Fireseek 23

NOTE: This was an open conversation upon the Javan Queen.

The Javan Queen finally arrives at the docks of Westkeep in the mid-afternoon. They could smell Westkeep long before seeing the levee-docks of the warehouse district. The next thing after the god-awful smell was the raucous cacophony of noise – at first a murmur at the edge of hearing then building to a loud buzzing like being inside a mill. Turning the final bend of the meandering river the levee-docks of the warehouse district came into view.

A dozen small riverboats are docked and in various stages of loading and unloading. Stevedores swarm everywhere, carrying cargo up and down the ramps leading from the levee-docks down to the warehouse lined thoroughfare called the Riverway or else loading or unloading larger crates onto large wooden cranes. Shouting and whip cracking rises above the noise as masters and supervisors drive the predominantly Olman workers to new levels of toil to speed up the work. Here and there atop the levee-docks can be seen groups of Cuthbertian militia wearing crumpled hats and white tabards emblazoned with the ruby starburst of St. Cuthbert. In their belts or held menacingly at their sides are the clubs they use to preserve order. They seem to be watching over everyone and checking all the incoming cargo.

The Javan Queen is poled alongside the central wharf extending out from the levee-docks. Two of the crew jumps ashore and begin securing the bow and stern lines. A Cuthbertian patrol hails Captain Olman and they begin walking down the wharf.

Uglash says to Varkgrub and Drago, “You two had better stay below for now until Captain Olman and Sir Ragnbjorn have talked to the dock inspectors.”

“Varkgrub, this isn’t quite the city we left. It might be better if you did stay below for now.” Father Wat grimaces at the Cuthbertian patrol and says to Varkgrub, “It is not entirely clear I can get us both safely to my brethren just this second. But soon…”

Drago is torn. His senses are assaulted by his first glimmers of Westkeep. He looks from Newt to Uglash to Wat, finally grunts his agreement and silently follows Varkgrub below deck, but looking over his shoulder at Newt.

“What?” Newt says, realizing what that look may mean. “I’ll be okay. And besides, I told you, you’re not bound to me.”

Group chatter and warnings from Indranil follow, finishing with, “Rain, Adelina must never leave your sight and she is not to leave the palace under any circumstances without permission from the Prince, Sir Ragnbjorn, Sir Fingol, Sir Lorindel or myself. He looks directly at Rain and asks, “Is that clear? It is a shame Drago cannot join us, his added protection would be valuable.”

At that moment, Drago comes up into the deckhouse and from inside he calls to the others in Draconic, “I don’t want to be left behind where I cannot protect Newt. I have found camouflage.” With that, he pulls the hood over his snout, tucks in his tail and steps onto the deck, covered from head to feet in a long cape. “I hope you don’t mind if I borrow this, Uglash,” he adds in Common to the tall half-orc.

Uglash, who has come back aboard with Captain Olnut after speaking with the Cuthbertians, snorts and says, “Be my guest.”

Captain Olnut says to Ragnbjorn, Indranil, Fingol, and the others, “You’re all cleared. They understand that you are the King’s Rangers coming back from a mission for the Prince.”

Indranil looks at Rangbjorn and nods his acceptance of Drago joining them. After all the Malarat are now allies and he likes the idea of Newt having a second body guard.

Newt just sighs again, but much more quietly this time. Her face shows classic teen ‘But I’m an adult! I can take care of myself’ emotions. But she doesn’t make a fuss. Besides, the big city has too much to see for her to be troubled with trifles like bodyguards.

Ragnbjorn smiles and rubs his jaw thoughtfully, “I suppose that will do. Okay then Drago, you help Rain guard Newt. I am sure that the Prince will also be happy to meet one of Chief Rahk’s fine warriors.”

“Thank you, Sir Ragnbjorn, best friend of the Malarat,” hisses Drago in Draconic.