Manorborn: The Battles Between

Chapter 6

"That went better than planned."

Jaryd rose to his feet and held his bound wrists out to Galen. A quick slice, and the ropes parted, allowing the eldest of the Manorborn to take his staff in hand. Even as Galen cut Jaryd's bonds, Benjamin rose and parted his wrists, tearing the fibers apart as easily as if they were made of paper.

Beag looked from one brother to the other, her face first twisting in confusion, then eyes widening and jaw-dropping as realization came over her. The dwarf's voice was firmly accusatory when she spoke.

"You, either of you, could have taken Crow at any time you chose! You coerced him into fighting you!"

The last was emphasized by a glare from the stocky first mate that was directed at Galen with all the ferocity of twin cannons firing a full broadside attack. The sheer force of her accusation was nearly physical in its potency.

"I did not coerce him." Galen was not apologetic in the least as he met Beag's gaze with his own; steady and firm as he continued. "The Law of the Sea allows for anyone to challenge the captain of a ship for rights to rule, as you know. I did what the Law allowed me to do; challenge Crow for the supremacy of command. He had beaten all the others who served him, so I knew he would have to accept the challenge or worry that the others would see him as weak and try to overthrow him. Did I feel confident he would accept the challenge? Yes. But I did nothing untoward, I did not coerce or trick him. I did what I was allowed to do and nothing more."

Beag held his gaze for a moment, wanting to argue, wanting to challenge Galen and his calm assurance, to bring him down a peg or two. But there was nothing she could say, for he was right. Being captain of a Free Ship meant you were either elected to the position, as Mahrmia had been, or you took and held it by foce, as Crow had attempted to do. Indeed, Captains who ruled by the latter method were looked down upon by their peers and fellows and considered little more than bullies and tyrants. And, as often as not, they were often overthrown themselves by one who was stronger or more popular than they were.

A Free Ship meant the crew was free to challenge, to argue, to contest, at any given time if a Captain acted in a way they deemed unfit or incorrect. A true Captain listened to their crew, and led by example, with wisdom and guidance by good council. Mahrmia was such a captain, and the value of this was proven in the loyalty of her crew.

But now, Galen was, by right, the Captain of the Leal, and Beag was not pleased by this at all.

The dwarf took up her weapons but did not sheath her blades. She stood facing Galen, ready to fight, ready to defend her friend and her captain, eyes firm and steady, steel in her spine, and fire in her gaze.

"Mahrmia is Captain of this ship, and no other. I will fight you as her First Mate, if I must, to prove her claim."

Sheathting his swords, Galen put up his hands in a display of submission.

"I have no interest in being captain of the Leal, Beag. I fought to reclaim the ship for Mahrmia, and no other reason. I do not desire the Captaincy, I promise you."

Mahrmia came up to Beag, azure eyes gazing into her friend's warmly, confidently, as she put a hand on the short warrior's shoulder.

"I believe him, Beag. I truly do. Your defense of me is appreciated, and warms my heart, but you do not need to do so."

Blue eyes met gray as Mahrmia looked at Galen closely, examining him for a moment, then smiling slightly.

"He speaks truth; he does not want the Leal." A small laugh from soft lips. "In truth, Beag, I do not think he can do anything but speak the truth. It is not in him to do so."

The First Mate gave a humph, then pointed her finger up into Galen's face, her eyes focused, glaring.

"I've me eye on you, Manorborn. Me loyalty is to me Captain, and not to you. If you do anythin' to threaten her, or her lead of this ship, you and I will have words spoken through steel."