Markus watched her, seeing her rage and ambition, and her pragmatism when it came to the Captaincy. He grinned, drawing her attention with an outstretched hand. Despite their clashing every once in awhile, he felt lucky to start a crew with this woman. "Pirates then," he said, and awaited her to clasp his hand. In the distance, far to the south, a maelstrom howled, and even this far to the north, they could hear the thunder. 

[hr] 

[h2][center]The Coming Storm[/center][/h2] 

Having climbed the mainmast, Markus could see the mountain range of Stormsrest in the distance, and signaled down to Calliope with a quick yell. The sun beamed down brightly, causing the water to glitter like a sea of sapphires. Such clear water was both a blessing and a curse, as was how shallow it was, only 20 fathoms deep. It did not take much to beach a ship here, and though you could see obstacles and sea beasts from far off, sometimes you couldn't avoid them, and all you could do was await your doom as it approached. 

Today, however, the water was easily traversable and the only creatures below were the occasional school of fish, a few dolphins, and some lurking tiger sharks. Markus slid down to the deck, heading up to steer the ship as they approached their final few miles. The past few days, Markus and Calliope had not had much time to get to know one another. Other than a meal or two here and there, they had spent the majority of their time searching the ship, scouring it for any supplies and anything not nailed down that they could sell or trade for some coin. Calliope had found some loose valuables, a necklace in one of the drawers, a chair with gold filigree, etc. Some of it they didn't wish to sell but for the most part, it looked good to get rid of. Markus had found a small cache in the lower decks. A secret compartment with various maps, knives, a compass, and even a moderate tier spellbook, mostly dealing with conjuration and evocation spells. He'd given the book to Calliope, and as she delved into that, he had prepared the ship for docking. 

Stormsrest was quite a site once they rounded the bend. The City was a trading port, and had been a haven for privateers in the war. To the north of the City was a dense jungle, filled with venomous snakes and snarling beasts that one would need to traverse before making it to the slumbering volcano that overlooked the Sea. To its east and west were small mountain ranges that guarded the city from both sides, keeping the city relatively safe from crashing waves and storms, hence the name. The south was the only way in, and the bay was filled with merchants plying their wares and ships from the continent on various business ventures now docked. 

Once they made it to the docks, Markus weighed anchor. Despite a diet of beef jerky and whiskey, he was still as fit as a knight. They didn't have long in Stormsrest. Half a week at most. Any longer than that and they would be pushing their luck. What they needed here was a few extra hands, supplies, weapons, and maybe make a deal or two with some of the more notable smuggler/pirate guilds hidden in the vast stretch of bright, sea colored buildings in their blue, green, and white. Even at the docks, they could see Stormskeep at the back center of the city. The main road led from the docks all the way to the gates of the Keep. 

"Oi! You! What's your business here in Stormsrest?" a man called. He looked like the dock authority, dressed in proper clothes and a large plumed hat, followed by a trodden down Lizardfolk. Most likely a slave, bred from the egg to serve a human master. A far cry from the bestial savages that preyed upon any human they could get their claws on in the Southland jungles. 

"What's your business asking for our business?" Markus called back, lowering the plank to allow them access to the docks. 

"It's my job to oversee all who take up space in this fair city's docks." he declared as Markus made his way down the plank. "You either contribute to commerce or you shove off! You [i]and[/i] your seaside wench!" 

Markus's sword found the man's throat. The man's lip buttoned up, but he still held a hint of authority in his stern gaze. Markus spoke next. "That's no way to speak about a crew member of mine." he warned. "Nor to me. I'm Captain Flintbrook, and this here ship is here to transport goods from a pirate crew we hunted down and slew five days east of Highmast. We're here to trade." 

"I see no other crew on your deck, [i]Captain[/i]." 

"Would you like wounded and scurvy laden men bleeding all over your docks, sir?" 
 
The Lizardfolk simply tongued the air, looking at Markus and its master with an alien gaze. Its shoulders lowered and back hunched. Markus might have that it would have come to the aid of its master, and no doubt likely would in most circumstances. But this man was probably threatened often. The thought gave Markus a wicked smile that confused and somewhat scared the dockman. He simply gave Markus an offended look. "Very well. You can dock for two days, then I'll charge you for any day past that. Now be off." 

Markus removed his blade and sheathed the sword. "My pleasure." 
[@Penny]