Pirates of the Sorcerean II

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As Eldon watched the battle on the Charlaine, he scanned the decks for the hated scoundrel. The smoke was bellowing out of the aft of the prison ship, obscuring his sight.

"They're taking their time aren't they?" he joked to a neaby pirate wearing an eye-patch.

Eldon looked at the man for a long second. "Wasn't that patch on the other side earlier?"

The pirate grinned baring a rather distasteful set of teeth..."I is be looking meaner like tiss yer goord sir" his devilish chuckle following marking him a rather unscrupulous individual.

 

The Black Wind couldn't sail away from the doomed escort ship fast enought to avoid the concussion of the explosion. Even though it escaped the worst of the flying schrapnel it was rocked violently as the waters erupted in turmoil, and Zillah decided that it as time to find a safer place than the crow's nest. She was about to scramble to the deck when a familar figure on the Charlaine caught her eye: Pierre LeVarde, his back to the rail and facing half a dozen men. He was fighting well but every foe that fell was quickly replaced. They scored a few hits against him and he was beginning to tire.

How to come to his aid? The distance was still to great for her darts, never mind the shifting winds, and calls for any of the rogues who had boarded with him to help would either go unheard or alert his enemies. As she tried to think of a plan she caught sight of some of her comrades who were swinging over to the Charlaine on ropes. Fools! It's a prison ship - what kind of plunder do they expect to find? That thought was quickly suppressed by another, and she grabbed a rope before she had time to think twice. As she swung out over the open water she had to wonder why she was willing to risk herself this way for Pierre, whom she'd only just met. The answer to that question would have to wait as she dropped lightly to the other deck, rolled into semi-concealment, and began blowing darts into necks and slinging whatever she could find onto the backs of the heads of the crowd facing her captain.

[ July 09, 2004, 16:06: Message edited by: Rallymama ]

 

Pierre swung his sword around, striking true with each hit, but trying not to lethally damage or kill. He was gradually calming down, knowing well that angry men don't fight well. Mostly, he used his fists to knock enemy out, although he shot and stabbed some as well.

Another idle swing, Pierre thought, as he sliced his sword harshly towards an attacking soldier...and was surprised to see that he collapsed before the sword even hit. Maybe he got scared to death, he thought, and thrusted his sword at another. A soldier besides that one was quick to collapse as some sort of projectile hit him on the head. Pierre turned to look at the source of the missile, and saw, much to his surprise, Zillah hiding behind a bunch of crates, throwing various things at his enemies.

With the support, he fought on, occasionally giving Zillah a sidewards glance to see if she was threatened. A scream from her alerted him, and he turned quickly to see her being seized from behind by a Marspadian soldier. Growling, he fired shots at soldiers around him, but it was no use, there were too many surrounding him.

The situation seemed hopeless, and Pierre swore violently at himself inside, complaining to himself why he let Zillah get captured. Now, he is showing no mercy, striking swift and true with each strike.

Flesh and blood went a-flying in the night as Pierre Cedain LeVarde fought his way through the Charlaine.

 

Standing aboard the Black Wind, Percival was eager to join the fray onboard the Charlaine. Cursing his chest wound for slowing him down, he was slower to get on the deck of the Charlaine.

The arrival of his men, however, seemed to turn the tide. As he hoped over the rails, he saw Matty, keenly getting involved.

Good for him

Just then, a shriek from Matty erupted, as he was grabbed from behind. Since nobody was attacking Percival, he ran over to where Matty was. Coming up behind the Marspadan soldier, he gently tapped him on the shoulder.

Turning around in surprise at such a gentle prod, the Marspadan soldier wasnt expecting attack. When halfway round, Percival drove his fist into the soldiers face. Quickly the soldier crumpled to the ground, collapsing with Matty on top. As Percival helped Matty to his feet, something struck him as odd. However, with the battle still going on, he didnt have time to think about it.

 

Pierre saw Percival's rescue of Zillah, and was quite relieved. As he called out "Percival, take good care of him, or I'll bloody well kill you", he focused on the battle at hand. Looking at the Black Wind, he followed up with "What the hell are you doing off the ship?! Who's commanding it?!"

 

[ July 15, 2004, 16:35: Message edited by: NaeVa ]

 

Pierre was a bit surprised to see yet *another* soldier fall for seemingly no reason. Taking a quick glance, he saw the fellow who is dressed in black cloak. Unsure of who exactly he was, he pushed back the enemy assault with a few quick strikes, and asked in a low tone "Who are you, and why are you helping me?"

 

[ July 15, 2004, 16:36: Message edited by: NaeVa ]

 

Pierre "Hmmmed" a while, and, making sure no enemies are left, he said simply one word.

"Speak."

 

The fools! I'll have the captain's head on a plate! William thought as the oncoming boarders from the Black Wind caused enough confusion to let the soldiers make a surprise counter attack killing several of the pirates before they had time to react.

Hopping down from the bridge, William growled as he parried a blade coming from what seemed to be a lieutenant. He stared with pure hatred at William who couldn't help but to notice something familiar about the face. He was indeed a master swords swiping after face and legs alike, putting William on the retreat. Dodging and parrying by all his skill, William had no idea how to manage this soldier's counterfeints and soon forgot his anger about the disturbing force that had entered the fray. Concentrating fully on his assailant, he tried to recall where had had seen that face.

Staring at each other like two dogs before the fight, he sneered; "So Jackal, not as sharp as you used to be, eh? Or maybe just not good enough to meet someone with a skilled blade!" he shouted the last word as he made another series of attacks against William who now knew where he had seen him. It was the son of the captain of the frigate he had boarded once, made to walk the plank and did. Still alive.. amazing..

Feeling more confident of his style, William managed to dodge a swipe for the neck and stab the soldier in the thigh.
"Hah! A dull blade that still stings, a little bite to remind you who's the master when you walk the plan.. yet again." William grinned, and parried the new waves of attacks from the enraged Lieutenant who was now fighting more with brute force than any real technique. Pushing William backwards, he stumbled upon a corpse and landed flat on his back staring at the young man who stood smirking over William with the point of his sword at William's heart. A cruel smile indeed and with a glint of vengeance in his eyes, William saw his life pass before him in split seconds till he heard the grinding stab of steel through flesh.
To his surprise he was not dead, and taking a while to realize what had happened. His gaze whent from the soldiers face that was now one of agonizing pain, to his chest that was pierced by a dagger. As the man fell to the ground, William saw Abell standing behind, quickly pulling him up.

"Thank you lass.." he sighed, taking deep breaths as he reclaimed his rapier, "I shan't forget, now get out of harms way!"

 

[ July 15, 2004, 16:36: Message edited by: NaeVa ]

 

Zillah gave a grateful nod to Percival - she was sure the soldier had realized he held a female and was preparing to rape her. It was too close an escape for comfort. She needed to secure her position in the crew more firmly before risking her secret becoming public, especially considering Archer's rogues - and how one of them had stared at her.

She scooped up her weapons and quickly tossed a few darts, neatly dispatching one of the soldiers who turned away from Pierre to face his two rescuers. Even with foes in front of her, she didn't miss the arrival of the black garbed man who seemed to be trying to have a conversation with the captain in the midst of battle. Shaking her head in bewilderment, she placed her back to Percival's as they retreated to the Black Wind.

 

Pierre was about to answer, when his eye darted back and spied a small group of soldiers ascending from the cabins. "Sorry, mate." he said. "I'd really appreciate it if you did this after the battle." And with that, he leapt into the frey once more.

 

Having released the prisoners, they were now running and bailing ship for no apparent reason. A few of the pirates that had followed William down to the cells, where running up the stairs as well, shouting "Fire in the hole!" and hid behind whatever cover they could find. A thundering roar could be heard from end of the Charlaine as rafters came flying throug the deck and into the sea. The ship gave way and its rear started to slowly descend into the ocean, the hull had with all certainty been breached by the blast.

"All right ye lazy dogs! Abandon ship!" William hollered, and ran towards a rope that would bring him home to the Crimson Dagger, "Taylor and Roger! Take what we came for!" the two pirates nodded and ran down below deck in search of whatever treasure William wanted beyond that of the prisoners.

 

[ July 15, 2004, 16:35: Message edited by: NaeVa ]

 

A few moments before the Charlaine became unstable, back on topside of the Black Wind Eldon stood in frustration as more of his crew mates swung to the Charlaine for non-existamt plunder.

Shaking his head Even Percival. Whats he up too. At least he saved the lad.

He unsheathed his recently returned katana from its scabbard and spun it in style.

"ALL REMAINING MEN STAY ON DECK" he yelled to the remaining crew who were about to jump ships.

The men looked at each other confused. Who was he. He had no rank and had spoke very little to the men thus far but there was no one on board to command dicipline in such unruly men.

Eldon proceeded to give several undisputable orders to the men. Orders for the ship to be moved out of grappling range was his first command. Eldon knew that the Crimson Dagger would be large enough to accommodate everyone if a retreat, unlikely as it was at this point, was warrented.

"RELOAD THE CANNONS, BUT DO NOT FIRE" came his next baffling command.

"FREDO..." The young boy looked down from the crow's nest eagerly.

"FIRST SIGN OF GOVERMENT SHIPS, ANY SHIPS IN FACT, BLOW THE WARNING HORN"

The crew felt slightly more relaxed, proceeding to load the cannons.

From the distance there was an explosion. It rattled in the ears of the sailors. A moment of disorientation flew into the minds of the Black Wind crew. It soon became obvious that the Charlaine was doomed. All Eldons precautions were in place. He decided to move the ship back in closer.

"OK MEN, IT LOOKS LIKE THE SHIPS GOING DOWN SOONER THAN WE THOUGHT, PREPARE TO MOVE BACK IN. WE NEED TO GET OUR CREW OFF"

Eldon's thoughts were filled with rage, he was being denied not only his revenge but confirmation. Was the messenger onboard. Was he still the first mate?

As the ship reached grappling range, the first of the men began to swing back with disheatened looks upon there faces. The pirates that stayed aboard looked somewhat happy that they did not miss any booty.

[ July 09, 2004, 18:24: Message edited by: Malovae ]

 

As the Charlaine became unstable, Percival started giving orders to his men onboard. Round up as many prisoners as ye can and load 'em into the Longboats! I want 'em all! Those that cant sail, or fight, will fetch a pretty penny at a slave auction. Now get to it!"

 

Percival directed the longboats to the Black Wind, for it had the least crew and could store more slaves.

"Ye got yerself some canny slaves there" Eldon grinned.

"Aye, i'm keeping them to make a pretty penny for the Captain, and a bit fer ourselves." Percival whispered

"Lets hope he spends some on this ship in a dry dock" said Eldon in a sarcastic tone loud enough for the crew to hear. He was already beginning to win their confidence.

"I would like to meet the Captain as well. I don't like serving a man I've never seen"

Eldon's tongue in cheek responses were enough to lighten the atmosphere a small amount. A few men were dead, more even wounded. Some of the men were mourning, as much as a pirate with few morals could mourn.

It was still early morning, and the sun now beamed over Ravens Cove. Eldon still gave some thought to his failure to get on the Charlaine but that sense of duty held him back again. There were more important matters to think about now however, and he and Percival looked around for the captain, curious of their next move.

 

Zillah took in this quick conversation and the expressions on the faces of the crewmen without saying a word. There wasn't much she could do to sway sentiments back in Pierre's favor until he returned so she maintained her silence as she stalked to the rail to look for him among the faces in the longboats. Best he hear such news from an ally first.

 

Pierre, after making sure all of his swashbuckling crew is accounted for, entered a ship himself and rowed back to the Black Wind. And just in time, too, for as he was about to board the Charlaine sunk with a disgusting gurgling sound resembling an octopus eating lunch.

When he finally got aboard, he was mildly surprised to see his crew staring at him - and then he reminded himself that he's the captain. Slightly nervous, he called out commands as he proceeded through the ship, making for his room. "Percival, Matty, come to my room. Kale, Redeye, watch over that man -" and now he jabbed a finger at Naelo - "And kill him if he tries to escape. Old Man Willow, repair the ship as well as you can. Jester, check that all men are accounted for. And the rest of you," he added with a smile. "Do what you will."

[ooc - feel free to take any of those characters I shouted out, either as a player or as an NPC, with the exception of Kale, whom I want for myself.]