Blackbeard; The Legend

Sea at Last

"We've arrived!" The coachman exclaimed, and Akahana looked out the window of her carriage in excitement. Finally she had arrived at the harbor, where one of the massive ships would ferry her to the Svellands. Stepping out of the carriage, she looked around at the harbor. Hordes of people milled on and about, vendors were clamoring about their goods in stalls that were filled with a variety of objects. Burly men hauled large boxes and cargo through the throngs and the strong scent of fish and spices hung in the air, although from where she was standing it wasn't that strong. Just beyond the docks was an endless churning sea, the setting sun glimmering on its surface, and multiple ships were heading off to destinations unknown.

She turned back to the coachman. "Thank you for getting me here." She bowed her head and the coachman chuckled.

"No. I thank you." He tipped his hat. "Besides, we wouldn't be here if you wasn't for you." He rummaged in his pocket and drew out a coin of some kind that glittered brightly as he tossed it to her. "Just give it to the captain to prove that you saved me." She smiled, pocketing the trinket and waved goodbye to him as he whipped the reins and his cart rolled away. As she watched it vanish into the distance, she turned around and took a deep breath as she started heading towards her ferry.

Passing through the crowds, Akahana was almost swept away by the tide of people, as well as the things she saw. Weapons that she had never seen or heard of, colourful fabrics decorated in unique designs, golden trinkets that gleamed in the sunlight, and scents that made her head spin as she inspected the food that some of the stalls were selling.

"You want one?" A vendor asked her, and Akahana declined politely. Even though her mouth was slightly watering, she was saving her money for when she made it to the Svellands. Maybe one day she could taste one of those foreign and exotic dishes, but for now, it would be the same. Besides, the ship that she was boarding had food prepared for the journey.

After almost getting lost, Akahana finally made her way to the docks where her ship was, where the crew were loading cargo onto the ship, and where he was leaning against one of the lamp posts.

Captain Stormfeather was a rough looking man. Ruffled light grey feathers, sharp beak, and even sharper eyes. Out of all those who she asked for transport to the Svellands, he was the only one to answer, and despite his appearance, he was trustworthy. He had been to the Svellands multiple times, and he was an expert in traversing those icy currents.

He was talking to one of his henchmen when she walked closer, and he looked at her. Dismissing the other pirate, he turned to her and smirked.

"Ye must be Akahana." He bowed in a mocking fashion. "And I presume yer here to board me ship?"

"Yes, I am." Akahana respectfully responded, drawing out the golden coin that was given to her. "My coachman told me to give this to you to verify that my payment for this ferry is free."

Stormfeather snatched the coin out of her hand, and examined it, before smirking and flipping it back to her. "There's no need, lass. I've already been told that ye saved that carriage driver from an untimely demise." Stormfeather drawled. "And from monsters no less! I trust my workers, and if one tells me that ye saved him, I trust him, coin or no."

"Thank you."

"Don't thank me yet, princess." Stormfeather chuckled. "Now get on the boat." He jabbed his finger behind him at the still ship.

As Akahana began walking up the plank and up into the ship's deck, she suddenly felt a hand reaching for her bag of coins. In a flash, she whipped out her katana and pointed it at Stormfeather's neck, his hand reaching for her purse.

"The next time you try to paw me, you'll lose one of your hands." She growled. Despite this, Stormfeather looked amused.

"A feisty one, eh? At least ye know how to use a sword. " Chuckling, he pushed her blade away nonchalantly and walked up the plank, whistling. "I was just testing ye, lass. Now, come on then! We's bout to leave, so hurry!"