The Vengeful Tide Ch. 06

I listened to Liara for a time. It'd be a fool to think I was the only one who wished to bring such a mighty presence under my banner. Many men and women have tried and I don't know very many who have succeeded, if any.

"You be no more cursed than anyone else, Liara. There be a difference of which curses we bear. Many would wish to carry your curse, I be no different. To be rumored to live forever, to sail the seas until my ship's wood becomes brittle, to unearth every treasure that has ever come before me, it seems like a paradise," I said.

"And once all the seas have been sailed, once all the treasures that the earth has produced are within your grasp, what comes after? To watch your first crew die, then your second, then your third, then your fourth, fifth, and sixth, do the riches of this earth amount to so much suffering for you?" she asked.

The witch had no way of understanding that I did know what she meant. I was a pirate. I was a grand ruler of the seas! I was...am the Son of Poseidon! I have lost many men to get to where I was. My speeches of bravado and glory mean not so much when I remember the number of sea burials my crew would perform.

How many men had I buried?

Ten?

A Hundred?

A Thousand?

A Hundred-Thousand?

Aye fine, perhaps not that many.

We both settled into silence for a moment. I find myself a bit out of my element trying to play mind games with a nigh immortal witch, but I resolved through the matter anyway.

"If a woman who has lived as long as you doesn't have the answer then what hopes have I to cling to?" I asked.

I think I must have disappointed her with my response because she gave a mirthless laugh and returned to her book. "However...," I spoke again. She turned back to me.

"If you be waiting to find someone who can achieve fame, fortune, honor, evil, or what you deem justice without stepping over the lives of others, bastard or otherwise, then I think we'd be testing the limits to those rumors of your immortality. Not even the gods can do that. For so much knowledge that you hold, I would have expected a lass such as yourself to know that even before I did," I answered her.

For her response, Liara laughed at me, but this one was not so dismissive as the one prior. It wasn't even like those elegant, if mysterious, ones that she tends to give clients and customers. I dare say this one was the loveliest.

Ilzahold pulled up a chair next to me and sat in it. She then turned to face me. In that manner that can drive anyone wild, her right leg hung over her left. She leaned on the edge of the bowl and looked at me.

"And what is it that you want?" she asked.

I am aware of exactly what she is asking me, but I cannot resist the urge to be a cheeky bastard.

"You. Tonight, and the many thereafter,"

"That be not what I meant, boy. You know that,"

"Well, if we be going by what we meant, then you haven't answered me either. I did search you first after all," I replied to her.

If a seadog had proper legs, it would count the seconds that rolled by between myself and Liara. We stared into each other's eyes. It took some time, but Ilzahold backed down.

"What I want. Could you or anyone else comprehend such a thing? Not even Diane nor Goron could understand," she said, her voice rather low. I decided to lean forward.

"Fair lass, I believe you would not have known that I understood the Lost Isles when I came before you previously. How about you put this bastard to the test?" I replied just as low as her.

Her lips were so painfully near mine that I be surprised at my own willpower to not rush from the bath and kiss her. I think she knew this as well because she pulled back.

"Tell me, do you know of the Ten Yalorian Crypts?" she asked.

I frowned and thought over this for a moment. The Ten Yalorian Crypts, better known as the Ten Library Crypts, were rumored sanctuaries that contained boundless tomes of wisdom, magic, and fortune. Just finding one of them is said to give one the power to traverse the underworld. Well, allow me to correct myself. Finding one of them leads to the potential power of traversing the underworld. The other nine are capable of sending someone to other realms.

I know this to be true because I found one of them, but had been unable to enter it. I had always hoped to return someday, hopefully with Liara serving under me to guide my crew. Seeing as how I found one of them, I do know that they exist, but whether the rumors tell of actual realm traveling is beyond me. I don't think even in Ilzahold's memories did she find the crypt that I found.

Now let me say that my leaving the crypt was not without a lack of trying to open it, but nothing I knew at the time worked. Not my powers, not guns, not cannons, not blades, and not the shoddy spells or incantations some of the crew knew. Nothing worked on it and, as pissed as I was, I couldn't break it. Well, actually, that be untrue. Had I wanted, I could have crashed enough water with enough pressure to break the entrance of the crypt, but...the problem was its location. There is a reason why I despise deserts.

"Aye. Legends state that if one is able to collect the core of the ten crypts then ascension into godhood or demonhood be not a dream. Legends also state just one has enough wealth to compete with two empire," I replied.

I think Liara was greatly surprised by my answer. I imagine she would be even more surprised if I told her that I already had the knowledge on one, but I decided to keep that for myself. Perhaps I would tell her when she was a part of my crew.

"Hmm, you understand a fair more than I thought. Yes, such rumors, myths, and legends about these crypts exist. Many believe they don't even exist," she explained to me.

"Just as Delverhold does not?" I cheekily questioned. She matched the smile on my face.

"Such has yet to be determined, Eric. However, it is the validity of those myths that I seek. Quite a bit to take in is it not? As for why I'm telling you this, it is but a simple matter. To accept my desires...is to go towards the very edge of madness" She stated. Her voice had lost the humour, but the smile on her face never faded away. She stared at me with the knowing expectation that, no matter how confident I might appear, I could not begin to fathom the depths nor lengths her desires would take me if I, somehow, managed to take her into my crew.

Unfortunately for her, she might think she was dealing with some newly born water calf, but I be no such vulnerable fleshing!

I leaped from the water and grabbed the back of Liara's head. I think surprise took hold of her because she did not resist me. Instead, I quickly pushed my lips against hers and took the kiss that she had tried to so playfully deny me.

I wish I could describe how she tasted, but that would be like a poor man eating a feast made from the King's kitchen and being able to offer a refined answer.

No, her lips were so luscious, her mouth so delectable, and her tongue so enchanting that I felt my mind flowing away to another plane. I thought I was almost taken away from my body and back to the realm of magic that my Liara had taken me to previously. Despite this, I could still feel her hands on my arms as if to try and push me away, but...soon hers was a gentle touch as well.

Once we separated, I stared into her eyes. "Please, fair witch. It be a woman's responsibility to drive men to madness. Besides, do you think I would stake my life with the Witch of Draegnar, and sail for the shores of Delverhold if I were of a complete and right mind? You underestimate me, witch." I said.

I then stepped out of my bath. I'm not ashamed to say that my cock was heard from our kiss. Yet, I tried to not make it so painfully obvious. I wrapped a rag around my waist and began to dry the rest of my body.

"I have been with many people. Yet none have dared to touch me so boldly,"

"And none will touch you so boldly anymore," I finished. I placed my clothes back on and placed my arms through my captain's robe. My hair was not fully dry, but it would have to do for the moment.

"A gun and a pirate captain's position hardly count as enough power to enforce such a claim. I have not decided to join your crew yet,"

I turned back to Ilzahold. Her eyes challenged mine. I looked that look of black fire in her eyes. I loved that mysterious allure that a woman who was so much smarter than I could ever hope to be would bend herself to my will. No, it was better to say that she would submit herself to my will. She might have countless more knowledge and experiences than I did, but I had something just as potent.

"Liara, open the window. I'm going to dump the water out," I said.

"No need. I have a use for it," she returned.

"As do I. Humor me,"

A shake of her head as if to chastise my foolishness, she stood up and walked towards her windows. The latches which kept them shut were undone and pushed open. As soon as she did, my hands began moving and so did the water in the bowl.

How I wish I could capture Liara's expression of my use of my powers before her. Her eyes widened and I be fine to say her soul might have left her body with how still she was. The only hint that she was alive was the way her eyes followed the rising and falling waters.

"There be many types of power, Witch. Though I be not trained in the mystic arts to the degree that you have been, I still think myself to become a firm stringholder of the world with you at my side," I spoke. My words carried with them the weight of promise.

I commanded the waters to swirl around the room. They danced in the air around is coming so close to important artifacts, but never touching them once. I crafted blades, spears, lances, spikes, and so much more that the water could form. The only limit to what they could do was my imagination. I do admit that perhaps showing her this sight would be much grander if this...were not used bathwater, but what can you do?

I split the waters and crashed them back together. Each performance seemed to baffle the witch more than the last. Of course, this was not the extent of my powers, and I'm sure she understood this now. I also be sure that she now connects my powers to my Draegnar title as a Shark Hunter.

To end my performance, I gently guided the bathwater out of the room and into the open sea. Liara could hardly form a word and I chose now to take a hold of the conversation. I grabbed her arms and held them above her head. I then pinned them to the wall which forced her to look into my eyes. I think I was only keeping this because of the shock. It wouldn't last long once she regained a hold of herself.

"I look forward to exploring the depths of your desires with you. I suppose we can explore your crypts as well if you be a good girl," I whispered. I then kissed her again before releasing her. Liara did not comment on my statement nor on what I had showcased her. I'm sure I had flooded her with too many questions to be answered immediately.

As I stepped out of the open door, Diane appeared with our food. She eyed me with suspicion, especially given the smile on my face. Nevertheless, I paid her no mind. I grabbed my plate of breakfast and walked past the gunslinger.

Once I passed, I gave Liara one more glance. "Remember, a good girl," I said then left. I could feel Diane's eyes in the back of my head as she slammed the door closed.

After my conversation with Liara, two and a half weeks passed for my voyage. The ship sailed without too much incident. Of course, I deal with a thief here, a seascum there but aside from these minor incidents there has not been much that I need to give report about.

Aesteal and Maeloson still continue to prove themselves to me and though I be a not so trusting man, especially recently, I find myself speaking with them more. The male elf is still cautious of me, and the female is no different. It be no surprise. I still be the same with them, but at the very least we be not strangers anymore. I am surprised that I find enjoyment in speaking with Maeloson more. Perhaps it be that...male-bonding shit or what have you.

Now, I must address Aesteal. Oh Seas, Aesteal. I admire the elf. It's a fact I'm learning to cope with every day, but...her studiousness has nearly led to some unfavorable times. We were never in any danger, but...some of these could have been avoided. Her refusal to change shifts in the Crow's Nest had led to us ramming a sea beast off the starboard bow. As punishment, I took her to my room and made her stand with her arms stretched out until I was satisfied.

Oh believe you me, I sought to have a taste of her, but...one must be careful when dealing with elves. They are aware of their beauty and the curse it carries. Though Maeloson and Aesteal promised that I could subject them to whatever perverse actions that laid in my head, I'm not so unreasonable as to make unnecessary tension between myself and them. Plus, I need to retrieve items from some elven nations and maintaining an at best captain-crew relationship compared to at worst a neutral, borderline hostile, relationship would bring differences I hoped.

Ah, perhaps I should also mention Ellen and Liara. I think I have gotten into Sothshore's head a little. Up until now, I have not touched her nor made advances towards her. She had eyed me warily and it makes me laugh. Nevertheless, she remains a firm hand on the rest of my temporary crew. I don't say it, but I be truly pleased to have her as my second crew member, my mother being the first.

As for my mother and me, we still enjoy ourselves, but I have halted the much-loved bliss of cumming inside her. I think we both agree that this be not the time for children, though I told her that if I wanted her pregnant she could hardly stop me. Like the submissive woman I loved, I think that turned her on more.

Lastly, for Liara, we have not spoken up to now. Aside from minor pleasantries, we don't acknowledge the other. She provides me with baths and I continue to sail us for Fiolomir and then towards The Isles of Delverhold. Yet, I still feel the swirls of magic next to my chambers from Liara's room. With my Liara's memories, I know what she's doing, but I don't intervene. Those meddlesome spirits won't give her the answers she wants. I know because they didn't give my Liara the answers she wanted.

If I can say anything has changed, I bet Liara had commanded Burnwood to not rouse my ire any more. 'Yes Captain' or 'Yes Sir' have been her replies to me and it makes me laugh as well. I'm sure it upsets her to not know why she has to do this, but neither Liara nor I have told her. I think she has taken her aggression out on more...open activities.

Such as...

"Fuck her up, Burnwood! I got two nights of dinner riding on you!"

"Lady Sothshore, if you lose we be tossing you overboard! I'm betting a week of swabbing the deck on this!"

Such statements and more are shouted into the sea's air as I watch a crowd of my crew circled around Diane and Ellen. They both seem ready to kill each other in a brawling match. The cheers of the crowd spur them both on and soon they both begin to fight. Now, win or lose, no one but me is allowed to wetten Ellen. However, these bets on who takes care of the chores of the ship aren't something I care too much about. Bets of food are another matter.

I be sure that bets are promises paid in blood as Ellen and I have demonstrated to each other. A matter like food is no different, but the food is...a complex matter. I have seen many crews turn into nothing but rabid animals from a lack of food shared between crewmembers. Lack of supplies leads to salty decisions. Everyone will be fed. How much they are fed is their own matter.

Anyway, I watch Ellen and Diane continue to beat the sea salt out of each other. I don't much enjoy the hoots and hollers as men and women stare at Sothshore's ripped clothes. It either makes me want to shoot them in the head, or cover said heads with helmets of water and let them all die agonizingly slow deaths.

I sigh, but I keep watching. I watch for no other reason than seeing Ellen fight. Her raw brutality is just one of the many things I find desirable about her. The way she swung her legs and blasted her fists into punches reminded me of a trained female native warrior. Of course, she's not the best hand to hand combatant I have ever seen, but no one be besting her without losing a leg or arm in the process.

This fight lasts for about ten minutes. By this time, one might mistake this ship for a crew of howler monkeys as Ellen and Diane are both nearly exposed except for a few stripes of clothing that cover them.

"Wooooooo, never got a free show like this on Draegnar, laddies!" someone says.

My frown deepens and my hands grip the wooden protective railing of the helm. I now be thankful that a punch from Ellen was enough to bring Diane down. Sothshore raised her fist in victory as the crew roared in celebration.

I would like to say I cheered in celebration of Ellen as well when she turned to me and perhaps expected some form of recognition.

...I would like to say.

Instead, I turned around and made my way back to my cabin. I have many regrets throughout my voyage called life. This can only be added on top of the others.

"Eric, are you...,"

"I'm fine! Don't bother me!" I yelled. I be sure it was loud enough that the entire ship heard it. I then slammed my door shut.

No sooner had I shut my door did the sky begin to darken and the seas grow fierce. In five minutes, I could hear the scrambling of my crew outside as Ellen shouted commands to brace for a severe storm.

The ship creaks and thunderstorms roll through the sky. I can already tell it's because I'm angry. Watching these sailors holler and whistle at what was mine was maddening. All I could do was sit on my bed and stare at the journal I had created which listed the names of so many of my former crew members.

The shame.

The humiliation.

Of course, it's not their fault. What they did outside, I imagine if I were a cabin brat aboard this ship and saw two able-bodied women fiercely competing against each other with ripped clothes in the mix, I would be no different from the rest.

Even now, I do not know what would cause my crew to betray me. It couldn't have been my affairs. Leah also had her fair share of male lovers.

I didn't much mind.

I would say before recently, I wouldn't have minded watching my woman be fucked by another man. It drove me to perform greater than them. It was there to reaffirm to me that she could only attain anything better when it was with me.

Now, my mother, Ellen, Liara, Aesteal, Maeloson, I could not fathom anyone touching them. Well, perhaps Maeloson, but the point probably stands.

My beloved Leah and I.

I now feel like a naive brat believing all the words she used to describe us. It be a bunch of shitty nonsense that whores use to stirs the hearts of men. Lines such as, we were destined to find each other, I was the sun to her moon, I was the only one who could move her heart, everything before was ours to take, I...was the reason her heart kept moving.

Yes, anyone is free to laugh if they wish. It's all stupid shit that no one believes, and yet I fell for it. Perhaps I'm angrier at myself than my crew. As I said before, I have seen many crews rise up against their captains. I had always held the firm belief that if you're stupid enough to not see rebellion in the eyes of your crew members, then you don't deserve to sail the mighty seas.

I give thanks to the Goddesses of Fate for kicking me right in my ass for that one. So high was I upon my own glory that I couldn't see how fast I was falling back to the ground. With so much time, fame, and riches under my belt, I had forgotten one of life's important rules.