As the sailors began to haul the new cannons and shot onto the ship, Markus and Calliope shared a deadpan look at Sketti's observation, and then both turned back to the Dwarf. They spoke at the same time. Markus giving an "Aye, all was well" with Calliope providing a "No trouble at all. This was, of course, followed by a shout from the keep and Phil yelling they had found two slain trolls, one skewered and the other having made a crater in the flagstones. 

Sketti raised an eyebrow. Markus turned to glance back at the keep, and then back at Sketti. "We had a little trouble." He said. 

"Well, we have the guns now." the every pragmatic Dwarf said. "All that's next is to find some good work to be done, before the next trade winds. Now, let's go and see what other loot we could grab from the keep, eh?" There was gold lust in the Dwarf's eyes, and he stalked passed them toward the huge structure. Markus let out a small chuckle, and then headed toward the ship, Calliope following in tow from a gesture from Markus. 

The Captain stepped on deck, and felt the motion of the waves beneath them. He might have begun his career as a mercenary on land, but he found he had grown accustomed to life on the seas. "I think we'll make for Gallowgate." Markus told the woman, placing his hands on the ship railing as he overlooked the sea, still somewhat choppy but far calmer than it had been earlier. Calliope would have heard of the city. A famous pirate hub. Or better explained as a very large port that did business with you with no questions asked, as long as you behaved. It's other claim to fame was its mass hangings twice a year, where everyone in the countryside would see the criminals make it to the gallows at the front gate and drop, including usually a famous person attending as a 'guest' of the Gallows. Various theives guilds were prominent powers in the city. 

"That will take us far east, will it not?" Calliope asked. 

The wind lightly flowed through Markus' dark mane, and he nodded as he turned, resting his lower back against the railing and crossing his scarred arms. "Aye, I think we should remain eastwards until we go after the shipping lanes." he said. "We can pick up whatever work we come across along the way." 

The wind brushed their skin, giving a cool caress that begged them to relax and speak of more pleasant things. Markus did realize he was lucky to be alive, thanks to her. "Thank you." he said to her, unexpectedly. "For saving me. I wish there was something I could give you in return, but I am afraid I have very little 'power' left to give a first mate." He grinned, echoing her comment from earlier. 

He had spoken the words as a jest, but after a moment of considering, a proposition formed in his head. "Once we get the gold, we'll be rich beyond what we could dream." He said, thinking aloud as Calliope looked at him. "Rich enough to buy a fleet, or a ship powerful enough to storm Calaverde." There was a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, though as he grinned through his teeth, he looked far more dangerous and rakishly ferocious than merely charming. He didn't even expect her to want her old position back, vengeance being the clear motivator. But even she did, Calaverde would be a fine base for the Weathered Witch.

"But no one on this ship would be interested in such a scenario, would they be?"
[@Penny]