Despite the tropical surroundings, the dirt road between Markus and this entourage of extortionists seemed fitting for a strip of wasteland, particularly from the silence that fell on the street. Any of the colorful travelers or bustling locals quickly made themselves scarce, and Halfdan drew his thick bladed cutlass menacingly, ready to attack at Markus's slightest acknowledgement. The captain himself, having stepped off the porch, looked at Emmaline and then to her captor. Anyone, even Emmaline who didn't have his ire, could feel the tone change in the air. All the men knew, if they continued down this path, there was going to be violence. Markus hadn't even draw his sword, his murderous glare more than enough. Behind them all, the staff of the shipping house filled the windows to watch nervously.

"So, let me understand this." He said, crossing his arms, speaking as calm as death. "You want to do business with me, and to do that you stole a member of my crew, my woman, and are using her as leverage?" 

"Anything to get ahead in the world," The norscan replied, his bravado having waned. He kept Emmaline tight in his grip, fish breath wafting over her head. "You look pirate. I would think you would understand." 

Markus snorted, deciding not to explain something this primitive would likely not understand. Halfdan had twice the brains as this one. "Here's what will happen. You put her down, and you will tell me what you're willing to pay. If it beats this establishment, we'll give you the iron as long as you can guarantee the duke will approve.-" Even as he spoke, the Norscan complied and grinned, apparently unconcerned that they could meet those expectations. Emmaline began to make her way over to Markus as the captain drew his sword. 

"And I want you." Markus declared, pointing his darksteel sword at the Norscan, who's grin disappeared. 

"What?" 

"Are you the leader of your company?" He asked, motioning with his head to indicate Emmaline should come stand beside him. As she did so, he wrapped his off-hand around her waist, pulled her close and gave her a thorough kiss. 

"No, I'm... the enforcer." The big man replied, narrowing his eyes with suspicion, glancing at his partners to see they were just as confused as he was. "What's it to you, what do you want from me?" 

Markus broke the kiss, holding her close as he spoke. "You touched my woman and threatened her life. Either one is grounds for me to kill you, but since you're potentially a new business partner, I'll give you a choice, northman." He remarked. "You can die here, at my sword, or my friend Halfdan can take you to our ship where you'll receive twenty lashes by the Bo'sun. If I were you, I'd take Eckard's whip over my sword, but it's your choice.