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Chapter 4: Escape

Nivra rose at dawn, packing her things with upmost haste before departing Threllfall's keep. She'd only just prepared her spells as she shot out the doors, racing down the stone steps and at the same time trying her hardest to not be heard. She passed a few guards with lidded eyes from their night watch, a mere swish of her wrist and sleep had them buried into their chests. Passing through the gate she was joined by a smiling kobold smiling proudly with her gear, and a green feathered parrot resting on her shoulder. Asterion was not far behind, arms to his chest as he took in the crisp air that enveloped them.

At first, she'd insisted that the bard not come, it was a dangerous quest after all. Yet that little bundle of scales was quite persistent. Her scales all crimson as a fire as she planted a foot down and demanded she go wherever the minotaur went. Who was she to argue when Asterion looked to her with steeled eyes, nodding his recommendation.

“Besides." He added with a stern snort, “With us, she can't accidently tell the others."

With that she was sold, gladly welcoming the kobold along before whisking them away into the streets empty save dunes of snow.

Clouds as thick as granite swirled overhead, casting the city in it's dominating shadow. Even despite the early hours, it still appeared as though night still held its sway. The wind howled and brushed through the alleys, ruffling cloaks and chasing the trio towards the docks, where they're ship awaited them.

People emerged from their slumber, brandishing candles, or torches as they hissed, scowled and cursed about the thick layers of white left upon their doorstep. Others were already shoveling away to busy tunes, all of them oblivious to the three adventurers forging a path passed them. Even when Feku was forced to ride upon Asterion's broad shoulders, they didn't even get a passing wave or glance.

The market and every inn proved the hardest to slip through, as the tantalizing aroma of earl grey tea came wafting through any loosened board it could find. It curled across his nostrils, begged for her to relax, and enjoy the comforting warmth. Powering through with nerves of steel she vowed to sample it upon their return and navigated them through the maze-like streets towards their destination. The city docks.

They smelled them far before seeing them above the grey and blue roof-tops dotted with thick layers of snow. Salt and fish were swirling around in equal amounts, wrinkling the poor royal's nose. Unlike the sparse streets, these ones were quite lively. Crews of races spread across Drenedar were busy carrying crates and barrels to various ships that called this harbor home. They hollered in at least three different languages in four different dialects, filling the air with a cacophony of work.

Above the shuffling bustle of thick furs and muscle were the ships themselves, their masts bound and waiting to be unfurled. Dozens of hulls of the thickest, finest wood you could muster were caressed lovingly by the ocean's tender fingers. They rose and fell in silent anticipation, eager to depart their port bound homes.

Through the crowds they melted, doing their best to avoid bumping into folks focusing on their work. They found the dock they were looking for, making their short trip after their meeting with the wet bitch well worthwhile. Like all the other ships the bloody mermaid rested upon the sea, letting her crew load her with needed supplies for the journey ahead.

Across her starboard and port were painted beautiful renditions of mermaids mid-swim, brandishing scimitars of steel. Red splotches adored their aquamarine scales, their lips curled into mischievous grins, ill intent clear as day. From the name burned into it's side was the windows built for it's many cannons. She counted at least a dozen on one side. Each one bore a tally mark of white, some were sparse with anything at all, while some were practically covered. From this was the railing of the deck, bended like waves along the sea. Bursting from the bow was a carving of a gryphon with flared wings, setting it's dull brown sights towards the cloud filled horizon.

She stood in awe at the sight, a literal ship out of her fairy tales as a child. The ones her brother had loved of adventure and delight upon the waves. The crowd around them become nothing but a dull roar as his boyhood antics replayed for her, of wooden swords and tricorn hats.

“Come on. Thought we were supposed to be leaving." Asterion grabbed her shoulder, pulling her from her thoughts.

“I was just…" She trailed off, following in the cleric's hoof steps.

Pressing aside the jumble of people emerged a group of rough customers. With leathers and furs frayed and matted with days or weeks without care. Most of them were human, some wolven and all giving her this predatory look that just screamed trouble. It was one she imagined was held just for royals, of burning envy that might lead one to murder or theft. If the minotaur woman from the bar didn't tower over their ranks with a grin, the mage might have begun readying some spells to meet them.

Atop the black and white cow was a purple tricorn hat, an exaggerated yellow flower sticking from it's surface. She'd cleaned herself up from the night before, not even a trace of her scuffle with Asterion present on the thick leather or fur cloak she wore. She was just as large as Nivra remembered, easily towering over the mage by a good two feet. The muscled bovine snorted heavily on the air, smacking one of her fellows upside the head.

“Cut out that look the lot of ya." The cow stomped her onyx hoof, “Offer the future queen your respect before I smack it outta ya. Least ya maggots could do is give her a gracious bow."

The men apologized and bowed from their waists, the disgusted looks evaporating like snow on a scorching day.

“Sorry about the maggots my royalness." The minotaur bowed her head. “Hardly got a wink the lads did before the wolf was hollarin for em. Most expected to be sittin in port for a tenday, enjoyin the dinings of a fine meal, or enjoying the company any man or lady that caught their fancy." She thumbed her chest with a fist, “Names Tehya. First mate of the bloody mermaid. Don't be blamin me for the name. Was the way before I was recruited."

Nivra introduced herself with as much grace as she could muster, though not seeming to impress this minotaur in the slightest.

“Good ta be acquainted my lady. Though your friend behind ya already went adoin that last night." She tossed Asterion a knowing wink. “Its good to know his face can take a beating."

The cleric nodded, returning her gesture. “You fought well sister Tehya. Your honor Korde by keeping your strength among so many that are lacking."

“And not so shabby yourself." She clasped him on the shoulder, “How I hoped for a cleric of our divine lord. You're a dream come true brother. Perhaps the rest of me crew will be inspired to glory. Perhaps you could fancy a brawl when ya get the chance? Show the weaklings how you're supposed to be fightin."

“They tend to be more frail." He snorted with a nod, “It's no surprise. Hopefully they are not squeamish."

“Guess that's what happens when you break a few bones." With a laugh she gestured to the ship, “Now with enough of the chin waggin. We have a ship to embark on do we not?"

Across the dock they were led, up the bloody mermaid's extended plank. The deck was currently cluttered with people, loading and lowering crates and barrels down into their hold below. The wood beneath their feet was weathered and old, clearly seen many years in service. Stairs below led to the under-decks, crewmen of various races passing one another with solemn nods. To the rear, seated by the ship's wheel was a vibrant feathered gryphon. One who wore the term pirate far too on the nose.

The gryphon's feathers and fur were the brightest red she'd ever seen. Almost as if he'd been dipped in thick layers of pain. Wings that bore feathers of green and blue were pinned to his back, eyes of angry blue watching over the crew. His white talons clawed the deck in silent contemplation, almost in time with the lion like tail thumping at his hinds. Thick layers were bound around his muscular chest and lower half that shivered with the coming of the winter's wind.

“That there is who we call Pretty Bird." Minerva brought them right over, chuckling and earning herself a fiery glare from her feathery crewmate. “On account of his beautiful feathers."

“If not for this wretched shite you call weather, you'd find yourself clawed." The gryphon snapped his onyx beak.

“Aw, ya don't mean that pretty bird." She strode over without fear, wrapping a thick muscled arm around his neck. “Best have better manners. You be in the company of well-paying guests!"

“Not well paying enough to make me forget the whore I paid for. In advance mind you before the wolf called coming. So, leave my blue balls alone about well paying guests."

“I could do ya something about those blue balls. You'd forget all about using them." Her hand tightened into a fist. “How ya feel about rollin around for a good hour?"

“Will that be your leverage for everything?" The gryphon's eyes rolled out of his head.

“When it stops working." She tapped his beak with a grin, “Now apologize and get to bowin."

The gryphon bowed with the most sarcastic of eye rolls. Even his ears twitched as if to disregard his apology. “Names Aeros."

“You do have delightful feathers you know." She held her staff tight, smiling to try and lift this gryphon's obvious distain. Though this proved to do anything but.

“Thank you." He spat, slinking away with an angry whip of his tail to bark orders at the crew's work. Clearly with the vitriol he spat, he was working out his frustrations onto them.

“So how long until we get underway?" Nivra leaned on her staff, fighting back the morning's yawn.

“Soon as we give the word." Tehya gestured to the captain's room atop the deck, a section squared off with a simple door. “Still in her quarters she is."

“How long will she be you think?"

“Taking a bit of a cat nap if ya want to know. Strange beast she be those things from up north. Ilbir think they called. Leopards a big as minotaur, just as strong." Tehya wrapped an arm around Nivra, leading her towards the stairs. “Now lets be showin ya what you be payin for."

Down the steps they went, to the deck right below. It was almost a copy of the deck above, with numerous crates stacked atop one another. Hammocks lay bound and tucked to the ceilings like pockets of off-white spiderwebs. From here they were led to the crew's various quarters with simple tables coated with the remnants of a dagger's blade. Everywhere they looked the air smelled heavily of damp wood, laced with the faint smell of grain. Once or twice they passed boxes marked as dragonpowder, smelling of sulfur and smoke. Through the kitchens they were shown, a fat cook waving them along as he made sure whatever dried meats and veggies he had were properly secured.

Below they had places for the cannons, a deck far clearer than the rest. The dull iron weapons sat quietly, their wooden frames securely strapped to the boards. Rows upon rows of thick crates rested upon the walls, filled to the brim with steel balls. It looked as though they had enough ammunition to fend off an entire fleet with this. Yet Tehya oddly stayed silent of this and ushered them along.

Their quarters were to be a secluded room, warded off from the others. It was placed beside one woven it seemed by trees, that somehow grown below the decks. “The druid's place." The minotaur snorted when asked. “Captain uses them to help manage the weather. Keep to themselves mostly, don't be botherin em non."

Beyond the pale sheet that was to be their door, rested three hammocks bound against the wall. One meant to be hers was lined with strands of yellow flowers, the others the same as the crew's had been. They had a barrel for a table, with unlit candles who'd already spilled most their wax. Sparse quarters to be sure, but she'd done worse. It beat sleeping on the cold ground, though without the bulk or her gryphon, she wasn't quite sure. Though when she got the time, she was to magically lock the crates they'd been provided to keep their stuff. The last thing they needed was a few of sticky fingers going through their stuff. With hardly a moment to catch her breath, Tehya was dragging them back whence they came, practically throwing them before the captain's quarters.

“Now don't be scared." Tehya laughed, nearly knocking Nivra over with a smack to the shoulder. “Some be callin her the dread pirate Rose ,no ship safe from her clutches. You paid her though, she be getting the job done. Worked our fair share of smugglin." Minerva winked, rapping her knuckles against the captain's door. “Captain, guests here ya see ya!"

Scents of fine incense blasted Nivra in the face the moment the door creaked open. Gold and silver glittered off the lit candles within. Tapestries of wool lined the wall, resting beside painting of vast deserts with green dragons flying above them. In the corner sat a globe marked with nails across each continent, lovingly pressed against a thick bookcase lined with multicolored tomes. A wardrobes sat, close to bursting with silken clothing, nestled up alongside a bed fit for a queen. Though sitting at the thick desk littered with papers, discarded trinkets and open tomes, sat the leopard patterned feline with her paws placed upon the table.

She had a blue tricorn had, a wicked smile upon her muzzle. She was adorned in only loose fitting simple white garments, her fur more than enough to ward out the cold. She advanced, predatory amber eyes locking onto the princess. “Nice to meet you lass." Her voice was deep as the ocean as she introduced herself as Biyu. “The bloody mermaid is going to be your home for quite some time." She gulped down the goblet she held up to them, pushing out her chair and easily standing over them. Even Asterion was the lesser of the two, her ears having to splay to fit her.

She grinned, showing off her saber tooth like fangs and sauntered to them with a delightful swish about her tail. “Quite da journey I hear we be undertaking. The Canary Islands was it not? I wager it be a month or two there, den da same ta be back. Granted we don't run aground o trouble on da way dere."

The princess stepped back as the muscular cat woman zeroed in on her, standing but an arm's length away. Was it to be that long? “You sure we can't get there a tad faster?"

“Its not be like a spell child." The ilbir chuckled in her throat. “You can't just be clapping yer hands and we dere. It takes a special effort to get dere, ride da right winds." She grinned, “Dat is why you be hiring us no? Besides o course the sneakin ya outta the city. Dat have ya worrying about da time?"

The princess bit her lip, not wanting to let slip her thoughts were drifting to her bodyguard's feathers and safe return. Instead she swelled her chest and simply insisted that they had a timetable to keep.

“Ah, da problems with civilization. Dat be why I like ta skirtin around it." The cat mused, eyeing the lot of them up and down. “Buys ya freedoms ya can't be getting dere if ya know da meanin." She turned to Tehya, a sterner look crossing her eyes. “How be da men? Are dey ready? Or ya bein soft on dem?"

“Always soft." The minotaur rolled her eyes. “Though not bein soft on them captain." She gestured to Asterion with a pleased smirk. “Hopefully with this cleric, that problem will be solved."

“Oh we be havin a cleric of Thor!" The ilbir cooed, mischief shining clear in her eyes. Waiting for the fire she was bound to start.

“Not of that god." Asterion proclaimed with a growl. “Of Korde, the proper god of battle."

“O course, o course." She dismissed him with a wave, sliding and beckoning them towards her globe. “Now for da journey ahead. I have orders for da lot of ya." She stared up, the kindness gone. All that remained was the predator within. Her face curled into a sneer. “Keep your head down about why we hear. I want no mention of dis treasure except between us and de bird." She leaned in, “The crew might be loyal, but speakin of treasure can do strange tings to a man."

They agreed to her terms. Though Nivra was left perplexed, was loyalty among thieves not a thing that applied to pirates?

“Now on da matter of yer sapphire guard entanglements. We have a special place for ya below deck when dey come lookin."

“Come looking?" Up went the hairs on her neck, a shiver running down her spine. Had she not been careful enough? “They know where we are?"

The cat captain only shook her head with a chuckle. “No child. It be standard procedure out here in da docks. Ever since da crew of the albatross be caught smuggling. Whole box of undead sprung out before they were put down. Now each ship be searched goin or comin. You can imagine it was quite slight against their pride."

“So..If they inspect us. Won't they find us? Do they use spells?"

“Aye they do. But that's why we found ways to avoid it." She gestured below her feet. “Got some special lead lined crates we do. If ya know yer magic, and I know ya do. The spells don't penetrate a thin layer of the stuff. So, we'll just be a ship getting some supplies from another port. Collecting food for all those poor refugees out in the docks."

Everything seemed in order. Pretend to be part of the cargo and they were free sailing. “Wait a moment. You want us in a barrel?"

“Aye." The cat chuckled, her ears perking. “Hope ya don't mind the smell of pickles. Also bein stuck in the dark."

While Nivra didn't like the idea of crouching in the dark, this was to be the terms she'd have to accept. Even if she didn't totally trust them, she'd promised them coin after all. Perhaps that's all which was needed. She accepted with a bow of her head, mentally prepping herself to be smooshed beyond her comfort levels. Though out of them all, it was Asterion that was the least thrilled out of them.

“I resent hiding." The Cleric snorted. “Especially with.." His muzzle wrinkled, “Pickles of all things."

“Well good." Biyu laughed, “You can get the one we stored fish in."

“Captain!" A red faced man came racing over, wheezing with each breath. “Sapphire guardians. They're already here to inspect the ship?"

“This soon?" The captain surged past them with a growl. “They've neva been this early before. Something must be up."

*

Without much warning Nivra was hastily shoved into a wooden barrel with hardly any room for the rest of her. No trace of the pickles were to be found, but the air was practically thick with them. Beside her she heard her companions shoved into cramped quarters of their own, Asterion offering his own stubborn resistance.

“Its not fitting for a warrior to hide in a barrel."

“Want to get caught!" Feku's parrot squawked, instantly being silenced by her barrel's lid.

“Then you must really want dis to be over huh?" Biyu chuckled, “Thought Korde had more battle sense in his flock."

“Fine." The bull grumbled, “But aware that I do so under protest."

“Noted."

A barrel's lid was slammed shut as the captain bellowed orders her orders to the crew. “Mind the mess! Pick up over there! Come on pretty bird, stop given them that face! Last time you did we ended up land bound for a week!"

“Well its that annoying captain Ruthford again." Aeros squawked loudly, not even hiding his distain. “The one that developed the bloody hate boner for ya."

“Not him again." Biyu sighed, “But you be on yer best behavior. You mess dis up pretty bird and dose feathers won't be da only punishment slapped onta yer fur. Maybe Tehya will pluck each one of yer feathers till ya learn some respect?"

The gryphon's mortified squawk was all that she got on the subject as the captain bellowed out her greeting to this captain Ruthford.

“Gosh darn it." Nivra squirmed as her legs tingled and begged to be loosed. She couldn't hear what was even going on from this spot. She was certain she could help, weave a spell or two to help. This was embarrassing to an untold degree. Perhaps Asterion was starting to rub off on her more than she'd care to admit? Pressing her ear to the side of the barrel she strained to hear the conversation.

“Why go through this charade Rose? We both know you're up to no good." Came a gravely sounding voice of a human, almost time perfectly with his heavy footfalls overhead.

“What charade be that Captain?" Biyu's voice was several layers of sweet. “Just one captain prepping her ship for task. You can understand having to whip yer lads inta shape. We be just a cargo ship, off to collect some of dose supplies you be looking for droves of lost souls ya got. Dire times I be hearin, undead roamin da countryside, no help from de Queen. Terrible shame if ya ask me." They stopped outside the barrel, their conversation masking the rapid beating of her heart.

Each instinct whispered to weave a spell, prepare for their reveal. Yet she held it in check, squeezing shut her eyes. The slightest movement could give herself away anyway. Then everything would be ruined.

“The day this ship is up to honest work, is the day that pigs fly woman. I've known you to be a smuggler all these years."

“And yet ya haven't taken me ship. All rumors and slander against me I'm sure."

“Fine." This man hissed, “We'll play these games of yours. I have men at the ready to inspect this wreck you call a ship."

“Flattery captain? I here I thought you were a professional."

“We'll be taking your ship for the next few days. Making sure each and ever nook and cranny has nothing to hide."

Few days? That would put a hamper on everything! The whispers to act were now like screeching gryphons in her ear.

“Oh captain Ruthford. That just won't do. What will all those starving people think? Can't you make an exception for two old friends such as us?"

“We're not friends."

“How you wound me human. Here I thought we were."

“I seldom think you have any friends. Especially with what games and tricks you play Rose. Now answer this question and we'll depart without a single thought of inspection."

“And what question would that be?" The captain purred.

“Have you the Lumarian princess on board this vessel? We heard word she was heading to this ship."

Instinct won out as she readied the rune for sleep. The activation word was already on the tip of her tongue. Had the pirates sold her out? Taken a reward from the sapphire guardians instead of the job? Muscles tensed, coiled to spring. This man wasn't going to know what hit him.

“Us Ruthford? You must have us mistaken for a pleasure cruise. We haven't the atmosphere for them royal, not with our wreck of a ship as you say. They like the finer things, guilded decks, crates of aged wine. Its as you see, just me and the boys preparing to do honest work. So why don't you take yer men and come back another day. We can share a bottle of wine and have a laugh over the big misunderstanding, possibly even put to bed the word my pretty gryphon over there said about ya."

This Ruthford must have been a hardened man, for he was little swayed by the ilbir's tender words. “Last chance before I order the men to tear this ship apart. The person we seek could be very dangerous. We have reason to believe she brought the metal dragon here."

“What a coincidence ya know. We can be quite dangerous too. Best part is we have lots of surprises."

“That so Rose?" Ruthford snarled, his voice like that of a dozen men. “Men! Grab the clerics, we're going to rip this ship apart piece by bloody piece until the girl-“

With a pair of meaty smacks Ruthford was silenced. The air exploded with the metallic clamor of various metal places hitting the floor.

“Boring conversation anyway." Growled Biyu, “Come on ya three. We be havin company real soon."

Already the jig was up? Nivra shot from the barrel with a stitched brow; Biyu had a stern look upon her muzzle. This captain Ruthford was slumped to the floor in a pile of metal plates and chain. He was breathing through his thick beard, thankfully very much alive.

“Come on lass." Biyu pulled her by the wrist. “Yer fancy hand waven be more useful than below."

“A few minutes?" Nivra smacked the captain's hand away with a most withering glance. “This was the professionalism I paid for? A few minutes of safety? That's all you could manage? You punched the man!"

“We'll princess." Biyu winked to the adventurers. “The world seems ta not want it your way. You be free ta leave if ya want."

“Good." Asterion cracked open his barrel, stomping along and shaking free pickle juice clinging to his fur. “I prefer a battle to this hiding anyway."

“Are they bad?" Feku pressed to Ruthford's side, checking his pulse, her parrot clutching tightly to her shoulder. “We not try kill ya?"

“No promises." Rose growled, stomping up from the deck and already starting to issue orders to the crew.

The plank was retraced, the sails extended, and a pair of green robed individuals swirled their hands to summon up a gale to fuel the ship onward. The other flung their arm back, summoning a dense cloud of fog, wrapping the guardsman still confused on the docks.

“The captain! Get them! I can't bloody see!" The guards shouted, “Someone send the signal!" With a crack a flare rose from the fog, bringing with it a plume of blackened smoke. It curled skyward before exploding in a shower of blinding sparks.

“Set course for the exit to the port!" Biyu slid her way to the wheel, “They'll be sending ships after us, we need to make sure we keep a good distance between us! And someone get on them cannons! I want an option in case they decide to fire!" She grabbed the wood, finding Aeros among the hustling and bustling crew. “And pretty bird! Get yer feathers in da sky! I want eyes on everythin for miles!"

“Sure, thing boss." The gryphon snapped back, without question. His rainbow-like wings letting him spiral lazily upwards into the sky.

“Do you think they'll fire on us?" Nivra padded her way to Biyu's side.

“Let's just say I be counting on the leeway we get with you on board. If not.."She pulled the railing, “The ole girl has a few dozen tricks up her sleeves."

“Pegesai riders!" Aeros bellowed from above, circling the vessel with a tilted wing. “Least a dozen of the bastards. The rate their going, I say they're mighty pissed!"

“As they should be!" Biyu snapped. “All that cold up there! Must be freezing their asses off something good!"

The frigid and salty waves licked at the vessels hull as the port's gate loomed overhead. The druids from before had used their mastery over the wind to batter the incoming pegasus riders from their mounts. At least a dozen of the feathery horses was shoved to the waves, taking their riders with them for a swim. Those that made it through were dispatched by one of Nivra's Bilby's grasping hands. The transparent hand plucking the riders right off their saddles and plunking them to the sea below.

The crew turned to the gate as a thunderous crackle sounded through the air. Metal and metal clunked and shifted into place as the two towers near the port's exit began to raise their metallic spaced net like they were a fish to be caught. It slammed into place, sealing their fate as Aeros' warning squawk sounded out.

“Two vessels imbound captain! Looks like a pair of frigates! Couple of cannons are brandished on them!"

“They must not think we be important! They didn't send the dragon!" Biyu maintained her course, not even casting a glance back to the pursuing vessels. She merely instructed the men below to man their stations, and possibly swivel some cannons back to their guests.

Was the woman mad? She was sailing the ship right into the net! They would be caught at the best, sliced to ribbons at the worst. “Have your senses departed captain?" Nivra gestured net of water dripping steel. “You'll only set us on a course for the bottom of the waves!"

“You think I be scared of a wee thing like that?" The crazy cat wore a smile wide as her face. “Just you sit tight and be watching child. I did say we have a trick or few up our sleeves."

Like a roar of thousands a man's voice came from the ships behind them, dark wooden things with bright blue sails with a rampart dragon stitched into the cloth. The sails were pressed close to bursting, each one bearing a robed induvial on the deck. It appeared as though they also employed druids to aid them.

“Bloody mermaid. You're carrying a fugitive of the sapphire guardians and a member of our order. Slow your speed and prepare to be boarded! Failure to do so will have you fired upon!"

Nivra eyed the captain's calmness reflected in Asterion's eye. Would the guard really fire with her or one of their own on board. Her gut coiled into knots just thinking about it. She hung from a rope, setting sights to the darkened wooden ships behind them. It was to be over. Her worry must have been painted on her face, as Biyu shouted out to her above the crew bellowing back that the cannons were ready.

“Don't be worrying Nivra. I know this procedure. They'll fire a few warning shots first. Don't think they want ta risk hurting ye or their captain." She maintained the course for several minutes, not veering when the other ship bellowed their warning again. “Aeros, flip them off for me!"

As if to answer the gryphon's rude gesture, the twin vessels behind fired their forward cannons. With a splintering crack, a steel cannon ball pulverized through a section of the starboard side. Anyone not holding onto something was knocked from their feet, crashing to the deck.

“Warning shots?" Nivra's blood boiled as Asterion was swift to pull her to her feet.

“Well." Biyu chuckled, waving to her druids. “Guess they dropped that part huh? Okay, ya water wizards. Shield us from dose cannons."

Raising their hands in unison, the druid's hood fell to reveal tattooed elfs. They danced across the deck, flowing their arms like the waves themselves. As they shouted their spell's words the sea began to raise all around the ship, forming a towering wall of liquid.

Explosions barked again as the ships fired, their projectiles splashing through the wall and reflecting off the hull. What destructive power they wielded clearly dulled. The crew cheered, offered taunts and jeers to the oncoming guards at their failure. With that threat handled, they just had the problem of the gate to be solved.

“Hold onto something!" Biyu barked into the wind, flicking a hidden switch below the wheel. “Time for a trick!"

The ship shook, metal screeched as buckles and planks gave way. The bloody mermaid shook and breathed as if it came alive. Boards lifted and shifted, rearranging themselves before Nivra's eyes. Wooden fins shot out on either side of the hull, flicking downwards to drag thick lines through the sea. The stench of oil flourished as the mast trembled and glowed with thousands of brilliant runes. With a final clunk the ship seemed to leap from the waves, sailing onwards into the murky clouds above and leaving the ships below to pelt the air uselessly with their cannons.

Flying? They were flying? Nivra could barely hide her excitement, tapping rapidly at Asterion's chest. “Did you see that? We lifted!" She mimed the action with her hands, unable to not wear a smile as wide as her head. “How in the heck did a boat start flying? Is it one of our ships retrofitted to be one of the sea as well?" She was practically bouncing as the cleric merely watched on without interest.

“I did." Asterion snorted. “It flies."

Minutes of unease and dread were whisked away with ever fluttering of the brisk wind. Nivra smiled and practically pranced her way back to the still beaming ilbir. “I should have had more faith in you captain. You've delivered us from certain defeat to victory."

“Victory hasn't been won yet ya know." Biyu tapped a silver switch below the wheel. “Not until we leave this place behind. Still got to be charging for that."

“How could you possibly be saying that?" Nivra peered over the deck to see them easily glide over the port's gate. “We've past the gate, we fought off the pegasai riders. What else could they possibly send after us?"

The sound of a dragon's roar crashed through the sky, resounding off everything and being heard for miles around. It was like a coming storm, threatening to crack the air asunder, and truly end their journey.

“This why you don't say that." Asterion snorted, flicking his tail angrily. “The question is which dragon did they send after us?"

“Well, if the sound of the pitch is right." The cat's eyes gleamed with devilish intent. “I'll say that's ole Storm coming to stomp us out. I should tell you about our troubled dance a few times."

What? Her blood turned to ice as the captain started giving out additional orders, almost timing perfectly with how the extended fins started radiating and pulsating with crimson magic.

“They sent Storm!" Nivra pulled herself free of the cleric's grip, pushing her way to the edge. Sure enough, flapping his wings in the distance was the towering form of the dragon that'd given her mercy. Dark blue armor crackling with motes of electricity, silver eyes burning with fire. The membranes of his wings were already glowing with power, poised to unleash his fury. With every beat he whisked away the clouds, forging a path towards them. To her dismay he seemed to be getting closer, clearly using some magic to increase his speed. For a fraction of a moment she felt as though she were one of those undead from the tales of old, their destruction had come.

She couldn't let this dragon come to harm. Even if he had his sights on recapturing her, sailing across the sky like the predator he was. He'd shown her mercy, vouched for her when no one else had. She stood frozen, mesmerized at his wing flaps and pondering what she could do against him. There were few spells that came to mind that wouldn't be life threatening. Ice dragged talons across her thoughts as Biyu gave the order to aim the deck canons.

“You can't kill him!" She shouted as crewmembers raised at least a half dozen canons to the deck.

“First of all. I think I can, just look how angry he be." Beyu gestured to the rivers of lightning spreading across the sky to meet and twirl around Storm's scales. “But second, I don't be thinkin I want to. The dragon showed me a bit o mercy few years back. I at least owe him that. Thirdly, I wouldn't want ta anyway. Lots of folks be angry if you go killing a hero like dat you know." She chortled under her breath. “I not be crazy ya know."

“Well if you're not going to kill him, can we escape him? How worried should we be right now?" She was already flicking through her mind for spells. Only a select few would come in mind that could help against the dragon. Then again, they'd have to work against him. Dragons were notorious for slipping free of spells, double that for blue dragons.

“The cannons only be there for precautions anyway." Biyu pulled the switch with a confident grin. “Should be charged about now, we'll be outrunning him-“ Nothing happened, leaving the air with silence except the whistling of the wind. “That wasn't supposed to happen."

“Well?" Nivra pulled free her staff, fixing the captain with a glare.

“Don't look at me, we've never had to use it so soon after take off! It only takes a moment more to charge, just delay the dragon until it does!"

“Delay him?" Nivra stood agape, Storm was almost within spell distance now. Her name was bellowed onto the wind, like he a beast of the old fairy tail stories. Where the dragon sought to capture the princess of the land. “Have you noticed he's a blue?"

“Yea? Whats the problem with that?"

“They can slip free of spells much easier than other dragons!"

“Oh." Biyu's snout wrinkled in disguist, then quickly shifting to another smile. “Then ya better get to it! Not like ya be havin much a choice, unless ya like bein snatched up in his claws." She turned to shout skyward. “Aeros, go and stop him for me!"

The gryphon had already landed on the deck, shifting from claw to claw. “Yea, I'm not fighting that thing in the air. He's like three times my size."

“Aww pretty bird. He's like ten of us, and you don't see me shiverin." The captain turned and barked her demand to the crew. “Now don't be hittin him! Just lookin to scare him!"

The ship tilted on the captain's orders, the first volley thundering from the deck like a victorious storm of smoke. The shots soared through the sky, but instead of hitting the dragon midair, they burst and shattered into an array of dazzling lights. They crackled and surged, exploding in nearly every direction.

Storm surged through the thick smoke curling off his cerulean scales, his eyes twinkling with burning rage. “Humans, you have something I seek!" His voice bellowed, coming like the announcement of an army of hundreds. It practically shook the deck, sending those not brave enough cowering below deck. “Surrender the princess aboard to me, and you will go unharmed away from here. Choose to fight and my wrath will be brought down upon thee. Make your decision wisely."

Like hell Nivra was going to return. She'd already come this far. Luckily enough the others thought the same and reloaded their ammunition.

Asterion launched a few blinding spells in time with the thunderous rebuttal of the ship. Nivra herself tried to paralyze the dragon midflight with a hold monster spell. Yet all the spells, the shots, and things meant to bind him merely bounced or slipped across his scales. Storm emerged through the smoke and sparkling lights with eyes like fire, lighting building and swirling angrily around his paws.

“I warned you humans!" With a flick of his paw a bolt of lightning surged through the air, racing towards the ship with deadly purpose.

Before it could hit, one of the druids raised a delicate hand, deflecting the destructive beam into the clouds above.

Nivra was already shouting to the others as the dragon wheeled about, unphased by the second volley of spells and flashbangs.

“Try to bind him, curse his scales, smack him with the very winds!" She loosed a bigbys hand spell, having the large spectral hand fly out to greet the dragon with wiggly fingers of immense strength. Perhaps she could pin his wings?

Asterion was right to her side, whipping his arms around as he weaved a spell of white light. With a forceful shove he was flinging bolts daylight towards the blue's scales. His projectiles exploded like the ship's own shots, eclipsing them in size and brightness. It was like the sun itself had peaked below the very clouds.

With a roar the dragon took each one, gliding below the decks to silence their attack. Men scrambled to grab their weapons as the terrifying seconds passed them. With a flick of his wings the dragon surged up, paws gesturing to them as a snarl passed through his armored jaw.

Men and woman fell to all fours, bushels of white fur springing out of them. They groaned and squirmed as hands and feet became hooves. When Storm's paws grasped and broke the wood beneath him, the entire crew save Nivra and her companions had been turned into a flock of startled sheep.

The druids shifted back to their normal shapes, attacking the dragon's scales with beams of concentrated flames. The air sizzled and hissed as toughened armor started to blacken and burn. They made him rear, paw swatting at them but the druids easily slipped below his rear and maintaining their spells.

He turned, chest filling with light before he cracked open his jaw and unleashed his breath upon the druidic pair. In an instant electricity shattered the deck below them, coursed through their bodies as they spasmed in agony. They collapsed to the deck below, smoldering piles of flesh. Storm was left panting, eyes filled with fire as he swept the deck looking for them. He locked to Nivra with a predatory swish of his tail, voice like death itself as the air grew very still.

“You've worn my patience quiet thin human." The dragon swatted to the deck a pair of crew that tried to reach at him with their spears. Their weapons were snapped, the men knocked onto their ass to the deck. “Fools. If you continue to prod my hide with your toothpicks, you're corpses will dot the deck. My patience is not infinite."

“And be put back into one of your cells?" Nivra slammed her staff to the deck, eyes brimming with courage. So, what if he was at least seven times her size? That didn't mean she had to cower like a literal sheep. She strolled before him, letting the head of her staff start to thrum with power. “I've already heard the whispers around. Danger to us they of me. The Lumarian, the scapegoat. I'll not wait for someone to hang me by a rope. It only take one to start talking about me as a bargaining chip, or something to reenact their vengeance. I take my own fate into my hands thank you, now let me go."

Storm was unphased. His horned head almost like a statue to the encroaching winds. “And yet you don't inspire trust. Here you are, on a ship manned by pirates." He snapped to Asterion, with Feku hugging at his legs. “And I thought the two of you had more sense then this to be caught within the little girl's terrible judgement."

“She goes and I follow." Asterion thumped his chest defiantly. “Offer wisdom when I can. Some lessons need to be experienced."

“And you see no problem with angering a dragon?" Storm fixed Asterion with a predatory look, lifting his lips to reveal his teeth, “No surprise from the clergy of a god who loathes dragons."

Asterion pulled free his hammer, slung a shield to his side. “Let us see who wins this day dragon. Servant of the lord of battle, or an arrogant dragon. I could use with the exercise."

Nivra smiled, betraying how her heart wished to leap from her chest. She was versed in the stories of Storm. They could be dead had the dragon wished it. How much longer did they have to stall for the booster? Could they get him to talk more?

When Storm took a heavy step to creek the deck she made her demand, leaning back with her staff thrust towards him.

“If you think I'll return willingly, you're sadly mistaken Storm! You'll have to drag me back by my hems of my robes."

“That can be arranged." He growled, stepping back in surprised as Asterion summoned a wall of magical blades to hover and shimmer in the air. “And still you persist!" He slammed a paw hard against the deck until it shattered, the blades vanishing in the blink of an eye.

“Gents, ladies! I know we havin a big fight, but I have a few words ta say." Biyu was to bounce between them, both of her paws raised to either side. Bravery must have been coursing through her veins to stand between the angry snarling dragon and his prize. She gestured to the two smoldering druids. “I told them not to try and kill ya know Storm. Their fate was their own, I can assure ya this is all a big misunderstanding. How about we go enjoyin a nice spot of tea, laugh at how hilarious this was? We can get ta discussing what needs ta be done wit da princess. Perhaps we be watching her for ya? She gets out of the city and away from the potential chopping block, you get the knowledge that she's being watched over!" The ilbir wore a smile, ears perking up. “Everyone wins!"

“This was the mistake pirate. “I tire of this game. Hand over the girl and you and this ship will not be put out of action permanently. “The dragon growled his demand, eyes like steel.

“You know storm." Biyu spun on a dime to him, “You're not as friendly as the stories says you are."

“I hadn't been shot at by half a dozen flares in them either."

“True enough." The ilbir gestured to the gryphon above in the slightest of ways. Somehow the Aeros had gone un-noticed as Storm watched their every move. “But know that you be forcin my hand on dis one." She gestured Aeros dragging carrying Captain Ruthford to the deck in his blackened beak. He propped him up against the side, clearly making his intentions known. “I offer you a counteroffer. My gryphon there looses your astounding captain to da sky. You take your mighty wings and be flyin after him."

Storm grew silent and terrible, standing imposing and taking in the scene proper. The air crackled with power as sharpened claws dragged lines through the deck. There was but a low growl, that punctuated the growing hurricane of ire flaring in his eyes. “Drop him and every life aboard your ship is forfeit." His tail lashed, splintering the railing below.

The wind whistled as no one dared to make the first move. Biyu held her gaze, unafraid of the dragon's glare. Her paw waited to give the signal to send Ruthford to his doom. Would she do it? Nivra's staff wavered, the arcane energies she was focusing on collecting in the tip, begging to be released. How they twisted and churned within her chest, slithering like dozens of snakes.

“I know who ya are Storm. Let a member of yer loyal men and woman perish when ya had da chance ta save dem?" Biyu laughed deep in her throat. “We both know what ya be doin." She turned to snap her fingers, “Drop him."

With a shove the crew did as she said, lifting the unconscious man over the railing and loosing him to the waves below.

The deck below Storm cracked and fragmented into hundreds of splinters as the blue armored brute took flight. His wings tucked on either side, plummeting like an arrow towards the limp form of the Captain.

Nivra raced to the edge, her fingers already forging the rune for feather fall. With a glance she released the magic, letting it fly and caress Ruthford to a slowed fall. It ensured that Storm caught him, flaring his wings and roaring his victory.

“And that's why ya don't mess with us!" Biyu sprinted for the wheel as the crew announced Storm's return. With a flick of the switch a resounding clunk shook the ship, and thunder pulsed through the broken beams. The wings glowing crimson flared to life, pulsating brightly like the sun. With a mad woman like cackle the ship lurched forward, easily leaving the blue dragon in the dust.

They all collapsed to the deck, Nivra clutching at her chest. Laughing at how good their fortune had been. While it hadn't gone exactly to plan, she hoped storm realized she'd helped him in that moment. Otherwise it was going to make her return exceedingly awkward.

One by one the sheep that were roaming the decks were shifted back to their normal forms with various pops and thumps. Each glanced around, wondering why they were on all fours.

“What luck! The plan worked!" Biyu beamed, standing triumphantly before her crew. “Knew the captain would be the ace in the bag. Dragon thought us beat? Next time he'll know not to mess with the BLOODY MERMAID and her crew!"

Shouts of victory spread through the tired and weary crew. Most wore expressions that were simply glad they emerged from their encounter with a dragon alive. The same could not be said for their druid companions however.

“You did good." Asterion helped her up, a smile on his muzzle. He patted her shoulted and led her exhausted body to the decks below, as the repairs had already been ordered by the captain.

“Put your backs into it. How we expect to do that again?"