"Calico can't do much of anything right now Rufus." Ryiah responded flatly as she gazed at the crew, "and right now, I need to show you which fruits to collect, as you don't seem to be getting far." Ryiah wasn't in the mood to banter, nor cajole her way, so with a flick of her gaze back toward the ship she added, "there is a grove of trees around that next dune that looks promising. Perhaps we can even find fresh water to restock with."
Moving across the sand, which blew in the wind, stinging any exposed skin, she covered her mouth with her arm a bit so she could breath without swallowing the blasted stuff. It was hard going through sand, and took longer because of it, yet soon enough Ryiah reached the dune, slowly cresting it.
Suddenly she allowed her body to drop down onto her stomach, gesturing for those behind her to do the same. As Rufus came up beside her she pointed. Settled in the shade of another dune, with the copse of trees they sought overlooking a pool of water, tents were set up, scattered around the small haven. Here the sand didn't blow as harshly, and fresh water was evident.
But were these folk friend or foe? Ryiah sighed. "Why can't anything be easy?" She muttered. "We need supplies. There is no going back if we want to live."
Moving across the sand, which blew in the wind, stinging any exposed skin, she covered her mouth with her arm a bit so she could breath without swallowing the blasted stuff. It was hard going through sand, and took longer because of it, yet soon enough Ryiah reached the dune, slowly cresting it.
Suddenly she allowed her body to drop down onto her stomach, gesturing for those behind her to do the same. As Rufus came up beside her she pointed. Settled in the shade of another dune, with the copse of trees they sought overlooking a pool of water, tents were set up, scattered around the small haven. Here the sand didn't blow as harshly, and fresh water was evident.
But were these folk friend or foe? Ryiah sighed. "Why can't anything be easy?" She muttered. "We need supplies. There is no going back if we want to live."
"Right well in that case you stay here put... better 1 man dies than all of them" informed Rufus standing up and taking off his shirt, for lack of anything else whiteish in colour, waving it with his arm left to right, a few times until he saw another white flag return the gesture
"We're under Parlay... it is safe to approach" muttered Rufus making his way over to the men who clearly had claimed ownership of the food and drinks available and were indeed guarding them well, perhaps too much so.
"Are you coming or staying, captain Ryiah?" asked Rufus making no obvious move well aware they could not see him talk from such far distance
"We're under Parlay... it is safe to approach" muttered Rufus making his way over to the men who clearly had claimed ownership of the food and drinks available and were indeed guarding them well, perhaps too much so.
"Are you coming or staying, captain Ryiah?" asked Rufus making no obvious move well aware they could not see him talk from such far distance
"I'm coming of course." She replied as she stood up to begin making her way down their sand dune and toward the center of the grouping of tents. There, a man stood, loosely clothed in robes, a turban wrapped around his head. Ryiah glanced around the camp as she walked, noting several pens in which fine horses were kept, several of which nickered as they approached. She smiled, having only seen horses on rare occasions in her empire.
"What is your mission here?" The man called out to them, his voice thick with accent, though he used the common tongue. "Why have you trespassed on our island?" His gaze swept the group of men, perhaps noticing their rather priateish appearance, then his gaze swept over Ryiah from head to toe. She pressed her lips together and crossed her arms over her chest.
"We come in peace of course. Our men are hungry, starving. We can go no further unless we procure food and water for our ship." Her voice was kept carefully neutral, offering no respect, yet no disrespect, until she had further ascertained the men's motives.
Around them, she began to noticed more men gathering, some bearing obvious scimitars around their waist, but others seemingly unarmed. They all wore light colored robes and tunics, with turbans wrapping their hair and necks. It was obvious they used the cloth to cover their mouths on occasion as well, should sand storms arise. Ryiah guessed those storms happened fairly often here.
"What is your mission here?" The man called out to them, his voice thick with accent, though he used the common tongue. "Why have you trespassed on our island?" His gaze swept the group of men, perhaps noticing their rather priateish appearance, then his gaze swept over Ryiah from head to toe. She pressed her lips together and crossed her arms over her chest.
"We come in peace of course. Our men are hungry, starving. We can go no further unless we procure food and water for our ship." Her voice was kept carefully neutral, offering no respect, yet no disrespect, until she had further ascertained the men's motives.
Around them, she began to noticed more men gathering, some bearing obvious scimitars around their waist, but others seemingly unarmed. They all wore light colored robes and tunics, with turbans wrapping their hair and necks. It was obvious they used the cloth to cover their mouths on occasion as well, should sand storms arise. Ryiah guessed those storms happened fairly often here.
Rufus examined the men, briefly glancing at the white stallions before returning the gaze to the one who had spoken in their language. "May we take provisions for us and our crew? At our ship we have enough treasure to pay for the goods if needed be" assured Rufus "But we have wounded comrades who need the nourishment..." explained Rufus in a patient voice
"A name would be helpful too... I am Rufus..." introduced the man amiccably yet cautious "how come you speak our language at these far lands?" quizzed Rufus surprised, examining the armed men weary but not at all showing any fear or aggressiveness of any kind for their intentions were as honest as stated
"A name would be helpful too... I am Rufus..." introduced the man amiccably yet cautious "how come you speak our language at these far lands?" quizzed Rufus surprised, examining the armed men weary but not at all showing any fear or aggressiveness of any kind for their intentions were as honest as stated
The man crossed his own arms over his chest, his gaze shifting from Ryiah to Rufus, as if trying to figure out who was in charge. "We have been provisions to spare." He began, lifting a hand to run over his short beard. His eyes were calculating though and he gave a subtle nod to his right, where another man stood. "But... perhaps we can come to a negotiation." He continued.
"I am not originally of this land. I leanred the common tongue when I sailed. I brought horses to these people here, and they have followed me ever since. Our culture enjoys a good horse race, our people depend on them." He paused. "Do you or any of your men ride?" He looked between Ryiah and Rufus, an eyebrow raised.
Ryiah looked at Rufus too, she had no idea if any of the men could ride...
"I am not originally of this land. I leanred the common tongue when I sailed. I brought horses to these people here, and they have followed me ever since. Our culture enjoys a good horse race, our people depend on them." He paused. "Do you or any of your men ride?" He looked between Ryiah and Rufus, an eyebrow raised.
Ryiah looked at Rufus too, she had no idea if any of the men could ride...
"Aboard the ship we have the two best riders of all the kingdoms, Sir Henry Morgan of the Imperial Army and Lord knight Calico Jacksworth Pont-de-Ter masters-at-arms to the emperor Bet'Luna, equally skilled at arms and horses." nodded Rufus
"Allow us to take them food and water and we will join you for a race..." nodded Rufus, unaware how ill Calico was since he had been tending to the kitchens at the time of the dragon hunting fiasco
"Allow us to take them food and water and we will join you for a race..." nodded Rufus, unaware how ill Calico was since he had been tending to the kitchens at the time of the dragon hunting fiasco
The man had noted how weak the group seemed due to lack of hunger, and at Rufus's words he gave a nod. "Yes... but I want to change the terms a bit." At his glance, two men jumped in to drag Ryiah off to the side. Putting a scimitar to her neck and tightly twisting her arms behind her back before she could even reach for her own sword, causing her to hiss in pain.
The leader chuckled, more of his men appearing, well outnumbering Rufus and his own men, even if the pirates were not exbausted from hunger. "You see, this woman's hair is like fire, her eyes like molten lava. She will make a fine prize for the winner of the race. I prefer higher stakes. My best rider against yours. The winner takes the girl... and if you win, I will also provide you food and water. I am a generous man."
He smirked and walked over to run a finger down Ryiah's cheek. "So beautiful. You would be much more beautiful dressed in the garb of our women." Turning back to Rufus, his gaze hardened. "We will keep her here with us while you return for your rider. We will provide a horse of course. Keep in mind, these races are not ordinary. They are dangerous, each man must fight the elements in addition to coming first. Quicksand, poisonous snakes... these are only a few dangers. But our horses are bred for their endrance. They will last longer than your man."
The leader chuckled, more of his men appearing, well outnumbering Rufus and his own men, even if the pirates were not exbausted from hunger. "You see, this woman's hair is like fire, her eyes like molten lava. She will make a fine prize for the winner of the race. I prefer higher stakes. My best rider against yours. The winner takes the girl... and if you win, I will also provide you food and water. I am a generous man."
He smirked and walked over to run a finger down Ryiah's cheek. "So beautiful. You would be much more beautiful dressed in the garb of our women." Turning back to Rufus, his gaze hardened. "We will keep her here with us while you return for your rider. We will provide a horse of course. Keep in mind, these races are not ordinary. They are dangerous, each man must fight the elements in addition to coming first. Quicksand, poisonous snakes... these are only a few dangers. But our horses are bred for their endrance. They will last longer than your man."
Rufus chuckled as loudly as a drunken man can do shaking his head amused.
"After putting a finger on her skin you pretend to live? You're a dead man walking win or loose the race without the least difference and it won't be me who does it either. The woman has hair like fire and eyes like lava because she's a dragon, you fool, you will end up her supper if you keep at it" chuckled Rufus shaking his head and pausing stiff and sober outright at the second thought
"Much as I love lady Luck and making bets, one thing I learned is that pirates make the finest torturers and by far Calico Jack is the master of them all. You do not keep a dragon from its rider, you fool, I for one wouldn't keep her from him for all the gold in the world even if my life depending on it or my rum and mind you that I am a drinker. So please... do help yourself to the ship... straight line from here, we rather just sit and die here, it will be far more merciful than try to explain to Calico or Morgan why she isn't back" concluded Rufus
"Between the warlock, the rider, the dragonness and lord knight of the army we have a crazy ship as it is... need no extras, no extras at all... you can keep the horse, it wouldnt feed the dragon for supper." shrugged Rufus sitting down in the sand carving out drawing in the sand
"No mortal blade can kill dragons anyways, I wouldn´t waste your effort with her precious throat though, if you must know, their blood is black... not red like yours or mine" muttered Rufus
"Guys whoever wishes a slow death by torture, go tell the captains, she isnt coming back yet..." waved Rufus, passing the hat at Martin for him to take charge and deliver the message, who in turn passed the problem to Haldor, who in his turn handed the hat to Robert who in turn tossed it at the first random turban wearing man
"Ye tell 'em, not I" scoffed Robert the four men sitting against each other's back, far preferring sneaks than whatever Calico had in store for this misshap. Sun and hunger, scorpions and the quick sands looked far far finer, taking a coin and tossing it head or tails to determine whether they would use dagger or sword on each other. It was rather the custom among captive pirates to each kill the one to the left or to the right in a brotherhood blood bond head being left and tails being the man to the right
"After putting a finger on her skin you pretend to live? You're a dead man walking win or loose the race without the least difference and it won't be me who does it either. The woman has hair like fire and eyes like lava because she's a dragon, you fool, you will end up her supper if you keep at it" chuckled Rufus shaking his head and pausing stiff and sober outright at the second thought
"Much as I love lady Luck and making bets, one thing I learned is that pirates make the finest torturers and by far Calico Jack is the master of them all. You do not keep a dragon from its rider, you fool, I for one wouldn't keep her from him for all the gold in the world even if my life depending on it or my rum and mind you that I am a drinker. So please... do help yourself to the ship... straight line from here, we rather just sit and die here, it will be far more merciful than try to explain to Calico or Morgan why she isn't back" concluded Rufus
"Between the warlock, the rider, the dragonness and lord knight of the army we have a crazy ship as it is... need no extras, no extras at all... you can keep the horse, it wouldnt feed the dragon for supper." shrugged Rufus sitting down in the sand carving out drawing in the sand
"No mortal blade can kill dragons anyways, I wouldn´t waste your effort with her precious throat though, if you must know, their blood is black... not red like yours or mine" muttered Rufus
"Guys whoever wishes a slow death by torture, go tell the captains, she isnt coming back yet..." waved Rufus, passing the hat at Martin for him to take charge and deliver the message, who in turn passed the problem to Haldor, who in his turn handed the hat to Robert who in turn tossed it at the first random turban wearing man
"Ye tell 'em, not I" scoffed Robert the four men sitting against each other's back, far preferring sneaks than whatever Calico had in store for this misshap. Sun and hunger, scorpions and the quick sands looked far far finer, taking a coin and tossing it head or tails to determine whether they would use dagger or sword on each other. It was rather the custom among captive pirates to each kill the one to the left or to the right in a brotherhood blood bond head being left and tails being the man to the right
Looking a bit befuddled at this speech the man didn't answer for a moment. Finally he tilted his head back in his owm loud guffaw, slapping his leg as well. Finally he shook his head, the laughter dying away as quickly as it had begun. "You misunderstand me my good pirate." The leader said, moving to Ryiah again. "I would no sooner harm this gem's neck, than I would kill my favorite horse. Horses are our life blood here, and the races, they test our mettle and skill. What better way to tempt a man to win than a damsel as the prize eh?" He stroked her cheek once more, then turned to Rufus.
"I am a man of my word, ask any of the people here. No ill will befall the woman while you return to gather your rider. She will be treated as a princess, offered the finest foods, and the best clothing. Surely your captain will understand a betting man's wager, being a pirate. As for a dragoness, she hasn't changed into one yet, so I'll take my chances." His eyes glinted, signaling that perhaps he believed the tale, perhaps not.
"But just to be on the safe side... I will have my own warlock fit her with a band so that there will be no dragonness to ruin our race."
Ryiah stood rigid, eyes blazing at being spoken of as a prize. Yet as Rufus told his tale her eyes widened a bit. Black blood? Goodness knew that her blood ran as red as any man's... but she said nothing, wisely deciding not to call the pirates bluff. Finally she sighed, "Rufus just go back to the ship with the men. I will be fine. If they dare touch me they may find they are men no longer." Her excitement sped at the thought of a race, and she wanted no one hurt on her account. "Don't waste your lives." She added, glaring at the darned pirates. Loyal to a fault sometimes.
"I am a man of my word, ask any of the people here. No ill will befall the woman while you return to gather your rider. She will be treated as a princess, offered the finest foods, and the best clothing. Surely your captain will understand a betting man's wager, being a pirate. As for a dragoness, she hasn't changed into one yet, so I'll take my chances." His eyes glinted, signaling that perhaps he believed the tale, perhaps not.
"But just to be on the safe side... I will have my own warlock fit her with a band so that there will be no dragonness to ruin our race."
Ryiah stood rigid, eyes blazing at being spoken of as a prize. Yet as Rufus told his tale her eyes widened a bit. Black blood? Goodness knew that her blood ran as red as any man's... but she said nothing, wisely deciding not to call the pirates bluff. Finally she sighed, "Rufus just go back to the ship with the men. I will be fine. If they dare touch me they may find they are men no longer." Her excitement sped at the thought of a race, and she wanted no one hurt on her account. "Don't waste your lives." She added, glaring at the darned pirates. Loyal to a fault sometimes.
"Return?Return after?" Rufus chuckled loudly for the man had the absolute certainty of no returns if he even managed to somehow deliver the message.
"Gallows is less certain a death than that ship" giggled Haldor amused these bandits thought they could simply go, deliver the terms and return alive for the mere fact of being Calico's crew.
"Hear ye matey... there shant be no return, savvy...?. We be no good but Jacko be the olde devil hisself. Dead men tell no tales" refused Robert "To Davis Jones locker ye be going after ye hold that lass" explained Robert stated with certainty
"Well if you mean her no harm, we can die happy men eh? You may be men of word, but those over are men of foul deeds, no way I am fetching no rider from there, without the girl... go risk Calico's wrath yourself if you manage to pass Morgan's first.
"Aye, tis be the only time 'em two shall side" agreed Robert in a shudder slamming one foot over the other to make it plain clear he wasnt moving
"Give it a month of hunger.. maybe.. we shift a few feet that way then.." mused Haldor none of the four having the least intention to go nowhere near the ship and try to explain what has just happened.
"See lady Luck and lady Rum aint gonna be on our side regardless a quick death better than a slow one... isn´t boys?" quizzed Rufus
"Haldor, you go first." mused Rufus letting him toss the coin to decide who was to die after.
"Aye...." muttered Haldor calmly taking up the coin to do a head or tails passing the coin to Robert next and Martin after that.
"You send the girl, with promises of food, maybe.. just maybe... you get the rider you seek... without her. Forget the food, and the races too." nodded Martin taking up the coin and flicking it
"I´m next after him" admitted Martin letting these bandits do their thing whilst they played coins and short straws as for the order and manner of death
"Gallows is less certain a death than that ship" giggled Haldor amused these bandits thought they could simply go, deliver the terms and return alive for the mere fact of being Calico's crew.
"Hear ye matey... there shant be no return, savvy...?. We be no good but Jacko be the olde devil hisself. Dead men tell no tales" refused Robert "To Davis Jones locker ye be going after ye hold that lass" explained Robert stated with certainty
"Well if you mean her no harm, we can die happy men eh? You may be men of word, but those over are men of foul deeds, no way I am fetching no rider from there, without the girl... go risk Calico's wrath yourself if you manage to pass Morgan's first.
"Aye, tis be the only time 'em two shall side" agreed Robert in a shudder slamming one foot over the other to make it plain clear he wasnt moving
"Give it a month of hunger.. maybe.. we shift a few feet that way then.." mused Haldor none of the four having the least intention to go nowhere near the ship and try to explain what has just happened.
"See lady Luck and lady Rum aint gonna be on our side regardless a quick death better than a slow one... isn´t boys?" quizzed Rufus
"Haldor, you go first." mused Rufus letting him toss the coin to decide who was to die after.
"Aye...." muttered Haldor calmly taking up the coin to do a head or tails passing the coin to Robert next and Martin after that.
"You send the girl, with promises of food, maybe.. just maybe... you get the rider you seek... without her. Forget the food, and the races too." nodded Martin taking up the coin and flicking it
"I´m next after him" admitted Martin letting these bandits do their thing whilst they played coins and short straws as for the order and manner of death
The turbaned man sighed, shrugging his wide shoulders as he gazed on in curiosity at the men's actions.
"I had hoped a race would appeal to your senses of adventure, alas, it seems you will die here. I certainly do not care whether it is by your own hands, or by the hand of Calico you speak of." With another shrug the man gestured and the two fellows holding Ryiah began tugging her toward on of the tents, her feet dragging reluctantly behind.
Ryiah glared at the pirates over her shoulder. "Alot of good that did..." she called. "I thought you were braver fellows than that." Frustration and a bit of anger boiled neath her eyes, but the men taking her only chuckled. "Don't worry lass, you will like it here." One of them said, touching a lock of her hair.
"As for the food." The turbaned man added to Rufus and his gang. "You seem to forget it wasn't me wanting some. I was prepared to give it to you. Not the other way around. Either way, I have aquired a beautiful woman to add to my harem." With that he moved to return to his tent, though his men still kept a sharp eye on the four pirates.
"I had hoped a race would appeal to your senses of adventure, alas, it seems you will die here. I certainly do not care whether it is by your own hands, or by the hand of Calico you speak of." With another shrug the man gestured and the two fellows holding Ryiah began tugging her toward on of the tents, her feet dragging reluctantly behind.
Ryiah glared at the pirates over her shoulder. "Alot of good that did..." she called. "I thought you were braver fellows than that." Frustration and a bit of anger boiled neath her eyes, but the men taking her only chuckled. "Don't worry lass, you will like it here." One of them said, touching a lock of her hair.
"As for the food." The turbaned man added to Rufus and his gang. "You seem to forget it wasn't me wanting some. I was prepared to give it to you. Not the other way around. Either way, I have aquired a beautiful woman to add to my harem." With that he moved to return to his tent, though his men still kept a sharp eye on the four pirates.
Taff sighed, tired and drained, with no food and water returned despite the hours passing by. He summoned water and made seaweed soup, nursing Calico as best as he could.
Morgan had searched the ship top to bottom, now knowing with certainty that she was nowhere to be found. She must have escaped unseen and that alone was cause for worry.
How would he explain to Calico that the girl had gone missing was quite a difficulty, so much so, that he thought it best to go find her whether she be alive or dead and at least have something to show for it. He went down the brig, bringing Prodius along and marched into the sandy island at a brisk pace despite the thirst and weakness.
Rufus, Robert, Martin and Haldor stood up to their feet no sooner the man had dragged the girl away from their presence, following her into the tent, whether the hostile people agreed or disagreed with the additional unwanted company
"You don't appeal to pirates whilst we're busy working, you see... because we are deaf till we get new orders from captain. Our orders are to not loose sight of her and to try to bring food and water.
Trying to bring food and water, we have done that already, unsuccessfully... not loosing sight of her, however, is a command not an attempt.
So you´ll have to expand your harem tent to accommodate another four, me thinks... because we´ll be watching... her.
Try to take her from view we might end up having horse stake for supper and we are mighty hungry, you know, we care not if the beast be a horse, beef or lamb, all good to us but your business might suffer for getting greedy with the dragoness.." explained Rufus calmly following in, a quick whistle to get the other three on the double.
"Greed, bad thing to have indeed" nodded Martin. Outnumbered or not these men had orders and they were not changing them for anyone's deals, that was of course until they heard the loud barks of Henry Morgan and his hundred men dragged through the sand towards the tent area
"Ahhh.... you might be in luck after all..." muttered Haldor looking up towards the impeccably dressed military uniform Morgan always worse, hat included.
Morgan had searched the ship top to bottom, now knowing with certainty that she was nowhere to be found. She must have escaped unseen and that alone was cause for worry.
How would he explain to Calico that the girl had gone missing was quite a difficulty, so much so, that he thought it best to go find her whether she be alive or dead and at least have something to show for it. He went down the brig, bringing Prodius along and marched into the sandy island at a brisk pace despite the thirst and weakness.
Rufus, Robert, Martin and Haldor stood up to their feet no sooner the man had dragged the girl away from their presence, following her into the tent, whether the hostile people agreed or disagreed with the additional unwanted company
"You don't appeal to pirates whilst we're busy working, you see... because we are deaf till we get new orders from captain. Our orders are to not loose sight of her and to try to bring food and water.
Trying to bring food and water, we have done that already, unsuccessfully... not loosing sight of her, however, is a command not an attempt.
So you´ll have to expand your harem tent to accommodate another four, me thinks... because we´ll be watching... her.
Try to take her from view we might end up having horse stake for supper and we are mighty hungry, you know, we care not if the beast be a horse, beef or lamb, all good to us but your business might suffer for getting greedy with the dragoness.." explained Rufus calmly following in, a quick whistle to get the other three on the double.
"Greed, bad thing to have indeed" nodded Martin. Outnumbered or not these men had orders and they were not changing them for anyone's deals, that was of course until they heard the loud barks of Henry Morgan and his hundred men dragged through the sand towards the tent area
"Ahhh.... you might be in luck after all..." muttered Haldor looking up towards the impeccably dressed military uniform Morgan always worse, hat included.
Ryiah had been moved quickly and efficiently into the harem tent, and as Rufus and the others followed, the turbaned man looked slightly exasperated. Still, he shrugged, and called for his warlock, who arrived promptly during Rufus' speech, to cast a spell around a band he placed on her ankle, which supposedly would keep her dragon form at bay.
"Now that's done," the man said, ignoring Rufus for the time being, "we best have the girls come get you dressed to our fashions. It is a lot cooler you'll find.
With that, a few servant girls came in, their feet also bare, though their arms and legs were bedecked with bangles. They carried pretty blue cloth, trimmed with gold, and beaded. With a smirk the turbaned leader rose, glancing at Rufus and his men. "I will not stop you from staying to watch, though it seems you are men of honor, perhaps you will enjoy the show as she changes."
The man left the tent, leaving the girls to dress Ryiah , who turned a sour glare on Rufus and the others. Despite how glad she had been that they had not abandoned her, though it may have been easier for everyone if they'd gone along with the race, Ryiah had absolutely no wishes for them to stay for thr coming moments.
Unaware of Morgan's advancement, she sighed, flicking her finger to the doorway of the tent. Hoping Rufus would take a hint. She had fought the capture very little thus far, if only because she had seen how outnumbered and hungry the men were. The ships crew needed food and by golly she was going to get them some. For now, she figured that meant going along with these odd people.
"Now that's done," the man said, ignoring Rufus for the time being, "we best have the girls come get you dressed to our fashions. It is a lot cooler you'll find.
With that, a few servant girls came in, their feet also bare, though their arms and legs were bedecked with bangles. They carried pretty blue cloth, trimmed with gold, and beaded. With a smirk the turbaned leader rose, glancing at Rufus and his men. "I will not stop you from staying to watch, though it seems you are men of honor, perhaps you will enjoy the show as she changes."
The man left the tent, leaving the girls to dress Ryiah , who turned a sour glare on Rufus and the others. Despite how glad she had been that they had not abandoned her, though it may have been easier for everyone if they'd gone along with the race, Ryiah had absolutely no wishes for them to stay for thr coming moments.
Unaware of Morgan's advancement, she sighed, flicking her finger to the doorway of the tent. Hoping Rufus would take a hint. She had fought the capture very little thus far, if only because she had seen how outnumbered and hungry the men were. The ships crew needed food and by golly she was going to get them some. For now, she figured that meant going along with these odd people.
"Do go ahead princess Ryiah Sendara Bet'Luna, our beloved dragon empress... we shall live by the... look and don't touch policy here, you're safe from our touch but not from our looks" assured Rufus
"Calico said not to loose sight of you... by Neptune that is exactly what we are going to do" humphed Rufus sitting down on the carpetted floor of the tent, simply watching, honour being the least of his worries when it came to follow orders which these men took extremely literally or else.
"I shan't loose me head over 'tis..." nodded Robert sitting down to stare up at her
"If it's any consolation... you're not the first lass to walk the plank, disrobed, we've seen it all before, darling" soothed Haldor smoothly the four keeping eyes fixed on her and her every move, one thing was certain, none would be going anywhere if that implied breaking Calico's expressly given orders.
Morgan raised a white flag of parlay as soon as he saw some tents by the water and trees in the not too far distance, sounding his horn for his men to have arms ready but take no action.
Morgan having brought mostly the military men that had been abducted at the beginning of the journey, his loyal men, well trained into following commands if more reasonable and honourable than the pirates they were made to travel with.
Despite the swealtering heat he was dressed in his royal army uniform with all the respectable elements of such noble attire, the sword glimmering under the bright sun
He waited until he saw a white flag or a black one whether they be friends or foes
"Calico said not to loose sight of you... by Neptune that is exactly what we are going to do" humphed Rufus sitting down on the carpetted floor of the tent, simply watching, honour being the least of his worries when it came to follow orders which these men took extremely literally or else.
"I shan't loose me head over 'tis..." nodded Robert sitting down to stare up at her
"If it's any consolation... you're not the first lass to walk the plank, disrobed, we've seen it all before, darling" soothed Haldor smoothly the four keeping eyes fixed on her and her every move, one thing was certain, none would be going anywhere if that implied breaking Calico's expressly given orders.
Morgan raised a white flag of parlay as soon as he saw some tents by the water and trees in the not too far distance, sounding his horn for his men to have arms ready but take no action.
Morgan having brought mostly the military men that had been abducted at the beginning of the journey, his loyal men, well trained into following commands if more reasonable and honourable than the pirates they were made to travel with.
Despite the swealtering heat he was dressed in his royal army uniform with all the respectable elements of such noble attire, the sword glimmering under the bright sun
He waited until he saw a white flag or a black one whether they be friends or foes
Ryiah felt the flush rise on her cheeks at the men's replies. She opened her mouth slightly in shock, then glanced at the servant girls who were already moving in, putting out a hand to try and stop them. "Mistress, he won't take no for an answer.. if it isn't us it will be one of them..." one of the said, looking frustrated, she had a job to do after all.
Glaring at the girl, Ryiah then looked back at the men who indeed seemed as if they were not going anywhere. "Blast you men." She muttered morosely, adding a few more unladylike words under her breath. Her sword had already been taken by the men who'd brought her into the tent, and soon the servant girls had divested her of the rest of her clothing, with Ryiah trying to keep the girls between her and the men's prying eyes. She had no idea how she compared to what they may have seen, and she wasn't sure she wished to know.
Cheeks flaming she said nothing, enduring the embarrassment even as she bit her lip, a spark if anger flashing through her. She hated it when events moved beyond her control, and here, she felt very out of control. The women were quick, though, and soon they had placed her in the light blue material, which left a good amount of skin on her torso exposed. They placed sandals on her feet, and put her hair in a braid down her back, a few of the loose strands curling slightly. Bangles went around her arms and ankles, and a beaded strand was draped over her brow. Ryiah didn't look at the men as the girls left without a word. Instead, she sat down on a cusion with her back to them. A prize indeed... she felt no more useful than that. How had she allowed herself to be so taken surprise?
______________________________
A white flag was returned, and the turbaned leader once again stood a ways off from the tents, some of his men gathered around, this time a bit more armed, though all weapons were sheathed as Morgan's army approached. When they were near enough to speak, the man lifted a hand, signalling them to halt. This was a mightier force than a mere 4 weakened men, those these looked to be just as weak.
"For the second time today, I get visitors." He said, voice fluid and genial for then most part. "What is your business here?"
Glaring at the girl, Ryiah then looked back at the men who indeed seemed as if they were not going anywhere. "Blast you men." She muttered morosely, adding a few more unladylike words under her breath. Her sword had already been taken by the men who'd brought her into the tent, and soon the servant girls had divested her of the rest of her clothing, with Ryiah trying to keep the girls between her and the men's prying eyes. She had no idea how she compared to what they may have seen, and she wasn't sure she wished to know.
Cheeks flaming she said nothing, enduring the embarrassment even as she bit her lip, a spark if anger flashing through her. She hated it when events moved beyond her control, and here, she felt very out of control. The women were quick, though, and soon they had placed her in the light blue material, which left a good amount of skin on her torso exposed. They placed sandals on her feet, and put her hair in a braid down her back, a few of the loose strands curling slightly. Bangles went around her arms and ankles, and a beaded strand was draped over her brow. Ryiah didn't look at the men as the girls left without a word. Instead, she sat down on a cusion with her back to them. A prize indeed... she felt no more useful than that. How had she allowed herself to be so taken surprise?
______________________________
A white flag was returned, and the turbaned leader once again stood a ways off from the tents, some of his men gathered around, this time a bit more armed, though all weapons were sheathed as Morgan's army approached. When they were near enough to speak, the man lifted a hand, signalling them to halt. This was a mightier force than a mere 4 weakened men, those these looked to be just as weak.
"For the second time today, I get visitors." He said, voice fluid and genial for then most part. "What is your business here?"
"Second time you get visitors? Seems rather strange for such an isolated island so far south... tell me... who are these visitors of yours? Any woman among them?" quizzed Morgan polite but more to the point.
He gazed at their scimitars and the turbans, the horses and the tents though his portion of army easily outnumbered them three to one, furthermore, despite the tiredness and weakness not one flinched at the sight of water nor made a run for it, each standing solid firm in their positions like a true and proper army, bow and arrows, sword and daggers, even some carried ropes for good measure, nothing was a miss for an all out war if it came to that.
But Morgan was a diplomatic leader and would first exhaust the amiccable venues.
He gazed at their scimitars and the turbans, the horses and the tents though his portion of army easily outnumbered them three to one, furthermore, despite the tiredness and weakness not one flinched at the sight of water nor made a run for it, each standing solid firm in their positions like a true and proper army, bow and arrows, sword and daggers, even some carried ropes for good measure, nothing was a miss for an all out war if it came to that.
But Morgan was a diplomatic leader and would first exhaust the amiccable venues.
A broad grin spread across the leaders face and he gave a few nods. "Oh yes, a woman, fire haired and molten eyed. The glares she gave us could have melted one of lesser steel." He chuckled. "The men with her could have returned to the ship, but they would not leave the woman's side. Besotted they are I am sure, even watching her changed. As a man of honor myself, I am surprised at their choice, but, " he shrugged as if to say, "what can a man do?"
"I had politely invited the men to ask your leadership if you'd like to engage in a horse race. Our people see the winners as those worthy of the spoils they earn. Our food is not easily aquired, and thus, not something we give freely. The winner of course would earn enough to restock a good size ship, and the woman would be the cream on top."
He finished, and seemed to take the measure of Morgan and his men, perhaps noting the man seemed to be shrewd as well. "I trust that you realize a friend here, is better than a lifelong enemy." He added softly, eyes glittering a bit. Yes, their camp could be decimated by Morgan's men. But theirs was not the only settlement on the island, with other settlements on the surrounding islands as well, that would take up arms if they heard of such an attack.
"I had politely invited the men to ask your leadership if you'd like to engage in a horse race. Our people see the winners as those worthy of the spoils they earn. Our food is not easily aquired, and thus, not something we give freely. The winner of course would earn enough to restock a good size ship, and the woman would be the cream on top."
He finished, and seemed to take the measure of Morgan and his men, perhaps noting the man seemed to be shrewd as well. "I trust that you realize a friend here, is better than a lifelong enemy." He added softly, eyes glittering a bit. Yes, their camp could be decimated by Morgan's men. But theirs was not the only settlement on the island, with other settlements on the surrounding islands as well, that would take up arms if they heard of such an attack.
Morgan covered his eyes with the palm of his hand, rubbing his eyes briefly, highly embarrassed at the findings and containing well his annoyance.
"The men that came with her, good sir, are pirates of the equally feared and revered Calico Jack, the terror of the seas. I am sure you have heard of him in your travels, for all vessels have heard of the wretched man's foul deeds and butchery.
I assure you these four men would take their eyes off before willingly drool over the dragon rider's maiden or gaze at her with lustful eyes.
Granted though that these scoundrels do not understand the concept of honor, dignity or respect nor would they barter whilst they follow orders. Given their rough training it only takes four of them to kill twelve of yours on command.
On the other hand, besides being butchers, these marauders are obedient to a fault, they will do exactly no more and no less than the strictly given orders, they might as well be deaf because they are unmovable in that sense. It must be captain Calico's orders not to leave her side in which case I would recommend giving them some space besides her for they will follow you to their very deaths to remain by her side rather than face their captain's wrath... not that I would blame them for that..." muttered Morgan
Morgan raised his hand once to see the men quickly separate in two hands of fifty surrounding and closing in on the tents
"Now I am sure you need not be a matematician here. You account for no more than twelve men at best where my army dwarfs your numbers three to one at least. Fortunately for you I am here to collect the dragon emperor's daughter, crown princess Ryiah Sendara Bet'Luna whom you hold captive. That does place you in a strong position to negotiate the terms of her release for I do not wish her harmed" informed Morgan
I am lord commander Sir Henry Morgan, leader of the imperial armies, at the service of the princess Ryiah, state thus your terms of release and if the princess sees it fit and approrpiate, you will be given that which you seek
I assure you no harm to you or your men, nor will you be robbed of the much needed provisions, if she is returned. Unlike the four murderers that you took into your tent, I do not revel in suffering and needless death. I much prefer reasonable agreement than unneeded bloodshed" assured Morgan
"If a race is what you seek, a race you can have indeed. I do not fear defeat yet I must speak to her royal highness first and seek her consent before any agreements are cast. I am at her command and no one else's but the imperial family" remarked Morgan
"The men that came with her, good sir, are pirates of the equally feared and revered Calico Jack, the terror of the seas. I am sure you have heard of him in your travels, for all vessels have heard of the wretched man's foul deeds and butchery.
I assure you these four men would take their eyes off before willingly drool over the dragon rider's maiden or gaze at her with lustful eyes.
Granted though that these scoundrels do not understand the concept of honor, dignity or respect nor would they barter whilst they follow orders. Given their rough training it only takes four of them to kill twelve of yours on command.
On the other hand, besides being butchers, these marauders are obedient to a fault, they will do exactly no more and no less than the strictly given orders, they might as well be deaf because they are unmovable in that sense. It must be captain Calico's orders not to leave her side in which case I would recommend giving them some space besides her for they will follow you to their very deaths to remain by her side rather than face their captain's wrath... not that I would blame them for that..." muttered Morgan
Morgan raised his hand once to see the men quickly separate in two hands of fifty surrounding and closing in on the tents
"Now I am sure you need not be a matematician here. You account for no more than twelve men at best where my army dwarfs your numbers three to one at least. Fortunately for you I am here to collect the dragon emperor's daughter, crown princess Ryiah Sendara Bet'Luna whom you hold captive. That does place you in a strong position to negotiate the terms of her release for I do not wish her harmed" informed Morgan
I am lord commander Sir Henry Morgan, leader of the imperial armies, at the service of the princess Ryiah, state thus your terms of release and if the princess sees it fit and approrpiate, you will be given that which you seek
I assure you no harm to you or your men, nor will you be robbed of the much needed provisions, if she is returned. Unlike the four murderers that you took into your tent, I do not revel in suffering and needless death. I much prefer reasonable agreement than unneeded bloodshed" assured Morgan
"If a race is what you seek, a race you can have indeed. I do not fear defeat yet I must speak to her royal highness first and seek her consent before any agreements are cast. I am at her command and no one else's but the imperial family" remarked Morgan
"A princess eh.. an heiress..." the man's eyebrows in a bit of surprise. She hadn't been dressed as such when he'd found her, rather more like the pirates she sailed with. Listening to Morgan's words he dipped his head in acknowledgement of their standoff. "Of course you do have us outnumbered. I would be happy to negotiate terms in order to keep your most beloved princess unharmed."
With that he gestured to two of his men, who went to fetch Ryiah, returning with her between them, both clasping an arm. "You see she is unharmed, and.. if I may, dressed much more stunningly as well." The man moved to Ryiah and looked her over, giving her a smirk before turning back to Morgan.
Ryiah, having had enough of being manhandled and undressed, gave a glowering glare to Morgan as she stood between the two turbaned men who held her somewhat tightly, one of them with a dagger drawn and aimed at her.
"Nice of you to show up, Captain Morgan." She said with sarcasm. Her mood had turned very sour indeed, her stomach hungry, though she had been offered a few dates for a snack in the tent. The sun glittered off of the sequins bedecking her attire, as well as the few gems upon her brow. "This is ridiculous." She muttered, looking at the leader of the sand folk. "I demand release."
The leader laughed a bit, then looked to Morgan as if sharing a joke. "She is a spirited one." He said. "But seeing as she is a princess, in the company of pirates, I should like treasure to be wagered on your side for the outcome of the race. Should you win, the princess and provisions are yours. Should you lose, well... she stays with us to enjoy our hospitality and, we get your treasure, and...." the man paused, "I will still give you the provisions you need to continue your journey. Perhaps you may return at a later date with a better rider and try to win the princess again." With that he looked between them, expectant.
Ryiah sighed. He obviously wasn't going to give her over freely. The deal as he made it seemed to ensure those she traveled with would at least get the provisions they desperately needed. She swallowed, her mouth dry, and gave Morgan a nod. "We need the provisions. Just make sure you win." She said softly, a bit of her fire seeming to seep from her.
With that he gestured to two of his men, who went to fetch Ryiah, returning with her between them, both clasping an arm. "You see she is unharmed, and.. if I may, dressed much more stunningly as well." The man moved to Ryiah and looked her over, giving her a smirk before turning back to Morgan.
Ryiah, having had enough of being manhandled and undressed, gave a glowering glare to Morgan as she stood between the two turbaned men who held her somewhat tightly, one of them with a dagger drawn and aimed at her.
"Nice of you to show up, Captain Morgan." She said with sarcasm. Her mood had turned very sour indeed, her stomach hungry, though she had been offered a few dates for a snack in the tent. The sun glittered off of the sequins bedecking her attire, as well as the few gems upon her brow. "This is ridiculous." She muttered, looking at the leader of the sand folk. "I demand release."
The leader laughed a bit, then looked to Morgan as if sharing a joke. "She is a spirited one." He said. "But seeing as she is a princess, in the company of pirates, I should like treasure to be wagered on your side for the outcome of the race. Should you win, the princess and provisions are yours. Should you lose, well... she stays with us to enjoy our hospitality and, we get your treasure, and...." the man paused, "I will still give you the provisions you need to continue your journey. Perhaps you may return at a later date with a better rider and try to win the princess again." With that he looked between them, expectant.
Ryiah sighed. He obviously wasn't going to give her over freely. The deal as he made it seemed to ensure those she traveled with would at least get the provisions they desperately needed. She swallowed, her mouth dry, and gave Morgan a nod. "We need the provisions. Just make sure you win." She said softly, a bit of her fire seeming to seep from her.
As soon as the two men came to get Ryiah, Rufus, Robert, Haldor and Martin jumped to their feet, eyes set on the princess and not about to loose her from their field of vision.
Calico had ordered to watch and watch her they would, regardless of what it was she was doing or they were doing to her for the matter, observing did not include acting therefore they would neither protect nor abandon the girl, eyes fixed on her like a hawk and disregarding the rest of the world for the matter.
No sooner the men brough Ryiah out of the tent to stand before him, Morgan lowered the head and bend the knee, digging it into the burning sand to greet the empress properly, his hundred men following the gesture for the army always maintained protocol regardless of circumstance.
Not a sound was made as the men stood still like statues scattered in the burning sand letting the princess speak as she wishes and pleased, after all, it was all about her at the end of the day. They were her men, her army, the imperial army.
Morgan took her desdain on the chin making no gesture to show the least offense.
"Your grace it is an honor to be at your presence and service" assured Morgan "Your wish is my command, your royal highness" assured Morgan in as sober a voice as if they were at the throne room, raising up and with it his hundred men
Then he turned his attentions at the turban wearing merchant
"I demand you immediately remove that cuff from her ankle, prisoner or not, she's no one's slave. Afterwards, no one is to lay finger on her at all, man, woman nor beast. The next hand that is laid upon the dragoness will be cut off in a swift strike no further warning." informed Morgan calmly
"As your prisoner I am sure the princess knows your expectations and her position well enough... still that will not grant you the priviledge to bypass protocol and lay hand upon royalty" warned Morgan
"Rufus, you and your men had orders from Calico to watch her... you can add to that my orders to guard her, she may be commanded what to do but, any hand approaches, cut it without the least hesitation, any retaliation, kill" remarked Morgan knowing well marauders had no feelings nor the least hesitation nor did they fail else Calico would have already dispatched them for their failings, Calico only kept the best from among the worst.
Once he had given the boundaries he turned to face the man that owned the princess.
"I shall be the rider you seek, and should I fail, tomorrow Calico will personally attend even if my men have to bring him in chains, though, I wager he will be faster than your horses when he hears of her majesty's predicament" smiled Morgan warmly and briefly looking at her ankle meaningfully.
"Release her... you can seize me in her place until such time as the race takes place" prompted Morgan a hand raised to stop his men from so much as squeaking in protest
Calico had ordered to watch and watch her they would, regardless of what it was she was doing or they were doing to her for the matter, observing did not include acting therefore they would neither protect nor abandon the girl, eyes fixed on her like a hawk and disregarding the rest of the world for the matter.
No sooner the men brough Ryiah out of the tent to stand before him, Morgan lowered the head and bend the knee, digging it into the burning sand to greet the empress properly, his hundred men following the gesture for the army always maintained protocol regardless of circumstance.
Not a sound was made as the men stood still like statues scattered in the burning sand letting the princess speak as she wishes and pleased, after all, it was all about her at the end of the day. They were her men, her army, the imperial army.
Morgan took her desdain on the chin making no gesture to show the least offense.
"Your grace it is an honor to be at your presence and service" assured Morgan "Your wish is my command, your royal highness" assured Morgan in as sober a voice as if they were at the throne room, raising up and with it his hundred men
Then he turned his attentions at the turban wearing merchant
"I demand you immediately remove that cuff from her ankle, prisoner or not, she's no one's slave. Afterwards, no one is to lay finger on her at all, man, woman nor beast. The next hand that is laid upon the dragoness will be cut off in a swift strike no further warning." informed Morgan calmly
"As your prisoner I am sure the princess knows your expectations and her position well enough... still that will not grant you the priviledge to bypass protocol and lay hand upon royalty" warned Morgan
"Rufus, you and your men had orders from Calico to watch her... you can add to that my orders to guard her, she may be commanded what to do but, any hand approaches, cut it without the least hesitation, any retaliation, kill" remarked Morgan knowing well marauders had no feelings nor the least hesitation nor did they fail else Calico would have already dispatched them for their failings, Calico only kept the best from among the worst.
Once he had given the boundaries he turned to face the man that owned the princess.
"I shall be the rider you seek, and should I fail, tomorrow Calico will personally attend even if my men have to bring him in chains, though, I wager he will be faster than your horses when he hears of her majesty's predicament" smiled Morgan warmly and briefly looking at her ankle meaningfully.
"Release her... you can seize me in her place until such time as the race takes place" prompted Morgan a hand raised to stop his men from so much as squeaking in protest
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