Archive of Our Own

Part One

I opened my eyes, the stench of the city burning my nostrils as my ship, The Crossroads pulled into the dock. Why in Reos’s name did I think that completing this quest was a good idea, I thought, sighing. only the skies know that it’s too late to turn back now.
A sharp ow sounded behind me, and I whipped around to see my first mate, Eadmaer, struggling behind me with the prisoner.
“’Ere ‘he is, Cap ‘an,” grunted Eadmaer, heaving a chain-wrapped Gudleif Æinridisson, onto the deck by my feet.
“Thank you, Eadmaer.” I said, grabbing the end of the chain. “As I’m busy taking him in for the ransom, you take some of the crew and get us fresh water and food for the journey out. They’ll probably want to have a formal wedding, so we’ll be here a few days, but let’s be prepared just in case.” I yanked Æinridisson up off of the deck, and started towards the gangplank.
As I pulled him forward, the chain jerked my arm, as Æinridisson stopped in his tracks, nearly wrenching my arm out of its sockets. I spun around, my anger riding. The scumbag just stood there, lip curled in disgust, then he spat in my face. “I will not be taken in by a hussy such as yourself, miss.” He hissed, eyes alight with glee at such a show of bravery.
Around us, raucous laughter erupted from the surrounding crew at his words, and several men lent over the railings to watch my response. Gudleif looked quite disheartened at the reception to his comment, now eyeing me nervously.
I slowly and deliberately wiped the spittle off of my face, and reached for my revolver. His attention was focused on my right hand drifting towards my hip, and he sputtered in fear as I grabbed his collar with my left. Flinging him onto the side of the ship, I pinned him down using my arm, and pointing the gun at his head with the other. “Do you care to repeat that statement?” I asked quietly, staring directly into his wide, terrified eyes.
“No ma’am,” he stuttered, and I could feel him trembling beneath me.
“It’s ‘Captain’ to you.” I said, digging my elbow into his neck. “Now, I am going to march you into the palace, where I will exchange you for the ransom. You will behave properly, and any misbehaviour will result in a missing finger. Understood?”
“Yes, Captain,” he whispered, wheezing slightly from the lack of air.
I stood up, and gestured to a nearby crewman. “Gag him.” As soon as that was taken care of, I picked up the end of the chain again. “Let’s go.”
~
The trip through the town was uneventful, and we quickly reached the main doors of the palace. Having been in several castles, (and prisons) I still was in awe at the beauty of the Ocelien palace.
“Who goes there?” called a voice from roof.
“I am Athanasia, the Captain of the ship The Crossroads, and I bring the ransomed prisoner, Gudleif Æinridisson with me,” I called, jerking Æinridisson’s chain.
“Come in.” The door swung open, and we entered.
Immediately, a servant joined us. She wore a simple dress, her hair covered by a demure cap. She looked at me apprehensively. “It’s brave of you to bring him here alone, miss. Such a dangerous criminal should be guarded by a large crew, not just one woman. I can’t believe that he didn’t attack you.”
I sighed inwardly, staring straight ahead, determined not to give her the satisfaction of a reply.
“Anyway,” she continued, nonplussed by my apathy. “Come with me, I will take you to the dungeons where you can drop him off and collect your reward.”
“I’m afraid that we can’t do that.” I said firmly, and tried to look in her eyes, but she refused to look at me.
“Those are my orders, miss. I can’t disobey them.”
“Try to. Tell me where the king is.” I said, my irritation rising.
She eyed the gun at my side, and then finally made eye contact with me, her blue eyes betraying her nervousness. “As you wish, miss. The king is currently in the feast hall, indulging in the court’s yearly harvest banquet.” She pointed down the hall to a set of ornate double doors. “You can find him in there.” Immediately, she scampered off, and the sounds of her shoes echoed down the hall.
I yanked the chain, pulling Æinridisson forward. the pair of guards outside the hall tensed at my approach, but quickly backed off once I told them that I had an audience with the king. The quickly opened the doors for me, and there I stood in the candlelight of a banquet. Gold glistened from every possible surface, and richly laden tables lined the room, noblemen and noblewomen enjoying their meal. Or rather, they had been enjoying their meal. All eyes on me, I dragged Æinridisson forward, up the long stone pathway leading up to a lavishly raised platform, and the ornate marble table atop it. I scanned the table, meeting the eyes of each diner in turn. Only one person showed any sign of amicability, a man whose green eyes shone brightly, contrasting with the rich reds and golds decorating the room. He, like several other members of the table, wore a small gold circlet in his blond hair. Beside him, in the middle of the table sat the king, his richly embroidered cloak pooling onto the floor. Illhugi’s eyes were an icy blue, lacking any warmth or depth. His mouth tightened in anger as I approached, but I steeled my nerves.
“I have come to claim my reward,” I said loudly, keeping any trace of nervousness out of my voice. “I returned Gudleif Æinridisson, the notorious criminal, and am here to choose my spouse, as per your announcement.”
Laughter erupted across the tables at my words, and my face grew hot with anger. How dare they mock me so?
Illhugi chortled, his glass of wine splashing slightly onto the floor. “You? You think that you can fool us into believing that you caught Gudleif Æinridisson, and brought him here yourself?”
“You can hear it from him,” I pulled out my dagger, and slipped the blade between Æinridisson’s head and the gag. “Stop squirming,” I told him and cut the muzzle.
“She had help,” he panted immediately, causing me to kick him in the back, chains clinking as they made contact with my boot. “But it’s her crew, she’s the ship’s captain,” he added hastily, face smushed against the marble.
“Technicalities aside,” said Illhugi, setting down his half-full goblet. “I only intended to give away a daughter of the court to the-” he hesitated slightly, “person who brought back this traitor. The son of a nobleman is an entirely different matter.”
My stomach dropped at his words, but I refused to give in. “I see. You are proposing that I marry one of your own sons,” I said encouragingly.
“I beg your pardon!” exclaimed the king, standing up with difficulty.
“I’d willing wed that one,” I pointed at the man with the green eyes. “He seems like he would make a decent a good husband,”
The prince’s eyes widened in shock, and I could see his hand trembling, but whether it was in fear or some other emotion, I couldn’t tell.
A furious expression crossed Illhugi’s face, and he glared at his son as if it as if it was his fault that I singled him out. “You will wed none of my sons, you harlot. I would not even give Thróndr to you, you piece of filth. However, I can give you two choices. You can go to my treasury, and acquire a reasonable sum for your efforts, or leave Ocelin immediately. Those are your only options.” He clapped his hands, and a single, barely armed, guard entered the room. “Make your choice.”
I eyed the guard, unsure of how to respond. For a fleeting moment, I caught Prince Thróndr’s eye, and I started to form a plan. “I’d rather leave. But, grant me one request. Let me and my crew stay in the harbour for one night, and then we’ll be on our way. Our stores are low on food and fresh water, and our mere presence will bring business to the city.”
The king hesitated, and then nodded, looking slightly triumphant. “This I will give you. But as soon as low tide is near, you must be gone from my kingdom. Now go, and leave my sight.” He waved his hand, and the guard seized my arm. “He will escort you to your ship in order that we ensure your cooperation.”

Part Two

That night, I slipped out of The Crossroads with a small team that consisted of Cáel, Wealdhere, Ansgar, and myself. Cloth bound our feet, preventing them from making any noise on the road, and we slunk down the deserted street in silence. When we reached the palace, Cáel and Ansgar split off, headed for the treasury. I motioned to the men, and we climbed over the unguarded wall and slunk into the shadows of the palace garden.
“I don’t know where his rooms are,” I whispered, removing the mask from my face, revelling the cool air. “This is why I brought you, Wealdhere. You’ve claimed to be good with maps and buildings, now’s your chance to prove it.”
The look on Wealdhere’s face told me that he never intended for me to take him up on his speech. “Well, do ya’ remember where the banquet hall is?” He asked apprehensively.
I grabbed a stick, and drew a crude layout of the building in the dirt. “Here’s the entrance, and here’s the banquet hall. I don’t know where anything else is, however.”
“I know where ‘e is,” whispered Wealdhere, triumphantly.
“I drew a box in the dirt, and now you know where he is? I’m sorry that I underestimated you,” I said, impressed.
“I wish I was that eefitiant,” said Wealdhere, pursing his lips in disappointment. He pointed up at the palace wall. “Ain’t that him in the window?”
I looked up into an upstairs window, and could make out the candlelit shape of the prince who had smiled at me, the one with the green eyes, bent over a desk. “Well, at least you did something useful.” I said wryly. Pulling the skein of rope off of my shoulder, I eyed the window frame. “I have an idea.” I threw up the rope, and grinned when it hit the window with a smack. The prince straightened in his chair and opened his window, a bewildered look just visible on his face in the dim light.
“What in the heavens name are you doing?” He hissed down at me.
“Catch it,” I said, throwing the rope back up to him.
For some unknown reason, he grabbed it. Goodness, this man was not created with any survival skills. “Tie it to something heavy,” I suggested wildly, and to my astonishment, he did.
Within a minute, I climbed up the wall and into his room. Tumbling through the window, I dusted myself off, and stood up. The prince looked tense, as if he thought I would jump him. Smart man.
“What do you want?” he asked, brows furrowed in confusion.
“It’s Thróndr, right?”
“Pardon?”
“Your name. Is your name Thróndr?” I asked, glancing at the multiple sets of doors around the room. Hopefully, he was the only inhabitant in the room.
“It is. Are you the woman from the banquet? What are you doing in my rooms?”
“I’m kidnapping you. Pack your things.” I said shortly, deciding that maybe attacking the prince inside the midst of a heavily guarded palace was a bad idea.
“What.”
“Pack your things.” I repeated, my hand drifting to my dagger.
“Where are you taking me?” he asked, eyes on my knife.
“I told you; I’m kidnapping you. I was promised a spouse from the royal court of Ocelin, and I intend to get what I am due.”
He shrugged. “That seems fair to me.”
I blinked. “What?”
“That seems like a legitimate reason.” His eyes twinkling, Thróndr turned around and started towards a pair of doors.
“Stop right there!” I whisper-yelled, and sprinted to him. Fully unsheathing my dagger, I laid it across his throat. “On second thought, we’re leaving now.” I hissed in his ear.
Underneath my grip, Thróndr started to shake. For a briefly triumphant moment, I thought that it was out of fear. No such luck. Laughing softly, Thróndr whispered. “That’s my closet, Captain. I was going to fetch the clothes you told me to.”
I scowled, tentatively reaching out with my foot and pushing the doors.
“You need to use the handle.”
“If you don’t shut up within the next five seconds, I’ll stab you right now, and leave you bleeding out on the floor.”
At last, there was a few moments of blessed silence. I shuffled awkwardly forward, making sure that Thróndr was securely under my knife as we got closer to the door. I kicked the doorknob downwards, and it opened. Slowly, the door swung to reveal rows upon rows of clothes.
I blinked rapidly, doing my best to keep a level head.
“I told you," said Thróndr, and he tried to wriggle out of my grip.
I spun him around, and shoved him onto the bed, pinning him down with my dagger jammed against his throat. “In a few seconds, I am going to climb off of you. You will then go into your closet and pack a small bag of clothes, and anything you absolutely cannot live without. You will be absolutely silent and will not speak to me on any condition. Remember, I am completely capable of killing you right now, and I will escape before they even find your body. Now,” I climbed off of him, and pointed to the closet with the knife. “You have five minutes. Then we’re leaving.”
Silently, he stood up and walked into the closet. I heard him searching through the clothes, and breathed a small sigh of relief. I eyed the room, enjoying its splendour for the first time. My eyes caught the desk, and inspiration struck. Quickly, I walked over and pulled open the drawer. Moving aside several potted plants, I placed a stack of paper, a pen, and a bottle of ink onto the surface. A smile tugged at my lips as I composed the letter.
To all that this news might possibly concern,
Prince Thróndr is alive and well. He has come abord my ship, The Crossroads, in order to fulfil the legal promises made by his father, King Illhugi. I, Athanasia, was promised that I could choose a spouse from amidst the people in the court, and I made my intentions clear at the banquet, upon returning the criminal. For those who cannot recall my statement or were too intoxicated to pay attention, I declare that Prince Thróndr of Ocelin is to be my husband and live abroad with me forevermore. I will ensure that he will come to no bodily harm, and that he will be treated better aboard my ship than he ever was in this palace. As he is a prince, I would normally expect a substantial sum as an appropriate wedding gift, but as Illhugi has refused let me, and therefore his son, into his company ever again, I have taken the liberty of removing an appropriate amount from the royal treasury in lieu of both an engagement and a wedding present.
Best Wishes,
Athanasia, Captain of The Crossroads
I hesitated, laying the pen down. Thróndr should sign the letter when he was finished, give it authenticity. I turned around, headed for the closet, only to find him standing there with a smallish bag over his shoulder.
“I wrote a letter to your father,” I said, studying his face.
“Let me see.” He stepped over to me, and picked up the paper. A small smile crossed his face as he read, and he quickly picked up the pen and signed his name. “Did you really steal anything from the treasury?” He asked, a note of incredulity in his voice.
“I have some men over in there now,” I said, and glanced out the window. The sky was still dark, and there was no trace of the sun as far as the eye could see. “We should go, we need to leave the port as soon as possible, I don’t want the king to find out that we’re gone until we’ve left.”
Thróndr took a deep breath, and then nodded. “Let’s leave. I have everything that I need.”
I leant out the window, and looked forward, searching for the team in the garden. Catching Wealdhere’s eye, I nodded. “They’re ready.” I said quietly.
He handed me the bag, and I leant back out the window. “Make sure to catch it,” I whisper-yelled down at the men, and I threw it down, where it safely landed in the arms of Wealdhere. “You go first, Your Highness.”
Rolling his eyes, Thróndr grabbed the rope tied to the bed, and leaned out the window. He quickly pulled out and looked at me, his eyes widened with fear. “How do I get down?”
“Back out,” I said, suppressing a scream of frustration. “And use your feet to brace yourself on your way down.”
He nodded, and did as I told him. Painstakingly slowly, he backed out the window, and headed down the wall. I took a deep breath as he gradually crept down, shoving my impatience down into the depths of my soul. A small thud told me that he was on the ground, and I quickly descended the rope and joined them.
Thróndr was looking at his palms, a look of bewilderment on his face. “Why do my hands hurt after that?” He asked, flexing his red and raw fingers.
“It’s called rope burn,” I said, shouldering the bag. “And I’m sorry to say that that’s not the worst of your injuries tonight.” I pointed to the garden wall. “We’re gonna have to leave that way.”
Thróndr groaned. “Really? I’m not sure my hands can take one more round of it, much less two.”
~
A good deal of complaining and one threat of homicide later, we finally got to the docks. I sighed with relief to see that the blue flag was up upon the mast of The Crossroads, meaning that all they needed was the captain in order to sail.
As soon as we boarded the ship, I heard faint shouts coming from the depths of the city. “Set sail!” I screamed, whipping around to scan the docks. “Man the cannons, hoist the anchor! Everyone, it’s time to move! Go, go, go!” The docks were empty, but I knew that they would be coming soon. I ran towards the mast without looking where I was going, and both Thróndr and I ended up in a heap on the deck of the ship.
I stood up quickly and dusted myself off. “Come with me,” I said shortly, and grabbed his arm. I led him to the mast and pointed at the door behind it. “Those are my quarters. Go in there and stay put. Do. Not. Touch. Anything. Got it?”
The world’s smallest smirk on his face, Thróndr went into the room, his bag over his shoulder. I decided that I would deal with the stupid idiot and his stupid smiles later, and directed my attention back to my ship.
I grabbed the helm, glanced once again at the docks. The yells were getting louder, but I still could not see a single guard.
“Cap ‘an, the anchor is up and the tide is in. We’re ready to sail.” said Eadmaer from the lower deck.
“Pull in the ropes!” I yelled, and braced myself for the ship’s lean as we disconnected from the dock.
“Yes Cap ‘an!” came a chorus of voices as my orders were obeyed.
The Crossroads groaned as we started to drift into the harbour, and I quickly ordered the crew to hoist the sails. As we gained momentum, I could make out the forms of Ocelinian soldiers in the twilight of the rising sun emerging into the docks. “Eadmaer, Cael, you two man the sails. The rest of you, down to the galley to row us out of here!” I screamed, my throat burning slightly in the crisp and salty morning air.
Bit by bit, we started to gain momentum, and the wind started to whip my hair playfully. A laugh escaped my lips as I stared back at the city and could see the royal navy struggling to prepare their own ships.
Houses and fishing boats soared past as we quickly left the harbour, and finally escaped the stench of the city, the blue sea rolling in front of us as far as the eye can see.
“It’s beautiful,” said a voice next to my ear, and I jumped, pressing my dagger against my attacker’s throat, only to find Thróndr ’s green eyes staring at me in surprise as I pinned him against the wall of the ship.
“Lesson number one,” I said, releasing him. “Do not sneak up on me or any of the crew. We do not respond well to surprises.”
He rubbed his throat, wincing slightly. “Noted. Anything else I should know?”
“Keep out of Eadmaer’s room. He’s my first mate, but if you touch anything that belongs to him, he’ll murder you.”
He chuckled, obviously thinking that I was joking.
“I’m absolutely serious,” I said, looking him dead in the eyes. “I’ve instructed him to keep his knives in my quarters, but the man is vicious. He’ll use anything as a weapon.”
An awkward silence hung in the air after the last sentence, and I turned to face out towards the rest of the ship. “Check the sails.” I called, looking at my compass, and slowly turning the ship to the northwest.
“Khrystafor, you show Prince Thróndr to his bunk,” I said, gesturing for Thróndr to grab his sack of things. “He’ll stay in the crew’s quarters until we land in Drudal. I have a favour to cash in.”
~
A few days later, the Drudalian coast rose out of the sea, its mountains peaked with snow and ice. I shivered from the cold as I stood on deck, my skirt and cloak tangling together in the wind.
“We’re nearly there, my lady,” said Thróndr, walking slowly up the steps, a fur cloak around his shoulders.
“You can call me Captain.” I said, my tone matching the weather. “Or Athanasia,” I added, remembering who I was speaking to.
“If I may ask, why are you so averse to being called ‘my lady’?”
I stared at the approaching coastline, refusing to meet his eyes. “I’ve spent my entire life proving that I’m worth respecting. I earned the title of Captain, and I’ll rot in the bottom of the sea before anyone uses otherwise. Except for you,” I turned to face him, and he took a step back in caution. “You’re to be my husband, so you get the privilege of calling me by my name. Athanasia.”
“It’s a beautiful name,” he said, a little smile playing on his lips, behind the small scruff that had started to grow in the last two days.
“It means death.”
“Well then, it fits you.” He said, placing a tentative hand on my shoulder. “It’s both exquisite, and ruthless.”
Suddenly I didn’t feel quite as cold anymore. “Thank you.” I said awkwardly, doing my best to hide the blush covering my face.
Before I could find something to say, I saw a small dock out of the corner of my eye. “Eadmaer, we’re here,” I called, and repositioned my dagger sheath. “It’s time,” I said to Thróndr.
“For what?”
“For our wedding,” I said, and nimbly ran down the steps, using the exercise to disguise my excessively pounding heart.

Part Three

As we docked, I scanned the village, and located the church immediately. Its spire piercing the sky, the little church towered over the sparse houses and buildings. “Come with me,” I said, taking Thróndr by the arm.
The ground reeled beneath my feet, and I clung to Thróndr as if I was drowning. To my immense relief, he seemed unaffected by the change of terrain. “Are we going to the church?” He asked, pulling me up by my elbow.
“Yes,” There was no headspace for pleasantries.
“Alright.”
We walked in silence, and I could feel the eyes of the entire village piercing us with fervent curiosity. Ignoring the church, I pointed to the parish house, where a pale-faced girl watched us from the window. We walked to the front door and I knocked, and we were answered, not by the girl, but by an older man in priestly robes.
“Father Euan,” I put out my hand, keeping him from slamming the door. “I’ve come to redeem what you owe me.”
“I don’t know who you are,” he said shifty, adjusting his spectacles.
“Yes, you do. I tracked down and destroyed the ship that bore the news of your daughter’s existence to the Aloendo. You promised me anything in the world in return for her safety, and now I’ve come for you to fulfil your promise. Today.”
“What do you need?” he asked, straightening his back.
“You need to marry us. As soon as humanly possible.” I tugged Thróndr’s arm, and we started back to the church. “We’ll be waiting.”
Ignoring his spluttering protests, we walked into the church via a small side door.
“What in Reaos’s name is happening?” asked Thróndr as we settled on either side of the altar.
“Don’t swear, we’re in a church,” I admonished him, taking his hand in mine. “Father Euan had a daughter, Raonaild, and the upper church got wind of it. They wrote a letter to the Aloendo, would probably have executed Euan and excommunicated Raonaild, but Euan caught hold of me and I burnt the ship with the letter. It turns out that Raonaild was just a rumour invented by a jealous clergymen a couple villages over.” I shrugged nonchalantly, a glimmer in my eyes. “Nobody knows what happened to the letter.”
He blinked, and then straightened as Father Euan entered the church with a large book in his hand, and began the ceremony.
~
“I don’t understand, you want me to take the bed?” Asked Thróndr, dressed in his nightshirt, a blanket in his hand. “It’s your bed! I’ll be the one to sleep on the floor, you sleep in the bed.”
“Absolutely not. I’m the one who forced you to marry me, the least I can do is ensure that you sleep comfortably.” I took the blanket, and snatched another off of the armchair.
“I wouldn’t be able to sleep, knowing you were on the hard floor,” protested Thróndr, trying to grab it back.
“It’s not uncomfortable at all,” I said, stepping out of his reach.
“How would you know what it feels like?” he asked incredulously.
I looked away, unsure of how to answer.
“By Reaos, you don’t sleep in this bed, do you?” he said quietly.
“It’s too soft.” I said, folding the thicker blanket into a large rectangle for a pillow. “I grew up sleeping in hammocks; I still can’t get used to the feel of a feathers underneath me. I don’t feel safe, surrounded by so much comfort.” I met his eyes and scowled at the look of pity on his face. “Don’t look at me like that, Thróndr. It works out nicely, you get the bed.” Holding up my hand, I guessed his next comment. “And no, I don’t yet feel ready to share. Stay up there, you’ll sleep better anyway.”
~
I sat up, my back aching slightly as I stretched in the morning light. In the bed, Thróndr was snoring softly. Out the window, I could see a slight fog covering the surface of the sea, illuminated by the rising sun. I grabbed my boots, always by my head, and started to the door.
“Where you going?” asked a muffled voice from amidst a sea of blankets and pillows.
“Out,” I said, and grabbed my cloak. “I’m going for a walk,”
“We live on a ship,” he said, sitting up. His blond hair was a mess, sticking up all over his head. “There’s no way that a walk around the entire thing takes up more than ten minutes.”
“I need some fresh air,” I slammed the door. On the deck, I took a moment to revel in the cool morning air. The mist wet my face and damped my hair, turning it an even darker shade of black. For a blissful moment, I was at peace. The ship was mostly empty, a skeleton crew manning the sails, but none of them spoke to me. They all knew better than to get on my bad side, especially in the morning.
After a short trip to the galley, I emerged back onto the deck with some bread and cheese in my hands. I tore the bread with my teeth, savouring the flavour as I walked. I paused, the door to my, no to our quarters catching my eye. I should probably feed him, I thought, sighing.
However, before I could even open the door, Thróndr was standing in the doorway, his hair just as messy as before, but at least he was dressed.
“I brought you some food,” I said, proffering the bread awkwardly.
“Thanks.” As he grabbed the loaf, I felt his fingers brush mine, and I fought the urge to pull away. Apparently, the urge to blush upon physical contact had not dissipated with marriage, but had only grown worse.
Pretending not to notice, Thróndr bit into the rest of the bread, and scanned the sea. “Where are we going now?” he asked, amidst a mouthful of crumbs.
“I thought that crossing the sea would help alienate us from your father, but in order to do that, we need long-term supplies. There’s a rather good market in Aetus, so I thought we’d stop there.”
“Won’t they attack you because you’re, ya ’know, you?” he gestured to my entire figure, and I rolled my eyes.
“If you’re referring to the fact that I’m Captain of The Crossroads, I’ll have you know that we simply cover the name and pray to Reos that nobody recognizes us. Also, a woman covered in scars isn’t that unusual in Chaepstow.”
“I just guessed that a female captain and her pirate ship would be conspicuous in Aetus. Which is known for its sheep. And dairy.” He said flatly.
“Well, you just have to hope she don’t announce ‘erself like she did last time,” cut in Wealdhere, passing by with a skein of rope.
I snatched the cheese away from his drifting fingers. “I had a bit too much to drink,” I told Thróndr, glaring at my crewman. “And I may have shouted that I ran the most successful heist of the century. From the roof of a tavern.”
His eyes widened in concern. “How on earth did you get out alive?”
“Oh, I immediately fell off the roof, landed in a pile of manure, and the crew locked me in my quarters for the next few days. It was past midnight; I doubt if anyone even heard me.”
“Babysitting my wife so she doesn’t get us all killed was not on my plan for today.” He rolled his eyes playfully.
Wife. My ears grew warm, and I supressed a smile. “We need bread, water, and some more ammunition. Wealdhere, you go to the hold an take an account of anything else we need.”
“Yes, Cap’an.” As he scuttled off, I watched as his red tassel of his hat disappeared into the depths of the ship.
“Why did you send him away? I was enjoying his invigorating commentary.” Thróndr smiled at me, eyes twinkling. “I need to know what kind of life I’ve committed to, and what kind of woman.”
“If you’re really that worried about how I’ll behave when we land, I guess I can promise to abstain this trip.” I sighed.
“Thank you. When are we scheduled to land?”
“I have no idea. Cael, how much longer?”
“We should be there by midday, Cap’an,” said Cael from the helm.
I turned to Thróndr and smiled tightly. “There you have it; we land by noon.” As I adjusted my hair, I racked my brain for something else to say. “Do you leave anything in Ocelin that we could replace in Chaepstow?”
“Not really, no. Nothing replaceable.”
“Oh.” I paused, unsure of what to say next.
As his eyes fell on mine, I resisted the overwhelming urge to follow Wealdhere into the hold.
“Well, I suppose I would enjoy some more plants,” he said slowly.
“Plants?”
“You see, plants are these living, green things that can grow into beautiful works of natural art-” he started to explain, grinning.
“I know what plants are.” I cut him off. “But why do you want them?”
“My favourite part of my day was spent in the place garden. I rarely was allowed to help the gardeners, but I still loved watching their progress.”
“Why couldn’t you work with them?” I asked, laughing at the prospect.
“I’m a prince, remember? And a prince can’t assist the servants, it’s ‘below his station.’” He spat the last words bitterly.
“I see. I’m sorry you felt so restricted,” I said, meeting his eyes again. “I didn’t realize that life in a palace could be so suffocating.”
“It wasn’t suffocating, per se, but I am relieved to get out of there.” Resentment boiled up in his eyes, and I tried not to take it personally.
“I think that we could store some pots in the crow’s nest,” I said, “And if we purchase seed in the market, you could grow your very own sky-garden.”
“They’ll get plenty of sun up there,” agreed Thróndr, perking up slightly.
“And, you’ll get to pick the kinds of seeds that you want to plant.” I continued, enjoying the look of excitement on his face.
“Do you have a favourite? Maybe we could grow something together.”
“I don’t really know,” I gestured for him to follow me as I walked to, and lent, on the railing. “I grew up on a ship, I don’t have much experience with flowers an’ stuff like that.”
“Well, I’ll have to show you my favourites, then.” He took my hand, and we stared out at the distant (but ever nearer) land.
~
“We’re here,” said Thróndr, looking out our window to at the dock.
“I gathered,” I said as I buckled my pistol to my left hip, and slung a money bag on the other. After sheathing a knife in my boot, I stood up and grabbed my cloak from the bedpost. “I’m ready to go.”
“Is it really necessary to bring so many weapons?” he asked, a slightly concerned look on his face. “I think you’d be fine with just the gun.”
“Think of it this way. I am wanted by nearly every governmental system in the world, and am travelling with royalty. It would be foolish of me to come unprepared.”
“Fair enough.”
As we walked out, the stench of the town hit me like a tidal wave. “I really hate the smell of land.” I muttered, and steeled myself for the walk on the ground.
“It’s not that bad.” Thróndr took my arm, and we clung to each other as we walked down the gangplank.
“So, we need to meet the potter, and then see if a farmer can sell us seeds.”
“Yep.”
We walked in silence as we approached the market, and I grinned in relief at the sounds of bustling commerce. “At least it’s open, some days they’re closed altogether.”
“Our luck perseveres,” said Thróndr dramatically, gripping my arm as I tried not to trip.
“I see the potter,” I said, pointing to the left at a building, where a man sat outside, shaping clay on a wheel.
“Perfect.”
As we approached the potter, I could see shelves behind him lined with cups, bowls, plates, and even a large cauldron-esque cooking pot. “Hello sir,” I said, letting go of Thróndr’s arm and bowing slightly. “Do you have any pots that we could purchase?”
The potter blinked slightly at the abrupt question. “Why kind of pots do you need?”
I looked at Thróndr. “This is your area of expertise. I’m just the moneybag.”
“You’re more than just the moneybag,” he said, and I supressed a smile. “You’re my bodyguard as well.”
“We were talking about the pots.” I reminded him, rolling my eyes.
“Right. I’m hoping to start a small garden on my ship, and I need some way to grow various plants.”
“I see,” said the potter, “I have a variety gardening pots in the back, if you want to look.”
“Thank you,” Thróndr and I staggered to the back of the shop, clinging to each other once more. “What size do you want?” I asked him, looking at the range of creations.
“These look perfect.” He said, picking up a small brown pot, and examining it.
“There are more over here,” I said, pointing to a stack of similar looking containers.
“Let’s get five. If we want, maybe we can come back in a year or so to get more.”
“I guess.” I turned to the potter, and pulled out my pouch of coins. “We’ll take five.”
“I gathered as much. They’ll be eight coaling and three critso in total.”
I whistled. “That’s over a week’s wages.”
“It took me a week to make them,” he retorted hotly.
“Five flower pots. It took you a week to make five rather small flower pots.” I said, incredulity dripping with every word.
“Athanasia, just give him the money,” whispered Thróndr, his face flushed with embarrassment.
“Fine. But he’s robbing us, I’ll have you know.” I said, and pulled out the required coins from my bag.
“Thank you.” The potter took them in his clay-covered hands, and nodded us on our way.
Our arms full with new pots, I scanned the stalls of the market, and sighed in relief as I spotted Khrystafor, who was standing amongst the stalls, looking at a bunch of carrots.
I whistled, and he immediately turned around. “Come here,” I called, and slowly walked over. Before he even had a chance to speak, I shoved the three pots that I was carrying into his arms. “Take these back to the ship, and come grab the other ones once you get back.”
“Yes Cap’an.” He nodded and started off towards the ship.
“Let’s go grab your seeds.” I said, walking on, leaving Thróndr to carry the remaining pottery.
I looked around the stalls, and grinned when I instantly saw a farmer, his bunches of vegetables lining the table.
“My husband is planning to start a garden; do you have any seeds that I could purchase?” I said, and then looked behind, only to discover that Thróndr had disappeared. Oh no. I immediately ran back to the spot where Khrystafor had taken the pot, but Thróndr was nowhere to be found.
My heart pounded in my chest as I scanned the stalls, but to no avail. I ran across the market, my cloak tangling in my boots as I tore through the crowd. Suddenly, I saw him.
Thróndr stood alone, the pots at his feet. In his hands was a sword, but not just any sword, a cutlass. The blade curved in a silver streak, and I couldn’t help but admire the gold hilt, encrusted with what looked like gems.
“Thróndr,” I said, panting slightly as I ran to him. “What are you doing over here? I thought you were lost, that was terrifying.”
“I didn’t realise that my absence would be so troubling,” he said with a grin. “My family had an ancient tradition of gifting swords as part of the wedding ceremony. The tradition died out, but I’ve always wanted to revive it. Besides, you seem like the kind of woman who would enjoy getting a sword as a wedding gift.”
“I do love a good weapon,” I admitted, and then tried to save face. “However, I was more worried that you’d run to the authorities, or the church.”
“Oh, so there was no emotional distress involved?” he asked, raising an eyebrow playfully.
“None whatsoever.” I swallowed nervously, hoping he’d buy it.
“I see.”
“Wait, if you are getting me a sword, then what kind of sword do you want?” I asked, looking at the variety of weapons on the wall of the armoury.
“Oh, I don’t need one.” He said quickly.
“It’s a sword exchange.” I pointed out. “You purchase one for me, and I’ll get one for you.”
“I really don’t need a sword.” He repeated insistently. “I don’t want to be an inconvenience.”
“You won’t be an inconvenience. What kind of sword do you want?”
“What kind do you recommend?” He asked nervously.
“Well, what kind are you best at?” I asked, slightly perplexed at his lack of ideas.
“I don’t have a lot of experience with, er, combat.”
“You’re a prince. How do you not have combat training?” I asked incredulously.
“Well, my father never prioritized it, and I was supposed to spend my life within the palace walls, where nothing dangerous can ever infiltrate.” He said dryly.
“Well, do you still want a sword? I can train you if you want me to.” I offered, smiling as encouragingly as I could
“I promise you, I’m content with our former plan. Now, tell me, what do you think of this one?” He held up the cutlass.
“It’s beautiful,” I said, softly touching the gemstones imbedded in the hilt.
“We’ll take it,” Thróndr told the armourer, and then paused. “Uh, I realize that this is my gift to you, but can I have the money bag?”
“I suppose I can retire to just bodyguard duties for a while.” I said, handing him the pouch.
He snorted, and then shooed me away. “Give me a moment with the armourer.”
“Alright, alright,” I said, backing away. I picked up the pots, and headed over to a stall, where yet another farmer was selling his wares. “Hello, my husband is hoping to start a garden on our ship. Do you have any seeds that he could use?”
“What kind of a garden?” asked the farmer, eyeing me with confusion.
“I have no idea. He’s making a purchase, let’s wait until he gets back.” I said, sighing slightly.
Within minutes, Thróndr emerged from the armour, my sheathed sword in his hands. “Here you are,” he said, handing it to me dramatically.
“Thank you,” I handed him the pots, and then strapped the sword to my waist. The farmer’s eyes widened as he spotted my revolver, which was previously hidden underneath my cloak.
“Now ma’am, sir.” He stuttered nervously. “I don’t want to cause no trouble. You go ahead and take what ever you need.”
I shrugged. “Thróndr, dear, what kind of plants were you intending to grow again?”
“Well, I thought that some lettuce, beets, and kale would be nice, and then some flowers as well.”
“Are you trying to kill me?” I asked. “Beets?”
“I like beets.” He said defensively. “Especially when stewed with onions, they’re quite tasty.”
“We don’t have onions. We’d have to eat them boiled.” I told him, shuddering slightly at the prospect.
“Scratch that,” he said sadly to the farmer. “We’ll take potatoes, beans, and asparagus. It tasted good boiled.” He told me, seeing the look on my face.
“I don’t have no asparagus, but I do have the others,” the farmer said, eying my hip. He placed several bags onto the table. “’Ere you go, gentlemen and gentlelady.”
“How much do we owe you?” asked Thróndr.
“Oh, don’ worry about that,” chuckled the farmer nervously. “It’s on the house.”
“Excellent,” I said, and grabbed the bags. “Come on, let’s find the rest of the group, and get a hot meal at the pub.”
“One second,” said Thróndr, and he hurried to catch up. “I think that my legs have adapted to the land already,” he said brightly, taking a few of the sacks.
“Well, mine haven’t.” my knees wobbled dangerously as I scanned the market for a member of the crew. “Ah, there’s Khrystafor.” I whistled once again, and this time, several people came to my ‘rescue’.
“You two, take these things to the ship.” I said, handing them the sacks, and gesturing for Thróndr to do the same. “Eadmaer, have we restocked?”
“Yes, we have, Cap’an. I even purchased an extra barrel of water for Master Thróndr’s garden.”
“excellent. We’re getting food at the pub, tell the crew to meet us there.”
“Yes, Cap’an.”
I took Thróndr’s arm once again as we walked to The Hidden Tortoise, taking care not to trip on the cobblestones.
~
“Cap’an, Cap’an!” the voice of Eadmaer woke me out of a dream, and I sat up groggily, the pile of blankets falling off of me.
“What’s happening?” I said, blinking in exhaustion.
“A ship’s approaching, and it looks like they’ve got the cannons ready,” panted Eadmaer, who clearly had run across the ship to bring me the news.
A loud boom sounded out, causing the ship to roll to portside, and Thróndr shot up in the bed.
I swore as I grabbed the pair of boots that I had left besides my head the night before. “Stay in here,” I told Thróndr, stapping my sword around my waist and grabbing my revolver on the way out. Ignoring his protests, I shut the door, running out as another deafening boom shook the ship. To the West, a ship with its sails lit up with lanterns floated roughly a thousand feet away. By the dim light of one of the opposing crews’ torches, I watched as they reloaded the cannon, aiming it directly at us.
“All hands on deck!” I screamed over the pounding footsteps of the crew. “Load the cannons,” I called, and opened my door once more. “Don’t leave,” I reminded Thróndr as I snatched my musket and ammunition bag off of the wall. Slinging them across my back, I left the room at a run.
As I dashed to the mast, I continued giving orders to the men. “Aim for the mainstay or the side, don’t waste your time on the crew. I’ll take care of them.” I took a deep breath as I climbed up and into the crow’s nest. “You know what to do, Eadmaer”
Compared to the chaos down below, it was downright peaceful up there. I sidestepped Thróndr’s pots and swung around the mast to face the ship, and knelt down behind the railing as I loaded my musket.
Taking great care, I aimed at the crewman in the other ship who was heaving a cannonball into the cannon. Bang. One down.
Yells erupted as the crewman crumpled down onto the deck, and I smiled. Don’t attack Athanasia without expecting retribution. I thought, as I reloaded and aimed again, this time for the man who seemed to be giving orders. Bang. He joined his friend on the floor.
“Fire,” yelled Eadmaer, and The Crossroads shook as a cannonball flew through the night, and very satisfying crunch told us that we made contact.
I stood up straight, leaning over the railing and screaming with all my might. “We invade!”
The Crossroads leaned to portside as we turned to face our attackers, and I reloaded my musket one last time. I searched the opposing crew for a good shot, but before I could even choose my next victim, a bullet shot past me, grazing my cheek. A sharp pain hit my face, and I could feel the blood slowly trickling down my face. Focusing through the pain, I spotted my assailant, who was sitting on the upper decks, accompanied by a lantern and a smirk on his face. In a flash, I had my gun up and pointed straight at him. I grinned as the lantern light illuminated his death, watching in satisfaction as he collapsed, bleeding, on to the wooden planks. By now, The Crossroads was nearly parallel to the other ship, and I scampered down from the crow’s nest, shivering slightly in the cold night air.
“Board the ship!” I yelled, as I climbed downward. “Take all treasure, but burn the rest.”
“Athanasia,” A voice called as I jumped the last few rungs, and I whipped around to find Thróndr standing in an old coat of mine that was too small for him, a knife in his hand. “Why on earth did you go up there, you could have been killed.” He gasped as he saw the cut on my face. “On Reos’s name, you’re bleeding! Come inside the cabin, I can help.”
“Thróndr, no,” I pulled my arm out of his grasp. “It’s only a scratch, and I need to take care of this ship, find out why they attacked us. Here,” I handed him my musket and the bag of bullets and powder. “Take these, and stay in the room until this all blows over, understand?”
“You want me to leave?” he asked incredulously. “All that talk of comradery and doing life together just goes into the ocean the moment you decided that you’re sick of me?”
I paused, panting slightly from coming down the ladder too quickly. “What? I’m not sick of you, Thróndr. I just want you out of harm’s way, that’s all.”
“Do you think I’m a child who cannot fend for himself? Do you look at me and see a helpless, worthless man?” he demanded, a look of despair on his face.
“I have two things to say to that. One, you’re not worthless. Quite the contrary, actually.” My heart beat even faster as I said those words. “Two, you let a known pirate into your room, and helped me get in. You’re good, and kind, and innocent, and I would rather die than let something dreadful happen to you.”
“Why do you care? Because I’m your prize, your money source, the get-out-of-prison-free letter. Why. Do. You. Care?” He shouted, looking up as if the sky could give him the answers he so desperately seemed to need.
“Because I love you, you idiot!” I screamed, the tidal wave breaking loose.
Thróndr froze, and looked straight in my eyes. “I beg your pardon? You, you love me?”
“Yes. I do,” I said, my heart pounding so hard that I thought it would burst out of my chest. “I really do Thróndr. I-” before I could finish, his lips were on mine and mine were on his. For a moment, it was just us, no battle, no crew, not even the sound of the sea could infiltrate our sanctuary. I pulled away, trembling slightly. “If something ever happened to you, if you were taken away from me, I don’t know if I could survive.”
“Cap’an!” called Eadmaer, who had a triumphant look on his face. “We plundered the ship, and it was The Haunting Shade.”
“The who now?” asked Thróndr, flatly.
“The Haunting Shade had been tracking our every move for years. They’ve tried take our leftovers, the bits and bobs we never want.” I turned to Eadmaer. “Give every man a choice. They can swear fealty to me, or burn. They have fifteen minutes to make a decision.”
Noting the shocked look on Thróndr’s face, I grinned. “I’m giving them a choice. That’s more generous than I normally am.” Taking his hand, I picked up the bag of bullets with the other. “Now, we have business to attend to.”
~
The next morning, Thróndr and I lounged upon the upper deck, apples and rum in hand. “I’m never going to get used to the fare that you call breakfast,” said Thróndr, taking a bite of his apple.
“It’s not exactly food for royalty, but it keeps well,” I said, leaning into his shoulder.
“Ship ahoy!” Called Cael from the crow’s nest.
I sighed, starting to stand up, but Thróndr pulled me back down. “Don’t worry, I’m sure that they aren’t coming for us.”
“It has a white flag above a,” Cael squinted through the spyglass. “The Ocelinian flag,” he called, and my stomach dropped
“Oh no,” I groaned and stood up. “Have your weapons at the ready, but don’t make them visible,” I hollered down to the crew.
I turned to Thróndr, who seemed frozen in shock. “Let’s go get ready.”
When we emerged in our finery, I felt ready to meet whoever was on the ship. A knife was safely stored in my corset, and a loaded pistol in my skirt. If they tried anything, I would be prepared to face anything. As the ship approached, I could see no signs of nobility on the ship, it looked like its only purpose was to be fast. Soon, it was parallel with us, and a small trim man crossed the gangplank. He bowed at the sight of Thróndr and myself, and handed Thróndr a letter. I stepped back as Thróndr read, studying the look on his face.
“What is it?” I asked, as he folded the letter, taking my arm and heading to our chambers.
“It’s from my mother,” he said slowly, closing the door behind him. “She begged my father as soon as she found out what happened, threatening to destroy the farmland if I did not return. He now pleads that I come home, for half a year. Alone.”
My stomach dropped at his words, but I mustered a brave face. “Well, six months is a somewhat short time. We can do that.”
“It’s six months a year. They want me home for summer, he doesn’t care where I am in the winter.”
“I see. If you don’t go, what will happen?” I asked, my heart pounding.
Thróndr took a deep breath. “He’ll disown me, and send out a call for a traitor. We can’t run from him, Athanasia. I have to go back.”
“No, you don’t,” I said wildly. “We can flee, we can go anywhere. Just don’t leave.”
“If I don’t go, he’ll kill you. I know my father, and he is ruthless.”
Tears filled my eyes as I looked at my husband, who stood there firmly. In my heart, I knew he had made his decision, and nothing I could do would change his mind.
“Hey,” he said comfortingly, placing a slightly calloused hand on my cheek. “All they want from me right now is a confirmation that I agree go back. He’s not here to force me to return.” He jerked his head at the ship. “We have months before I have to be in the palace, and we can travel anywhere, do anything, as long as we’re back by the Day of Blossoms.” His hand brushed my cheek, tracing my scar gently. “And this way, I can visit the south in winter, like we talked about, where the seasons are opposite to us.”
I smiled softly. “At least they aren’t taking you forever.”
“No. Not forever.” He said softly, pulling me in for a kiss. “I’m coming home to you. I promise.”

THE END