The Last StormRider

Mister Grayson

"So what is the Day of Captains?" I asked Firstmate Jim as we made our way down the street, passing many colorful stand, each one full of their own unique junk.

"Well, ye see t'at's a day w'ere t'e Captains announce and choose t'eir successors," he said sliding through a tight alley way as a short cut towards the Cloth District, "And in some rare occasions it's where the Princess may choose her Admiral."

"Admiral....is that like her appointed Commander of her army?" I asked as I followed Firstmate Jim's erratic bobbing and weaving, as we traversed the crowd.

"Kinda, it's also her appointed champion, and in all cases but one it's usually who she agrees to marry." he said finally coming to a stop at an impressing looking building with a sign outside that read. Grayson & Daughters' Grand Garbs. "Best place in t'e whole town." Jim said seeing my skeptical look.

As we walked in I gaped at the different clothing on display. Each one was more impressive and exotic than the last. Quickly loosing interest in the Firstmate I wound my ways through the different clothing amazed at the fine workmanship, and care put into each and every aspect. Even when looking at the smallest stitches I could see no apparent error, or carelessness. Not that I'd know what it'd look like anyway.

"You're not going to find any mistakes," a voice said behind me, causing me to jump whirling around, "Although if you did my daddy would have to gut ya." I little girl of about eight years said. Gazing up at me with big green eyes.

Nodding my head I slowly backed away deciding to go in search of Firstmate Jim. I didn't have to search long, for he soon found me followed by an older man I can only assume was Mister Grayson.

"And 'ere 'e is," Jim said gesturing to me with a twinkle in his eye, "T'is is t'e bugger w'o revealed 'is amazing talent of gambling last night at Mary's Inn."

"Ah, so ye're the one who emptied the pockets of every scoundrel in the Crowded Sailboat, hmm?" the grey haired man asked.

Blushing, for I really had one a hefty amount last night, I defended myself "I don't think it was every one, and I can't help it if they don't know when to call it a night."

Chuckling to himself Grayson confided to Jim "Yes, Warren's done good in finding this one, very good."

"Aye," Jim said noting turning towards Grayson, "T'at's also why we're 'ere, Captain Rävsvans is taking 'im  to t'e Council's feast. And 'e's gonna need clo-" he was cut off as Grayson butted in eagerly.

"He's going to need clothes befitting a Pirate Prince." Grayson said practically jumping up and down in excitement.

Nodding his head he turned to me saying "Aaron I'm going to leave you in t'e care of Mister Grayson 'ere. Do as 'e says t'en make ye're way back to t'e Inn."

Nodding my head I replied "Aye, and in t'e mean time don't drink ye're self silly." then shared a laugh with Grayson as Firstmate Jim forgot to look where he was going running into the door, because he was to busy giving me the death glare.

For hours it I spent my time with Grayson listening to him prattle on as he measured me. Watching his nine daughters, who's ages ranged from six years to twenty-four, go about their business stitching and sewing.

Finally after the sun had long since set Grayson straightened up saying "Well, that will be all, your garb will be done the night before the celebrations."

Stepping down I reached for my coin purse asking "Good, now what do I owe ya?" and was surprised when Grayson responded.

"Oh, nothing your company was good enough," his accent thickened for an instant, "You remind me of someone else I used to know." nodding my head I resolved to leave about ten gold pieces on his desk as I went out.

Stepping out into the night air I paused for a moment to enjoy the sea breeze, and salty tang to the air. Then quietly I made my way back to the Crowded Sailboat.

As the week went on I spent most of it seeing the town, guided by Firstmate Jim's questionable, internal compass. Soon though the day of the celebrations came.

Coming out of the dressing room I looked at myself in the mirror comlpetely suprised by who looked back. Disconnected I straightened my ghostly, white doublet. Seeing myself like this reminded me of my time in the prison cell. Long gone were the days where I would need to rob to eat, far away were the days that would be spent in a prison cell.

Clearing his throat the Captain stepped into view, wearing a similar outfit, he said "Are ya ready now?" seeing me nod my head he continued, "Good, the carridge is here so let's get moving."

As I started to follow him I had to stop turning as I exclaimed "I need to grab my sword I left it in my room!" jogging down the hall way I bursted into my room to find a sword case resting on my bed.

My hurryness forgotten I curiously went over to inspect this interesting intruder. Sitting on top of it was a folded piece of paper. Reaching out I did the only logical thing, I read it.

Aaron I know that in the beginging you had no family, but as you became one of the crew, you gained a new family that would always be by your side. Take this as a sign of your right to be amongst the Pirate Princes today.

Closing the note I opened the case to reveal an masterly crafted . Gazing at the silver blade I was amazed at the intrecacy of the art on the blade, and hilt. The pommel was a silver Fox skull, following it's body through the hilt, I couldn't help but feel touched as I realized the blade became the tail. "Vålnad..." I muttered to myself as I reverently attatched the sword to my side making my way back to the Captain.

Simply nodding his head he lead the way to through a group of drunken men singing about and old legend of the Maelstrom.

"Long ago were we told, Far gone the brave and the bold; Now you better be careful, you better be good; For a storm is coming, A storm that sold it's last good plunder to an Orphan's fold; On wings of thunder he did come; With blades of wind he did strike; With gaze O'Lightning he did kill, but ne'er did innocent blood he spill. Long ago was he told, Far gone his brave, and his bold."

 Continuing to follow the Captain we arrived at the carriage, which was designed to look like the prow of a ship, sitting down across from me we sat in silence, unmoving with the exception of slipping our masquerade masks, which were designed to resemble fox-skulls. Their fangs glinting eerily in the daylight. His ebony white. Mine Onyx black. With relief the end came in sight, and with it the palace.