By the Gods, the woman was dangerous. Not for the first time did he wonder why he trusted her so heavily, but he found he did. It wasn't simply mutual gain either. There was a common, dark spirit they shared. Cut any throat you can to get ahead, do what you must, but in the end you needed to trust someone, as you likely lied to yourself nearly as often as you might lie to others. "First mate, that's a sound plan," He declared.

Hearing her continue, he blinked. "So Sketti told you of the Vizier?" He asked, looking at her, both leaning on the table to gaze at the map. "I was about to tell you if no one had. I am trying to keep it under wraps so the lads don't get too worked up after fighting for their lives." The Captain seemed somewhat tired, and he rubbed his eyes. Clearing his throat, he said. "We'll tell them once we begin to set sail tomorrow. 

At her sensible request, he decided it was time to turn in for the night. With a final nod to one another, Calliope exited the Captain Cabin and made her way to her room. Markus sat down on his bed and took the last swig of rum, before collapsing onto his bed and finding his dreams filled with blood and dragons. For some reason, whenever he spent time around his first mate, he found his unconscious mind wandering toward such topics. 

The next day, he woke to find Sketti had done a bang-up job and secured all of the Blood Axe raw goods that could be grabbed and stored to keep the men provisioned on the ships. He had some of the BloodAxe men helping haul the goods to keep them busy, but they had all been served breakfast and had been treated amiably by Markus' directive. Walking upon the gangplank with his sweeping cloak and hard look, men parted and whispered among themselves. 

He passed by Sron sharpening his notched blade, sparks flying off the small sharpening wheel. The Gnoll gave a grin that showed his wolf-like teeth, giving such a sinister air that had it been directed at anyone but Markus, one might think he meant to butcher them. Markus simply recognized it as his bloodlust having been enticed from the previous day. Gnolls were notorious for enjoying the meat of slain men, and he had feasted last night. 

From all across the cavern chamber, men gathered as they saw the Captain walk passed them. Those that lingered were shouted at by Sketti, Halvar, and even the wee Grimey to follow. They had served long enough to know a speech when there was about to be one. He ended his walk just where his crew had been held prisoner the night before, right below the stone wall covered in netting that wound its way up to the open room where Markus had dueled their chief. 

He uttered a small incantation. A simple spell that allowed him to jump thrice his normal distance. It was dangerous to those unused to it, but he had done it before. He leaped vertically, catching the net a dozen feet up to the astonishment of the men. Silently, he ascended the net until he had reached perhaps fifteen meters above the cavern floor. His form was illuminated by the newly risen sun through the holes carved into the rocks far above them. Markus drew his sword, and found all eyes were on him. 

"Grant me this!" He called, voice raised as his backsword was lifted above his head. The sword gleamed in the light. "Grant me the sun, for you shall have your day in it! No longer will you be skulking in rocks and stealing from fishermen. No longer will you be ruled and not respected. Today, we will give new meaning to BloodAxe! You are now apart of my crew, but you may keep your name in honor. We now sail to Dalib Sahara, the very heart of wealth in the Corsair Strait. Once we set fire to their ships, we'll raid freely along the coast, and even the Sultan will tremble before our might! Grant me the sun, for I will rain it's tears upon you!" 

There was a moment of silence before the crowd below erupted, particularly the BloodAxes, but his crew watched in satisfaction and enjoyment as well. It was likely lost on many of his northern men, but Calliope (and anyone familiar with alchemy) would recognize the eastern belief that the tears of the sun was gold.  
[@Penny]