Posted: Sun Oct 31, 2004 11:47 am
“What are you doing on my ship?†The words sat on Kalin’s shoulder like ice in a fierce storm, dreaded weight building up in sheets across his broad deltoids and clutching at his triceps. He turned quickly but saw nothing.
“I could have sworn…†he whispered to himself, and then stopped. There was somebody else on board this ship. A tall rake of a man? Clad in a long seaman’s cape that lost itself in the night mist.
“I heard that this ship belonged to a Captain of Umbar, you don’t look like an Umbariek†Kalin used the term for the lost children of Gondor. The figure never moved, but faded into the night.
“So where do we sail, if Captain you be? And under whose hire?†Kalin shifted, and placed his hand on his scimitar. He was beginning to feel unsafe, and uneasy about this figure. He reached his hand beneath his coat and clutched the fetish of Agwé, master of the seas. The figure recoiled, then flew at Kalin, who drew his scimitar to slice through the shape but met only air.
“Boienyte†he cursed, as the figure lashed at him with fingers of ice, and he fell back over coils of rope. He lashed out again, and thrust the fetish towards the figure chanting under his breath. It advanced again, and Kalin reached into a pocket and threw a choking powder at the form. It hissed, and Kalin struck again with his blade which was this time smeared with the powder. The figure retched, and leaned back to scream before it faded into the night.
Leaving Kalin to look at the spot where the vanishing reflection of the ghost cast a shadow on his eye. It was not a man, but a woman. Beautiful yet vicious, like a hunting panther. He shuddered, and looked at the road where he could hear voices approaching.
Kalin stood to welcome them onto the ship, but hung back to let them onboard. He could see the Halfling and the other elf woman struggle with the white haired beauty who he was sure would keep him warm on the long nights ahead. But it was Alandriel who caught his eye, and the man she escorted. Kalin smiled a deep smile, and looked at Arunakhôr. Captain of Harad, Master of the Bay of Belfalas, brought low by the war. How the pirate had escaped, Kalin did not know. He had fled from Pelargir in a scow, disguised from Gondorian persecution. But Arunakhôr was more prominent than he and should have hung a dozen times for his crimes. He knew the people of Umbar would gladly hand over such as him to the new authorities. He smiled, his gold tooth catching the light. He would turn a hefty profit when he handed that one in to that new viceroy.
“Ah, I see you finally made it down. I hope you had no trouble on the way Mistress Alandriel†He said stepping up to the red head.
“None, Mister Kalin. This is-“
“I know what it is Mistress. You are right to keep such as he from any sharp implements. I assume that you will be captain of this vessel then Poganin*, and I will take the position of mate. I think between us we should keep this ship afloat. But do you have plans for this Karaliji* of Umbar here?†he nodded towards Arunakhôr, his eyes glinting as the Black Numenorian snarled and twisted within his constraints.
“Do not trust this deck rat, Alandriel. My people call his type Jug Vetra*, an intermittent wind not to be trusted.†muttered Arunakhôr; his accent sharp with contempt. “He will take the position of captain as soon as we sail from the harbour, and by his look he is a bad captain to have. How many ships did you lose under you JuthJuthâ€. He laughed at Kalin’s reddening visage. Unbeknownst, the Black Numenorian had hit a sore point and the old nickname smarted. Following the disaster at Pelargir many of the Umbarian sailors had been called scorpions, he had hoped it would be forgotten.
“Ahh, you bring back old stories Tsiddii of the Ru-Lani-Lapu. I lost ships, but they were always in battle against the fleets of Gondor and Umbar, I was a man making my own way, not skulking along with the sea lords for pay and whores.â€
“Odd, I heard that most of the ships of you Covshek-pust sank in harbour, usually when being built.†Arunakhôr leered horribly at Kalin, the snide haughtiness of his race spread across his face like a standard.
“The only harbour I lost a ship in was Pelargir. Forced to join the dark crusade, and my bilges filled with the serpent lords armies led by , and I was sank in battle with the honest soldiers of Gondor not fleeing with the pay chest like the Sea Lords of Umbar. We all saw you sails, and we know what curse was laid on your collective by the other captains. The ones the Black Numenorians left to die. “Kalin glowered, and spat at the feet of Arunakhôr, Sealord of Umbar.
“I know of no curse save the one about the Captain of Umbar where every ship he captains will sink. That wouldn't happen to be you would it. He is supost to be a scruffy street urchin with only the clothes on his back." smiling the pirate turned to look at the others and said loudly "It has been the tale of the South for twenty years, and I am more scared of that then any of the petty prestidigitation that some charlatan laid on the Sea Lords of Umbar.†He turned to face Alandriel, still conscious of the knife against his ribs “So Lady, you have the choice. You have need of a captain, but the two you have are under curses. What will be your choice?â€
He looked at Alandriel who stared back. Behind her she was conscious of the milling group she had gathered. She looked at where Legyviel leaned on Jaeniver, her eyes alight on Kalin. And behind them stood the elder elves whose eyes showed nothing. Dindraug and Aglanor, who only stated at the sea and at her. They would be no help in this she could tell.
* Poganin- Pagan, literally none native. A term of Derision for foreigners. City dwellers call Black Numenorians this to antagonise.
*Karaliji – Worker of magic, sorcerer
Jug Verta – Southern wind, which may bring rain or sand storm. Not to be trusted.
JuthJuth – Scorpion
Tsidii – Mount
Ru-Lani-Lapu- The Red baboon
Covshek-pust – Men of the Wastes, desert dweller.