"When'll we get t' port? We 'aven't much rum left and the lads are startin' t' lose 'ere tempers, Cap'n..." "Aye aye, tell them to ration and suck it up, we've got around a week left before we reach the Badlands." Celeste said, not taking her eyes off the horizon. "Will she make t' journey?" Celeste turned to him; "The Red Queen's capable of a lot more than you realise, Thomas. Now, be a lad and fetch me some good drink, I'm falling asleep up here." She ordered, turning back and checking the compass. Due west, and keep going straight; as far as sea voyages goes, it was so easy you could do it blindfolded and drunk. Celeste hadn't told her crew the real reason they were headed back to these god forsaken lands, where demons reside and magical wars break out. The real reason, was the Celeste had received the news that her cousin, Willow, had been disowned by their family because she spilt from her abusive boyfriend. Celeste made the call to return to the Badlands once again, to pick up Willow and her son and bring them back with her. Last she had heard, Willow was intent on moving away to the coast near the port, which was perfect for Celeste to surprise them.
Celeste knew this was risky, especially after the whole Dragon Egg outrage and past encounters with the Empire. That man was insane then, and God only knows what he's like now. He hated me then, if he could see me now... Ha! He would despise me. A pirate... he'd never believe it. Celeste's thoughts were interrupted by Sammy coming up to the top deck, carrying a couple of rums. "Tom said you called one of these?" "Ah, yeah. He's still green with the whole thing, this is his first time out at sea." The poor lad was seasick for the first few days, and almost fell overboard a good few times. "So... they're not entirely convinced by your story. Why are we going back?" Celeste looked annoyed, taking the bottle from Sammy and a large swig. "I told them, trade deal." "Cellie. We're pirates. We don't exactly do 'trade deals'." Sammy said, opening up her drink. "Well, they can think whatever they want, the story's true and not changing. We'll be at port in about a week, and when we get there they can stock up on a good voyage's worth of rum to keep 'em happy.".
• • •
"Listen. We have to stay put while your friend... urm... Drake? Gets better. So... I have an idea. There is no way we have enough food and water to last, so I'll go out and get some more. Before you start yelling again... let me just say it first. I know this town like the back of my hand, and how to get through it without anyone seeing. I know where to get the cheapest food, cleanest water and best medicines. Besides, they're looking for you, not me.". Willow explained, knowing that someone would have to go out, as they now had no medicine left, and were almost out of food. "Grayson, she knows what she's doing. Hey, we can watch the little one of yours if you want. I'm sure Jodie'll get along with him." Mia said, trying to lighten the mood. "Alright. But listen, don't take that staff with you, they could recognise it." Grayson said sternly, as he knew their memory wasn't that dull. "But... I never go anywhere without it, and it can't be distanced from... Ahhhh..." Willow said, stepping back and running her hands through her hair. "The staff and this gem that I wear are magical, and can't be distanced from each other. I can only cast magic with the staff, not the gem. It's really complicated, but if I can't take my staff then I'll have to leave the gem here." Willow explained to Grayson. "But... I wouldn't take it near your Drake friend... it was forged with the blood of Enders so it might... react... to him." she warned.
Willow reached up and unclipped the purple strip of fabric, which the gem was attached to by two small silver chains. "Whatever happens, don't let this fall into Empire hands..." She whispered so only Grayson could hear. "For the love of God... Keep it away from the Empire and the Dragon Egg... it is incredibly sensitive.". "If I'm not back by dawn, then move on without me." Willow said, heading to the kitchen. She grabbed a length of thick rope and tied it around the support beam, and then dropped it out the window. "Be good Daniel. And don't eat all those sweets in one go, you'll get tummy ache." She smiled at her son, before opening the two window doors wide and grabbing the rope. The alley below was empty and shadow-cast except the candles in the windows. Mia stood by the window, ready to close it behind her. Grayson stayed behind in the main room, not daring to leave Luke unattended, despite him being unarmed, tied up and asleep. There would be no taking chances. Willow took a deep breath, before slipping off the window ledge, tightly gripping the rope so she wouldn't drop. She looked up the alley, making sure it was empty. Then, she slowly started to release her grip, and gently slid down to the soft dirt below.
Mia peered over the window, and when Willow gave her the thumbs up she pulled the rope back, and closed the window. Willow pulled up her green hood, and slipped down an incredibly narrow and dark alley which cut across to a place which she knew was open at any hour for certain customers. Yes, the place was dodgy for anyone let alone a naïve girl like Willow. But the owner, Kenton, was under close watch by the Red Queen's captain, Celeste. If anything were to happen it would not end well for Ken or any of his contacts. Willow approached the window that had a faint light coming from it. She knocked twice on the door, and thrice on the window next to it. A large shadow moved across the window from the inside and opened the door ajar; "Contact name?" The large man asked, pinning the door with his foot and a pint visible in his hand. "Contact: Green." Willow said, confidently looking the man in the eye. He hesitated, realising who she was, and then yelled "Green's 'ere! Get Ken sober!" back into the room. "The whole bloody towns' on lockdown lass, you shouldn't be out. And what ya doing at this time a night?" The man said, closing the door behind her as she stepped into the smoke-filled beer-smelling room. "Ken! I need something! It's real urgent!" Willow yelled, looking across towards the back room, where the door was closed. "Coming! Give me just a moment!" He said, rushing around and knocking a few things over. Ken came running out, pulling on a smart-ish shirt. "I am not gonna question that..." Willow said, helping herself to a half-pint as Ken finished getting himself dressed. "Better not to. Now, what do you need? Is it Daniel?" He asked, pulling out his notepad. "I have... guests staying for a few days and need food, clean water and medicines, what have you got?" Willow said, placing a hefty three marques on the counter and sliding them over. "Very... generous... I'll get the lads to pick up out back. Say... these guests... close friends? Family?" Ken said. Willow knew what he was hinting at. "When have I never been in close contact with people the Empire hate? Now, if your boys can hurry it up there's another marque in this deal." Willow said. "Oi lads! Foodstuffs, clean water and medicines! Back room, now!" Ken shouted above the noise down the room. "Aw come on! What's in it?" One of the rough-tough men yelled back. Ken held up the four marques; "Four fucking marques and personal visit from the Rec Queen if you don't move your asses!" The men all stopped talking, and then lept into actions. The pints were abandoned as they began moving, finding all the food they could. "So... tell me about your guests..." Ken said, sliding her another half-pint across the counter.
