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Legend of the Maņana, Chapter 11 |
| Written by Jonathan | |
| Sunday, 06 July 2008 | |
It had been a couple days in the Mediterranean before the Mañana beheld Rome in the distance. Scarlet was excited, finally a chance for her to advance her career. "Oi! Come on you dogs full sails! Let's be in Rome ‘for that sun sets!" Scarlet cried. "They're as full as I their goona get cap `in," Jane shouted back from the rigging. Scarlet smiled struggling to contain her cheery mood. Ayafre had a big steaming pot in front of her and she happily distributed bowls to Yasac and Revloc. "What's on the menu there McLonghair?" Sally asked from beside Scarlet at the helm. "Tater soup!" Ayafre shouted back. "It could use some more flavor though," Yasac remarked. "Shut it Yasac! I'll find some spices in Rome if we can afford it," Ayafre hinted to Scarlet. "Go right ahead dearly, we'll be eatin out of gold bowls once we get this deal goin," Scarlet responded. "We better," Chives grumbled loudly from the stairs next to the helm. "Of course we will! We've done quite well on our own. Imagine having a full crew! A whole bunch o blokes ready to fire all those cannons whenever ya want," Sally encouraged. Chives rolled his eyes and gobbled another spoonful of soup, knowing her persuasive methods. "Of course that's whole mess more of people to take care of..." Yasac hinted. Scarlet looked at him coldly and Yasac went right back to his hot soup. "Well whatever happens, I'm sure we won't have to be getting into so many of these fights, you know as thieves Jane and I decided the best way to make money was to take without anyone ever realizing they lost something," Ayafre stated. "Smart...if thieving is your way," Yasac murmured. "Oh lord of the righteous are you? Now just what have you been doing ever since you were thrown out of the Spanish Navy? Pirate Crazy Arm Yasac?" Jane questioned as she climbed down the mast in front of Yasac. Yasac chose to chew his food in place of responding. Seeing Yasac would not play into her hand, Jane walked around him and picked up a bowl of soup from Ayafre. "Do you have a spare shirt in our room?" Jane whispered to Ayafre. "Yes..." Ayafre said with a moan, "You could always ask Sally..." Ayafre cut herself off as Jane burst down the stairs to the crew quarters. Ayafre eyed Revloc who had noticed her conversation. "What? You Yasac and Chives don't share a wardrobe?" Ayafre asked sarcastically. "Ha, no Yasac's clothing is all too baggy and Chives' just plain stink," Revloc stated. "You know we haven't shot that much cannon I don't see how he can smell so much like gunpowder," Yasac remarked. "You know that's the smartest thing I've `eard in awhile from you, swordman," Chives chimed. "I haven't even been able to shoot off that cannon we stuck up on the bow," "And I worked so hard to help you get it up there," Yasac said with a mournful sigh as he patted his katana at his back. "Aww dun worry Chivesie," babied Sally. Chives growled and took to the stairs down below deck. He turned off the stairs into a hallway with crew quarters on each side. Jane had just exited her room with a fresh white shirt on. She fumbled with her hair and noticed Chives. "Oh, sorry am I in your way to the cannons?" Jane asked noticing he had stopped when he saw her. "Uh...no," Chives said quickly and started to move past her. "Ok...you need any help?" "No," Chives spouted instinctively. "Well maybe, I'm just going to the cargo hold," "Sounds great what we lookin for?" Jane said cheerfully. "Extra gunpowder barrels. Yasac said he kept a secret stash in there," "Oh! So it's a treasure hunt," "You could say that," Chives answered as the two walked out of the hall into the cannon deck. "Actually that's where we got our only treasure," "You mean those chests from Porto?" "Aye," Chives murmured disappointed. "I know what you mean. It's been awhile out here and not much for plunder," "Well...not that I'm complainin, I'd follow Scarlet anywhere seeing as she saved my life, but she's no captain," Jane suddenly stopped. "What!" Jane exclaimed. "Eh! I didn't mean it, she's my captain and hell will rise before I betray her...but I mean you've seen it. She just plays around and doesn't keep anyone in line; she's a fine girl but no captain," "I guess...yes you're right, I just hope this deal we have goes over well," The two strode down a flight of stairs to the hull and directly in front of them was the hold. Chives slid the door aside while Jane grabbed a lamp hanging on the wall and lit it. They peered on inside to see a well packed room with barrels and crates stacked to the ceiling. "So which barrel is your powder barrel?" Jane inquired. "Yasac said that one of the crates is a fake, but that helps a lot..." "Yasac...cryptic as always," "Aye...uh," "Hmm?" "Um, I just thought you should know," Chives cleared his throat. "That uh your shirt looks...nice," "Oh! Thank you Chives." "Um...so where did you get it?" Chives asked as he knocked on a crate. "Not sure, not mine. I think this one belongs to your sister," Chives grunted in affirmation.
A few hours later the Mañana landed in Rome late in the morning. Scarlet took everyone but Jane to journey into Rome, whilst Jane watched the ship. They worked their way through a market street on the lookout for anyone from the Underground. Yasac, Revloc and Ayafre lagged behind looking at the many wares and listening to Revloc constant chatter.
"Me huh? Well just so happens that my family comes from Nottingham England. Yup, but taxes were high and I was the only son, so I get sent to English Royal Navy for work. Of course at this time like always Spain and England are at each other's throats. So it just so happens that the ship I'm stationed on gets attacked by our bloody own Yasac and I get taken prisoner and then I..." Yasac then cuts Revloc off "Taken prisoner? You seem to forget some things in your explanation! I'm quite sure I found you locked in their brig for...!" Revloc quickly cleared his throat loudly assuring Yasac that he had explained enough, "Well yes something like that anyway so I start working on his ship for a few years until he was able to get me free passage back to my folks, but seeing as how Spain paid more I kept my job on Yasac's ship and my family was able to pull threw. But I stuck with Yasac's crazy crew and have been on many an adventure with Yasac; we went all over the place, hehe." "Well they pulled through until you started to get greedy, and decided it was time for them to fend for themselves," Yasac stated. "Revloc!" Ayafre gasped. "Yasac! You always put such a negative twist to my life. See I came up with the idea that my family should just start over in the new world, no more taxes and no more needing to be taken care of. And as soon as my dad began to agree with me, we got Yasac to take my family to Santa Domingo!" Revloc explained. "How nice of you Yasac," Ayafre said with a smile that quickly turned to a gape as she spotted a jewelry stand. "Look at those earrings, they're beautiful!" "Oi! Come on keep up slackers." Chives growled. "Aww," Ayafre pouted. "Next time Ayafre, maybe I'll win some money at a chariot race." Revloc assured. "They still hold those?" Ayafre inquired. "Oh sure, Rome lost its gladiator sports a long time ago but there's nothing wrong with a good ole chariot race," Revloc stated. "Well, the officials won't admit to it. Most of the old roman games are controlled by the underground." Yasac informed. "Really?" Ayafre and Revloc said in unison. "Oh yes, actually that's how the underground takes its roots. All the way back to the Roman Empire, the underground were responsible for all the gambling that went on with the games. They still hold the games in secret; it's what we know now as the underground arenas." The three caught up to the rest of the crew as they all walked through a bright mosaic strewn plaza. "So, where are we meeting them?" Sally inquired. "Good question," Ayafre stated. "Well they seem like knowledgeable people I'm sure they'll find us," Scarlet said cheerfully. "Still...let's be on our guard," Yasac murmured. "Oh come now Yasac! As you can see my staff is not on my back and back in the Mañana. I want to show them our trust," Scarlet informed. "You should have done the same, or at least left a few behind, seriously you look like a walking pine tree with all those blades about you. Isn't one enough?" "You can't see all of them can you?" Yasac asked surprised. "It's alright Yasac they're hidden but your belt is heavily laden," Sally stated. Chives repositioned the musket on his back. "We'll be fine man," Chives assured. A dark skinned man suddenly appeared in their path. He held up his hand motioning them to follow him. "That must be him," Ayafre stated. "Ya think?" Revloc said sarcastically. "Come on lads n lassies! To the future!" Scarlet exclaimed. They followed the man down an alley to a large amphitheater. "Is that the coliseum thing?" Revloc inquired. "No, the coliseum is much larger and in a much greater state of disrepair. This one seems to have been kept up to date," Yasac answered. As they approached the well crafted stadium a group of armed men with Jortunde in the center of the group. "Ahh miss Scarlet, how wonderful to see you again," Jortunde announced in greeting. "Likewise good sir!" Scarlet shouted back. The two groups met and exchanged handshakes. "Now, let the meeting commence," Jortunde stated. The crew looked around confused as several other groups approached them. "I was expecting more of an underground meeting when dealing with the underground." Sally said jokingly. "Ahh but this city belongs to us, no need for such secrecy," Jortunde answered. "Organized crime as many benefits," Yasac murmured. "Yes indeed Mr. Yasac, here are our terms," Jortunde motioned in the air. "We provide the hostage," Jortunde stated as two men with knives atop the Amphitheater held, to everyone's surprise, Twist Haired Jane. "Jortunde is that..." Yasac started as he reached for his saber. "And you provide us with your weapons," Jortunde stated as he laid a pistol to Yasac's head. Suddenly all those around them had muskets aimed at the crew. "Jortunde what is the meaning of this!" Scarlet cried with near teary eyes. "I truly am sorry Captain Scarlet, but you keep such poor company. You would have been such an asset to us, however your crew is another matter," Jortunde explained. "Now lay down your weapons or we will be forced to remove that young lady atop the stadium." Yasac gritted his teeth and growled. "Forget it Yasac," Chives suddenly stated as he laid down his musket. "Chives?" Ayafre said surprised. "Good," Jortunde stated as the armed men began to strip the crew of their weapons. "You can't do this Jortunde! What about the deal, the crew the pirating!" Scarlet cried. Jortunde turned his pistol on Scarlet. "Don't make such a fuss girl, I regret this but I won't regret killing you now," Jortunde said coldly. Scarlet gasped and a tear fell down her face. The men took the crew into the ampheatheater. "How could you Jortunde! I trusted you!" Scarlet screamed as she was being taken away. One of the men handed Yasac's coat to Jortunde. "Put their weapons on their ship." Jortunde commanded the man. "I don't like being told what to do." "Your ship is waiting," The man stated with a bow. Jortunde nodded and watched as the crew were taken under the amphitheater.
"Back behind bars huh?" Revloc commented from his grimy cell. "Didn't we just do this whole spiel?" Sally commented from the cell on the opposite side. The jail was dark and wide, each cell was literately a cage just big enough to hold six people. These cages were situated in random spots around the room. A few stray windows let in enough light to see the nauseating amount of musky smelling dust in the air. Yasac, Scarlet, Revloc, Ayafre and Chives were all stuck into a cage in the middle of the room while Sally and Jane were placed in a cage nearby along the wall. Scarlet slumped in the corner of the cage with Yasac sitting on the opposite corner. "I'm sorry mates...I don't know what to say," Scarlet said mournfully. "I thought this was our big break, but...Yasac was right." Yasac breathed a sigh trying to think of something good to say. The room was quiet as the crew were the only ones housed there, save a pair of jailors sitting by the rough iron door. "What are they going to do with us Yasac?" "Who knows, they're fairly creative," Yasac answered. Ayafre narrowed her eyes not pleased with him. "Don't mind him; he's just missing his swords. They will probably use us in some kind of gladiator sport and kill us that way. That's goona be our best bet to get out of here," Revloc explained. "And what then Trigger?" Yasac taunted. "How bout you just shut up, usually you are the one we turn to for all the radical plans but you're just content to sulk right now!" Jane snapped. "That's enough Jane," Scarlet murmured. Jane took a deep breath and shook her head at Yasac. "Sally any hidden explosives?" Scarlet asked. "No, sorry they're criminals they know all the tricks," Sally stated. Scarlet hung her head defeated. "This work isn't for the light hearted Miss Scarlet. You either die or live every day depending on the choices you make. You trust no one, it's a cutthroat world where the weak are consumed," Yasac lectured. "Com'on Yasac that's enough," Revloc pleaded. "Just be quiet Yasac," Scarlet ordered. "Ya know Yasac, you're the only one who doesn't treat Scarlet like a captain," Sally stated. Yasac looked at Sally coldly. "You may not expect us to treat you like a captain but you sure act like you're in charge, it's not your ship anymore," Jane added. "No more! Everyone stop fighting and let's get out of here," Ayafre pleaded. "Go cry in the corner ya wee tosser, we ain't getting out of here any time soon," Chives said annoyed. "Chives don't talk to her like that!" Sally scolded. "You see Scarlet, you're no captain until you act like it," Yasac said to Scarlet through the fighting. "Yasac! Do you insist on blaming me for wanting a crew! You would have done the same with Jortunde if you were in my position," Scarlet shot back. And with that the whole crew burst into argument with the jailors getting thoroughly annoyed. "This isn't about blame and this isn't about Jortunde. It's about you Scarlet!" Yasac shouted. "What would you have me do? Bow to you? Listen to every word you say? You said you would follow me as captain so why don't you!" Scarlet shot back. "I would have you be a leader instead of some carefree little girl!" Yasac roared. A shot suddenly rang through the room as the jailors ran up to the cages. "That's enough out of you all!" The jailor screamed. The crew reluctantly silenced. The jailors walked back to their seats beside the door as the crew looked at each other eager to resume arguments. "No more," Scarlet murmured. The crew looked at her in wonder. "We aren't going to die here; I'll make sure of that." Scarlet promised. "It's my fault we are here so I am going to get us out! And once we are out of here, we are going to get to the Mañana and find that rat Jortunde!" The crew listened eagerly, ready for orders. "Yasac I can only hope you will know where we can find him?" Scarlet inquired. "Yes...he has a mansion in Athens Greece. He isn't the kind to stay away from home for long. Our best bet is there." Yasac informed sounding pleased. "But first things first..." Yasac paused and then whispered. "We have to find our weapons." "Tough luck, the thugs who took our weapons didn't even go in with us, for all we know our things are being sold as we speak," Sally stated. Yasac choked for a second. "Uh no...no," Yasac said obviously shaken. "From brutal captain pusher to scared scabbard hugger, Yasac you baffle me," Jane commented. "Yasac, we can find your things later right now we will just have to make do," Ayafre encouraged. Yasac looked up at her and squinted his eyes as he gazed into her thick long brown hair. It was then that he spotted her hairpin. Yasac shot his finger outward and pointed to it. "Is that what I think it is?" Yasac whispered. Jane's eyes grew wide. "Ayafre they missed it!" Jane whispered trying to keep her excitement contained. "Ayafre is that..." Revloc started but then looked back at the jailors who at least appeared to only be minding the door. "Is that not a hairpin?" Ayafre smiled and nodded her head just as surprised as the rest. Yasac motioned for her to come over to him. She crawled over and bent her head down revealing a small ornate dagger nestled in her hair. "Yasac take it. I think you would be our best candidate for using it," Ayafre stated. Yasac carefully snatched it from her hair and cupped it in his hands. He then looked around and raised his elbows searching for something. "What is it Yasac?" Scarlet inquired. "Where do I hide it? This shirt has not pockets nor sleeves," "Oh your boot!" Revloc suggested. "Oh sure I'll just slip an unsheathed blade right up next to my hamstring for safe keeping," "Oh...didn't think of that, forget my idea too," Jane said blushing. Sally gave Jane a queer look but Jane refused to explain. "Oh! Of course Yasac it's a hair pin!" Ayafre squealed. "It is?" Yasac asked confused. "Oh yes it is!" Scarlet added having figured out Ayafre's logic. Ayafre took the dagger from Yasac's hand and stuck it in his hair behind his ear. "There! Dangerous and pleasing to eye just the touch you need," Sally stated with a laugh. Yasac flattened his lips a bit humiliated. Just then jail door slammed open and a group of brightly colored armed men walked in and approached the crew's cells. "These are the next act?" One of the men in front asked the jailors. The jailors nodded and the cells were opened and the crew were all taken and escorted out. "Where are we going?" Ayafre asked Yasac. Before he could answer a fist slammed into her head. "Silence! You all will be put to death in the most amusing manner, should you please the crowd and make for a pleasing show your deaths will be quicker than normal." The brute holding Ayafre explained. They were carried through a stone hallway and up a ramp into the ground floor of the theater. The crowds all around them cheered as the crew were carried into the center of the ring. A tattered awning covered the audience in shadow as in the very center the sun provided a spotlight. In the light was a wooden frame that held a wheel with ropes hanging from it. One man in an outrageous orange costume came up to the wheel and spun it for all to see. The crowd went wild anticipating a bloody outcome. On separate sides of the theater two large gates slammed down and a chariot burst out of each gate. The chariots drove around the ring each charioteer holding a bronze spear in one hand and the reins of two horses in the other. After each chariot made a circuit and continued around a horse rider galloped out from the gate each carrying a bow with arrows on their back. Yasac eyed where the horsemen came from and saw through the gate and down a hall was sunlight, the exit. Yasac quickly tried to formulate a plan while two burly men held him firm. The man in the orange costume took Scarlet and brought her to the wheel. The crew looked nervously at each other as the crowd grew louder. The man took Scarlet by the hand and with a loud voice spoke over the screaming masses. "People! We offer shows of force and battle; we give you blood and sport. And today we show you how those who oppose us can still have a little fun." Two men lifted a frantic Scarlet in the air and held her over the wheel. They lair her on the wheel and tied her to the spokes letting her look up at the sky. The crowd laughed as the men began to spin Scarlet around on the wheel. The riders began to make a tighter circle around the group in the center. "Now let's test our fighter's aim!" The announcer shouted. The horse men drew around the wheel and aimed their bows at Scarlet. Scarlet's eyes widen as she strained her neck to see the bowmen. The announcer spun Scarlet's wheel and a moment later the archers fired, arrows shooting right over Yasac and Chives' heads. Scarlet screamed as two arrows struck the wheel dangerously close to Scarlet. The crowd cheered and hooted as Scarlet struggled in her bonds. "How unfortunate now let us test our spearmen!" The announcer cried with a devilish laugh. The charioteers exchanged circuits with the horsemen. The chariots rode dangerously close to the crew lined up around the wheel. Yasac gritted his teeth as he watched the charioteers raise their spears. Yasac carefully lifted his right arm to scratch the side of his head, trying not to alert the two men firmly holding his shoulders. Yasac keenly observed one of the chariots riding around about to pass him. "Now or never," Yasac seethed quietly to himself. In the blink of an eye Yasac took the dagger from his hair and plunged it into the guard to his right. He then elbowed the man to his left and through him backwards as the chariot approached. Before the either the man or the charioteer could move the horses trampled the man on the ground, and finally the chariot wheel smashed into him. The chariot flew apart and the charioteer was thrown into the air. His spear shot into the ground right next to Yasac. Wasting no time Yasac gasped the spear and hurled it at the other chariot while the rest of the crew began their struggle with their own handlers. The spear fell short and landed in the back of the man trying to keep Chives under control. Chives quickly took advantage and threw the man to the ground and removed the spear. Chives sprinted to Scarlet's aid now with the chariot rushing at him. The charioteer threw his spear at Chives which narrowly missed his leg. Without losing time Chives grasped the other spear and hurled it at the wheel snapping one of Scarlet's ropes. One of the chariot horses smashed into the wheel knocking it over. The chariot wavered uncontrollable as it rocketed towards Yasac. Yasac saw opportunity and ran at the chariot head on. He ran in between the two horses and at the last second jumped forward and knocked the spearman off his chariot. Yasac fell into the chariot and quickly regained his feet and attempted to control the chariot. Meanwhile musket men flooded through the crowd to the edge of the arena as the spectators seemed to enjoy the show all the more. Sally, Ayafre, Revloc and Jane had now freed themselves from their guards and ran to the center to help Chives free Scarlet. The two horsemen however cut them off and aimed their bows at them. The four scattered as the archers fired upon them. Revloc burst up next to one of the horsemen and tackled him off his horse. The horse became frightened and bucked around till it fell over on the rider and Revloc. Yasac finally got hold of the Chariot and guided the horses at the rider blocking the way to Scarlet. Yasac charged with his chariot and just before passing him tugged hard on the reins to get the chariot to stop. Using the momentum Yasac leapt from the Chariot to horse and stabbed the rider as he landed. The rider fell off and the horse galloped off as Yasac held on tight. Chives finished freeing Scarlet and the two each took a spear. Gunfire suddenly erupted from the stands and the crew took cover around whatever they could find. Chives and Scarlet hid in the remains of the wheel frame next to the announcer who was scared silly, while the other three girls hid around the chariot that Yasac left behind. "Oi! The rest of you take those horses get out of here! It will be better if we split up anyway take the gate on the west side, that's an order!" Scarlet shouted over the gunfire. Sally hopped into the Chariot while Ayafre and Jane mounted the two horses pulling the chariot. Yasac got hold of his own mount and spotted Revloc. Sally franticly whipped the reins to get the horses to move. The horses were eager to leave and the chariot burst out of the stadium. Revloc had just removed himself out from under the fallen horse to see Yasac ridding at him. Yasac extended his hand as he rode at him. Revloc caught his hand and Yasac pulled him up onto the horse as they rode on after the chariot out of the theater. The gunfire momentarily ceased so Scarlet and Chives sprinted out from under the frame towards the east gate. To their horror the gate began to close as gunfire trailed after them. "Bloody hell! We won't make it!" Chives screamed. "No worries just follow my lead it will be just like being in Paris again!" Scarlet shouted back. The two continued to run at the gate which had now closed completely. Scarlet suddenly pole vaulted up into the audience with Chives right behind her, causing uproar among the spectators. Chives and Scarlet quickly worked their way through the audience and onto the top of the building with soldiers not far behind. Not having time for hesitation the two jumped to the nearest roof, almost missing. "Damn close that time although this might be more of a shortcut than a detour," Scarlet stated as she spotted the docks from the roof. Musket balls pelted the roof around them and the two vaulted to the next roof making their way to the Mañana
Meanwhile, the rest of the crew exploded out into the street quickly, and finding themselves in the marketplace. They galloped through the market place making quite a mess as they ran, overturning tables, jumping threw stalls, upsetting merchants and without missing a beat Revloc and Yasac scored a bit of fruit. Whilst Ayafre and Jane burst through a jeweler and caught a few trinkets for themselves. A fork appeared with a narrow alley on the left and on the right was another road crowded with market stalls. "Take the right! That chariot won't fit in the alley; we'll meet you at the Mañana!" Yasac yelled. "Aye!" Sally cried as she tugged hard on the reins. "You sure about this Yasac! It's been awhile since you've ridden a horse!" Revloc asked as they veered to the left. "Too late now!" Yasac said as their feet rubbed against the walls on either side of the alleyway. They burst out onto a much wider road and turned hard to the right. Not far ahead was a gateway being shut by a man atop it. Yasac spurred the beast on, but the gate was nearly closed. Revloc leaned off the horse till he was nearly parallel with the ground. Revloc swooped his arm down and grabbed a fist sized clay jar. With careful aim, Revloc chucked the jar at the man turning the crank. The man fell backwards off the crank allowing them through. Revloc looked back to see several armed horsemen speeding after them and catching up. "Yasac! We got Italians tryin to eat this horse's hind!" "How close?" Several pistol balls zinged past and the two instinctively ducked. "Too close!" "I hate doing this," Yasac said as he eyed a large doorway to his right. "Doing what!" Yasac roared and tugged on the reins with all his might, forcing the horse to turn sharply into the doorway. The horse charged through the doorway as they ducked as low as they could manage. Apparently it led into a tavern, but just as soon as they had entered the the building they were out again, of course most likely causing some fatalities and damage along the way through. The other side revealed the docks. Yasac steered the horse to the Mañana which already housed the rest of the crew. The Mañana had already left the dock and was several yards way. "Take the reins!" Yasac shouted. Revloc took the reins as Yasac stood up on the horse. Yasac stepped backwards over Revloc onto the horse's rump. "Oh good lord Yasac!" Revloc screamed. "Just make sure this horse takes a dive!" Yasac roared. Revloc gritted his teeth and slapped the reins over and over again. Yasac bent down and placed his arms under Revloc's arms. They reached the end of the dock and Revloc had the horse leap. Yasac lift Revloc and ran forward, and with a spectacular leap, he jumped off the horse's head and the two tumbled in the Mañana as it sailed away. Copyright 2008 Jonathan |
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