The Eternal Return

Harbinger

Gavin tilt the cup, revealing nothing under it and gave the now furious man a grin. "Sorry, mate. Maybe next time you should use your eyes." He winked and jumped back laughing when the man, who couldn't keep his eye on a rock to save his life, swung himself over the crate to try and grab him. Dodging under the large arms, Gavin grabbed the coins that still lay on the crate.

            "Thanks!" He stepped back into the crowd, easily blending. Nudging the coins around in his palm, he decided he didn't have nearly enough for the day. He squinted up at the clear sky and realized the day was already half over. The dock bustled with activity, more than usual actually, but he was fine with that. The more noise and movement, the more likely someone wouldn't notice the slip of a coin purse. Several purses found their way into his possession.

            Gavin closed his hands around a small, smooth pocketbook and was about to keep moving when a hand clamped down over his. Startled, he tried to release, but the grip was firm. The woman that confronted him was tall, wearing a fine traveling dress. Her pretty face was twisted into a grimace.

            "What are you doing?"

            Gavin laughed uneasily, glancing around and hoping they weren't gathering attention. That'd definitely be bad for business. "Oh, nothing miss. Just a slip," he pulled his hand out of her shockingly strong grasp, "Of a hand. Meant nothing by it."

            Her lips curled into a semblance of a smile and her eyes were frosty. "I'm sure. I think," she tapped her chin, "that if you're inclined to help me, I won't scream right now."

            "Or I could just run off, ma'am."

            "Or I could still scream and there will be wanted posters put up in the morning."

            He frowned. "I see your logic, what do you need?"

            "I need a guide," she replied. Her expression didn't change when he let out a bark of a laugh. He stepped back a bit, but she matched it. She wasn't going to just let him get away, he realized.

            "Help me or not. It's your choice." She shrugged and seemed to be preparing herself for a scream.

            "Where to?"

            She settled down, smug. "I need to get to the Harbinger."

            "A ship?" Not many finely dressed women could be found aboard ships, least of all ones like the Harbinger.

            She clapped her hands. "Such intelligence!"

            With a scowl and an insult held in, Gavin nodded and motioned for her to follow. He didn't bother to glance back as he went, figuring she'd yell 'thief' if she lost him in the crowd. The closer they got to the bad side of the port, the crowds thinned. Against the pale sky, a black ship towered over the boats around it. The sail cracked against the breeze and crates were being moved on and off of it. He glanced back at the woman, "You sure this is what you're looking for?"

            Her smile was thin and she crossed her arms across her chest. "Sure, of course."

            He glanced back at the ship. "Alright then. Payment?"

            She laughed, "A thief's payment is a night free. Go on then."

            Gavin blocked her escape with a scowl. "I don't think so. I just ask a few."

            She laughed again and shook her head.

            "Problem, Angeline?" The voice was deep and Gavin whipped around to find himself face to face with a very large man. He paled. It was the captain of the Harbinger, Duarte. The man shoved Gavin aside and slung an arm around the woman.

            "Oh no, not at all. I've found you another recruit!"

            Gavin snapped his gaze to the woman, Angeline apparently, and she gave him cruel smile.