The hour was early, with the sun having only just starting to rise, the light barely touching the treetops beyond the smoke glass window of his office. He had finished his morning ride and was heading inside to catch up on various missives and letters requiring his attention.

He didn't keep the hours most of his station would, having found he could get plenty done and his clock worked on another time frame anyway. Had since he was a child. Tossing down the leather riding gloves, he picked up the pile his steward had left for him the evening before and just moved around the desk and dropped heavily into the comfortable chair he used.

Invitations to various functions were tossed to the side, sorting through them with half an eye. He seldom attended those functions, having little interest in the pleasures they offered or avoiding the various husband hungry sirens either. He, unlike many others he knew, didn't need to marry some rich spoiled bitch, having plenty of coin of his own.

Gleaming Hessian boots swung, resting on the edge of the desk as he continued his cataloging, and once complete, the whole stack of pretty scented follies was dropped without thought into the waste bin. Leaving him now only those items that actually held his attention longer then a second.

Inside the large Castle, all the servants and slaves heard the muffled crash, and then the shouts as the Master apparently exploded. Soon those bellows were heard clearly as the study door flew open and an enraged Lord Tresillian strode out into the hall, still yelling at full volume. "Murdock!

Coming from the dinning hall, another young man appeared with a large mug in hand and just regarded the angry noble with a questioning lilt of a golden brown head. "Aye Nick?"

"To the Study." The range of sound gone now leaving a low furious growl as the anger just rolled off the elegantly attired man, who stalked off and returned to his study. Leaving his cousin to follow behind.

Stomping his way though the shattered glass of the decanter he had thrown upon reading the latest news, he spun about and glared at Murdock. "Send word. We make ready to leave first light tomorrow. That damned she-bitch has rousted two of my ships. Pure luck they didn't sink on this round I say. Time to handle this personally."

"The 'she" being who exactly Nick?" Murdock questioned with a rising of a brow, looking just as elegant and relaxed as his cousin was stiff and incensed.

"That Albaelia Chit that fancies herself a captain. That's the 'she", with her witch ways whom I reference Cousin." It was another snarling of sound and a chair went skidding and rocking wildly across the wood floor of the book lined office.

Picking up the letter from the floor, Murdock read over it and then frowned for a moment while leaning negligently against the edge of the desk. "We have had trouble before with Hamond and Basil before, attacking ships while on supply transport. I suggest we find out first if that is what occurred here before jumping into the middle of this."

"Those are just two more out of a previous three others!" A low barking snap and Lord Tresillian spun around and stormed back over to his desk, pulling it open with restrained rage and with a fling of a hand, dropped three more reports down on the top blotter.

Murdock inspected those as well and then placed them back down in a tidy stack. "Are ye ready to face what attacking them might cause" They are allied in that war against Torvien."

"This isn't about that rotted, half dead, noble monkey, Torvien, he and his keep could sink into the eternal abyss and all the better! This is about that clan cutting into my profits, Murdock. I have kept them out of this region for years, and I will not allow them to undermine our own shipping now when they think, due to that war I will not interfere." Blue eyes were snapping with displeasure, and the tall form spun about and resumed the restless pacing.

"Perhaps we might seek a meeting with Lord Albaelia and discuss this by more civil means." Ever the levelheaded of the two, Murdock just watched his cousin pace with an expression of calm reasoning.

"Morgiuan Albaelia is little more then a lush. That one pickled his brain years ago." Snorting with another growl edged within the sound. "It's that sister of his that I suspect is really running everything. The sane one."

"It's apparent she has something in her favor, else she wouldn't have succeeded with five of our vessels already." A finger was tapping upon the desk edge as he thought. "I shall send word and everything will be ready come first light tomorrow Cousin. However, I think we should also seek more diplomatic means to end this present feud as well. It's possible a scare might work. Send "The Devil" after her and she may back out of our waters. If that fails, you should meet with the brother. He is the figurehead even if you say his intellect is pickled with spirits."

"You may be right about that Cousin." A hard, calculating flash in light blue eyes following his words and he gave a nod of a shaggy brown head. "I don't doubt he is as much the fool as any other drunkard and could be persuaded to reign in that sister of his." He was not above using threats, and was already planning a few to rattle the brother with as well.

"Aye, that was what I was thinking as well. I will send off a missive to Lord Albaelia post haste and make the arrangements. Cisroe seems a decent enough location for such a meeting as it is neutral enough." Murdock replied and then took up his mug of coffee and departed, leaving his cousin still simmering behind him.

The Devil was in a rage again and it showed in the muted restraint of movement. Striding with hard steps that rang out over the moon kissed water of the bay where his ship, "Storm Wolf" was currently berthed. Recent news had set his teeth on edge again and up the gang plank he now stalked. "Damned nuisance of a woman. A bloody Sea Witch thats what she is."

Recent gossip in the taverns about Nerik Bay was about that bloody ship. Wild fables of her speed as if she was skimming above the waves. Tall tales of her ventures falling from the lips of seasoned sailors. It was enough to make him ill. Whispered words of that legendary Pirate Roecyn come back to terrorize the seas. Few seemed to realize that captain was a small, dainty bit of fluff that was likely just as mentally unsound as the rest of her clan was reported to be.

She was a bloody marauder. If she hadn't tangled with his own ships he would be amused by her antics, but it seemed none were spared the wench's greed. By the accounts he had taken, she had been very busy tearing a path across the ocean and leaving most vessels scuttled in her wake or limping (If lucky) into the nearest harbor town they could find.

Stalking into the captain's quarters he found his cousin seated at the desk and writing. "Evening to you Captain." He muttered without looking up. Always the most studious of the pair Murdock wasn't prone to the same range of moods his more volatile cousin was known for.

"What in the bloody hell has you so occupied" Have you any idea what gossip and rumor is flying around in the various haunts of sailors here?" The lean form was flung down into a sturdy chair with a growl.

"Indeed I am aware. The "Enyala Kuru" is making a name for herself on the high seas. Same as the "Storm Wolf" back in the days you were riding the waves more frequently." His First Mage looked up with cool blue eyes and a golden brow arching faintly. "I think this also has to do with her cutting into your own notorious reputation now Captain. "

A hand lifted to forestall the sudden protest that was sure to rise at his truthful statement. "Your aunt has sent word she is setting out to sea. Also, Lord Albaelia has replied to the request for a meeting with Tresillian. It would seem he is to be attending the Cisroe society events, as his sister Illyona is having her coming out. So next week is when he has set the time for it."

"Amelia is also sailing forth' Curious that, though we are sure to meet her. However send word to her that we set sail for Cisroe." Those words were then followed by a cold nasty smile, one that played upon The Devil's lean features with a short nod. "A sister you say?"

"Aye, one of the many siblings of that clan and reports about her are slim. Comely enough, if a bit more reserved then some of her elder brothers and sisters. If not for the family's known troubles with insanity, she would be a good match for many. The family is quite wealthy." Of course his cousin would ensure to get all information available. He was one that believed that every rock should be over turned and inspected, for one never knew when something of use would turn up.

"That information might be useful. A potential to finding leverage perhaps and it also means that the "Kuru", last seen in Tides Bend; will be enroute back to Cisroe. I feel a rousting may be in order." Blue eyes taking on a calculating gleam before the whip corded form rose upwards from the sprawl and strode off towards the foredeck, shouting out orders into the darkness.

"Look lively mates, we sail before first light!" Turning about he called for to his Helmsman coming up the gang plank from a night of carousing. "Mr. Talbot! Be sure the men be ready before dawn. We have a wily fox to chase."

"Aye Captain." The tall fellow replied with a salute before heading down to the crew quarters, shouting out the news to those below.

"I will remind you again Cousin, the Albaelia's are not such easy marks you seem to think. " The quiet words from his first mate brought him around with a frown. "I also received reports from my various sources. The lady captain isn't nearly the chit you think her to be. She's intelligent and skilled. The brother, well known as a drunken lush, has made some rather surprising alliances contrary to his rumored inebriated state. All of which has only filled their coffers more." "Perhaps you are right about that Cousin, but I am also not an imbicile and will play the game as required. She may be skilled as you say, but I have been doing this longer. I have faced down more foes then that witch has yet to meet. I shall not be played the fool. Not by the likes of a child playing at being a pirate. She's yet to confront the likes O" me." There was a hard, unrelenting expression on his tanned features now as he considered what was to come.

"I am merely saying we should not underestimate that clan. My reports show they have a talent for landing on their feet. Have from the start and even with the insanity that plagues them, they have managed to amass a fortune and make it grow against some adversity." There was a note of warning in his words and tone now, as he followed the taller form back into the captain's cabin. "They are not the weak nobility you are more prone to dealing with. They don't follow that pattern by all I have learned."

That brought another smile, one tainted with the edges of a wolf upon the darker features. "All the better, Cousin. I have yet to back down from a challenge and perhaps this may prove to be an interesting Dance. A game of wits and tactics might bring about a reasonable result." High topped boots were kicked off as he dropped a sword belt and pistols down beside the large bed and then looked again towards his silent relation. "Perhaps we needed this. you claim they are worthy adversaries then let us see if that is true. "

He continued. "Complacency ill suits either of us, so you may be right, I am not pleased that a mere chit is considered equal to me in skill. What burns most, few even know the "Kuru" is commanded by a slip of a woman. Some things can not go unchallenged." The Devil dropped easily to the edge of the comfort of the bed and regarded his closest friend and relation.

"Tis apparent your determined enough, but should more diplomatic measures be found regarding the ships, what then" Will you still seek to challenge this latest Rival of the sea?" The golden haired young man asked rather blandly.

That brought a smirk and a shrug before, he flopped back with a muffled grumble. "We shall simply have to wait and see on that, Cousin."

Hand braced on the rigging, she gazed out at the building clouds on the horizon. Her sapphire blue eyes narrowed slightly from the glare on the water and then dropped down light footed. "Kar! Hard weather ahead, do ye think ye can find a rout around it' "

Turning then, with the golden red flow of hair caught in the gusting winds that were becoming a bit less predictable. She caught sight of him bent down over the map. "Don't think so Kit. It looks to be a large blow, we may just have to either run though it or head for cover. Taluride's Landing isn't too far. We can berth there and wait out the storm."

There was time, as she hadn't wanted to cut things to close for the start of the season. Must as she might loath the idea, she had promised she would aid her sister and she never went back on her word. "Ye nae think we can run through it?"

"There is just to many variables. The current mapping takes us near Shark's reef and Dagger's jet. The storm could send is into that and we could end up lost, cargo and all." Was his reply as his blue-green gaze tracked the dark clouds rolling towards them rapidly and growing more ominous by the moment.

"Aye, ye be right. Mr. Shavier, bring us about! We shall take refuge at Taluride!" It wasn't one of her favorite locals. It was a pirates hideout, but as most of her crew would fit in easily enough, it should suit for the moment. Rough and dangerous the reputation of the place she was sure many would find amusement there if for a day or so.

A frown turned back towards the encroaching storm while under her feet she already could feel the chop taking a harder edge. It was an ugly looking menace and while she might take risks on occasion, against nature and its anger, as this storm carried plenty, she dared not take that kind of gamble. Morg was always saying a sure thing was always safer then the less then stellar odds.

In minutes the "Kuru" was flying over the water, capturing the wind in the blue and white sails and making good time away from the chasing gloom. In no time at all they were arriving into bay, and she felt a bit of satisfaction. Others had also sought a safer port from the coming blow, so perhaps prudence was better served. Around her the crew was scrambling, and she was soon caught up in aiding of the battening down. Rigging and mast secured once berthed and then relaxing to follow.

Many she knew would wander into the town, something she seldom did, having an aversion to most places sporting the entertainments of a less then proper fashion. However, due to the tension the storm created within her, she was restless and soon was dropping down beside her brother on the lower deck.

Had her crew still been wearing the uniforms of the Albaelia fleet, the welcome here might not have been as easy, but with the growing reputation of the "Kuru" growing by day, few would question their unusual presence in such a location.

"Coming with us into town Kit?" Kar asked, having changed into cleaner garments, the billowing blue shirt a contrast from the earlier white one he had been wearing.

"Aye, thought I might for a short time." She gazed over at Luse and noted the scowl on his Elvin features. "Something wrong Luse" Ye be wearing a rather sour face."

"Oh, nothing wrong, just a gut feeling. The place reminds me of another I once visited." The quiet words uttered with a cigarette dangling from his lips, but then he just moved off down the gang plank to the pier below with the siblings following and speaking quietly.

"I have set up the watch rotation with Shavier's assistance. The ship will be under constant watch by armed crew while we are here. There isn't any law that I am aware of so we just have to watch our steps." Kar stated low and softly, for Kit's ears only but of course the elf with the ears ahead grunted in agreement.

"Aye, I did notice ye had some set up as watch. Though once that storm blows in, tis unlikely any will make any attempts to board us. Most will be to busy handling their own and I nae want any of ours out in it.? Was her quiet reply as her dark blue gaze inspected the small town that made up Taluride's Landing. There wasn't much, but it suited their purpose for the moment.

Finishing his pull on the ale, which he quietly believed was watered down, Kar set his mug down and thought a moment. Dredging the maps into his minds eyes, he considered the possibilities for a moment.

"Well, given where the stories put his haunts...I'd say either Gover's Point or one of the lees in the Fayleth Islands." Rubbing his goatee with thumb and index finger, he slowly nodded, setting his decision down.

Gover's Point was a well-known pirate haven, having survived at least two attempts to roust the town by local authorities. Founded and run to this day by Arlo Gover, or "Ol' Blackcloud" to those who sailed with him, Gover's Point boasted a complete drydock and shipwrite's shop, as well as the many inn's, tavern's and brothels that could serve competing crews on shore leave. It was a known fact, that if one wanted the roughest crews to sail for you, Gover's Point was one such place to look. A lesser known fact, Gover's Point was also a transfer point for black-market slavers bringing slaves from the warmer jungles of the Southern Coasts, with unliscened slavers and bounty hunters meeting with the middlemen that saw the slaves to markets such as Ivory Flails or Port Car.

The Fayleth Islands was a small chain of islands almost two days sail east of Taluride. Two larger islands dominated the chain, the depths hidden behind verdant walls of semi-tropical palm trees and shrubs. few braved the depths, given the stories that ran rampant through the ports surrounding the island chain. Stories of ruined cities in the center of the islands, and of feral cannibals. Despite the apparent dangers, the Fayleth's many inlets made for good havens during a storm.

"Yeah, Gover's Point would be the smart choice." Kar nodded again, and glanced over to Kit and Luse. "After all, you're gonna want to keep the crew happy while waiting for the storm to pass."

"You're just saying that because you lost half yer gold playing cards the other night." Luse grumbled behind a long pull of whiskey. His words drew a soft giggle from Kit and a scowl from Kar.

"I still say you were hiding cards, somehow." He muttered softly at the smirk from the long-eared elf, and that had Kit laughing outright now.

"If I was, youngblood, you weren't quick enough to catch me, captain..." Kar growled softly, grabbing his mug for another sip of ale as Luse chuckled softly, throwing the young man a cheeky wink.

It was one full day after leaving Nerik Bay that the first sign of that storm was noticed. Hard blue eyes glared out over the surging waves with a growl rumbling from within. Noticing the jagged shards of light moving through the dark clouds coming towards them and felt the tension the sight of it created within his crew. Few would be willing to risk sailing through. Even he wasn't so willing. It looked like a heavy storm and no mere blow to him.

"Mr. Grant! Bring her about!" He shouted to his navigator.

"Mr. Talbot!" The next shout rang out clear even in the wash of wind and wave. "We shall take harbor at Gover's Point. Nae any other choice."

"Aye Capt'n!" Rang back and then he was shouting at the crew to ready for the turn and sails were billowing with the sudden flooding of heavy gusts. It was now a matter of out running the coming gale but with the added boosts of those warning winds, they had the edge.

The sea was rough, until they had cleared enough distance from the chasing clouds and soon were drifting into a safe harbor, the lighthouse flashing the warning of the gale closing in. Other ships were taking refuge and the port, which had a decent amount of traffic, was nearly filled to capacity.

Once the "Storm Wolf" was berthed, and all the rigging and sails battened down, most of the crew departed, heading into the town for pleasures to ride out the coming bad weather, leaving on a skeleton crew to watch over the vessel. The Devil was one of the last to depart, meeting his first mate on the docks below.

"This means we might miss our prey. They may have tried to go around or through." Dominick muttered to Murdock as they both walked towards the main square of the Pirate settlement.

"Not likely. Even the most seasoned of sailors would be seeking sanctuary from a storm of that magnitude." Was the reply from the blond man strolling along casually beside him.

Sharp blue eyes took note of several meandering about and then another cutting look over towards his cousin. "I need to remind the men about this place and the tendency of Crimping. They may not want to wander off alone."

"Aye, most have gone to the "Mast & Crow" to start, so perhaps we can find Talbot and have him spread the word."

"The Devil" knew this town, having done business there on several occasions. He turned down a side street and headed in the direction that was often the Hub of the entire town. While the place sported many taverns, brothels and the like, most stopped at the "Mast & Crow" before venturing further.

In due order, he was settled at a table, with a flagon of ale before him, a woman on his lap and the sound of music rolling about the place. A fight breaking out and quickly those involved were sent tumbling into the street by the big burly owner.

It was during one of the brief lulls and the woman was pushed off his lap and he was rising, moving to lean against the wall with the mug in hand and listening, sea blue eyes taking a hard icy sheen at what he heard. That bloody ship was still being talked about.

Snorting he spun about and glowered at his cousin. "Roecyn, indeed."

"Calm yourself Nick. It's the ways of the sea. Tall tales and legends still roam the waves after all." Tolerance was apparent in the response of Murdock.

Aware of the truth in those words, he gave up arguing the point. Instead just listened, but other then overblown fables he learned little else. It was more then possible they would make the Cisroe Harbor before he did as that storm had stalled their progress rather effectively.

Kage approached the dress shop, messenger sling slung across his back bulging with clothing of all descriptions. The tailor had worked quickly, although at the cost of more than one bloodletting. He was tired beyond belief, but happy to at least be getting a chance to see Illyona for the first time in several days.

He adjusted his pack as he waited, checking the placement of his sword and pistols for what had to be the thirtieth time that day. On his other side, hung a black leather tube, hanging from his black web-belt on a rough leather thong. He hoped that the treasure it contained would be to Illyona's liking....He'd agonized greatly over whether or not to give it to her.

But give it to her he would.

He saw Illyona's blonde head peek from around a paritition inside, and straightened his urban camoflauge jacket. "Time to roll the dice."

The shipped rocked erratically under her as she dropped back on her bed and just sighed. This wasn't any small gale, but a Typhoon by the sound of it. Luckily for them, Taluride Port was a well protected and even as the wind might lash at the ships berthed, they were not taking the full brunt.

She had returned to the "Kuru" just before the heavier rain had been unleashed, and now watched as water fell in sheets against the small porthole window. It was dark and stormy all right, with thunder offering a menacing rumble and then accompanied by the flashes of light.

She only had a single oil lamp to light her room, unwilling to risk more and still gave a faint shiver. No magic she had could combat the destruction of nature when she was riled up like this. Even her ship was groaning in protest as waves beat against her hull relentlessly.

She wouldn't sleep, she knew that, instead her mind would remember other times, places and storms that brought lost memories struggling to rise inside her head. Some succeeded, where others were lost to whatever madness that had first buried them to start with. Some individuals would go mad having lost large chunks of memories, but Kit took it all in stride. Some forgotten head injury she had been told and perhaps one day she would have full recall, or may not. Either way she had gone on with her life and didn't see any good in looking back.

In the distance she heard the shouts and rose smoothly, having only to pull on her boots and just stepped out, listening to the calls and her brow furrowed, even as golden red hair was plastered flush to her head and back under the heavy sheeting rain. Had she heard right' "Mr. Shavier!" Ye be about?" No answer to her shout.

She didn't panic, instead she started moving, hearing more shouts and even the heavy thudding of many feet hitting the docks as she prepared to cut lines with a sturdy dagger drawn from her belt.

"Kit!" The sound of her name brought her head around, clothing sticking to her small frame but somehow, managing to keep her footing on the slick deck.

"Kar!" Shadowy figures were moving closer, struggling against the heavy wind and blinding water. "There be a storm surge headed this way! We need to cut the lines else we will be shattered against the docks!"

"Aye, I heard!" He bellowed back and suddenly the deck was swarming with the crew. The town crier's words making many a drunken sailor sober while lights sprang to life on several other vessels in the port and a flurry of activity soon followed.

The lighthouse was several miles out but already the warning lights had gone out, meaning they had little time to act. "Mr. Shavier!?" She shouted again, as another securing line was cut free. Not taking the time to untie them at this point as they simply couldn't afford it.

"Aye Capt"n!" She heard coming from the upper deck where he was already fighting to spin the wheel around and away from the docks.

"Get a head count as soon as ye can!" Another line falling from under the clean slice of her dagger and she turned, catching sight of the tower tidal wave from a flash of lightening that cut across the sky. "By the Gods!" She muttered and just dashed over to snatch up another rope and towards her Quartermaster she moved, soon lashing him down to the very wheel.

They would be lucky if they didn't get tipped, for it looked nasty, but she did have some magic's still available and soon her blue eyes were glowing, with hands rising upwards. Pulling down a bubble of protection that would last for a short time. It would leave her weak for a day or so, but better that then lost to the fathoms.

"Easy does it!" Kar stood at the railing of the castle, watching the dock slide closer. Tollar spun the wheel, turning the fore at the last second, and a soft shudder ran through the Kuru as she bumped into the dock. Immediately crewmen jumped over the side, tying the ship to the dock.

The surge had wreaked havoc in Taluride. Crates and debris littered the harbor, and the Kuru had to dodge the wreck of one ship that had been caught broadside by the surge and flipped. Now, only the keel was visible, the rest submerged in the deep harbor water. Now, able to take a second and look toward the shore, Kar could see that several of the dockside buildings had either collapsed or been washed away.

"Luse!" Leaving Tollar with the wheel the younger Albaelia slid down the stair's railing to the main deck, where the long-eared elf was helping clear away the collapsed rigging. "Need you to take a couple of men and head ashore. See if you can find our missing guys."

"Place looks a mess." Spitting into the wind Lusiphur glanced toward the dock and town beyond. "We better be packing when we go in."

"Alright." Kar pulled a thin chain from around his neck and handed it to Lusiphur. "Grab some pistols from the weapons locker on your way." Nodding, the elf sprinted off, calling for three of the deckhands to follow him.

Moving back to the castle Kar glanced up at the low-lying clouds, and hoped another surge or rogue wave wasn't heading in their direction. That brought his thoughts to another problem, and he leaned over the railing again, this time over the main deck.

"Tarv! Get a couple of men with boarding hooks, and make certain the hull stays clear. Last thing we need is debris blocking us in if we have to cut and bail again!"

All things considered, Kage thought, it could be worse. There's only eight of them.He scanned the rooftops, and spotted two more, sneaking away. He turned on Ilyona, and pounced, kissing her as he pinned her to the wall. "Two up high, on the move towards the dock, eight moving in for the attack. Any chance you can get the ones on the rooftop," he whispered in her ear.

http://wilmere.net/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/kageyona3a.jpg

She returned the kiss and nuzzled against his cheek as she listened to his words. "It can be arranged, " she murmured softly in response and turned her thoughts to the shadows. These brigands would be in for a rude awakening if they thought the couple was truly alone.

Ilyona had taken to wearing a blaster herself as well as the knife secured to her calf. Her eyes hardened marginally and she readied herself to move on his signal. While the scene was unfolding below, the two above were unaware of the shifting shadows following them.

"On three, then." He reached between them, grabbing the plasma pistol up under his arm.

Her eyes darken noticeably as she started pulling on her power. Her right hand slipped down to release the fastener on her gun. She nodded to him in response.

"One." He kissed her again, and pulled back just a bit.

Kissing him softly, she felt the numbing coldness settle into place. She would not let herself to feel, as she made ready to fight. These fools made the mistake of threatening someone she loved. They would not be making that mistake again.

"Two." He glanced back to the pirate approaching on the right, and nodded to Ilyona.

She trained her awareness to the figures approaching on the right. They thought they had the advantage of being in the shadows and darkness. They lost that advantage as her eyes sight shifted into the lower spectrums, a gift of her mother's people.

"Three."

He snap-turned to the left, bringing both guns up in a single smooth motion. He opened fire on the two nearest him, catching one in the throat with hot plasma, and sending the other scurrying for cover.

She moved in concert with him, turning to the right and firing the blaster towards the approaching figures. The men scattered as another of their number went down with a smoking hole in his chest

Kage sized up his quarry, and fired again just as the man foolishly decided to rise just enough to get to his sword. The lead round stuck his head above his eyes, and shredded. The pirate fell forward, his hand still gripping the hilt of his undrawn sword. Kage swiveled, and drew a bead on two more up the fire escape with knives drawn.

Meanwhile, the two moving across the rooftops were stopped dead in their tracks. Fear gripped them as a shadowy form emerged before them. Rage coursed through the shadowy form at the thought of his Ilyona ambushed. The Sentinel gestured to one of the brigands and shadowy tentacles wrapped around his throat. The Sentinel crushed its victim's windpipe as the other one scrambled to make for the ship.

The Sentinel watched the other one go and snaked out the tendrils again. The tendrils this time tripped the second man. The Sentinel lunged at the prone figure viciously. The man did not have a chance as the Sentinel ripped him to shreds.

The Sentinel regarded its victims in thought then made a decision that set him apart from the others. He grabbed both bodies and carried back along the path towards the ambush point. The brigands were about to get a very rude wake-up call.

Kage opened fire, and turned as both brigands fell, lashing out with the butt of the slug thrower at another getting a tad too close to Ilyona with that knife in his hand. As the pirate went down, Kage thought, Why does that one have a full shirt on"

While Kage was concentrating on the others, one managed to get with in striking distance of his back. As his pirate went down, the other slashed at him. Ilyona acted on instinct as she shouldered him to the side. The knife connected in a glancing blow to his side. This brought Ilyona into close range with the brigand as she whirled on him pulling her knife. She danced around the brigand's clumsy blows taunting him, wearing him down. She continued this deadly dance with brigand until she was able to seize on an opening in his defenses and jammed her knife into his chest.

As she was fighting with the brigand, the last brigand snarled and moved into to attack her from behind. As he tried to move into position, two more bodies fell to the ground with a meaty thud between him and the young woman. The shadow writhed and bled into the form of the Sentinel once more as the last brigand was cruelly ripped to shreds.

Kage heard more than felt the blow, and dropped to the ground in just enough time to see the last pirate rent limb from limb, and was dearly glad that it was on his side. He heard a groan, and grabbed the shirted pirate by the vest. The vest tore, and then the shirt as Kage scrambled to grab it with the other hand.

The pirate fell back to the cobbles, knocking herself out once again. Blood from a laceration over her left eye seeping to join the wet streams between the cobbles. "Hmph," he said. "I don't think her friends know she's female, 'Yona."

She growled softly and winced with the smaller cuts from the fight. "I want to know which ship they came from."

A little revenge plan was forming, "Bind her. I want information before we turn her over to DeAuster."

Kage closed his eyes, and touched the side of her head. "When she wakes up, she'll think she's paralyzed. She'll be able to breathe and talk, but not much else. You recognize the livery on these farks?"

"No, but that's what I want to learn. This was not a random attack. Too many people involved for my taste. I plan on making whomever was behind this pay dearly." The look in her pale eyes was cold and serious.

"Then learn we will." He rolled the woman onto her back, and applied a piece of gauze to the wound. "Let me just get the bleeding stopped.?

"Mate, ye better be seeing this!" The shout from the wheel brought Kar's attention from the repairs being made to the mast, and at the urgent wave the young man hurried up to stand beside Tollar, who was pointing down at the dock below. "We got an outflow formin??"

"Damn!" Slapping the wet railing Kar turned toward Tollar. "Be ready to head toward the open sea when I give the order." Turning back again, he watched as the foamy sea lapped at the dock pylons, and cursed again softly as more of the pylons were becoming visible with each passing moment. He prayed it was water from the first surge retreating, and not the harbinger of a second tidal wave. The Kuru had been lucky the first time, and Karenthesis didn't believe that luck existed in the amount needed to survive a second storm surge.

Looking out over the battered town didn't improve his mood. Fires were starting to spring up, and already his sharp hearing had caught the tell-tale pops of pistol fire. He had already sent a group of heavily-armed sailors to the entrance of the pier they had moored to, to guard against any seeking to take advantage of the chaos. Two boats had already been spotted heading toward the overturned ship in the harbor, and he could almost imagine the fight over the salvage that would begin even before the rain ceased falling.

Seeing movement down the pier, the young man tensed, but relaxed when he say the party he had sent falling back, and in front of them was Lusiphur's band, carrying the two missing men. Shouting orders, Kar had the crew moving to help their fellows aboard and to cast off. "What's the status of the main, Mr. Kiriat?"

"We need another hour at least, mate." Kiriat called from where he and, Harag and Vaelia were supervising repairs.

"Rig up the secondus then. We're making for open water."

"Aye!" Already Tollar had started to bring the ship around, and various shouts rang amongst the crew as they continued to use long poles to move aside floating crates and other debris. Kar moved back to the poop deck, his long hair plastered to his forehead as he squinted out over the dark waters, cursing the rain that was growing heavier by the moment.

"Should we head for another cove for now?" Tollar asked, spinning the wheel to avoid a downed tree that lay half-submerged at the harbor's entrance. Kar shook his head, sending hair whipping into and sticking to his cheek.

"Naw. Set a course west, and hug the shore." He looked up at the heavy clouds and growled softly. "This beast be heading more north, so we'll leave "er behind."

"Aye, mate. West it be!? Squinting at the compass built into the wheelstation Tollar expertly brought the ship onto it's new course, and the Enyala Kuru disappeared into the heavy fog being kicked up by the outer rainbands.

"The last of the rigging's been stowed below, mate." Shavier stood beside Karenthesis near the wheel of the Kuru, as both watched the crew scurry around the main deck below. "With the repairs on the mainsail finished, the Kuru be right as rain."

Kar groaned softly at that little remark, given how they had received the damage in the first place. During the voyage from Talirude's Landing to Cisroe the Enyara Kuru had met one other ship, a frigate out of Malirid with thier own tale about the deadly storm surge the hurricane had kicked up. Kit and he both realized just how close they had come, after hearing the story of what happened to Dagger's Jet.

"cargo's unloaded, our supplies restocked..." Running over a mental checklist kar finally nodded, and turned toward Shavier. "Mr. Shavier, I think it's time to cut the crew loose for some R&R."

"Aye, mate. I'd agree totally." The older sailor leaned over the railing encircling the castle. "Dobs, spread the word. All hands are to report to the quartermaster." The sailor Shavier spoke to waved a hand upward, and as the moments passed the two could hear the crew breaking into song, eager for the upcoming pay and chance to go ashore.

"You do know you're gonna have to get some out of the local prison in the mornin'?" The soft words drew Kar's attention to where Lusiphur leaned against the railing, arms and ankles crossed.

"Aye, but better me to do it than Kit." Kar turned toward the wheel, hands coming to rest on the solid oak. His nostrils flared at the familiar sulphuric odor of a match as Luse lit a cigarette.

"You could have gone with her, you know." The assassin grunted as he pushed away from the railing and moved toward the head of the stairs down to the main deck. "I bet your brother and sisters wouldn't have minded your company."

"Yeah, but they're gonna be talking about that coming out ball." Making a face, Kar turned to gaze out over the bustling city. "I mean, Morg can handle it, since he's gonna be half-sauced anyway's. But all that talk about silk and dresses and whatnot.."

"Don't mean a hill of drek." Lusiphur interrupted, glittering eyes moving to the younger half-elf. "Yer makin' excuses, boy." Kar bristled slightly at being called a boy, but quickly remembered that, next to the older elf, he was indeed just that. "You've been moping ever since we docked yesterday mornin', and you met that messanger from Luc."

"Yeah, and how do you think that made me feel?" Kar shot back with a growl. "Cie's gone into the Trials, and I didn't even get to tell her good luck!"

"Good bye, don't you mean?" Lusiphurs cold tone stopped any further protest that Kar may have made. "Look boy, I've known Cie's mom for longer than you or your sister both's been running this world. I've watched Cieara grow up from a wee babe. And, I know what the Duibh Trials are all about." The wiry elf paused, watching the younger Kar for a brief passage of seconds. "You're gonna have to get it through that thick head of yours, that if anyone can pass those Trials, it's Fiona's daughter."

"I hope so." Kar replied, soft enough for most would have missed, but Lusiphur merely grunted, flicking the remains of his cigarette over the railing.

"C'mon." A gloved hand took Kar's shoulder, guiding him toward the stairs with a pressure that brooked no arguement. "We're gonna get yer mind off things, otherwise I'm gonna brain yer stubborn ass myself."

"Hey! I can't..." the resistance cut short as Kar had to catch himself from stumbling down the stairs, Lusiphur right behind.

"Yeah you can, boy!" A smirk cut across Luse's features as he goaded Kar toward the gangplank. "Tonight yer gonna drink, watch some dancin', and maybe even get yerself laid. NO ARGUEMENTS!" He held a finger out toward Kar, who let the last of his arguement slip away as he turned toward the gangplank.

"Oh by the by..." The smirk turned into a full-blown smile as he followed Kar toward the dock. "...yer buying, right?"