User blog:Redknight910/The Carros Band, Adventure four Part two, The Slavers Wake

(Holy shit did this go on for a lot longer than I planned. Sorry to anyone who reads my actual fanfic stuff for the wait.)

 The next day they all started trying to investigate the names, asking others they’d gotten to know during the trip.

 “Soo…” Tyson started, up in the nest where he’d made himself at home for the voyage. “You wouldn’t know anything about someone stealing cargo, would you?” Jay gave him a surprised look.

 “Be that direct, and someone’s going to throw you overboard.” Tyson dropped his head.

 “Yeah I thought you’d say that…” Jay laughed.

 “Well, sailors are a touchy lot at the best of times, particularly one’s who haven’t had a good drink in a few days.” Jay looked around, as if he expected there to be someone watching up there.

 “What I’m going to say you don’t repeat, got it?” Tyson nodded, drawing a line across his lips. “Some of the more regular crew go into a secret part of the hold. I don’t know where it is or how to get in there, but I’ve gone looking for people in there, and they were nowhere to be seen.” Tyson nodded, thinking about what to do.

 “So, why you looking into the stolen cargo? Something of yours get pinched?” Tyson nodded slowly.

 “Kind of, more like someone.” This got his attention. “A friend and his mimic wife vanished yesterday, then another friend and his wurm wife dropped into the whirlpool. I think someone’s quite unhappy with us.” Jay nodded, agreeing it sounded like someone had it out for them.

 “If I hear anything, I’ll let you know. And trust me, I’ll hear something sooner or later.” Tyson nodded, thanking him for his help.

 Damien was having a little better luck, hanging around the galley and sharing drinks with the sailors for various things, talk or money. Most went with talk.

 One sailor in particular asked for an arm wrestle for the drink. “Every good wager has something for both sides.” The man smiled.

 “Alright, since yer afta words, how bout I tell ya about something we found afta the whirly yestaday?” Damien nodded without even thinking about it. The two took their seats and all but slammed their elbows down on the table.

 The man was burly, clearly he’d spent a lot of his life hauling cargo on and off ships, Damien just hoped his own shield bearing lifestyle had reinforced his own arm enough. They clapped their hands together, and a second sailor gave the go ahead for them to start. The fight was fierce, both competitors driven by need for the others bet. Soon the fight was turning in the sailor’s favour, Damien’s strength seeming to wane quickly.

 As the sailor put extra effort behind his arm, Damien followed, only giving in the slightest. In truth he was getting a feel for his opponent, putting just enough strength behind his arm to hold out. When his opponent started to weaken, he pulled forward, using all his strength to end the fight quickly. The fists slammed into the table hard enough to crack the wood, and the sailors looked on in shock. Then the man burst into laughter.

 “Best arm wrestle I’ve ‘ad in years!” He put a hand on Damien’s shoulder. “Alright, mate, here’s what I saw. The rope that snapped when yer mates fell into the Chary? It didn’t snap. She was cut, and tha’s all I know.” Damien nodded. “I can tells ya who did it too, for a bit more.”

<p class="MsoNormal"> “Really?” He nodded.

<p class="MsoNormal"> “Alright, what you got?” He said, handing over the last bottle he had.

<p class="MsoNormal"> “Samuel, he always has that axe o’ his hangin from is belt, and ee’s the only one who was around ‘ere where it ‘appened.” Damien nodded, thanking the big sailor for his information, and telling him to watch his back. The sailor nodded, and told him to do the same.

<p class="MsoNormal"> Sam and Hui had spent the day wandering around the ship, eavesdropping on various conversations, which had turned up nothing. Until he caught wind of the first mate, conversing with another sailor.

<p class="MsoNormal"> “Is the cargo secure this time?” The other sailor nodded.

<p class="MsoNormal"> “Yessir, the bonds were retied, and the compartment’s locked down, as per orders.” The mate nodded.

<p class="MsoNormal"> “Good, now give me the key, go tell the quartermaster, and keep it that way until we get to the cove.” The sailor nodded, running off. The mate took one look at Sam, who was quietly leaning on the rail, looking out over the ocean, and wandered away, returning to his duties.

<p class="MsoNormal"> The six met back up that night, out on the deck to compile their findings. When Damien gave his particular piece, Sam was confident they had enough.

<p class="MsoNormal"> “Marie, we need you to sneak into the first mate’s quarters, and find what we need. We’ll be arriving some time tomorrow, so we need to finish this now.” Marie nodded, taking a moment to kiss Tyson, before leaving for the mate’s quarters. The others kept talking as Marie swept across the darkened deck, her normally quiet nature going completely silent.

<p class="MsoNormal"> She made her way to the first mate’s quarters, slipping in without a sound. What she found within was almost enough to make her gag. The room was decorated with a number of cages and traps, some of which were more suitable in a slavers camp than on a cargo ship. She spotted the key Sam had described, and grabbed it, stepping out of the room just as quickly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">She returned to the group gathered on the deck, handing the key to Sam. “That man has some cages in his room. They looked like they were for monsters, or people. Be careful.” They all looked at her, then nodded. Making their way to the cargo hold, they kept looking for a way into this supposed ‘secret hold’ without much luck. They looked around for a way in for an hour before Tyson kicked a crate in frustration.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“If Peter was here we could get Sophie to check for us.” Sam looked at him, shaking his head.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Well, he’s not here, and until recently we couldn’t rely on that anyway. You’re getting soft Ty, relying on the girls to do all the hard stuff.” Tyson shot up at this, stalking up to Sam.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“What did you say?” He was only slightly taller than Sam, and couldn’t really look down on him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“How long ago was it when YOU’D be the one we sent into the mate’s cabin? You’ve been married what, a year? A year and a half? Already you’re used to relying on the girls.” Tyson opened his mouth, tried to think of a comeback, but when he felt Marie’s hand on his shoulder, all the anger left his form, leaving his shoulders slumped and head bowed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“You’re right… Sorry man.” Marie nuzzled up against him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Good.” She whispered in his ear. He looked down and kissed her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Alright, enough wasting time. Let’s keep looking.” Damien said, sitting on a crate. Tyson nodded, looking around again, already noticing how lax he’d been on his first look. He looked          closely, using old hunting tricks to pick up small things, a few footprints here, a scuffed wall there. Then he spotted gouges that looked like claws, cutting off partway against what should have been a solid wall.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“I don’t want to hear a word about this.” He said before approaching the wall. Running his hand along the wood the seam was clear. He grabbed the key from Sam, looking for a groove or knot, something that would hide where the key went.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">When he spotted it, the key entered and turned flawlessly. The door opened and they all witnessed a hellish sight. Thunderbirds, scylla, kraken and even a few sea slimes were sitting, tied and bound, in cages.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">Sam’s mouth twisted into a snarl, before he turned to leave. “Damien, you and Serah get them free, Marie, Ty, come with me.” He stormed off, the other two following closely.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">He made his way first to the mates quarters, where a knock on the door and a blow to the throat had him unconscious. A few seconds later he was bound and left inside his door. The next walk took him to the captain’s quarters.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">He all but beat down the door, and when the captain answered, he hesitated for a moment before asking what was going on. “I found out who’s been stealing your cargo, they’ve also been acquiring cargo of their own.” He stepped into the room with Hui by his side, Tyson and Marie waited out the front.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“I knew I could count on you. Who’s been taking my goods, and what’s is about more cargo?” He took a seat behind his desk, facing the two in his room.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“You’re first mate appears to have been capturing and caging various monsters along this voyage, what for I can’t imagine, but he’s been doing it.” The captain nodded, looking into his flask of drink.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Thanks for finding out ‘bout this for me. I’ll need ta get those girls out, then I can deal with that son of a whore I called a mate.” He stood and rushed out towards the door, the other two right behind him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“We’ve already got someone helping the girls out, the mates in his quarters, unconscious and tied up.” The captain laughed as they went through the door.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Well, ya certainly got things together, didn’t ya?” Sam noticed Tyson and Marie were gone when they left the room, shortly before a bucket of water splashed over the two of them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">Hui was grabbed and dragged off, and before Sam even had time to react he’d been struck on the head. Tyson and Marie watched the event from the crows nest, the lookout hiding them from the crew.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Oh shit, they know Damien and Serah are down there, shit!” Tyson was freaking out while Jay was trying to keep him quiet.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Look, you can’t help your friend if you get caught too. I need you two to get to the Gilled Cove and warn them about what’s going to happen.” Tyson looked at him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“And how in the hell am I supposed to do that?” The handsome lookout smiled, standing up and holding his arms out.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Do as I do and don’t wriggle around.” As he finished a flurry of wings passed and a set of taloned legs grabbed him. Both Tyson and Marie took a moment before his words sunk in.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Oh shiiiiiIIII!” He started as they were both picked up by a pair of harpies. The captain looked up at the sound, and cursed under his breath. When some of his men tried to shoot them with the harpoons he called them off.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Don’t waste yer damned time!” He shouted, looking at Sam and Hui, the mouse girl weakly struggling and screaming for Sam. “And you, little mouse, don’t waste yer breath. Ye’ll be needin it soon.” He said with a dark grin.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">Damien and Serah were ready when the men came to secure the cargo. The girls they’d freed had told them everything they’d heard, from where the captain was going to take them to what he wanted at Gilled Cove. It was enough to make Damien sick, but he knew they’d be coming to secure what they had when Sam inevitably told them what happened.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">Serah was holding the door closed, her strength enough to hold it against several men. Damien was helping the girls out through a small hole he’d made in the hold. One of the krakens who went through handed him a small vial of black liquid, smiling as she told him to use it wisely, and wishing him luck.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">Once the last girl was through he went to help his wife. He grabbed one of the smaller cages and rolled it into place behind the door. Once in place he went back to the hole, trying to widen it so that Serah could get through. When she reached him, she simply pushed him aside and rammed her shield through the wall, making a hole more than large enough for them to escape. She threw him onto her back and took off, flying, hopefully towards the cove.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">Sam woke strapped into a chair in the captain’s quarters. “’Bout time you woke up boy.” He turned to spot the captain sitting across from him, a grim look on his face.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“You bastard!” Sam shouted, trying to pull free of his restraints. The captain laughed at his attempt. “Where’s Hui?!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Yer little mouse is safe, but we’re keeping her nice an’ wet fer ya.” Sam growled under his breath, and the captain struck him with the back of his hand. “If you don’ start behaving, boy, then something nasty is gunna happen to your little girl.” He threatened, Sam quickly stopping his struggles.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“What do you want? If you didn’t need us for something then you wouldn’t have left us alive…” The captain smiled at him again.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Well, boy. There are a few things I want, first of all is a bit of congratulations.” He slapped a hand on his shoulder. “Not many can take down my first mate, but you did it in one blow. Tha’s some skill, that is. Even all your friends made it out. Well, kind of. We still have that mimic locked up, but that hardly matters right now.” He pulled Sam’s chair away from the table, pushing him up against the wall.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“I’m not fool enough to think ye’d accept an offer ta work with me. But, I know you’re too good to refuse if yer little lassie’s life was on the table…” Sam’s eyes narrowed, glaring daggers into the captain. “Tha’s a good look, troublesome. I need ya ta get us inta the cove.” Sam’s glare turned to a look of surprise.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Why do ya think it’s one o’ the most voided places, despite bein’ home to hundreds of mermaids? It’s cause of the guardians.” He held out a drawing of a kraken, though this one apparently had two bodies, and nearly twice as many tentacles. “Blasted things are twins, worse, they’re joined at the hip, literally. Anyone gets anywhere near them and they rip the ships apart.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">We tried givin’ ‘em a husband a few years back, but they still tore us down. But I reckon that silver tongue o’ yours can sweeten em up.” Sam glared at him again.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Why would I condemn an entire town? I’m not helping you, no matter what threats you make.” The captain gave him a sadistic grin.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“See, boy, that’s where yer wrong. See, we’ve got a plan to deal with ‘at little bit of fishbait, but I figured you’d want to save ‘er life, and I’d be fine not having to waste the harpoons on a pair of squids like them.” Sam’s glare narrowed, but when the captain showed no sign of cracking, he sighed heavily.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Fine… I’ll do it.” He clapped a hand over Sam’s shoulder.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Tha’s a good boy.” He laughed, Sam growling at him. “Hey, take ‘im down to the brig, we’ll let him be with his mouse until we need him.” One of the other crew members grabbed him and dragged him to the section of the hold with the cages.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">He was thrown into a cage next to Hui, who was desperately trying to reach for him through the bars. “S-Sam… what are we going to do?” She whimpered. Sam looked into the roof, sighing.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“I have no idea. But I’ll think of something.” He added the last part for himself as much as for Hui. He always managed to get them out of a tight spot.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">The morning turned to afternoon, and much sooner than he’d hoped the first mate came to get Sam, having another sailor grab Hui too.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">They were brought up to the deck, where a pair of very angry looking kraken were standing back to back.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Ah, there he is now!” The captain said, putting a hand on Sam’s shoulder. “Work you’re magic boy.” He whispered, shoving him towards the sisters. Sam looked at the pair, took a deep breath, and put on a, hopefully, convincing smile.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Hello ladies. I was hoping to sort out an agreement for our entering the gilled cove.” One of the sisters looked away uncaringly, while the other all but growled at Sam.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“We need nothing from surface dwellers. Simply leave us in peace, and we won’t leave you wrecked amongst so many others.” Sam nodded, then redoubled his smile, sure it was enough.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“I’m sure we can come to some arrangement, such stunning beauties as yourselves must be dying of loneliness, right?” The second one glanced back towards Sam.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“We won’t take a sloppy sailor for your passing, if that’s what you’re asking.” She barked at him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Oh, ladies, you have it all wrong. None of the men on this ship are worth your time.” There were several grunts of displeasure amongst the crew. “But I happen to know an excellent matchmaker.” He grabbed Hui from the sailors, who glanced to the captain before letting her go. “She set me up with my dear Hui, here, if she hadn’t of had a trip earlier I’d introduce you properly, but as it is, she’s not quite herself.” He pulled her even tighter into his arms, her fearful glances about making bot him and the kraken’s nervous.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“My name’s Sam Carros. I have an aunt who’s one of the best matchmakers in the business. I’m sure I could get you two her services for free.” The other sister had pulled herself back around to look at Sam, the more vocal of the two squinting slightly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“And how do we know you’ll honour this deal? What’s to stop you from leaving and never seeing us again?” Sam bowed his head to them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“I swear an oath, on my name and my life, that I will complete the terms of this deal as soon as I can. I’m sorry, but it’s the best I can do.” The two looked at him for a long moment, before shaking their heads in unison.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“I’m sorry, but that’s not enough. If you return with this matchmaker, then we may be able to work something out. Now leave.” The two began to slide over the deck when the captain shouted.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“You heard ‘em lads, kill or drown!” Sam was barely able to scream out a warning before a cannon fired, and the twins vanished. Everyone stood, trying to work out what had happened when the loading bay doors crashed open, the reason why became suddenly, and terrifyingly obvious. A very angry looking lich emerged from the bay, scanning the crowd before settling her furious gaze upon Sam.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“You are in deep trouble Sam.” She said, even her current rage not able to affect her flat voice.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Thank the gods you’re here Lyn.” Sam sighed, feeling his wrists bindings slacken. The first mate roared and swung his axe at Lynda, his entire body freezing up halfway through the swing.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“You…” She turned to look at the large man, before floating towards him and eventually standing in front of him. “You’re the one who imprisoned my husband…” The man growled, still struggling to move. With a flick of her hand he was sent hurtling out into the sea, everyone following the slowly fading dot until it splashed into the ocean.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">Eyes all stayed on the horizon when the faintest roar was heard, followed by a clear wave, speeding towards them. The captain cursed and grabbed Sam, pulling a blade to his throat.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Girlie, I don’t know who you are. But if you make one more fancy spell, Imma slit this boys throat and take the mouse next.” Lynda turned to the Captain, her face almost back to full calm.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Very well, though Willow and Peter appear to be on their way. I would be fleeing, were I you, captain.” The captain growled, but also took a quick look towards the horizon. He started dragging Sam across the deck.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Don’t think this is over, I’ll find you, ALL OF YOU! And when I do you’ll re-“ There was a sudden crash, and six white tentacles slammed into one side of the ship.

<p style="margin:4.8pt0cm6pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica">“Damn you captain. Sink with your precious ship.” Came a roar from below, two voices calling one curse. The ship was thrown into a large rock outcrop, and while it didn’t sink, it wasn’t going anywhere soon. The captain was already gone by the time everyone had they’re footing again, as was Sam. <span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Hey!” Sam shouted, the captain turning on the beach. The rocks hid the beach they stood on from the ship, and it was just the two of them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Boy, just turn around and go back to yer friends. You can’t win this fight.” Sam pulled his hands out of his pockets, a pair of climbing claws slipped over his palms so that the hooks faced upwards.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">I’m not letting you get away. You’ve made way to much trouble for that.” The captain pulled a small crossbow from its holster on his belt.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Back. Off.” Sam kept walking, waiting for the bolt to fly. When it did he swayed to the side, rolling and then running towards the captain. When he brought his scimitar down Sam caught it with the claws, one catching the blade and the other coming down on top to trap it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">He then twisted it out of the captain’s hand, before he was kicked in the guts, sending the blade flying into the water. Sam was on his feet again in moments, staring the captain down.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Sam! You over here?!” Came Vince’s voice from around the rocks. The captain took one glance at the chance of oncoming support and sighed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“This isn’t over boy. You’d best believe that.” His words were defiant, but his posture was clearly one of defeat, as Vince rounded the corner with Kiri right behind him. One shot from his crossbow had the captain groaning on the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Thank the gods I found you. Hui’s getting really bad, and if you don’t do something soon, you’re going to be dealing with it for the rest of the week.” Sam nodded, and left to help Hui. They had pulled everyone, even the enslaving crew, off of the ship before Willow arrived.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">And when she arrived, hell followed. She burst from the water, shattering the boat into splinters, tearing down the masts, ripping through the holds and leaving little more than lumps of wood floating on the water. Even the rocks were shattered in her rage, the large outcrop growing several meters shorter than it was before.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">When Willow finally calms down she shrinks back down to her human form, Peter clinging to her back, eyes wide in terror. “Never do that again. Please.” He muttered, clinging tighter.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Sorry… I just, I couldn’t stop myself. They were all so mean!” Willow muttered, still trying to understand what she’d just done.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">A few hours later and everyone was assembled on the beach, the kraken twins and even the leaders of the cove standing at the water’s edge.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Thank you for your aid, all of you.” The sea bishop said, looking across the assembled group, including Jay and his wife. “We owe you much, for if they had harmed our guardians, we would have been in great danger.” She bows, the krakens smiling warmly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“You are welcome to return here.” One said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“We will not harm you.” The other finished.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“You should be rewarded for your efforts, at the very least you will need a way home.” The adventurers smiled between each other. Sam, as always, took the point of negotiation.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“I was informed that some of the ships you have brought down were cargo vessels carrying a wealth of goods.” The bishop nodded, smiling serenely.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Of course, you may take what you will from these vessels, I will give you my blessing to breathe below the waves for a time. When our own ship returns you will be given passage with them.” She turned towards the crew and captain.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“You will be spending time within our cells deep within our town. If you escape…” Her smile turned cruel for a moment. “You will most certainly drown.” With that the krakens began to take the men down, and the sea bishop gave the others their temporary gills.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“I have given you all a day to search the vessels that surround the cove. Use it wisely.” With that she swam back into the depths, going back down to her home.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Peter, Tyson, a word?” Vince asked, getting both of their attention. “This time, you open everything. Understood?” The two looked at each other confused, until Kiri giggled. They both sighed, remembering the event he was reminding them of.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">All but Sam and Hui walked into the water, as Hui wasn’t going in even if she could breathe. Then, taking a deep breath, they each descended. Willow and Serah had an advantage with their sheer weight, allowing them to sink and stay on the bottom. They hunted through the ships, disturbing more than a few couples in their efforts.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">After walking in on a particularly energetic merrow and her husband, both of whom were more than happy to have an audience, and even happier to vocalise their joy, Tyson and Marie stumbled into what had clearly once been a merchant vessel. The remains of gold filigree on the figurehead spoke volumes about the wealth its captain must have once had.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">Tyson smiled as they entered the cargo hold, and all but cried at the wealth within. Probable tonnes of silver and gold, jewels that could make the haughtiest wight swoon. Everything they could have dreamed of to make a fortune with, then more. They marked the ship and went to round up everyone.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">When they returned everyone cheered at the find. It would be enough to set them up for a long time to come. They spent a week on the small island the cove was formed around, everything they had been able to carry up that first day was scattered around the island. When the boat that was taking them home arrived, none of them could wait.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Don’t worry, it’ll be over in a few days.” Peter consoled Willow.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Yeah, cheer up.” Sophie chirped. “We’ll have sooo much time after we get home with all this stuff. It’ll be great.” Peter turned to see Serah and Damien loading large coral cages into the boat, most of them had quite bedraggled prisoners sitting in them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“You sure that’s going to be strong enough?” Sam asked the captain.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Don’t worry your little head about it. We’ve had things much tougher than them in there.” He reassured him. A woman walked up to Sam, a big grin plastered on her face.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Well, well, well, if it isn’t my favourite nephew.” She purred, giving him a tight hug. Sam was stunned for a moment before realising who it was.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Gina? What the hell are you doing here?” He asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Are you kidding? After how you handled those thunderbirds? You’re lucky I didn’t get your parents to sign a contract before I left. Not only did they promise to always turn to me for any of their matchmaking needs, they gave me a damned flag for any ships I send that way. It’s almost enough to make me forgive you for all those times you talked me into paying you.” Her grip on his shoulder tightened. “Almost.” With that she let him go and walked off to ‘appraise’ what they’d decided to bring back. Sam hoped she wouldn’t take much.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">The trip back was happily much more boring than the trip up. Vince had gotten Lynda to teleport the three of them home, when Tyson asked if she could take all of them he was overcome by the urge to take Marie somewhere private. Peter spent most of it sleeping with Willow and Sophie. Sam spent his time watching the prisoners, especially the first mate.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“You know, ya really do have a lot o’ promise kid.” The captain said, looking Sam over yet again.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“If you keep checking me out like that Hui might start getting jealous.” Sam said without taking his eyes off of the mate.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Ha! What do you think I am, some stinking monster? I’m not stayin in this here rock forever you know.” Sam turned to him, the captain was smiling, and it was slightly unnerving.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“I beat you once, and that was without Hui, or anyone else’s help. When you get out, just see if you can get to me.” The captain barked out another laugh.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Oh, don you worry ‘bout that boy. I’ll be comin fer you and that scrawny rat. Then you’ll see a real monster at work.” Sam narrowed his eyes, trying to sort out the captain’s threats, when there was a roar and a thud. The mate had woken up again and was trying to force the cage open.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Has he always been this stubborn? Or am I having a special effect on him too?” Sam asked, getting up and walking over to the man’s cage. He reached through trying to grab Sam, but the smaller man just jabbed a dart into his arm. “Night night.” He said as the potent poison took effect and the man collapsed again.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Oh, he’s always had a temper. Too mean for the order, if ya can believe ‘at.” Sam turned back to the captain, sceptical. “Don’ believe me? Who do ya think taught im how ta catch a monster, eh? Lad’s a great asset for keepin the more rowdy monsters docile.” Sam sat back down in his chair, throwing his feet up.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Well, he’s probably not getting released any time soon. Who knows, might get a transfer to the palace itself for some pacification?” Again the captain laughed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Now that. That I’d pay ta see.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">When they made port Peter and Willow were the first off, not even waiting to get their share of the loot before making for home for some proper sleep. Vince was waiting for them when they disembarked, and Lynda helped get all of the cargo off, leaving Damien and Serah to go home and get some much needed alone time.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">Sam, Hui, Tyson and Marie all kept an eye on the cages while the guards arrived, then split up to go home as well.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Please don’t go across the water again.” Marie muttered, getting Tyson’s complete attention. “It’s too much trouble.” Tyson nodded, wrapping his arm tighter around her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“I promise, dry land only from here on out.” He then remembered the circumstances of their meeting in the first place. Do I attract slavers? He wondered half-heartedly as they walked home. ''Nah, Sam picked this job. Got nothing to do with me.'' He relaxed as they arrived home.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Now, let’s get some rest, we can fuck like march hares after a nap.” Marie smiled, rubbing her head into his shoulder to show her agreement.