(Introduction)
(Gill's POV)
I sat at the small café table looking across at the two people I was supposed to be meeting. They were obviously brother and sister. Their Aristocratic features brought out by their matching high cheek bones, and thin lips. Their sunken royal blue eyes were looking straight ahead, combined with the straight backed posture they were using you could tell they weren't used to these kind of informal meetings. While the boy had dark blonde hair the girls was more of a hazel color, neither of them had much muscle on them although they were skinny I was willing to bed they had never done much physical labor.
"As I'm sure your father has informed you, you two will be going on a little trip. I am acting as the liaison between your family and Captain Arimosa." I started and paused when I saw the look of shock on both of their faces.
"Wait, we're traveling with a pirate!?!" the girl questioned rather loudly.
"I will not set foot on a boat with any type of native scum!" her brother exclaimed.
"Please," I said motioning to the chairs both had jumped out of. "Do sit down we don't want to cause a scene here." With that I cast a side long glance at the patrol of guards that was wondering the waterfront district. As the both sat down, the boy rather reluctantly I continued what I had started to say.
"Until we actually reach his ship I will be traveling with you and will do my best to answer any questions you have. Now I am correct in assuming that neither of you ahs actually spent much time out at sea right?" The siblings nodded in unison confirming what their father had said. Trying to stay on schedule I went on, "Very well, we willing be leaving today at 1:30 pm. You have until then to say your farewells with your family and friends, and then you must meet back here at the appointed time. We are traveling onboard the Melina and I have come to understand that her skipper is one for punctuality. So I suggest being early." With that I stood up and left dropping enough bills on the table to cover the food and quite a generous tip for the lovely young waitress who took care of us.
Later that night
(Cyrinda's POV)
It was cold out, really cold. My threadbare shirt wasn't doing anything to block the angry wind or pebble size hail that pelted my exposed arms and face. I wish mommy hadn't gotten so sick. The doctors wouldn't even acknowledge me once they found out I am a native. Of course only those that have imperial papers may get treatment in the city. The priests at temple said almost the same thing,
"It would seem" the fat bald headed man had said, "That unless a native has a tribute of gold or flesh they will not be blessed." He paused looking me up and down. I felt really dirty and ashamed by the way his eyes seemed to pass over my body, like my clothes weren't even there.
"And seeing how you're far too young to be able to offer either of those, I suggest you leave before I have you thrown out."
So here I was climbing up the old trail to the altar of the old gods. I had been told by mother that it was built to honor the two gods Hector and Aneias. Two brothers who after founding ancient kingdoms grew jealous of each other's respective wealth went to war and both kingdoms were destroyed. It was said that after this they devoted the rest of their immortal lives to peace. They were said to be very kind toward mortals and were known to give blessings out to the sick.
When I finally made it up to the cliff face where the old stone altar sat I heard strange clashing noises. Then squinting through the hail and now snow I saw two men fighting up there, I knew as soon as I saw them that they must be the brother gods for they seemed to be shouting happily at each other. I really couldn't tell though as the wind was so loud in my ears. I was only ten feet away from them when I felt the dizziness overcome me and the stars in front of my eyes seemed so inviting, as I fell to the ground I did the only thing I could do to get the two gods attention I shouted as loud as I could,
