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A Cappella Part 315 - Sweet Dreams


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#1 Guest_Silrana_*

Posted 20 May 2006 - 12:02 AM

AC315-Sweet Dreams

Sweet dreams are made of this
Who am I to disagree?
I travel the world
And the seven seas
Everybody's looking for something.

Some of them want to use you
Some of them want to get used by you
Some of them want to abuse you
Some of them want to be abused.


“Sweet Dreams” The Eurythmics

 

“You’re late.”

Narula sighed. “Dammit, Bilston, can’t a captain have her feet on dry land for ten seconds without you gnawing at her boots?”

The blonde sailor crossed her arms and frowned at the squat belligerent man who tapped his foot on the salt-stained dock. He coldly repeated, “You’re late. The buyer is refusing the goods now.”

“How many times do I have to tell you that the sea doesn’t run to a schedule? We had to go around a storm.”

“You could have sailed through it.”

Narula snarled, “And break my ship in half? What kind of captain would I be if I risked waves that size?”

“A captain that arrives on time! This isn’t the first time I’ve lost gold because of you! I think it is about time I found a new crew for my ship.”

In a hard voice, Narula said, “The Dancing Tiger is mine.”

“No, it is my ship. I own it. You are just my hireling.”

“How dare…” Narula caught herself. “Where would you find another to sail the routes you want? I take the Tiger through waters Umberlee herself would shun. You need me, Bilston.”

“What I need is a profit.”

“Don’t toss bilge my way. So the original buyer has backed out of the deal, what of it? My cargo will still bring you thousands.”

“And will take up room in my warehouse until I find someone to take it off my hands.” The merchant lowered his voice. “You have lost me one too many deals, Narula, and I need to recoup my losses. After you unload your cargo, I want you to set sail for this port.” He handed her a small piece of paper.

Narula stared at the words on the note for a long moment. She crumpled it in her hand and coldly said, “No.”

“It was not a request.”

“I know what passes through that port. Lotus, slaves, magic that the Fist would have me hanged for transporting… I’m not having that filth on the Tiger!”

“Lower your voice! You will transport my cargo or I’ll find a captain who will!”

Narula opened her mouth to curse Bilston and every money-grubbing merchant in Faerun, but was startled out of her diatribe by a large figure looming out of the darkness. Bilston gasped and stepped away from the stranger. He stammered, “What… what do you want?”

A deep voice said, “I am in need of a ship.”

“There are many for hire. Go find one of them,” the merchant said, his voice rising in fear.

“I want your ship.” The figure stepped into the dim light of the street lantern. Narula saw that he was very tall and broad shouldered. She met his eyes for a moment and felt a shiver go up her back. There was no mistaking the look of a man who had seen death and dealt it.

“W-what?” Bilston managed to choke out.

“I am prepared to pay well for it. Naturally I will take possession after you unload your cargo.”

“Now wait… why should I sell you my ship?”

“Because you are a small grasping man with a hunger for gold.”

Bilston stared at the massive man, then stammered, “Narula put you up to this, didn’t she?”

The captain managed to wet her throat enough to speak. “Never seen him before.” Her eyes widened when she realized that the man was not alone, for she could see the outline of several armored people in the fog.

The stranger put his hand on Bilston’s shoulder. The merchant cringed as the man leaned over, but perked up as he listened to the words whispered in his ear. “That much? Well, I suppose… yes, the captain and crew can go with the ship. But I warn you, she’s been nothing but trouble.”

Narula glared at him but turned her ire towards the new arrival. “Now see here, do you think I can be bought and sold?”

“No. But it would seem that you and your employer do not see eye to eye. A change might be welcome.”

She thought his words over for a moment, then said, “Terms and contract?”

“We will discuss that in private.”

Bilston said in a satisfied voice, “You have a deal, sir. With the gold you are offering, I can replace this ship three times over, and with crews that will arrive on time. Come to my office in the morning and we will settle up.” He walked off into the darkness, humming to himself until he let out a small squeak when he nearly bumped into the armored men he had not known were there.

Narula watched the merchant, her lip curled in disgust. “He knows nothing about the sea. That fool will kill those crews if they try to meet his timetables. Then his precious cargo will be at the bottom of Umberlee’s deep.” She looked up at the stranger and said, “Well? What are your terms?”

“Freedom.”

“I--What?”

“I need a ship for one task. After that is done with, the ship is yours. Sail it where you will.”

Her face hardened. “I knew there would be a catch. And just what is this ‘task’?”

The man gave her a small smile. “A simple matter. A burial at sea.”

Narula blinked. That was certainly was not what she had expected to hear. “That is all?”

“I want to sail far from land. I need… time. Time alone to think. To mourn. Give me that time, and I will give you your ship.”

“I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but… why? Why me, why the Tiger? There are ships for sale in the harbor.”

“I overheard your conversation. It was obvious that you were about to lose your ship because you would not stoop to his level.”

“Look, before you think I’m some sort of paladin, I’ll admit to a bit of smuggling. A chance to cheat the tax collectors gets the blood flowing. But that port… only the scum of the sea go there.” She was surprised to hear low chuckles from his companions.

The man looked at her, his face hard to read. “I do not need a paladin, but I do need an honest captain. You’ll do.”

“Oh, I will, will I?” she said in an irritated voice.

“You will if you wish to be captain of your own ship.”

She frowned for a long moment, then nodded slowly. “I’ll need some gold to restock the ship’s stores. I have to make sure we have rations and comforts suitable for a passenger.”

“That is no problem. You may buy whatever you require.” He handed her a pouch of coins.

As Narula gave the bag a satisfied jingle, she said, “Then I’ll tell the lads we have a new patron. Of course, they’ll want a name.”

“Sarevok Anchev.”

“Anchev? Now wait, I’ve hidden a fugitive or two, but you… you’re a bit bigger fish than I’m used to.”

“I will cause you no trouble. I have... reached an agreement with the Grand Dukes.”

“A pardon? Now that is a story I would like to hear.”

“Perhaps another time. Ready your ship, captain. We sail at the first opportunity.”

“Where can I reach you?”

“At Helm’s temple.” With that, he turned and strode off into the night, the other men following close behind.

Narula stared after him. “Sarevok Anchev,” she muttered under her breath. “Narula, what have you gotten yourself into?” She marched up the gangplank to the deck of her ship and gave a sharp whistle.

Men came out of hatches and down from the rigging. When her sailors had assembled themselves, she said sharply, “Lads, I have good news. Bilston is out of our lives for good. This was our last run for that copper shaver.”

The men gave a small subdued cheer. Her first mate said, “That’s all well and good, but what now? Have we lost our positions?”

“No, the ship has been sold. We have a new patron, and he’s an odd fellow.”

“Well?”

“He says… he says he’s Sarevok Anchev.”

Loud muttering broke out. The first mate frowned. “Him? The Butcher? How did he get into the city?”

She held up her hands. “Rindle, you know as much as I do at this point. All he told me is that he was pardoned.”

One of the younger sailors said, “But why does he want a ship?”

“He wants to bury someone at sea. We’re to sail out until he says we’ve gone far enough.”

An older tar scowled and said, “More likely it will be our burials. My wife had family serving in the Seven Suns Coster building. They were slaughtered at Anchev’s orders!”

Narula sighed. “I’m not denying the situation is tricky. But lads, he has promised to sign the ship over to me when this voyage is done. I’ll own the Tiger free and clear, and we’ll never have to deal with patrons ever again.”

Rindle’s face brightened. “Your own ship? That would be worth a bit of risk.”

The old sailor spat upon the deck. “He’ll be the death of us all, so says I. Sail off before he has a chance to board us.”

Narula glared. “Did I hear you right, Gikib? You want me to steal the ship like a common pirate?”

“Better a pirate than at the bottom of the sea.”

Rindle said quietly, “There is no need for harsh words. We’ll be a whole crew to his one. We have nothing to fear.”

The men returned to their bunks or duties, grumbling but placated for the moment. Narula saw her first mate lingering nearby. “If you have something to say, Rindle, then out with it.”

“Sarevok Anchev?”

“I didn’t have any say in the matter. Do you think I would risk any of you lads if I’d had a choice? But Bilston sold the Tiger and made it clear he had no intention of keeping us on. I only had one way to keep my command, and I took it. If any of the crew want to leave, then they can go. Preferably seaside rather than dockside.”

Rindle laughed. “You’re a hard one, Narula.”

“No, I’m a practical one. Dammit, this is the chance I’ve been waiting all my life for. I’ve had a moving deck under my feet since I could walk, and I’ve always longed for my own ship. But I’ve never had the gold for my own vessel, so I’ve had to spend my days arguing with pettifogging merchants. If Anchev keeps his word, I can sail where I will and do business with the traders of my choosing.”

If Anchev keeps his word. Can we really trust him?”

“I may be mad, but I think we can. I’ve heard as many tales about him as you, and the man I spoke to tonight was... different. Almost... broken, somehow.”

“Then are you sure it was really Sarevok Anchev?”

“Who would lie about that? It would be a good way to get your head taken off by the Fist.”

“True enough.”

“For now, we’ll take him at his word. And in the morning,” Narula said with a grin as she jangled the heavy bag of coins on her belt, “we’ll go shopping for supplies. Start making a list. I’m going to stock the Tiger to the rail with comforts and rich food. If this is to be my last voyage under a patron, I’m going to enjoy every second.”

#2 Guest_Jean_*

Posted 20 May 2006 - 08:20 AM

Narula snarled, “And break my ship in half? What kind of captain would I be if I risked waves that size?”

“A captain that arrives on time!


Yup, his body would be washed into Baldur's Gate harbour very promptly.

“Because you are a small grasping man with a hunger for gold.”


Heh. Sarevok is good at honesty.

Good chapter. I like Narula a lot - spirited jolly sort o' gal, doncha know.

Thanks, Silrana. :wink:

#3 Guest_Jidor_*

Posted 20 May 2006 - 08:22 AM

Ooooh, shiney!
Can we expect more yummy sweetness tomorrow? :wink:

#4 Guest_Cel_*

Posted 20 May 2006 - 09:16 AM

Someone's being prolific, and I like it :wink:

I like your sailors, they do have a gruff-yet-honest air about them.

Was the evil bad port Brynnlaw?

#5 Guest_Silrana_*

Posted 20 May 2006 - 12:03 PM

Narula snarled, “And break my ship in half? What kind of captain would I be if I risked waves that size?”

“A captain that arrives on time!

Yup, his body would be washed into Baldur's Gate harbour very promptly.


He's certainly no sailor.

“Because you are a small grasping man with a hunger for gold.”


Heh. Sarevok is good at honesty.


I always thought so. :wink:

Good chapter. I like Narula a lot - spirited jolly sort o' gal, doncha know.


Thanks. I'm rather fond of her myself.

Thanks, Silrana. :wink:


And thanks for commenting!

#6 Guest_Silrana_*

Posted 20 May 2006 - 12:03 PM

Ooooh, shiney!
Can we expect more yummy sweetness tomorrow? :wink:


Mmmmmaybe. Glad you liked it!

#7 Guest_Silrana_*

Posted 20 May 2006 - 12:06 PM

Someone's being prolific, and I like it :wink:


I'm doing my best to get AC wrapped up. It isn't fair to Jarran and the rest to leave them lingering.

I like your sailors, they do have a gruff-yet-honest air about them.


They're a good bunch. :wink:

Was the evil bad port Brynnlaw?


Actually, no. While Brynnlaw is certainly no picnic, there are supposed to be places south of Amn that are rather... nasty.

#8 Weyoun

Posted 21 May 2006 - 09:51 PM

Laska : Sweet Dreams, huh? Nice enough songs, but there are elves here who wanna rock! GWAR for the next chapter, maybe? Motley Crue? Lordi? ;)

Narula snarled, “And break my ship in half? What kind of captain would I be if I risked waves that size?”


A captain in a Carl Denham production. :roll:

“Now wait… why should I sell you my ship?”


“Because you are a small grasping man with a hunger for gold.”


As good a reason as any. :evil:

Narula watched the merchant, her lip curled in disgust. “He knows nothing about the sea. That fool will kill those crews if they try to meet his timetables. Then his precious cargo will be at the bottom of Umberlee’s deep.” She looked up at the stranger and said, “Well? What are your terms?”


“Freedom.”


“I--What?”


“I need a ship for one task. After that is done with, the ship is yours. Sail it where you will.”


Heh, if an offer is too good to be true, it usually is. ;)

The man gave her a small smile. “A simple matter. A burial at sea.”


Ominious...

“Anchev? Now wait, I’ve hidden a fugitive or two, but you… you’re a bit bigger fish than I’m used to.”


Quite literally, I'd think. ;)

“I may be mad, but I think we can. I’ve heard as many tales about him as you, and the man I spoke to tonight was... different. Almost... broken, somehow.”


“Then are you sure it was really Sarevok Anchev?”


Laska : Yeah, he's got some issues to work out.

“Who would lie about that? It would be a good way to get your head taken off by the Fist.”


“True enough.”


“For now, we’ll take him at his word. And in the morning,” Narula said with a grin as she jangled the heavy bag of coins on her belt, “we’ll go shopping for supplies. Start making a list. I’m going to stock the Tiger to the rail with comforts and rich food. If this is to be my last voyage under a patron, I’m going to enjoy every second.”


Nice enough sentiment! ;)
TnT Enhanced Edition: http://www.fanfictio...rds-and-Tempers

---
Sith Warrior - Master, I can sense your anger.

Darth Baras - A blind, comotose lobotomy-patient could sense my anger!

---

"The New Age? It's just the old age stuck in a microwave oven for fifteen seconds" - James Randi

#9 Guest_Silrana_*

Posted 21 May 2006 - 10:21 PM

Laska : Sweet Dreams, huh? Nice enough songs, but there are elves here who wanna rock! GWAR for the next chapter, maybe? Motley Crue? Lordi? :D


Each story has to fit, my dear. There are rocking chapters, and softer chapters. :evil:


Narula snarled, “And break my ship in half? What kind of captain would I be if I risked waves that size?”


A captain in a Carl Denham production. ;)


:D


“Now wait… why should I sell you my ship?”

“Because you are a small grasping man with a hunger for gold.”


As good a reason as any. ;)


It certainly worked.


“I need a ship for one task. After that is done with, the ship is yours. Sail it where you will.”


Heh, if an offer is too good to be true, it usually is. ;)


Though in this case, it's an honest one.


The man gave her a small smile. “A simple matter. A burial at sea.”


Ominious...


:roll:


“Anchev? Now wait, I’ve hidden a fugitive or two, but you… you’re a bit bigger fish than I’m used to.”


Quite literally, I'd think. ;)


Yup. ;)


“I may be mad, but I think we can. I’ve heard as many tales about him as you, and the man I spoke to tonight was... different. Almost... broken, somehow.”

“Then are you sure it was really Sarevok Anchev?”


Laska : Yeah, he's got some issues to work out.


Yes, and hopefully some time alone will help.


“For now, we’ll take him at his word. And in the morning,” Narula said with a grin as she jangled the heavy bag of coins on her belt, “we’ll go shopping for supplies. Start making a list. I’m going to stock the Tiger to the rail with comforts and rich food. If this is to be my last voyage under a patron, I’m going to enjoy every second.”


Nice enough sentiment! :)


I thought so. ;)

Thanks for commenting! And it's good to see you around.




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