Runefell: Crossroads Read online

  “Yes, Capt'n,” Drake answers as he waits for Fernando.

  Fernando walks slowly to the door and takes Ariella's hand. He slowly raises it to his lips and kisses it. He then says, “Until the morning then, my lady.”

  She closes the door behind him as he leaves. She then lets out a deep sigh.

  “He seems nice, ma'am,” Marie says to her.

  “Yes, he does,” Ariella says. “A bit too nice. I'll have to keep my eye on him. Come, Marie, let’s go to bed.”

  Chapter 3

  Day 2

  Lunch with the Captain

  The next morning as the sun rises over the bow of the Red Dawn, Fernando is brought up to the quarterdeck to where the navigator and the Captain are waiting.

  “Good morning, Mr. Greythorn,” Ariella greets Fernando.

  “Buenos Dias, Captain, and a fine morning it is,” Fernando says returning her pleasantries. “The way the morning's new light shines in your eyes. They shimmer like a thousand emeralds and sapphires.”

  She smiles a bit then says, “Save your flattery, Mr. Greythorn. I need you to tell my navigator, Chris, the proper heading.”

  “My pleasure,” Fernando says. Behind the ship's wheel, against the exterior wall of the captain's lounge, is a table. Chris unrolls a map onto the table as he and Fernando begin to study it.

  The ship is quiet, save for the few who work the early morning hours. Many still sleep down below. Allen is up however, and is polishing the brass. As he does so, he watches Fernando closely. He is so distracted by him that he neglects to watch where he is going and bumps into the captain.

  “Sorry,” Allen mutters as he looks up. Realizing who he had just collided with he says more urgently, “I-I mean...sorry, Captain!” looking down he continues to plead, “Please, forgive me.”

  “It's all right Allen. I am fine,” she says to him. “Don't forget to wipe down Mr. Torgus's orbs.” She says as she points to a fist sized blue orb mounted in the mast. Fernando looks up to see what it is she is referring to.

  “Of course, Captain,” Allen replies. He glances at Fernando for a moment before returning to his work.

  Chris orders the helmsman to bring the ship around. Fernando says to Ariella, “Well, it appears that my work here is done. It will take us full day to reach our current destination.”

  Ariella looks at the map and asks, “Where exactly might that be?”

  Fernando points to the map and answers, “Right there.”

  “And that is where we will find my father's treasure?” Ariella asks.

  “There? No, that is just going to bring us to the next part of the journey,” Fernando explains, “We are about three days from our final destination.”

  “I see, and why not just show us on the map where that final destination is?” Ariella asks.

  “My lady,” he explains with a smile, “if I simply did that you would have no further use of me, and as long as I am the only one who knows where we are going, that assures me a bit of safety.” Ariella grins and says, “Very well, Mr. Greythorn, we will do things your way for now.”

  “Thank you, Captain,” Fernando says. “Now if that is all, Captain, I would like to look around the ship, if I may? With your permission, of course.”

  She sighs and calls out, “Allen! Would you please show Mr. Greythorn around the Red Dawn?”

  “Me, Captain?” Allen questions as he looks up from his work. “Wouldn't Drake or Leon be—”

  “—Are you questioning my orders, Mr. Allen?” she snaps.

  The few crew that are around stop what they are doing and look at Allen as he answers, “No, ma'am, Captain.”

  “Then show Mr. Greythorn around the ship,” she repeats in a more serious tone. “When you have completed the tour you will bring him to me. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, Captain,” he answers looking down. “Follow me, Mr. Greythorn,” he says with a bit of disdain as he walks past them and down the stairs.

  While Allen leads Fernando to the bow of the ship, Ariella watches them, a bit puzzled. She turns to Chris and says, “Have you noticed Mr. Allen behaving a bit strange lately?”

  “He does seem a little distracted, Captain,” Chris answers.

  “Thank you, Chris,” she says as she heads to the lounge.

  At the bow of the ship, Allen is showing Fernando around when Fernando spots an orb just like the one Allen was cleaning earlier. Fernando says, “Allen, I have a question.”

  “Yes,” Allen says with a heavy sigh.

  “What are those orbs for?”

  “I am not really sure if it is my place to tell you, Mr. Greythorn.”

  “I understand,” Fernando says, as they continue walking. “So how long have you been a member of the ship's crew?” he asks as they start to head below deck.

  “About a full season,” he answers. “Myself and a few others were the first recruits after the attempted mutiny that killed the Captain's father.”

  “Ah, yes, Red Beard,” Fernando says. “Word of the mutiny spread rather quickly, I must say. They also say it was the shortest mutiny ever.”

  “Well, I wasn't there of course,” Allen continues, “but my understanding is that the Captain’s, or I should say, former Captain's best friend, Corthag, betrayed him after almost forty years of serving together.”

  “So what happened?” Fernando asks.

  Allen stops and says, “Look, I don't know much more about it. Perhaps you should ask someone else these questions.”

  “You don't like me much do you?”

  “Mr. Greythorn, my opinion of you doesn't matter. The only opinion that matters on this ship is the Captain's.”

  Fernando smiles at Allen and asks, “You have feelings for her don't you?”

  “I don't know what you are talking about,” Allen says calmly.

  “Oh, I think you do,” Fernando replies, “She is a beautiful woman. What man would not admire her?”

  “Whether or not I find the Captain attractive is not relevant,” Allen says. “The only thing you need to know about me is this: Ariella Stormrage is my Captain, and I will do anything for her, Mr. Greythorn, including giving my life.”

  Back in the Captain's lounge Ariella and Marie are talking.

  “Are you worried that Fernando will try to leave?” Marie asks.

  “Well, if he does, Torgus can find him,” Ariella answers. “Besides, we are a half days travel from the nearest shore, and I doubt he has any magical spells up his sleeve otherwise he would have been gone by now.”

  “I suppose you are right,” Marie replies. “So where is he now?”

  “Allen is giving him a tour around the Red Dawn,” Ariella says. “They will be joining us for lunch.”

  “He and Allen are coming here for lunch?” Marie asks. She turns to the mirror and begins to fix her hair.

  Ariella laughs and says, “Yes, they are. Don't worry about your hair, you look beautiful.”

  “Really?” Marie asks, as if she does not believe her.

  “Yes, darling you look wonderful,” Ariella says. “Marie, I want you to be careful. I don't quite trust Fernando Greythorn and I don't want you to get hurt by him. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, ma'am,” Marie replies distractedly, still looking in the mirror. “We don't trust Fernando. Don't worry, Captain, it isn't Mr. Greythorn that I—” Marie stops and looks nervously at Ariella. “Never mind,” she adds.

  The realization of what Marie has just said sinks into Ariella, and a smile appears across her face and she says, “Marie? Are you saying that Allen...?”

  “I am sorry, ma'am,” Marie says sounding concerned. “Please don't be mad. Nothing has ever happened between us,” Marie explains desperately.

  “Marie,” Ariella says soothingly, “I am not mad at all. I think it is wonderful, Allen is a sweet young man. I think the two of you would be good for each other.”

  “Thank you,” Marie replies sounding a bit confused, “but I thought that you and he—”

>   “Shh,” she says putting her finger over Marie's lips. “What I do with Allen is,” Ariella searches for the right words, “well, it's complicated. It's more about power and pleasure than anything else. I will end all that if you have feelings for him, and you will have my support.”

  “Oh, thank you Captain,” Marie replies with a sad smile, “but I don't think Allen even notices me.”

  “Nonsense,” she says as she picks up a brush and begins to brush Marie's hair. “Allen would have to be blind not to notice you. Now all you need to do is show him how you feel.”

  “How do I do that?”

  Just then there is a knock at the door. Ariella walks to the door and says, “Just relax, my dear, and watch me.” She opens the door and Allen and Fernando are standing there. “Come in, gentlemen. You are just in time.”

  Fernando and Allen enter the cabin and Marie is standing at the table. Fernando says, “Ah, Marie, you look lovely today. It's a pleasure to see you again.”

  Marie smiles and says, “Thank you.” Then she quickly turns to Allen and says, “Hello, Allen.”

  Allen, shyly looking down, replies, “Good afternoon, Miss Marie.”

  “Well,” Ariella says, “Fernando, please have a seat over here. Allen, if you would please join us for lunch, we have a place for you over there next to Marie.”

  “Yes, Captain, thank you,” Allen replies still looking down. He walks over and sits next to Marie.

  As they sit down for lunch Ariella asks, “So, Mr. Greythorn, did you have any questions about the ship?”

  “Well, I did have a question about those orbs I see around,” Fernando answers. “I asked Allen but he didn't think he should tell me.”

  “Torgus's orbs, yes,” Ariella replies. “You see, there are a few members of this crew who have been around as long as my father. Torgus is one of them. His quarters are down below. He is a powerful wizard and uses the orbs to watch over the ship. He keeps to himself mostly. So if you are thinking of trying anything just remember Torgus could be watching you.”

  “I see,” Fernando says.

  The four of them begin to eat in silence. Finally Ariella says, “Marie, you look beautiful with those earrings on. Wouldn't you agree, Allen?”

  Allen, caught off guard, looks up and says, “I am sorry, Captain, what was that?”

  “I was saying how beautiful Marie looked today,” Ariella says to him more directly. “Wouldn't you agree, Allen?”

  “Yes, Captain,” Allen says as he glances at Marie. “She looks nice.”

  Fernando cringes at the shyness of Allen's answer.

  Ariella sighs and says, “Don't tell me, Allen. Tell her.”

  “Oh,” Allen says, realizing his mistake, “Of course, I am sorry.” He does his best to look at Marie and says, “Marie, you look very beautiful today. N-not that you don't look beautiful every day,” he adds nervously, “because you do.” Allen's face begins to turn red. “I-I mean, I just mean to say that...” then turning to Ariella he says, “I am sorry, Captain, may I please be excused?”

  Ariella answers, “No, Allen, you may not.” She looks at Fernando as they smile at each other with amusement at Allen's attempt to complement Marie.

  Marie asks Allen, “Thank you, Allen, do you really mean it?”

  Allen begins to cough. “Of course I do.” He reaches for his glass of water, but accidentally knocks it over spilling it onto Marie's plate and lap.

  Marie stands up, and Allen quickly says, “I am sorry, Marie, I didn't mean to—”

  “It's alright, Allen, I know,” Marie quickly replies.

  “I am sorry, I have to go now,” Allen says as he starts to head for the door.

  Ariella says, “Allen, you are NOT excused. Now sit down, and that's an order!”

  “I am sorry, Captain,” Allen snaps. “Discipline me if you must, but I have humiliated myself enough for one afternoon.” Allen turns and walks out.

  Ariella is stunned by Allen's display. She stands up and as she begins to go after him Fernando says, “I'll go and talk with him, Captain.”

  “Thank you,” Ariella replies. Fernando leaves as Ariella walks over to Marie who looks upset. She puts her arm around her and says, “Don't worry Marie, everything will be alright.”

  Meanwhile on deck Allen is at the railing overlooking the horizon. Fernando walks up and stands next to him. After a few moments Fernando finally says. “It could have been worse. It could have been hot tea.”

  Allen cannot help but to laugh and says, “Thanks.”

  “Don't mention it,” Fernando says. “It was an accident and Marie knows that. Besides, I think she likes you.”

  “What makes you think that?” Allen asks.

  “If there is one thing I know, Allen, it is women,” Fernando says. “At least as much as any man can know about them. There are some things I don't think we will ever understand about them though.” They look at each other and laugh a bit.

  “I just don't understand,” Allen says. “I have always liked Marie, but I never thought she noticed me. I also never thought the Captain would approve.”

  “Oh, and why is that?” Fernando asks.

  “Never mind, it's nothing,” Allen answers.

  “Well, according to some of the crew,” Fernando says, “they think you and the Captain are involved somehow. That you and her...you know.”

  “What?” Allen asks sounding shocked. “No. No, it's not like that really. Well kind of but,” Allen sighs. “Alright, fine. I'll tell you, but you have to promise not to tell anyone. Promise?”

  “Of course,” Fernando replies, “it is just between you and me.”

  Allen looks around to make sure that no one is nearby. Then he turns to Fernando and says quietly, “Alright, the Captain punishes me when I mess up. Everyone knows that, but when she is done,” he pauses and takes a deep breath. He looks around again and continues, “When she is done with that, she makes me do things for her.”

  “What kind of things?” Fernando asks.

  “Sometimes it's rubbing her feet,” Allen explains. “Other times I have to rub her back with oils. Then sometimes she has me...” he stops, unable to finish.

  “I understand,” Fernando says. “Say no more.”

  “So, I don't know what to think,” Allen says.

  Fernando ponders for a moment. He leans back against the railing and says, “You live to please the Captain. So now maybe the Captain just wants you to be happy, and maybe she feels Marie can do that.”

  “I don't know,” Allen says. “Maybe.”

  Just then Ariella calls down to them. “Gentlemen, lunch is getting cold.”

  “Yes, ma'am,” Fernando answers, “we will be right up.” Then he asks Allen, “Are you ready?”

  “I guess so,” Allen answers. Then as they start to go up the stairs he adds, “And Fernando, thank you.”

  Fernando smiles and pats him on the shoulder as they rejoin Ariella and Marie to finish lunch.

  Chapter 4

  Visit From the Past

  The sun hangs high in the sky just past mid-day as the Red Dawn continues toward its destination. The lookout in the crow’s nest calls down, “Captain! I think we are being watched!” He points up to the sky where high above a giant eagle is circling. He then adds, “I don't think it's a regular eagle, Captain. Take a look.”

  Ariella takes out her looking glass and peers through it. She spies the very large white headed eagle. Other than its head and tail the rest of its feathers are dark brown. In its claw it carries a white banner with a blue shield on it. She says quietly to herself, “No, it can't be.”

  “What do you make of it, Captain?” Torgus asks.

  She hands the looking glass to Torgus and asks, “Torgus, how many great eagles do you think would carry the banner of Sheathelm?”

  He looks up at the sky at the eagle and answers, “I can only think of one.”

  “That's what I thought,” Ariella replies. Then calling out to the crew she says, “Run u
p the white flag and stand down!”

  “Captain? The white flag?” John questions.

  “You heard me,” she says giving him a glare, “raise it now, unless you want to swim back to land.”

  “Yes, ma'am,” he replies as he quickly digs around in a chest. Soon he pulls out a white flag, and shakes the dust off it. He begins to lower their flag that has the colors of a morning sunrise.

  “What is it, Captain?” Fernando asks looking up in the sky.

  “Unless I am mistaken, Mr. Greythorn,” Ariella explains, “we are about to have a very distinguished guest.”

  The crew looks up in the sky while the white flag is raised and the great eagle starts to descend. It gets closer and closer and many who have not seen a great eagle are amazed at its size. It finally lands on deck, and the crew watches it nervously. Other than its enormous size it appears to be a normal white capped eagle. When Ariella looks closer she can see one other unusual feature. The eyes of this eagle are blue.

  Before their very eyes the man sized eagle begins to transform. Its feathers disappear and its wings become arms. It becomes taller as it takes on a humanoid shape. Soon the transformation is complete, and an elf now stands on their deck. His fine dark armor with gold trim tells the men that he is not a mere messenger. His red cloak flows in the wind along with his long blonde hair. He looks around at the almost two dozen men around him. Unsure if he is welcome, his hands are ready to draw the two swords at his sides.

  Ariella looks upon the Elven visitor, and thoughts of her past begin to fill her head. This is not the first time she has met this man. When his eyes, as blue as the sky, meets hers he says, “Ariella? Is that you?”

  As if a dam holding back her past had burst, the memories of her first encounter with this elf come flooding back.

  She is fifteen years old, and is walking along the deck of the Red Dawn when she comes across a young blonde elf sitting and watching the sun set. She sits down next to him and says, “Hello. What is your name?”

  He smiles and replies, “My name is Chance Na'Moon. What is yours?”