hand. “Can I ask one last thing before we have at it?”

“If you must.”

“How did you know I was coming? Those mercenaries are the most brutal things I’ve ever seen.”

“First I knew you were coming was just before you came into cannon range.”

“Oh, and the monsters there are just a coincidence? I don’t think so.”

“Idioot. Those aren’t mercenaries; they’re passengers on their way to Pellandria. You’ve just been unlucky, that’s all. Now stop wasting time.” She saluted, and took up a fighting stance.

Without a word, Patrick charged, aiming for her chest, and found his blow parried. Again she took up the defensive in order to wear him down. And it was working. No matter what he tried, he couldn’t draw her out, and she wasn’t falling for any more feints.  Slowly she upped the pressure.

“She’s pretty good.” Corwyn said to Taross. “Trained from an early age, I’d say.”

“Yes, trained by her mother.” Taross looked around. All the fighting had ceased. Pretty much all of the Tempest’s Fist’s crew had downed arms, and almost every eye was on the duel.

By now Patrick was on the defensive, praying for an opening. But she was too quick and he was so tired. Every thrust, every swing was either dodged or parried. And her blows came closer and closer. He knew he was going to die, but he didn’t fear death. Forty years he’d been a privateer, and he’d been good. His reputation was second to none, but in the last few years, with failing health, he’d been finding it harder and harder. Better to die clean, than end his days as a shadow of himself. He’d die rather than become a port bum, drowning in rum, and dreaming of former glories. Yes. He feigned again, and then gave her the opening she needed. “End it…” Patrick whispered, his eyes closing.

She heard the whisper, but it was too late. The sabre caught him low in the left side, rose up through heart and lung, and emerged low on the right side of his neck. She gasped, pulling the sword free, and he fell. Thaily stared down, watching the blood pool under him. Vaguely, she was aware of people cheering. She looked around, seeing her crew waving and clapping, relief and pride showing on their faces. Her gaze shifted to her sword, glistening with blood, and she felt her gorge rise. She barely made it to the rail in time. Taross came over, rubbing Thaily’s back as she retched.

“Are you ok?” Taross asked, concern for her friend obvious on her face.

“I’ll… I’ll be fine… it’s just… I’ve never wanted to kill like I wanted to kill him. I’ve never felt that way before… oh, I feel sick…” She retched again, and Taross hugged her.

“You’ve killed before, Thaily.”

“Yes, in combat, but it’s never been so… personal…” She shook.

There came a sigh from behind them, and Taross looked round. The Rhino had sat next to the fallen Patrick, and hand on his back. “Old fool…” A tear slowly rolled down his cheek, and he looked up at her. “He wasn’t always like that. Once he was one of the most famous and influential of the Free Captains. Till he got old, that is.”

“So?” Taross said quietly.

“So he found it tough going, is all. His status among the Captains lowered, and then the young Captain Brimstone comes on the scene, and it turns out to be a bloody woman.” Thaily turned at the sound of her name. “Worse, she’s good and her own status is climbing even as his drops. Then one night he heads off to meet some of the others, including Brimstone, muttering about putting the Mongrel in her place.” Thaily winced, her mixed heritage had made her an easy target for the other kids as she’d grown up.

“And we all know how that ended, don’t we?” Thaily snapped.

“Aye. It’s what finally sent him over the edge, I think, because after that, all he ever though of was you. If things were going well, it was in spite of you, if they went badly, it was because of you. By the end, he’d convinced himself that what happened that night was deliberate. That you’d arranged the whole thing to humiliate him, in order to promote yourself.”

“That’s ridiculous.”

“Maybe, but he believed it. So did some of the crew. So he came after you, to get revenge, and to restore his place among the Captains. Didn’t work out…” He sighed. “What now?”

Thaily stared at him for the longest time. With the excitement fading, all she felt was a hollow sick feeling. She just wanted to leave. “Go home. Bury your dead. Let’s go, Taross.”

“OK, PEOPLE, BACK TO THE AVARICE! LET’S GO, LET’S GET OUT OF HERE!” Taross yelled. 


	Days passed. Thaily spent much of her time in her cabin, talking to no one but Taross. The crew had suffered only minor casualties, mainly due to the unbelievable killing machine Kalisandra had proven herself to be, but she was down, despite her victory, and the crew knew it. The few times she’d emerged had been solely to make sure things were running smoothly, and that Nathaniel was staying awake. She looked up, and saw him gazing off to port. He was watching the twinkling lights of a distant port. It had to be Meldora. She wasn’t expecting to pass there until noon tomorrow, so they were making good speed. She smiled. Over by the rail, also watching the port, were Taross and Corwyn. They appeared to be discussing the port itself. She moved to join them.

“Couldn’t really say, we’ve only been there a couple of times, dropping off cargo, and never left the port. Fairly fortified. Not unusual for the area, though.”

“True enough. There’s always some squabble or other going on.” Corwyn answered.

“You two seem to be pretty friendly. Something going on I should know about, hmm? Kate’s not going to find herself with a six limbed grandchild is she?” Thaily said with a wink.

“Ooh, wouldn’t that be something?” Taross said, nudging Corwyn’s arm. He laughed.

“Sorry ladies, I’m afraid my fiancée would have something to say about that.”

“Heh, who’s daft enough to marry a great brute like you?”

“Oh hush, Thaily, he’s not a brute, he’s perfectly charming.”

“Thank you Taross. And to answer your question, Captain Brimstone, I’m engaged to Marie, youngest daughter of the Snowmantle family.”

“What’s she like?” Thaily studied him. For the second time, she’d met someone ‘noble’ who wasn’t in any way judging her for being mixed. Admittedly, she had little contact with that world, but all were obsessed with purity of bloodline. All, that is, but Corwyn and his mother.

He gazed across the sea at the sparkling lights. “I wish I knew…”

“Pardon?” Thaily wondered at the change in tone. He sounded… resigned?

“Political marriage. I’ve yet to meet the girl. Black and white Tiger.”

“Ah. I see.” Thaily said quietly. “Do you know anything about her at all?”

“She’s apparently quite lovely, and pretty bright, though somewhat spoiled by her folks. Headstrong too, but it doesn’t seem right. She’s far too young for me.”

“How young’s too young?”

“Fifteen. Just a kid.”

“So how old are you? Is it a big age difference?” Taross asked.

“Just a bit. I’m pushing forty. She’s young enough to be my daughter.”

“Heh, don’t you like the idea of a hot young trophy wife?” Thaily laughed.

“Hey, there’s young, and there’s young, ok?”

“Last I heard, Coming of Age was fourteen, so where’s the problem?”

He sagged slightly. “Just personally, I find the idea of marrying someone younger than my kid sister to be just morally wrong. I mean, how’d it feel if my sister was to be forced into a political marriage at the age of sixteen to some forty-something she’d never met? Worse, I hate the idea of this poor kid, trapped in a loveless marriage, lying back and thinking of Kessellon, while I rut away to produce an heir.” He put his free hand on the rail, and hung his head.

Thaily shuddered. “No, you’re right… that doesn’t sound too good…”

Taross nudged Thaily with a hind leg. “You know, just as you start to feel better, someone else sounds down. I got an idea on how to cheer up. You game? Come on…” She winked, and pulled Corwyn towards Thaily’s cabin.

“Er… I’m note sure this is a good idea…” Corwyn said. Thaily eyed them suspiciously.

“Taross? Just where d’you think you’re going?”

“Lighten up, bossgirl, c’mon, it’ll be fun.”

Up in the crow’s nest, a goggle eyed Nathaniel watched Thaily follow the pair inside. “Lucky bastard…” he breathed.


	“Mmm… oh, that’s good…” Corwyn slurped, and Taross giggled.

“Glad you like it, it’s my specialty.”

“It’s spicy… What did you call it?”

“Ramen noodles with chilli beef. Learnt the recipe while I was in Nijiku.”

“That explains the kote then.” He chewed another piece of the fiery meat. Delicious.

“You know what it is? I’m impressed.” She started unbuckling the leggings she wore. Corwyn gave her a quick sidelong glance and slurped some more noodles. “Ever been there?”

“Nijiku? No, but we have had visitors from there. One of the bodyguards wore one. Best swordsman I’ve ever seen. Used a pair of swords, I forget what he called them.”

“Katana and wakazashi. Daisho set.” Taross replied, dropping the first legging to the floor. “Ah, that’s better.” She scratched the leg for a moment before moving on to the next.

Thaily sat quietly eating her noodles, watching the pair intently. “That’s it, that’s what he called them. Anyway this guy was poetry to watch. Every move was precise and measured. Didn’t waste energy. I mean, I’d been training and fighting for twenty years by this point, and I didn’t have a fraction of his skill. Embarrassed the hell outa me in a practice bout.” He raised his eyebrows, looking over at Taross. “Eight killing blows to my two.”

“The Nijikujin do take their swordplay very seriously.” Taross replied, dropping the second legging. “To them it’s as much art as combat.”

Corwyn swallowed the last of the noodles and drank the soup that was left. “Oh, man, that stuff’s good.” He sighed. “Thanks.”

Taross rummaged around behind her, in a small cabinet. And pulled out three glasses and a large decanter. “Here…” She handed a glass to Thaily, who was just finishing her meal, and one to Corwyn. She opened the decanter, and poured a generous measure into each glass. Corwyn sniffed it.

“Now that’s a fine smelling brandy. Pellandrian?”

“Ah, you know your spirits, eh?”

He grinned, taking a sip. “I’m rich and military, of course I know my drinks.”

“Something wrong, Thaily? You’ve been very quiet.” Taross asked.

“I’m just thinking…”

“About?”

“About Corwyn here.”

“What about me?” Corwyn said, rolling the glass in his hands.

“You’re mixed, aren’t you? Tigers can’t see in the dark, but you spotted his ship before anyone else did.” Corwyn said nothing. “I’m right, aren’t I?”

He swallowed the glass in a single gulp. “And if it were true?”

She stared into her glass and chuckled “That’s why you haven’t been looking down on Taross and me. You’re a Hybrid yourself. Aw, that’s just too friggin’ funny! Gods, what the great lords and ladies of the friggin’ Leonid Empire would say if they knew the mighty Amberstars weren’t Purebloods. Man, what price could you set on that gem…” She tossed her drink back, shoulders shaking. There was a cracking sound.

“I would advise you to forget this whole matter.” Corwyn said quietly. There was a dangerous tone to his words, and Thaily looked over at where he sat.

“Don’t threaten me Tiger, not on my…” She stopped, staring at the blood dripping from his clenched hand, and spattering her floor. His eyes were closed, and his body tense, and he shook slightly.

“Not a threat. A warning, to someone who isn’t my enemy… yet.” He took a deep breath and opened his eyes. “I might be able to overlook a blackmail threat, since I still need you. But had my mother been here instead of me, you’d already be dead. And if my mother ever heard such rumours floating around and traced them to you, she’d hire a Guild assassin to kill you.”

“But… but…” She was astonished, she knew she’d been right about some mixed blood somewhere down the line, but she’d been joking. But he didn’t see that.

He rose, pulling the pieces of broken glass from his hand. He looked at them for a moment, before throwing them down on the floor in front of her. “Thanks for the drink, and the lovely meal.” He turned to go.

“Wait!” Thaily cried. He shook his head and reached for the handle.

“Wait. Please wait.” Her voice sounded suddenly small. “I… I was joking, that’s all, just joking…” He paused. “I forget, sometimes, how sharp I am. I didn’t mean to upset you…”

He sighed, and his shoulders sagged slightly. It was my own fault, after all, he thought. He sat back down heavily. “I need another glass. And the decanter, please.” Taross passed both to him, and he poured out a large drink. He took a sip, looking at his hand. There were several cuts, but nothing serious. Slamming back the drink, he splashed a little brandy from the decanter into his cupped hand. “Ow, fuck, sonova…”

“Here…” Thaily handed him one of her scarves. “Wrap it in this.” He wrapped it around his palm, and gripped it tight.

“Thank you.” He poured another drink, sipping at it this time, and slid the decanter to Thaily who topped up, and passed it back to Taross. All was quiet for a few minutes, as each sat with their thoughts. Thaily was worried she might have soured things. Her relationship to the Amberstar family had been profitable, and she’d hate to lose it over one ill-thought remark. Corwyn was wondering how he’d explain this when he got home. And Taross was wondering what to say that get the conversation flowing again.

“Lemme guess. Lynx or Ocelot and a long sea journey?”

“What?” Corwyn was taken aback

“The night vision. Lynx or Ocelot?”

“Ah. No idea. Could easily have been a cute Cheetah, since we’ve used them as couriers for a very long time.”

“Not recent then?”

“Nope.” He relaxed a little, feeling a pleasant buzz from the brandy.

“Handy though, I’ll bet.”

“Yup.”

“Thaily can see in the dark too, from her Fox side.”

“I could tell. Mother or father?”

“From my dad, the bastard.”

“You don’t get on?” Corwyn finished the glass, setting it down.

“I’ve never even met him. Mother worked as a guard in the port of Eagle’s Point, and one night caught a thief, a silver-tongued Fox. He charmed her pants off, and I’m the result. I’d like to strangle the bastard, if I ever find him.”

“Must have been hard for your mother, bringing you up alone.”

“Yes, a mixed blood kid, and the folk there are kinda snotty, I got picked on a lot, and was always in trouble. She taught me how to fight to defend myself.” Her voice sounded sad, and Corwyn didn’t want to press her.

“Tell me something.” Taross interrupted. “Where did you find those two? The woman fights like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Heh, I’m sure half of Patrick’s crew wet themselves when she attacked.”

He thought about it. News was undoubtedly spreading of the Naval engagement, and the general story would come out eventually… “I can’t see it doing any harm to tell you now, an’ you’ve already guessed some of it. They were on the Grey Death’s ship, when my ship, anna couple of others forced him to run aground.”

“Really?” Thaily perked up. She’d been hearing tales from the other captains about this ‘Grey Death’, and they weren’t good. Rumours that it was he who was behind a series of raids on House Amberstar shipping. Raids that had the number of patrols out rising with each passing week. It could be hard enough to earn a crust as a Free Captain, without the increased chance of a precious cargo seized as contraband. And the last raid, where the ship was torched and all onboard slaughtered, made her sick to her stomach. “So it was him attacking your ships?”

“Yes. Like I said, he beached, and my mother chased him into Panther’s Bluff. I’d already gone ahead, as an escort for a Cheetah courier, and once through the pass, he shot off to warn the nearby town and garrison. By the time Arneviste came through the pass, our forces were gathered, and my mother’s were coming in behind them. He knew he couldn’t wait there, so out he came to meet us.” He sat back against the wall. He felt a little unsteady, and leaning back helped.

“And?” Thaily leant forwards. “What then?”

He swept his left hand across in front of him. “Heavy cavalry crashed inna his right side, an’ heavy infantry smashed inna his front. Crushed ‘em like ants. Found Arneviste cowering behind his officers, he’s an ugly spud. An’ further back, was a group of soldiers of mine, surrounding three Dragons.”

“Three?”

“Uh-huh, three. Kalisandra and Branin you know, and there was a tall bright blue guy, Lord Tethion Valkos. So, right, she’s standing there, waving that big fuck-off sword of hers, but not attacking, and none of my guys want to get close anyway. And they’re not negotiating till the guy in charge gets there. Now technically, technically, that’s either Mum or Nick, but they’re not there yet, so it’s me.”

“Who’s Nick?”

“Crown Prince Nicholai, of course.”

“You call the Crown Prince Nick?”

“Course I do.” He grinned.

“To his face?” Thaily stared at him. Surely he’d never dare.

“Yup. Well he is one of Mum’s closest friends. Strong bonds between our families, after all. Both his family, and mine have produced Ligers, sometimes together, and since the Liger clan automatically adopts new Ligers into it’s numbers, it’s made all three families close. As Firstborn, I was sent to court to be Nick’s squire after I came of age, and I did the best I could. Must’ve been good enough, I suppose.” He shook his head. “Woo, I drank that far too quickly. Right, where was I? Where was I?” He paused, frowning.

“You’d found three Dragons. Kalisandra, Branin and a Lord Something.” Taross prompted.

“Oh yeah, right. Valkos. Right, so there they are, and they’re waiting for the guy in charge. So I come up, and I ask them to stand down, and Valkos tells me they’ll only stand down, if they’re treated as guest and not prisoners. That they’ve nothing to do with Arneviste. So I agree and they relax, and hiding in the middle is a little Dragon girl, Valkos’ daughter Pahele. Very green. Any more of that brandy going about?” Taross smiled, passing back the decanter. Corwyn topped up, and passed it to the beckoning Thaily. “So anyhow, turns out they have something Arneviste’s father wants, and he has something they want, so it’s an exchange, but things are kinda fucked-up at that point, and Mum has an idea. We exchange his only son for the things the Dragons want, and my niece, and then we give the stuff to them in exchange for what he was going to get. So we’re happy, the Dragons are happy, and Arneviste’s screwed. And that’s about it.”

“That’s good news, y’know, that Arneviste’s caught. He was causing problems. Once one privateer starts screwing around, the rest get tarred with the same brush, and things get tough. And he had too much backing from his father for any of the Free Captains to stand up to him.”

“Eh? Backing?”

“Yeah. Word came round that if we interfered with this ‘Grey Death’, the Pellandrian navy might get interested in Ravensmouth, and so on.”

“He threatened your ‘safe ports’. Interesting. Back inna second. I think I’m a little drunk to remember this inna mornin’. Gotta tell Robert.” Clumsily he stood, and unsteadily left the room. He found his cousin playing cards with Branin and several of Thaily’s crew.

“Hey Bob, got somethin’ to tell you.”

“Shit, Corwyn, what’ve you been drinking? And have you got any more?”

“Yes, but just for me anna girls. Now listen. Arneviste was being backed by his father.”

“Crap, you sure?” Robert knew the implications of that.

“Yep. Thaily just told me that the Free Captains had been told to leave the ‘Grey Death’ alone or the Pellandrian navy’d be raiding their safe ports. Just tellin’ ya, cause I’m kinda mashed, an’ I’m not sure I’ll remember later, ok?”

“Sure, I’ll remind you later. Say, what’s with the hand?”

“Hmm? Oh, ‘s just a cut. Thaily gave me the scarf to wrap it in.”

“Oh, ‘Thaily’ is it? First name terms with the lovely captain, hmm? Just what are you getting up to, cousin?” Robert winked. “And there was me thinking you had your eye on Taross.”

“Naw, just friendly. Don’t think Mum would be pleased if I came home one day with a four-legged heir in tow, and I know Thaily’s not interested. We’re just having a few and shooting the breeze. Making up for a bad first impression. Later.” He lurched off.

“Bad first impression?” Branin asked. The sailors started chuckling.

“She kneed him in the balls thinking he was a pervert.”

Branin snorted. “Is he?”

“No more than the next guy, I suppose. Never been curious enough to ask, to be honest. Ahh, crap, I fold.”

“Ah, I love this game.” Branin scooped up his winnings. “Another hand?”


	Though she hadn’t noticed at first, Thaily had finally noticed that Taross wasn’t drinking much.

“One of us has to stay sober, Thaily dear. We can’t have both the Captain and first mate drunk. What if there’s a problem? No, I’m fine. Enjoy yourselves, it’s good to cut loose once in a while.” Taross lounged, having finally taken off her greatcoat. Corwyn had been quite surprised by her armour. He’d known she was wearing a chain shirt, but he’d thought it was just that. He wasn’t expecting to see a tailored chain skirt, shaped very much like miniature horse barding.

“I’ll bet that was expensive.” Corwyn said, pointing.

“Oh yes, and worth every bit.” Taross undid another strap, pulling the skirt up and back, revealing a leather underskirt, which she also removed. A simple twist undid the belt around her waist, and she pulled the shirt over her head. “Ahh, that’s better. Safe as I feel in it, it’s good to get it off.” Corwyn nodded in agreement.

“I bet it’s a bastard to maintain, given the salty location, yes?”

“You bet right. But it’s saved my ass a few times, so it’s worth the hassle. Give you a laugh, first time I wore the skirt, I didn’t have a layer on underneath, figured the fur would be thick enough on it’s own.” She smoothed her clothes, a plain cream satin shirt and skirt, and settled, right forepaw flopped over the left.

“Oh. Dear. As bad as I think?”

“Absolutely! Even had to snick a few clumps of fur to get it off again.”

“Ooh, nasty.” He unwrapped his hand. It had stopped bleeding, and he flexed his fingers. He winced. “Ow.”

“How’s the hand, Stripey.” Thaily asked, staring into her glass.

“Hurts like buggery.”

“Never tried buggery. Hurts, huh?”

Corwyn snickered, and waited for her to take a sip before answering. “Like buggery.”

At that, Thaily spluttered, spitting the brandy across the cabin, and cracked up. Corwyn slapped his left hand against the cabin floor, laughing uproariously. Taross shook her head slowly. Daft, the pair of them.

“Swine! That was deliberate.” Thaily snorted. Corwyn chuckled

“I think that’s enough for me…” Corwyn put the glass down, and sat back against the wall.

“Heh, lightweight.” Thaily snickered. “Whassa matter, can’t handle your booze?”

“Nah, just don’t want another knee in the ‘nads if I made a drunk pass at you. And I’m not fond of losing control.”

“Got a bit of a temper, huh? I did see a bit of battle madness in your eyes back there.” Thaily said, absentmindedly rubbing the cut on her chest.

He waved his cut hand at her. “I think that’s a safe bet. Mum’s worse.”

Thaily looked him in the eyes. “Was that true, what you said? Would she really have killed me over a stupid joke?”

Corwyn nodded. “I’m afraid so. Unless she knew you were joking, that is. Does she know you well enough? You said you’d sailed with her twice.”

“I dunno, maybe. She was kinda standoffish at first, but she was friendlier on the second trip. Are you gonna tell her?”

He scratched his nose. “That you know, yes. But I’ll tell her you’re trustworthy. And I’ll overlook the misunderstanding.”

She eyed him suspiciously. “How kind. Hope you don’t think you’ll get anywhere chasing Thaily’s tail.”

Corwyn grinned. “Shame. No, it’s just common sense. If mum trusts you enough for, um, ‘quiet jobs’, and you’re happy to take them, happy with the pay, then I’ve no prob keeping the status quo. Daft to screw around with a successful business arrangement.”

“Ah, so it’s business, I gotcha. Cool with me.” Thaily relaxed, he didn’t seem quite so bad after all. If he wanted to keep things strictly business, that was more than fine by her.

Corwyn sat up. “I’m bushed. Time to turn in…”

Taross slid the decanter over. “One last drink before you go?”

“No, I don’t think so…”

“Sure? You never know when you’ll next have the chance to cut loose.”

He wavered, looking at the bottle. “Sure. Ok. But just one, ok?”


	“Urgh…” Corwyn woke to find light shining in through the window. How long had he slept? And what was that taste in his mouth? He sat up slowly, unsteadily, and looked around, blinking. Thaily was lying on her cot, face down and topless. He vaguely remembered her shouting something about it being ‘nakey time’, and her dancing around, as drunk as he must have been. It was all a haze. Taross lay on her side, on the floor next to the cot, her head resting on her folded arms, next to Thaily’s. Corwyn yawned and stretched. His head hurt, and his thoughts still seemed muddy. When he went to rise, pain shot through his right hand. “Ow.”

Taross stirred, and raised her head. “Hmm? Oh, morning already…” She casually scratched her belly with her left hind leg, and Corwyn stared. Her upper body appeared female enough, but the lower half was displaying some distinctly male anatomy. He flopped back in surprise.

“Augh! You’re a guy? Holy crap!”

“No.” Taross said, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. “I’m not a guy.”

“But I… you…” He paused, and took a deep breath. “Um… I, er…”

“Technically I’m both, or neither, depending on your point of view.” Taross stretched, and smiled sweetly.”

“I don’t follow. Urr… I think I’m still drunk…”

“Keep it down…” Thaily muttered.

“I mean,” Taross continued quietly, “that we Taurs can mate with both men and women, though most of us go for men. It’s safer.”

“Oh.” Corwyn rubbed his eyes, and ran his hands back over his head, smoothing back the rumpled fur. “Safer?”

“All our offspring are Taurs, whichever sex we go for. Think about it. Large babies.”

“Oh, I see. Problems with childbirth.”

“Exactly. We learnt that early on. Lost a few mothers in labour. Now we raise our kids as girls, and most choose men as mates, though a few do choose women, if they’re big enough.”

“Shut up already…” Thaily moaned.

“Let’s take this outside” Taross stood, and offered Corwyn a hand. He took it and she helped him stand. They left, leaving Thaily to sleep it off.

“It’s like this…” Taross said, leaning on the rail, and gazing across the sea. “We don’t know where we came from. The first of my family we know of was an orphan, rescued from some shipping disaster. She was found in a rowboat, next to the body of a dead Taur. A Liontaur, I believe. Raised in an orphanage in Varo, a reasonably big town in Eastern Bervia.”

“Ah, no wonder I’ve never seen your kind before; that’s couple of thousand miles from here, isn’t it?

“Yup, and most of my kind still live in Varo. Merchants, for the most part, myself included. I’m an eighth generation Taur, from that one foundling. The family’s a loose clan numbering around two hundred. And with blood ties growing more distant, Taurs have begun marrying Taurs, as well as other kin. We’re well established in Varo, with a few families moving to nearby towns.”

“That puts you a long way from home. How’d you end up here?” Corwyn felt his head clearing is the clear salty air.

“Ah, that’s how I first met Thaily. I was at the other end of the Pellandrian islands. Well, to be precise, I was near the mainland, heading for a town called Geldesburg, on the coast of Mellesland.”

“I know of it. Never been that far over that way, though.”

“Well, the ship came under attack by a couple of smaller ships, and we were in trouble when a third came into view. The captain thought it was all over, and was about to signal a surrender, when the newcomer put a couple of cannonballs into one of the raiders.”

“Thaily, right?”

“Let me finish.” Taross smiled. “Anyway, by this point we’d been boarded, and we were fighting hand to hand. Now, one of the pirates gets me a good one in the side, one of the times my armour’s proved it’s worth, and though it saves my life, the blow’s enough to bring me down. Left one bastard of a scar too. So there I am, dazed and wounded, lying on the deck with this grinning Bear standing over me, ready to strike. Next thing I know, there’s this woman standing between us, sword stuck in the bastard’s belly. A Fox, with odd markings and a Cat tail. She looked down at me and, if I remember correctly, she said ‘I don’t know what you are, but nobody stabs a defenceless woman on Thaily Brimstone’s watch’.”

Corwyn smiled. It was nice to know she had priorities other than money. “What happened then?”

“Took a while to convince her, but she let me join her crew. I had to pay her back somehow. Been with her five years, and her first mate for two.”

“Don’t you miss your home?”

“Sometimes. I did send word back that I couldn’t open up the small shop I was supposed to be leaving home for, and explained why, and Thaily has been up there a couple of times. But here, I’m doing well. One day I’ll open up business, when I retire, but I’m having a lot of fun, and I’ve quite a few friends in the crew.”

“I must say, I love travelling, but I wouldn’t like to be away from my family like that. I’m too tied to Kessellon anyway, for me to ever leave for any real length of time.” He looked thoughtful. “Tell me something. Why did she help you that time?”

Taross looked out to sea. “She hates pirates. Pure and simple.”

“Oh. I see.” Corwyn said, jumping to conclusions.

“From the sound of your voice you’re thinking it’s why she’s leery about people touching her. It’s not. Remember she told you her mom was a guard in Eagle’s Point?”

“Yes.”

“Well, just a little while before I hooked up with her, the port was raided by pirates, and unfortunately her mom died defending the town.”

“I’m very sorry to hear that. Were they close?”

“I think so. She hasn’t been back since, despite still having family there. She used to make regular trips, just to see her, and when she died Thaily decided there was nothing in Eagle’s Point for her anymore. The sea would be her home.” Taross was silent for a moment. “She still misses her.”

“Any clue as to who it was? We heard of the raid, but details were sketchy.”

“Just his colours.” Taross answered. “Two white crossed sabres, points down, on a black background, with blood…”

“Dripping from the points.” Corwyn interrupted.

“You know who it is? We’ve asked around and nobody seems to know anything.”

Corwyn shook his head. “More likely they don’t want to get involved. Those are the colours of Blackmane.”

Taross was shocked. “But… I thought he only hit Pellandrian ships, or Mellesland.”

“So did I. Looks like we were both wrong.”

“Are you sure those are his colours?” Taross knew of Blackmane. A feared and ruthless privateer, who was feared throughout Pellandria.

“Quite sure. During the last war, he based himself back in Kessellon. My mother personally handed him a Letter of Marque in front of my very eyes. I wonder what would have prompted him to raid an Empire port…”

“Thaily’s sworn to avenge her death if she ever finds the man responsible.” She looked out to sea. “Could we take him, do you think?”

“Stay well clear of him. He captains a full Galleon, and sails with two Sloops. As good as she is with a sword, you wouldn’t even get close. He is getting on a bit, so she might be able to take him in a duel. If she really wants to go after him, best find out where he’s berthed, because if you meet him in open water, he’ll blow you apart.”

“She’s stubborn, but not stupid. No way would she go after three ships at once.” Taross scratched her head. “Is there a bounty on him?”

“Heh, yes. Pellandria have fifteen thousand on his head, and Mellesland have five. Likely we’ll have one posted soon. Strange, though…” He went quiet.

“What’s strange?”

“He’s stayed clear of attacking Empire ports and ships, knowing that he’d always have safe haven in Kessellon. By raiding Eagle’s Point, he’s lost that. I wonder why he did it?”

“Money? From what Thaily told me, there was a sizeable haul of gems looted from a merchant ship in port.”

“Whatever the reason, we’ll have to get him. Hmmm. Tell you what, if you ever find out where he’s based, don’t go after him. Send word to me, and I’ll bring a few big ships and back you up, ok?”

“Oh yes, Thaily did say you had a ship. What’s her name?”

“The Hammer.”

She looked up at him. “You’re kidding me? The Hammer? I thought that was Jack Wolverton’s ship?”

Corwyn looked back down, an eyebrow raised in surprise. “You know Jack?”

“We’ve… dined, on occasion.” Taross frowned. “But if you’re the captain, why’d he tell me he was?”

Corwyn smiled. “Because I rarely use her, and rather than leave tying up one of our biggest ships in port, he’s the captain when I’m not on board. And a damn sight better captain than me. A fine officer, and a good man.” He patted her arm. “You planning on raising a few Liontaurs?”

“Oh hush, silly, we’re not that serious… yet.”

Corwyn looked away, back out to sea, a distant expression on his face. “Something up? Taross asked.

He sighed. “It’s probably not my place to say this… I know you say you’re not serious yet, but I think he might be…”

“Oh?” Taross gave him a sidelong glance. “What makes you say that?”

He smiled. “Well, we are sailors, you know. Lifelong braggarts when it comes to women. The fact that he hasn’t been bragging about you means he’s not treating you, or your relationship, casually.”

“Oh. I see…”

Corwyn put his hand on hers. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

She put her right hand on top of his. “No. It’s ok, you’ve just given me something to think about.”

“About how this might affect your relationship with Thaily?”

“More about whether I should get more involved or not. We spend extended periods apart, and I’m not sure we could make it work, in the long term.”

He thought about that for a moment. “Why not make Kessellon your home port instead of Ravensmouth? More chance of being in port at the same time then.”

“I’m not sure Thaily would like to be tied to any given port too much. Even Ravensmouth’s just another port to her.”

“Ah, but think of the advantages. With a home port, your crew could start families.”

“A couple already have families in Ravensmouth.”

“They could come here too. I’m sure I could help them find work. More importantly, if you were based here, I’d be more able to find little ‘jobs’ for Thaily. At the moment, it’s hit or miss as to when you’ll ever be in port. And where d’you bank, just now.”

“We have a couple of strongboxes in a bank in Geldesburg. We drop off some coinage each time we make port there.”

“Isn’t that inconvenient? It’s so far away.”

Taross shrugged. “Only place we could get to take us. Nobody wanted to take a ‘couple of Mongrels’ as customers.”

“You could bank in the Bank of Kessellon.”

“Already been refused. In fact, it was the Bank of Kessellon that called us ‘mongrels’, saying we’d lower the tone.”

“I see.” Corwyn said “Back in a bit.” He walked briskly off, returning a short while later with two letters.

Taross took them from his outstretched hand. The first was a simple declaration that the pirate known as Black Patrick had been killed at sea, and that the bearer of the letter was to be paid the full bounty. The second was a strongly worded letter to a Philip Amberstar, stating that he was to personally open an account for each of the two people delivering it. It went on to say he should also apologise for their shabby treatment of the pair, and to ensure they receive proper service in future. It made it quite clear that if he didn’t, someone else would run the bank. Both had Corwyn’s elaborate signature at the bottom.

She looked at him. “The first I was expecting, at some point. But the second? Will they really do that?” She handed them back.

“Absolutely.” He knelt, folding the letters on the deck in traditional court style, pulling the corners of the square parchment together in the centre, and carefully flattening it. He folded the letter a second time, and then repeated the process on the second. “I need a flame for the sealing wax. I’d just nip back in to the cabin, but Thaily might not be decent. Could you get me a lamp?”

Taross nodded and loped off to Thaily’s cabin. She picked up a small oil lamp, still burning from the night before. Thaily didn’t stir, and Taross was back beside Corwyn in moments. “Here you go.”

“Thanks.” He took off the lamp’s shade, and held the wick of a stick of sealing wax to the flame. Several drops fell onto the carefully held letter before he blew the stick out, and firmly applied his personal seal. He re-lit the stick and repeated the process on the second. “There. Done.”

He stood and handed the letters to her. “Hand the letter over to the bank, and I guarantee you’ll have either Philip or his Deputy in front of you in no time at all.”

“That’s very nice of you. If I were Thaily, I’d be wondering what you were after.” Taross said, a twinkle in her eye.

Corwyn chuckled. “Heh, I think we’ve already established I’m not chasing Thaily’s tail. No, like I said, I’m just being practical. It would be more convenient to me if you based yourselves in Kessellon. Not to mention that Jack’s a good friend of mine. If he’s met someone special, and I think he has, then I’d like to give you two a better chance by increasing how often you meet.”

“Oh! Oh I see. Um… thanks.”

“Don’t mention it.” He stretched, yawning. “Urr… I don’t think I’ll be doing that again in a hurry.

She sniggered. “Well, the pair of you did put away a lot last night.”

He put his hands on the rail, watching the waves. “I um… did I, er, do or say anything inappropriate last night?”

“Heh, no. But you did curl up in the corner and fell asleep purring, which I thought was a bit odd.”

He rubbed the back of his head, clearly embarrassed. “Eh-heh… I did?”

“Yup, Thaily couldn’t stop laughing. Well, at least until she passed out.’

“Oh. Ah well, I suppose it’s better that I made myself look stupid, than stuffed things up by trying to jump her bones.”

Taross chuckled. “Probably.”

“So, how’s progress? Are we still making good time?”

“Oh yes. Currently we’re two and a half days ahead of schedule. We should reach Vellardieu in three days. You estimated you’d be there two days tops?”

Corwyn’s face hardened. “If my niece is still on the estate, probably not even one. If not, might take a couple of days to find her.”

“What makes you think she might not be there?” Taross asked.

“Because Armand Arneviste isn’t the foul piece of crap his son turned out to be. He’s an influential member of the Pellandrian navy, and well respected, despite his Hybrid son. He isn’t the sort to keep a young girl captive. Then again, he couldn’t very well just let her go, because that would release a witness to his son’s crimes. I don’t believe he’d murder her, but it’s possible, I suppose.” His head hung. “Megan…” He whispered.

Taross gently placed her hands on his right hand. “Are you ok?”

He straightened, taking a deep breath. “I’ll be fine.” He stretched again. “Despite the fact that I think it tastes foul, I think I need a large flask of coffee. And maybe some breakfast.” He paused, and turned to Taross with a grin. “Any more of those noodles going?”


	The town was as bright and airy as he remembered. True, at it’s heart lay the same fortifications that were common to Pellandrian ports, but Vellardieu was home to a large number of naval vessels, and with such protection the town had grown well beyond the boundaries of it’s walls. People went their way about their business in the morning sun, paying little attention to the Tigers and Wolves disembarking from one of the many ships scattered around the harbour. It was only when the two Dragons appeared, that people began to pay attention. Most had never even seen one Dragon before, let alone a pair, and quite a few people stopped to watch.

“You ok? You look pretty queasy.” Kalisandra asked.

“I’m fine, I’m just… scared, y’know? Scared of what I’m going to find…” Corwyn replied, biting his lip.

“You’ll find what you find. No point beating yourself up over it.”

“True enough, and I can’t exactly put it off. Let’s go.” He turned and walked off, followed by the two Dragons and his own guards. As they came to the main gate from the harbour they were met by two guards, who looked very nervous at the sight of Kalisandra, clad in full armour.

“State your business, Tiger.”

“I am Firstborn Amberstar, here to see Lord Arneviste about a delicate matter.”

The Bear’s eyes, which hadn’t left Kalisandra, shifted to Corwyn. “Amberstar? If you’d come with me please.”

“We are expected?” Corwyn asked, surprised.

“Not a such, sir. But there is a standing order for any party from House Amberstar to be immediately escorted to see Lord Arneviste.”

“Ah, I see.” He gestured in the direction of the town centre. “After you, Sergeant.”

The big Bear led them through the streets. Every eye was on them. People were even coming to their doors and windows to see them pass. Kalisandra chuckled. “You’d think they’d never seen a Dragon before…” Branin grinned.

“Certainly looks that way. Hmm, looks like that’s where we’re headed.” As he’d been speaking, they had rounded a corner, and come into a much more open street, leading from the town gates, and ending in front of the Lord’s manor. It was, compared to the rest of the town, quite impressive. Three stories high, with large windows, it made the surrounding buildings seem small and cramped. There was a large airy balcony on the third floor, with bay doors. Several figures could be seen sitting on the balcony, but it was hard to tell who they might be. As the group neared, the figures rose, moving to the balcony’s edge. One of them waved the others away and stood watching.

“That’ll be Armand.” Corwyn looked grim.

“This way, Sir.” The Bear ushered them towards the open double doors, the darkened interior rendered invisible by the brilliance of the whitewashed walls, radiant in the morning light. As they neared the doors, a Tiger emerged from the darkness. He paused as they passed.

“They’re to be shown straight up to the balcony. His Lordship’s waiting.” he said, before hurrying off into town. The Bear bowed, and entered, followed by Corwyn and the others. The entrance hall was large and sumptuous. Rich mahogany and oak panelled the walls, and twin oak stairs rose on each side of the room, meeting to form a balcony, behind which rose another staircase. Above them, suspended from the painted and gilded ceiling, hung a glittering crystal chandelier, sparkling in the sunlight. Corwyn paid it little attention, merely following the Bear up the stairs in silence.

‘See how tense he’s getting?’ Kalisandra ‘whispered’.

‘Yes. Hope he keeps it together.’ Branin answered. Corwyn’s ear twitched, and both decided it was better to be quiet. They crossed the balcony, richly carpeted in crimson, and up the stairs, coming to a long hallway. Portraits hung everywhere, recalling the lords and ladies of the family’s history, but they weren’t paying attention to that.

The Bear turned left, walked to the first door to the left and opened it. “In here, please.” He stepped back, allowing them to pass, and closed the door behind them.

Across the room, the bay doors still stood open, and through them they could see him still standing there, hands on the rail, head bowed slightly. Corwyn took a few deep breaths, eyes closed, remembering what was important. He exhaled sharply, and walked out, stopping a few feet behind Arneviste.

“Where is she?”

“And you are?” Arneviste turned slowly.

“Firstborn Amberstar. Where is my niece?”

“She’ll be here shortly. I sent her to my sister when I found out she was here.”

“Why?” This surprised Corwyn. Surely he wouldn’t want her telling tales?

“To keep her safe from him, of course. I’m a lot of things, but I’ll not let anyone harm a child. Not like that.”

“How… is she?” He felt a little of his anger drain to learn she was alive.

Armand looked back towards town, and across the bay. “As well as can be expected. You’ll see for yourself soon enough. But she’s not why you’re here. Personally, I mean, instead of a lesser envoy. You’re here because of Jean-Paul.”

“Yes.” Corwyn said, holding out a letter. “Here are the charges levied against him.”

Armand took the letter, his face impassive as he read the details. Suddenly he crumpled the letter, hurling it from him as if it were burning him. “Damn you, you bastard! I should have strangled you at birth…” He turned back to Corwyn. “I… damn. What is it, Amberstar? Whatever he is, he’s my son. Last of my line. What do you want to want from me to get him back?”

Corwyn looked him in the eyes. “We want to prevent a war, you see. We know you’ve been secretly backing your son’s activities. Pressuring the Free Captains to give him a wide berth. To have a high ranking Admiral such as yourself backing a pirate would be just the excuse some of our more… ambitious nobles need to push for war.”

Armand was horrified, how had they found that out? The Free Captains were notoriously tight lipped; they’d never admit to being forced to do anything. And by telling him this, he was upping the ante. He was threatening war.
He had to be after something big. “Just tell me what you want.”

Corwyn licked his lips. “I want Luna’s Tear.” There was a gasp from behind him, and he looked back to see both Dragons staring at him in shock. He winked, and turned back. “Nothing more. Just Luna’s Tear.”

Armand stared. “That’s all? Just that?” He’d found it years ago, during a minor skirmish with a pirate. It had been in a chest taken from the pirate captain’s quarters. He’d hoped it was real. That it was the Tear Luna had shed the first time she’d had to part from Sol, her husband and father. But nothing he ever did worked, and when he’d been contacted by a Dragon couple who wanted it, and would exchange a chance at obtaining valuable Dragonsteel weaponry, including, it was rumoured, a new form of firearm, he’d jumped at the chance to offload it.

“Just that. Give me that, and we’ll quietly arrange to send your son to you, and keep everything quiet. No fuss, no war. Agreed?”

“I agree.” He hurried inside, past the others, and flung open a bookcase. Inside, amidst the books was a small box. He held it out. “Here! Take it in return for my son, yes? I have your word?”

Corwyn took the box as the Dragons continued to stare. It was in a box? Unguarded? He truly didn’t have a clue what he had. “I give you my word, yes. He will be returned unharmed.” He tipped the contents of the box out into his hand. It was a silver tear, slightly flattened, with a strange, abstract pattern. The point felt almost needle sharp, and in one side was set a rounded, pale blue turquoise. He looked up; Armand was smiling. “You look suddenly cheerful. You think it’s a fake, don’t you? It’s not, you know. You just don’t know the spell to awaken it.” He held it out, and Branin took it.

‘We’ve got it, Kali. We’ve got it.’ Branin whispered.

“Precisely how did you know to ask for that?” Kalisandra asked.

Corwyn grinned. “My mother overheard you talking on the coach ride back to Kessellon.”

Armand gaped. “You… you mean it really is Luna’s Tear?”

Branin slipped the precious Tear inside a dark purple velvet pouch, which he tucked into his tunic. “Oh yes. We wouldn’t have wasted our time if it wasn’t.”

“All these years…”

“If it’s any consolation, Armand, we wouldn’t have cared if you had the Tear, if not for the fact that one day it would have fallen into your son’s hands. If you’d refused to hand it over, we’d have released all the facts and gone to war, just to get it.” He turned. “Let’s go, we’ll wait for my niece outside.” He paused, letting the others file out.

“Was there something else, Firstborn?” Armand said bitterly.

“My mother has spoken of you before, and I got the impression you were not a man without honour. A good man, just on the other side of the line. Why did you back him? Why give him your support?”

Armand sat heavily into a large, upholstered chair. “I didn’t want him crossing any of the Free Captains and dying in a duel, or in a battle at sea, that’s all. He’s my only son, understand? The last of my House. I can’t just let the line die. I never imagined he’d go so far…”

“I see.” Corwyn said quietly. “In any case, I suppose I should thank you for one thing.”

“Thank me?”

“For sending her away once you found her. I assume he smuggled her inside?”

“Yes. She’d been here only a couple of days when a maid heard something in a room she’d been told not to enter. Fearing an intruder she summoned a guard, and they found her tied up inside. Damn him! To do that to anyone, never mind a child… So I had her cleaned up, a nurse was called to tend to her wounds…”

“A nurse? Why not a doctor.”

Armand rubbed his eyes “We did call a doctor, but she wouldn’t let him near, so his assistant had to do it. Anyway, I sent her to my sister, to look after until I knew who she was. Unfortunately, she didn’t speak to anyone at first. It was only three weeks ago she felt able to tell my sister her name, and when I heard my son had lost a naval engagement near Kessellon, I knew it was only a matter of time before someone arrived for her. Dammit, why was he even there. He was supposed to bring the Dragons straight to me.”

“Our fault. One of his own officers was so sickened by him, that he anonymously tipped us off. We allowed his spy to deliver news of a prize cargo, and he took the bait.”

“An ambush?” Armand frowned.

“Does a murderous pirate deserve any better?”

Armand sat back. “No. No, I suppose not…”

“Once I’m back in Kessellon, we’ll send him back to you.” Corwyn turned and walked off.

“Thank you for not killing him.” Armand replied, before the door closed, leaving him with his thoughts.


	“Here he comes.” Branin said, peering into the comparative gloom. Corwyn was making his way across the entrance hall, and blinked as he stepped out into the bright sunlight.

“Wintermoon. Back to the ship, let them know we’ll be back shortly, and that we’ll leave tomorrow, on the second high tide. Then take the day off.”

“Sir.” The young Wolf jogged off.

“You three can go too.”

“Sir.” “Yes Sir.”

Bob hesitated. “Thanks Corwyn. You ok?”

“I’m fine. Go, have fun.” He watched them leave. “Kalisandra, can I ask a favour?”

She regarded his suspiciously. “What kind of favour.”

“Considering all she’s been through, I think it wise to have a woman here when Megan arrives. Would you stay?”

“Oh! I, um, sure.” She took off her helmet. “Branin, love, be a dear and drop this off at the ship. And I’m sure it would be best to get the Tear stowed safely away.” She kissed the top of his head.

“No problem, Kali. See you when you get back.” He walked off, carrying her enormous helm.

She smiled. “Best if I’m not wearing that when she gets here. It sorta makes me look scary, or so I’m told.”

“Damn straight.” Corwyn replied, grinning.

“Can I ask you something while were alone?”

“Sure.”

“We both know that’s the real Tear. You mentioned spells back there.”

“Yes?”

“Do you actually know any, or were you just yanking his chain?” Kalisandra watched him carefully. He was intent on the entrance to the manor’s grounds, watching for his niece.

“We’ve an extensive library at home, and I’ve read almost everything written about our gods, their legacies, and their prophets. The book ‘Spells and Charms of Luna’ has several chapters devoted to her Tear.”

“I see. Not tempted to keep it and take it’s power for yourself?”

“An Amberstar’s word is their bond.” Corwyn said, smiling up at her “We promised to hand it over, and we have. No, it’s not destined for me, though I feel blessed to have actually seen it, never mind hold it in my hand. It’s quite lovely.”

“And dangerous.” Kalisandra added. “Coach coming.”

A large wooden coach had entered the courtyard, pulled by two magnificent black horses. Arneviste came out, standing beside the pair, as the coach came to a halt. The coachman, a rather stern looking Rat, clambered down, and opened the door. A plump, elderly Tigress stepped out, still regal despite her age “Armand!”

He stepped over, and hugged her. “Celeste.”

“I brought her as soon as the messenger arrived. Oh, I say!” Kalisandra grinned, her appearance often met with that reaction.

“Celeste, may I present Firstborn Amberstar, and Kalisandra Brokenfang.”

Celeste bowed slightly. “A pleasure to meet you.”

“Likewise.” Corwyn answered. “My niece is with you?”

Celeste turned back to the coach, reaching in. “Come on, dear, there’s someone here to take you home.” She drew back, leading out a small figure, that Corwyn didn’t immediately recognise. Was that really Megan?

“Megan?” She looked round, blinking in the strong light. She looked so thin, and tired, and he was horrified to see that she was missing most of her right ear. He took a step towards her, and she cringed. “Megan, it’s me. It’s Corwyn. I’m here to take you home.”

“Uncle?” She took a single faltering step, before stopping.

He dropped to one knee, arms open. “That’s it. Come on, you know your Uncle Cory won’t hurt you. Let’s go home…” Slowly, she shuffled closer, and he gently wrapped his arms about her. She flinched, but didn’t pull away.

“Am… am I really going home?” she whispered. “Oh!”

He relaxed his hold, sitting back on his foot, his hands on her shoulders. “Meg, I’d like you to meet Kalisandra.”

She stared, and for a few seconds wonder outshone the sad hurt in her eyes. Corwyn stood, and Megan leant to see past him. Kalisandra gave a little wave. “Hi there.” She was the biggest creature she’d ever seen, but she seemed friendly. Megan smiled weakly.

“I’ve instructed the coachman to take you back to your ship.” Celeste said. “Though I had not anticipated someone as… ah… large as your friend there.”

“Don’t mind me, I’ll just follow the coach.”

Corwyn led his niece back to the open door, and helped her in. As he turned back to the others, she grabbed his arm. “Don’t leave me!”

“I’m not leaving you…”, he said softly. “I just need to have a quick word with Mr Arneviste. I’ll be right back. Watch from the door, I won’t go far.” Reluctantly, she let go of his arm. As he walked to Armand, he glanced back. There she was, peering out nervously, her attention flicking between him and the Dragon.

“What happened to her ear?”

Arneviste frowned. “An infected cut on her ear turned gangrenous.”

“I see. Any other permanent injuries I should know about?”

“A few scars and cuts, nothing major…”

Corwyn was silent for a moment. “I thank you for taking care of her. Lady Arneviste. Armand, your son will be sent once I get her home. My advice is to keep him confined to your estate, get him a couple of Tiger courtesans, and hope he produces an heir.”

“Confined?”

Corwyn looked him in the eyes. “In case my mother sends a Guild assassin to kill him once he’s home.”

“You have Guild connections?” Armand was shocked.

“We know who to talk to, that’s all. I’ll try to keep her calm, but I can’t promise anything. You don’t strike me as a bad man, Armand. I’d hate to see your line die because of one bad seed.”

Armand winced at that, but said nothing as Corwyn walked away. “Take us to the harbour. Dock seventeen.” Corwyn called, as he clambered in beside Megan. She started slightly, as the coach moved off, and clasped her hands tight in her lap. Other than the damage to her ear, he couldn’t see any other injuries. Physically, it seemed, she was fine. Then again, that wasn’t what had him worried. She’d always been a tearaway, rushing around without a care, and rarely quiet. Yet here she was, quiet as a mouse and seemingly too timid to move. Megan had grown up alongside Teshia, and he’d seen both often. Admittedly, he hadn’t seen Megan for some time, as she’d been sent to act as a Lady-in-Waiting to Amelia Moonsilver. Ah, Gregory, Corwyn thought. I bet you were planning to surprise us by being early. Maybe you just didn’t want the fuss of waiting for us to send an escort. He sighed and sat back, eyes closed. He felt her stir, and he sat up. She was nervously watching him, and had leant away slightly.

“Don’t you worry, we’ll soon have you home again.” She looked down again.

“Home…” Megan whispered.

“Teshia misses singing with you.” At that, a little of the tenseness seemed to drain away, and she closed her eyes. Aunt Teshia. Her wonderful ‘Big Sis’. Silently, tears began to run down her face.

“Megan?” He’d thought the idea of going home to her closest friend would cheer her a little, but it looked as if the opposite were true. “Megan, I’m sorry. I never meant to upset you…”

“Why me? Why didn’t he kill me too?” she whispered, trembling slightly. “He killed everyone else, why not me?” Gently he reached out to touch her hand. She flinched, and he pulled away.

“I don’t know, exactly, but I’m glad he didn’t. What would we do without you, hmm? What would Teshia do without her ‘little sister’?”

She looked up at him, tears streaming down her face drenching the soft fur of her cheeks. Unexpectedly, she fell against him, burying her face in the dark red velvet of his dress uniform. “Oh Uncle…” While not as close to Megan as he was to his sister, he nevertheless loved her very much. Whenever Bronwyn came to visit, she brought Megan with her, and Megan would spend all her time with her ‘Big Sis”, playing and singing in the garden. And of course if Corwyn was in town, Teshia spent all her time with him. So he had come to know her very well. A bright, energetic tomboy, always rushing around getting herself in mischief, that’s how he knew her. No wonder that he hadn’t immediately recognised her. He cautiously folded his arms around her, gently rocking her. For once, he was completely stuck for words. He couldn’t think of a single thing to ease the hurt. All he could do was sit and hold her until she stopped crying. He barely noticed when, a short time later, the coach drew to a halt. The door opened, and the coachman, scowling, opened the door.

“We’re here.”

Corwyn looked up, still holding the sobbing girl. “Go to the ship and ask if either the captain of first mate can come and meet us.” The Rat moved off, grumbling. Kalisandra’s head appeared in the doorway.

“Are you all right in… oh… poor thing…”

“We’ll be fine. I’m just waiting on Thaily or Taross.”

She nodded. “Want me to close the door?”

“Thanks.” She swung the door closed, leaving them in the gloom of the dark coach, all it’s curtains drawn to give them privacy. Corwyn reckoned it was also to stop Megan taking fright. It wasn’t long before there was a knock on he door. “Come in.”

The door opened briefly, and Thaily clambered in, pulling it shut again. “Hey there. You wanted to see me?”

Corwyn nodded, gently rubbing his niece’s back. “We know what sailors are like. I’d like you to warn them to back off. She’s not likely to appreciate even friendly attention. You’ve probably got a reasonable idea of what happened to her, and what she saw on that ship, so I’d really appreciate it.”

“Done.” She rose.

“And a small favour?”

“Yes?”

“Could she stay with either Taross or yourself? I mean, she can’t really stay down with the crew and my lot. Not in her state.”

Thaily looked a little uncomfortable. “I’ll, um, discuss it with Taross. See you when you’re ready.” She left, closing the door behind her.

Megan’s crying slowly grew quieter, and she’d almost stopped trembling. “Meg?” he asked. “Ready to go outside? There’s a nice Lady Captain waiting to take us home on her ship.” She shook her head slightly. “Alright. If you want to stay here a little while, it’s okay. You just say when you’re ready, okay?” She gave a slight nod. “Okay.” He turned his head, resting his cheek softly against her head, and softly hummed an old lullaby he knew. One his mother used to sing when he was small. If she needed a little more time, that was fine by him.


	Taross joined Thaily at the rail. “I’ve warned everyone to keep their yaps shut. Still in there, huh?” Thaily nodded. “So. There was something else you wanted?”

“Corwyn wants one of us to look after the kid.”

“I thought he would. You or me?”

Thaily turned, raising an eyebrow. “Isn’t it obvious? You know I don’t get on with kids. You come from a decent sized family, at least.”

Taross shrugged. “Yes, but you’ve had sailors pawing at you before, so maybe you can relate better.”

“Look, when I went down there she was sobbing her heart out in his arms. I wouldn’t know what to do. What would I say? What if she wakes up screaming in the night?”

Taross smiled slightly. “Never thought I’d see a scared Thaily Brimstone.”

“I’m not scared.” Thaily snapped. “I just don’t want to say or do something wrong.”

Taross took her friends hand. “Tell you what, hun, how bout you look after her during the day, and I’ll take care of her at night? Make sure I’m there to chase the nightmares away, hmm?”

“I still say I’m no good with kids. Especially fucked up ones.”

“Thaily, after all she must have seen during the attack, and what she must have gone through at Arneviste’s hands, do you really think she’s still a kid? And we’re the only two she can stay with on this ship. After all, if you had a nightmare where you were being attacked, would you really want to wake up surrounded by strange men?”

Thaily looked away. “No…”

“At least for a few days, please. Maybe she’ll be ok, maybe not. But I’d like to try, and I know you want to help. At least try before you give up.”

“Who said anything about giving up? I…” Thaily’s sighed. “How ‘bout this? I give up my room and she can stay with her uncle. And you can check on her anytime you like, if you feel you can help.”

Taross smiled. “I guess that means I’ve a cabin mate. Sure. Think they’ll be much longer?”

“I guess they’ll be out when they stop crying.” Thaily said, absentmindedly flicking her earrings with her right forefinger.

“Both of them?” Thaily nodded. Taross found it hard to imagine the big Tiger crying. “You planning on watching till they come out?”

“Well, she is his niece. And yes.”

“Okay then. I suppose I should make sure we’re picking up enough supplies. Then I’m gonna nip into town, for a few things. Need anything?”

“Naw, I’m cool.” Thaily said, and the Taur loped off. A few minutes later, she reappeared, and passed Thaily on her way to the loading ramp. “Have fun, Taross.”

Taross waved. “Bye! See you later.” Thaily waved back as she trotted off, and returned her attention to the coach. After a while she pulled out a nearby belaying pin, unsheathed her claws, and scratched them on the pin. She rarely used them, preferring her rapier, but they had come in useful in the past, so it seemed a good idea to keep them in good condition. She always wondered why she had claws like that. Offhand, she couldn’t think of any kin that did. Maybe she should ask stripey? She finished, putting the pin back, and was startled to see Corwyn standing by the open coach, leading a small figure out. She looked scrawny, and was obviously very scared, clinging to Corwyn for dear life. He pointed up at Thaily, and she saw the girl look up. Gods, so young. Thaily waved, but the girl didn’t seem to notice. Her gaze was everywhere, startled by all the activity. Thaily was glad most of the crew were off elsewhere, and that only a skeleton crew remained to load the supplies. Gently, Corwyn guided the frightened girl up the loading ramp to where she was waiting.

“This is Captain Brimstone, Megan. She’s going to take us home.” Megan briefly looked up, meeting Thaily’s eyes for a brief moment, before dropping again.

“Hello Megan, call me Thaily, ok?” Thaily held out a hand, but all Megan did was stare at it.

“Did you talk to Taross about sleeping arrangements?” Corwyn asked.

Thaily nodded. “I’ll sleep in Taross’ room, and you two can have my cabin for the duration, ok?”

Megan looked up at Corwyn, who was smiling at Thaily. “Thank you, Captain Brimstone, that’s very generous of you.”

Thaily crouched down beside Megan. “Why don’t you go with Corwyn and wait in my cabin. I’ll come get you settled when Taross gets back, ok?” She stood and addressed Corwyn. “Go on, we’ll join you shortly. She’s just nipped off to pick up some things.”

He nodded. “Come along Meg.” Meekly, she went with him to Thaily’s cabin, relieved to be getting out of the gaze of all these men.

Thaily’s attention returned to her crew “OK. THE SOONER WE GET THIS LOT STOWED, THE SOONER YOU CAN HAVE THE REST OF THE DAY OFF.” The pace quickened, and she grinned. Works every time, she thought to herself.



All characters/situations are copyright Graham William Robertson 25th October 2004, with the following exceptions.

Thaily Brimstone and Taross Blackburn belong to the two Dutchfurs using those names.

Please do not plagiarise or re-post without permission. Come to think of it, don’t plagiarise even with permission. Seriously. I have recently enrolled a roving group of kogal kittens in a ninja school, and if you do, I’ll have them come round and open up cans of whup-ass on ya. Unless you’re a tentacle monster. My kogal kitties don’t do tentacle hentai.