Won’t you give me three steps,
Gimme three steps, mister,
Gimme three steps towards the door?
Gimme three steps
Gimme three steps, mister,
And you’ll never see me no more.
“Gimme Three Steps” Lynard Skynard
Valygar scowled as he buckled the strap on his saddlebag. “I don’t like it,” he grumbled. “I don’t like it at all.”
Jarran grinned ruefully. “The authorities have been looking for Isaea for only a week. We have to give them time.”
“Besides,” Imoen said, “it won’t matter if we are in Athkatla or Tethyr to the city guards. If they find him, they will arrest him.”
Valygar frowned at his wife. “I do not have your faith in Athkatla’s officials. The Roenalls have a great deal of money and are willing to spend it to keep their son and heir out of prison.”
Jaheira said, “Men such as Isaea Roenall often fall prey to their own machinations. I am sure that his deeds will catch up to him, one way or another.”
“I sympathize with you, Valygar, but…” Jarran said, spreading his arms in apology.
The ranger said gruffly, “I know. You and Jaheira do not want to delay your wedding. Very well, we will deal with Isaea later.”
A man in finely cut clothes paced the floor of the small room, his rather weasel-like eyes darting towards the door at every sound.
Finally the door opened, and a man in a shabby uniform slipped in. The room’s impatient occupant snapped, “It is about time you arrived, Dirth! Do you think I enjoy lingering in this disgusting hole?”
“The Sea’s Bounty is all right. No better place for you to hide, Isaea.”
Isaea Roenall glared at him. “That is Officer Roenall to you. Just because I am in this temporary difficulty, that does not mean that you can forget that I am your superior. I am sure that my family will take care of everything.”
Dirth scratched the side of his neck. “It is a bit of a stickler, though. I can keep you out of the Athkatla prison, but I would not count on returning.”
“Nonsense! The Roenalls are respected. Our position will outweigh the word of a peasant upstart.”
“That peasant upstart married into one of Amn’s oldest noble families, and is rich beyond anything your family can muster right now.” Dirth took a step forward and said in a confidential voice, “Just between you and me, Isaea, what were you thinking? Attacking not just a noblewoman, but a wizard besides?”
Isaea brushed his words aside dismissively. “Do you think for an instant Effork and Clens were meant to succeed? I was certain those fools would be killed on the spot as soon as they tried to grab her.”
“Then why?”
“They were only the first. I had a plan, a plan to harass and threaten those fools until they left Amn. I will never allow that bard and his friends a moment’s peace for what they have done to me.”
“You really think he made off with Lady Nalia?”
“He knows something, of that I am sure. It would have been perfect, Dirth. Her estate was in exactly the right place for holding slaves before sneaking them into Athkatla. But that damnable Jarran not only destroyed that, he killed most of my contacts! It will take years to reestablish the trade.”
“Just as well that you are leaving, then.”
Isaea sighed. “I suppose you are correct. With luck, a new slave ring will have established itself by the time I return. Now, enough of this. Have you found a way for me to leave Athkatla undetected?”
“You are in luck. I found a ship that is willing to transport you to Waterdeep. You can take on a new name and disappear.”
Isaea gave a disdainful sniff. “The Roenall name is nothing to hide. Do you expect me to live among the commoners?”
Dirth gave him a look of exasperation. “The Council might put a price on you. If you want to make it easy for the bounty hunters, that is your business.”
There was a cold silence as Isaea gave the other officer a hard glare. At last he said, “And when do I leave?”
“As soon as you like. They told me to fetch you.”
“I am a nobleman, I am not fetched. I will meet you in the tavern as soon as I am ready.”
After Dirth had gone, Isaea rapidly assembled the few belongings he had managed to flee with. Before stowing them away, he could not resist checking the small leather pouch that he kept close. Chuckling to himself, the former slaver said, “I knew it was wise to always take payment in gems. So much wealth in such a small bag.”
His preparations complete, Isaea joined Dirth in the common room of the Sea’s Bounty. The two men slipped through the fog that had rolled in with the chilly night air. Isaea shivered and drew his cloak close as rats scurried through the crates along the dock.
They passed ship after ship until they finally arrived at a sleek vessel. Though he was no sailor, even Isaea could see the quality in her lines. A small group of men was gathered at the gangplank.
Dirth nodded at the men and said, “Lord Roenall is ready to sail.” He nodded at his former superior and said, “Pleasant voyage, Isaea.”
Isaea began to bristle at the familiarity, then thought better of it. He pulled a handful of gold coins from his pocket and pressed them into Dirth’s hand. “A last gift for your help. You have done well.”
Dirth looked surprised, but took the gold quickly. With a last wave, he walked back toward the city, disappearing into the fog.
Isaea turned to the men and said haughtily, “I am Lord Isaea Roenall. May I have the pleasure of knowing the captain of this fine ship’s name?”
A man in an elaborately embroidered coat grinned at him. With a flourish, he whipped off his feathered hat and bowed. “The pleasure is all mine, my lord! I am Captain Saemon Havarian of the Silver Yarting. Let me introduce you to this fine gentleman. This is Aran Linvail, a... local businessman, and his associates.”
The nobleman stiffened. He knew Aran Linvail by reputation if not by sight. Several burly men stood behind the Shadow Thief, and to the side was a small slender man. Isaea spared him a glance, for he did not seem to belong with the others. The young man was expensively dressed, his blond curls framing delicate features.
In clipped tones, Isaea said, “I know who you are, Linvail. I believe our agents have done business once or twice. Why are you here?”
The Shadowmaster gave him a cold smile. “I never thought I would say these words, but I am here to see justice done. Boys…”
The toughs grabbed Isaea and before he could react had bound his wrists. He protested loudly and angrily. “Now see here! I paid good coin for passage on this ship! What is the meaning of this?”
The captain chuckled. “Well now, it’s like this. You sent a couple of your fellows after a friend of ours. We didn’t like that, you see.”
“That peasant witch? What has she to do with you?”
“It isn’t so much her as it is her family connections. There is Jarran, her brother. I owe him a favor or two. He and I… let’s just say we had a few misunderstandings, ones that could have led to bloodshed. My blood I suspect.”
The blond man said, “I am here on behalf of many who have been helped by Jarran and… and his companions. I am in the employ of an Athkatlan official with an interest in the matter.”
“And you, Linvail?” Isaea said with a snarl. “You mentioned justice, but I know your hands are far from clean!”
“True enough,” the Shadowmaster drawled. “But my guild would be in ashes at my feet if I had not had Jarran’s help. He has earned my respect.”
Isaea looked at the men, his eyes darted from face to face nervously. “I admit, sending Clens and Effork was a mistake, but it was only meant to frighten her. Those two imbeciles could never harm a wizard.”
The blond man said, “Did you know that they decided that kidnapping Lady Corthala was too dangerous, so they snatched a young girl? A child that they planned to sell into slavery after cheating the Corthalas out of a ransom?” His voice grew shrill with agitation.
Saemon patted the man on the shoulder sympathetically. “Easy now, Etoni.”
The young man seemed to draw strength from the concern. He squared his shoulders and said, “Lord Isaea Roenall, my employer is also a nobleman, one with great plans for Amn. Those plans do not include allowing slavery to flourish or attacks on respected citizens, particularly ones my employer… needs.”
Aran gave Isaea a thin smile. “You should learn that we ‘peasants’ have ears. You’ve been bragging for weeks about how you were going to make ‘that damnable bard suffer’. Bad-tempered complaining is one thing, but when you actually move against them, well… we had to take steps.”
Saemon grinned broadly. “That Jarran fellow has a positive talent for collecting enemies. But he has an even greater one for collecting friends, among the high,” he said with a nod at Etoni, “and among the low,” as he jerked his head towards Aran Linvail.
The Shadowmaster raised an eyebrow in amusement at the description but did not contradict the sailor. “Roenall, we have come together to make sure that you do not threaten Imoen Corthala or Jarran of Candlekeep, or anyone else for that matter, ever again.”
The nobleman shivered. “What… what do you plan to do? You… are you… please, do not kill me! Whoever is paying you to do this, I can pay more! Just let me go!”
Saemon gave him a look that might pass for pity, but just barely. “My lad, have you not been listening to us? This is not for gold, though I confess that Etoni’s employer is paying us quite well. I would do this for no payment at all… well, perhaps a small… no, I would still do it as a charity to mankind, for only half of the spoils.”
“S-spoils?”
Aran said, “Surely you have enough intelligence in that noble head of yours to realize that it is useless to try to bribe us. You are on the run, so you only have what you can carry with you.”
Isaea stared at him in horror. “You… you are going to kill me and rob my body, aren’t you? Oh gods, someone help me!” he shrieked.
With careless disdain, the Shadowmaster slapped him across the face. Isaea fell to his knees and sobbed in fear. He looked up tearfully to see Linvail towering over him. “Shut your mouth, you worm. No one would be foolish enough to try to help you. You’ve dealt with smugglers enough to know what Athkatla’s docks are like at night.”
“Please, please spare me. I… I was going to sail to Waterdeep, take me there, take me anywhere, and you will never see me again!”
Saemon tipped his hat back and said, “Why, my dear fellow, did we say that we were going to kill you? You will be happy to know that we plan to escort you onto the Silver Yarting and set sail for distant lands.”
“You… you are? Then why the ropes, why frighten me half to death?” Isaea managed to pull himself to his feet, and tried to restore his dignity as best he could.
Etoni slowly approached until the two men were only inches apart. “Lord Roenall,” he said softly, “do you recognize me?”
“I do not. Have we met?”
“We have not been formally introduced, but I saw you many times at the Copper Coronet. You liked watching the fights in the secret arena, and you visited Madame Nin’s girls frequently.”
“That is a lie! I would never visit such an uncouth establishment.”
The young man laughed. “You smuggle, you trade in slaves, you finance pirates, but you are shocked at being accused of visiting prostitutes? But then, maybe you should be ashamed.” His voice dropped even lower. “Slaves talk to each other, Roenall. I know what you did to those girls, and why Madame Nin had to replace them so frequently.”
“Slaves? You… I recognize you now! You were one of Lehtinan’s nasty little boys.”
Etoni’s face twisted and he began to shake. Aran raised his hand to prevent an outburst. He then faced Isaea and said, “Lehtinan made him a slave and nearly killed him with abuse.”
Saemon said, “Do you know what it is like to be a slave, Isaea? To know that every part of your life is hanging on another person’s whim? To live, to die, to feel pleasure or pain, to starve or eat, none of it is your choice any longer.”
Isaea said irritably, “Yes, yes, but what has that to do with me?”
Etoni said in a choked voice, “Everything. It has everything to do with you.”
The large men who had waited in silence while Isaea begged for his life suddenly seized him by the arms and began dragging him up the gangplank.
“Wait! I don’t understand!” the nobleman screamed. He tried to struggle, desperately trying to free himself from their iron grip. One of the men struck him with a sap, and Isaea sagged into unconsciousness.
Isaea slowly opened his eyes. Trying to ignore the ache in his head, he looked around. He was on the deck of a ship, sprawled on the boards as if tossed there.
Finding his hands unbound, he unsteadily rose to his feet. Sailors were all around him, going about their tasks as if he was not standing amongst them.
He shivered in the cold night air. Isaea wrapped his arms around himself. His tailored clothes and specially commissioned boots were gone, replaced by a ragged shirt and threadbare trousers. His bare feet felt like slabs of ice.
Isaea saw Captain Havarian at the ship’s wheel barking orders. For a moment he wanted to stride up to the fiend and demand satisfaction, but that desire passed in an instant. He was at the man’s mercy, and he knew it.
He lifted his eyes to the horizon. Athkatla was fading in the distance, only recognizable by the glow of lights. In the city, he had had wealth, prestige, luxury… and now he was robbed of it all.
With a hesitant shuffle, he approached Saemon Havarian. The pirate watched him through narrowed eyes, readying himself for an attack that Isaea knew he did not have the strength to launch. “What will you do with me?” he said in low voice.
Saemon cocked his head to one side. “Me? Not a thing. I don’t deal in slaves. I will cheerfully admit that the list of things I will not do for money is blissfully short, but slavery is one of that select number.”
“I do not understand.”
“Some time tomorrow we will meet up with another ship. I will hand you over to them.”
“And then?”
Saemon spread his hands. “No idea, dear fellow. But you see, I know that they do transport slaves. I strongly suspect that you will be added to their cargo as soon as I depart.”
Isaea said bitterly, “You do not take part in the slave trade, but you will sell me into slavery? Care to explain that?”
“Because I will receive no payment from Captain Ahbis, I am not actually selling you. I am simply turning a penniless fugitive over to his custody, and speculating as to what his reaction will be.”
“And that salves your self-admittedly small conscience?”
Saemon stared at him for a long moment, long enough for Isaea to begin to fidget. Finally the captain said, “I have been told I have a lot of brass, but I confess you beat me hollow. Very well, I will tell you why I am willing to make an exception for you, Lord Isaea Roenall. Because you are a fouler creature than I could ever aspire to be. You trafficked in people torn from their homes and lives and chuckled over your heavy profits. This is simply your sentence for your crimes.”
“I am… was an officer of the Athkatlan guard! You cannot claim I was a mere criminal!”
“You bought your way into a soft job where you could peddle your influence. Hardly a great service to the city.” Saemon met his eyes, and Isaea took a step back in fear at the expression on the pirate’s face. “I love the sea, Roenall. I love the smell, the salt, the ship moving under my feet. If I could not stand on the deck of my ship, sailing under stars and sun, well… I doubt my sailor’s heart could bear it. But I would sooner scuttle a slave ship than captain her.”
Isaea turned back to look at Athkatla once more. As the reality of his situation sank in, he thought, Wealth, luxury, my title… to the devils with those. I have lost my freedom and may never know it again. His heart heavy, he said, “What will become of me?”
Saemon seemed startled by the change in his tone. In a gentler voice the captain replied, “I suppose that is up to you. You are young, reasonably strong, and most importantly you are healthy. It is possible you will be bought for labor. But if you keep your wits about you, your noble manners could get you a good position. A shop that wants a better class of worker, or even a servant in a manor house. But if you fight or make a fuss, you will be branded a troublemaker. Those kind get bought to work in mines or sold to people like Lehtinan. That is a hard life, and one a fellow like you wants to avoid. Now, why don’t you go down to the galley and get a hot meal?”
Isaea nodded and walked away. He did not go below decks, however. He returned to the ship railing and watched the distant lights of Athkatla. When he could no longer distinguish land from sea, he looked down at the moonlit water. Can I live this way? Can I exist as a slave, lower than the lowest peasant? Or should I just fling myself over the rail and spare myself the indignity of being bought and sold like cattle?
Etoni’s face flashed into his mind. No. He was a slave, and he regained his freedom. While I am still alive, there is hope.
As the tears began to stream down his face, Isaea thought, And that is all any slave has, isn’t it? Hope.
A Cappella Part 308 - What Goes Around
Started by
Guest_Silrana_*
, Mar 21 2006 07:01 PM
14 replies to this topic
#2
Guest_Cel_*
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Posted 21 March 2006 - 07:32 PM
Isaea sighed. “I suppose you are correct. With luck, a new slave ring will have established itself by the time I return. Now, enough of this. Have you found a way for me to leave Athkatla undetected?”
“You are in luck. I found a ship that is willing to transport you to Waterdeep. You can take on a new name and disappear.”
Isaea gave a disdainful sniff. “The Roenall name is nothing to hide. Do you expect me to live among the commoners?”
He has very strange ideas about what leaving undetected would entail, doesn't he
“I am a nobleman, I am not fetched. I will meet you in the tavern as soon as I am ready.”
What a perfectly arrogant prick he is.
Saemon said, “Do you know what it is like to be a slave, Isaea? To know that every part of your life is hanging on another person’s whim? To live, to die, to feel pleasure or pain, to starve or eat, none of it is your choice any longer.”
Isaea said irritably, “Yes, yes, but what has that to do with me?”
Etoni said in a choked voice, “Everything. It has everything to do with you.”
I couldn't in a million years have thought of a better fate for him!
Saemon stared at him for a long moment, long enough for Isaea to begin to fidget. Finally the captain said, “I have been told I have a lot of brass, but I confess you beat me hollow. Very well, I will tell you why I am willing to make an exception for you, Lord Isaea Roenall. Because you are a fouler creature than I could ever aspire to be. You trafficked in people torn from their homes and lives and chuckled over your heavy profits. This is simply your sentence for your crimes.”
“I am… was an officer of the Athkatlan guard! You cannot claim I was a mere criminal!”
“You bought your way into a soft job where you could peddle your influence. Hardly a great service to the city.” Saemon met his eyes, and Isaea took a step back in fear at the expression on the pirate’s face. “I love the sea, Roenall. I love the smell, the salt, the ship moving under my feet. If I could not stand on the deck of my ship, sailing under stars and sun, well… I doubt my sailor’s heart could bear it. I would sooner scuttle a slave ship than captain her.”
Damn, now I am truly impressed. You made a Saemon I don't hate!
Etoni’s face flashed into his mind. No. He was a slave, and he regained his freedom. While I am still alive, there is hope.
As the tears began to stream down his face, Isaea thought, And that is all any slave has, isn’t it? Hope.
...and now you managed to make me feel sorry for Isaea.
All I can say is: Wow.
#3
Laufey
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Posted 21 March 2006 - 09:59 PM
“Nonsense! The Roenalls are respected. Our position will outweigh the word of a peasant upstart.”
“That peasant upstart married into one of Amn’s oldest noble families, and is rich beyond anything your family can muster right now.” Dirth took a step forward and said in a confidential voice, “Just between you and me, Isaea, what were you thinking? Attacking not just a noblewoman, but a wizard besides?”
Arrogant and stupid, that's Isaea.
Isaea turned to the men and said haughtily, “I am Lord Isaea Roenall. May I have the pleasure of knowing the captain of this fine ship’s name?”
A man in an elaborately embroidered coat grinned at him. With a flourish, he whipped off his feathered hat and bowed. “The pleasure is all mine, my lord! I am Captain Saemon Havarian of the Silver Yarting. Let me introduce you to this fine gentleman. This is Aran Linvail, a... local businessman, and his associates.”
As soon as I learnt it was Saemon, I knew Isaea was in trouble.
“Please, please spare me. I… I was going to sail to Waterdeep, take me there, take me anywhere, and you will never see me again!”
Saemon tipped his hat back and said, “Why, my dear fellow, did we say that we were going to kill you? You will be happy to know that we plan to escort you onto the Silver Yarting and set sail for distant lands.”
And this is when I guessed what was about to happen.
Isaea said irritably, “Yes, yes, but what has that to do with me?”
Etoni said in a choked voice, “Everything. It has everything to do with you.”
Sweet, sweet poetic justice. I really liked this.
Rogues do it from behind.
#4
Guest_Mutant Mike_*
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Posted 22 March 2006 - 01:17 AM
Won’t you give me three steps,
Gimme three steps, mister,
Gimme three steps towards the door?
Gimme three steps
Gimme three steps, mister,
And you’ll never see me no more.
“Gimme Three Steps” Lynard Skynard
Show me the back door!"
Very nice... I'm a big believer in karmic retribution, and Isaea had this - or something worse - coming to him. Selling him to the drow as a slave would have been almost too evil.. Almost.
There was one place that I was a little confused....
“You bought your way into a soft job where you could peddle your influence. Hardly a great service to the city.” Saemon met his eyes, and Isaea took a step back in fear at the expression on the pirate’s face. “I love the sea, Roenall. I love the smell, the salt, the ship moving under my feet. If I could not stand on the deck of my ship, sailing under stars and sun, well… I doubt my sailor’s heart could bear it. I would sooner scuttle a slave ship than captain her.”
Is the last sentence supposed to have something to indicate an exception? For example, "If I could not stand on the deck of my ship, sailing under stars and sun, well… I doubt my sailor’s heart could bear it. However, I would sooner scuttle a slave ship than captain her.”
It just seems that there isn't enough of an indication that he's making an exception to his desires when it comes to captaining a slave ship.
Anyway, good to see the group is talking again! Now, off to the druid wedding!
The Mutant!
#5
Guest_Silrana_*
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Posted 22 March 2006 - 02:11 AM
Isaea sighed. “I suppose you are correct. With luck, a new slave ring will have established itself by the time I return. Now, enough of this. Have you found a way for me to leave Athkatla undetected?”
“You are in luck. I found a ship that is willing to transport you to Waterdeep. You can take on a new name and disappear.”
Isaea gave a disdainful sniff. “The Roenall name is nothing to hide. Do you expect me to live among the commoners?”
He has very strange ideas about what leaving undetected would entail, doesn't he
Yep. He seems to think he can set up somewhere else and nobody will think to look for him.
“I am a nobleman, I am not fetched. I will meet you in the tavern as soon as I am ready.”
What a perfectly arrogant prick he is.
That he is.
Saemon said, “Do you know what it is like to be a slave, Isaea? To know that every part of your life is hanging on another person’s whim? To live, to die, to feel pleasure or pain, to starve or eat, none of it is your choice any longer.”
Isaea said irritably, “Yes, yes, but what has that to do with me?”
Etoni said in a choked voice, “Everything. It has everything to do with you.”
I couldn't in a million years have thought of a better fate for him!
Thankee.
“You bought your way into a soft job where you could peddle your influence. Hardly a great service to the city.” Saemon met his eyes, and Isaea took a step back in fear at the expression on the pirate’s face. “I love the sea, Roenall. I love the smell, the salt, the ship moving under my feet. If I could not stand on the deck of my ship, sailing under stars and sun, well… I doubt my sailor’s heart could bear it. I would sooner scuttle a slave ship than captain her.”
Damn, now I am truly impressed. You made a Saemon I don't hate!
I can't help it. I have a sneaking fondness for the guy.
Etoni’s face flashed into his mind. No. He was a slave, and he regained his freedom. While I am still alive, there is hope.
As the tears began to stream down his face, Isaea thought, And that is all any slave has, isn’t it? Hope.
...and now you managed to make me feel sorry for Isaea.
All I can say is: Wow.
Then my work here is done.
*climbs onto white horse and gallops off into the sunset*
#6
Guest_Silrana_*
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Posted 22 March 2006 - 02:15 AM
“Nonsense! The Roenalls are respected. Our position will outweigh the word of a peasant upstart.”
“That peasant upstart married into one of Amn’s oldest noble families, and is rich beyond anything your family can muster right now.” Dirth took a step forward and said in a confidential voice, “Just between you and me, Isaea, what were you thinking? Attacking not just a noblewoman, but a wizard besides?”
Arrogant and stupid, that's Isaea.
How true.
Isaea turned to the men and said haughtily, “I am Lord Isaea Roenall. May I have the pleasure of knowing the captain of this fine ship’s name?”
A man in an elaborately embroidered coat grinned at him. With a flourish, he whipped off his feathered hat and bowed. “The pleasure is all mine, my lord! I am Captain Saemon Havarian of the Silver Yarting. Let me introduce you to this fine gentleman. This is Aran Linvail, a... local businessman, and his associates.”
As soon as I learnt it was Saemon, I knew Isaea was in trouble.
Trouble and Saemon seem to go hand in hand, don't they?
“Please, please spare me. I… I was going to sail to Waterdeep, take me there, take me anywhere, and you will never see me again!”
Saemon tipped his hat back and said, “Why, my dear fellow, did we say that we were going to kill you? You will be happy to know that we plan to escort you onto the Silver Yarting and set sail for distant lands.”
And this is when I guessed what was about to happen.
Hehehe, nothing wrong with letting the reader see the oncoming train.
Isaea said irritably, “Yes, yes, but what has that to do with me?”
Etoni said in a choked voice, “Everything. It has everything to do with you.”
Sweet, sweet poetic justice. I really liked this.
Thankee.
#7
Guest_Silrana_*
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Posted 22 March 2006 - 02:23 AM
“Gimme Three Steps” Lynard Skynard
Show me the back door!"
Hee!
Very nice... I'm a big believer in karmic retribution, and Isaea had this - or something worse - coming to him. Selling him to the drow as a slave would have been almost too evil.. Almost.
It seemed fitting. Much more poetic than outright killing him.
Is the last sentence supposed to have something to indicate an exception? For example, "If I could not stand on the deck of my ship, sailing under stars and sun, well… I doubt my sailor’s heart could bear it. However, I would sooner scuttle a slave ship than captain her.”
It just seems that there isn't enough of an indication that he's making an exception to his desires when it comes to captaining a slave ship.
*does double take*
Okay, when I was doing my editing, I had every intention of adding a "But" at the beginning of the sentence. I have no idea why it didn't make it in. Thanks for pointing it out.
Anyway, good to see the group is talking again! Now, off to the druid wedding!
The Mutant!
Yep. Time for Jarran to go back to being a nervous groom!
#10
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Posted 22 March 2006 - 07:22 AM
Isaea Roenall glared at him. “That is Officer Roenall to you. Just because I am in this temporary difficulty, that does not mean that you can forget that I am your superior. I am sure that my family will take care of everything.”
Does this guy have ANY connection with reality?
“They were only the first. I had a plan, a plan to harass and threaten those fools until they left Amn. I will never allow that bard and his friends a moment’s peace for what they have done to me.”
"Harass and threaten" one of the mightiest wizards in existence?
A man in an elaborately embroidered coat grinned at him. With a flourish, he whipped off his feathered hat and bowed. “The pleasure is all mine, my lord! I am Captain Saemon Havarian of the Silver Yarting. Let me introduce you to this fine gentleman. This is Aran Linvail, a... local businessman, and his associates.”
Why does my lips tug upwards now?
The Shadowmaster gave him a cold smile. “I never thought I would say these words, but I am here to see justice done. Boys…”
*snicker* Aran? Justice?
Aran gave Isaea a thin smile. “You should learn that we ‘peasants’ have ears. You’ve been bragging for weeks about how you were going to make ‘that damnable bard suffer’. Bad-tempered complaining is one thing, but when you actually move against them, well… we had to take steps.”
YES! YES! CRUSH THAT LITTLE WORM!
Isaea stared at him in horror. “You… you are going to kill me and rob my body, aren’t you? Oh gods, someone help me!” he shrieked.
Gee he is REALLY pathetic...
Isaea said irritably, “Yes, yes, but what has that to do with me?”
Etoni said in a choked voice, “Everything. It has everything to do with you.”
The large men who had waited in silence while Isaea begged for his life suddenly seized him by the arms and began dragging him up the gangplank.
“Wait! I don’t understand!” the nobleman screamed. He tried to struggle, desperately trying to free himself from their iron grip. One of the men struck him with a sap, and Isaea sagged into unconsciousness.
Gee he is dense too...
Isaea turned back to look at Athkatla once more. As the reality of his situation sank in, he thought, Wealth, luxury, my title… to the devils with those. I have lost my freedom and may never know it again. His heart heavy, he said, “What will become of me?”
Saemon seemed startled by the change in his tone. In a gentler voice the captain replied, “I suppose that is up to you. You are young, reasonably strong, and most importantly you are healthy. It is possible you will be bought for labor. But if you keep your wits about you, your noble manners could get you a good position. A shop that wants a better class of worker, or even a servant in a manor house. But if you fight or make a fuss, you will be branded a troublemaker. Those kind get bought to work in mines or sold to people like Lehtinan. That is a hard life, and one a fellow like you wants to avoid. Now, why don’t you go down to the galley and get a hot meal?”
Isaea nodded and walked away. He did not go below decks, however. He returned to the ship railing and watched the distant lights of Athkatla. When he could no longer distinguish land from sea, he looked down at the moonlit water. Can I live this way? Can I exist as a slave, lower than the lowest peasant? Or should I just fling myself over the rail and spare myself the indignity of being bought and sold like cattle?
Etoni’s face flashed into his mind. No. He was a slave, and he regained his freedom. While I am still alive, there is hope.
As the tears began to stream down his face, Isaea thought, And that is all any slave has, isn’t it? Hope.
You know, this ending doesn't really work for me. He seems to accept it all a little too easy... I would have thought that he wouldn't be able to accept it and continue to fight...
But good chapter anyway
#11
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Posted 22 March 2006 - 04:20 PM
Isaea Roenall glared at him. “That is Officer Roenall to you. Just because I am in this temporary difficulty, that does not mean that you can forget that I am your superior. I am sure that my family will take care of everything.”
Does this guy have ANY connection with reality?
Yes, but he keeps trying to bend reality to what he wants it to be.
“They were only the first. I had a plan, a plan to harass and threaten those fools until they left Amn. I will never allow that bard and his friends a moment’s peace for what they have done to me.”
"Harass and threaten" one of the mightiest wizards in existence?
He's a typical Amnian. He has no real respect for magic.
A man in an elaborately embroidered coat grinned at him. With a flourish, he whipped off his feathered hat and bowed. “The pleasure is all mine, my lord! I am Captain Saemon Havarian of the Silver Yarting. Let me introduce you to this fine gentleman. This is Aran Linvail, a... local businessman, and his associates.”
Why does my lips tug upwards now?
I guess Saemon just has that effect on people.
The Shadowmaster gave him a cold smile. “I never thought I would say these words, but I am here to see justice done. Boys…”
*snicker* Aran? Justice?
Even Aran sees the humor in that.
YES! YES! CRUSH THAT LITTLE WORM!
Aran gave Isaea a thin smile. “You should learn that we ‘peasants’ have ears. You’ve been bragging for weeks about how you were going to make ‘that damnable bard suffer’. Bad-tempered complaining is one thing, but when you actually move against them, well… we had to take steps.”
*snicker*
Isaea stared at him in horror. “You… you are going to kill me and rob my body, aren’t you? Oh gods, someone help me!” he shrieked.
Gee he is REALLY pathetic...
Not everyone deals with fear in a noble way.
Isaea said irritably, “Yes, yes, but what has that to do with me?”
Etoni said in a choked voice, “Everything. It has everything to do with you.”
The large men who had waited in silence while Isaea begged for his life suddenly seized him by the arms and began dragging him up the gangplank.
“Wait! I don’t understand!” the nobleman screamed. He tried to struggle, desperately trying to free himself from their iron grip. One of the men struck him with a sap, and Isaea sagged into unconsciousness.
Gee he is dense too...
Yup.
Isaea turned back to look at Athkatla once more. As the reality of his situation sank in, he thought, Wealth, luxury, my title… to the devils with those. I have lost my freedom and may never know it again. His heart heavy, he said, “What will become of me?”
Saemon seemed startled by the change in his tone. In a gentler voice the captain replied, “I suppose that is up to you. You are young, reasonably strong, and most importantly you are healthy. It is possible you will be bought for labor. But if you keep your wits about you, your noble manners could get you a good position. A shop that wants a better class of worker, or even a servant in a manor house. But if you fight or make a fuss, you will be branded a troublemaker. Those kind get bought to work in mines or sold to people like Lehtinan. That is a hard life, and one a fellow like you wants to avoid. Now, why don’t you go down to the galley and get a hot meal?”
Isaea nodded and walked away. He did not go below decks, however. He returned to the ship railing and watched the distant lights of Athkatla. When he could no longer distinguish land from sea, he looked down at the moonlit water. Can I live this way? Can I exist as a slave, lower than the lowest peasant? Or should I just fling myself over the rail and spare myself the indignity of being bought and sold like cattle?
Etoni’s face flashed into his mind. No. He was a slave, and he regained his freedom. While I am still alive, there is hope.
As the tears began to stream down his face, Isaea thought, And that is all any slave has, isn’t it? Hope.
You know, this ending doesn't really work for me. He seems to accept it all a little too easy... I would have thought that he wouldn't be able to accept it and continue to fight...
I don't know, I don't really consider contemplating suicide as accepting something easily. As far as fighting... there comes a point where a person realizes that they are totally, utterly screwed. Isaea is at his heart a spoiled brat. He is now in a situation where his normal tactics of throwing his social position and wealth around will do absolutely no good.
Of course, we are only seeing this point in the story. At the moment, he is in a state of despair. It is possible that after the shock has passed, he will fall back into trying to bully or argue his way out of the situation. But this story isn't about Isaea Roenall, so we won't be following his future life as a slave.
But good chapter anyway
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.
#12
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Posted 25 March 2006 - 12:10 AM
Hehehe, nothing wrong with letting the reader see the oncoming train.
Ha, that's what you cosider true tragedy in some circles. In it's purest form. An inescapable fate you already know. And I think you did a wonderful job carrying the tragedy of Isaea to it's full and wonderful end. YAY for classic tragedy! *claps*
Another wonderful chapter! I was a little late in finding it, but thrilled non the less. I never thought of gathering all these people together to fix Isaea that way! Wow, for a moment, I was convinced that Jarran would have to deal with his hissy fits for a while longer!
For the record, I read Saemon Havarian and said to myself, "Uh oh. XD Poor Isaea." Although I do admit I thought Isaea would actually get away only to land in similiarly comic but horribly unlucky situations like Charname and Company suffer when they board his ship, and not be able to get out of trouble. Quiet a surprise to see it turn this way, though no less interesting.
Silver Yarting? Forgive my ignorance, but was that really the name of Saemon's ship, or is that a tounge-in-cheek reference to Jarran's god-power-thing? As they ARE doing this for him, ya?
As for the end, I thought it was neat. A rather strangely poetic and insightful thing to come from Isaea, but hey, who knows how well he knew the slaves he traded in. Justice, and irony. Yay!
#13
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Posted 25 March 2006 - 01:56 PM
Hehehe, nothing wrong with letting the reader see the oncoming train.
Ha, that's what you cosider true tragedy in some circles. In it's purest form. An inescapable fate you already know. And I think you did a wonderful job carrying the tragedy of Isaea to it's full and wonderful end. YAY for classic tragedy! *claps*
Thankee.
Another wonderful chapter! I was a little late in finding it, but thrilled non the less. I never thought of gathering all these people together to fix Isaea that way! Wow, for a moment, I was convinced that Jarran would have to deal with his hissy fits for a while longer!
For the record, I read Saemon Havarian and said to myself, "Uh oh. XD Poor Isaea." Although I do admit I thought Isaea would actually get away only to land in similiarly comic but horribly unlucky situations like Charname and Company suffer when they board his ship, and not be able to get out of trouble. Quiet a surprise to see it turn this way, though no less interesting.
It just seemed to work for me. As for the strange group, Aran and Saemon knew each other, and Etoni had experience in the rough life. It made sense that he and his employer knew who to look for.
Silver Yarting? Forgive my ignorance, but was that really the name of Saemon's ship, or is that a tounge-in-cheek reference to Jarran's god-power-thing? As they ARE doing this for him, ya?
*chuckles* A bit of both. It is the name of the ship, which was named for Jarran's reputation. People talk, after all, and certain aspects of Jarran's adventures have become more public than he would probably like.
As for the end, I thought it was neat. A rather strangely poetic and insightful thing to come from Isaea, but hey, who knows how well he knew the slaves he traded in. Justice, and irony. Yay!
Thanks! And thank you for commenting.
#14
Guest_Jean_*
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Posted 25 March 2006 - 05:05 PM
A couple of weeks ago, I spent large amounts of my spare time catching up on A Cappella at your archive site. Since the average review length here at the Attic is at least a hundred words, I probably owe you around 30, 800 words of feedback. 
Though since reading 'brilliant' for the thirty thousandth time could get a bit boring, I'll spare you.
This installment was fun; poetic justice has already been mentioned, but I may as well say again how satisfying it was to see Isaea getting his just deserts. The ending was curious, but works. It seemed like, having hit rock bottom, for a moment all the walls of delusion and shoddy self -justification that insulated Isaea from reality fell apart, and he could see with complete clarity. Of course, he may immediately start to reconstruct said delusions since he's never likely to be a particularly estimable person.
Nice to meet Saemon and Linvail again. I'm looking forward to Jaheira and Jarran's wedding - here's hoping it goes smoothly. Though I do wonder whether you have more trouble in store for them; they never seem to have an easy road.
Many, many thanks.
Though since reading 'brilliant' for the thirty thousandth time could get a bit boring, I'll spare you. This installment was fun; poetic justice has already been mentioned, but I may as well say again how satisfying it was to see Isaea getting his just deserts. The ending was curious, but works. It seemed like, having hit rock bottom, for a moment all the walls of delusion and shoddy self -justification that insulated Isaea from reality fell apart, and he could see with complete clarity. Of course, he may immediately start to reconstruct said delusions since he's never likely to be a particularly estimable person.
Nice to meet Saemon and Linvail again. I'm looking forward to Jaheira and Jarran's wedding - here's hoping it goes smoothly. Though I do wonder whether you have more trouble in store for them; they never seem to have an easy road.
Many, many thanks.
#15
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Posted 26 March 2006 - 03:00 PM
A couple of weeks ago, I spent large amounts of my spare time catching up on A Cappella at your archive site. Since the average review length here at the Attic is at least a hundred words, I probably owe you around 30, 800 words of feedback.
This installment was fun; poetic justice has already been mentioned, but I may as well say again how satisfying it was to see Isaea getting his just deserts. The ending was curious, but works. It seemed like, having hit rock bottom, for a moment all the walls of delusion and shoddy self -justification that insulated Isaea from reality fell apart, and he could see with complete clarity. Of course, he may immediately start to reconstruct said delusions since he's never likely to be a particularly estimable person.
That was my take on it. At the end, he's having an "oh, crud" moment, but that doesn't meant that an hour later he won't be back to his obnoxious self.
Nice to meet Saemon and Linvail again. I'm looking forward to Jaheira and Jarran's wedding - here's hoping it goes smoothly. Though I do wonder whether you have more trouble in store for them; they never seem to have an easy road.
I'm trying to get it written, but I'm encountering a certain amount of resistance.
*Jarran attempts to tiptoe out back door*
I see that! Get back here!
Jarran: I was just, um, getting some fresh air!
Many, many thanks.
And thank you for commenting.
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