Hawkes of the Sea: a pirate fantasy

[Clarrissa]

Black Ravens greeting and acceptance was surprising but welcome. With the loss of my own family a surrogate would be most welcome.

Smiling into Noire's face I see a change, perhaps having family would be good for him. His life has been too much alone.

The meeting in the square bodes forboding. Yes 'tis true we do not know if the creature Captain Jeremiah speaks of has been dispatched or may still be lurking.

The Captain's planning is sound, I return to the hall briefly, making my way to the arms room, snatching up a crossbow and quiver. 'Tis always best to be prepared.

Returning to the group we trek inland into the dense foliage. The soft twang of a bow is heard before a body fall into the path. I fear perhaps there is still much mischief afoot on this island. My mind contantly drifts to my Lady Captain. The Magican I pray was truthful and she is unharmed.

Black Ravens explainations of the person before us seems odd. How many others have made there way onto the isle undetected. I will suggest a full search when my Captain has been rescued, too much is at stake to allow interlopers amongst us.

 

[The_high_king]

Creeps

As i follow the group through thick dense jungle, a raven lands on my shoulders. The Goldmoon Thieves Guild way of sending messages. I take the parchment from its beak. Inside the parchment it read 'do not let the old man pass Raven. He is an assassin. He carries a pouch of poison powder. He will release the powder, and kill the group, by releasing the powder while walking pass them. Kill him with what ever means neccesary'. I give the message back to the raven, and it drops the message on a torch near town. I climb up a tree, and half a mile ahead of the group was a old man, "how do they know these things" I think to myself. I silently run ahead of the group, from tree to tree, and prepare to load my bow.

ooc: I will have to kill this old guy unless the group stops him first.

 

[sojournerwolf]

Jeremiah Hawke

I listen gravely to the Black Raven's warning.

"Keep sharp," I caution quietly, "we've no idea as yet what the magician has left behind...not to mention this new lurker."

We traipse through the jungle following the burning. I can feel my adopted family in the underbrush. I know not if they've detected this person following us or if they are but watching to see what he would do. I suspect if he posed a true threat, his life would end with brutal speed.

We at last come to the cave, our bodies soaked with sweat from the heat and humidity. Thus far, no sign of the creature or the one who follows.

I signal Black Bart to come with me, Mark and Clarrissa to deploy the others of our crew outside the cave. I light a torch. Drawing pistol, I venture forward, the great hound Heracles at my side, Black Bart futher off, following just at the edge of the torchlight.

They are here, both of them. I can feel it.

Heracles the hound emits a soft growl as the three of us venture deeper and deeper into the cave. Water drips distantly, and there is evidence of a campsite here. I look at Black Bart and he nods before disappearing into the shadows. It is a trick we've used before, one of us a decoy the other waiting.

"Elizabeth," I call into the darkness. "Lady Amanda. Can you hear me? It's Jeremiah. Call out to me and I will try to follow your voice."

I listen for their reply.

I step away from Black Bart and find a piece of wood

 

[The_high_king]

please read

ooc: are you guys going to greet the old man, or what. I'm ready to snipe him off.
ic: I see the old man getting closer to the small group. I take out an arrow.

 

[THEBRAT]

The Black Raven

I look up and see that a Raven is flying with a piece of Parchment in its Beak!

I turn to Clarrissa and ask to use her Cross Bow?I take careful aim and shot the Bird down out of the sky.

I run to where I saw the Bird Fall the Raven is dead but to make doublely sure that this Raven is Dead I Crush its Skull under my Boot Heel.

I pick up the paper and read its contents an the threat of death to an old man in front of us holding a pouch of supposed poison to kill everyone in this group.

I run to find Hawke and give him this Paper!

I ask Hawke is your Foster Father waiting ahead for us to come because if he is his life is in deadly paril?

Bart & Carrissa when this is over I shall give a Giant Feast For All! I walk up to Bart this Feast will serve two very special purposes.The First special propose we already know True Love the other is my surprise!

I most go ahead very rapidly and there is only one way for me to do it.

I AM TELLING each and everyone of you to GET BEHIND A TREE AND HOLD ON FOR YOUR VERY LIVES ARE AT STAKE.

SETH I YOUR PRIESTESS THE BLACK RAVEN CALL UPON YOU TO GIVE TO MY FEET THE POWERFUL AND DEALY WINDS OF THE HURRICANE SO THAT I MIGHT PROTECT THE OLD MAN!

ooc sorry for the extermly long post.

 

[sojournerwolf]

Jeremiah Hawke

The Black Raven somehow finds me in the darkness. I curse at her news and we leave the cave, she and I, and Black Bart. I've no idea if my foster father is the one who waits ahead or not. If so, I must warn him.

sure enough, there he is. Waiting. I move up to greet him, hoping that whatever threat there is to him will be blocked by my body. We speak quietly in his tongue.

He knows of the lurker, but has told his people to hold off, that the lurker has not shown whether he is good or ill news for us. It is a man, they know, and he has killed once already, someone not of the tribes on the island, nor of the crew.

My foster father tells me softly, that he has seen signs the great creature is still here, somewhere. He has brought with him a pouch of the deadliest poison he can concoct, one that could kill every one of us if released, as a precaution. it must be delivered, if needed, at close range.

I don't much like that.

Enough! I decide.

I ask the Black Raven to hold her powers in abeyance for the nonce, to see if we can flush out this lurker and learn his purpose. If not, then I am more than willing to have her blow the bastard to kingdom come.

Calling out, "Listen you who lurk in the shadows. I bid you, if you be ally, to show yourself. Now. Harm any of us here and run as you might, you will find your skills nothing compared to those who have lived and hunted this island for years. And harm this old man...your death will not be quick nor painless. Come out now, man, and show yourself."

 

[sojournerwolf]

for those just joining

OOC: there is an OOC: Hawke's of the sea thread where most OOC messages related to the Hawke's thread are posted. thank you.

 

[The_high_king]

Creeps

ic: I launch the arrow. The old man dies. I attached a note to the end of the arrow. I watch as one member of the group reads the note. The note reads, 'this man could of killed you all. Check his pouch. You will find evidence that I speak the truth'. I couldn't let them see me, but I had to let them know that I was on thier side, one way, or another.

 

[sojournerwolf]

Jeremiah Hawke

"Noooooo!" I scream as the arrow slices across my shoulder and hits my foster father. I catch him in my arms despite the pain.

"Find me that son of a whore!" I roar. "Find him and bring him to me and I will tear his heart out with my bare hands!"

Kneeling beside my foster father, I am trembling with rage and grief. He who saved me death in the jungle, whom I brought here from his home in far off Africa lies limp and bleeding before me.

As the guards and our friends in the jungle begin howling in their search for the unseen assassin, I trace the path of the wound. Aye, had it gone straight and true, surely it would have pierced the old man's heart. Instead, it hit one of the many amulets upon his chest and deflected to bury itself high in his chest,

I thank whatever gods might be listening as I realize my foster father's breathes, shallowly, but still breathing. His eyes open painfully and he struggles to slip the pouch from around his neck.

In his own tongue, he tells me to guard the poison, to keep it sealed until and unless it is needed against the great serpent. If not, then to put it in a brass urn, completely sealed and light a fire under it...this alone will destroy the substance.

He lapses into unconsciousness. I feel someone at my shoulder. It is Clarrissa, urging me to stand back so that my shoulder where the arrow grazed me might be tended.

I am beside myself as others huddle around my foster father, looking to his wound. I clutch the pouch to me, even as the wound in my shoulder is cleansed and bandaged.

"Where is he?" I growl, death staring out of my eyes.

Someone brings me the note. I read it and crumble it in rage. Of course my foster father is deadly; his knowledge of poisons and weapons is supreme among his people. But he would never harm any of us, for his devotion to me and those to whom I have given countenance is unquestionable.

"You damn fool," I howl and Heracles lets loose with a bay that would do Cerebus proud.

 

[The_high_king]

Creeps

I take a deep breath knowing that the attempt at assination was dead. Then I notice something, Raven. She was beautiful. I was completely off guard at the time.

 

[sojournerwolf]

OOC

I read them...did you read the posts prior to your own?

 

[BLACK BART]

Sighting the path of the arrow, I force myself into the dense under brush, traveling quickly and silently, as practice on this small isle has given me the ability to do.....

Reaching up into the tree branches, I seize the ankle of the person above me, and with a roar pull downward, my weight forcing theirs to come crashing from onto the ground below....

Raising the slight figure in my left hand, I drive my right fist into the squirming form, once, twice, thrice....

"I have failed my Captain enough, in the past!' I growl menacingly "I will not fail him again in the future."

A final blow I bring down on the slight figures head, pulling it at the last moment, rendering it unconcious instead of dead.....

Quickly binding the limp figure, I toss it over my shoulder, and draw my short sword. Chopping away the underbush, I no longer need stealth, and crash thru the clinging branches quickly.

Less than ten minutes later I return, walking into the natural clearing where our small group is gathered around Captain Hawke, holding his father...

"Captain, I return to you with a gift, a small insect that you may wish to dispose of yourself" I say slowly, trying to assess the well being of the prone figure in Jeremiahs arms...

"Be he dead, or sleeping" I query, tossing the bound figure at my Captains feet...

"Quiet, ye scurvy dawg, face your judgement like a man" I warn the squirming figure at our feet.......

 

[The_high_king]

Creeps

ic: As I was sitting on the tree top. I was suddenly caught off guard starring at the Raven. Suddenly I'm pulled out of the tree from my ankle, "Damn it", I said as I plummet from the tree. I was stuffed into a bag, and kicked. I easily cut my way out of the bag just to find myself with several swords pointed toward my throat. I could easily tell that everyone was pissed. I slowly put my hands in the air.

 

[Clarrissa]

The woosh of an arrow speeds by and I hear Jeramiah howl in pain. His shoulder torn open but a sight far worse, the Shaman, lays in his arms an arrow protruding from his chest.

I watch the pained face of the Captain and hear his command to find the would be assasin. The others take off into the brush, but I do not. My heart says leave them be as he cradles the old man, my head says different.

Tugging against Jeremaih's arm I urge him to let me tend the wound, ripping the hem of my shirt to form a make shift bandage, I clean the wound with water laced with rum from the water skin i carried. Twould do for now until further could be done.

Watching my Noire return with a bundle dropping it at the Captains feet my own anger rears its head, fingering my dagger how i would love to extract justice upon this fiend. "Tis the Captain's enemy now and a fool hardy one at that slicing his way out of the sack to be met with spears and swords.

Kneeling next to the old man I watch his chest rise and fall evenly, though shallow. The wound was deep but pierced no vital organs. Gingerly I snap off the protruding shaft of the arrow and librally pour the water over the tip still lodged within him.
Tearing off more of my shirt I bind the wound. The arrow lodged within has stemmed the flow of blood, which is a good thing. However he must be moved carefully to a place where i can remove the tip.

Watching Jeremiah's face I see the grief, pain and anger. Shouting orders to the few remaining guards I order a makeshift stretcher to be made from two stout limbs and vines. "Captain, I can remove the arrow but it must be done at the hall, he needs to be moved carefully to the infirmary"

Watching the Shaman's breathing I know time is of the essence.
"Captain, I need to return with your foster father to the hall now"

Singling out 5 of the largest guards, "you, all of you remove your belts now" Searching for another large body my eyes return to my Noire, " Noire I need your belt." My request raises a brow but you comply unbuckeling and handing me the the strong sturdy leather.

Sliding the six leather belts carefully beneath the Shaman at stratigic points he can now be lifted without further injury. "Now you six, three on each, side grasp two straps each and lift him", Watching in earnest as they lift the prone form to the now made stretcher, I breath a sigh of relief as he is settled upon the vines.

Handing Noire back his belt I smile up at him, " I will return to the hall, I bid you love, find my captain". Placing a swift kiss upon your lips.

Turning to the guards I again give instuctions about the carrying of the litter, nodding to Jeremiah we turn and make our way back through the trees to the hall.

 

[divinity]

bella

With a heavy sigh I am ready. I enter where all have gathered. I am dressed in white flowing sheaths of scarfs. Eyes seem to be able to see what they cannot, they stare harder. They cannot help themselves. Never has one so beautiful come into their midst. Every being sees me as different but all see me as the most beautiful fantasy their minds can muster. I out shine all others. I walk slowly to Jeremiah....past Bart not giving him the slightest attention. Barts beath catches as I pass close. Jeremiah takes my hand and leans forward to kiss it. The skin is smooth, the scent intoxicating........

 

[sojournerwolf]

Jeremiah Hawke

I stifle a groan from the wound on my shoulder, I rise from the ground. Clarrissa is about to leave with my foster father, and I know he is in good hands. I turn my attention to the man Black Bart has brought before me. The sword in my hand trembles as if eager to drink his blood.

A familiar voice calls to me, and I turn in surprise. My foster father has halted the guards carrying him. I rush to the old man's side. What he tells me causes my eyes to widen, but I nod in reluctant agreement.

Nodding to Clarrissa, I watch her and the guards leave with the stretcher and my foster father. I turn back to Black Bart's captive.

I've not seen him before, but if what my foster father has told me is true...

"Well," I begin...and it is then a young woman dressed so oddly for this place comes forward. She is a striking beauty. Remembering my manners, I take her hand and kiss it gently, then tell her, "Madame, I will be more than happy to speak with you anon, but first I do have other business to attend."

Turning back to the captive, I regard him through narrow eyes, then say, "The only reason you are not already shaking hands with the devil is because of the man you nearly killed. He told me to speak with you, not to do anything hastily, for he senses you have something to tell us of great import."

I take the pouch with the poison and hand it carefully to Black Bart. "My foster father gave us this in the even we meet up with that creature of the magician's. Guard it carefully, my friend, and let it not be unsealed lest we all perish."

Turning back to the captive, "Well? Why are you here? what is your purpose, man? Why did you attempt to kill my foster father?"

 

[The_high_king]

Creeps

I heard the man's question, I had one answer, "my orders". The man slowly points his sword toward my throat, "What orders?", he asks sternly. I saw that I was out of tricks, I thought about the amount I was getting paid, but it wasn't worth my throat cut. I answer slowly, "my orders were to protect the Raven from any kind of harm, I do not know why I'm supposed to guard her, all I know is that I'm getting paid well for it". I could tell he wasn't really satisfied with my answer, and I could feel the tip of his sword on my throat, but I hasn't pierced it yet, "I recieved message from the guild to kill the old man, he was going to poison her". I wait for a response.

 

[sojournerwolf]

Jeremiah Hawke

I move the sword from the man's throat and regard him with narrowed eyes.

"Your guild," I state flatly, "was mistaken."

I see no reason to tell him that my foster father has already spoken to me at some length about the Black Raven, and how her destiny is so entwined with mine and others that he cannot see where it will lead. His caution to me is very similar to that assigned to this man, whatever his guild is...protect her at all costs.

"The poison my foster father carried is to help us deal with another creature. One which may or may not still be skulking around this isle. We are here on a rescue mission, and, hopefully, that will go without further hitch--"

About then, a great sound causes the very earth to quake. It is a deep, booming roar that causes all but the most stout hearted to quail.

"marvelous," I say sourly, looking at Black Bart. "As if we had not enough troubles already..."

 

[BLACK BART]

Rising from my heels, my eyes meet the Captain's as I glance at the slight figure at his knife tip....

"Aye, Captain" I agree "Tis might be prudent to dispatch this vermins head, while I go search for it's brother"

Pulling my father's sword from its sheath, I feel the steel vibrating, as if having a life of its own. Tucking the bag of powerful poison into my own larger, I wonder if either will have the power to rid us of the much larger threat.

Stepping into the dense brush, I guide myself towards the sounds of it, as a second roar vibrates thru the jungle.


"Come to me, you she bitch" I challenge its voice "Mayhaps we shall both meet our makers this eve, yet"

 

[divinity]

bella

(Not so fast Jeremiah! you cannot dispose of me that easy.)

I have dropped to me knees while holding his wrist. 'But you must help me sire' I beg. 'Do not let them capture me once again', I plead.

You look at my upturned face before beginning your fight. It is like looking into the deepest green of the seas waters.

I release your hand.

I step aside at the sight I am about to behold and disapper into the trees.

My apprarance chances as my clothes turn into feathers and I fly into the treetops. A beautiful now is perched above. Seeing and waiting.

 

[The_high_king]

Creeps

I lift an eyebrow, "What the hell was that all about". I took it that they all saw the pretty-girl-with-wings spectacle.

 

[THEBRAT]

The Black Raven

I climb to the tree top and sit beside Bella the Beautiful Bird I ask her! Who is tring to recapture you and for what reason?

You do not have to answer my Question if you do not wish to do so but know that the I The Black Raven will protect you!

 

[divinity]

bella

Your gentleness has been rewarded Jeremiah. No cold blade of steel will touch your skin this day. I have given you the strength of five men. Their knowledge as well. Use this power well Jeremiah and I will be pleased.

I see the surprise on your face Creep. You mortals give such pleasure. I will watch you and we will see what may come of you.

And you Black Bart, what is to become of you, my love? Never forget the past. I will wait to see if you become worthy of my protection.

 

[divinity]

bella-raven

As I watch you decend I wonder why you would think I would need your protection. No matter you may stay awhile. We will watch what is unfolding below together. Owl and Raven, white and black. All good? Everything is not always as it seems.

 

[The_high_king]

Creeps

I get a confused look on my face, "who in the depths of hell is High King?". Was she refering to me? She was beautiful, but very puzzling.