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Harrishim crossed his arms over the robes covering his chest, his gaze centered on the armor clad men whonhad assembled near his camp. His own men had scimitars ready, but stood down for the time being as their leader moved a few paces forward to greet the newcomers.

"Peace you say? What brings you to our lowly island, and its deserts?" He asked, his hues already beginning to gleam at thought of negotiations and possible riches to be gained. He was a bit more cautious now, however, as the last ship to land upon his Island had proved more than he could handle.

"We come in peace. Our leaders seeks to acquire a few of your finest horses, we have travelled far and wide to find you and your well reputed stock of horses.

My liege has heard you share a keen interest in magic and magic wielders... we bring a slave that would be of great interest to you, our wizards and wise men call him Emris..." explained Ares, pushing Taff to his knees so he would be made to kneel before Harishim

The bedouin leader eyed Taff, a flicker of recognition in his gaze. Suspicion gleamed there too, more brightly than his greed and he strocked the hair that grew from his chin as his gaze moved back to Ares. "If he is such a grand warlock... why doesn't he save himself? Why does he allow his own capture?" Indeed the boy didn't seemnto be retaliating at all. Unusual for one with great power.

"The prospect of a race does indeed intrigue me. We have horses to spare for the prize, fine stallions and mares both, perfect for breeding as well as endurance racing. But I need more assurances that this ... boy.. is who you say he is, and that he will not retaliate against us."

"We caught him talking to merfolk... only a certain warlock called Emris is known to summon Oceania's creatures. Though, he cannot fight because we have indeed shackled him with magic imbued chains... we can release him and make him do a trick or two for your benefit.. or command him into obedience for the chains will certainly torture him if he dares refuse orders." shrugged Ares

Taff looked at Harishim wide eyed lips tightly pursed and weary of the man

Harrishim considered Ares' words another moment, scrutinizing Taff. He remembered finally where he had seen the boy before. He had been with the beautiful dragoness and ship full of pirates. Would he be more touble than he was worth? What if the others came after the slave? Still....

"No demonstration will be necessary. I have seen this slave before. I will make this deal with you. The race will be held first light tomorrow. Ready your best riders as will I mine. The slave stays here under my men's watchful eyes." Harrishim decided to go for the deal anyway, his greed for collecting power and wealth demanding the decision, and not knowing the pirate ship was already on its way...

---

Ryiah stood at the prow of the ship, her gaze on the churning waves below. Turmoil brewed in her fiery gaze and she had her arms wrapped protectivly around her. Things had been moving so quickly of late. Was she making the right decisions? Her gaze dropped to the ring on her finger, which had been emchanted to stay with her human form despite her shifting to dragoness. It was beautiful, and a smile curved her lips upward. It was hard to believe she had captured the heart of the untameable rogue Calico Jack. But then again... she was a dragoness and an empress. He would be a good match for her, and she looked forward to him ruling alongside her, his advice always valuable.

Worry for Taff slid through her mind. Was the warlock alright? He had always seemed to be able to handle himself in danger, yet... there was always a first time. And it could be his last. She hoped they would arrive in time to save him.

"Not at all, the slave is a token of good will, he is yours to keep already. The gold to pay for your horses is at our vessel.. and the race... we will be honoured to try out the horses first hand before the purchase indeed, we have travelled far to get these fine steed.

Alas it cannot be at first lights, it will have to be noon, well fed and well rested" pointed out Ares wondering if such would be an inconvenience

Harrishim inclined his head. "As you wish my friend." He said graciously. "We can put you and your men up until the race of you wish, with all the food and women you'd like. Our harems are the best in the land."

With that he would direct his men to provide for the guests should they wish to stay and secured Taff in a well guarded tent

Taff Gelligen looked at Harrishim

"Please master... don't keep me locked in these chains they're suffocating and draining" pleaded Taff "take them away and I will obey and serve you well" asked Taff ducking the head

"I will do anything you ask off me just remove these" grovelled further

Harrishim stared down at Taff, considering the slaves words. "You are a warlock. How can I believe anything you say?" He asked with a raised eyebrow. "I am a gracious man, but, you are too powerful to leave free..."

"I may be magic itself but... I mean no harm upon you, master... I have enough burdens of my own as it is" muttered Taff

"If I am to be your slave, please, allow me to serve at your feet, unchained..." asked Taff "How may I prove myself if you will not grant me a chance?" counter questioned Taff

"I know much is said about power, but you have nothing to fear from me... master" assured Taff keeping the head ducked

"Besides, these chains are made of stone beneath the metal coating... cold stone drains druid's magic, to many if almost to all it brings about their death, in my case, it weakens me beyond awareness and consciousness" admitted Taff openly.

"You are a gracious man... I thus ask of you mercy" pleaded Taff going silent and waiting for an answer

"I will grant you a gift, few have ever beheld before, one of your greatest interest, for your kindness" bartered Taff

Harrishim finally shrugged, sighing as he motiones his men to release Taff from his bonds. "Very well then. My men say I am too honorable, and maybe so." Once Taff was free many of the men backed away warily.

Harrishim crossed his arms back over his chest. "So there you are. What was this.. gift you spoke of?"

Taff stood up, rubbing his burnt wrists into healing point, looked up at the open air and took a deep breath closing his eyes briefly before opening them again, this time a golden glow where his usual deep blue eyes contrasted against his white pale skin. A golden glow that reflected the fact that magic was in use.

He pointed the finger sideways to the sand and called forth pegasus, the mythical flying horse so many had often spoken of yet few had seen and even less ever rode, never mind possessed. A horse by far one of a kind.

His voice was decisive and imposing as a ruling warlock ought to be when addressing creatures of magic beneath his command, whilst he was their overlord, far contrasting the humble tone he sported before his human rulers.

He looked at Pegasus in great length and then pointed at Harrishim "ufuddhau i'ch meistr" ordered Taff "obey your master" repeated Taff for Harrishim's benefit, watching the strong creature nay and nod, making its way over to Harrishim, nudging him a little

"My gift... master... is a new steed like none other among the equine realms, the most loyal and the most fierce in battle. A horse like no other indeed, you may breed the horse to improve your own race though the flying ability will only pass to the first male and female ponies. His name is Pegasus, and he understand our language, for your convenience" pointed out Taff seeing this man only had eyes for races and horses.

"Now... what would you have do, master?" muttered Taff crumbling to his knees and ducking the head submissive, glancing at the chains wearily waiting to be given chores as all slaves were expected to do

Eyes widening, Harrishim moved slowly forward to approach Pegasus, hands outstretched, slowly, so that the winged horse wouldn't be alarmed. "You are a horse worthy of all honor and every comfort possible." He breathed, stroking the soft nose and down its neck, along each flank as he assessed the chorded muscles, length, and various proportions automatically, being well used to equine kind. This was a surperior horse indeed.

Finally he dipped his head first to the horse in respect, then turned to Taff, a bit of awe on his face. Greedy he was, but when it came to horses, the soft place within him took precidence. "This is a gift of unequaled measure. No slave will you be here, but an honored guest. Women shall be given you, and a banquet in your honor."

He gestured quickly to a couple men, who slipped away to begin preparations, another man was sent to prepare Taff's own tent. Once finished, Harrishim dipped his head to the warlock, awe still in his gaze, and returned his attention to the Pegasus, leading it away to offer it food, drink, and rest.

Taff came over to Harrishim, keeping a respectful distance, visibly trembling at his presence, a bewildered look that he struggled to contain whilst he knelt before his master

"Master, please, take pity yet again... no women... no women at all... please... anything but that... I rather the stone chains back... they are the far lesser torture..." muttered Taff terrified at the thought of having to have a woman in his life.

His broken heart had never really mended from Elektra despite the passing of times and centuries, and he was too frightened to even consider bedding a woman or having children of his own for the matter.

Surprised at the passionate response from Taff Harrashim laughed, throwing his head back and clapping the boy on the shoulder. "My boy if you are that frightened of women, it is probably best indeed if you stay away from them. It wasn't meant to be a punishment, rather a reward for good service. Name anything else within reason and it shall be yours." The man looked downright jovial. Things seemed to be falling in place quite nicely for him recently.

Taff let out a sigh of relief at the breath he didn't know he was holding.

"I just wish to keep my word, master, and serve you well and please you all the more so but no women... I carry the burden of one broken heart already..." muttered Taff sheepishly, smiling pleased to see Pegasus so well treated and so well looked after

Calico stood by Ryiah feeling as though the ship was not fast enough

"Sendara, could you take to the skies and see if he is kept by the beduins, if he is at least alive?" asked Calico somewhat anxious, remembering the man with the bird of prey and poisonous snakes and as usual thinking the worse possible scenario had occurred already.

Ryiah turned to look at Calico as he joined her near the front of the boat, then reached over and slipped her hand into his. "He'll be okay. He is Taff after all.." she murmered. It seemed there was nothing the warlock couldn't do. Yet, she noted Calico's worry and finally nodded, shifting slightly to face him. "We will get him back. But I'll fly on ahead as you say to see what is going on. Wings do seem to be swifter than the Nonesuch gallant ship though she is."

Suddenly, impetuously, she offered a light grin and leaned forward to peck the Captain on the cheek. "Here’s to luck then." She said before initiating the shift to dragonness form, body growing and scales hardening until she was mighty once again.

Flexing her wings Sendara took to the sky, circling the boat several times before veering off in the direction of the Bedouin Isles. As she flew, wings beating swiftly and silently, her gaze roamed ahead, her vision keen and penatrating. Behind her the Nonesuch was already only a small dot on the horizon. Ahead, the island loomed, and it looked like... yes, another ship was docked nearby.

Circling a bit closer, Sendara banked and flew around the ship a few times, eyeing it to see what information she could glean about it and why it was here. Was this the ship that had taken Taff? Was he still aboard? How had they managed to steal the warlock?

Caesar saw the mighty beast flying looking rather surprised for dragons were not that usual where he fared from.However, the creature didn't seem hostile thus he felt no reason to fear it nor attack, letting the creature sail the seas, whilst he and his crew made way to the island for the races, tired of waiting for Ares to return with some news.

He and his men pushed forward into the island, coming over to where Harrishim was, this time bringing chests of gold to ensure the trade would be a successful one, unaware that the race was to take place the following day.

---

Taff went to the tent where the other servants were, preparing the tray for Harrishim, not one to indulge in luxuries and honours and simply going to serve his master as he had promised to do.

"The food is ready..." muttered Taff keeping the head ducked at the girls that inevitably adorned Harrishim's tent, his arms visibly shaking simply for seeing them briefly in rather figure hugging outfits.

"Where would you like me to leave your food, master?" quizzed Taff staring at the dishes in a blush

Harrashim, now reclining a bit on pillows scattered around the floor of the lavishly furnished tent. Looked up from a scroll he had been browsing. "You may leave it next to me." He answered Taff as the servant entered. He laughed lightly as he noticed Taff's blushing sideling glances at the women within, most of whom were also lounging, or weaving tapestries and blankets. One girl danced a bit, bells on her clothing jingling softly and rhythmically. Harrashim mostly ignored them though, and began eating as Taff deposited the food, allowing the servant to go about his business without hindrance for the time being.

He wondered vaguely why Taff's friends had not come after the boy, or, if they would soon be showing up. He had put his men on high alert for the time being anyway, as there were newcomers about.

Suddenly, outside the tent, a commotion could be heard as men shouted, the word draggonesss used multiple times in fearful tones. Harrashim was on his feat in an instant, the girls in the room giving startled gasps as he moved out quickly, upsetting the bowls of food.

On the sand many yards outside of camp, the ebony and purple dragoness stood, walking their direction, wings folded and eyes fiery with barely held rage. It was obvious she remembered her time spent here as part of his harem, even though she'd been human at the time.

Once Sendara drew near enough. Harrishim bowed low. "You are looking as beautiful as ever fair dragoness... to what do we owe this... pleasure? Have you come to rejoin my harem, to be the greatest jewel in my camp?" He was merel jesting, yet of course, such wwould be welcomed. The woman was lovely after all. He remembered her red orange hair and pale skin... yes, lovely.

---

Sendara snorted and vapor escaped her maw as she listened to Harrashim speak. Stupid mortal, to think he could get on her good side after holding her captive once. She eyed him, yet didn't vaporize him as she wished to do. Instead, she scanned the camp for signs of Taff, ignoring the cries of fear from thise in the camp, as well as the soldiers which began gathering near Harrashim. They were nothing to her.

Finally, she turned her head to again regard the bedouin leader. "Where is Taff?" she asked pointedly. "I know he is here."