Kieran’s Quest: Part Three (a Serial Story)

February ’17, Story B (continued again.)

The third, and final, part of Kieran’s Quest is here!  Any critiques? Anything you would like to see me write? Let me know in the comments, or on the contact page! ~Panda

Find Part One here: Kieran’s Quest: Part One (a Serial Story)

And Part Two here:  Kieran’s Quest: Part Two (a Serial Story)

“Arm yourselves.” It was early afternoon when Tavis walked into the room his men had occupied. There were twenty of them, small in number compared to the crew they would be fighting, but they were all he had- and they were worth two of any normal man. The cannons would be where their opponent’s strength lay if they stayed within range of use. Once they boarded the ship, the cannons would be out of use. Any crew from the shore could not stand against his men- and when they boarded, victory would be theirs. He expected a few losses- what adventure comes without them? He was prepared to lose his men, and the boys, all of them, if need be.

The men prepared themselves hurriedly, pairing up to help each other with the somewhat cumbersome armor. If they fell into the sea, there would be no hope for them. The armor would pull them down- not that they could swim, anyway.

Tavis stood in the middle of the boys the captain had called together for him, knowing their best chance of victory would be snuffed out if they did not survive.

“Prepare the cannons. Keep yourselves out of harm’s way- we don’t have many replacements. Fire firstly at my orders, every other cannon, after that, as you wish, as long as the cannon next to you is loaded. If we board the ship, do not fire. Arm yourselves with swords, and be prepared to face any intruders without mercy if we are boarded. My men will take on the brunt of the face-to-face fighting if we can.” His voice was harsh, but the boys all nodded. They had been on half rations for over a week and were worse for the wear, many of them not used to the sea, and had had trouble catching their sea legs. As it was, having them tending cannons was an iffy choice, at best. The captain had protested, but a couple threats were enough to make him shut up.

Brenna stood as Iona helped ease the chainmail over her. “It was made for a dwarvish girl, which is why it should fit just about right on you.” She smiled as the girl glanced at it, the mail being heavier than the girl should have been used to, but she gave no sign of noticing the weight. Iona herself was already dressed, the chainmail held in place by the plate she wore over it. As she fixed the girl’s leather belt, spaulders, and helmet, she hummed a tune quietly. “Now these, the leather, were made for Dylis when she was your age. Kieran wanted her more protected, but the plate was too heavy for her.”

“What happens if I fall overboard?” The girl’s question was not unexpected, and Iona smiled a bit.

“We have a crew prepared to be in the water at the first splash, or call for help- their boat is on the opposite side of the ship, but when the fighting starts, they’ll move.”

“Thank you.” Brenna gave a halfhearted smile.

Iona nodded. “Of course.”

The girl walked away, and Iona smiled sadly at her back, going back in time to when Dylis had seen her first fight- when her father had died. Closing her eyes, the woman shook the memory from her mind. It did not bode well to think of such things before battle, and so much was at stake in this one. Standing, she headed for the armory, where Derby and Kieran would be helping the men suit up, calming the fears of the younger ones, and pairing them off. The number of dwarves on board was small, which was odd for the ship, but those that were there were battle-hardened and prepared to take the first blows. Teams of carpenters had already stashed tools and wood at the more vulnerable portions of the boat, preparing for the skirmish to come. Tavis would not let his prize go without a fight, but the crew was more than ready to defend their ship- and each other.

Dylis stood beside Derby, helping some of the men with fastening their armor, a few of them had never been in an all-out battle before. It was not the first time she had been in a sea battle, though, and she quietly gave them words of advice.

“Stay out of Kieran’s way once the action starts.” “Don’t get too near to the railings – if you fall overboard, make noise, and get out of your armor.”  The men would thank her, hefting their weapons up before heading to where the cook was handing out food, lighter, but strengthening meals for those who could not stomach it in the face of their stress, and heavier meals for those who knew what was coming, and knew they would need the strength. The kitchen crew was working hard, all armed and ready to fight, but also preparing to feed a crew who would be twice as hungry at the end.

“You four,” Derby’s voice held a serious tone, and the men respected it. “I want you to stay below decks- be prepared if anyone comes through. Under no circumstances are you to give way or come to the top deck unless I, Kieran, Iona, or Dylis order you directly. Is that understood?”

“Sir.” The four he had selected bowed before heading to the chef’s tables.

After a few minutes had passed, the men were set and knew their positions. If all else failed, they would at least be able to get the girls away, hopefully. He set aside a team of five to board the other ship, and distract them if possible. His crew was his family, and they were each prepared to die for one another. There would be deaths today, they all knew that, but they also knew they outnumbered their opponents, the forty men of the crew, and then Dylis, Kieran, and Iona, who made a team to be feared. It was partially their fault some of the men had not been in a fight, as pirates heard of the trio and the ship had become infamous. They did not know how many crewmembers Tavis had been able to find, but against their own, it would almost take a miracle for anyone to be victorious, for, on top of numbers and experience, they had love and loyalty.

Lyde stood with Donny in the crow’s nest, looking around for land. If there was land nearby, the captain of the other ship would most likely attempt to maneuver them into a cove, and get them stuck between their ship and land. Donny’s sword hung at his side, Lyde’s crossbow standing against the railing. The two would stay in their perch until the fighting started, Lyde picking off opponents, Donny keeping him safe from any intruders who worked their way up.Kieran stood with the lifeboats, the men resting while they could. Iona met him there, Dylis making her way after a moment. The three stood together in silence until Kieran spoke. “No matter what happens today, Dylis- it has all been worth it. Every battle, every wound.” The girl placed her head on the man’s shoulder, tears leaking out.

Kieran stood with the lifeboats, the men resting while they could. Iona met him there, Dylis making her way after a moment. The three stood together in silence until Kieran spoke. “No matter what happens today, Dylis- it has all been worth it. Every battle, every wound.” The girl placed her head on the man’s shoulder, tears leaking out.

“I’m sorry.”

“No. It is not your fault, it is no one’s fault-  not even Tavis’. He simply learned what his father taught him. He has been led astray. That does not mean I agree with his choices, but I forgive him… When he attacks, I will kill him if necessary. You must take care of Brenna if I am… gone.”

The three stood together for a moment before they heard the call.

“Firing range! Keep alert for floaters!”

“Fire!” Tavis’ voice was hard, and the boys did as they were told, every other cannon going off like a shot, and after they had reloaded, the opposite cannons firing. As they watched their cannonballs, the boys repositioned their aim, the movement of both boats making their tasks that much harder.

The cannons were deafening as Brenna stood in the armory, looking over the leftover weapons, occasionally fingering a hilt or sheath, but overall indecisive.

“I think I may have something to your fancy, little’un.” The voice startled her, and she flinched. The dwarf patted her shoulder, his strength obvious though he was gentle. “It’s alright, just me. Ol’ Pat.”

“My apologies.” She bowed deeply, forcing a bit of a smile. The dwarf generally worked under the deck, and she had become accustomed to sitting near the forge, listening to his stories of the old days in his country, of dwarves and wars.

“Now now, don’t go there. But look here,” he pulled a dagger from his belt. Its length made it too short to be a human’s sword, but as the girl took it silently, it was perfect. “I made it myself – I thought you might like the comfort it gives.” He smiled a bit as the girl fingered it.

“You would part with such a beautiful blade, for me?” She glanced back to him incredulously.

He nodded, holding out its sheath. “Here, this should fit on your belt.” He helped her into it as the first ball hit the deck. Holding out a hand to steady her, he smiled as the girl kept her feet. “Now then, princess, go find yourself somewhere to burrow down and stay out of the fighting.” The cannonballs flew thick as he looked out the door, and shook his head. “No, stay right here. I will be back with the others, and we will get you somewhere safer.”

The girl watched the dwarf go, and as she watched, she heard the cry.

“Archers! Ready and Fire at will!”

She saw the first bolt hit the wood beside him. Saw him glance over his shoulder to check on her. Saw him fall, the bolt going through him like a needle into cloth. She heard herself scream, and her feet skimmed the deck in their peculiar fashion as she made her way to him.

“Pat.” She gasped his name out, seeing the blood pooling around him. “Pat.”

The old dwarf looked up at the girl kneeling beside him. “Next time, do as you are told…” He coughed, his eyes going out of focus, but blinking it back, he motioned her closer, his voice going quickly. “They pierced a lung. Keep the sword, Brenna. I made it for you. It’s fit for a princess, and you’re ours.” She sat there, her eyes large as she watched the dwarf, and he smiled – for her. “Goodbye, princess.” His eyes closed, and she watched in horror as the last breath left him. A tear flowed down her face before she could stop it. On her knees, she was protected from the darts as long as they did not fire at random. She kept herself low as she returned to the armory. Pat had been stationed there, to prevent giving their enemies any extra weapons, and to disperse to any whose broke. Standing in the doorway, she was protected still, though as she stood, they caught sight of her, and the door soon had several bolts embedded in it.

Lyde aimed for the cannoneers, standing in his place, the others had to aim up to hit him, thereby having a harder time, Donny hitting their bolts away if they came too close. From in the crow’s nest, they could see that they had lost two men already, but the other crew had lost four, or they had at least been incapacitated. Lyde lowered his bow suddenly, his eyes widening, and Donny looked at him, confused.

“They’re just boys.”

“What are you talking about?” Donny was aggravated, but worried.

“The cannoneers – Some of them younger than Brenna… Donny, I’ve been shooting children.”  Lyde’s voice was choked, and Donny turned to the ship, staring closely, before realizing the truth in his words.

“You did not know. You did not know. Go tell Kieran.” Helping Lyde to the ladder, he followed him down, and the two made their way amongst the darts to where the captains were standing.

Kieran turned, but before the two could speak, they felt the slowing of the ship- grapplings had been latched. Turning, he nodded to the two, and they met Iona and Dylis as they reached the place the ship had found to attach. Tavis’ men stood on one side, as the ships ground against each other. Kieran saw Tavis, but the man disregarded him, focusing on Dylis. The girl wore plate over her chainmail, and Tavis wanted her alive- her life would be safe, beyond that, he hoped for nothing. The men stood, prepared for the fight. Anger and energy filled the air, Kieran’s crew waiting for the others to strike the first blow, Tavis’ men waiting for their command.

As they watched, Kieran took a step forward. “Tavis. You are in a stolen boat, chasing a family who has done nothing to you. I am willing to forgive and forget- I will cut these grappling ropes, and you go on your way- forget you ever heard our names stop chasing innocent people. We will let you keep the ship…” He was cut off by Lyde’s angry voice.

“He may forgive you, Tavis, but I will not. Up to this day, all I have killed were in honest fighting or self-defense, but today you brought children into the picture. Run if you want- but no matter where you go, I will find you.”

Kieran turned in shock to the news, as one of Tavis’ men let a bolt fly, aiming for Lyde, but Donny stepped in front of him, the bolt burrowing its way into his good arm. He grunted as Tavis’ men jumped to the deck, taking the moment of shock as an invitation to board.

Lyde shoved Donny away from the fight, drawing his sword and pushing the man behind him. His vocabulary showed his years on the seas as he kept his sword up, pushing Donny towards the medics while berating the men he was fighting. Iona engaged one man, while Kieran stood by her side, the men spreading out, the fighting leading to confusion, each man attempting to get through, neither side willing to give an inch. One of Tavis’ men fell, then one of their crew.

Iona and Kieran stayed together as crew members fell on either side. The carpenters joined the fray, then those guarding the lifeboats, then those in the hall. Donny was not allowed to return to the fighting, but Lyde headed the party that was to board the other ship.

After a scuffle, threatening one boy made the rest drop their weapons, and the men collected them in a pile, putting the boys and the captain under guard at the opposite end of the ship.

Two of Tavis’ men went to the lower levels, their thirst having been peaked with the sample of wine from their ship, they were looking for wine here, but they ran into the guards who had been stationed there. Their ends were quick, unexpected. The four pulled the bodies upstairs and abandoned their orders as they saw a man heading for the crow’s nest, crossbow in hand. Derby saw them going, his anger evident as he took a step in their direction before the swish of a sword through air alerted him to danger. Ducking, the blow glanced off his armor, and he returned the man’s blows with a new ferocity.

Tavis was locked with Kieran, hunger for power leading one man on, love leading the other. One of Tavis’ crew slipped his knife into the man he was fighting, kicking him away as the man slumped, before turning to see Tavis pushed against the rails, a glimmer of fear in hs leaders’ eyes, and he loosed the knife, catching Kieran between the shoulder blades. The man gasped, and Tavis kicked. Falling backward, Kieran let out a shout before shoving his sword through Tavis’ side.

Brenna’s scream was heard over the entire boat as she saw Kieran go down. Iona let her stroke fall as she turned, seeing Kieran lying on the boards, and threw herself toward Kieran, but she was too late.

Brenna was only a few steps away, and the girl had launched herself out the door as Tavis took a moment to regain his feet, breathing heavily. The girl’s sword found its mark, and the man slumped, going to his knees before stretching out on the planks. Iona made her way to the girl, as she knelt beside Kieran’s head, no tears and no words coming from her.

The last three of Tavis’ men were fighting back to back when Dylis found them, two dwarves and two men keeping them at bay, but the girl threw herself into the fight, and they went down. As all sounds of the fighting stopped, Derby glanced around, finding Dylis, and the girl walked over to him, her eyes troubled. Before she spoke, Derby pointed to where Iona knelt, her arm around Kieran’s form. The woman was crying, and Dylis froze, realizing what it meant. Derby placed an arm around her silently, and her tears fell as she shook. To lose one father was terrible, but no one deserved to lose two.

The medics came out, tending the major wounds first, then to the smaller cuts. As one spread cream on Iona’s face, the others took Kieran, to prepare him for burial with the rest. Derby took control of the second boat, setting Lyde as captain, and splitting the boys and crewmembers between the boats. Their losses had been numerous, but they had won. Out of the forty crewmembers, only twenty-eight remained, and Kieran had died. The others on board had all suffered various injuries. Of Tavis’ crew, all that remained were bodies. The twenty boys of the captain’s crew had lost only the original four. Derby and Lyde turned their boats towards Baylfast as soon as the burials were over. Brenna had a long scratch, not serious, but it would scar, across her face, and as she watched the final ceremony for Kieran and Pat, the tears flowed, finally. Dylis looked around, searching for the girl.

“He loved you, you know?”

“Why did he bring me? Tavis was hunting me, not you… You could have been safe. It’s my fault, and now…” she gestured towards the caskets.

“Never say that.” Dylis stroked the girl’s hair back. “You are our princess. That’s what he thought, and that’s what he said.”

“I’m half dwarf, and Tavis is a bounty hunter. Those two facts killed my family, brother Matthias, and now Pat and Kieran… Yet I live on.”

“It is not your fault. You’re not the only non-human aboard,” Dylis pushed the hair back from her pointed ears, before pulling the girl into a hug. “Tavis has been after me for years, just for being an elf. But now? We’re free from that. It is what Kieran wanted.”

Iona made her way to the girls silently, and Dylis turned to her mother, putting her arm around the woman who refused to watch the casket sinking into the waves.

Their sights were set on Baylfast: a new port; a new life.