The fall to the streets of the Luna Marra would have been quick enough. What Val was not prepared for was the rush was she fell through a wide opening she had not been aware existed. It was a surreal feeling seeing the underside of the Luna Marra flying away from her as she fell through open nothingness. Her braids whipped across her face as the Luna Marra grew smaller.
[13000 feet, impact in 50 seconds]
Oh for fuck sake. Val thought darkly as she helplessly fell from the sky.
[12,000 feet]
[11,000 feet]
[10,000 feet. Impact in 30 seconds]
What a shit way to go.
Val’s short life flashed before her and she thought over the decisions that had led to this point. Some things she might do differently, but the one thing she would change now was that she would have made sure Grakcus was good and dead. Never leave an enemy that could come back to kill you.
She wondered what the Ancients would-
Ancients…
The next day, Val awoke far more rested than she could have hoped for. She felt her hair and found it was neatly braided and her crystals had once again found their way deep into the braids.The girls at the spa had done wonders for her, and now she needed to ensure their future as well.Val met with the captains for most of the day, hashing out plans and laying down new laws. It was made clear that all doxies on the Luna Marra were to be given free passage to Durres or Surret. Their services were welcome, but no longer mandatory.A new system was worked out so that those doxies that wished to remain with the Luna Marra were now under Valkyrie’s protection and as such, were given new freedoms, set schedules, and more roles.These included the chance to become waitresses under Val’s proposed use of the Luna Marra as a luxury destination for rich and powerful people. They could of course still employ their talents as doxies, and earn a much more
Valkyrie waited until the staff sergeant was gone before locking herself into the treasure room. This would take more than just the elements so she sat cross-legged on the floor and sought the calm peace of mind needed to reach the starry meadow. She just hoped Lilith would still be able to help her.After a few minutes of meditation, Val slipped into the dream-like state and found herself on a dusty plain. She looked around and realized the meadow grass had died and the trees in the distance were bare as if it were deep winter.“Lilith?”“Yes, child?” Came Lilith’s tired voice from behind her.“I see I need to hurry.”“Indeed. I fear that it will cost more than you can know to maintain what is left. You must hurry.”“Lilith, I will be heading out tomorrow. Before I go, I have the ingredients for a follower spark. Well, six actually. Is there enough left of the spark matrix to activ
Val had tried to send a message to her sigil marked guild members in Durres, but so far, it seemed she was out of range. She reasoned with the new sigils, the power to send a message that far was reasonable, but it would still be better to have Davis sail to Durres and personally deliver word to Mr. Nyx and from there, word would reach her people of her desire to meet the leaders in Surret. It would take time for them to travel but perhaps before she had completed her business there, she would be able to meet with them in person. The next morning was bright and clear, not a cloud anywhere in sight. Val thought it was a good sign, and she was thrilled to be heading back to land. There was so much she missed, including Alexa and Cade. She wondered if Morgessa had skinned them alive for leaving her in the field. She doubted they would approve of her current activities but perhaps, just maybe, things would fade back to normal once she finished her bloody task of hunting Barclay. She had
Valkyrie Black stepped off the Sea Banshee and made her way down the pier, escorted by ten marines in front and twenty behind. Tarra seemed glued to her hip as they entered the city. “Tarra, this is where we part ways.” The girl turned to look at her, her face pale and bloodless. “Alone? You are just sending me on alone? What about bandits, or, or, more pirates?” The tremble in her voice nearly made Valkyrie drop what she was planning and escort the girl herself. “Tarra, I am not sending you alone, nor empty-handed. Marine Major Gunner will be escorting you with some of his best men. I think your father will also find the crate you return with to be sufficient dowry to see you comfortable for the rest of your days. And, who knows, perhaps I will see you again the next time I need to travel between Durres and Surret.” “When will that be?” Tarra asked, a bit of hope returning with the color to her face. Val thought about it, “Well, if everything goes according to plan, I will head b
Val made her way down the street as the barkeep had indicated. In the early afternoon light, there were plenty of people out and about, but all gave her furtive glances. Val looked around to see what they were gawking at and realized she must indeed be quite the sight. Three of the marines walked about twenty feet in front of her, while four more flanked her sides, still keeping a respectful distance. Behind her, another three acted as rear guard.Val was thankful the marines were professional enough to keep their distance but so many on these streets was a sight for sure. However, Valkyrie reasoned with herself that Gunner’s men had been the first to be loyal to her. She may have known them less than a month, but they already had a burning desire to please. At least with so many, any attempts by the assassins would be much more likely to go in their favor.Val was surprised to note that there were very few Scath about. Normally a town like this would be crawling
“I just, hadn’t seen you dressed up.” Gunner finally said. “I know I typically were blood, but a girl does like to look decent from time to time” Val teased. Gunner chuckled at that and led them down to breakfast. After two plates of warm eggs, grits, and slices of bacon, Val sat back, content. “We need more meals like this. It may be simple, but damn their chef can cook,” Val said. Gunner clearly agreed as he signaled the waiter to bring him a third plate. “So, you plan to head out shortly then?” Gunner asked. “If the men are ready, I probably should. According to the maps provided, its only a few hours ride. I should be back tonight. I may miss dinner hour, but shouldn’t be much longer than that.” “The men should be arriving any time now. They have three carriages reserved for the day,” Gunner said as another plate was set before him. “Three? Well, won’t we be a sight.” Val said darkly, remembering how many stares she had received the day previous. One of the marines walked
When Val arrived at Kamë Hije Mbledhje hotel, she was not in a good mood. She left the carriage in a huff, simply telling the officers to be close by. As she entered, the desk attendant gestured to the lounge. “Mr. Accardo is waiting in the private booth in the back.” Valkyrie made her way to the booth but froze when she saw what awaited her. A man in his sixties sat at a table, smoking a cigar as if he didn’t have any cares in the world. Dressed in a high-quality black suit with a red tie, the man was of average build, not overweight, and sat with a straight back. The look maked Val feel that this man cared a lot for appearances. However, his appearance is not what brought her up short. Off to his left, several of Accardo’s men stood with their hands on the shoulders of her men. Farson, her new guild master for the Durres Reapers looked like he had taken a beating before arriving here. The other she recognized from the Dock Jackels. Jonah Hex was mos
“Anyone at all could be of note. Now that you two are working together, we should know if a new guard rotation comes in, if anyone of high station, and any other guilds try to make a play on our turf. Now that you see just how powerful Accardo is in Surret, We will do similar in Durres,” Val explained. “When will you be back, miss? You are the one who took over. Doesn’t seem right with you not in town,” Farson said. “You two are more than capable. But hopefully I will be back as soon as Barclay is dead. I would ask you to look around town but I have a feeling if he was here, he has already fled again. You two keep your heads down until morning, and I will make sure Tarra and Major Gunner are ready to go with you. Gunner will escort you back to Durres, and Captain Talwater can pick him and his men up there.” “Yes, Miss,” They both replied. Val stood to leave but turned back to the men, “Talk with Mr. Nyx. I want our enforcers to start training with rifle and pistol. If they can pass