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Ellen and I descended down a flight of stairs with a few of the men from Hilvir that I’d left here.
“‘Fret not, Ellen. It be not that bad. In fact, you’ll find this an alleviation of some of the burdens that I’ve placed on you. You’ve done much for me and I’ve not overlooked your hard work. While this wasn’t the way in which I expected things to turn out, there still be gold at the bottom of this dirt hill,” I said, hoping to ease my quartermaster’s concerns.
We continued down as Ellen spoke. “The only gold I’m seeing at the end of this is the fucking spectacle of that bitch sold to the tavern. Don’t know how much money I can make off her with a cunt looser than a thief’s lips, but if you’ll let me I’ll give it a shot,” she answered back as she continued to follow me.
I laughed as we continued to descend, stepping deeper and deeper into the underground sections of Ellen’s building. I ordered one of the tavern workers following us to come to me. He did and waited for my words.
“Regale me with your story of how the former Mistress of House Lindengar came into your possession. Also, tell me why I hadn’t been informed of it?” I asked.
The worker bowed. “Yes, Sir. One of Falvor’s men got in touch with our own. As you know, there are many on Draegnar who are paid to deliver rumors and news of deals to others. One of theirs contacted our own. The mistress and her maid were handed to us unconscious. We knew of her importance to you, so we wasted no time securing her. The men who arranged the matter hadn’t even tried to haggle with her. We figured this would be a good time to not only secure funds for the Dead Tales, but also place your… associate where we might monitor her safety. On the off-chance that we were wrong and you’d cut ties with her, we were prepared to either have her killed at your word or thrown into the Draegnar sea,” he said, his eyes piercing through the darkness against the glow of the torches.
“As for why you weren’t contacted, we’d sensed your mana long before you entered Draegnar. Had you passed by the island, we would have sent word. If you landed, we would have contacted you. We actually tried on several occasions, but… you were rather preoccupied,” he said.
Though there was no grin on his face, somehow I could just hear a mocking tone in his voice. It seemed they knew that Naala and Ellen had been running me around while they stocked the supplies of the ship to their hearts’ content. “And how long has she been awake?” I asked.
“Not long, Sir. In fact, she just woke up a few hours ago. It seems that whatever the Falvor drugged her with it slurred her speech. One would think she ordered the entire assortment of the Dead Tales’ ale stores with how she talks. So far, she’s settled for slurred rage. We had to bind her since she kept falling over,” he explained.
Aye, believe that it took me much effort to not burst out laughing like a fucking idiot. “I see,” I said, holding back my mirth as we came to the last of the steps.
It was a short walk through the stone hallways. The torches illuminated the state of empty cells. Numerous iron chains lay fastened to the walls with barely a rag to cover anything. I’d been aware of Ellen’s slave trade. That said, she never resorted to kidnapping bastards or bitches from the street. She had no need to. They usually came to her themselves with promises they couldn’t keep. When they couldn’t keep their promises, the poor lot got sold to work until Ellen was satisfied. I’d been one of them after all.
After a few moments, I stopped at one of the cells. The light of the torches sailed across the dark stone walls, allowing me and those behind me to peer past the iron bars. Just as my warrior described, Anastasia was inside. Her arms and legs were bound and her mouth was gagged. Her eyes seemed a little unfocused, but clearly not so unclear that they couldn’t make out my face against the flames of the torch. When she spotted me, her eyes widened briefly.
I signaled for the worker to open the cell.
“Touch Lady Anastasia and I swear I’ll gut you all where you stand!”
The cells echoed as I heard the familiar sound of Anastasia’s maid, Yile. As far as I knew, I believed this to be the first time I’d ever heard her screech in such a manner. Rarely do you find such stout loyalty to anyone on Draegnar like that.
I stepped into the cell and knelt before Anastasia. She glared at me, or rather in my general direction. “I wonder what mage cursed you to suffer such a life as this. You be a rather unlucky one,” I said as I untied the gag from her mouth.
“W-Why a-are yo… u… he… re?” she groaned out weakly. Her throat had lost its usual fire and she looked like she’d seen better days, especially with that busted lip I noticed when the light shined on it.
I stared at her for a little while before I started untying her bonds. Once she was free, I swiftly grabbed her lest she slump over and bang her head on the stone floor. “Be grateful that I be here at all,” I said as çeşme escort I turned and ordered someone to bring Anastasia some water.
One of the women left while Ellen came up behind me. “And you’re lucky he’s the one who found you. Had it been a few months ago, I’d have no problems putting you to work. I dunno if you’d be a fan favorite, but there’s many who’d love a shot at spreading those long, noble legs of yours,” Ellen stated, getting an unsteady grumble out of Anastasia.
“S-Spoken… l-l-like a pr… oper… w-w-wretch!” Anastasia argued.
The man who remained with Ellen and I was then ordered to release Yile. With a bow, he walked over to her cell. It didn’t take long for her to come from the hallway clad in a heavily torn maid’s attire.
“Lady Anastasia!” Yile exclaimed as she barged into the room. Nevertheless, she froze when she spotted me. I saw great fury within her eyes, yet she wisely held her tongue lest the good fortune shown upon them turn fast.
A pitcher and cup were brought to the Former Lady of House Lindengar. Yile swiftly took both and poured a cup, tasting it herself before offering it to Anastasia. Ellen watched with a roll of her eyes. “You know how much coin we’re fucking losing for this?” she asked.
My lips curved upwards. I then brushed her shoulder. “Worry not, Ellen. Though I know the both of you despise each other as much as I despise Falvor, we still stand to make thrice the amount with her at our side. Worry not. I know how she works,” I whispered, smirking when I noticed Ellen shiver.
She then sucked her teeth and pushed me away. “Yeah yeah, I’ll take your word for it,” she replied, glancing back at Anastasia.
Once Yile’s mistress was refreshed, I walked over to them. I didn’t even bother moving out of the way from the cup that hit my chest. Curiously, I stared at her as I saw pure anger pour over Anastasia’s visage. She gritted her teeth and clenched her fists. Of the many things I was expecting to see from her, tears sure as hell weren’t one of them.
“Is this what you meant when you said I’d supersede my damned husband as the head of the Lindengar Estate? What trespass have I done upon you or any of your men that this would be my fate? Have I not followed all your orders and dealt with all of your insane requests?! So why was I taken from my house, beaten by my husband, and sold away for 150 gold coins?! If you wield such might and power, then why make me suffer like this?! Why not just kill me and end my misery if you detest me so?! Now, I have nothing! The only fortune in my hands is the dusty dirt of this cell where commoners reside!” she wept as I continued to watch her.
Surprisingly, not even Ellen bothered retorting against Anastasia’s miserable state. It seemed hard to believe that a woman with such pride and deviousness as Anastasia would be reduced to this. Many times in my past life had I dreamt of unleashing such a fate on her for the miseries I’d endured at her hand. That said, it wasn’t like I particularly felt sorry for her. After all, I’d been on this side of the bars with her on the other not too far in this life. I’d merely consider this a harsh lesson for her. She could at least rest easy knowing that her worries were already taken care of.
“Aye, cease your tears, Anastasia. I meant what I said. In fact, you’ll find your claim to the House of Lindengar to be even easier now than before,” I said as her weeping slowed to a still.
She looked up at me, skeptically. “What are you talking about?” She inquired.
“What do you think he’s saying? You’ll get your deal honored. It’s one of the fucking basics of business. You really think I’d follow a fucker who couldn’t keep his word?” Ellen asked.
“Sure it be not because I bested you by Draegnar’s bloody docks?” I asked. Ellen gave me her middle finger for an answer. Seas, I loved her.
When I looked back at Anastasia, I saw her bewildered expression. Though there was still anger on her face, she was also very curious about the matter. And there was no way she wouldn’t be. A slut who’d bedded more men than any prostitute on Draegnar, she was still a woman of opportunity. Left in such a fate, I knew there was no way she’d resign herself to her miserable state. She’d have clawed her way back to prominence with a heart and hand so black that any other pirate might shirk at her desire.
Yet, I was not one of them.
I turned to Yile. “You’re her maid. Help the lass to her feet and follow me,” I said, exiting the cell. Ellen and the others followed after me. We waited a moment but my ears picked up on the shuffling of clothes and the gentle steps of mistress and maidservant.
“Have no fear, Lady Anastasia. I shall not drop you,” Yile said as they exited the cell as well. As expected, their feet were unsteady and just as dirty as the rest of their bodies. Nevertheless, they followed and Anastasia never released her gaze of me, perhaps fearing that I might disappear if she did.
We başakşehir escort walked up the stairs, albeit at a slow pace. Yile and Anastasia were much weaker than I’d anticipated, but they soldiered on. Not once had they bothered to ask for help nor had they complained further of their current state.
In time, we made it to the top. The familiar, yet boisterous sounds of the Dead Tales riled our ears. “Bring the others. Meet with me on the third floor in ten minutes,” I whispered to my warrior who walked next to me.
“Yes, Sir!” he said. He then signaled to the two lasses behind him. They nodded, bowed to me, and then left.
I then led Ellen, Yile, and Anastasia into what had been Ellen’s room for meeting clients. Once we made it, I pulled out two wooden chairs. “Sit down,” I ordered.
Lady and maid glared at me in equal measure. Yet, Yile straightened the chair for Anastasia to sit. Once her mistress was seated, the maid took her opportunity to stand at her side. While it was a proper showing of grit, I hadn’t failed to notice the way her legs trembled.
“It’s alright, Yile. You may sit as well. Do not make me repeat myself,” Anastasia said.
“Yes, My Lady,” Yile said, taking her seat as well. While I doubt she’d ever say it, I knew she had to be thankful for the relief.
Once that matter was settled, I stared out the window. “While I believe the bullet in your back was rather fair from the one you delivered to me, I ain’t above admitting a fault. I’d not expected Zevmar’s allies to go after your house so quickly. After all, the lot had to have been busy making sure they covered their tracks from the noses of the Empire. It was my intention for you to take the role of head of the house when the bastards came looking for your husband, not knowing that he’d met an untimely demise. For that little fuck up on my part, I’ll make sure you’re compensated. That said, best you make haste. You’ve got a house to rule,” I said.
Anastasia’s frown deepened. “And how am I supposed to do that? A waste though he might be, my former husband was more adept at the blade than I ever was or wished to be. I cannot contend with him and there is no one in the House that is loyal to me aside from Yile. I will be killed before I even make it to the manor,” she claimed.
I smiled. “‘Fret not, Anastasia. After today, I doubt there’ll be anyone mad enough to bother you unless they be of a might not seen on D’orn. As for your loyal soldiers, well that shall be what we agreed upon,” I said as I pulsed my mana a number of times.
Immediately, ten warriors from Hilvir landed in the room. Anastasia gasped as did Yile. The two stared at the men and women clad in dark garments, swords on their hips, and bows on their backs.
“They shall be your vanguard and your rearguard. They will listen to you and do as you wish, aside from myself. Any soldier who stands in your way shall be yours to do with as you please. Once you’ve taken control of the Lindengar Estate, I shall have you run the operations of the Dead Tales,” I said, glancing at Ellen.
As I expected, she wasn’t entirely happy with the news that her establishment would be turned over to one she hated, yet I made sure to alleviate her concerns. “You’re a smart lass, and I’ve no doubt that you’ve dipped your finger in the Draegnar’s underground just like your husband. That said, best you not get a swelled head with running Ellen’s tavern. Every decision you make, every meeting you undertake, and every purchase you sign off shall first be measured, and studied by Ellen, and they’ll be making sure you follow that rule,” I said, pointing to the warriors standing around her.
I absently watched Anastasia clench her rag of a dress. I imagined the numerous obscenities she might be spouting at me from the depths of her mind. “So I am to be the head over them, yet they are to monitor me as if I’m nothing but a child?!” Anastasia questioned.
“Use whatever comparisons you need to justify it. As I said, you be a smart woman. I’m sure you’ll figure out a balance. However, you need not be so concerned. As I promised, you stand to gain much from this. Contrary to what some fuckers believe, I ain’t unreasonable,” I said, glancing at Ellen.
She snorted. “Yeah, and I’m the fucking High Priestess of the Lumnina, Goddess of the Pure and Righteous cunts of the North,” Ellen said with a roll of her eyes.
Dismissing her comment, I continued on. I walked to the table between Ellen and Anastasia. “I’ve no doubts that Hæňgaram shall be sending you rewards for your part in the war. However, I’ll add on top of that. It be yours, but you’ll have to do one thing. Show it off to the competitors in the underground channel. Be sure they all see it and be ready to handle the glory and the fire that shall come from it,” I advised, placing a small bag on the table.
She looked at the bag. She then looked at me. Skeptically, she took it and opened it. My lips curved upwards when I saw küçükçekmece escort the way her eyes widened. Despite our conversation, it was impossible to miss the slight smile on her face.
After a moment, she must have remembered herself because she closed the bag and glanced back at me. “I can’t tell if you’re brilliant or mad,” she answered.
“That’ll be the only thing we ever agree on. I’m still trying to figure that out myself,” Ellen commented.
“And yet you love me anyway,” I added much to Ellen’s embarrassment. Anastasia looked at us, clearly surprised by what I’d just said.
I faced the former wife of Falvor. “Once you’ve secured the House of Lindengar, I want you to continue in your duties. In fact, I actually have something new I wish for you to look into. Find any rat from Callamum and see if you can’t look into the news of any powerful earth mages. I be in the mood to meet one. Any news you’ve got, direct it to Ellen,” I voiced, thumbing over to my Quartermaster in question.
“And am I on a schedule to send these updates?” Anastasia asked, her tone laced with sarcasm.
“I’m sure you’ll figure it out. Now then, off with you. Go reclaim your house, and do better with it than your husband did,” I said.
It was then that Anastasia eyed me suspiciously, even as one of my hooded warriors guided her and her maid to the door. “And what of the fate of my husband?” Anastasia asked.
I grunted. “Do with him whatever you like. I doubt he’ll offer up much of a complaint,” I replied.
With that, Anastasia departed the room with her maid which left Ellen and I in the room alone. My Quartermaster then faced me.
“You fed him to the fucking gulls, didn’t you?” she asked after a moment of silence.
“Despite the ways the wind blew for Anastasia, Favlor would have sold her or killed her eventually. Besides, even if the island thinks Anastasia assassinated her husband to claim the seat of the house, ain’t no one on this fucking rock gonna care either way. In fact, some might think she’ll be easier to manage than her husband. I’ve no doubt the other noble families will try to get in her good graces in the hopes of usurping her position. Once they’ve failed, Anastasia will gather all the noble houses to Lindengar, thus effectively taking control of the entirety of Draegnar. With the House of Lindengar and the Dead Tales, she’ll have a foothold in both the brightest days of Draegnar and the darkest nights. As more learn of her influence, she’ll find herself journeying to many other countries and nations, building up not only her house and its wealth but also the spread of my influence. I’ll know the ins and outs of every nation in two or three decades,” I explained.
Ellen looked at me for a long while and shifted for a moment. “You really thought this shit out, haven’t you?” she mentioned curiously.
The smile on my face slowly fell.
It wasn’t like I enjoyed doing this. I was a pirate. My mind ought to be on nothing more than treasure, adventures, the sea, and the lovers I enjoyed in my bed. It sure as hell shouldn’t be all this planning, undermining, spying, and other intricate bullshit. Yet, I would not allow myself to fall away due to my own ignorance a second time. My enemies were out there and just as they were not resting, I’d have no such luxuries either.
“Perhaps there be water in my ears, but you almost sound impressed,” I returned.
“Impressed you haven’t somehow fucked this all up? Yeah, that might be the right word for it,” she said. She then sauntered over to me and touched my chest. She then looked at me sternly.
“…Yeah, I love you. I love you so much it’s fucking sickening. So don’t screw this shit up so I’ll feel worse than this. I’ll gut you where you stand if you do,” she threatened. She then kissed me, closing her eyes to savor the moment.
I found myself a tad out of sorts from her display of affection. Naturally, I enjoyed it. There was no way I’d put my hands around her waist and pull her toward me if I disliked her lips. They were some of the greatest treasures, ones that only I and no other man would ever know. Yet, I had always been the initiator of any affection between us. I’d not expected Ellen to pursue the same like this. Once again, I was left in awe that I’d been granted the fortune to have her like this. I was sure not many received such an honor.
Her lips were delightful and filled with passion. She even playfully bit my lip when we separated. “Care that you don’t start shit you can’t finish,” I said.
Ellen snorted. “Just you wait,” she remarked, gliding her finger around my cheek. She then left which had me standing in the meeting room alone. Turning my head, I looked out the window and saw a new storm already starting to brew over the horizon. The clouds over the sea flashed the might of Zeus through the air. Yet, their warning was drowned out by the music and cheerings of the masses on the first floor.
Seeing as I had nothing better to do, I grabbed a handful of the scrolls lying on an opposite table. Rather than have Ellen go through the hassle of catching up on these later, I decided to do it myself. Thankfully, nothing was too complicated. It was mostly a few payment notices for the food and drink of the tavern as well as the payment for wood smiths, stonemasons, and trade fare.