ASSINA OF THE BLUE ISLES-CHAPTER 12

Well, this is the final chapter! I hope you enjoyed this little serialized story. I will be cleaning it up and will be publishing it later on or early next year. And if you want to support this story, you can leave a tip at the bottom. Thank you!! Enjoy!

 

Chapter 12

 

Silver Fox was suspicious but she couldn’t find the source and that made her very annoyed. Whenever she looked through her telescope, nothing could be found. She even looked up above then and below but there was nothing so she thought she was being paranoid.

However, the feeling wouldn’t leave her so she just stayed alert to any attacks. Kitt joined her on the deck. “Everything good up here?”

Silver Fox’s ears bent forward. “Well, I can’t shake that something is up but I can’t see anything.”

“Hmm,” said Kitt. “Maybe if there is someone out there, they are far behind at a safe or cloaking themselves.”

Silver Fox’s eyes went wide. “I never thought of that. The crew should be on alert.”

Kitt let out an uneasy breath. “I think that Karina knows that we have to stay alert with all the trouble we have had. Anything can happen. We are getting close to the Orox Mountains. We’ll send out word when we get close and they can meet us perhaps. Then we can make it safe into the port.”

“That would be a good idea. Maybe Simon could speed us up. The sooner we have delivered this load the better.”

Kitt laughed. “I don’t think that anyone will not agree with. This old ship needs repairs. That will make a big difference on our travels.”

A rumble took their attention to the skies. Kitt sighed. “Another thunder storm coming in. I’m going to get my rain hat. Can’t stand the rain on my cat ears.”

Silver Fox grinned. “I hear ya. I don’t like rain on mine either. Better get ready.”

Kitt scampered off as the first drops started to fall. Silver Fox quickly took herself to front bow where Karina was. She already had her gear on, ready for the storm to sail through it. Silver Fox came up beside her. “Looks like a heavy rain one coming though.”

“Yup, we’ll get through it. Soon as we make our way through the worst of it, Simon will send out word for the ship to greet us and escort us into the port safely without attack.”

“That is what Kitt suggested. I’m glad that we are doing that, makes me feel better.”

“Same with me,” quipped Karina.

A loud thunder shook the ship. They both looked up as the rain started to beat down on them. Another rumble followed. They both looked at one another. “That does not sound like thunder,” retorted Silver Fox.

Karina looked around like someone was going to land on the deck at any time. That made Silver Fox nervous. Suddenly a howl from the back of the ship startled them both. It was Karzan and it sounded like he had been confronted. Kitt yelled next. “We have trouble,” said Karina.

Silver Fox felt prickles run of her furry neck to her ears. Her early suspicions were coming to light. She ran to get her bow and arrow and see who had challenged her crew members. She stopped short in her tracks when she saw the large ship that was practically on top of the deck. She recognized it as The Dreamer with that mean looking captain. Another battle.

Simon was even out there fighting the crew off that was landing in front of them. Some of them were like Kitt, half cat, half elf and they were scampering around sniffing. Silver Fox knew what they were sniffing for too. She notched one of her arrows and started firing at them. But they were quick.

Like a storm cloud a big burly creature landed on the deck waving a sword. He was a bear like creature. When he roared everyone stilled. Karina stood not too far from him. “Get off my ship, you thief.”

“Give me the sapphire ice and we will be on our way.”

“That is not for you to steal. I’ll say it again, get off this ship before we start firing on your ship.”

The rain was starting to get heavier and fog was rolling in. It didn’t bother the captain as he almost seemed to relish in it. Karina had to stand her ground.

He roared out a laugh. “Do you think a little thing like you will stop me? My crew will take what they want.” The rain was dripping off his furry ears and hairy chin. Karina looked back and Silver Fox flew one flaming arrow at his ship. It stuck into his sails and despite the rain it caught fire. His crew scrambled to get back on the ship to put the fire and Silver Fox fired another one and soon all the sails had caught fire.

He roared at his crew. His ship was starting to sink and that was one thing Karina never thought of. He was parked slightly over top of the deck. He would crash and take them both down.

Simon was now below trying to steer them out from the large ship. They scraped the bottom a bit but managed to get out of the way.

Despite the burning sales, the ship was so far staying up and the bear of a captain was not giving up. He charged Karina who was ready for him. She dodged his sword and kicked him at the knee sending him flying face down. She leaped like a cat pouncing on a mouse, landing on his back with her sword stuck in his back. “I think now is the time for you to leave.”

Kalzan came up and picked him up and dragged him across to his burning ship that was starting to sink in the sky. A gust of wind helped him heave over the captain onto his own ship. The storm was getting stronger and angrier. Neither ship could sail in this weather.

The gust of wind and rain were now beating at them like fists. Simon was doing his best to work with the wind to get them away. It was working but the ship was creaking and the sails were almost lying flat. They had to seek refuge somewhere.

The Dreamer was off now in the distance almost on its side. For now the bear captain would be no threat but the biggest one was this storm. It was proving to be more challenging that what Karina thought it would have been.

The Orox Mountains were just the other side. They were almost there when another ship came into view, it was Captain Delphia’s ship. The way the ship was being turned, Karina knew that Simon had seen the captain’s ship. Now it was just to get away from him in time and hopefully he never noticed them. Maybe thought Karina, this storm might work to their advantage.

The ship was sailing through the air at quite a clip and that was dangerous but Karina knew that just a little bit father, they would be in the protection of the mountains.

The sky was lighting up with bright flashes from the storm and thunder was rolling along with the black clouds. The ship suddenly dropped and Karina fell and slid to the side of the ship catching on to one of the ropes, she hung on.

Now they had stopped and were floating calmly. Karina got herself up and went to the edge and looked over and around. It was eerie and quiet despite the rain falling. She half expected to see enemies in waiting but so far nothing.

They floated along and lights from the mountains cliffs glowed in the darkness. There were creatures that lived here. She just hoped that none of them were interested in her. One fight per day was enough.

Her ship coasted through and Kitt came up along and joined her. “The message has been sent out. We should hear back when we clear this storm on the other side of this mountain.”

“Good, it will be nice to see a ship that will not be attacking us.”

And sure enough the ship was there waiting. Karina recognized it as the Evergreen. The owner was the one who was making the purchase.

The crew were waiting for them and when they got close, a message came to them to follow them into port and to stay close.

Karina knew that meant trouble was waiting at the port for them. At least the ship ahead of them would be protecting them.

The port was a sorry sight for Karina’s eyes. “We made it,” she said out loud. It was a sprawling city in the Orox Mountains. It was the city of wonder as its bone colored towers hovered over the masses of rock and large trees. It was almost like that was what was holding them up. Underneath the city was large tangles roots and rocks that held everything together.

There was even water in the city that flowed through the middle.

The port where they were going to land was on the edge where the warehouses where situated. They started to descend into the port right behind the Evergreen ship. Men were waiting for them. Simon merged from the bottom and him and Kalzan greeted the men.

Karina went down the plank to the board walk. There she greeted the buyer. “Glad you made it. I was wondering what shape you would be in.”

“Well, as you can see, we are still one piece but this was not an easy journey. The sapphire ice caused many attacks on us. Almost lost our ship a few times but we made it. We need repairs and that new part we talked about?”

He nodded. “Of course, I will put it in myself and don’t worry, you will be paid well for your efforts.”

Karina nodded and off he went to see the men. Silver Fox and Kitt joined her. “Well, captain,” said Silver Fox, “I think the three of us could go for a bite to eat and celebrate ahead of the boys?”

Karina laughed. “We certainly can.”

 

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ASSINA OF THE BLUE ISLES

We are closing in on this story. Here is the next instalment. Hope you enjoy.

Chapter 11

 

 

 

The one thing Karina noticed was that anyone she met on the street never made eye contact with you. They were either hooded with their face and eyes hid or looking down at their feet. Finding a thief to do the job was going to be more challenging than she thought. Kitt was also out scouting for someone to do the deed.

And so far she had not bumped into Captain Delphia and that was a bit worrying as she wondered if he had changed his mind on escorting her and decided to sale what he had. That made her teeth grind.

Karina slipped into a noisy pub. Suddenly sets of eyes flashed her way. That made her twitch and wonder if the captain put the word out about her. Karina sat down at a table where a skinny elf girl with a large ring in her nose came up to her. Her nose twitched as if she was sniffing for something on her.

“Get you something dear?”

Her voice was laced with distrust. “Give me a strong coffee and pastry…please.”

The elf girl smirked. “Sure.”

Cautiously she looked around the room. Everyone had turned back to their own conversations and forgot about her. A hooded individual sat in the dark corner she noticed. It was like he was trying to hide from everyone and that was a sign that maybe this one had potential. The elf girl brought her coffee and pastry. She saw where Karina was looking. She bent over to her. “Stay away from that one. He’s too dangerous for you and too expensive for whatever deed you want done dear.”

Karina was biting her tongue. She took a sip of her coffee instead. When the elf girl went off, the one in the corner got up and was coming her way. As he passed his eyes met hers. A cold shiver went through her. What the elf girl said was true, he was dangerous.

She quickly finished her pastry and coffee and paid the girl giving her a tip that she quickly shoved in her pocket. “Good luck miss.”

Karina slipped out the door and there he was as if waiting for her. He grinned at her. “I felt your eyes on me and word is out on the street that you want a certain bag of sapphire ice retrieved.”

“Where did you hear that?”

He sighed. “Do you or don’t you want the job done. I have no time for word games.”

Karina crossed her arms. “What’s your price? Apparently you’re out of budget.”

“I can make special deals.”

“I bet you can, especially when the prize is something like sapphire ice.”

He almost growled. “I know where your captain is and how many guards are around him. Do you know where he is? I didn’t think so.”

Karina huffed. “Okay thief boy, since you’re the genius here, what is your price to get the job done?”

“I like your sharp tongue but I would watch it if I were you. You’ll get it cut if you mouth off too much.”

“What is your price?” She was getting impatient and was ready to move on when he offered her a envelope.

“What is this?”

“This is where the sapphire ice is being kept safe and it’s on a boat called The Dreamer. Inside is the key to the fault.”

“So, I’m to do the stealing and you?”

“No, I will do the stealing and you will take the letter and deliver it for me.”

“To whom?”

“Captain Delphia.”

“Why would you be giving him a letter?”

“That’s not your concern. Just do it and I will meet you at your ship with the bag.”

Karina did not trust him. There was a bunch he was not telling her and she had dealt with her kind before. They always backstabbed you.

“Okay, I’ll do it. Meet me in two hours.”

He nodded and took the key and left. Karina had to act fast. She looked down on the letter and there was an address on it. Karina quickly picked up her pace. She had to get back to her ship to the others.

It was an old warehouse and something told her that the captain was not here. In fact she felt like maybe she was just had. The door was not locked and when she went in no one was around. However, what she saw on the table shocked her. It was the bag. How could that be? Then she knew. This was a set up. He was working for the captain. She gritted her teeth and grabbed the bag looking inside. Voices suddenly made her snatch the bag inside her coat and there was no other way out but the door she came into. She had to hide. The only place available was an old cupboard. It was tight but she fit and just in time as they came in. There were two males and one was the thief and the other was one of the captain’s crew.

“I meet her in two hours. I will give her the bag of what she thinks is the sapphire ice. I’ll sale it and split with you. Where is the bag?”

“I just put it here.”

“It’s not there, did you put it someplace else?”

“No, it was here.”

“Are you trying to pull one over on me?”
“No, it was here. Where did you send her?”

Karina could hear the thief take out a paper and he read out the address.

“That’s not to the Dreamer you idiot. That is here.”

“What? Damn, I don’t usually make mistakes. Do you think she has been here?” 

“If she has, she will be on her ship making a break for it.”

“We have no time then, let’s go.”

She waited for five minutes and then came out. She had to get to her boat before they did. Karina slipped out and down the back ally she went and out to the harbour going down every shortcut she could find.

Kitt met her at the ship. “Everyone on board?”

“Yes, they are.”

“Good, because we are leaving right now.”

Kitt scampered on board and gave orders to get the ship moving. Karina was ready to do battle but so far the two of them had not shown up yet. They started to rise and move toward the blue sky. The wind was strong today and that was a good sign. They could make good time away from the city.

She took out her telescope and looked down to see if she could find them. There was no sign of them anywhere. This was odd. What had happened?

Then she caught something. It was that ship they were talking about and Karina recognized one of the captains as Delphia and the other one she was guessing was the captain of the Dreamer. He was pointing up to the sky and Karina felt that they were going to make chase.

Karina went to Silver Fox and told her that they had to make good time as they might be chased.

Silver fox nodded and left her to guard.

The Dreamer was fast and soon was going to catch up to catch up to them. She had to think of something. She quickly looked ahead and new of one spot they would not follow her to and that was Skull Mountain. The worst of the worst occupied that region.  A ship of their size would be attacked. But not hers.

Simon did his best to coast into the mountains and hide without anyone paying attention.

Karina could hear the big ship coasting overtop. She thought that was brave or they were that stupid. She got her answer.

Firing erupted above them and shouts echoed in the valley they were hiding.

Now it was the challenge to wait for this to pass or…

Kitt came bounding over to her. “We have to leave. These barbarians are going to sweep through this area and take out whoever is hiding here. They mean business.”

“Okay let’s go but try to keep in the hiding.”

Simon did a good job and for the most part they slipped through the valley without notice. They had now risen to the sky and caught the strong draft. They were moving at a good speed. Karina could still hear the battles behind her and was relieved when they sounded far away.

Fog was heavy now but maybe she thought that was a good thing. It would hide them.

It was a couple of hours when the fog cleared out and finally in front of them in the distance was the Orox mountain range. She would make her delivery after all.

What she didn’t realize was that The Dreamer was following her at a safe distance.  

 

 

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ASINIA OF THE BLUE ISLES-CHAPTER 10

Our story continues. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 10

 

Karina shouted out to her crew. “Faster! We have to save that ship before the sapphire ice is burnt!”

She could see all of Naids crew racing around trying to put out the fire. Karina kept her eyes on Naid as she could see that around her belt swung the bag of sapphire ice. She was a bit relieved to know that she had it on her instead of hidden on the ship. She needed to get to her and grab that bag.

The flames were licking up one of the sails and the ship was losing steam for staying up in the air. Karina had to get there before another sail went down.

Finally they got close enough that she could yell over to Naid who saw her and ran to the rails. “Have you come to finish me off? You’ll have a fight on your hands.”

“I’m not here to fight you but I do want what you took from me.”

Naid looked down at her belt. “Nope. You will have to fight me for it.”

“Even if your ship drops out of the sky?”

Naid took out her knife as Karina got closer ready to jump on the fiery deck. “We’ll go down together then.”

Karina jumped on board with her own knife in hand. They danced around each other and the crew trying to put out the fire and stay out of their way. Karina’s crew were watching intently waiting for orders from Karina.

“You know this bag of sapphire ice is going to cost you your ship. Instead of fighting with me, I could help you save your ship for the return of my sapphire ice.”

Naid scowled. “How do I know that I can trust you?”

“You will have to find out. Hand it over.”

Suddenly, from above them a large shadow hovered over top of them. Captain Delphia was leaning over the rails smiling down at them. “Need some help?”

Karina could see that he had acquired another ship, a much larger air vessel. Naid looked up at him. “Mind your own business. We have things under control here.”

Karina knew he didn’t buy that. He got closer and then a quick as a cat slid down a rope and landed right in front of them.

Naid was stunned as he sauntered up to her and grabbed the bag of sapphire ice and with a quick slice of his knife, he cut lose the bag. Karina was ready to chase him down but instead he walked up to her and dangled the bag in front of her.

“Want this? This is the price you pay. I get a cut of the shipment and will accompany you to the Orox mountains. As you see.” He pointed up to his ship. “I have a much larger ship now with much more power. I can guarantee you will get there safely. So, accep?”

“And if I don’t you will keep it?”

“There is hardly enough in here to pond of in the market. No, I would simply dump it in front of your eyes.”

Naid walked off and started helping her crew get the fire out which they almost had. Smoke was stirring around them.

“Fine, ten percent cut.”

“What? I was thinking more like fifty percent.”

Karina almost choked. “I need most of it for this ship. There is an expensive part I need. I can’t do fifty percent.”

Captain Delphia smirked. “Then it looks like we might have to negotiate this as we go. “Let’s get off this ship and fly to the next port where we can share an evening together discussing our relationship.”

Karina tried to take the bag but he was quicker. “Nope, you and I have an evening together. I will see you then. Follow me and don’t try anything funny, we will be watching you.”

He grabbed the rope and up he went as easily as he came down.

The fire was now out. Naid sauntered up to with a look of contempt. “Get off my ship. Now I need to get where I can get repairs.”

“I won’t argue. I have my own stuff to take care of.”

Naid laughed. “He will never give you your sapphire ice. By the time you meet him tonight, he will have already sold the ice.”

Karina shrugged. “Then I will get more.” And before she could retort back to her, she leapt off the ship onto her own.

They sailed up and the large ship was right there waiting for them. They kept their distance but kept them in sight. The port where the captain was heading was not one of Karina’s favorite stops. It was a place where thieves liked to gather so Karina was not surprised that this was one of Delphia’s favorite hang outs.

This place had a reputation of being the worst. The air current carried them fast and soon the tall towers of the city came into view. They also had caught up closer to Captain Delphia’s ship. He came up to the railing and yelled over. “Glad you are up closer, there are a lot of ships here today. That could mean trouble. Stay close.”

Kitt came up to her. “Well, I guess it’s a good thing he going to protect us then.”

“Yeah, he will be good for that.”

“What are your plans for him?”

“Well, one thing, we never hand shake on the deal and when I meet up with him, I will steal the bag of ice back.”

“How are you going to do that?”

“We are in a town full of thieves are we not? There is always one looking to score. I will pay one of them to steal the bag and give it to me. He will never be the wiser that I had hired.”

Kitt smirked. “Well, I hope it works. Here is the city now.” She looked over at Karina. “Welcome to the city of deception.”

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ASSENIA OF THE BLUE ISLES-CHAPTER 9

Here we go for another chapter and if you would like support this story you can at the bottom. Thank you! Hope you enjoy!

 

Chapter 9

 

Karina didn’t waste any time in pulling out her knife and neither did Gabriel. Gattoy only smirked. “Thought you were going to pull one over on me?”

“Call off your hounds before I have them thrown out into the abyss.”

He shook his head. “My hounds are smarter than that. I know you got the sapphire ice hidden in your ship somewhere. You won’t be leaving with it I’m afraid.”

Suddenly Kalkan grabbed Gattoy from behind and held him by the neck but Gattoy was quick and stabbed Kalkan in the gut with his bony elbow causing him to let go of him. He kicked real fast sending Kalkan to the ground. He whistled and out of the woodwork they came. Elves carrying knives and other tools hung around their waists. Karina knew what they were. They had devices to sniff out anything and one for sapphire ice in particular. She couldn’t let them get on board.

Kalkan quickly got up and started plucking off elves and throwing them into the air. Karina was attacking along with Gabriel at her side. Soon Kitt and Silver Fox came along and noticed the chaos. Silver Fox took out her arrows and started firing at the elves who screeched and yelped and were starting to flee to get away from her arrows.

Kitt also took out her arrows and started firing. Soon the elves were discouraged and fled the scene but not Gattoy and his crew. They started fighting Karina’s crew.

A loud cannon shot and silenced everyone. When they looked above them they could see a ship in the smoke. Karina knew who it was. Captain Sahara and with him was Naid. Karina gritted her teeth.

“I see I have come to the party a bit late.”

Gattoy got on his griffon and flew up firing at him. “I will not have you steal my bounty.”

Gattoy’s firing at him only made him laugh as his arrows acted like a boomerang and came right back to him. He barely got out of the way.

“I will take what I want elf and no one or your griffons will stop me. We can make this easy and you can hand it over Captain Karina. And nobody gets hurt or if you want to continue your fighting, by all means go at it…after you hand me over the sapphire ice.”

“Not happening Sahara,” Karina shouted up at him. “You might as well come down here and join the fun. Even you Naid.” Karina noticed she had backed off and didn’t look like she was too interested and Karina knew that was sure sign she had plan.

Captain Sahara growled. “Well since you invited me…” He took out his sword and grabbed onto a rope and swung down to them. Naid did not. Karina could see her pacing back and forth. She was up to something alright.

Gabriel was the first one to greet the captain. They word sword danced on the deck. Karina had to do something. Gattoy’s crew were not giving up. Then she noticed Gattoy slipping off his griffon and heading down under the ship with a couple of the hounds. Karina called Kitt over and told her what was up. “You will have to use some of your magic on those hounds.

“No problem.” They both went down after Gattoy. The hounds were already at one part of the ship’s corner. Gattoy was about to rip into it when Kitt sent out her magic. The hounds yelped and then fell to the floor, sound asleep. Gattoy whirled around and sneered. Before he could whip out his knife, Kitt hit him with her magic. He gasped dropping to his knees. A loud piercing howl above them shook the ship. Karina knew what had happened. One of the griffons had been struck. Gattoy, Karina knew wanted to rush back up to see what had happened. Karina marched up to him and hauled him up and proceeded to drag his him up the stairs to the all the commotion. The smell of burnt feathers filled Karina’s nostrils. She almost choked. Gattoy’s crew where escaping and so was Captain Sahara. Karina managed to look up to his ship and saw Naid and her ship had picked her up. She was the one who fired the cannon down at them. Karina also noticed that she had something in her hands.

Karina’s eyes went wide. She had a small sack that looked very familiar. How did she get it?

Niad smiled down at her. “You want your sapphire ice? You will have to make a deal with me.”

Her ship caught wind and sailed away.

Silver fox joined her. “What has she got?”

She has some of our sapphire ice. Not sure how she did that but I need it back. I need every ounce of it for the delivery.” Kitt now had joined them. “Let’s get rid of Gattoy and set sail. We need to follow her and get it back.”

Kalkan loaded up Gattoy on his griffon and sent them on their way. Now they had to get ready as quick as they could and go on hot pursuit of Naid. Karina had a good idea where she would be headed to pawn off her find. This was a bit off course but she had no choice. The shipment had to be complete to get her payment much needed repairs.

Simon who had got some repairs that were needed now and was working on them as quickly as he could. Gabriel had stayed behind to help and she much appreciated that and she knew he was doing it to get on her good side. Karina liked him but was not ready for any commitment.

Silver fox came up to her to report the process. “Everything is going good so far. We should take to the air in about twenty minutes.

Karina nodded. “Good, the wind is getting up. We should make Gatebridge by evening.”

And they were up into the sky. The sun was high and in the next few hours would be starting to set. The winds were getting strong and that always meant rain was being blown in.

And just like it was predicted, the rains came and the winds were whipping at the sails but pushing them forward.

Karina kept watch on the front of the ship while Kitt was on the top under her little canopy that kept her out of the rain for the most part.

Something in the dark was coming into view and it looked like fire. Karina got out her telescope and peered into the dark.

She almost dropped her telescope. It was the ship…Sabina, Naid’s ship.

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