The Pirate And The Pariah (NaNoWriMo2017)

Chapter 17

All of them were glad to have set foot outside again, after having spent so long inside the dusty, abandoned basement. They had closed the door behind them, locked it, put the rug over it and Shae had taken the liberty to keep the key to herself. Obviously, there were bad people out there who would love to know where to find him so they could torture him for information or worse, kill him.

Trying to figure out the clue he had left behind, they remained in the city. They enjoyed their freedom, their surroundings and all the things the city had to offer.

Kodyr got along nicely with Shae and her parents, and after a couple days, he even found a way to tolerate Ruby.

At some point, they found themselves seated at one of the tables in Callan and Peggy's inn, drinking and discussing their future plans. "So, first we figure out where he is, then we find him and demand some answers and then we go and beat those things."

"Good plan," Kodyr said, taking a sip of his drink, "Shae, do you have any more ideas?" 

Shae smiled, "Let's just promise each other not a single one of us will die until all this is over." 

Ruby nodded, sending Kodyr a smirk, "Amen to that." 

Then, Peggy showed up with a tray of beer. "Do you guys need anything else?" she asked with a kind and generous smile on her face, "Is everything to your liking, Ruby, Kodyr?" 

Ruby smiled at the older woman, "Of course it is, Peggy. Shae wasn't exaggerating when she said you had wonderful taste and this place is incredible. Thank you for such hospitality." Even for someone like me... she added mentally. 

More time passed before the trio decided to look around in the area surrounding Greenmist, which only led to more dead ends. "I'm pretty sure we have scoured every inch of land around here, we've looked at every map there was to find and we have talked to every single person who could know something about this. Yet, we haven't found anything that gives us a clearer hint."

"Maybe it is because we aren't looking in the right place," Shae said as she stared into the distance,  "I mean, wouldn't it be obvious to hide here? To seek refuge in a place that welcomes anyone and where you, you know, are admired by everyone around here. It would totally reveal where you are to anyone who has at least some brain capacity."

"She does have a point," Ruby muttered, in deep thought. "If you are going to hide on an island, why not pick Storm Island? I mean, yes, it's dangerous just to get there, but on the bright side, no one would ever dare follow you." 

They decided to call it a day for now and headed back to town. However, that did not come without a pleasant surprise. Before they knew it, a group of people, that were too familiar for Ruby to her liking, had surrounded them. 

The said girl grinned as she unsheathed her sword, "You really don't know anything about giving up, do you?" 

She swiftly parried a blow from behind her, spinning around in order to hit multiple men at the same time. She shot her two companions an accusing look, "Well? What are you waiting for? You need me alive for my input."

The two of them took out their own weapons and helped Ruby fight the seemingly growing group. Just like when they attacked Ruby the first time, they were wearing dark masks and dark clothing and did not know how to give up. At some point, Ruby found herself holding a sword to one of the men's necks. "Who sent you?" she demanded, "Who wants me dead so desperately that they would hire a group of expensive, yet untalented assassins just for me?" 

Not to her surprise, he didn't say a word and instead attempted to stab her. She quickly jumped away and ducked when he tried to hit her in the chest.