Dragonfire Sea/Kastali Dun

Captain Bennett looked out over the dark blue waters of the sea and beyond. If one sailed far enough west over the Dragonfire Sea, one would find Oshea. It was far enough away that the two countries rarely interacted. Bennett himself was from Oshea, though he believed few in these parts could claim such. His parents had taken him away at the dawn of an Oshean civil war, one of many in Oshea's bloody history, or so he was told. He never knew his parents; he was told they had died during their journey to settle in a new country. He could only guess wildly as to how he ended up in Dragonwall, or if that was the country his parents intended to flee to.

Ever since learning about his past, the sea held new fascination for him. It was part of why he became a ship captain. He hoped to someday see Oshea with his own eyes. For now, he had more important concerns. They were less than a day away from Kastali Dun, but their journey had not been without its excitement—not at first anyway.

With Drengr escorts, the Lady Faith was untouchable. He discovered this fact two days after departing from Fort Squall. It was no surprise when pirate ships were spotted in pursuit. A triple blast of the horn gave the warning. His men reacted with fear; memories from their previous battle were still fresh in their minds. But then the Drengr took flight, jumping from the deck of the Lady Faith and transforming mid-air into giant beasts. Their Riders watched with the crew. Bennett's men had forgotten their protectors in their fear, but when they saw the dragons flying into battle, they gave cries of excitement and victory.

What a sight the battle was! He had watched the whole confrontation unfold through his spyglass. When the Drengr confronted the ships, they used their strength to rip apart whole masts before belching flames. It took less than an hour before all four ships were torched and burning. Nothing spread faster than dragon fire. The saying was popular in Dragonwall, and now he knew it to be true. On that blessed day, the Drengr demonstrated their worth ten-fold.

"Port ho!" A cry came from the crow's nest. Bennett snapped out of his sea-trance and turned his gaze from the west, from distant Oshea, to the ports of Kastali. He was eager to bring this voyage to an end. The sun was quickly falling from the sky, likewise eager to bring about an end to the day. The darkness would soon swallow them up, bringing with it a lively evening in the city.

Beaky had taken flight at the sound of the warning and circled the ship from above. Meanwhile, his men worked to prepare the ship for mooring. Amidst the busy activity, the Lady Faith sped along, steadily approaching the Bay of Bandu.

Night was upon them well before the anchor dropped. Bennett stood motionless, looking ahead of him. The moment he laid eyes on Kastali Dun and truly studied it, he frowned. Something strange was happening. Even from their distance, he could see that the streets were alight with the glow of many torches.

Keenan, one of the Drengr escorts, stood on the deck beside him. They watched the activity together. After a while, he felt Beaky's familiar presence on his shoulder as she joined them.

Bennett had grown up in one of the many orphanages in the Pauper's District. He lived there until he was ten. He knew Kastali Dun well enough, though he often saw it from a deck these days. The streets and buildings of the vast capital were located on a massive hill, which rose from the water, steadily sloping upwards towards the Great Keep. Along the thoroughfares, many of which were switch-backs, lights moved to and fro, glowing like hundreds of fireflies in the distance.

"Something isn't right," he said. "What do you reckon is happening?"

Keenan was silent for several moments. When he spoke, his voice sounded troubled and far away. "A lady is missing—a royal lady—King Talon's ward."

"The Lady Claire? The woman Lord Davi told me of?" Bennett's brow furrowed. From what Lord Davi said during their meeting at Fort Squall, Lady Claire had become something of a local celebrity to those of the lower classes. The idea of an outsider taking up a prominent position in the keep, with no noble blood, gave the poor something to hope for. They actually believed that they had a better chance at something good in life. He doubted that the nobility liked Lady Claire half as much, and Davi had hinted at that too. It didn't surprise him; the poor were often at odds with the rich.

"Yes." Keenan's nod of confirmation was solemn. "They say it is Lady Claire."

"Lady Claire. Lady Claire," Beaky squawked.

Bennett ignored the bird and said, "This news surprises me, Keenan. I would expect her to have a slew of guards. How could she have gone missing?"

Again, Keenan was slow to respond. Perhaps he was communicating with Kastali Dun's Drengr. "It seems that no one knows what happened. She went missing earlier this evening. The king has mounted a full-scale search. Every city guard and militia man in the city is on the streets."

Bennett shook his head in disbelief.

"Drop the anchor!" Jonah shouted behind him. They were safely in the bay now. Until they were given permission by the shipmaster to dock, the Lady Faith would remain here.

Beaky squawked and flapped her wings, preparing to take flight. As she jumped, the pressure on his shoulder increased, then disappeared. "Drop anchor, sea dogs! Drop anchor." Her repetitive squawking rang about the ship's deck.

"I think, Captain Bennett, that it would be best if you and your men remained aboard the Lady Faith tonight." Keenan gave Bennett an intense look.

"You're sure? My men were greatly looking forward to the comforts of land tonight."

"Aye, I am positive. With guards on every street, it would be safest to avoid the city tonight."

The Lady Faith's men weren't criminals, but Bennett couldn't help catching Keenan's meaning. Men at sea were often rowdy when greeted by land. His were no different: they got themselves into plenty of trouble. With guards occupying every empty space of the city's streets, his men might become a liability. He didn't need any of them locked in irons tonight.

"Very well. What of you and yours? Will you and your Riders be going ashore?" Bennett worried for the safety of his cargo. Without the Drengr there to protect the Ice Metal, who knew what might befall them?

"Aye, some of us will—all but Durstan and Sable. They will remain here to guard the cargo and alert us if anything is amiss. The king could use all the help he can get with this search. We will join the other Drengr of Fort Kastali, patrolling the perimeters of the keep and the lands beyond."

Although he felt safer with Keenan aboard, it was not his place to argue or make demands. "Very well then." He held out his arm in the common Drengr fashion, bidding Keenan farewell. "May the wind be at your sails, or rather,"—he cleared his throat—"beneath your wings."

Keenan chuckled then added, "And may it carry you into calm seas," as was the common response. Keenan then released Bennett's forearm and departed shortly thereafter with his Rider and eight others. Durstan and Sable watched from nearby on the deck.

Disheartened, for he was truly looking forward to some good food and strong rum (the grog aboard the Lady Faith was losing its potency), he headed below. There was naught to do but rest. He hoped that tomorrow would dawn a fairer day...

The following morning, Keenan and his rider Krista returned. The crew, eager for information, gathered around to hear his announcement. "The Lady Claire has not yet been found," Keenan said, his voice solemn. "Everyone must remain aboard the Lady Faith."

Keenan's words were met with several groans. "Quiet, you lot!" Bennett snapped, stepping in to mitigate his crew's bad manners. He understood their frustration. After so long at sea, they were all desperate to go ashore. That was no excuse to voice complaints at a Drengr.

Keenan did not appear offended. "Believe me," he said, "it is for your safety. I doubt any of you wish to run into a testy Drengr." He turned to Bennett and added, "You alone may venture to the docks to meet with Master Arden."

Bennett nodded then glanced at his men, noticing the dismay on their faces. They would recover soon enough. "Very well, Keenan. I will depart at once." He did exactly that, rowing ashore alone.

It took several hours to track down the shipmaster and get him alone. When he did, Master Arden was flustered. "You'll not believe the trouble set upon me with the searches goin' on!" he said in a huff. He was a direct opposite to his usual jovial self. As Master Arden complained, they retreated to his warehouse office where they might enjoy some of the master's fine wine. "Men all o'er the place," Master Arden said, going on about the searches as he moved about his desk. "They be swarming the docks, wakin' me up from my sleep...Bad business, that lady going missin' I tell you. Bad business."

To Master Arden, everything was bad business, but Bennett nodded all the same.

When Master Arden quit complaining and got on topic, he said, "Your cargo is going straight to the king's forges. But with all this"—he waved his hand in annoyance—"there ain't no king's man available to handle the cargo. You'll have to wait it out."

"What about docking?"

Master Arden shook his head. "Best not to risk it—knowing what's aboard..."

He agreed. Too many temptations. If the pirates wanted what he carried, others on land would too. Ice Metal was thrice more valuable than gold.

"And my men? Are they free to go landside now? They crave a good time and they've earned it. I can split them into three groups and give them turns guarding the cargo."

"Aye. They been cooped up, I know." The shipmaster shrugged. "I see no problem with it." He paused for a moment as if to think better of his words. "Just be careful. Tell 'em ta be on good behavior—if you catch my drift?"

"I understand." Bennett bid Master Arden farewell and eagerly rushed back to the Lady Faith. The moods of his men improved greatly after they were given permission to disembark, provided they be on their best behavior as the shipmaster had said. When they got the message, they laughed and agreed, but Bennett saw the real truth in their eyes. Straws were drawn and a select group was permitted to disembark first. Two-thirds remained on board as guards. Bennett was lucky enough to draw a straw that sent him land-side.

The first thing he did was visit Seafarer's Row. He and Jonah enjoyed themselves a little too much, and by the end of the night, they found themselves in the Sea Dog. It was intentional; the Sea Dog was home to a favorite of his.

"How about I get you another drink, my dear captain?" Bennett smiled at the sound of Colleen's voice. He always paid her a visit or two when he returned to the capital. "How your body must ache for the good stuff." Colleen was a saucy woman.

"Aye, my little wench." He pulled her onto his lap and stroked her hair before saying, "Give me some of your best."

"Some of your best—some of your best," Beaky squawked. This time, Beaky had taken up a post in the rafters just over his head. Moreover, she used this as an opportunity to gaze down at him and irritate him at every possible moment, especially now.

"That bird of yours hasn't stopped talking, I see." Colleen gave him a wink before rising from his lap to fulfill his request with the barman. He gave Beaky a warning glare, then followed Colleen with his gaze.

Despite the constant commotion of the city-wide search, the Sea Dog was bristling with happy men as pockets emptied and bellies filled. No sound from beyond its doors could be heard through the loud, crude talk, and music from the hornpipes.

"Will you be stayin' here tonight?" Colleen was back with his drink. She handed him a stein of the Sea Dog's finest beer and held her hand forward for payment.

He gladly tipped her, passing her a silver. "I suppose I'll be staying as long as it's yer bed I'll be sleepin' in."

She feigned surprise, scolding him loudly before waltzing away to serve a few patrons who had just entered.

Jonah joined him moments later, a bonny lass by his side. They both sat and ordered up drinks.

"And what's yerrr name?" Bennett growled, looking at Jonah's wench. He was already fairly fuzzy, having demolished several steins in the Mad Dragon a few hours prior. The docks of Kastali Dun boasted more alehouses, taverns, inns, and the like, than any other city in the kingdom. Seafarer's Row had the best of them. Everything a seafaring man could desire was obtainable along this long street overlooking the docks. Every window gave a good view and every establishment offered plenty to drink.

The young woman answered Bennett's question, smiling sweetly and blushing. "My name's Jenny, if it please you, sir."

Jonah butted in. "Jenny here was just telling me how she rents a room over yonder at Kohlmann's Inn." Jonah gave him a sly look. Kohlmann's Inn was occupied by naught but harlots—women intent on making a living from their bodies.

He wondered if Jonah would be paying for her, or was she simply servicing his good looks? The man was handsome, but he doubted her services would be free.

As the night wore on, the Sea Dog grew louder and more rambunctious. All the while, talk circulated, speculation more like, about why the royal Lady Claire had disappeared. He heard everything from, "She's been taken by pirates and dragged out to sea," to, "She's run from the king's scars." He doubted most of what he heard.

Bennett kept an eye on Colleen all night, hoping she would take him up on his offer. He was a sea captain, after all, and his position had its perks.

It wasn't until things were winding down for the night, and most were long past their limits, that someone stumbled in, drunk by the looks of him, and cried, "She's been found!" The shout drew a sudden silence from the Sea Dog's patrons. "The Lady Claire's been found, bless her! Rescued by the king, no less!"

The alehouse erupted into roaring cheers. Those who were losing steam were suddenly alert again. "Hip-hip-hooray!" some called. Others toasted to her health and the energy in the room was renewed. This Lady Claire person was clearly a favorite.

"Shall we go upstairs, my mighty captain?" Colleen found her way to his lap. "I can pretend to be the Lady Claire and you can rescue me." Colleen's warm hands were on his shoulders as she leaned forward, whispering sweet nothings in his ear.

"Aye, my sweet girl, we shall!" A girl she was not, but he still enjoyed the implication of youth given by the title. Though she had never revealed her true age to him, he was certain she was in her mid-thirties.

She eagerly took his hand and pulled him from the table. With one swift movement, he lifted his stein and drained it before slamming it back onto the wooden table with a thud.

Many of his men still in the alehouse, spotted his retreat. They gave victory whoops and cheers as he passed, hand in hand with Colleen. Beaky took flight from the rafters to follow after. The cheers chased them all the way to the stairwell and beyond....

The next morning dawned humid and gray. He groaned and gripped his head, bracing himself for the splitting headache that came pounding its way to his consciousness. Why did he always get so drunk?

Beside him came a soft snore. Colleen lay naked, tangled in blankets. Without waking her, he rose from the moth-eaten bed, donning his trousers and shirt. He managed to slip from the room with the woman none the wiser. If everything went well, he might visit her again tonight.

His day consisted of a significant amount of waiting around. First, he waited on Jonah. They visited Master Arden together. Then they both waited on the shipmaster to work out the details of the offloading of the Lady Faith's cargo. Once those matters were settled, he waited on the few men aboard the Lady Faith to get her to the docks. By the time she was safely secured, evening had fallen.

Luckily the king, who's charge was now safely tucked inside the castle, was more willing to attend to the matter of his cargo. The king sent men, including two of his own—Shields by the name of Bedelth and Reyr—to oversee the procurement of the palettes of Ice Metal. Bennett offered Reyr an especially warm greeting. He gave him news of his twin brother, Lord Davi, and told him of his visit to Fort Squall. Then they saw to the matter of offloading.

"Best to fly it in and deposit it in the keep before transporting it to the forge," Keenan warned as they moved the heavy stuff from the hull.

By the time the matter was finished, Bennett was sure his chances for a nighttime rendezvous with Colleen would be gone. A cheeky woman like her wouldn't last long in the Sea Dog. Any number of men were probably waiting to snatch her up.

Nonetheless, with the ship docked and their business complete, he and Jonah trudged their way from the docks to Seafarer's Row.

Jonah grinned all the while, likely anticipating the evening to come. "Glad that's over," he said at one point.

"I, too. Thank the gods."

Their cargo was deposited and secure, his pockets were bursting with gold dragons, and a celebration for a journey well-made was in order. So, like any sea man, he let the night take him where its currents flowed, and as it so happened, into Colleen's bed once more.  

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