The Knight and the Peasant [FIRST DRAFT]

Chapter 14

The galley was swift and steady, cutting through the waves like a blade made of Sidhe steel. The sky was blue and calm, like a warm blanket draped over the Caraíbes. It had been three weeks since they had left la'Manse delle Simia and set sail. They were about to reach Grenesaerrat and the idea of opportunity grew even more enchanting.

Captain Tomas approached Salvador as he stood at the prow, as usual. "Segniuer Castellano."

"Yes?"

"We have sight of land―"

That spurred Salvador; he rushed up to the crows nest, climbing swiftly and without falter. His wild brown hair flapping in the wind as he jumped onto the crows nest and snatched the spyglass from the barrelman. He magnified it to its max and caught sight of Grenasserrat City. Salvador lowered the spyglass from his right eye and grinned.

"Gerard!" he called down. "We've spotted land!"

The crew and the soldiers of Captain Tomas' company cheered. Gerard waved his hat in the air and smiled. As they approached Grenasserrat, Salvador could see the small limestone buildings of the city even better. Grenasserrat had the largest source of limestone in the Caraíbes Isles, meaning all its cities were made of limestone at the core. The port was tiny compared to the one at Fiorá, with only a couple dozen ships docked there. The city only had walls surrounding its inner core where the nobility lived. If the city ever came under siege, the peasants would be left to die.

In order to make sure the Grenassarri did not attack them on sight, Salvador and Gerard designed had designed their own flag before they left. A royal yellow field blazoned with a crossed black sword and sickle. It was to symbolize the Freelancer Knight and the Peasant. The flag also held the mercenary's blade; a jagged sword that indicated the group was a mercenary company on the top right corner. The galley also flew a white flag to proclaim that they came in peace. Still the Grenassarri remained cautious, as the galleys began to enter the port, ballistae crews had been trained on it, ready to fire at a moment's notice.

The green and white flag of Grenassarrat was charged with a hibiscus flower. It waved in the air, not proudly, but in fear. Salvador could not explain it but the flag seemed to cower in the air, waiting for the enemy to strike at any moment.

They galleys crawled into the port and docked, dropping an anchor to keep it in place. The boarding ramp came down on land and Salvador was the first to step off.

If one was not used to being on ships for long periods of time, they would find their legs unsteady on the solid ground after weeks spent aboard a rocking ship. However, Salvador was used to being on ships as his many adventures had him crossing entire oceans to reach his destination.

The soldiers from all three galleys were fine, however, they were all required to leave their weapons on board before stepping foot on Grenassarri soil.

A Grenassarri officer approached Salvador with about a dozen soldiers carrying halberds behind him. He wore a colorful green and white uniform lined with the pink and gold colors of the hibiscus. The sigil on his chest signaled he was of the Grenasserrat City Police. "State your name and business here in Grenassarri during these tumultuous times!"

Salvador answered calmly, "I am Salvador Castellano, co-leader of the Seeker Company. We come to offer our services to the kingdom of Grenassarrat."

Gerard stepped forward. "I am Sir Gerard Elwyn, co-leader of the Seeker Company. My partner here has stated our business."

The officer's jaw dropped. "S-sir Gerard Elwyn? The Sir Gerard Elwyn?"

Salvador rolled his eyes in annoyance. Gerard, however, just smiled patiently. "The one and only."