[img]http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/226/7/f/7f720cbede625085e7ccd46503c944aa-d5b1ubs.jpg[/img] [u][b]Ka'lae[/b][/u] [b]584 Days Ago[/b] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [i]Ting.[/i] The impact of the fallen knife echoed through the room and crimson red began to pool below her. An ephemeral shadow vanished through a window and before Stephan could form a thought he was on his knees. How long he sat there seemingly impassive he could not tell, in that time all he knew was confusion, pain, and anguish. The open door swayed in the breeze, its creaking providing rhythm, logic to disjointed and uncertain thoughts. Ever so slowly and he came to understand. Yes, he had known this was coming. He had told her as much, told her to run so many moons ago. Of course she didn't, why would she? The king had showered her with gifts, promised her things that a simple concubine could never have. It was a sick joke, the man prized for his love of the people, a murderer. A man rumoured as impotent, perhaps it was no surprise he wanted nothing from her but the child in her belly. Of course when she gave birth it was also no surprise they cast her aside like so much shit. He had warned her, he had failed her. The pain and anguish faltered, already replaced by a burning hatred. He hated the assassin for killing her, he hated himself for failing to stop them, but he despised the King for betraying her. His legs shook as he forced himself upwards, then he took a step. The blood stained his shoes as he neared her face down body, the ornate knife lying just ahead. He thought to look at her once more, but the idea of seeing her eyes struck him with terror greater than any he could imagine. With a burning glance to the knife he decided to take the weapon, one day its user would regret leaving it behind. Now determined he turned, it was too late for her, but the child lived on. The door slammed behind him as he trailed fading red footsteps in the dark of the night. He wanted revenge more than anything, but she would have never abided it. No, more death was not the way, not yet. For the moment he knew where the King was and so he would take something better than the bastards life. The child would suffer in that fools care not more than a minute if Stephan could help it. These thoughts and more gathered in Stephan's mind as he neared the docks. Most of his crew would never help him, they were too loyal to the navy, the dominion. They were everything a soldier should be. Until a moment ago so was he, but now he felt the same as those few discontent and angry fools on his ship. Yes, he was going to seek help from the very people he had wanted to throw over the deck. It was a cruel irony if there ever was one. [img]http://th01.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/f/2014/216/7/7/77ef5d3239aa4a01ada5d62c65358e72-d7toyx6.jpg[/img] [u][b]Eastern Sea[/b][/u] [b]77 Days Ago[/b] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The harsh sun beamed down heating every inch of ship, the sails sat lax and the wind was idle in its duty. To any sailor things could hardly get worse, out here they were sitting ducks just waiting for any pirate shrewd enough to have equipped oars and crazy enough to attack a ship with the Dominion sigil raised high. Stephan felt only anticipation. It had been more than a year at sea now, running as fast as he could from his own Country. A mere seven of his crew knew it and he was constantly worrying the rest would find out. Well, he supposed they would now. It had taken long enough to organize but now the situation was perfect, almost all the crew were asleep or below waiting out the hot day save the ones he trusted; they were in the armoury. Stephan left his cabin and made his way to the main stairs leading below deck, letting himself in slowly and silently placing an oversized black lock on the door behind him. A few men playing cards from their cots further down noticed the captain enter and stood up. The majority seemed to be asleep, that was a stroke of luck at least. There was the thudding of steps and a look to the other end of the cabin showed the rest of his men, each one armed. One of the standing men, Aron spoke up, “What's goin on here cap'in?” With a smile Stephan replied, “Dereliction of duty crewman.” He drew a long pre-readied pistol from his coat and levelled it on the man, “Would you be inclined to join me?” With a mixture of shock and fear on Arons's dirt stained face he managed to mutter out a reply, “Ye o' course cap'in.” Before he fell back into his cot, the others around him quickly doing the same. Stephan lowered the gun, “Glad for it.” He waved to the rest of his men and they burst into the crew quarters, shouting and levelling their own guns before most of the crew had even awakened. After a great deal of cursing and angry shouts the crew had been lined up. Stephan simply made his way to the front of them and began, “I'm sure you're all wondering what's going on, so lets make it simple. As of today this is no longer a Dominion ship, it will belong to me, and to the crew who have chosen to join me. Now, those of you who have a problem with that please speak up now.” A man a few yards down shouted out, “I ain't no criminal Captain!” A few in the line murmured their assent. He put on a false smile and walked over until he faced the man, “You're a good one Chaning, always were our best marine. So please understand, I am sorry for this.” With a bang and a puff of smoke Stephan dropped him there. After a second he shouted out, “Anyone else then! No? Excellent, clean this fucking mess up and finish your sleep.” He moved to the door and undid the lock, only to put it back on the other side. A brisk walk to his cabin and he slumped into his seat. The gun that had been gripped in his hand fell to the floor with a thud and he wiped a speck of blood off his face and inhaled the acrid smoke wafting off the gun. For all he was, Stephan had never before killed a friend. He tried to steel himself, this was what he had to be now. This was what could save the boy only a few doors over. He had to kill Chaning. He felt like throwing up. [hider=Summary] -Stephan's sister is killed by the kings assassin a year and a half ago, he vows revenge and plots to kidnap his nephew who the king has taken. -Stephan takes command of his ship and forsakes the Dominion roughly three months ago. [/hider]