Chapter 17: The Meddlesome Pirates - How the Stars Fall

With a throbbing head and a funny taste in her mouth, Nova slowly peeked one eye open to survey her surroundings. Dull blue skies, fluffy white clouds that were dusted with pinks and oranges from the sunset painted the scene before her.

Last she remembered, she was in a cave, tucked up against Ryker’s side. And just before that, the unexplainable feeling he’d given her with his hands before laying her down on the bed and joining her, sleep enveloping them both. She’d never wanted to move from that spot, instead hoping to repeat their desirable actions over and over again.

Ryker had kissed her with such urgency, like he wanted to devour every touch they shared. She could still feel him on her lips—a phantom kiss.

Nova wanted . . . no, needed more of him.

But now, however, she was flat on her back, her head resting on something somewhat soft and the world was too bright for her headache, so she closed her eyes against the morning.

There was a rocking, swaying sensation, as voices she didn’t recognise floated through air that smelt like fish and salt. She tried to recall what happened.

A figure, tall and cloaked in dark leather, flashed across her mind. “Careful, we don’t want her waking up just yet.”

“Just grab her and run.”

Rough hands had jolted her awake, dragging her from the cave and smothering her cries for help. That’s when she blacked out.

Nova winced, cradling her head as she sat up.

“Captain! She’s awake . . .” a deep voice called out.

Many sets of eyes peered at her from a small crowd, and Nova was very aware that everyone was staring at her.

“Hello . . .”

“Ahh, she awakens then! Sorry about the headache. Didn’t want to scare you too much, so we knocked you out with a little dreamroot.”

A copper-haired woman stepped between the crowd of people standing in front of Nova. She was wearing black trousers with matching, glossy boots that came up to her knees. A billowing white blouse peeked from beneath a dark-blue jacket lined with gold buttons. Diagonally across her chest was a wide brown leather strap that held a few small daggers. Tiny brown freckles peppered the woman’s face, and her eyes resembled the colour of the ocean.

“You alright, missy?” the copper-haired woman asked.

Nova scrunched her brow. “Well, no. My head hurts. I’d like to know where you’re taking me. And who you are?”

The woman took a bow as she took her black hat from her head. “The name is Captain Sable Bloodfin, pirate of the Veridian seas.”

As Sable bowed, Nova took a moment to scan the crowd. Females and males of all shapes and sizes grinned at her and she smiled back nervously. How did she come aboard with this crew of misfits? And where was Ryker?

“Are you going to hurt me, sell me, or turn me over to the king for a large sum of money?” Nova sighed.

Sable straightened and placed her arms behind her back. “I figured you were valuable if the Hound had you. For now, I’ll say none of the above. I only intend to get his attention. Though money is always handy.”

“Hound? . . . Do you mean Ryker?”

Sable shrugged. “Well, that’s his given name, yes. Most of us know him as Hound.”

“What could you possibly need Ryker for?”

Sable shifted nervously, grinning at her crew, who gave a few obligatory chuckles. “He owes me a favour.”

This must be the pirates that Ryker had been so worried about. “Meddlesome bunch”—his words.

“What could he possibly owe a pirate?”

Sable offered her a lopsided grin. “Safe passage to Corsair, of course.”

Nova lifted her chin, trying to look as unbothered as possible. “And what if he doesn’t come?”

Sable’s eyes darted to those that stood behind Nova. Her hands twitched as if they wanted to grip the hilt of a blade. “He will come. If he knows what’s good for him.” She flashed another grin that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “This ain’t something he can walk away from.”

Nova folded her arms over her chest. “So why steal me? Why not just ask him?”

Sable shrugged. “The man is hard to pin down.”

Nova eyed Sable. “He will come looking for you.”

The copper haired captain grinned. “That’s what I’m hoping for.”

Was it true, though? Would he come for her again? . . . a second time? Of course he would. He’d made a promise. They’d been intimate . . . he’d kissed her until there was nothing but all of his essence consuming her. He would come—and Sable would be sorry.

“I demand you take me back to the shore,” Nova huffed.

“Sorry, love, can’t do that.”

Nova took a step towards the side of the ship. “I’ll jump overboard and swim back then.”

There was no way she was actually going to do it. She didn’t even know how to swim—but Sable didn’t know that.

The captain took a small step too, matching Nova’s. “I wouldn’t recommend that.”

“Why not?”

Sable looked towards the skies. “It’s nearly night.”

Nova eyed the captain warily. “What has that got to do with anything?”

“Well, the leviathan is nocturnal,” Sable added. “And nobody wants to run into one of those under the cover of darkness.”

Nova flicked her gaze out to sea before returning it to the captain. “What’s a leviathan?”

Most of the crew had returned to their work on the deck as Nova and the captain braced themselves against the edge of the ship. Salty sea water hit the sides, spraying into the air as they sailed along.

“A leviathan is a monstrous sea serpent, larger than any ship, with scales as tough as the strongest armour,” Sable began, her voice lowering to a hushed tone as if the very mention of the beast might summon it. “It dwells in the deepest parts of the ocean, where the water is at its darkest.”

Was the woman telling the truth? Was there a creature so great and dangerous that roamed the seas looking for its next meal?

Nova leaned forward, peering into the ocean. “Has anyone ever seen it?”

Captain Sable nodded slowly. “Few have seen the leviathan and lived to tell the tale. Those who have, speak of a creature with eyes like yellow suns and a maw that could swallow a ship whole. They say its roar can be heard for miles; a sound that makes even the bravest sailor’s blood run cold.”

“And you—you’ve seen it?”

“I’ve heard it cry on dark nights on the sea. Though I try my best never to travel under the moon,” Sable murmured. “Too risky.”

Nova shuddered and hoped that Ryker knew about the leviathan. She didn’t want to lose him to the likes of that creature. She allowed her mind to ponder him for a moment. He would have undoubtedly presumed the worst once he found her missing.

This would not end well.

“So, we’re all good then? You’re not going to demand I take you back right now or . . .?” Sable eyed her warily.

Nova shrugged. “I guess I have no choice in the matter.”

A few eyes still watched the Captain.

“Wonderful!” she retorted. “For now, it’s all hands-on deck to get this ship home. Get to it!”

The crew scurried about, and Nova found herself fascinated at all the different parts of the ship, and how each person took their position with a smile plastered on their face.

“Land ho!” someone called from the crow’s nest above.

Nova sighed, turning to rest her arms against the wooden edge of the ship and stared out at the sea. The ocean mist slapped her in the face and she inhaled the salty scent. At least she got to experience the sea before returning home, even if it wasn’t in the best of terms.

The sun was descending as the ship pulled into port on a large island. It stretched to the north and south as far as Nova could see. The crew placed a plank down and everyone disembarked. Hesitating for a moment, Nova glanced back in the direction they’d come.

“If you’ll follow me this way, my dear.” Sable gestured towards land.

Nova hesitated. “Are you going to tie me up?”

Sable cocked her head to the side. “Not unless you plan on running?”

She’d like to. But Nova knew with the amount of water surrounding her, she wouldn’t get too far. “No.”

“No need for ropes then.” Sable smirked. “We will feast and be jolly until the Hound arrives.”

Gulls screeched in the air above them as the sunset across the horizon, spreading a vibrant orange glow across everyone and everything like a blanket.

As the pirate captain led her down the wooden plank, Nova’s mind raced, but outwardly she forced herself to remain calm. Every step felt heavier with the weight of waiting for Ryker. She knew he would come for her, he always did.

Nova stepped onto the weathered cobblestone streets of the vibrant pirate village, and a riot of colours assaulted her senses. Pirate crews, each with their own style and garb, roamed the bustling market, exchanging tales of the high seas over tankards of grog in shanty-style taverns.

A woman with pea green skin brushed past her and threw Nova a wink. While a tall and elegant looking male with pointy ears and long golden hair that reached past his waist threaded his arm through the crook of the woman’s elbow before whisking her away.

To her right, an old man hobbled along on wooden crutches, a black patch covering one eye and a few teeth missing from his grin. His ragged clothes fluttered in the breeze as he shuffled forward. The street was alive with colour and movement, an array of citizens that was a feast for the eyes.

The air was thick with the aroma of exotic spices, tropical fruits, and the unmistakable scent of the sea. Docked along the shore were ships with names like “Black Kraken” and “Crimson Tempest,” their tattered sails casting shadows on the bustling scene. None were equal to the size of the ship she arrived on, though. That one was much bigger. The rhythmic sounds of shipwrights at work filled the air, and they repaired and enhanced vessels with, as far as she could tell, skill and ingenuity.

Nova was lost for words. She’d been in quite a few villages on this journey, but nothing prepared her for a pirate one.

Sable navigated through the bustling streets and Nova noticed the wide berth some of the folk offered her as she stalked through the crowd.

It was obvious that she was respected quite highly.

Nova’s hands fidgeted in her dress pockets as they strode along. A part of her felt empty without Ryker by her side. She’d become so accustomed to his warmth. His presence gave her a sense of safety.

In a cluster of tattoo parlours, artists crafted intricate maritime-themed tattoos, and their customers proudly displayed their sea-inspired ink as badges of honour. Large flags adorned the establishments, showing the allegiance of the crews within.

Nearby, an oddly shaped fountain served as a central gathering point, surrounded by locals and pirates using it for various purposes. The figure had the top half of a human, but the bottom half sported a tail—like a fish. Nova tilted her head to the side, unsure what to label the figure.

Sable must have caught her staring at it. “It’s a siren,” she stated.

Nova ran her eyes over the figure again. She’d quite like to meet a siren. “Do they live in the water like fish do?”

Sable slowed her pace as they walked by the fountain. “They are shifters. They can live on land and water. I assume you’ve never encountered one?”

Nova shook her head. “No, but I’d like to.”

“I’m sure some of them walk amongst us now.” Sable gestured towards the crowds. “They rarely like to make themselves known, though. Quiet sort of creatures.”

They continued their journey, and Nova eyed the citizens carefully in hopes of spotting a siren. Though she wouldn’t know if she had any luck.

The aroma of grilled fish and seafood filled the air as vendors in the market prepared freshly caught treasures. Nova’s stomach growled. This morning she’d missed breakfast, and the dreamroot had knocked her out well past lunchtime. Colourful boats, floating market stalls, bobbed in the harbour, selling trinkets, jewellery, and magical artefacts. Street performers captivated the crowds with acrobatics, fire-breathing, and musical performances, Earth trying to outdo the other and adding to the lively atmosphere.

Shouts erupted suddenly from the nearby tavern, and within seconds, the doors burst open as two men came tumbling out, fists flying. Their wild grins were laced with drunken rage, their movements erratic but fierce. One swung a bottle, shattering it against the other’s head, sending glass flying across the dusty street.

The scene devolved quickly. More pirates joined the fray, turning the street into a chaotic whirlwind of fists and curses. Nova tensed, instinctively stepping closer to Sable.

She closed her eyes for a moment and pretended she was still in the cave, curled up to Ryker’s side and not on an island filled with pirates far from his embrace.

“Get out of here, the lot of ya!” Sable cried out.

Nova flinched at the sound of the captain’s voice. She certainly was loud.

Sable grunted and motioned to Nova. “Come on, let’s be done with these nitwits.”

The captain sauntered off towards a large tent that stood erect in the distance. Nova was hopeful that it would provide some peace and quiet—not to mention some food, too. She hoped to find some sort of solace while she patiently waited for the Hound to find her.

* * *

Under the sprawling canvas of a giant tent, the air buzzed with the clamour of merrymaking. Long wooden tables groaned under the weight of full tankards, overflowing platters of exotic seafood, and fruits plundered from distant lands. The tang of saltwater mixed with the savoury aroma of grilled fish and spiced meats, creating an intoxicating atmosphere. There was movement and sound everywhere Nova looked.

Clearly, there’d be no peace and quiet, but she did find food. Pirates sure knew how to make a tasty meal.

* * *

Dinner had been more than enough. Nova’s tastebuds were almost yelling at her to stop. There were so many delights to choose from. It didn’t take long for Nova to feel full to the brim.

She sat next to Captain Sable, the formidable figure with a tricorn hat and a cascade of copper curls, who presided over the festivities of a makeshift throne. They made eye contact and Sable grinned, revealing a flash of gold in her teeth, as a raucous sea shanty filled the air. Pirates and sailors alike pounded their tankards on the tables, caught in the infectious rhythm.

In a corner, a makeshift stage housed a lively band of musicians. Fiddles, accordions, and drums blended in a cacophony of joyous melodies that beckoned even the most stoic of pirates to tap their feet.

Nova couldn’t help but grin at the sight before her. She’d wanted to dislike Sable for kidnapping her, but as the night wore on and the crowd got livelier, she was finding it very hard not to like this place.

As the music reached a peak, Sable rose from her throne of driftwood, coral, and seashells, gesturing for Nova to join her in the midst of the celebration. The captain’s eyes twinkled with mischief as she led Nova to the centre of the tent.

“Ye’ can’t be a true pirate until ye’ve danced the Buccaneer’s Waltz,” Sable declared, her voice carrying over the music.

With a dramatic sweep, she launched into a joyful dance, her boots stomping in time with the lively tune. The creatures with green tinted skin cheered and clapped. A few elves with their pointy ears played on some instruments made of wood—that Nova couldn’t name—creating a rhythmic backdrop.

A grin crept its way across Nova’s face as she became caught in the contagious energy of the moment. She hesitated for a heartbeat before giving in to the call of the dance. With a light shrug of surrender, she matched Captain Sable’s steps, mirroring the intricate footwork and twirls of the Buccaneer’s Waltz. The tent seemed to blur around her as she whirled; the music carrying her away to a world of revelry and freedom.

The crew erupted into cheers as Nova and Captain Sable spun and dipped, their laughter merging with the lively song. As the music gradually slowed, the two women brought the dance to a triumphant close, bowing to the appreciative audience. Nova, breathless but exhilarated, grinned broadly at the captain.

Both women retreated to their seats and flopped down, chests rising and falling with heavy breathing.

“I have never seen a dance like that before.” Nova spoke through short breaths.

Sable grinned. “If I’m not sailing the seas, I’m dancing. One can’t go through life without it.”

Nova returned the captain’s smile. She was quickly becoming aware that she could quite happily live here on Earth amongst its array of people. There was so much diversity and culture yet for her to explore. Surely not everyone was like Branoc?

Her thoughts drifted to the Hound. He had claimed he didn’t dance, but perhaps the lively tune filling the room could change his mind. Maybe, with a little convincing, she could get him to lower his guard and actually enjoy himself for once.

Though she had to admit that despite the colourful chaos of the crowd she dwelt in, she found herself missing the quiet that followed Ryker wherever he went. Like a loyal dog to its master. With Ryker, she knew what to expect. There were no sudden moves or loud outbursts. And certainly, no erratic behaviour like some of the pirates here displayed. She enjoyed dancing and music, but couldn’t deny that he was peace. He was safety.

And right now, Nova wished he were here.