Dark Travelers Ch. 12

Author's Note: Writer's block is the worst. But unfortunately, it happens.

Thank you SO much for all the replies when I asked for help! I was taken aback by how many of you responded. Also, your ideas were wonderful, and I'm of the opinion that some of you should write your own stories. They'd be grand and I'd be a reader for sure.

Writing action scenes is also very difficult. I really struggled with this chapter. But, I think it sounds ok now. I'm very sorry for the wait and I thank you for your patience.

Comments and suggestions are treasured. Even the hecklers. ;) Can has more?

*Song lyrics borrowed from Disney's - A Pirate's Life For Me (Yo Ho). I couldn't resist. :3

Luv n' other stuff,

Ginnnnnnnnnnna!

30.

"W-what?" Anya stammered.

Horace didn't reply, only continued to gaze up at the odd sea-woman who had so recently joined their party.

"Horace!"

"Perhaps you'd better head down below," the wizard replied calmly, distractedly rummaging around in his satchel.

"Oh Gods. Will this nightmare never end?!" Anya clutched her belly, which had begun to churn again.

Up above, Sway began to swiftly climb back down, still chortling to herself. Sure-footed and unconcerned, the woman gracefully dropped the last few feet and landed with a clearly audible -thud-.

Quickly, she scampered over to where Anya and Horace were still seated. Sway took in the elder sister's stricken expression and her smile faded. After a quick assessment, she patted Anya's shoulder and nodded reassuringly.

"Nah, nah, nah! Don't ye be lookin' so worried, Pretty Anya! Tis nuthin' but a slight detour at the most. Yer big fella shouldn't be overly bothered, me thinks."

"What's going to happen to us?" She asked Sway, clasping her hands together.

The redheaded captain pushed her spectacles higher onto her nose and peered at her new friend, puzzled. "What do'ee mean?"

Anya climbed to her feet and began to glance around frantically, searching for her sister. "The wizard said there is going to be a pirate attack! What will we do?"

Horace also rose, still seemingly searching for something in his bag. "I daresay -oh, where is it?- that it may be prudent to take appropriate cover?"

Sway still appeared confused, "Fer what? This'll be simple enough. Tis only a merchant ship, ye know. Only rarely do they actually be a challenge to overthrow."

At this, Horace stopped his search and tossed Sway an odd look. "A merchant ship?"

"Aye! They'll have a crew protectin' their wares, I imagine. But tis nuthin' that me an' me men can't handle. Their pretties shall be mine soon enough."

A cold feeling began to grow in Anya's belly. "W-wait. You mean, you're going to attack them?!"

Sway nodded eagerly, appearing quite pleased. "Aye!"

The wizard was silent for a moment. This revelation had been unexpected. Pirate women were somewhat rare. Female pirate captains even more so. He took another look at the odd, little woman. Perhaps later, if she was so inclined, they could have nice informative chat.

"You can't! Why-" Anya began.

"I can and I will!" The captain snapped, glowering. "The sea be my playground! An' besides, what do'ee care? Ye never even gave a thought to this sort o'thing before now, have ye?"

She stepped closer to Anya, almost nose-to-nose, her glare boring directly into the elder sister's eyes. The dark-haired woman swallowed but held her ground.

"I don't want to see anymore blood spilled. I've witnessed quite enough of that recently. More than I ever cared to." She said quietly, refusing to drop her gaze.

As she spoke, the sea-woman's stormy expression gradually cleared, then softened, "Aye, lady. I understand. Tis icky and sticky and nasty-bad if yer not accustomed to it. Killin' ain't me favorite thing either. 'Sides," she waved her hand dismissively, "I never kill more than I have to. Not me style, ye know."

"So, you are a pirate," Anya said softly, expression carefully neutral.

The captain's face fell for a moment and she began to open her mouth to reply.

"Sway!" It was a rough, barked command.

She snapped a look behind her, brow furrowed. "Aye Pogs?"

The dwarf was all business, his stance rigid and direct. "Do we give chase?"

Sway's eyes gleamed with a wild light. "Aye, we do! Hee! Did'ee see how low in the water yonder ship sits? They have a heavy, heavy load. And we shall take it ALL!" The last word came out as a triumphant roar.

Anya blanched and paled. Pogs noticed her distress and laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder. The elder sister glanced down at him, expression unhappy.

"Nah, lass," Pogs muttered. "Don't'ee get clutched. Go down below and ye'll be safe enough."

Anya managed a wan smile and the little man felt his ears grow a bit warm. His hand still grasped her and, as if he suddenly remembered himself, Pogs quickly stepped back, glancing around nervously. He'd no wish for the beast to see him touching the forbidden female.

Horace arched a brow and cleared his throat. The three turned their attention to him. "Will this take very long? I imagine your other ...guests... may be a bit put off by the distraction."

"Pffffft! Balls! This be my ship and they be in my debt!" Sway began, stomping her foot stubbornly. "They can eat me arse if-" She trailed off suddenly and appeared thoughtful.

Without further explanation, she turned on her heel and scuttled away, barking orders at several deckhands as she passed.

Pogs, Horace, and Anya stared after her uncertainly.

***

The brothers, with Andi in tow and the children following closely behind, continued towards the main deck. Kirik could hear shouts and running footsteps coming from up above as they got closer. He paused, frowning. Kael heard the ruckus as well and also stopped short, arching a brow.

He gave his elder a questioning glance. "What is it, brother?"

"Something is happen-" Kirik began.

There were footfalls charging down the steps towards them now. Kirik tensed and slowly drew his blade. This time, Kael raised both brows and gave Andi a shove back behind him.

She stumbled a bit and would have fallen had she not grabbed his arm to steady herself. The juvenile paid no attention, merely shrugged her off and drew his own swords. Andi frowned resentfully, bent down, and scooped Taters up; nervously clutching him to her breast. She'd also heard the commotion and little alarm bells began to go off in her head.

The puppy could sense the change in the group's demeanor and began to lick his chops in agitation. His Girl was frightened. He could smell her fear clearly. She needed him.

Tots cocked his ears and tilted his head, also hearing someone approaching them. Was she scared of who was coming towards them now? Maybe he could make whoever it was go away.

He bared his teeth and began to snarl as ferociously as a puppy possibly could; the fur on the back of his neck beginning to bristle with aggression. If someone wanted to hurt his Girl, they'd have to go through him first.

The children's eyes grew wide as they watched the creatures tense and take on a defensive posture.

Evan paled slightly and glanced down at his tiny, wooden sword. It seemed so puny, worthless and insignificant in comparison to theirs; and he felt a twinge of envy course through him. Apprehension and uncertainty made for an unpleasant combination; Evan's hand began to tremble slightly.

No matter. He was the big brother. By seven whole minutes.

He was Evan the Mighty.

Shaking it off, the boy stepped in front of Ree and held out his toy weapon; prepared to defend his twin sister to the death if it came down to it.

He was brave and strong and he feared nothing; even if his heart was threatening to thump right out of his chest. Evan glanced at Kael and tried to imitate the juvenile's battle stance as best as he could.

Ree took refuge behind Evan and began to wring her hands with worry. Who was coming at them? Why were their weapons drawn? Would they all be horribly killed? If it was to be so, she'd die by her brother's side. She threw her arms around him and squeezed.

"You should go to your room, Ree," Evan said softly. "We men are probably gonna hafta fight soon."

"I'm not leaving you." She replied stubbornly, tightening her arms.

"Don't be a stupid girl!" Evan snapped. "You might get hurt!"

"So might you!" She wailed back.

"I told you to go-" he began.

"You there! Creatures!" Sway had appeared at the mouth of the stairwell, staring down at them with her hands on her hips.

Kirik relaxed slightly and flicked his glance upward. "Is there trouble?"

"Trouble?" The woman repeated, blinking. "Nah! Not fer us, anyhow! Tell me now, do ye recall our little deal at the beginnin' o'this journey?" She inquired, smiling sweetly.

"I do."

"Lovely! Then ye be rememberin' that ye still be in me debt, hm?"

"I do."

"I see ye got some mighty impressive-lookin' swords there. But, do'ee know how t'use em at all, I wonder?"

"We are capable."

"Hah! Goodie! Then come along! Tis time to battle." She beckoned to them and began to stride back up the stairs.

"Wait," Kirik said.

Sway paused and glanced back down, "Eh?"

"Who are we fighting? And to what end?"

The redheaded woman snickered and shrugged. "I've decided that yer in me crew fer the duration of our travels together. I believe yer services will be a good enough payment for me services, don't ye think? Tit fer tat!"

"Alright. Fair enough." He hesitated before his next query. "Where...where is the woman?"

At this, Sway grinned knowingly down at him. "She be above. I'd go an' collect her right quick if I was you."

Kael cocked his head, frowning. He was starting to become quite irritated with not being able to understand what was going on. "What is she saying?"

Kirik hefted a sigh, touched three fingers to his chest and nodded at the captain, "We will honor our debt to you. You have us at your disposal." After, he tossed a quick glance towards the juvenile, "She has requested that we fight on her behalf as payment for services rendered."

Kael grinned rather ferociously, eyes flashing a vivid yellow. "Excellent."

Sway bounced and clapped her hands together with delight, "Yay! Come on then! Off we go! Evan! Ree! Get to yer room and don't come out until it be over! Andi Brat! You'll look after 'em, yes? Don't let my little 'uns be harmed!"

Without waiting for a response, she sashayed the rest of the way back up and was gone.

Evan pouted briefly. He never got to do anything fun or exciting. When was he going to be allowed to fight with the rest of the men? The boy considered arguing, then thought better of it.

"C'mon Ree," he muttered with disappointment. "We hafta go to our rooms now."

The young girl nodded and started to follow her brother when she noticed that the blonde lady wasn't moving. In fact, she looked like she was staring off into space. She tapped Andi but received no response. Ree furrowed her brow and begin to pull at the lady's arm.

Sounds like something exciting is going on, DeeDee murmured.

I think you and me have a different idea of exciting, Andi replied dryly.

Obviously. Mayhaps we can take a look?

Sway said to take cover and look after those kids.

Tch. You're no fun at all. DeeDee whispered mournfully.

Shut-up.

There was a tug on her arm. Andi glanced down in surprise and saw the little girl staring up at her with a worried expression.

"C'mon lady. Sway said we have to hide now." Ree continued to pull on Andi's arm, urging her to follow.

You need to work on staying focused while we chat. DeeDee admonished. Otherwise, people will start to notice you're acting off. Then the questions will begin. And we can't have that now, can we?

No. That wouldn't do at all.

"Sorry," Andi murmured. "I'm a little shaken up. Show me the way to your room?"

Ree nodded, still frowning up at her, and beckoned to the older girl. "It's this way. Come on, I'll show you my doll."

Andi nodded, smiled kindly down at the child and began to follow her. Kael glowered and made to snatch her back when Kirik put a restraining hand on his arm.

The juvenile shook him off, glaring. "She stays with me, Kirik."

"You wish to put her directly in the middle of a seige then? An unarmed female? At the very least, she will be injured. Is that what you want?" Kirik's tone was mild and suggested genuine curiosity.

Kael's brow furrowed briefly as he thought it over. No. He did not want that. Not at all. "Fine. Tell her to stay put until I get her, then."

Kirik narrowed his eyes but only nodded in response. "Girl," he began.

Ree and Andi both glanced up at him with identical, questioning expressions. The elder Feylak inclined his head towards the older female, "You are to remain with the children until my brother sends for you or comes to get you himself."

Andi swallowed nervously and tossed Kael a curious glance. The youngling returned her gaze with a forbidding glare. He said something else, to which Kirik merely nodded.

"He also says that if you disobey him this time, you will pay."

He's bluffing, DeeDee scoffed.

How do you know? Andi's interest was piqued. DeeDee sounded so certain of herself.

She waited for a moment, but there was no reply. Apparently, she was alone again.

"Girl!" Kirik spat impatiently, snapping his fingers in front of her face.

"Alright! I'll behave! Jeeez!" Andi cried, batting his hand away.

Still clutching Taters, she reluctantly followed the children towards their chambers.

***

The cargo ship was still ahead of Sway's, but not by much. The pirate woman's vessel was large but swift, and the chase was on.

At her command, Anya and Horace had retreated to the lower levels to wait out the attack. Kirik nodded at the wizard as they passed one another, then briefly took hold of Anya's arm. The woman halted abruptly, startled, and shot him a worried glance.

"Your kin is below. Go to her and both of you stay out of sight and out of the way. When this is done, I will come find you." He paused, taking in her frightened expression before continuing, "Don't look so fearful, woman. All will be well."

Having no urge to argue, Anya only nodded miserably and anxiously wrapped both arms around herself.

The majority of Sway's crew had gathered on the main deck; the air surrounding them was thick with the anticipation of impending violence. The redhaired pirate was at the head of the ship, eyes sparkling with wicked excitement.

"Ohhhhh, don't ye run from me now!" She crooned towards her prey, "I'm gonna get ya no matter what!"

Kirik observed the sea-woman quietly. Not for the first time, he wondered if the captain wasn't slightly mad. Her mannerisms were a bit ...off... to put it lightly.

Kael, on the other hand, seemed not to notice anything out of the ordinary. His younger sibling merely gazed ahead at the fleeing ship with a kind of primal hunger.

The elder Feylak noted this and his expression became dour. The boy needed to learn to be aware of everything around him, not just entirely focused on his intended target.

"We're almost upon em, men!" Sway bellowed, turning to face her crew. "Prepare yerselves! Only kill those who intend to do the same to ye! Accept surrender and take prisoners!" Here, she paused and lowered her voice to a vicious hiss, "And as always, no harming any women or children who may be aboard. A slow death awaits those who do."

The intended target was close enough now that they could see the merchant crew members scurrying madly around on deck. Sway let out a whoop and grinned, baring her teeth.

"Man the cannons, quick! Before they do! Pogs! Take the wheel and bring 'er alongside!"

The dwarf, appearing intensely excited, guided the ship alongside the cargo vessel so that they were nearly parallel. The men of the other ship were gathered on the deck, blades and pistols already drawn.

Sway beamed prettily, and waved pleasantly to them. "Ahoy there, darlings! We're jus' gonna be boarding yer ship now! I wanted to let ye know! Thought it'd be polite of me!"

"Over my broken, bleeding body, sea-witch! I'll see you hanged along with the rest of your ilk!" The captain of the cargo ship shouted back. "Ready the cannons, men!"

Sway snickered and shook her head in mock-pity. "Well, if'ee insist," She purred coyly. "FIRE!"

A deafening crash sounded as all six of Sway's cannons ignited at once. However, instead of a single cannon ball, she had instructed each of them to be filled with assorted bits of scrap metal as well.

As the weapons deployed, shrapnel peppered the front line of the merchant crew. Shards of sizzling hot metal seared into their flesh and ripped meat away from bone. Horrible screams of agony spiraled into the air and harmonized into a sort of strange, warped chorus.

The cannon balls themselves tore into the side of the opposing craft; effectively disabling the majority of their firepower, as well as killing the handful of deckhands who'd been preparing the cannons.

"HAH!" Sway screamed. "Do'ee like that?! Do'ee?! Do'ee jus' love it?!" She spun to regard her men once again. "Board them!" she shrieked. "Take it ALL!"

Simultaneously, several of Sway's crew hoisted long, heavy planks of wood over the gap between the two ships, slamming them onto the rail of the crippled cargo vessel. The pirates began to swarm over them, invading the merchant ship like a plague. Clashing of swords, sharp gunshots, and shouts of aggression and pain began soon thereafter.

The pirate woman began to pick off the merchants who'd been mutilated by the shrapnel. Her twin pistols caught the light of the setting sun, flashing and winking as she ended their pain.

The merchants were outnumbered, but they put up a fair fight, regardless. It was to no avail, however. Within minutes, the cargo ship's crew was reduced by more than half.

Kael had jumped into the fray with a gleeful smile, more than eager to dole out his share of damage. In a flash, he'd immediately impaled the closest merchant on one of his blades. The victim's mouth worked soundlessly as Kael ruthlessly jerked his arm up and back. The sword ripped out of the human's gut with an unspeakable liquid skittering sound; spraying the youngster with dark red droplets.

As the juvenile looked on, he watched as a coil of intestine slipped from the gaping wound and dangle obscenely. The man dropped to his knees, dying, even as he tried in vain to stuff his guts back into his stomach. Grinning madly and whirling around, Kael slashed at another human, decapitating him with fluid ease.

The unfortunate man stood there for a second after, seemingly unaware that his head was gone, before slowly crumpling.

Kirik was much more methodical. He preferred quick, quiet and clean kills. On the war field, there was really no reason to draw it out. Each slice of his blade was deliberately aimed and sank into vital areas, killing his adversaries almost instantly.

Battle fury began to pulse at his temples and the red haze of blood lust was slowly consuming his vision. Coherent thought was now an enormous effort, but he managed to remember Sway's orders nonetheless.

Another merchant had suddenly appeared in front of him. He took one look at Kirik's blazing eyes and dropped his weapon, holding his hands up in defeat. The elder managed to stop himself from dealing another deadly blow, but just barely.

A savage rumble issued from the Feylak's chest as he grabbed the front of the human's coat and hurled him bodily across the gap and onto Sway's craft.