Voyage of War

Chapter 8

Queen Adira stood hunched over a map of Pelgrima, with a slight crease between her brows. If only word would come of Sybil's successful union with the Prince, then she could move in. Her strategy was planned down to the second. She only needed reassurance that if her troupes moved in and things took a turn for the worst that she had reinforcements to protect the kingdom.
"My Queen."
Queen Adira's eyes shot up to see her head of guard standing in the door.
"Enter."
"We have received news," Queen Adira felt a silent relieve fill her, until she heard the rest,"Balthazar will be sending half his army."
"Where are they now?"
"Still gathered just outside the walls of Deimir."
"Assemble as many men as we can afford without leaving the kingdom to vulnerable. The east wall doesn't need any gaurds as it borders the water." Queen Adira demands." We will intercept them at the Pantano Swamp. At least then you would have a chance to fight before being sucked dry." Queen Adira continues coldly, recieving a worried look from her head of guard.
"As you wish my Queen."

The Clouthea should have reached Casima by now and she is surtan Sybil knew the urgancy of this union so she wouldn't tolarate a delay. The question is why haven't she recieved any invetations or confirmations or notivication of their arrival or union?

* * *

The twins stood on either side of Resa yawning and rubbing sleep out of their eyes. It was Resa's job to get them on the ship and to a cabin unharmed, while the battle is taking place.

"Okay ladies, I advice not to get your dresses too messed up, if you wish to arrive in semi-presentable clothing ,that is."
Captain informed and walked away towards the dock. Resa noticed that he had two cloaks on. A thicker, newer one underneath his usual black cloak.
"Wait, aren't you going to inform us on your strategy or plan of action?" Ced wanted to know, worry lacing his words. Everyone followed Captain except for a alarmed Ced.
"I have none."
"How...Then...What? We can't just go in without any order." Ced exclaimed baffled by Captain's lack of organization.
"Sometimes there isn't time or the need for a plan or strategy. You just have to... wing it," Captain informs with a shrug,"now are you coming or do you want to stay in this godforsaken island?" Captain picks up his pace and the rest follows suit to keep up.
"Wing it. Right. Follow the mysterious hooded man ,with no plan at all into battle." Ced mumbles.
Captain unfortunately hears him and with the speed of lightning closes the distance between Ced and himself, grabbing Ced by the front of his shirt.
"I don't see that your well thought through plan did these people any better? I don't tolerate my actions being questioned by people I'm doing a favour for. Got it?" Captain states in a dangerously low tone. He then resumes walking as if nothing happened, leaving a shocked Ced standing on the same spot. The rest follow him without a word, even the twins had stopped their yawning and occasional complaint about the Sun that had not yet risen. Ced later takes up the rear and Princess Sybil slows to fall into step next to him.

* * *

The ship came into view when they approached the docks. Zack was gratefull that Captain gave Resa a role that would take her away from the fight. The company members that accompanied Captain the previous night had joined them.

Captain beckoned Zack forward and pointed towards the crowsnest where a pirate sat dozing off. Zack pulled the bow off of his shoulder and notched an arrow and pulling it back, then closing one eye, taking careful aim for the man's head and hoping he won't miss completely, because although he had practiced with Princess Sybil, his targets were always eye level. Letting out a breath he released the arrow and it whizzed through the air ,hitting a few inches below it's intended target but effectively killing the pirate and making him fall to the deck below with a hard thud. Several footsteps echoed down to the group below, as the men ran to investigate. Captain signaled for them to start boarding. Captain, Ced, Zack and Keiden went first, then the women and children, followed by the rest of the men.

Their boots hitting the wooden deck made the crew turn around. They stood confused as to what the arrival meant, until Princess Sybil stepped over the railing and unseathed her narrow bladed swords. Understanding began to dawn and they systematicly started to attack. Zack had to admit that they were horribly outnumbered by the crew. They charged forward and mayhem broke out Resa bolted for the cabins as soon as the twins were on the deck and Zack tasked himself to have her back shooting any at every pirate who made a move towards them.

Resa was almost there when a fairly large pirate grabbed her. Zack grabbed for an arrow but after a moment of just grasping air he realized he had none left. Sensing danger for someone he cared for and being out of arrows he felt bones readjusting ,the fight momentarily froze as a painful howl crossed his lips, every eye locked on his transformation. He stood panting for a moment after the change and noticed wary and even fearful eyes all around him.
"Who's afraid of the big bad wolf?" Zack taunted, with an attempted smirk that showed his elongated canines.
His words brought everybody back to life, most of the crew chose to take their chances and dived into the water. Resa was still held back by the pirate and he could see her yelling to the twins to go without her. Zack neared and saw the pirate's grip loosening and his gaze drifting to the railing. Zack ,even in this form, wasn't as tall as the pirate but he knew better than to judge according to appearance. He also knew to never provoke something he doesn't fully understand. Those actions may just be his or even someone else's last.

He glimpses Resa's hand brushing over a knife at her waist. He growls drawing the pirate's attention away from Resa. She takes the chance and jabs the knive into the hand gripping her arm, the pirate screams in agony and releases Resa. Zack charges forward knocking him to the ground. He hears Resa scuttling across the deck to find the twins. Zack gets off of the pirate, flings him over the rail and follows Resa.

"We are taking the ship, those who wishes to stay ,meet me in the brigh. The rest...there is the railing." Zack hears Captain instruct, before he disappears beneath the deck to find Resa.