The Lady and The Hunter

Chapter 3

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Laura's pov

It had been an entire day after setting sail away from the kingdom. We were headed out on our way to find the Red Bluster. I on the other hand have been trying my best to blend in with the sailors, not to get noticed by anyone. I helped as much as I could, keeping my head low. Now and then I would walk by the ale barrels surprised that the little girl managed to last this long hiding in there. What was her plan anyway?

I helped with putting the cannons in place and made sure the food was stocked away safely and secured. I tightened ropes and kept the deck cleaned for the past hour. As the sun was soon to set, everyone was gathered on the dock to hear what their captain had to say.

"For we are hunters and we will bring all of our skill and all of our rage down upon this beast. And there will be justice!" He shouts, holding his spear into the air. The sailors all cheered loudly, raising their fists into the air as well.

"But that will not be the end of this great ship. For no one has sailed beyond the Dregmorr Sea. No one knows what dangers lurk in that terrible unknown. But it will be this ship, under Jacob Holland, that will pierce the darkness!"

Everyone cheered for Jacob, giving him playful shoves and pats on the back. A small smile made its way to my lips. My smile soon faded when I noticed a few sailors, rolling the barrels up a ramp onto a flat surface, one containing the girl inside.

"Let's drink to a successful hunt, with many more to come!" Captain Crow shouts.

"This should be good.." I mumbled as I sat off to the side, watching as they hammered the pipe into each barrel with the last one letting out an 'Ouch'. The crowd fell silent and stared at the barrel as Jacob approached it. He lifted the barrel, placing it right side up. He lifted it to see the girl in a balled-up position and a nervous smile on her face, releasing a slight chuckle.

"You stowed away?"

"I stowed away.."

With his hand now on his face in disappointment, he repeated what he said. The little girl stood up with a smile on her face. "Yeah.."

"Well, we're dropping you off at the nearest port. We're going after the Bluster. We can't have a kid mucking about." Jacob said.

"What's this then?" Captain Crow approached the little girl who seemed a bit scared at first until a smile came to her face.
"The name Maisie Brumble, but you need no introduction. You've been swallowed whole, shot through the heart, and cut to pieces. But the worms won't eat you and hell won't take you, so here you are! The right, proud commander of the second-greatest hunting ship that ever sailed."

"second greatest?" he repeated. Which then may I ask, is the greatest?" he asked, leaning down at the little girl.

"I'm partial to the Monarch, for it's the ship my parents served on." She said. "I see, then they died heroes, didn't they?"

"Aye."

"I like this kid. She's all vinegar." Captain said as he turned away. "But, C-Captain-"

"Sarah, be good enough to take her in, would you?" He stopped in front of me, giving me the side eye once again before fully turning to look at me. "And you. What are you doing on this ship?" he asked. My heart skipped a beat at his sudden question. "I've been helping out around the ship, Captain!" I responded. "and who let you on board?" he asked. My eyes wandered over to the sailor I spoke to earlier and he shook his head slightly.

I cleared my throat and stood up. "I saw that your crew needed a helping hand with the crates and I decided to help since I had nothing better to do. So now, you're stuck with me as a new member of your ship, Captain!"

"I could have you thrown off and fed to the monsters below, little girl. But since I've decided to keep the stowaway, another helping hand wouldn't hurt. Just don't get yourself killed. Jacob, take her in for questioning." He said walking away.

I smiled that I got to stay, excited to see what adventures the Inevitable will take me on!

The little girl grabbed a mug of ale, shoving Jacob with a smile. "Congratulations, Captain Someday."  She hit her mug against his before jumping off the platform. He took away the ale as she walked off. I chuckled at her behavior which reminded me of me when I was little.

"Well that was a handful, don't you think?" Jacob asked as he approached me. "I think she likes you," I said with a smile as I went in for a sip of my ale. "Woah don't, not so fast!" He took it from my grip and I looked at him in disbelief. "I don't know how old you are."

"Have you never seen a lady before?" I asked, taking it back from his grip. "I've seen plenty of women, just not any who look like you." He said, crossing his arms. "I'm 24 soon to be 25 and what do you mean by that? Are you calling me ugly?" I asked, gripping tightly onto the handle of my mug.

"No no, it's just. Your skin is smooth by the looks of it. Soft, gentle hands and you smell better than anyone here. This ship isn't a place for you to be, princess." He said. "I- I am no princess I guarantee you that. Besides, I'm perfect for this crew! I know my way 'round a sword."

"Aye, but do you know your way with the beasts? They can be mean and scary. Try not to freeze when one comes round, freckles." He said. "freak- what?" I raised a brow toward him. "You have freckles." He said, gulping his ale before placing the empty mug down. "If you ever need anything, let me know. He said, walking away.

I watched as he walked away. "wait, aren't you going to question me? You know ask my name and whatnot?" I quickly followed behind him. He stooped in his tracks, turning around with a slight smile. "No need to question you. You're harmless." He said. "Harmless?!"

"Yes, harmless-" my sword suddenly stuck into the wooden pole by his head. Before he could take a drink of his ale, he froze, turning his attention to the sword. He then looked back at me with a shocked expression. "How's that for harmless?" I asked as I crossed my arms. His expression soon changed to a smirk. "You missed." was all he said before walking away.

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