A Legend's Tale Season 2

Part 2 - Scars

The last times they rang bells at the cliffs of Highkeep had been 15 years ago. There's not a single pirate in the Cove of Black Sails who doesn't remember that day. The entire power of the Ancient descended upon them and before anyone really knew what was going on, it was already over. Elettra looks at the bay from her balcony at the dozens and dozens of warships who are at full alert. All the highest-ranking pirates are summoned to the Fort, including Beatrix of course. Beatrix was quick to inform Elettra when they heard the news. Now everyone at Highkeep fears that the day will come when they are to face the army of queen Anthea again, and everyone fears that the outcome will be exactly the same if not worse. Not when it depends on Elettra however. Beatrix informs all the high-ranking pirates about the situation, yet many of them doubt whether it's actually true. Why on earth would Anthea attack them now? They made no claim on lands that are not their own, they never attacked a ship or person from the Ancient. They made no threats. It doesn't make sense. On the other hand, Beatrix does make it very clear that she believes the sailor who told her that he saw the royal sigil of the queen, a giant phoenix rising in the sky with fire from both its wings. They all look at Elettra, who still stands on her balcony. She eventually tells them that no one can be too sure about what the current state of mind is of the queen. But one thing is certain: If queen Anthea ever truly dares to attack Highkeep without any reason or motive, they will unleash hell upon her. A lot of pirates cheer and applaud after hearing this, yet others remain silent, not knowing what to think, including Beatrix. As usual, Beatrix stays with Elettra once everyone leaves. They both go to the balcony as they see how nearly all of their warships sail around the cove, in and out. A fine display of power, Elettra seems to enjoy it. Beatrix does tell her that they need to be careful. Elettra doesn't really see why. Beatrix reminds her that she also remembers what happened 15 years ago. That power, that force of the Ancient. They can never beat that, they will never even stand a chance against that. If a day comes when they have to truly fear Anthea again, then they might need to consider a more diplomatic solution. Elettra laughs, when has diplomacy ever resolved anything? Diplomacy didn't spare Beatrix' father and mother, diplomacy didn't spare Elettra's husband, diplomacy never saved anyone ever. Elettra wants to show Beatrix something. Something that could change their status forever maybe. She takes her to the forges, down in the caves near the cliffs. Hundreds of people work here to forge the newest weapons and tools of warfare. They may never have the manpower or force that the rest of the Ancient has, but they have always had the best craftsmen. Otherwise they wouldn't have the armada that they have today. Beatrix is quickly to point out that half of their armada exists out of stolen ships. Elettra doesn't answer however. They go to a storage room all the way back at the cave. Elettra orders a workman to fetch her a chest with "the prototype". Beatrix doesn't really know what to expect, but Elettra shows great pride on her face. The workman opens the chest and displays the most unique piece of weaponry Beatrix has ever seen. A strange mechanical device, not with any sharp edge or something. A long snout of some kind at one end, and on the other end nothing. Beatrix asks how anyone can ever kill someone with that, is it some sort of newly-advanced sword? Elettra laughs and decides to give a demonstration. She takes the weapon and takes some several tiny spikes, also freshly forged. She takes a sort of capsule and puts the spikes in it. She then takes the capsule and inserts it at the bottom of the weapon. She then gives the weapon to Beatrix, who is quite unsure what to expect. She takes it and is told to aim with the weapon at the wall at the end of the room. Elettra places Beatrix' hand on a trigger of some sort, and is told to pull it. Beatrix pulls the trigger and suddenly one of the spikes is shot right out of the long snout straight at the wall. Beatrix is surprised as Elettra continues to laugh. Beatrix looks at the device as if it's some kind of sorcery. With this thing, they never have to use swords again it seems. Elettra makes it very clear. If Anthea ever tries to attack them again, they will be more than ready for her.