“What is going on?” whispered Tarra.
“Quiet. Watch and listen, nothing more,” Val admonished.
The men found seats at a table near Val and Tarra and began talking boisterously. When Nate served them drinks they seemed merry enough.
“Tell us, Innkeep. How is business?”
“Well enough, good sirs. We be seeing an increase of folk from Durres, leaving the city.” Nate answered in his southern coastal accent.
“And you would be needing a fair bit of fish from the sea, no?”
“That be true. Me brother and son try to get us fresh fish every few days, especially when we are between clients.”
“I figured as much. Well, I be here to collect your tribute. After all you are fishing on the Sea Devil’s waters.”
Nate balked and made to walk away but the man caught his arm and spun him back around. “Now see here, innkeep. I’m captain Talwater, second
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Valkyrie Black Chapter 62: Sea Banshee
Tarra turned terrified eyes towards her father who tried to step forward. Val turned her burning gaze on the man and flicked one of the large gold coins at him. It wasn’t a bribe, payment or otherwise. Val just hoped the man would know the sigil there and trust her enough to keep his daughter safe.She grudgingly admitted to herself that if she was in his shoes, she wouldn’t trust her, but, perhaps he would have the good sense to let this play out. The coin had stayed the hand of the pirate at least.Val figured she could take out the pirates if push came to shove, but she was tired and the odds of there not being collateral damage was too great. Perhaps, if her spark, and by extension Lilith were to be trusted, there might yet be something to gain out of playing along with the pirates.“Follow me, and stay silent if you want to live to see your father again.”Tarra’s eyes filled with unshed tears as she stood and follo
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Val turned back to the room to find Tarra slumped against the wall, head buried in her knees as she sobbed.“I just want to go home.”“You are the one who wanted adventure. Not so great when you are the thick of it is it?” Val said dryly. She wasn’t in a mood to coddle this girl.Val checked her person and assessed what she had available. He had her rune dagger, a modified silver flash vial, two smoke bombs, the brass knuckles and a few other small daggers hidden about her person.“Are you going somewhere?” Tarra asked as Val stepped to the door.“If I am not confined to this room, then I am going to explore.”“Don’t leave me here alone!”“Bar the door… look it locks from the inside. When I am gone, move this metal bar into place and no one will be getting in here. I will knock three times when I come back and you can let me in. ok?”Tarr
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Talwater gawked, “I have no idea what you were attacking, but my man seems to be unconscious now. Does this mean you killed it?”“Yes, in a manner of speaking.”“I could see flashes of dark, but it just looked like the shadows moved as you struck. It was such an odd thing to witness.” Then Talwater smirked, “I don’t normally take coin from my men, but I have a feeling I will be winning a few bets tonight.”As soon as another sailor passed within earshot, Talwater flagged him down and ordered him to take the unconscious man to the medical bay.“Come, young Reaper. I believe there is coin to be made and pirates to train. Perhaps my men will show you a thing or two but those moves of yours were solid and practiced. We shall see how it holds up to the unarmed combat methods.”As Talwater led Valkyrie back towards the training deck, he asked quietly, “Is this why my men get so viole
Valkyrie Black Chapter 65: Life at Sea
Val made her way back into the depths of the ship. As she left, the other trainees were trickling away to their own bunks. When she arrived at the door to her shared room she knocked and she heard someone scrambling around inside. “Val? Is that you?” “Its me. Open up.” The bar slid out of place and the door cracked open. Val stepped in and relocked the bar behind her. as soon as she turned back to the small room, Tarra pounced her, wrapping her arms around her neck and sobbing. “Don’t leave me again. I was so scared.” Val detached herself from the hysterical girl and pushed her onto the lower bunk. “Peace girl. You are fine. No one has messed with you right?” “A few stopped by but I kept the door locked and they just left. But we are stuck on this ship going to who knows where. I don’t want to be a slave.” Tarra says, near to tears again. “Things are well in hand. I don’t foresee us being sold as slaves. In fact, I think after
Valkyrie Black Chapter 66: Summoning the Luna Marra
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Valkyrie Black Chapter 68: Challenge of Recovery
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Valkyrie Black Chapter 69: Isle of Whispers
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