[i]The next day[/i]
[hr]
The sound of the clinking coins would have pleased any pirate, so it was fortunate Markus gave most of the lads the day off. The closest person that would perk up would be a certain golden witch Markus knew of, but she was far too busy at the moment. Morgan let the last bit slip into the large sack before tying it up as tight as a noose, handing it to Markus on the aft castle. Below, the elderly prisoner turned crewman and Brod were hauling off the last of the spices they had gotten from that Estalian ship they had yanked Emmaline and the cook off of. It did fetch them a pretty penny, and Sketti had come back with a good lead on where to go and sell the ornate arms and armor from the Dark Elves. All of it would go save a few hauberks and a sword Markus kept to himself. 

Sartosa was strange looking in the daytime. The buildings were far less large and intimidating, and the castleships that rose twice as high as the largest brigantine Markus had ever seen had an almost comical quality to it. Not that he would underestimate the mangy dogs that dwelt here. He had heard enough legends about them to not take their fleet or savagery lightly. The keep and the buildings further up the rise in the land were formidable in stature and loftiness, to their credit. Coconut trees dotted the coast streets and tufts of grass burst out of any ground that wasn't covered with wood or stone. 

"Might want to get a cat." Morgan commented, being able to partially determine Markus's thoughts. "Might get some vermin on the ship if we stay too long." 

"We'll leave soon. Just keep the ship steady, old friend." The Captain reiterated, tying the coins to his belt. Below them, the carriage all of the barrels had been hauled on suddenly kicked up as the mule team began their canter. The tradesman had a kind face compared to what Markus had expected of a Sartosan resident, but he didn't let his guard down in their negotiations. Everyone here was as shrewd as a Tilean whore when it came to business. "Witch! Take a break. You're coming with me so I can keep an eye on you." 

The Captain stepped down the stairwell to the main deck, amused at Emmaline's bedraggled appearance. Maybe next time she would keep him privvy to her sudden bursts of inspiration. With the men gone, he had her scrubbing every bit of the top deck, burnishing the windows and even sanding the masts. She wasn't finished, but he decided she'd had enough. The woman looked positively miserable, not used to working at anything except a way to keep herself [i]from[/i] working.  

Markus took the rag out of her hand, nodding to his cabin with authority. "We'll leave in ten. Get yourself cleaned up." She could hear the grin on his face next "Oh and wear that dress you came in on. We want the buyer to be suitably impressed in all aspects."
[@Penny]