The Vengeful Tide Ch. 11

She then walked away. I watched her go before I turned my attention to what must have fascinated her so.

"You gonna stare or you gonna buy, boy? I ain't got the daylight to be having you driving away my potential customers. What have ya? I gots two Cag stones for ten silvers! I also gots fine jewels to make any lass die to share her night with ya! See here, necklaces from the far sands of Shamra, only 100 silver. Perhaps ya girl enjoys something more...personal. I gots rings forged in Hæňgaram steel, only 20 gold," the merchant said.

Though to my eye, all this junk be just some man's shoddy attempt at mimicry, I nonetheless honed in on what I had been looking for. I reached for a sapphire crystal etched into a silver ring.

"Ah, that ring. Yer the second person today who has feasted their eyes on it. Ya see that lady who walks down the road? She was staring at it for a moment. I don't know why. It be a piece of shit my friend's son found swimming in the C'ula seas one night. He claimed it might fetch me a hefty sum, but I ain't found shit," he said.

"How much for this?" I asked.

"What? You're actually gonna buy that piece of junk?" he asked.

I stared at him and contemplated whether or not to just put a bullet in his head and take the ring for myself out of sheer annoyance but, luckily for him, he answered. "50 silver," he said.

I scattered the coins on his table and stuffed the ring into my pocket.

It did not take me too long to locate Liara. She seemed to be waiting for me a few stalls down. "Has C'ula awakened your fancy and your coin?" she asked.

"Perhaps," I returned.

We continued to walk for a time before I decided that if I were to speak to the witch about important matters, then it would have to be now. "Tell me, Liara, have your ears ever heard of a Moonstone?" I asked her.

The witch did not answer me immediately. I did not push for her to either. Instead, we continued walking and we turned a corner.

"There be very few things I have ever not heard of, Eric Drakclaw. I have indeed heard of moonstones. Yet, I am once again intrigued at your seemingly profound knowledge of such matters," she claimed.

I be unsure of what expression I had on my face at the time since I was in too much thought about what Ilzahold could tell me. I think she became aware of this as well.

"Well, seeing as how I do not sail under the flag of Eric Drakclaw just yet, how much am I to be paid for this information or shall I just add this to the rest of our bargain?" she asked.

"Keep up the sass and I'll turn your reward into a punishment," I replied.

The Witch placed a hand over her mouth. "I must say, never has one spoken to me so brazenly. Surely, I wonder whether what I heard beyond my walls be either one or the other," she returned.

"Hmm, moonstones. Not even I know of their origin. Some ancient alchemists have theorized that they come from beyond the stars. Some claim them to come from the Celestial Realm. Others claim them to be fragments of Moon Goddess Selene's fury upon those who commit evil in the night. However, all those who have studied them have claimed that there is quite an unusual aura that surrounds them," she told.

I thought about this. That unusual aura might be the thing that affected my powers so terribly. Still, a piece of rock from beyond the stars or a fragment of a divine god's wrath was the cause of his downfall? Just how the hell was I supposed to place my faith in that?

...Aye, very well. I suppose it be filthy rich coming from the man with control of the tides. Ye might have that one.

"Is there any chance you lay claim to one or two?" I asked.

As much as I tried to seem nonchalant about this, I already knew the witch was more perspective than that. Not even gods and demons are able to trick her. What chance should I have? Besides, I wished her as part of my crew. There be no true need for me to be dishonest with her. Granted, if by some odd fate that I be unable to sway the witch to my ship then I would merely need to find some way of dealing with her should she uncover my weakness.

Besides, as it stood, if I could find it, I had knowledge of her weaknesses as well. Naturally, I would endeavor for it to not get to that point, but I be not in the mood to get betrayed a second time! Such a feeling, I shall NEVER forget it.

"Something troubles you?" she asked.

"No, why?" I asked.

I closed my eyes and breathed a sigh when she looked up. I didn't dare look up at the grey clouds I knew were in the sky. Thankfully, I must not have been angry enough because it didn't start to rain.

I pinch the bridge of my nose. "Forget it. Thoughts trouble me that shouldn't at this time. I thank you for that piece of information. One last question, what do you know of Kavtha?" I asked.

"My my, Tis quite the day for such odd questions. Hmm, I see. So this be why we reside in Fiolomir, especially the lands of C'ula. Best to not speak of the sea golem so casually here. Many would attempt to burn your ship for heresy," she replied.

I snorted. "They be welcome to try. I shall find the best test if their little god will come to save them when I cast them all down into Angorak Abyss," I spoke.

Despite the rather morbid conversation we entered, Liara blessed me with another laugh. "It be quite true that the depths of fanaticism run the body to the grave faster than any sword or bullet," she answered.

We walked in silence for a while before she spoke. "Hmm, Kavtha. I have not spoken to him in about 300 years. Last time we spoke he nearly drowned C'ula and Fiolomir because I dared not for him a Water Monolith Crystal. For one, he's hardly a deity. He be just a lazy stone giant that enjoys the praise those who best have simpler minds. Hmm, what be your goal for such a question?" she asked.

"How high shall his anger soar should I take something of his for my own means?" I asked.

"Oh, how daring you be, Eric Drakclaw. Such would turn you into a notorious criminal across not just C'ula, but also Fiolomir. I dare say that not even the kingdoms of Callamum and Evir will let you off in spite of their war. Thou continues to intrigue me," she answered.

"Stay upon my ship and I shall never cease, Witch," I answered.

"A strong case you continue to make. Now then, back to Kavtha, as with all deities and self-proclaimed deities, tis only natural that he values his things. Should you steal from him I have no doubts that he would follow you until he sunk your ship into the abyss. For beings that seem to have lived since time immemorial, the gods have outstanding memory should a grudge be formed," she answered.

"I frowned. "And how many have you formed?" I asked.

Liara did not answer me immediately once again. However, I don't think she enjoyed the answer she gave me. "That be why the gods and those others of the Celestial Realm have an outstanding memory, Eric. Not even one such as I can fathom how many grudges I have formed, mortal or otherwise," she answered.

I stopped and Liara stopped with me. I stared at this mighty woman who had lived for longer than any human would want. I could not hope to match the number of years she had walked upon this world, constantly searching for whatever fancied her interests.

"Ilzahold, I care not for your reasons in seeking the Delverhold. Even a pirate scum such as I can honor the deals he makes. I warn you to not underestimate Delverhold. The reason I need that artifact from Kavtha is because, without it, you will know how many of those grudges you have formed," I replied.

The Witch of Draegnar stared at me. Her eyes continued to search mine with persistence and intrigue. "Tis noted, Eric Drakclaw. Now then, shall we move on?" she asked.

I agreed. With that said, I now have to wonder why Liara never asked me why I had asked her about the moonstone. Perhaps my thoughts were on other matters, or perhaps...I didn't wish to know.

By the time we returned to the ship, I be reminded of an ageless curse that any man must endure when he be in the company of a woman. Whether he be as high as Zeus or as low as a goblin, every male be reduced to a mule stuffed full of packages, pouches, and trinkets. I quickly made the note to myself to never walk in places with Liara without aid. Granted, a lot of this stuff was indeed for me since I needed it, but I had not been expecting her expertise in my materials to be so in-depth.

Even worse be that I dare say she enjoyed this meager torture that she had inflicted upon me. Well, it did not matter. I had me own ways of paying the dirty witch back.

Anyway, the sun began to set over the great sea of C'ula once again. This time, however, there be no rain in sight. I tried not to let my annoyance show when my crew stated that Poseidon must have realized what an evil bastard of a son I was and decided to take away my powers. Naturally, I quelled those thoughts with a slash of water that sent some of my crewmates overboard. Given that they all laughed, I see that none of them hold it to grudge.

While those of my men who weren't soaked like sea slugs pulled out the ones who were, I quickly took stock of all the items my mother, Ellen, and the elves had purchased. I dare not exaggerate that going over these materials took me about three hours.

Once this be done, I stepped out of my quarters with some notably cleaner clothes than what I had been wearing recently. Ellen, my mother, and Liara stepped out as well. Each of them was dressed in garments that would fill the fantasy of men and women. Obviously, I be no different.

Should you ask why I and these three sirens that keep me company decided to dress like the shits from noble houses, then I shall inform you that we be attending an auction tonight. If everything be according to what I know from my past life, then what I need will be there.

"What crazy bitch wears this shit on a daily basis? I am not some little girl's dress-up doll!" My mother said as she pulled at some cloth that had been wrapped around her neckline.

"Be grateful you were not instructed in decorum and royal etiquette. It is nigh maddening," Alteria said. I believe this was more to herself, but my mother answered anyway.

"Like I care to surround myself with the silver-tongued serpents that care more about frilly shit and throne wars than their own incompetence," My mother replied.

Now that I be aware of it, I seem to recall my mother never had a high opinion of nobles. I never thought to ask her why.

"Put up with it for about two or three hours. Besides, blame your gull's shit of a son if you wish to be angry," Ellen thumbed over to me.

As much as I wished to tease my mother, I couldn't deny from the way I pawed at my own attire that I be not in the best mood for this shit either.

"Put up with it, both of you. I don't enjoy it any more than ye do. If I get what I want then this'll be the only time we all ever wear this shit," I stated.

Ellen and my mother grumbled, but they both dared not go against my word.

"Now now, tis not so intolerable. For a pirate, you present your ship well, Eric Drakclaw," Liara complimented.

I thanked the witch for the compliment. Granted, I don't truly understand what my mother and Ellen be complaining about. What we wear currently be about the same thing unless with little to no holes in them. Of course, their short leather pants show off their legs beautifully. Their silk shirts wonderfully hide their breasts from my view, and it be that underlying temptation that drives me to forgo the auction and take them both into my quarters.

Then there be Liara. Oh seas, there be the Witch of Draegnar. I be once again reaffirmed that there can not exist an attire that Ilzahold would not drive a man or woman to unfathomable lust. I dare say that just like my mother and Ellen. she chose more casual clothes that showed off those glorious legs of hers. The only difference here be that I dare say she was intentionally doing this to me. There be a mischievous look in her eyes when she caught me appreciating her.

Pleasantries exchanged, I left the ship with the four of us while Maeloson, Aesteal, and Diane served as our group's personal guards.

Once again, through the candle-lit streets of C'ula, we walked together and there be no eye that did not gaze upon my group. Well, I would say that more eyes and heads were turned in the direction of the girls who accompanied me. Unfortunately, I had to keep the elves cloaked still but I be thankful that neither seemed to mind. Although, I do see something in the eyes of Aesteal when she looks upon us. I never thought elves to be a jealous race, but there be a glimmer in her eyes that I'm surprised a warrior like her can possess.

Not even half an hour passed before we all stood before the rather impressive building that laid claim to its title of C'ula's Auction House.

The building is fairly impressive. It stands higher than any normal auction house in almost any other nation or region. It's size placed it at least half the size of C'ula's trading market. Lights litter its enormous entrance and even more light up the windows on the above floors. Hundreds of men and women kick up dust and dirt in their shoes as they enter and leave this place.

Some leave with carts, others leave with collared slaves. Most are met with auction officials who hand them their prizes outside the door while the wonderful coin trades hands from rich to poor and so on.

"Shall we enter?" I asked.

"Yes, sir," my mother and Ellen said.

We all walked inside.

Whatever business had been happening before we entered the hall had stopped when we came inside. All eyes turned to us just as they had done outside. Like a rather intimate spell spun by the greatest mages of this world's time, people froze as they gazed upon Liara's beauty. I think some of them were just as easily attracted to either Ellen or my mother, but just as with every person who views her for the first time, the people find words not with them.

"Ye truly be a sinful witch. Just look at what you have done to some of these poor men," I said.

Hard cocks, drooling mouths, quivering legs, wide eyes, what more could describe the bewitching allure of Ilzahold that would make even the sanest man go crazy with thoughts of great lust?

"Tis most vexing. Shall I change this form before I am to take responsibility for driving these people to madness, Eric?" the witch asked.

"No," I replied.

"This shall be the only viewing of you that they shall get up close. Tonight, men will lay with their wives and dream of you. Women will lay with their husbands and which your tongue be upon them. Let them embrace you, feast upon you, and worship you for this night before they return home praying to the gods for some fortune that they might gaze upon you again. A fine woman such as you who hides dares hide such beauty away ought to be ashamed," I stated.

Liara stared upon my visage. "Perhaps. Perhaps that be the case," she answered.

As the crowd settled for gazing at the witch, I snapped one attendant's attention from her for long enough to register for the auction of my choice.

"1000 gold," the person said. I handed them a bag full of the shiny coins. They took the bag and gave me a rolled-up scroll tied in the red tape of C'ula's tapestry. I was handed my certificate before I placed another 500 gold on the table.

"Private viewing," I said.

The attendant nodded and took the other sack of gold. I was then given a gold coin. Its face was embedded with the national flag of the C'ula nation. I then took the coin and motioned for the others to follow.

I turned around just in time to see Liara bid everyone a farewell. As we all walked down a hall, she walked next to me.

"Such gazes, though appreciative, are unnecessary. Tis not in my interest to be viewed by so many people. Only those who hold my interest may view me in such a way. Tis most fortunate that my clientele be only those I have permitted to know me," she replied.

I smiled. "And what be that of me?" I asked.

"The greatest intrigue that has walked into my doors in the last 200 years. Also, the only one in my lifetime who has dared to kiss me so boldly. ," she answered.

"Best to not pretend you didn't like it, Witch,"

"I had not said that,"

My crew walked up about fifteen sets of stairs that be nigh maddening on the legs, but when we finally arrived we be greeted by two men dressed on clothing fit for servants.

They spoke not a word when they saw the scroll in my hand and the gold coin in the palm of my mother's. Instead, they reached into their shirts and pulled out a small book. Maeloson took the book and they pushed the doors aside which allowed us to partake of the auction.

Once we were all inside, they closed and locked the door. From where we stood, I noticed we be upon a high balcony section. Comfortable chairs, trays of food, and glorious pitchers of wine be aplenty

"Be grateful for any delicate wine to pass by my lips since the import costs of that shit run rather high for Draegnar, but did we really pay 1500 gold just for this?" Ellen asked.

I took a seat. "There be more than just this fancy shit for the price. You lot will understand soon enough. Now, enjoy yourselves. Gorge if ya wish. We won't be eating such fine meats after C'ula," I warned.

Aside from Liara, the others stared at me with worried looks, but they took their seats. Well, some more than others. Before my mother could sit, I grabbed her arm and swung her over to me. Her warm plump ass fell onto my lap while she took account of what had just happened.

"Ya make it real hard to not shot you, Eric," she stated as she wrapped her arms around my neck.

"I love it when ya threaten me," I told her. I then surprised her with a kiss. Her chest rose and fell in my arms, but I pulled away before she could savor the feeling.

Meanwhile, I watched Diane pour Liara a glass of wine. Those glasses looked quite exquisite. Now, being the deplorable captain that I be, I mentally suggested to myself to procure those glasses for later. Who would better use them than I?

Ellen grabbed her own tray of food along with some wine for herself as well.

Maeloson and Aesteal didn't seem interested because they acted like the food and wine did not even exist.

"Now then, Eric Drakclaw, I do think you have kept the lot of us in suspense enough. What be in this auction that will aid us in Delverhold?" Liara asked.

I watched about 10 or so men and women flow into the lower seats of the auction room. Nobles began filling up the balcony seats just like we were. I think some of the nobles spotted Liara because they glanced at our section more than once.

"The Heart of Kavtha. It be a supposedly divine artifact that can turn water into blood. It be why some refer to the water golem as one of the 15 Blood Gods. We will need that artifact because there be someone on Delverhold that will demand blood, and should you not have the amount then he will take it until he be satisfied," I answered.

Not much could confuse Liara, but I dared not forget the look of uncertainty on her face. I bet at this very moment she was going through every demon, god, monster, and beast that she could think of. Fortunately for her, it was one that she knew. Unfortunately, it wasn't one she was going to like.

"You sound like you have lived it already," Maeloson said.

I dared not tell them that I already had. Due to my own negligence and pride as a stubborn captain, I held more than 100 burials for my crewmates before we had left the island. Of course, I had lived it. I had never forgotten it and I most likely never would. Yet, I would be damned if I allowed such a fate to befall me once again.

"Rumors carry themselves with the wind," I stated.

I think Maeloson wanted to question me further but we were all taken from our thoughts when the harsh thud and clack of the heels of shoes upon wood assaulted our ears.