Desires of Men ~SEQUEL TO THE LIFE I LIVE~

Ortygia

"Prepare to surface." Jean Bart announced through the speakers of the submarine, pressing buttons for pressure gauges and turning knobs for mechanical movements. Bepo helped reach the ones that he would have had to stand up to move. He could hear the vessel respond to the gadgets and soon the water was rushing down below the viewing window, the water getting clearer and brighter as they ascended. Suddenly, with a rush of water and a small bounce, the metal vessel broke the surface and there lay an island in sight.

Ortygia was fairly small, no wider than a mile or two across. From the looks of it, it was a summer or spring climate island. It had one large mountain, adorned in green foliage, that rose from the center of the island to a peak. Grabbing the intercom again, he turned it on momentarily.

"Approaching the island. Stand by for docking." A small port came into view, large enough to fit a dozen or so ships at the most. The mechanics and rigging crew could be heard running through the halls to prepare for docking.

~~~

Law gathered the men in front of the sub after docking. "We'll stay at a tavern tonight. A little time out of the submarine will do us good." He didn't mention the fact that the general morale from being cooped up inside the metal vessel and missing one of their crew was started to weigh on him as well. "We also need to stock up on supplies. Casper has several lists of things needed, he'll give you a job to do. Get them done quickly and meet back here."

The older cook distributed the papers and set off with the men to buy the necessary things. All that was left afterwards was Law and Bepo who needed to book several rooms at the inn.

The town was quite small, not surprising from the size of the whole island. What it lacked in size it made up for in culture. The town thrived; merchants were set up all around the port with tables filled with fish-which Bepo only reluctantly passed by-to colored tents selling fine jewelry. The noise level was much more than what Law would have expected. The people were just as rambunctious as his crew could be at a party with too much alcohol.

Several times their way was blocked by crowds of people passing by or running children. By the time they made it to the tavern, just a few hundred feet from the dock, Law was about ready to slice a few of the obnoxious children to pieces. Only the thought of a room with fresh air stopped him from causing havoc in the streets.

A rusty sign indicated that the 'Merchant's Corner Tavern and Inn' was open for business, creaking with every swing from the wind. The captain and first mate stepped inside to the cooler interior of the building. Inside, a large fireplace took up most of one wall. There was wood in the pit but it remained unlit. Tables and chairs littered the room. They all seemed either old and worn or greasy and unwashed. Tankards lined the bar, an ornately decorated counter with bright stained glass behind it caught the eye.

Being so early in the day, there were only a handful of people seated at the tables and bar. They looked up at the two new arrivals, staring only a little at the strange sight of a bear, but quickly going back to their food and drinks. Law wasn't surprised by this. Most people tended not to stick their noses in everyone's business. Especially a pirate's business.

Walking up to the bar where a busty woman cleaned tankards, Law leaned an elbow on the counter.

"Excuse me, but who do I talk to about getting rooms?" Without a word the woman-no, she couldn't have been more than 16, the girl gestured to a man behind another counter, tucked in the opposite corner by a set of ascending stairs. Thanking the girl with a nod, Law headed over towards the man.

"Are you the innkeeper?" Law inquired politely. The balding older gentleman glanced up from his books. Peering through his small glasses, he straightened up at the sight of the two pirates.