OUTCAST : THE PATH OF A WARRIOR

16. AYE AYE CAPTAIN

CHAPTER 16

There were three ships laying in wait for the Black Bull. The two imperial, large military ships, belonging to the kingdom, were laying port side, between us and the open Pearl sea, the other was a smaller frigate , built for speed and for quick manoeuvre. It was afloat between us and just beyond the harbour port.

It seemed we were at the mercy of the kingdom, partly encircled by this massive u-shape bay.

All along, one side of the u-shape edges ,from the harbour and out, towards the open sea,  where the  wealthy had their enormous beach condos.

But looking to the other side, the contrast was just plain remarkable.

Fishing hamlets, that were overlooked by tall hills, resembling old shacks, put together by men who knew nothing of construction. But were too busy mending their fishing nets.

A small boat was approaching, two men rowed a third man, who stood firmly, holding a large white flag. The vessel floated effortlessly in the calm water, slowly coming towards us.

The sun light caught the man's shiny armour, but as the vessel came closer, it was obvious to me...that he was no ordinary soldier.

I grabbed the spyglass from my brother, so to get a closer look, and to confirm my suspicions. "By the heathen Gods!" I murmured. " It's him.... Tinman....what's he up to?"

The boat began to slow down as it came closer and within earshot of the men on the ship, and the oars finally came to a stop. "Who is your captain?" Said Johna, aka Tinman, who held the white flag high up.

The two captains stepped closer and leaned slightly over the rail. " Who wants to know!" Called out Yioki, his voice bellowing loudly towards the man below, and beyond.

He stood impressively confident, and turned his metal armour towards the ship. " I am but a messenger, sent to bare you heavy tidings...King Ballar the fifth, requests that your ship is now, temporary, in the custody of the kingdom!"

I pushed forward and stood beside my brothers, and leaned over the rail. "Johna!.. What are you playing at my friend? Have you lost your mind? How could you go back to these vile enslavers!"

"Norak, my friend, forgive me, but I'm not at liberty to explain, but be warned, they have the power and the means to take your ship, by force or by peaceful means, either way, you will be boarded or destroyed!"

"And what of the General and the others?" I said, anger trying to overwhelm me.
"I truly don't know, my friend, since we parted ways from the woods." Said Johna.

The three brothers looked at each other, but Parissa, who was silent until now came forward.

"I sense a power that I've never felt before, coming from the frigate, just ahead". Said Parissa, gesturing her head past the small boat, and on to the two tiny figures standing on the deck, in the distance.

"So, what do you suppose our options are?" Said Paulos, who turned to confide with his brothers and Parissa. " It's now pretty clear to what exactly they want, but is it worth the fight, and perhaps losing our ship?"

All three of us turned our attention towards the enemy .
"If we let them have the stones, would they allow us to leave?" Asked Yioki, glancing first at Parissa, then one by one to his brothers.

Parissa was first to answer. "I'm afraid the chances are slim to none, why would a ruthless ruler, let three warrior fighters such as yourselves, go free, even if his real prize would be the stones, the Arena is where he will eventually put you, and your crew."

"In that case I say we take our chances!" Paulos said, with some vigour. " What do you say brothers...? Are you up for a fight, boys?" He continued more vigorously, turning from his brothers towards the crew, who were eagerly awaiting the captains orders.