The Ice Crystal (Published)

Chapter 35

Have I mentioned that I hate dressing like this? I have? Good because I really hate it! Myriani may think I look nice, but I really don't feel it. She says that we should think of different styles than our own. She said that it opens up the mind to more freedom. I just agree with it and look ahead trying to ignore the staring and the whistling from the men. This is why I hate dressing like this. Yes it is more free, but it just draws attention from the men. I hate drawing attention to myself. I know I sound ironic since I've broken out of Argostia, lived with the elves for a short time, and entered a city that doesn't even want me here, but that's it.

I hate the stone ground underneath my feet. How can the people stand this. I would rather be on grass barefoot than this dirty city. Still I would like to have some kind of shoe on my feet. Liz was right, this place is a dump. I keep looking down at the ground to see if is any broken glass anywhere. I wouldn't be surprised if there were. Surprisingly, however, the streets are clean.

"You ladies lost?" A man steps in front of us, but I just push past him, "Hey bitch! I'm talkin' to yas here!"

I stop in my tracks and turn on my heels and face the man. He's a pirate no doubt about it. He isn't a slim fellow. He fits the perfect description of a captain. A fat gut, dirty beard, and he does have a captain's sword that I have seen multiple times; this pirate is dangerous.

"What do you want fat guts?" I ask coldly.

"Yous better watch yer language round me missy!" he marches up to me and I can smell his disgusting stench, "I'm well known round these here parts and yer not gonna make a fool outta me!"

"Seems like that's already happened." I poke him in his fat stomach and then turn around and start walking again.

"You little bitch! I'll teach ya a thing or two bout messin with me!"

I hear his feet pounding the ground behind us. I dodge his meaty fist and then spin kick him to the face. He goes down in crash. He doesn't move another muscle. I didn't kill the guy, just knocked him out cold for a few. Maybe next time, he'll think twice about messing with me!

"I can't believe she did that!"

"Does she know who he is?"

"She possibly can't!"

"She just knocked out Dogen the Red Devil of the Lake! He's the most notorious pirate around!"

"Ohoho the slut's going to pay for that!"

"Call me a slut again and you'll end up losing that tongue!" I unsheathe Artenagon and point it at the women, "I'll make it quick."

"You're not from around these parts ain't ya?" She marches up to the point of the blade, "Welcome to your home for a while cuz no ship is leavin' for a while. A sea beast was seen yesterday and it's not happy."

"I'll just kill it then." I tell her, "I'm not afraid of a monster!"

"The governor thinks it'll just pass, but you're welcome to try. I wish you good luck."

She walks away laughing. I sheathe Artenagon and just remembered not to draw attention to ourselves and I did just that. I just knocked out the most notorious pirates around. What a great way to make an entrance. The crowd around us disperses and we continue on our way.

"Now hold up little girls." Dogen stands up behind us, "I have a proposition for ya."

"What's that?" I turn around, "If it has to do with getting out of here, I'm all ears."

"Well looks like you read my mind." Dogen walks over, "You help me claim the reward on that beast's head, I'll take to the mainland."

"What's the catch?" Myriani walks up beside me.

"You join my crew." He smiles, "I could use a couple of strong and good looking women on my ship. So waddya say?"

"We can't go along with this!" Myriani whispers in my ear, "Him and his crew will use us for... bad things!"

"We let him take us to the other country and then we leave him as quick as possible. Just be on your guard. We won't be separated." I whisper back.

I turn back to Dogen, "Fine, but we get to have a say on the ship and we aren't completely under your control. We get a room together and three meals a day. I also want a thousand gold coins up front."

"You are a tough negotiator." He rubs his beard, "I like that in a women. You got yourself a deal."

He holds out his hand and we shake. We'll defeat this beast and help the people of this city. No matter who lives here, I will make sure that they live in peace. Looks like we don't need to talk to the governor after all. We've secured ourselves a way out of here before anyone knows what's going on or who we are.