Alone in the Dark

Warships

Wyn was standing on the bow of the ship, watching the ever-approaching small docks of the tiny coastal village they were making for. The village was astir with activity, and Wyn could only imagine the thoughts of the people seeing a fast approaching Sellexun Warship.  There had been war far longer than there had been a treaty, and Wyn half expected that messengers were being sent north and south for reinforcements and news of a double-cross.  Belatedly, she realized she should have had her own coat of arms, or that of Aupana, to fly to reassure the villagers, though she doubted that it would have assuaged many fears.

Wyn hoped that she had mediated the fear as much as possible with her insistence that they take the time to not terrify the people, to reassure them that they were coming in peace. Shiar had agreed to run the Alliance colours, though seeing the crowd gathering on the piers, she was unsure if the colours were understood or acknowledged.

"Cael wanted me to convince you to join him and my sister on his ship. Once I told him I would chain him to the railing if he tried to come with me." Shiar murmured with an amused casualness as he stood beside her. "I told him I would not waste the time fighting with an Aupanan on a warpath and that I needed your swords with me."

Wyn looked to the man in surprise, though she had formed an easy companionship with him these past weeks. "Why?"

Shiar watched the approaching docks with a calm appraisal, allowing himself a moment before answering. "Cause you're a good fighter, from what I've seen and heard about."

"No, why did you side with me against your Regent?" Wyn glanced at him, one brow raising.

Shiar smirked to her, offering her a shrug. "Because you're a good fighter. You know the land, I wouldn't get anywhere useful without an Aupanan with me and I'm starting to appreciate that a fighter is a fighter, whether a man or woman. Even someone we care about deserves a chance to fight their own fight."

"I wouldn't say you care about me." Wyn offered, though she shook her head and sighed softly as she felt her cheeks redden. "In any way other than friendship, is what I mean. There's no reason why you would feel any need to protect me... or you know..."

Shiar laughed at her words, patting her on the back and nodding, his grin genuine. "I know.  Yes. I feel no deep-rooted feelings to keep you safe against your wishes. Once I curb the deeply ingrained chivalry that my culture makes me feel towards women, you are just like any friend I would ride into battle, against unknown monsters, with."

"Thank you." She smiled, her mood lightening at his laughter. She watched the amusement on his features, knowing that she would easily consider him a friend and someone she would fight with as well.  Then she nodded toward the dock. "I'll go out first, I think that's the village council waiting at the front. Which is better than the guard, if we want to be optimistic."

Wyn turned toward where the gangplank would be laid, feeling the ship slowing down as it approached the shallower waters of the small cove.

"Lady." Shiar's words were quick as he gently grabbed her arm and stopped her. He pulled her closer to him, though, only to duck his head and whisper.  "I don't feel that way, but my friend does. And I think he's not as quick to pick up the same lessons as I am, but don't fault him too heavily. He's trying. We're both going to go find Nerini and Kannein and we're both going to get back onto the ship and then we'll all listen to my Regent yell at me for leaving without his permission."

Wyn paused at that, stunned, considering Shiar's face for a long moment as she processed the information he had given her.  There were several protocols that she was sure he had broken, though her shocked mind couldn't think of a single one.

She never got the chance to formulate an actual answer to any of it before the ship bumped into dock.  There would be time to ponder the revelations later, but they no longer had the luxury of being passengers.  Now, they would need to ride and hope to be of assistance. They had rejoined the world and had no idea what would be waiting for them when they found their friends.

Wyn took his hand and gripped it in a shake, before nodding firmly. "Deal. Let's go be useful, yes?"

"Yes." Shiar grinned to her and stepped back, offering her a curt bow, in full view of the council on the dock.

Wyn walked to the gangplank and strode down it toward the dock with every ounce of confidence she possessed. She was a noble of the realm, but if no one recognized her or her name in this isolated northern village, she would meet only scepticism, and she was afraid that they did not have time to waste.  If all else failed, they had discussed ignoring the villagers and plowing ahead through sheer force at arms.  Shiar followed her with his normal ease, though remained appropriately position to show that she was leading whatever was happening.

Wyn paused for a moment at the end of the dock as they announced her in Aupanan, watching the council with a firm expression, until they all offered her bows and one of the older men strode forwards. "Lady Wyn Lac! It is you! Forgive the crowd, but you are transported by strange means!"

She smiled to the man, accepting his bow, and looking to the council. "This is High Lord Shiar, he's a good friend of mine, as well as your Lord Kannein's, Lady Nerini's, and our Regent Queen. He and his men are coming with me to help on their behest. You will show the crew and captain of this ship the utmost courtesy, I would hope."

"Of course, M'lady. Will you be staying here?" The reply was surprised, but eager, drawing another round of bows and murmuring through the rest of the crowd.

Wyn shook her head and waved the crew forward off the ship. "No, we must ride, fast."

At her motion, the crew got into action and it was a brief conversation with the council to assure them of their safety, while telling them to ensure they had an armed watch, before the horses and armed guard were ready to go.

With a nod to Shiar and one last round of bows from the villagers, Wyn wheeled her horse around and led the charge to where they hoped they would intercept Nerini and her war party. Or find the path leading toward the mysterious castle filled with monsters.