Captain Anne

Chapter 3

"So you wore one of these everyday cap?" Kate whispered. "Damn they're uncomfortable. Corsets. What's the point?"

"Shush Kate." Anne responded. The twelve pirates were standing in the palace courtyard of Mrero. The Coursing Dragon was sitting out on the bay, disguised as a commonwealth cruise. Anne watched the crowd and fondled her necklace. Already she had pickpocketed twelve purses on her own. She trustee her crew had made off with nearly as many. Soon the gates would open and the ball would begin. The goal of tonight was to make off with as many gold coins as possible, grab some provisions, especially citrus fruits, and make a run for the Crown Jewels.

"Hear ye, hear ye," called out one of the guards.

"Good lord, they actually say that?" Sarah whispered.

Anne shushed her. They couldn't say anything that make it seem they weren't Ladies accustomed to this sort of life. Although they were prepared for the bloodiest of fights, Anne wanted to get in and out as quietly as possible, so that no one would notice what was gone until the next morning, by which The Coursing Dragon would be several leagues out in sea.

"Today is Her Majesty's fifty fourth birthday," announced a funny looking man. "Tonight, all of Mrero celebrates. Tonight, here in Dale, the beautiful capital city where "the lights dance with the water", we hold one of the grandest balls in Mrero's history. We welcome all people from all lands and Realms. Join us in merriment as we eat and dance. The ball begins!"

The crowd around them erupted into applause. Anne and her pirates joined. As the gates opened, they made their way from the courtyard into a grand ballroom. Anne looked at her pirates. Most of them were in awe, they had seen jewels and gold yes, but they had never been near palace grounds, much less a palace ballroom. Anne grabbed Kate's wrist.

"Take, yes, but not so much so soon. We're staying most of the night. I trust you've already drawn from many purses, aye?"

"Aye," Kate responded. She drew her hand away from the solid gold window ornament she was reaching for.

"You can take that, yes, just wait till the men are drunk and the woman take their gossip outside. Take some oranges and lemons first. For scurvy. Tell the others so t'oo. We also need to dance. If a man asks for a dance, accept and talk small. Tell the others that as well. We need to not stand out. Respond to questions asked of you, but respond in the most boring and forgettable way possible."

Kate nodded. "Aye aye."

Kate walked off, and Anne stood and counted her pirates, seeing where they were. She watched as Kate made her way to each girl.

"Almost like being a mother, isn't it?"

Anne blinked.

A man, tall with dark blond hair and dark blue eyes, walked from behind Anne to in front of her. "The name is Jackson Silver. Call me Jack, Sir Silver, whatever you like." He held his hand for Anne to shake. He wore a sword and a pleasant smile.

She stared at the hand then looked up at him. He had freckles and his nose was crooked, as though it had been broken before. Thin, pale, barely visible scars were etched on his neck, reaching down past the collar and sleeves of his shirt, reaching his hand, and going up to his ear. His eyes, the darkest blue eyes Anne had seen, were sad and old, though he seemed no older than twenty five.

"Who are you?"

"I believe that I just told you, Miss Bailo. Shall we dance?

Anna stared at him. "How do you know my name?"

"Not important. Now, a song is about to start."

Anne put a hand on his shoulder and grabbed his other hand. "Why shouldn't I kill you right now?"

"Because that would cause a scene, and you can't afford a scene here in Mrero. The Queen is a good friend of your mother." He put a hand on her waist, and started the waltz.

"Who the bloody hell are you?"

"A friend." He responded.

Anne glared at him and dropped his hand. "I don't have friends. What do you want?"

"I want to talk to you. Anne, there's a war beginning."

"What does a war have to do with me? I don't belong to any country. Not anymore."

"Lower your voice, my dear, you have no idea who is all here, do you? My advice, take what you want, I can't stop you, and leave. Get out of Mrero. Get out of this part of the ocean. You don't want a dozen different bounty hunters coming after you and your crew."

Anne glared at him. "Tell me who you are."

Jack sighed, aggravated. He took out a silver chain. On it was a blue bottle, filled with a foggy liquid. "Take this. When they come for you, smash the bottle. It won't kill them, but it will give you time. I'll know when the bottle breaks, and I'll come when it does."

Anne took the chain. "When who comes from me?"

"The bounty hunters."

Anne laughed. "Typical. Strong young man insists on protecting a lass because he doesn't think she can handle herself." She held out the chain for him to take back. "I can handle myself and a few bounty hunters. I've killed many."

"You don't understand. The men who will come aren't human. The Queen has a new advisor- My team and I are working on planting our agents under him to find out what exactly he is."

Anne stared at him. What he was saying didn't make any sense. "What would he be but human? The elves stay in their land. And vampires are long extinct. The Magic folk don't bother with humans. Time travelers, they were never real."

Jack closed his eyes, annoyed. "You've been away too long Annalise. The world is changing. The only news you get is from the men you torture and little scamps like these." He spoke with a strained voice. "A lot has changed in the thirteen years since you ran away."

Anne was getting angry now. "How do you know who I am, knave? How do you know so much about me?"

Jack sighed again. "Just- just trust me. Get your crew. Take what you want. Get out of here."

The song ended and Jack bowed before turning away. Anne stared at his back as he walked away.