The New World

Captain of Long Island

Rachel could smell the sea as she crested the hill that marked the edge of the small port town. At the top of the hill was the guard post that marked the entrance to all towns in the Greek States.

Rachel slowed her horse as she approached the guard post and the guard walked out of the small building to meet her.

"Good Afternoon and welcome to Wensley, what is your business in town?" The guard asked as he approached Rachel

"Royal Business" Rachel said, producing a document with the royal seal affixed to the bottom

The guard stared at the document with a look of shock on his face "Ohh uh, of course, M'Lady I apologize for keeping you" The guard said as he gave Rachel the document back quickly

"No need to apologize, you are just doing your job" Rachel replied as she took the document from the guard "though, I would appreciate it if you didn't mention too anyone that I am in town"

"Of course M'Lady" The Guard said as he bowed and Rachel urged her horse forward

As Rachel rode into the town she looked around, the buildings were a mixture of small houses and shops. Despite the town's small size, its place as a regional trading post meant that the town was full of people from all over the Greek States. Rachel slowed and dismounted her horse as she approached a large Tavern that was on one side of the main road through town.

As Rachel dismounted, a young boy came around the side of the building "May I take your horse ma'am?"

Rachel smiled at the young boy "Thank you very much" she replied and handed him a few silver coins and smiled down at him

The boy looked at the coins and smiled "thank you ma'am"

"Of course" Rachel replied as she glanced at her horse "Don't give him to many carrots, even if he gives you the puppy dog eyes"

Rachel's horse made a loud dismissive noise and the boy giggled as he leads the horse to the stables

Rachel walked into the Tavern through the main door, since it was early afternoon the room was fairly quiet but there were still plenty of people enjoying a late lunch. As Rachel entered a few eyes from around the room watched her as she walked towards the bar. Rachel was glad she had chosen to disguise herself a little bit. Her outfit could belong to any woman of slightly wealthy statues, well made and comfortable but didn't make her stand out in a crowd, maybe she was a successful merchant. The only thing marking as part of the Royal Court was the necklace and medallion that she wore around her neck but was canceled under her blouse and or course the document she carried with her at all times. The only other unusual thing in her outfit was the 8" dagger on her right hip.

As Rachel approached the bar the Tavern keeper was standing behind the bar talking to one of his customers as they sipped on their drinks. The tavern keeper glanced up to look at Rachel and moved away from the other customer.

"Good afternoon ma'am, how can I help you?" Said the bartender

Rachel looked the man up and down, his blond hair and violet eyes shone in the dark light of the tavern and the scar on his left arm stood out against his darkish skin but looked to be an old wound.

"I'm hoping you can help me find someone Mr.." Rachel trailed off, realizing she didn't know the man's name

"The name is Pollux" The man replied as he stepped back and crossed his arms "Who is it you are looking for?"

"I'm looking for a ship captain" Rachel replied

Pollux scoffed "half the people in this room are ship captains. You looking to charter a ship?"