Tainted Tides

Chapter 25

*Dec's POV*

"LAND HO!" A loud voice boomed from the crowsnest, indicating our approaching arrival at Baron's bay. I slipped below deck and slinked off my toolbelt, placing it on a small hook I had made in the workshop, then navigated my way to my room. Digging through my sparce belongings, I pulled out a fresh top and sniffed apprehensively. Not that I had much of a choice when it came to clean clothing, but I wanted to present my best for the vendors I'd be dealing with- and for Ant, afterwards...

Mostly for Ant, afterwards...

Deciding that the top in my hands was "fresher", I quickly changed before heading out to find Phil. I'd spent the morning taking stock of our materials under Phil's instruction and made a list of things we needed to buy. We'd never spoken about it but it was clear he wanted to teach me all the responsibilities that came with the job. After all, being a pirate wasn't exactly "safe" and if anything were to happen to him, the ship wouldn't last too long with me not knowing half the job.

I found the silver-haired man standing on the forecastle deck, watching the steadily approaching array on short stone buildings, nestled behind a bed of sand. I silently joined him, enjoying the fresh breeze carrying the faint scents of life on land; the most notable of which being freshly baked bread.

Oh, how I would love a loaf of bread and a bowl of hot soup right now...

The soft lurch of the ship hitting the dock brought me back to my bread-filled daydreams. I turned to look at Phil, noticing he was already waiting for me to acknowledge his gaze. I nodded sheepishly, silently saying I was ready to go, then quickly followed his brisk pace off the boat.

Our footsteps rang out on the cobblestones with purpose and in unison. We slinked through the streets as equals, heading directly for the vendors we knew could help us.

Neither of us wanted to dawdle when we knew there was more enjoyable things we could be doing in the city- Rather, more enjoyable people.

As we had the first time, we slipped through the crowds of people and into the more quiet alleyways of the town. As we did, Philip slowed down, making me follow suit.

"We're going to the same man we went to last time, but I want you to make it seem like we've been shopping around. He always has the best prices but he doesn't need to know we're set on him." Phil said without making eye contact. I turned to look at him, cocking my eyebrow in confusion.

"O-okay..." I replied.

"You're going to be doing the talking today. You've seen me do it before, so you should be fine. Memorize the list. Don't pull it out when we are there; it looks weak."

I gulped as goosebumps rose over my skin and a faint ringing began in my ear. I shouldnt be this nervous! I began practicing the conversation in my head. Replaying it over, and over again like a broken record, all the while feeling incredibly frustrated at my sudden wave of anxiety.

In the midst of that, I felt a warm hand make contact with my back. "Relax Dec, I wouldn't have you do this if I didn't know you could. Give yourself the credit you deserve."

I replied with a soft, silent nod, and continued forward. I could do this.

*****
"ahh hello, Philip, and.... Declan? Was it?" The large burly man said as we approached his stall.

"Hello, Anders. I hope you're well," I replied with my hand outstretched, while Phil politely smiled and waited for me to shake Anders' hand before doing the same. "I'm glad you're around today," I start speaking."We're fairy certain we've found the best deal for our needs, but I insisted we come see what you can offer to your loyal customers." I said, trying to mimic the tone I'd heard Phil negotiate in last time. Anders' face washed with confusion and mild panic at my words.